bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of thermal and morphological properties of polyhydroxybutyrate/bentonite clay and polyhydroxybutyrate/organically modified nanoclay composites
Authors: Barik Sourav , Konarde Mayureshwar Sunil , NR Aswathy , GS Sudha , Pattnaik Arpita A. , Mohapatra Aswini Kumar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBacterial biopolymers are polymeric materials that are produced by microorganisms. Due to its inherent brittleness and slow crystallization rate, it has limited industrial applications. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) composites have been created to tackle these problems by combining non‐modified clay and organically modified nanoclay. In this study, 3 wt % of two different kinds of clays were incorporated to PHB through melt mixing method to prepare composites of PHB/bentonite Clay (BC) and PHB/organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite 30B (C30B)). The characteristics of PHB and its composites were investigated to study their thermal, rheological, morphological, surface properties and biodegradability. The study showed that the incorporation of C30B and BC into the PHB matrix improved the crystallization temperature to 97.30 and 96.82°C respectively as compared to the crystallization temperature of the PHB matrix as 88.79°C. The increased result of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") in its rheological analysis confirmed that there was proper melt intercalation in case of both PHB/C30B and PHB/BC composite. The morphological characteristics results provide less coagulation and good clay distribution over the polymer matrix which leads to improved contact angle of 66.60° and 68.15° in case of PHB/BC and PHB/C30B respectively. Further both the composites and PHB film showed biodegradation characteristics. In the realm of nanocomposite films for various applications, where the cost is the major consideration, the PHB/BC composite films are promising economical solution in place of high cost PHB/C30B nanocomposite films.Highlights
The BC/PHB and C30B/PHB composite films were developed using a micro‐compounder.
Each films having a thickness 0.6 mm was extruded using a die.
Uniform dispersion of clay is characterized from SEM.
PHB with clay, boosted complex viscosity, storage, and loss modulus.
PHB decomposes readily in compost, as do PHB/C30B and PHB/BC composites.
Reproductive adverse events in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma treated with chemotherapeutic regimens including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone or CHOP with rituximab: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Rong , Zhao Jie , Yu Chengjun , Wang Ling , Chen Long , Hu Yang , Wu Shengde 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP with rituximab (R‐CHOP) is the first‐line treatment for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL patients treated with CHOP/R‐CHOP have a high risk of reproductive adverse events. The aim of this article was to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of regimens and make further suggestions on reproductive protection. We systematically searched with appropriate terms from January 1980 to June 2021 for observational studies in patients treated with CHOP/R‐CHOP, without any language restriction. We conducted meta‐analyses of one‐sample proportions of patients suffering reproductive adverse events after using CHOP/R‐CHOP. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed to determine the effect of sex. Nine articles involving 331 patients were included in the meta‐analysis, and the pooled proportion of reproductive adverse events was computed to be 22.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.4%–33.2%; heterogeneity test Q = 65.3; τ2 = 0.0231; I2 = 87.70%; p < 0.001) using the random‐effects model. And, the pooled proportion of male gonadal toxicity was 29.2% (95% CI 11.0%–47.4%; heterogeneity test Q = 46.65; τ2 = 3.055; I2 = 89.3%; p < 0.0001). The pooled proportion of female gonadal toxicity was 16.5% (95% CI 8.5%–24.5%; heterogeneity test Q = 18.6; τ2 = 0.0112; I2 = 67.8%; p = 0.005). The findings suggest that NHL patients have a relatively high risk of reproductive adverse events after treatment with CHOP/R‐CHOP. Men are more likely to have gonadal damage than women. Evaluation of reproductive function is particularly necessary both before and after treatment. Some reproductive protection strategies implemented for patients who want to preserve their fertility.
Urban influence on convective precipitation in the Paris region: Hectometric ensemble simulations in a case study
Authors: Forster Arnaud , Augros Clotilde , Masson Valéry 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the urban environment of the Paris region on an isolated convective cell that formed downwind of the city on May 7, 2022, using the Meso‐NH research atmospheric model at a horizontal scale of 300 m. To account for all sources of forecast uncertainty, the initial and lateral boundary conditions of the simulations are provided by an ensemble prediction system. A multi‐layer urban scheme is used to represent the influence of buildings on the airflow accurately. Two sets of ensemble simulations are performed: the first set (URB) uses a fine‐scale surface description of the city, while the second set (NOURB) replaces urban surfaces with vegetation. This sensitivity test shows that, despite the high variability of simulated precipitation within the ensemble, the city of Paris plays a statistically significant role in the initiation of convection in this case. Convective cells are initiated over the city for several members of the URB ensemble, while almost no precipitation is simulated for the same members of the NOURB ensemble. The mean 6‐h rainfall accumulation of the URB ensemble is increased by 70% over Paris (compared with the NOURB ensemble) and no statistically significant trend is found around the city. The analysis reveals that the capital experiences a higher sensible heat flux due to drier and warmer air, resulting in enhanced vertical velocities and an increase in boundary‐layer height in the URB ensemble. Additionally, the total water content and cloud fraction over Paris are intensified, leading to more precipitation. These findings suggest that urbanisation has a notable impact on convection and precipitation processes in this case.
Humic acid as eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitor for EH40 ship plate steel
Authors: Wang Sizhu , Liang Zhipeng , Wang Yiyong , Jin Hui , Li Shengli , Guan Rui 
Published: May 2024

In this study, a new type of green corrosion inhibitor, namely, sodium humate (SH), was extracted from humus soil, which is a natural humus plant, by dissolution‐neutralization, and then used for corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel in seawater. The corrosion inhibition performance of SH on low carbon steel EH40 in seawater was tested by weight loss method and electrochemical technology. The surface and corrosion products of low carbon steel were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), contact angle and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that SH is a mixed corrosion inhibitor, and the optimum concentration is 2 g L−1. At this concentration, the inhibition rate can reach 93.6%. It mainly affects the semi‐reaction of cathodic corrosion. By forming a corrosion protection layer with uniform adsorption on the surface of EH40 steel, EH40 steel becomes more resistant to seawater corrosion.
Shape Memory Materials Based on a NiMnSb Alloy and Polylactic Acid/Polyhydroxyalkanoate: Evaluation of The Chemical And Physical Properties
Authors: Coşkun Meltem , Kök Mediha , Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, NiMnSb alloy and PLA/PHA blend composite films with shape memory properties, which exhibit magnetic, elastic, and smart properties at the same time, were prepared by solution casting method. After the magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) used in different ratios was doped into the polymer, its effect on the characteristic functional groups of PLA and PHA was examined by attenuated total reflectance‐infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR). When the thermal data were examined, it was determined that as the NiMnSb ratio increased, the percentage residue amount increased and the highest residue amount at 500 °C was in the PLA/PHA blend composite film containing 20 % alloy. In X‐ray diffraction (XRD), it was observed that the characteristic signal of the NiMnSb alloy in polymer blend composite films became evident with increasing concentration at 2θ=45° (222). VSM results showed that when a ferromagnetic material such as NiMnSb was doped into the diamagnetic PLA/PHA blend film, the resulting composite now showed ferromagnetic properties. In addition, it has been determined that MSMA further improves this feature of the PLA/PHA blend, which has a shape memory effect.
Poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) as Adsorbent for Removal of Pharmaceuticals: Preparation, Characterization, Kinetics, Isotherms and Application on Sample Preparation
Authors: Nascimento Tienne Aparecida , Pires Bruna Carneiro , Dutra Flávia Viana Avelar , Borges Marcella Matos Cordeiro , Borges Keyller Bastos 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHerein, poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) has been synthetized and investigated to adsorb phenylbutazone (PBZ), ceftiofur (CEF) and prednisolone (PRD) in aqueous medium as proof of concept. After proper adsorbent characterization, some studies were carried out in batch process, i. e., contact time, pH, and concentration. The adsorption mechanism has been conducted using kinetic and isothermal models. It was found that the reaction equilibrium was reached in 20 min for all analytes. The best fit for the experimental data were obtained employing the models of dual‐site Langmuir–Freundlich, Fritz–Schlunder and Langmuir, with R2=0.999, 0.952 and 0.974, for PBZ, CEF and PRD, respectively. For PBZ, CEF and PRD, poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) provided a Qmax=238.8 mg g−1 and Kmax=0.086 L g−1, Q=0.028 mg g−1 and Kmax=3.258 L g−1, Q=13.66 mg g−1 and KL=0.005 L g−1, respectively. Finally, the copolymer was evaluated in solid phase extraction, which showed recovery around 70 % for PBZ, offering also exciting opportunities for further application in the separation process.
Preparation and Characterization of Lignin‐Based Activated Carbon by Rubidium Chloride Chemical Method
Authors: Zhang Conglin , Li Haichao , Du Bingxuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn order to prepare carbon adsorbent materials, lignin was used as raw material and rubidium chloride as activator, activated carbon materials were prepared by chemical activation method, and its structure was characterized and its adsorption performance on methylene blue solution was investigated; the adsorption of crystalline violet dye was carried out at different temperatures, and the adsorption thermodynamics was studied. The results showed that: the specific surface area of the activated carbon was 433.32 m2/g, the pore volume was 0.2191 cm3/g, and the average pore size was 2.0222 nm; the adsorption value of methylene blue could reach 172.0 mg/g, and it could quickly and efficiently adsorb methylene blue solution; the adsorption effect on crystal violet solution was good, and the saturated adsorption amount at 40 °C was up to 279 mg/g, and the removal rate reached 93 %, belonging to the spontaneous adsorption thermodynamic reaction. The experiment proved that rubidium chloride can be used as an activator to activate lignin raw materials to prepare activated carbon samples, and can effectively adsorb dyes.
The Renaissance of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) as a Promising Hole‐Transporting Material Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Xiaozhen , Wang Xuran , Zou Yaqing , An Mingwei , Wang Yang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo push the commercialization of the promising photovoltaic technique of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the three‐element golden law of efficiency, stability, and cost should be followed. As the key component of PSCs, hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) involving widely‐used organic semiconductors such as 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) or poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) usually suffer high‐cost preparation and low operational stability. Fortunately, the studies on the classical p‐type polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as an alternative HTM have recently sparked a broad interest due to its low‐cost synthesis, excellent batch‐to‐batch purity, superior hole conductivity as well as controllable and stable film morphology. Despite this, the device efficiency still lags behind P3HT‐based PSCs mainly owing to the mismatched energy level and poor interfacial contact between P3HT and the perovskite layer. Hence, in this review, the study timely summarizes the developed strategies for overcoming the corresponding issues such as interface engineering, morphology regulation, and formation of composite HTMs from which some critical clues can be extracted to provide guidance for further boosting the efficiency and stability of P3HT‐based devices. Finally, in the outlook, the future research directions either from the viewpoint of material design or device engineering are outlined.
The deciphering of microplastics‐derived fluorescent dissolved organic matter in urban lakes, canals, and rivers using parallel factor analysis modeling and mimic experiment
Authors: Hassan Md. Anamul , Shammi Mashura , Tareq Shafi M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study is to investigate the leaching of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM) from microplastics. In addition, this study identifies the connection between fDOM and microplastics in the aquatic environment. Three‐dimensional excitation–emission matrix identified five fluorophores, that is, peak A, M, T, Tuv, and Wuv, and the parallel factor analysis modeling identified five components, that is, tryptophan‐like, p‐hydroxy acetophenone, humic acid (C‐like), detergent‐like, and fulvic acid (M‐like) in the urban surface water. Mimic experiments using commonly used synthetic plastic (like microplastics) in Mili‐Q water under solar radiation and dark environments demonstrate the release of fDOM from plastic. Two fluorophore peaks were observed at Ex/Em = 250/302 nm and Ex/Em = 260/333 nm for the expanded polystyrene plastic polymer and one fluorophore peak at Ex/Em = 260/333 nm for the low‐density polyethylene. Fluorophore and component intensity exhibited notable associations with microplastics in the aquatic environment. These findings indicated that the characteristics and dynamics of fDOM in urban surface water are influenced by microplastics.Practitioner Points
Fluorescent dissolved organic matters were identified in urban surface waters.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) had shown two fluorophores at Em/Ex = 250/302 and Em/Ex = 260/333.
Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) had one fluorophore at Em/Ex = 260/333.
Fluorophore and component intensity in the aquatic settings exhibited associations with microplastics.
Progress of photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption synergistic removal of organic arsenic in water
Authors: Ablat Hadiya , Nurmamat Xamsiya , Tian Jianrong , Zhao Zhixi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhotocatalytic oxidation–adsorption synergistic treatment of organic arsenic pollutants is a promising wastewater treatment technology, which not only degrades organic arsenic pollutants by photocatalytic degradation but also removes the generated inorganic arsenic by adsorption. This paper compares the results of photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption co‐treatment of organic arsenic pollutants such as monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, phenylarsonic acid, p‐arsanilic acid, and 3‐nitro‐4‐hydroxyphenylarsonic acid on titanium dioxide, goethite, zinc oxide, and copper oxide. It examines the influence of the morphology of organic arsenic molecules, pH, coexisting ions, and the role of natural organic matter. The photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption co‐treatment mechanism is investigated, comparing the hydroxyl radical oxidation mechanism, the hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical cooxidation mechanism, and the hydroxyl radical and hole cooxidation mechanism. Finally, the future prospects of metal oxide photocatalytic materials and the development of robust and efficient technologies for removing organic arsenic are envisioned.
How to harness the power of web scraping for medical and surgical research: An application in estimating international collaboration
Authors: Goulas Sofoklis , Karamitros Georgios 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe transformative potential of web scraping in surgical research through a comprehensive analysis of its revolutionary applications and profound impact is now within reach. This manuscript unveils the pivotal role of web scraping in driving innovation, enabling more effective management of human capital dynamics, and enhancing patient outcomes in the surgical field. As an example, we demonstrate how web scraping can uncover insights into international collaboration in surgery research revealing limited collaboration between surgeons in developed and developing countries.
The varying viscosity impact in an inclined peristaltic channel with diffusion‐thermo and thermo‐diffusion
Authors: Tanveer Anum , Jarral Sharak , Al‐Zubaidi A. , Saleem Salman , Radwan Neyara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA mathematical model is constructed to investigate the behavior of peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid in an inclined tapered asymmetric porous channel. The fluid viscosity is taken as space dependent variable quantity. Heat absorption, Soret and Dufour effects are also retained in the current scrutiny. These preferences have broad applications in engineering, biology and industry. We began our investigation by taking into account the two‐dimensional inclined asymmetric porous channel. In the context of mathematical modeling, the appropriate dimensional nonlinear equations for momentum, heat and mass transport are simplified into dimensionless equations by applying the essential estimation of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The solution of the governing equations is executed numerically. A graphical depiction of many crucial physical characteristics on velocity, temperature, concentration, heat transfer rate, Nusselt number and Streamlines have been reported in ending section. Temperature profile exhibits an escalation with the augmentation of Brinkman number and Dufour number . For the growing values of Prandtl number , an increment in temperature profile is observed whilst a reverse tendency is captured for concentration profile. It is noted that concentration profile falls down owing to the enhancement in Soret number and Schmidt number . An oscillatory outlook is noticed for heat transfer rate and Nusselt number. The novelty of this proposed model in the research domain specifically depends on considerations of the combined study of the Variable viscosity, Darcy resistance, Viscous dissipation, Mixed convention, Heat absorption, Soret and Dufour effects in peristaltic flow of non‐ Newtonian Jeffrey fluid in an inclined Asymmetric tapered channel under the influence of convective boundary conditions.
What’s in a Name? European Uses of States of Exception During COVID-19
Authors: Egger Clara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has led a large range of European governments to rely on emergency powers to try to contain the pandemic. While emergency legislation grants the executive with more extensive powers to handle an immediate threat to the survival of a community, the extent of such powers, their modalities of activation as well as the monitoring and other roles of counterpowers vary from one country to the next. This chapter analyses the diversity of practices and legal provisions hidden behind the reference to a “state of emergency.” It first shows that the legal basis of such provisions differs. While some governments activated constitutional provisions, others relied on pre-existing crisis-management legal frameworks. Second, the timing and duration of emergency measures ranged from 65 days (Estonia) to 861 (France). It then assesses whether differences in the legal framework used translated into differences in the stringency of the measures introduced. On the one hand, state of emergency provisions shield democracy against a concentration of powers in the hands of the executive better than disaster-management legislation does. On the other hand, the activation of emergency powers also coincides with more stringent restrictions of fundamental rights. In strengthening legal preparedness to future crises, policy makers need to be particularly cautious in devising legal arsenals that maintain high levels of democratic governance and oversight in crisis times.
The Role of Parliaments in Exceptional Times
Authors: Poyet Corentin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhat is the role of Parliaments during the COVID-19 pandemic? Countries had to adjust their decision-making procedures to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. In most countries, this has been done by strengthening the position of the executive bodies. However, the chapter shows that one cannot only argue about the decline of the Parliaments. Yes, they did not play a significant role in the daily management of the pandemic, and fast-track legislation and restrictions on gatherings were additional hurdles. Yet, many Parliaments were able to adapt to the “new state of the world” mainly by developing original oversight instruments to keep governments accountable. The pandemic has, thus, revealed and certainly accelerated a trend of declining parliamentary influence in policymaking compensated by the development of oversight instruments. The chapter also highlights the importance of political contexts in appreciating these changes.
Varieties of Democracies in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kübler Daniel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFor democratic governments, the COVID-19 pandemic was a nightmare. Measures aiming to halt the spread of the coronavirus, such as contact restrictions, travel bans, lockdowns, curfews, certificate and vaccination requirements were not just inconveniences in everyday life. Some of these measures also led to restrictions on fundamental rights or affected the exercise of political rights that are central to democracy. Decision-making processes were also accelerated and shortened, the separation of powers shifted in favour of the executive, sometimes resulting in a loss of democratic control and accountability. This chapter investigates how different democracies fared in the pandemic and what impact the COVID-19 crisis had on the quality of democracy. The present chapter adds to existing literature by examining the relationship between the quality of democracy and legislative activities involved in policy responses to the pandemic. The analysis first shows that higher quality democracies have a larger share of acts decided by parliament instead of government or the administration. The chapter then zooms into the case of Switzerland, the only democratic country in the world where the electorate were able to vote three times on the COVID-19 legislation. The clear results of the referendums impressively showed the broad support of citizens for the government’s Corona measures—despite the drastic restrictions on individual freedoms that they entailed.