bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical, Thermogravimetric and Elemental Characterization of Nigerian Groundnut and Cowpea Shells for Sustainable Valorization
Authors: Mary Onyelucheya Chioma , Tagbo Nwabanne Joseph , Olawale Daramola Michael , Ayodele Iwarere Samuel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this study, the chemical, thermogravimetric, and elemental composition of Nigerian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and cowpea shells (Vigna unguiculata) were investigated to understand their potential as valuable waste resources. Analysis of the carbohydrates and lignin content was performed using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical structure of the substrates. Elemental analysis was performed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and an elemental analyzer to determine the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the thermal stability of the substrates. The chemical composition analysis revealed that the cowpea shells contain 21.32% cellulose, 21.46% hemicellulose, and 28.37% lignin. On the other hand, groundnut shells comprise 26.31% cellulose, 19.5% hemicellulose, and 38.33% lignin. The XRF results indicated the presence of significant elemental compositions in both substrates, including Si, Al, Mg, Na, P, Fe, K, Ca, and S. The carbon content of both substrates was found to be 43%. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that groundnut shells exhibit a higher cellulose decomposition temperature at 350 °C, whereas cowpea shells manifest this phenomenon at 322 °C. The results show that the cowpea shells had a higher heating value as they exceeded that of the groundnut shell by 0.89 per cent. These comprehensive findings show the substantial potential of Nigerian groundnut and cowpea shells as valuable waste materials, which can be effectively used to produce valuable products such as bioethanol, biochemicals, biochar, and bio-composite materials. This research contributes to understanding the composition and properties of these agricultural by-products, thus paving the way for their sustainable use in various industrial applications.
Review on Invention of Hybrid Solar panel using Nano particles for High Efficiency Energy
Authors: Ojo A. O. , Adaramola B. A. , Afolalu S. A. , Monye S. I. , Yussouff A. A. , Adeyemi A. G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Identification and exploitation of alternative renewable energy sources is important in meeting the rising energy challenge globally. Solar energy is one source of energy which has been earmarked as a promising renewable energy source that will play a better role in reducing the depletion of the existing source of energy. Thus, the use of photovoltaic panels and technologies to fulfill the current energy requirement as well as reducing the carbon emission appears very possible. To this end, the study reviewed the possibilities of improving the hybrid solar panel via nano additive addition to improve its thermal efficiency. From the study, it was established that nano additives have the capacity lessen the surface temperature experienced by the panel and hence helped in the enhancement conversion of energy into power as well as improving the overall efficiency of the panel. This study provides insights for driving the sustainability of solar energy as a renewable energy source.
Influence of Cellulose-Cellulase Enzyme Digestibility in the Production of Glucose from Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste
Authors: Ndukwe N A , Idika D I , Okiei W O 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the factors and ability of cellulase enzyme to completely hydrolyze the structural lignocellulosic biomass has been a major research focus over the years. A comparative analysis of cellulose-cellulase digestibility of Kraft-pretreated sawdust from twenty different Nigeria wood wastes was carried out with increasing enzyme (Trichorderma viride) loading of 0.4 mg cm−3, 1.0 mg cm−3, 2.0 mg cm−3, and 4.0 mg cm−3 at constant substrate application of 10 mg cm−3 biomass concentration, temperature of 40°C and 2 h incubation period. This was carried out in order to establish the optimum cellulase-cellulose ratio for maximum biodegradation of the lignocellulosic biomass to produce glucose, a fermentable sugar. The influence of the cellulose-cellulase interaction from 0.4 mg cm−3 to 1.0 mg cm−3 enzyme treatment resulted in 144% increase in glucose yield from E. suaveolen and 121% from S. pustlatas. while 2.0 mg cm−3 cellulase concentration gave 674%, 641% and 617% increase from E.suaveolen, H. ciliate and A. germinans respectively. A general trend of increasing sugar formation was observed with an increasing enzyme loading due to enhanced cellulose accessibility by the cellulase enzyme leading to effective saccharification of the lignocellulosic materials for more sugar production. However, further increase of 4.0 mg cm−3 enzyme concentration failed to produce a commiserate amount of fermentable sugar.
Study of the Characteristics of Polyurethane as a Sustainable Material used for Buildings, Polymer Composite, Biomedical, and Electronics Application
Authors: Okokpujie I.P. , Monye S.I. , Subair R.E. , Abiodun C.J. , Monye N.S. , Osueke C.O. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This research is focused on studying the characteristics of Polyurethane in engineering applications as a sustainable material employed for buildings and as reinforcement for polymer composite, electronics, and biomedical applications. This study discussed and reviewed papers cut across the Polyurethane Formation, Engineering Attributes of Polyurethane, and Polyurethane Applications in various fields such as Buildings, Polymer Composite Materials, Biomedical, and Electronic, which has proven that Polyurethane is a multi-functional material that has been employed in biomedical engineering used for tissue, wound treatment, breast implant, drug delivery systems. Also, it has been applied for sensors, actuators, Flexible electronics, Energy harvesters and storage, and Shape memory applications. Furthermore, its application in buildings, Polyurethane (PU) foam as an insulation material embedded in the aluminium roofing system for sustainable human comfort. This study also identifies the challenges of Polyurethane and provides sustainable solutions. In conclusion, site materials and structural application have shown excellent performance from studying the Polyurethane characteristics as embedded materials for roofing sheets.
Study of Corrosion, Wear, and Thermal Analysis of Materials for Internal Combustion Engines and their Compatibility: A Review
Authors: Okokpujie I.P. , Ojo A.O. , Adaramola B.A. , Oladimeji M. , Ogundele R.I. , Abiodun C.J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Several types of research have been carried out on using alternative biofuel in internal combustion engines to salvage the depletion of fossil fuels. While most of these studies focused on the emission characteristics and control of global warming, little attention has been given to the corrosion, wear, thermal behaviour, and compatibility of the internal combustion engine materials to biodiesel. Thus, this study focused on the various corrosion and wear mechanisms associated with the internal combustion engine components like piston and cylinder heads, as well as the thermal behaviour efficiencies of the engine after interaction with the biodiesel fuels. The review cut across the wear study of internal combustion engine materials in varying fuel environments. Thermal analysis of different materials applied for internal combustion engines for sustainable fuel media. Corrosion study of various materials employed in the application of ICE engines. Also, the study discusses some significant challenges related to the compatibility of ICE with biodiesel and gaseous fuels. The study’s outcome indicates that an adequate fuel blend with nano additives can help improve the combustion process, emission reduction, and thermal efficiency of the internal combustion engine components. Furthermore, practical design in the internal combustion engine components like pistons will help compatibility with the material in the biodiesel blends, thus reducing wear, corrosion, and other failures associated with the internal combustion engine.
Resolving conjugated polymer film morphology with polarised transmission and time-resolved emission microscopy
Authors: Xu Yang , Sun Lili , Ghiggino Kenneth P , Smith Trevor A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The alignment of chromophores plays a crucial role in determining the optoelectronic properties of materials. Such alignment can make interpretation of fluorescence anisotropy microscopy (FAM) images somewhat ambiguous. The time-resolved emission behaviour can also influence the fluorescence anisotropy. This is particularly the case when probing excitation energy migration between chromophores in a condensed phase. Ideally information concerning the chromophoric alignment, emission decay kinetics and fluorescence anisotropy can be recorded and correlated. We report on the use of polarised transmission imaging (PTI) coupled with both steady-state and time-resolved FAM to enable accurate identification of chromophoric alignment and morphology in thin films of a conjugated polydiarylfluorene. We show that the combination of these three imaging modes presents a comprehensive methodology for investigating the alignment and morphology of chromophores in thin films, particularly for accurately mapping the distribution of amorphous and crystalline phases within the thin films, offering valuable insights for the design and optimization of materials with enhanced optoelectronic performance.
Two-step synthesis of antimony sulfide thin films: enhancement in physical properties through sulfurization
Authors: D M Kavya , Prabhu B Jyeshta , Choudhari Nagabhushan Jnaneshwar , Panjikaran Mariot Jose , George Sajan D , Kulkarni Suresh D , Mishra Vikash , Y Raviprakash 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Recently, there has been an increase in the use of antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) in Si-based tandem solar cells as a potential absorber material for top sub-cells. The choice of the material stems from the favoured properties such as appropriate bandgap, simple binary composition, nontoxic elements, and long-term stability. However, the physical properties and practical applicability of these materials depend largely on their synthesis conditions. In this work, we investigate the role of sulfurization on the structural, morphological, compositional, and optical properties of Sb2S3 thin films deposited on soda-lime glass via a thermal evaporation technique. Sulfurization was performed on the as-prepared thin films in a customized Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) chamber at five different temperatures. Analysis of the crystallinity of the film using the x-ray diffraction technique illustrates the transformation of the film from impure, poor crystalline phase to phase-pure, and highly crystalline orthorhombic structure due to sulfurization. Scanning electron microscopic investigations of the samples revealed better grains with nanorods on the surface at a temperature of 400 °C. For the samples investigated here, the energy values estimated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations agreed well with the experimental data obtained from UV-visible absorption spectral studies. Additionally, it was observed that the desired near-stoichiometric Sb2S3 thin films could be achieved via sulfurization, and the presence of Sb2S3 in all samples was confirmed via Raman spectroscopic studies. Additionally, the defects and trap states of the prepared films were investigated using photoluminescence studies, and donor and acceptor defects were identified. Our study revealed that sulfur rich Sb2S3 films prepared at a sulfurization temperature of 400 °C produced the desired structure, morphology, and optical qualities for future photovoltaic applications.
Formation mechanism of bright and dark concentric-ring pattern in dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: LI 李 Caixia 彩霞 , FENG 冯 Jianyu 建宇 , WANG 王 Shuchang 舒畅 , LI 李 Cheng 骋 , RAN 冉 Junxia 俊霞 , PAN 潘 Yuyang 宇扬 , DONG 董 Lifang 丽芳 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this work, a bright and dark concentric-ring pattern is reported in a dielectric barrier discharge for the first time. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the bright and dark concentric-ring pattern are investigated with an intensified charge-coupled device and photomultiplier tubes. The results indicate that the bright and dark concentric-ring pattern is composed of three concentric-ring sublattices. These are bright concentric-ring structures, dark concentric-ring structures and wider concentric-ring structures, respectively. The bright concentric-ring structures and dark concentric-ring structures are alternately distributed. The bright concentric-ring structures are located at the centre of the wider concentric-ring structures. The wider concentric-ring structures first form from the outer edge and gradually develop to the centre. The essence of all three concentric-ring structures is the individual discharge filaments. The optical emission spectra of different sublattices are acquired and analysed. It is found that the plasma parameters of the three concentric-ring sublattices are different. Finally, the formation mechanism of the bright and dark concentric-ring pattern is discussed.
Feminizing British Politics?
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In 1997, a record number of women members of parliament were elected, thanks to the Labour Party’s adoption of all-women shortlists. However, although the presence of women in parliament creates a favourable environment for the introduction of ‘woman-friendly’ policies (including workplace rights), it does not by itself guarantee that such policies will find their way onto the parliamentary agenda. Feminist institutionalism explains this by highlighting the gendered nature of the formal and informal ‘rules of the game’. Political parties can change the ‘rules of the game’ by adopting positive action to increase women’s parliamentary presence, but the Westminster system of government gives a strong central role to government, and gendered attitudes make it harder for women than men to access and retain ministerial power, particularly in the high-status departments. The women’s policy machinery, in the form of agencies with the aim of furthering women’s rights, brings women’s rights into the policy space but in practice it is often under-resourced and needs to subordinate its priorities to those of male-dominated institutions of government.
Reaching the Limits of the Equal Pay Act, 1970–2007
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Equal Pay Act 1970 set the framework for equal-pay actions in the UK, but from the outset was a source of tensions in the regulatory space governing pay equity. It was limited in scope, based on a narrow definition of equal pay, which was extended only in 1983, following intervention by the European Commission, to meet the International Labour Organization’s definition of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’. Even then, claims required a male comparator within the same workplace. Consequently, equal-pay activists have sought to strengthen the legislation to reduce the time, complexity, and costs involved in equal-pay cases. The enforcement agency established to enforce equal-pay legislation depended on financial and other material resources as well as leadership to accomplish its mission. This chapter reviews efforts by activists to deploy equal-pay rights and extend the scope of the legislation and demonstrates that the absence of political will by governments consistently acted as an obstacle to such attempts.
Feminizing Labour
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Feminization of the Labour Party at all levels, including the parliamentary party, has taken place since the early 1990s, as a result of activism by Labour women and internal renewal, which included attempts to win women voters (a largely instrumental logic) and party management (leaders’ wish to reduce the influence of trade unions over policy formulation). This process led to the adoption of all-women shortlists, which in turn resulted in a rapid increase in the number of women elected. Two further feminist demands were adopted before Labour came to power in 1997: commitment to ministerial representation of women’s rights (initially a full-blown ministry for women’s rights) and manifesto commitments to policy designed to help low-paid women, particularly a national minimum wage and investment in childcare. Change within the party echoed feminization of the trade-union movement and at times was directly influenced by it. However, party leadership remained male dominated and often suspicious of feminist demands, while change within the trade-union movement was uneven.
The Women and Work Commission
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Independent commissions have a special place in the policy process, but they are little studied. They are convened to gather evidence and solve thorny political problems. Their remit, composition and working methods vary considerably in practice. This chapter considers the Women and Work Commission (WWC, 2004–6), which was established to resolve a generally difficult policy problem, the gender pay gap, and a specific political problem arising from conflicts on how to address the problem, which had come to a head in the run-up to the 2005 general election. It provides detailed understanding, based on participants’ accounts, of how the commission worked in practice and how understanding of the problem and ways of addressing it varied between participants. It shows how the commission chair and secretariat worked to achieve consensus. The chapter compares the WWC to the Low Pay Commission (LPC), the most durable comparable body from that period, and demonstrates how the former’s wider remit both gave those in a position to steer discussions the capacity to influence outcomes, and favoured a broad-based approach that left aside the most contentious policy proposals.
The Women and Work Commission
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Scholarship on independent commissions has shown that their influence depends on function. The broad remit of the Women and Work Commission (WWC) favoured long-term influence over immediate influence in the form of policy adoption. Its orientation towards capacity-building instruments led to the adoption of pilot projects aimed at reskilling older women in low-paid jobs and improving the quality of part-time jobs. However, the impact of these measures was blunted by weak financial resources, owing to lack of political leadership and the timing of follow-up initiatives. The commission’s 2009 report presented a mixed response to the 2006 recommendations. The WWC’s recommendations fed into preparations for the Equality Bill, with partially effective outcomes (as discussed in Chapter 9). Longer term, the recommendations constituted a reference point for policy approaches to the gender pay gap as a wide-ranging problem, with a particular focus on the need for transparency.
Families and Childcare
Authors: Milner Susan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chapter 1 of this book presents the idea of a ‘stalled revolution’ whereby policy has failed to keep up with change in family roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Chapter 11 considers this idea with reference to policy on working parents, focusing on a range of policies adopted in the Labour years that were subsequently extended to varying degrees under Conservative and Conservative-led governments. It argues that, although the Labour years marked a policy shift, symbolically and substantively, by bringing domestic family arrangements into the public sphere, new rights were hemmed in by an overriding conceptualization of care as maternal, and by a concern to limit the rights to defined groups to minimize burdens on business and allow new practices to develop over time. This approach has led to long-term organizational change, but a considerable gap remains between families’ needs and policy provision, particularly in the context of high childcare costs.
Effects of Physical Exercise on Psychological and Cognitive Functioning of Older Adults
Authors: Emery Charles F. , Blumenthal James A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article reviews the literature pertaining to exercise effects on psychological well-being and neuropsychological functioning among older adults. Early studies in this area were limited by methodological problems, including non-randomized control groups and inadequate exercise duration. Although recent studies have incorporated more sophisticated research designs and measurement techniques, results have been inconsistent. This review examines studies pertaining to changes in mood, personality, and cognitive functioning. In addition, studies of psychophysiological stress reactivity are included as a potentially useful biobehavioral indicator of change following exercise among older adults. The mechanisms by which exercise affects psychological, behavioral, and cognitive functioning will need to be clarified in future studies by incorporating a broader spectrum of subjects and outcome measures.
Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease?
Authors: Jeffery Robert W. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article reviews research on the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. A preponderance of evidence strongly suggests that obesity is causally related to elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and glucose intolerance, all of which are primary risk factors for CVD. Nevertheless, data linking obesity to CVD itself are less consistent. While some studies show a positive and graded relationship between obesity and CVD incidence and mortality, others show no effect or even an inverse relationship. Possible reasons for these conflicting findings are discussed. These include heterogeneity of obesities, particularly central versus peripheral obesity; misclassification of individuals due to use of inaccurate obesity indices; analytic difficulties in estimating the contributions of obesity as a single variable in a complex chain of causation; and the presence of confounders such as cigarette smoking that lower weight, but are themselves a cause of CVD.
Weight Cycling in Humans: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Wing Rena R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article reviews the research on weight cycling in humans. It is concluded that the majority of studies show no negative effects of weight cycling on total body fat, body fat distribution, or resting energy expenditure, and do not support the hypothesis that weight cycling makes subsequent efforts at weight loss more difficult. In contrast, there is stronger evidence to suggest that weight cycling may have adverse effects on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, numerous methodological concerns are raised about this latter literature, related primarily to the criteria used to define weight cycling and the inability to control for confounding variables.
Understanding the Acceptance of Mammography by Women
Authors: Rimer Barbara K. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Mammography use is increasing—a 1990 survey showed that nearly two-thirds of U.S. women reported ever having had mammograms. Yet, mammography screening still is not a habit for most women. The barriers and facilitators to acceptance of mammography by women include a variety of adherence variables (e.g. sociodemographic factors, knowledge, beliefs, access factors, and physician recommendation or lack thereof). A number of reports in the literature show that the combination of mass media, health education, physician education, and access-enhancing interventions can increase utilization. Unfortunately, minorities and older women remain under-utilizers. To increase mammography use, interventions should be directed at women, health professionals, and the health care system. Without such efforts, the goal of reducing breast cancer mortality through regular screening is unlikely to be achieved.