bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of sunflower husk reinforced polypropylene based sustainable composites: An experimental investigation of mechanical and thermal performance
Authors: Irez Alaeddin Burak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractClimate change, shrinking resources, and rising raw material costs have pushed the industry to create more sustainable, and lightweight materials. Natural fiber composites are materials of interest for replacing conventional materials such as steel. Sunflower husks (SH), among many other natural fibers, are readily accessible as agricultural waste and have advantageous properties. In this study, sunflower husks were mixed with polypropylene (PP) matrix using a twin‐screw extruder, and then tests specimens for experimental characterizations were manufactured through injection molding. The tensile tests revealed that the inclusion of SH into PP decreased the load‐bearing capacity of the composites by around 20% and increased their impact resistance by over 200%, while reducing the ductility by about eight times. Moreover, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) was incorporated into the composites as a flame retardant, and it has improved the stiffness and impact resistance of the composites. Besides, incorporation of SH and Mg(OH)2 elevated significantly the glass transition temperature of the composites. The use of Mg(OH)2 delayed 60% the flame retention of the composites observed from UL‐94 HB flammability testing. In summary, they could be suitable for components such as spare wheel wells, seat backs, trunk floor, the acoustic panel behind the door, and airbag housing.
Indigenous and colonial influences on Amazonian forests
Authors: Nascimento Majoi N. , Aukes Teye F. N. , McMichael Crystal N. H. 
Published: May 2024

Societal Impact StatementGlobal climate models that incorporate carbon sources and sinks usually consider that forest uptake of carbon is in a state of equilibrium. Both historical and paleoecological records suggest that this is commonly not the case for Amazonia. Here, the impacts of colonial practices on Amazonian Indigenous peoples and forests are reviewed. Human activities affect forests' successional stages, trajectories, and species composition. By increasing the spatial coverage of paleoecological records that focus on pre‐ and post‐Columbian periods, the long‐term interactions between humans and Amazonian forests and their role in affecting Earth's climate may be better understood.SummaryLegacy effects left by the activities of Indigenous people in Amazonia are well known. Although severe, widespread, and recently occurring, the impacts left post‐1492 CE have been less investigated. We review the impact of colonial practices on Indigenous peoples and Amazonian forests. We suggest that forests comprise the sum of their past events, in a mosaic of different cumulative successional trajectories depending on the type, frequency, intensity, and timing of human influence. In regions with a history of minimal human influence, old‐growth species sensitive to fire would be the dominant landscape. In regions with high pre‐Columbian and low colonial influence, old‐growth forests carrying pre‐Columbian ecological legacies would be prevalent. Regions occupied by Indigenous groups post‐1492 CE would also carry similar ecological legacies. In regions influenced by the Jesuits, mid‐successional forests are expected to be enriched with cacao trees. In regions of latex extraction during the rubber boom, mid‐growth forests would present high abundances of early and mid‐successional species and depletion of some species. In deforested areas, we expect early successional forests with influence of exotic useful species. This patchwork of history probably plays a large role in shaping today's forests, and the biodiversity and carbon dynamics documented within them. Paleoecological work focusing on the last millennium, although scarce, has the potential to detect these mosaics of past human influence, and they should be considered when estimating forest ages and successional stages across the basin.
Retrospective on the risk matrix, part II: Mathematics
Authors: Moseman James A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe present a review of mathematical and engineering science foundation of the risk matrix (RM). The objective was to locate and evaluate information surrounding its use. RM is governed by number theory, set theory, metrology, and functional analysis, which explains the strengths and weakness of its use. Although incorrectly reported, ordinal multiplication rigidly sets the cell numeric allocation. No scientific support was found for changing the ordinal ranks, although one reduction is introduced. Existing evidence suggests that the RM is unreliable. An example is given. Suggestions for beneficial use of the RM are provided.
Implications of grouping per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances for contaminated site regulation
Authors: Bowles Karl C. , Anderson Janet K. , Anderson Richard (Hunter) , Bani Bahman , Barnes Craig M. , Brusseau Mark , Cousins Ian T. , Cushing Pamela , DiGuiseppi Bill , Gray Bruce , Higgins Christopher P. , Mueller Jochen , Ross Ian , Thomas Shaun , Thrasher Jane , Tremblay Cynthia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad group of persistent organic compounds with vastly differing physicochemical and toxicological properties. Some jurisdictions have proposed to regulate PFAS as a single class to overcome the limitations of regulating such a diverse group on a chemical‐by‐chemical basis. Implications of regulating PFAS as a single class have been discussed for PFAS production and use, but equivalent discussion of implications for managing contaminated sites is largely lacking. This opinion piece summarizes the views of a group of environmental consultants, environmental regulators, land managers, and academics with significant experience in researching or managing PFAS. The group considered that neither a single PFAS class approach nor a chemical‐by‐chemical approach is well suited to managing risks from PFAS in a contaminated site setting, and defining PFAS subgroups would have value. Second, some but not all in the group, hypothesize that PFAS properties that drive fate and transport are those that influence toxicity and bioaccumulation in animals. This may be a valuable observation for future discussions on dividing PFAS into subclasses for contaminated site regulation based on physicochemical properties rather than purely structural definitions.
Energy‐consumption model for rotary‐wing drones
Authors: Li Hongqi , Zhan Zhuopeng , Wang Zhiqi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith technological advancement, the use of drones in delivery systems has become increasingly feasible. Many companies have developed rotary‐wing drone (RWD) technologies for parcel delivery. At present, the limited endurance is the main disadvantage of RWD delivery. The energy consumption of RWDs must be carefully managed, and it is necessary to develop an effective energy‐consumption model to support RWD flight planning. Because the interaction between the forces on the RWD and its flying environment is very complex, it is challenging to estimate accurately the RWD energy consumption. This study summarizes several energy‐consumption models proposed in the literature, then we develop an RWD energy‐consumption model (called the integrated model) based on analyzing the dynamic equilibrium of forces and power consumption in flight phases (including climb, descent, hover, and horizontal flight). Computational experiments involving several commercial RWDs indicate that the integrated model is more effective than several models in the literature. In the case where an RWD completed one flight segment, on average, 87.63% of the battery capacity was consumed in the horizontal flight phase. We also analyzed the effects of the total mass and horizontal airspeed on the RWD endurance and found that a larger mass corresponded to shorter endurance, and in the experimental range of the horizontal airspeed, a higher horizontal airspeed corresponded to longer endurance. Moreover, the total mass affected the RWD endurance more significantly than the horizontal airspeed.
How low is too low? Partnering with stakeholders and managers to define ecologically based low‐flow thresholds in a perennial temperate river
Authors: Rack Laura E. , Freeman Mary C. , Emanuel Ben N. , Craig Laura S. , Golladay Stephen W. , Yang Carol , Wenger Seth J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManaging aquatic ecosystems for people and nature can be improved by collaboration among scientists, managers, decision‐makers, and other stakeholders. Many collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches have been developed to address the management of freshwater ecosystems; however, there are still barriers to overcome. We worked as part of a regional stakeholder group comprising municipal water utility operators, conservation organizations, academic partners, and other stakeholders to understand the effects of low‐flow and drought on ecological functions of the upper Flint River, Georgia (USA), a free‐flowing river important for municipal water supply, recreation, and native biota. We used published literature and locally targeted studies to identify quantitative flow targets that could be used to inform water management and drought planning. Drawing from principles of Translational Ecology, we relied on an iterative process to develop information needs for the group and maintained communication and engagement throughout data collection, analysis, and synthesis. We identified three quantitative flow benchmarks to evaluate the ecological impacts of drought in the river. The results were valuable to both the water utilities represented in the working group and State regional water planning, which is used to guide water management strategies and permitting for the basin. We identified principles that were important for the successful engagement in the working group and helped to overcome the challenge of working across sectors and without direct authority guiding the implementation of our work. Interdisciplinary work and creative solutions are crucial to plan for and adapt to greater pressure on our water resources.
Exploring public voice on social media: Twitter Users' views on the circular economy
Authors: Eid Mohammad Al Haj , Dandis Ala' Omar , Cathro Virginia , Parackal Mathew 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to explore all the ideas and topics associated with the discussion about the circular economy on social media sites. All tweets mentioning the CE were collected and subjected to latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling to identify discussion themes manual validation refined topic coherence. Findings offer novel empirical insights into how the CE is currently framed in public discourse. Dominant themes emphasise strategic communication and technical CE activities rather than inclusive participation. Gaps were also identified, such as limited discussion of CE's social role and broader activities beyond recycling. By quantitatively examining large‐scale online discussions, this research makes an original contribution to establishing the neglected social dimension of CE transitions. The findings carry essential theoretical implications for refining CE conceptualisations better to integrate socio‐cultural factors critical for just, systemic change. Practically, the study equips decision‐makers with data‐driven guidance on developing more participatory communication approaches and policies promoting the CE. This study transitions research and advances the scholarship of the circular economy by using a mixed‐methods approach to analyse a crucial but little‐studied stakeholder perspective.
Navigating governance with sticks, carrots, and sermons: Paving paths for sustainable development goals through local spatial planning
Authors: David Nuno M. , Loupa‐Ramos Isabel , Silva Jorge B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe 2030 Agenda underscores the vital role of local authorities and civil society in implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs). Aligning with this agenda, the EU's spatial development framework imparts normative values, emphasizing sustainable territorial development, participatory governance, and multi‐level cooperation. This framework serves as a potential facilitator for spatial planning to ensure policy coherence in SDG implementation. Despite its potential, mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda through spatial planning encounters challenges, particularly navigating unresolved tensions between global SDG formulation and local ownership. These challenges are accentuated in countries with conformative planning systems and weak governance structures, requiring a specific methodological approach. To address these complexities, this study investigates the opportunities for leveraging SDGs within the multi‐level governance arena of spatial planning. Employing mixed quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods in a local planning context, the research explores key concerns arising from regional, national, and EU spatial development policies. The study delves into their potential leverage capacity for guiding and funding SDGs within a specific local context. Results suggest that using different policy mechanisms, spatial planning can better address the holistic nature of the 2030 Agenda. Although not all SDGs can be leveraged, a substantial part can be addressed whenever a broader multi‐level governance perspective is considered within local planning contexts.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization of Substituted Phenoxyimine Based Ti(IV) Complexes for Ring Opening Polymerization and DFT Studies
Authors: Gurubasavaraj Prabhuodeyara M. , Sajjan Vinodkumar P. , Roesky Herbert W , Pujari Vikram , Inamdar Sanjeev R , Gummagol Neelamma B. , Kanagalekar Bhushan A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA series of 4 new titanium complexes bearing phenoxyimine ligands that differ in their steric and electronic properties have been synthesized and investigated for the polymerization of ethylene and rac‐lactide. X‐ray crystal structures of these catalysts reveal compounds 1–3 exhibit distorted octahedral geometry while complex 4 shows distorted trigonal bipyramidal. The substituents on the phenoxyimine framework have a profound influence on the catalytic activities of these compounds in the polymerization reactions. All four complexes afforded polylactide with a heterotactic bias in ring opening polymerization of rac‐lactide. In addition to this, density functional theory calculations using (B3LYP) with the 6‐311++G (d, p) basis set and no constraints were used while doing geometry optimizations and compared with experimental results. Hirshfeld surface analysis, MEP and Mulliken charge also reported an unexpected relationship between the nitrogen, oxygen on the ligands, titanium isopropoxide, and good relation between the experimental findings.
NIR‐II Absorbed Dithienopyrrole‐Benzobisthiadiazole Based Nanosystems for Autophagy Inhibition and Calcium Overload Enhanced Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Liu Longcai , Chen Yang , Ye Luyi , Yu Liya , Kang Yehui , Mou Xiaozhou , Cai Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough the current cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) can produce a powerful therapeutic effect, tumor cells have been proved a protective mechanism through autophagy. In this study, a novel hybrid theranostic nanoparticle (CaCO3@CQ@pDB NPs, CCD NPs) is designed and prepared by integrating a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) absorbed conjugated polymer DTP‐BBT (pDB), CaCO3, and autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine, CQ) into one nanosystem. The conjugated polymer pDB with asymmetric donor–acceptor structure shows strong NIR‐II absorbing capacity, of which the optical properties and photothermal generation mechanism of pDB are systematically analyzed via molecular theoretical calculation. Under NIR‐II laser irradiation, pDB‐mediated PTT can produce powerful killing ability to tumor cells. At the same time, heat stimulates a large amount of Ca2+ inflow, causing calcium overload induced mitochondrial damage and enhancing the apoptosis of tumor cells. Besides, the released CQ blocks the self‐protection mechanism of tumor cells and greatly enhances the attack of PTT and calcium overload therapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that CCD NPs possess excellent NIR‐II theranostic capacity, which provides a new nanoplatform for anti‐tumor therapy and builds great potential for future clinical research.
Mitochondria‐Regulated Information Processing Nanosystem Promoting Immune Cell Communication for Liver Fibrosis Regression
Authors: Che Tingting , Yang Xiaopeng , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zheng Yin , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Xinge , Wu Zhongming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a coordinated response to tissue injury that is mediated by immune cell interactions. A mitochondria‐regulated information‐processing (MIP) nanosystem that promotes immune cell communication and interactions to inhibit liver fibrosis is designed. The MIP nanosystem mimics the alkaline amino acid domain of mitochondrial precursor proteins, providing precise targeting of the mitochondria. The MIP nanosystem is driven by light to modulate the mitochondria of hepatic stellate cells, resulting in the release of mitochondrial DNA into the fibrotic microenvironment, as detected by macrophages. By activating the STING signaling pathway, the developed nanosystem‐induced macrophage phenotype switches to a reparative subtype (Ly6Clow) and downstream immunostimulatory transcriptional activity, fully restoring the fibrotic liver to its normal tissue state. The MIP nanosystem serves as an advanced information transfer system, allowing precise regulation of trained immunity, and offers a promising approach for effective liver fibrosis immunotherapy with the potential for clinical translation.
Pyridine‐Bridged Covalent Organic Frameworks with Adjustable Band Gaps as Intelligent Artificial Enzymes for Light‐Augmented Biocatalytic Sensing
Authors: Cui Qiqi , Zhou Mi , Wen Qinlong , Li Lin , Xiong Chao , Adeli Mohsen , Cheng Liang , Xu Xiaohui , Ren Xiancheng , Cheng Chong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges in biotechnology and medical diagnostics is finding extremely sensitive and adaptable biosensors. Since metal‐based enzyme‐mimetic biocatalysts may lead to biosafety concerns on accumulative toxicity, it is essential to synthesize metal‐free enzyme‐mimics with optimal biocatalytic activity and superior selectivity. Here, the pyridine‐bridged covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with specific oxidase‐like (OXD‐like) activities as intelligent artificial enzymes for light‐augmented biocatalytic sensing of biomarkers are disclosed. Because of the adjustable bandgaps of pyridine structures on the photocatalytic properties of the pristine COF structures, the pyridine‐bridged COF exhibit efficient, selective, and light‐responsive OXD‐like biocatalytic activity. Moreover, the pyridine‐bridged COF structures show tunable and light‐augmented biocatalytic detection capabilities, which outperform the recently reported state‐of‐the‐art OXD‐mimics regarding biosensing efficiency. Notably, the pyridine‐bridged COF exhibits efficient and multifaceted diagnostic activity, including the extremely low limit of detection (LOD), which enables visual assays for abundant reducibility biomarkers. It is believed that this design will offer unique metal‐free biocatalysts for high‐sensitive and low‐cost colorimetric detection and also provide new insights to create highly efficient enzyme‐like COF materials via linkage‐modulation strategies for future biocatalytic applications.
Typification of the Linnaean names Croton castaneifolius and C. palustris (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Külkamp Josimar , Iganci João R.V. , Cordeiro Inês , Baumgratz José Fernando A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCroton palustris (≡ Caperonia palustris) and Croton castaneifolius (≡ Caperonia castaneifolia) were published by Linnaeus in the first edition of Species plantarum. Both names remain untypified at present. While syntypes are extant for C. palustris there is no known original material for C. castaneifolius. Here, a lectotype is selected for C. palustris and a neotype is selected for C. castaneifolius.
Risk factors for anastomotic leakage in colonic procedures within an ERAS‐protocol. A retrospective cohort study from the Swedish part of the international ERAS‐database
Authors: Bjerregaard Felix , Asklid Daniel , Ljungqvist Olle , Elliot Anders H. , Pekkari Klas , Gustafsson Ulf O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundResearch on anastomotic leakage (AL) in colonic procedures within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AL after colonic surgery.MethodsThe study included all consecutively recorded patients operated with colonic resection surgery in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS) between September 2009 and June 2022. The cohort was analyzed and evaluated regarding risk factors for AL.ResultsAltogether 10,632 patients were included, 10,219 were without AL and 413 (3.9%) were with AL. After adjusted analysis, male sex (4.6% AL), OR: 1.49; 95% CI (1.16–1.90), obesity (4.8% AL), OR: 1.62; 95% CI (1.18–2.24), previous surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.45; 95% CI (1.14–1.86), open surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.36; 95% CI (1.02–1.83), anastomosis between small bowel and rectum (13.1% AL), OR: 3.97; 95% CI (2.23–7.10), stapled anastomosis (5.3% AL), OR: 2.46; 95% CI (1.79–3.38), inhalation anesthesia (4.2% AL), OR: 1.80; 95% CI (1.26–2.57), and conversion to open surgery (5.5% AL), OR 1.49; 95% CI (1.02–2.19) were significant risk factors for AL. Although pre and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS‐protocol was similar, excess of fluids day 0 was an independent predictor for AL.ConclusionMale sex, obesity, previous surgery, open surgery, stapled anastomotic technique, anastomosis between small bowel and rectum, inhalation anesthesia, conversion to open surgery, and among ERAS interventions, excess of fluids day 0, were significant risk factors for AL.
Assessment of Existing Structures for Elongation of the Buildings Lifecycle Based on Ukrainian Experience and Codes
Authors: Semko Volodymyr , Mahas Nataliia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the effective ways to increase the efficiency of the circular economy is the reuse of existing structures and parts of buildings or extending the life cycle of existing buildings. Assessing the technical condition of existing systems is the basis for reliable and safe operation, both of structures and buildings as a whole. The paper analyses the history and development of Ukrainian standards (codes). It compares methods for evaluating the technical condition of existing structures presented in Ukrainian standards with those shown in the international standard for assessing existing members. Over the past 30 years, Ukraine has actively developed methods for assessing the technical condition of existing steel, reinforced concrete and composite structures. The basis of the results of the analyzed works is theoretical, experimental, and full-scale studies of existing structures. Much work is devoted to assessing the reliability of existing and damaged building structures. Methods of reliability theory have been applied to evaluate enclosure structures, for which a new term - thermal reliability of enclosure structures - has been introduced. Based on the analysis of codes and research, recommendations have been prepared for implementing sustainable practices into European standards.