bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulsed Laser Manufactured Heteroatom Doped Carbon Dots via Heterocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Improved Tribology Performance
Authors: Jin Guangkai , Xue Shenghua , Zhang Rui , Liu Sha , Wang Shiyuan , Liu Shujuan , Ye Qian , Wang Hongqiang , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTraditional laser‐assisted method (top‐down synthesis strategy) is applied in the preparation of carbon dots (CDs) by cutting larger carbon materials, which requires harsh conditions, and the size distribution of the CDs is seldom monodisperse. In this work, heteroatom‐doped CDs, represented by N,S co‐doped CDs (N,S‐CDs), can be prepared successfully by pulsed laser irradiation of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‐based small molecule compound solution. The friction coefficient (COF) of base oil PAO decreases from 0.650 to 0.093, and the wear volume reduces by 92.0% accompanied by 1 wt.% N,S‐CDs addition, while the load‐bearing capacity is improved from 100 to 950 N. The excellent lubrication performance is mainly attributed to the formation of a robust tribofilm via a tribochemical reaction between N,S‐CDs and friction pairs, and the N,S‐CDs can play a mending effect and polishing effect for worn surfaces. Furthermore, the lubricant containing heteroatom doped CDs are capable of being prepared in situ via pulsed laser irradiation of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in base oil, which can avoid the redispersed problem of nano‐additive in base oil to maintain long‐term dispersion, with COF of 0.103 and low wear volume ≈1.99 × 105 µm3 (76.9% reduction) even after standing for 9 months.
Influence of LLDPE on the mechanical properties improvement of 3D printed POE/LLDPE blends
Authors: Liu Tiejun , Chen Ke 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolyolefins and polyolefin elastomers (POEs) are widely used in various applications due to their unique properties. However, their use in 3D printing has been limited due to challenges such as excessive softness, shrinkage, warpage, and poor mechanical properties. In this study, two strategies were employed to enhance the performance of POEs in 3D printing. First, POE was blended with 10%, 30%, and 50% percentages of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) to improve the material's mechanical properties and printability. Second, a specialized printer called a pneumatic feeding fused granule fabrication (FGF) printer was used. This printer allows for the direct printing of material granules, eliminating the need for filaments and resolving filament‐related problems. To evaluate the quality of the printed parts, tensile tests, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging were conducted. The printed parts showed desirable tensile properties (with approximately 3000% elongation at break and approximately 12 MPa tensile strength). Compression tests were also conducted on cubic structures with varied composition ratios and printing patterns such as grid, triangle, and honeycomb. The main purpose of this research was to explore the energy absorption capabilities of the printed blends. The results of our study showed that blending POE with LLDPE improved printability, tensile strength, energy absorption, and compressive properties. The blend with 50% LLDPE and honeycomb structure exhibited the best compressive and energy absorption properties.Highlights
Blending of POE and LLDPE using melt mixing with three different blending ratios.
Successful 3D printing with the fused granule fabrication technique.
Investigating mechanical properties, microstructure, and thermal analysis.
125% increase in ultimate tensile strength by increasing LLDPE.
Achieving the highest energy absorption for the 3D printed honeycomb structure.
Case study: Bioaugmenting the comammox dominated biomass from B‐stage to enhance nitrification in A‐stage at Blue Plains AWWTP
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Bao , Peng Bo , De Clippeleir Haydee , Winkler Mari‐Karoliina H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA comprehensive case study was undertaken at the Blue Plains wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to explore the bioaugmentation technique of introducing nitrifying sludge into the non‐nitrifying stage over the course of two operational years. This innovative approach involved the return of waste activated sludge (WAS) from the biological nutrient removal (BNR) system to enhance the nitrification in the high carbon removal rate system. The complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox) Nitrospira Nitrosa was identified as the main nitrifier in the system. Bioaugmentation was shown to be successful as nitrifiers returned from BNR were able to increase the nitrifying activity of the high carbon removal rate system. There was a positive correlation between returned sludge from the BNR stage and the specific total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) removal rate in A stage. The bioaugmentation process resulted in a remarkable threefold increase in the specific TKN removal rate within the A stage. Result suggested that recycling of WAS is a simple technique to bio‐augment a low SRT system with nitrifiers and add ammonia oxidation to a previously non‐nitrifying stage. The results from this case study hold the potential for applicable implications for other WWTPs that have a similar operational scheme to Blue Plains, allowing them to reuse WAS from the B stage, previously considered waste, to enhance nitrification and thus improving overall nitrogen removal performance.Practitioner Points
Comammox identifying as main nitrifier in the B stage.
Comammox enriched sludge from B stage successfully bio‐augmented the East side of A stage up to threefold.
Bioaugmentation of comammox in the West side of A stage was potentially inhibited by the gravity thickened overflow.
Sludge returned from B stage to A stage can improve nitrification with a very minor retrofits and short startup times.
Prologue
Authors: Braithwaite John 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis book is optimistic in explaining why simple institutions and principles societies can strengthen to help humankind control complex catastrophes that endanger the planet. Security realities of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) do compel pessimism. Yet my argument is that it is possible to abolish WMDs. The journey of a revived peace movement can grow institutional capability to conquer climate catastrophe, pandemics, economic crises, and to secure peace from smaller wars. The book develops a dialectics of alternating between understanding complex ways of grappling with complexity and simple principles that are generative of nuanced response to complexity.
Containing Russia: Containing Nuclear Wars and Lesser Wars that Cascade
Authors: Braithwaite John 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWar cascades to economic crises, environmental crises, and epidemics. There have been three major spikes in risks of nuclear war: the Kennedy-Krushchev spike (early 1960s); the mid-1980s (Reagan-Gorbachev); and the Biden-Putin-Xi spike today. Tangible steps were taken with the first two toward nuclear weapons elimination. Prospects of that with the current spike are mired in failures of Ukraine peacemaking. Extradition law reform is a strategy for deterrence of WMD ban violators. When nuclear powers frustrate disarmament, regional disarmament treaties can be grown. Progressively dismantled mutual assured nuclear destruction (MAD) can be steppingstones to prevent Mutual Assured Digital Destruction (MADD). Invading other countries is rare today. It does not pay. Recent empirics of warmaking effectiveness have reduced the explanatory power of realist international relations theory.
Nuclear and Regime-Change Diplomacy: the Restorative Critique
Authors: Braithwaite John 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAI weapons and space war must be more transparently and responsively regulated by nuclear surety regulatory regimes that embrace audit by foreign technical teams. Head-of-state and head-of-military hotlines between adversary states are keys to last resort diplomatic paths from war. Meddling in the politics of other countries induces blowback, terrorism, war. Many states do not meddle in the politics of other states; all states should commit to never doing so, especially not by violent means like assassinations, plotting coups, arming insurgents. Respecting democracy development by never interfering in another country’s elections is in the long-run national interests of states.
Controlling Animals: Carl von Heß, Karl von Frisch, and the Study of Color Vision in Fish
Authors: Hoffmann Christoph 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the 1910s, physiologist Carl von Heß and zoologist Karl von Frisch studied color vision in fish. In what follows, I first show what types of control are involved in their experiments. I then address a rarely discussed issue—the fact that, in these experiments and many others, the animals must be stimulated in order to actively participate. I thus distinguish between two types of control, environmental and behavioral control of activities. Finally, I make a point that goes beyond the problems of experimental control: in studying sensory abilities, it is impossible to directly determine the content of perception. In this sense, these experimental results are, in principle, difficult to control.
Controlling the Unobservable: Experimental Strategies and Hypotheses in Discovering the Causal Origin of Brownian Movement
Authors: Coko Klodian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the experimental practices and reasoning strategies employed in nineteenth century investigations on the causal origin of the phenomenon of Brownian movement. It argues that there was an extensive and sophisticated experimental work done on the phenomenon throughout the nineteenth century. Investigators followed as rigorously as possible the methodological standards of their time to make causal claims and advance causal explanations of Brownian movement. Two major methodological strategies were employed. The first was the experimental strategy of varying the circumstances. Suspected causal factors were varied and the resulting effect on Brownian movement was studied. The main goal of this strategy was the identification of difference-making factors, i.e., factors having a causal influence on the phenomenon. The second was the so-called method of hypothesis. Rather than relying exclusively on the ability of experiments to identify difference-making factors, its proponents tried to show how the independently developed tenets of the new kinetic-molecular conception of matter provided a plausible causal explanation of Brownian movement. Each one of these methodological strategies had its distinctive practices and notions of control. None of these strategies could, on its own, establish molecular motion as the cause of Brownian movement. It was only the fruitful combination of the two strategies and of their accompanying practices and notions of control that led, at the end of the nineteenth century, to the recognition of molecular motion as the most probable cause of Brownian movement.
Cuteness in avatar design: a cross-cultural study on the influence of baby schema features and other visual characteristics
Authors: Lieber-Milo Shiri , Amichai-Hamburger Yair , Yonezawa Tomoko , Sugiura Kazunori 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe concept of cuteness, which can evoke positive emotions in people, is an essential aspect to consider in artificial intelligence design. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of baby schema designed avatars in computer-mediated communication elicits higher positive attitudes than neutral avatars and whether the ethnicity of the cute avatars influences individuals' perceived level of cuteness. 485 participants from Israel and Japan viewed six avatar images, including three baby schema avatars of different visual characteristics and ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian, and Black) and three neutral avatars. Participants rated their attitudes on each avatar, and the results revealed that the baby schema designed avatars were rated cuter, more likable, approachable, and pleasant than the neutral mature avatars. Cultural differences were also evident, as the Caucasian baby schema avatar was rated cuter among Japanese participants, while the Asian and Black baby schema avatars were rated cuter among Israeli respondents. The study findings suggest that cute avatar design can serve as a powerful tool for promoting positive interactions in computer-mediated communication, especially in cultures that highly value cuteness, such as Japan. However, the subjective nature of cuteness is evident as attitudes toward cuteness varied significantly across cultures and individuals. This research highlights the significance of cultural diversity and emphasizes the importance of considering cuteness as a crucial aspect of artificial intelligence design, particularly when creating avatars intended to elicit positive emotions from users. Therefore, designers should be mindful of potential cultural and individual differences in the perception of cuteness while developing avatars for various applications.
A new variant of the inherent strain method for the prediction of distortion in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes
Authors: Pourabdollah Pegah , Farhang Mehr Farzaneh , Cockcroft Steve , Maijer Daan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA new variant of the inherent strain (IS) method is proposed to predict component distortion in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) that addresses some of the shortcomings of the previous work by accounting for both the compressive plastic strain formed adjacent to the melt pool and the thermal strain associated with the changing macroscale thermal field in the component during fabrication. A 3D thermomechanical finite element (FE) model using the new approach is presented and applied to predict the distortion of a component fabricated in an electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) machine. To improve computational efficiency, each computational layer is comprised of six powder layers. A time-averaged volumetric heat input based on beam voltage and current data obtained from the EB-PBF system was calculated and applied to each computational layer, consistent with the process timing. The inherent strains were applied per computational layer as an initial anisotropic contribution to the thermal strain at the time of activation of each computational layer, resulting in the sequential establishment of static equilibrium during component fabrication, which accounts for the variation in the local macroscale thermal field. The thermal field and distortion predicted by the thermomechanical model were verified using experimentally derived data. The model predicts in-plane compressive strains in the order of 10−3. Differences in the inherent strain were found at different locations in the component, consistent with differences in the macroscale thermal field. The proposed method is general and may also be applied to the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process.
Influence of various pretreatments on molecular and rheological properties of a linear and a long-chain branched polypropylene
Authors: Münstedt Helmut , Kaschta Joachim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe influence of a mechanical or a thermal pretreatment of a linear (L-PP) and a long-chain branched polypropylene (LCB-PP) in the molten state was studied. The molar mass distributions and the branching structure were determined by high-temperature gel permeation chromatography HT-GPC coupled with laser-light scattering. The samples were extruded through long or short capillaries of various geometries corresponding to a predominant shear or elongational deformation. As a rheological probe, the extrudate swell at low stresses was measured for the differently pretreated samples. For the L-PP, neither molecular nor rheological changes were observed. However, the extrudate swell of the LCB-PP was found to decrease with increasing volume throughput. It was more strongly affected by shear in the capillary than by molecule stretching in the entry region. The smaller extrudate swell was accompanied by a decrease of the high molar mass tail of the LCB-PP, which could be the reason for the decay of swell, in principle. However, a comparable degradation of the high molar mass tail was obtained by a pure thermal treatment that was shown to leave the extrudate swell unchanged. This result and the unaffected branching structures found by high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) support the hypothesis of a change of the branching topography by the mechanical pretreatment.
VT – ohne strukturelle Herzerkrankung: Historischer Überblick
Authors: Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Tilz Roland Richard 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag widmet sich dem Thema ventrikuläre Arrhythmie ohne vorliegende strukturelle Herzerkrankung. Die zugrunde liegenden Ursachen sind vielfältig und noch nicht komplett verstanden. Beginnend bei der Erstbeschreibung dieser Art der Arrhythmie nähern wir uns über die Diagnostik der Therapie mittels Medikamenten und schließlich der Katheterablation von den Anfängen bis hin zur den modernsten aktuellen und zukünftigen Methoden.
The efficacy of 2780 nm Er,Cr;YSGG and 940 nm Diode Laser in root canal disinfection: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fahim Sara Zakaria , Ghali Rami Maher , Hashem Ahmed A. , Farid Mary Medhat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Effective disinfection of the root canals is the cornerstone of successful endodontic treatment. Diminishing the microbial load within the root canal system is crucial for healing in endodontically treated teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG and 940 nm diode lasers on the eradication of microorganisms from single-rooted teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Materials and Methods
Thirty participants conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the disinfection protocol used; Conventional group: 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA solution NaOCl/EDTA, Dual laser group: 2780 nm Erbium, chromium: yttrium scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser and 940 nm diode laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode, and Combined group: 17% EDTA and 940 nm diode laser EDTA/Diode. Bacterial samples were collected before and after intervention. The collected data were statistically analyzed using Friedman’s test and Kruskal–Wallis test (P ≤ 0.05).

Results
The results of the study showed that both dual laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode and combined laser EDTA/Diode groups showed significantly less mean Log10 CFU/ml of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts than the conventional NaOCl/EDTA group.

Conclusions
In this study we evaluated in vivo the bactericidal efficacy of three disinfection protocols for endodontic treatment of single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis. The results indicated that both dual laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode and combined laser EDTA/Diode groups provide superior bactericidal effect compared to the conventional NaOCl/EDTA group.

Clinical relevance
The integration of lasers into root canal disinfection protocols has demonstrated significant bacterial reduction which might promote healing and long-term success.
Quasi-3D: reducing convergence effort improves visual comfort of head-mounted stereoscopic displays
Authors: Dalmasso Vittorio , Moretti Michela , de’Sperati Claudio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe diffusion of virtual reality urges to solve the problem of vergence-accommodation conflict arising when viewing stereoscopic displays, which causes visual stress. We addressed this issue with an approach based on reducing ocular convergence effort. In virtual environments, vergence can be controlled by manipulating the binocular separation of the virtual cameras. Using this technique, we implemented two quasi-3D conditions characterized by binocular image separations intermediate between 3D (stereoscopic) and 2D (monoscopic). In a first experiment, focused on perceptual aspects, ten participants performed a visuo-manual pursuit task while wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) in head-constrained (non-immersive) condition for an overall exposure time of ~ 7 min. Passing from 3D to quasi-3D and 2D conditions, progressively resulted in a decrease of vergence eye movements—both mean convergence angle (static vergence) and vergence excursion (dynamic vergence)—and an increase of hand pursuit spatial error, with the target perceived further from the observer and larger. Decreased static and dynamic vergence predicted decreases in asthenopia trial-wise. In a second experiment, focused on tolerance aspects, fourteen participants performed a detection task in near-vision while wearing an HMD in head-free (immersive) condition for an overall exposure time of ~ 20 min. Passing from 3D to quasi-3D and 2D conditions, there was a general decrease of both subjective and objective visual stress indicators (ocular convergence discomfort ratings, cyber-sickness symptoms and skin conductance level). Decreased static and dynamic vergence predicted the decrease in these indicators. Remarkably, skin conductance level predicted all subjective symptoms, both trial-wise and session-wise, suggesting that it could become an objective replacement of visual stress self-reports. We conclude that relieving convergence effort by reducing binocular image separation in virtual environments can be a simple and effective way to decrease visual stress caused by stereoscopic HMDs. The negative side-effect—worsening of spatial vision—arguably would become unnoticed or compensated over time. This initial proof-of-concept study should be extended by future large-scale studies testing additional environments, tasks, displays, users, and exposure times.
Analysis of the user experience (On site vs. Virtual Reality) through biological markers and cognitive tests in museums: the case of Museo Cristo de la Sangre (Murcia, Spain)
Authors: Melendreras Ruiz Rafael , SánchezAllegue Paloma , MarínTorres María Teresa , PardoRíos Manuel , Cerón Madrigal José Joaquín , Escribano Tortosa Damián 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDigital technologies have changed almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we access heritage. Following the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the technological evolution of recent years, museums and institutions, among others, have changed the way they display their collections, taking a greater interest in new technologies, platforms and digital software. This technological boom finds its greatest transformation with the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse in the museum sector. This article shows the concrete influence of VR/Metaverse in a museum room previously digitised through different techniques. Subsequently, the impact over user experience in the VR scenario versus on-site visit has been measured. In parallel, to measure the enzyme alpha-amylase in saliva, a cognitive test and usability test (SUS) were carried out to determine the learning capacity and degree of satisfaction obtained with experience alongside the room of the Museo de la Sangre in Murcia (Spain).