bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NGOs' least‐played role: Bridging between a divided public administration: The case of Yemen
Authors: Elayah Moosa , Al‐Awami Hasan , Almatari Wjdan , AbouAssi Khaldoun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article examines the bridging role non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) can play between a divided public administration in a conflict‐ridden country. Based on interviews with various stakeholders in Yemen, we argue that NGO might need to mediate between conflicting authorities to effectively carry out their activities. By doing so, they serve as a bridge that could help maintain relations between the two fragmented administrations and possibly facilitate the process of post‐conflict state building. While not all NGOs are capable or required to fulfill this role, we identify four enabling factors: (1) the readiness of stakeholders to engage; (2) public support for the NGO; and (3) NGOs' adequate capacity; and (4) the donor's support.
Bending performance analysis of variable stiffness composite laminates
Authors: Niu Xuejuan , Li Bochao , Zhang Xu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor fiber‐reinforced polymer structures, the out‐of‐plane stiffness is much lower than the in‐plane stiffness and is extremely prone to damage and instability. The potential of variable stiffness (VS) laminates was explored to enhance the stiffness in the thickness direction. Based on the finite strip method (FSM), a semi‐analytical solution for bending problems of laminates was derived, which is called the variable‐stiffness discrete strip (VSDS) method. By comparing with traditional constant stiffness (CS) laminates, the influence of design parameters of VS laminates on the bending shape and stress distribution of laminates under two load cases were studied. Combining the results of FE models, the accuracy of VSDS has been verified, and the strategy of VS layout configuration design to improve the bending resistance was proved.Highlights
Variable stiffness discrete strips (VSDS) method was presented based on FSM.
Bending performances of VS laminates under two load conditions were studied.
The method has the ability to reduce the computation cost of bending problems.
The solutions of VSDS agree well with the results of FE models.
The improvement mechanism of VS laminates on bending resistance was explored.
Polyurethane‐polyisocyanurate (PUR‐PIR) foams based on castor oil modified with tire rubber waste: Statistical‐based analysis
Authors: Saboia Matheus Marciano , da Silva Andressa Ilidia Calheiros , Monteceli Francisco Maciel , de Souza Sampaio Nilo Antônio , da Conceição Monique Osório Talarico , Mulinari Daniella Regina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study explores the utilization of bio‐polyol, derived from castor oil modified with waste tire rubber (WTR), in the synthesis of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams. Two WTR concentrations (10% and 20%) were incorporated, investigating their impact on foaming, cellular structure, and various foam properties. Response surface methodology assessed the influence of polyol/isocyanate ratios and WTR content on thermal, physical, and mechanical responses. Results indicated significant effects of polyol/isocyanate ratios on thermal and density properties, while WTR content exhibited an opposite trend. Mechanical behavior showed a distinct pattern compared to thermal and physical aspects, suggesting no conclusive correlation between compressive stress variability and polyol/isocyanate ratio or WTR content. Consequently, the application of these foams depends on specific property requirements, highlighting the potential of sustainable bio‐polyols and recycled WTR in replacing conventional petroleum‐based counterparts in polyurethane foam production.Highlights
Development of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams based on castor oil.
Polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams modified with waste tire rubber.
Increased isocyanate index impacts thermal stability and density.
Response surface methodology showed variability in compressive stress behavior and the polyol/isocyanate ratio.
For application of polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams will depend on the desired properties.
Multifunctional electrospun PP/PVDF‐HFP/MIL‐53(Fe) composite nanofiber membrane for air filtration and dye degradation
Authors: Ma Wenlong , Hao Tianxu , Wang Xinya , Zhang Wei , Li Yonggui , Chen Mingxing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a high‐performance composite nanofiber membrane with excellent air filtration and dye degradation properties was prepared by incorporating MIL‐53(Fe) nanoparticles into the electrospinning solution. The results showed that the filtration efficiency for PM2.5 of the PP/PVDF‐HFP/MIL‐53(Fe) composite nanofiber membrane reached up to 99.3% with the addition of 2 wt% MIL‐53(Fe). Moreover, the composite nanofiber membrane exhibited steady filtration efficiency across different parameters, including air velocity, PM2.5 concentration, and extended testing time. Furthermore, the incorporation of MIL‐53(Fe) significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of the composite nanofiber membrane toward Rh B, resulting in a remarkable 91% removal rate. The polymer/MOF composite nanofiber membranes prepared by simple and cheap electrospinning technology have a wide range of practical applications in the field of environmental protection.Highlights
PPM composite nanofiber membrane was prepared via electrospinning method.
MIL‐53(Fe) nanoparticles were introduced to PPM composite nanofiber membrane.
PPM composite nanofiber membrane showed excellent removal efficiency for PM2.5.
PPM composite nanofiber showed a good removal performance for RhB in solution.
Study on the modification of HMX/TPU composites with metal‐phenolic network
Authors: Xu Wenzheng , Wang Junyi , Chang Xiaolong , Yang Yulong , Zhao Leyang , Lan Shuying , Ma Ningxin , Xing Jiangtao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRapid and facile self‐assembly coatings play a crucial role in surface functionalization of materials. In this study, a safe, fast, and environmentally friendly method is proposed to form a metal‐phenolic network (MPN) through the assembly of gallic acid (GA) and iron ions (Fe3+), which is used for the in situ polymerization coating of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5‐7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX). The surface of the modified HMX crystals become visibly roughened. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was coated on the surface of modified HMX by water suspension method to form HMX@MPN@TPU double‐layer core‐shell energetic composite material. Compared with the raw material HMX, the β‐δ phase transition temperature of the double‐layer core‐shell structure composite increased by 12.36°C, the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity decreased, and the compressive strength increased by 38%, which effectively improved its mechanical properties.Highlights
It has been demonstrated that metal‐phenolic networks can self‐assemble on the surface of crystals.
A water suspension method was employed to prepare energetic material powder into a polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX).
The modified PBX showed significant improvements in various properties, indicating that metal‐phenolic networks can serve as excellent modifying materials.
Registration of four pest‐resistant long bean germplasm lines
Authors: Huynh Bao‐Lam , Dahlquist‐Willard Ruth M. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Yang Michael , Thaoxaochay Lilian , Kanter Jessica , Brar Sukhmony , Paz Jose , Qaderi Sara , Singh Hardeep , Duong Tra , Dinh Hoang , Kang Hyun Park , Matthews William C. , De Souza Amancio , Bhatia Anil , Ke Haiyan , Ehlers Jeffrey D. , Roberts Philip A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, asparagus bean, Asian yardlong bean), the vegetable type of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp], is a climate‐resilient and nutritious food legume grown by Southeast Asian farmers in the Central Valley of California and marketed to Asian immigrant communities across the United States. Insect pests are major threats, reducing yield and quality of all current lines. Modern plant breeding protocols and extension activities were implemented to develop resistant lines using sources of natural resistance found in African cowpea germplasm. Three aphid‐resistant long bean lines, Dark Green 1994 (Reg no. GP‐320, PI 702995), Light Green 2055 (Reg. no. GP‐321, PI 702996), and Purple 2056 (Reg. no. GP‐322, PI 702997), were developed by introgression of two known quantitative trait loci (QTL) for aphid resistance into three local elite lines through marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC). One bush‐type long bean line, Bush 2074 (Reg. no. GP‐319, PI 702994), carrying two known QTL for root‐knot nematode resistance, was also developed to enable scaling up production and to improve nematode management in large‐scale commercial farming. These improved lines were evaluated in controlled experiments which also served in outreach activities to enable adoption. Each of these advanced lines, when forming a near‐isogenic pair with its recurrent parent, can provide useful genetic materials for resistance gene discovery.
Dynamic probability control limits for the adaptive multivariate EWMA chart
Authors: Haq Abdul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEffective monitoring of the control charts requires the establishment of appropriate control limits. Various methods have been proposed to determine the fixed control limits (FCLs) based on a specified in‐control average run‐length value, such as Markov chains, integral equations, and Monte Carlo simulations.With the FCLs, the conditional false alarm rate (CFAR) of a control chart varies over time in an unexpected and undesirable way, where the CFAR refers to the probability of a false alarm at a particular time given no previous false alarm. To address this issue, dynamic probability control limits (DPCLs) can be employed to keep the CFAR constant over time. In this study, we determine the DPCLs using fixed and time‐varying sample sizes for the adaptive multivariate EWMA chart when the underlying process is assumed to follow a multivariate normal distribution. The DPCLs are designed to automatically adjust to changes in the probability distribution of the sample size, while maintaining a consistent CFAR. This results in a closely matched run‐length performance for an in‐control process compared to that of the geometric distribution.
Fractional Quantum Anomalous Hall Phase for Raman Superarray of Rydberg Atoms
Authors: Poon Ting Fung Jeffrey , Zhou Xin‐Chi , Wang Bao‐Zong , Yang Tian‐Hua , Liu Xiong‐Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRydberg atom arrays offer promising platforms for quantum simulation of correlated quantum matter and raise great interests. This work proposes a novel stripe‐lattice model with “Raman superarray of Rydberg atoms” to realize bosonic fractional quantum anomalous Hall (FQAH) phase. Two types of Rydberg states, arranged in a supperarray configuration and with Raman‐assisted dipole‐exchange couplings, are implemented to realize a minimal QAH model for hard‐core bosons populated into a topological flat band with large bulk gap under proper tunable experimental condition. With this the bosonic FQAH phase can be further achieved and probed feasibly. In particular, a novel quench protocol is proposed to probe the fractionalized excitations by measuring the correlated quench dynamics featured by fractional charge tunneling between bulk and chiral edge modes in the open boundary.
Excellent Room Temperature Thermoelectric Performance in Mg3Sb2‐Based Alloys via Multi‐Functional Doping of Nb
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Sun Congli , Yang Kangkang , Liang Dong , Ye Xianfeng , Song Wei , Xu Wenjie , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Qingjie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMg3Sb2‐based alloys are attracting increasing attention due to the excellent room temperature thermoelectric properties. However, due to the presence and easy segregation of charged Mg vacancies, the carrier mobility in Mg3Sb2‐based alloys is always severely compromised that significantly restricts the room temperature performance. General vacancy compensation strategies cannot synergistically optimize the complicated Mg3Sb2 structures involving both interior and boundary scattering. Herein, due to the multi‐functional doping effect of Nb, the electron scattering inside and across grains is significantly suppressed by inhibiting the accumulation of Mg vacancies, and leading to a smooth transmission channel of electrons. The increased Mg vacancies migration barrier and optimized interface potential are also confirmed theoretically and experimentally, respectively. As a result, a leading room temperature zT of 1.02 is achieved. This work reveals the multi‐functional doping effect as an efficient approach in improving room temperature thermoelectric performance in complicated defect/interface associated Mg3Sb2‐based alloys.
Unlocking the Potential of High Entropy Alloys in Electrochemical Water Splitting: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Abrar , Nairan Adeela , Feng Zhuo , Zheng Ruiming , Bai Yelin , Khan Usman , Gao Junkuo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe global pursuit of sustainable energy is focused on producing hydrogen through electrocatalysis driven by renewable energy. Recently, High entropy alloys (HEAs) have taken the spotlight in electrolysis due to their intriguing cocktail effect, broad design space, customizable electronic structure, and entropy stabilization effect. The tunability and complexity of HEAs allow a diverse range of active sites, optimizing adsorption strength and activity for electrochemical water splitting. This review comprehensively covers contemporary advancements in synthesis technique, design framework, and physio‐chemical evaluation approaches for HEA‐based electrocatalysts. Additionally, it explores design principles and strategies aimed at optimizing the catalytic activity, stability, and effectiveness of HEAs in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting. Through an in‐depth investigation of these aspects, the complexity inherent in constituent element interactions, reaction processes, and active sites associated with HEAs is aimed to unravel. Eventually, an outlook regarding challenges and impending difficulties and an outline of the future direction of HEA in electrocatalysis is provided. The thorough knowledge offered in this review will assist in formulating and designing catalysts based on HEAs for the next generation of electrochemistry‐related applications.
Electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering in regenerative medicine
Authors: Xu Yiru , Saiding Qimanguli , Zhou Xue , Wang Juan , Cui Wenguo , Chen Xinliang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImmune engineering, a burgeoning field within regenerative medicine, involves a spectrum of strategies to optimize the intricate interplay between tissue regenerative biomaterials and the host tissue. These strategies are applied across different types of biomaterials and various disease models, which encompasses finely modulating the immune response at the levels of immune cells and factors, aiming to mitigate adverse effects like fibrosis and persistent inflammation that may arise at the injury site and consequently promote tissue regeneration. With the continuous progress in electrospinning technology, the immunoregulatory capabilities of electrospun fibers have gained substantial attention over the years. Electrospun fibers, with their extracellular matrix‐like characteristics, high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, and reliable pharmaceutical compound capacity, have emerged as key players among tissue engineering materials. This review specifically focuses on the role of electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering, emphasizing their unique design strategies. Notably, electrospinning actively engages in immune engineering by modulating immune responses through four essential strategies: (i) surface modification, (ii) drug loading, (iii) physicochemical parameters, and (iv) biological grafting. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the intricate mechanisms of the immune system in injured tissues while unveiling the key strategies adopted by electrospun fibers to orchestrate immune regulation. Furthermore, the review explores the current developmental trends and limitations concerning the immunoregulatory function of electrospun fibers, aiming to drive the advancements in electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering to its full potential.
Behavior and modeling of FRP grid‐reinforced ultra‐high‐performance concrete under uniaxial tension
Authors: Zeng Jun‐Jie , Zeng Wei‐Bin , Zhuge Yan , Zhou Jie‐Kai , Quach Wai‐Meng , Feng Ran 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) structural elements have become increasing popular in research and industry communities. In this paper, uniaxial tension tests were conducted to study the effects of fiber type, fiber length, and fiber content on tensile behavior of FRP grid reinforced UHPC plates (FGRUPs). Additionally, the microstructure analysis of specimens was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Test results reveal that carbon FRP (CFRP) grid can substantially enhance the tensile performance of UHPC under tension: (1) the FGRUPs exhibit a post‐crack strain‐hardening behavior while the UHPC plates exhibit a post‐crack strain‐softening behavior; (2) the FRP grid enhances the cracking stress of UHPC specimens (except for plates with 1% basalt fibers) and the stiffness of the second segment of the stress–strain curve, and substantially enhances the ultimate tensile stress UHPC specimens. Also, the cost‐effectiveness analysis indicates that plates containing 1% of 12 mm length PE fibers have a highest cost efficiency index. Finally, a modified tensile stress–strain model for FGRUPs is proposed and verified.
Seismic performance and parametric study of precast reinforced concrete Shear Wall structure with indirect‐lapping joints
Authors: Wang Qingmin , Zhao Weijian , Li Yongquan , Yang Yuanzhang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrecast reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall structures (PRCSWS) are widely adopted by high‐rise buildings owing to their attractive advantages such as high construction quality and seismic resistance. A novel vertical joint for PRCSWS was proposed, featured by the indirect lap between connection cages and vertical distributed bars of the wall panel. The feasibility of this joint was verified by pseudo‐static experiments on precast shear wall specimens with different joint designs and a referential cast‐in‐place (CIP) specimen. To gain more insights into the failure mechanism of the PRCSWS with different joint designs, non‐linear finite element (FE) models were established and analyzed for the numerical study. The simulation showed good agreement with the experimental result regarding the load‐drift curves, cracking patterns, and failure modes, exhibiting a flexural‐shear failure with corner concrete crushing. The investigation into the failure patterns of four specimens indicated that anchorage deterioration of interfaces inside the joints was induced by cyclic tension, leading to both reductions in ductility and energy dissipation. This effect was more obvious when the connection cages (a design parameter) were less and more concentrated. The parametric study revealed that increasing the anchorage length of connection cage in wall panel and additional confinement reinforcements surrounding the reserved ducts could reduce the relative slip on the interfaces and enhance the anchorage of connection cages, which could further improve the seismic performance of PRCSWS.
Safety assessment of existing prestressed reinforced concrete bridge decks through different approaches
Authors: Ferrara Mario , Gino Diego , Miceli Elena , Giordano Luca , Malavisi Marzia , Bertagnoli Gabriele 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe assessment of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures, especially, bridges and viaducts, nowadays is one of the most relevant aspects for infrastructural engineers. Due to the old age of a large part of the railways and roadways assets, their safety, especially, with respect to the Ultimate Limit States (ULS) may result compromised. Safety assessment can be performed following different approaches as well as the most sophisticated methodologies based on the application of safety formats for non‐linear finite element (FE) analyses. This study presents the safety assessment at the ULS of existing prestressed RC bridge decks regarding bending moment and axial force failure mechanism adopting different methodologies. Specifically, the safety assessment will be performed through five different approaches (i.e., Courbon theory, elastic FE analysis, and NLFEAs according to the three global safety formats). The decks are modeled using, first, Courbon theory and then, girder FE model composed only of beam elements. The safety assessment is performed by comparing the design resisting moment and design acting moment in the section of interest, therefore, through a local approach. Within the local approach, design values are calculated using the partial safety factors. Afterwards, the decks are modeled with a 3D non‐linear FE model. Three different global safety formats are implemented within a global approach. The application of the different approaches leads to significantly different conclusions about the safety assessment. The two local approaches are the most conservative, therefore, lead to a lower safety margin. The application of global approaches based on global safety formats leads to a safety margin gain compared to local approaches, with significant variability in terms of safety margin gain depending on the specific global safety format.
RETRACTED: Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐encapsulated Endostar‐loaded calcium phosphate cement as anti‐tumor bone cement for the treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer
Authors: Tian QingHua , Tian Cong , Lu YingYing , Yan BiCong , Zhang Kaixian , Wu ChunGen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. In approximately 30%–40% of lung cancer patients, bone metastases ensues with osteolytic destruction. Worse still, intractable pain, pathological fracture, and nerve compression caused by bone metastases are currently the bottleneck of research, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Therefore, the present study aims at investigating the effectiveness of a new composite material made of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and Endostar on repairing bone defects in vitro and in vivo. As indicated in results, the mechanical properties of CPC+Endostar and CPC+PLGA+Endostar do not differ from those of pure CPC. The PLGA‐embedded Endostar slow‐release microspheres were designed and prepared, and were combined with CPC. Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer material in vivo, so the effect on its mechanical properties is negligible. CPC+Endostar and CPC+PLGA+Endostar have been proved to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and block cell cycle in G2 phase; the expression levels of osteoclast‐related genes CXCL2, TGF‐β1, IGF‐1, IL‐6, and RANKL were significantly decreased while osteogenic ability and alkaline phosphatase activity observably enhanced. In vivo studies have revealed that the expression levels of TRAP, RANKL, and Caspase3 in CPC+PLGA+ENDO‐treated tumor tissues after 3 weeks were higher than those in other groups with the prolongation of animal treatment time, while the expression levels of OPN and BCL2 were lower than those in other groups. In hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, 3 weeks of CPC+PLGA+ENDO‐treatment yielded higher tissue necrosis and apoptosis than other groups; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results showed the posterior edge bone damage reduced as a result of the CPC+PLGA+ENDO grafting in vertebral pedicle. Overall, the feasibility and reliability of CPC‐loaded Endostar in the treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer were investigated in this study, so as to promote the basic research and treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer and other malignant tumors.