bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of fibre processing on the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites and wood-based particleboard reinforced with hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibre
Authors: Hernandez-Estrada Albert , Müssig Jörg , Hughes Mark 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis work investigated the impact that the processing of hemp (C. sativa L.) fibre has on the mechanical properties of unidirectional fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites loaded in axial tension, and particleboard reinforced with aligned fibre bundles applied to one surface of the panel. For this purpose, mechanically processed (decorticated) and un-processed hemp fibre bundles, obtained from retted and un-retted hemp stems, were utilised. The results clearly show the impact of fibre reinforcement in both materials. Epoxy composites reinforced with processed hemp exhibited 3.3 times greater tensile strength when compared to the un-reinforced polymer, while for the particleboards, the bending strength obtained in those reinforced with processed hemp was 1.7 times greater than the un-reinforced particleboards. Moreover, whether the fibre bundles were processed or un-processed also affected the mechanical performance, especially in the epoxy composites. For example, the un-processed fibre-reinforced epoxy composites exhibited 49% greater work of fracture than the composites reinforced with processed hemp. In the wood-based particleboards, however, the difference was not significant. Additionally, observations of the fracture zone of the specimens showed different failure characteristics depending on whether the composites were reinforced with processed or un-processed hemp. Both epoxy composites and wood-based particleboards reinforced with un-processed hemp exhibited fibre reinforcement apparently able to retain structural integrity after the composite’s failure. On the other hand, when processed hemp was used as reinforcement, fibre bundles showed a clear cut across the specimen, with the fibre-reinforcement mainly failing at the composite's fracture zone.
Combined effect of Sn addition and pre-ageing on natural secondary and artificial ageing of Al–Mg–Si alloys
Authors: Zhang Xingpu , Liu Meng , Wang Jiangwei , Li Jixue , Banhart John 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBoth Sn addition and pre-ageing are known to be effective in maintaining the artificial ageing potential after natural ageing of Al–Mg–Si alloys. In this study, the combined effects of Sn addition and pre-ageing at 100 °C or 180 °C on natural secondary ageing and subsequent artificial ageing of an alloy AA6014 were investigated using hardness, electrical resistivity, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy characterizations. It is found that pre-ageing can suppress natural secondary ageing and improve the artificial ageing hardening kinetics and response after 1 week of natural secondary ageing in both alloys with and without Sn addition. The effect of pre-ageing at 100 °C is more pronounced in the Sn-free alloy while the combination of pre-ageing at 180 °C and adding Sn shows superiority in suppressing natural secondary ageing and thus avoiding the undesired hardening before artificial ageing. Moreover, when natural ageing steps up to 8 h are applied before pre-ageing at 100 °C, the effect of pre-ageing in Sn-added alloy can be further improved. The influence of Sn on vacancies at different ageing temperatures is discussed to explain the observed phenomena.
Graphical abstract
Optimisation of processing conditions during CVD growth of 2D WS2 films from a chloride precursor
Authors: Campbell William R. , Reale Francesco , Sundaram Ravi , Bending Simon J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMonolayer tungsten disulphide (WS2) is a direct band gap semiconductor which holds promise for a wide range of optoelectronic applications. The large-area growth of WS2 has previously been successfully achieved using a W(CO)6 precursor, however, this is flammable and a potent source of carbon monoxide (CO) upon decomposition. To address this issue, we have developed a process for the wafer-scale growth of monolayer WS2 from a tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) precursor in a commercial cold-wall CVD reactor. In comparison to W(CO)6, WCl6 is less toxic and less reactive and so lends itself better to the large-scale CVD growth of 2D layers. We demonstrate that a post-growth H2S anneal can lead to a dramatic improvement in the optical quality of our films as confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) and Raman measurements. Optimised films exhibit PL exciton emission peaks with full width at half maximum of 51 ± 2 meV, comparable to other state-of-the-art methods. We demonstrate that our WS2 films can be readily transferred from the sapphire growth substrate to a Si/SiO2 target substrate with no detectable degradation in quality using a polystyrene support layer. Our approach represents a promising step towards the industrial-scale fabrication of p-n junctions, photodetectors and transistors based on monolayer WS2.
Identification of the main mixing process in the synthesis of alloy nanoparticles by laser ablation of compacted micropowder mixtures
Authors: Waag Friedrich , Fares Wessam I. M. A. , Li Yao , Andronescu Corina , Gökce Bilal , Barcikowski Stephan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAlloy nanoparticles offer the possibility to tune functional properties of nanoscale structures. Prominent examples of tuned properties are the local surface plasmon resonance for sensing applications and adsorption energies for applications in catalysis. Laser synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles is well suited for generating alloy nanoparticles of desired compositions. Not only bulk alloys but also compacted mixtures of single-metal micropowders can serve as ablation targets. However, it is still unknown how mixing of the individual metals transfers from the micro- to the nanoscale. This work experimentally contributes to the elucidation of the mixing processes during the laser-based synthesis of alloy nanoparticles. Key parameters, such as the initial state of mixing in the ablation target, the laser pulse duration, the laser spot size, and the ablation time, are varied. Experiments are performed on a cobalt-iron alloy, relevant for application in oxidation catalysis, in ethanol. The extent of mixing in the targets after ablation and in individual nanoparticles are studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and by cyclic voltammetry at relevant conditions for the oxygen evolution reaction, as model reaction. The results point at the benefits of well pre-mixed ablation targets and longer laser pulse durations for the laser-based synthesis of alloy nanoparticles.
Graphical abstract
Silane-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets for silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Ren He , Cunha Eunice , Li Zheling , Wang Lei , Kinloch Ian A. , Yi Dian , Kretinin Andrew , Sun Quanji , Fan Zhaodong , Young Robert J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSilane-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared using a newly developed approach based upon a simple two-step strategy. The effect of their dispersion and interfacial bonding on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of reinforced silicone rubber (SR) was investigated. It was found by Raman mapping that the silane-functionalized GNPs could be dispersed uniformly into the SR matrix, leading to an increase of up to 25% in Young’s modulus at only 2 parts per hundred rubber (phr) loading and a considerable enhancement of up to 150% in the thermal conductivity at 5-phr loading. Both the Young’s modulus and thermal conductivity experimental results were found to be in agreement with the values predicted using theoretical models.
Graphical abstract
Quantitative prediction of moisture content distribution in acetylated wood using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Altgen Michael , Mäkelä Mikko , Belt Tiina , Rautkari Lauri 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe uptake of moisture severely affects the properties of wood in service applications. Even local moisture content variations may be critical, but such variations are typically not detected by traditional methods to quantify the moisture content of the wood. In this study, we used near-infrared hyperspectral imaging to predict the moisture distribution on wood surfaces at the macroscale. A broad range of wood moisture contents were generated by controlling the acetylation degree of wood and the relative humidity during sample conditioning. Near-infrared image spectra were then measured from the surfaces of the conditioned wood samples, and a principal component analysis was applied to separate the useful chemical information from the spectral data. Moreover, a partial least squares regression model was developed to predict moisture content on the wood surfaces. The results show that hyperspectral near-infrared image regression can accurately predict the variations in moisture content across wood surfaces. In addition to sample-to-sample variation in moisture content, our results also revealed differences in the moisture content between earlywood and latewood in acetylated wood. This was in line with our recent studies where we found that thin-walled earlywood cells are acetylated faster than the thicker latewood cells, which decreases the moisture uptake during the conditioning. Dynamic vapor sorption isotherms validated the differences in moisture content within earlywood and latewood cells. Overall, our results demonstrate the capabilities of hyperspectral imaging for process analytics in the modern wood industry.
Graphical abstract
Gender differences in active travel in major cities across the world
Authors: Goel Rahul , Oyebode Oyinlola , Foley Louise , Tatah Lambed , Millett Christopher , Woodcock James 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThere is lack of literature on international comparison of gender differences in the use of active travel modes. We used population-representative travel surveys for 19 major cities across 13 countries and 6 continents, representing a mix of cites from low-and-middle income (n = 8) and high-income countries (n = 11). In all the cities, females are more likely than males to walk and, in most cities, more likely to use public transport. This relationship reverses in cycling, with females often less likely users than males. In high cycling cities, both genders are equally likely to cycle. Active travel to access public transport contributes 30–50% of total active travel time. The gender differences in active travel metrics are age dependent. Among children (< 16 years), these metrics are often equal for girls and boys, while gender disparity increases with age. On average, active travel enables one in every four people in the population to achieve at least 30 min of physical activity in a day, though there is large variation across the cities. In general, females are more likely to achieve this level than males. The results highlight the importance of a gendered approach towards active transport policies. Such an approach necessitates reducing road traffic danger and male violence, as well as overcoming social norms that restrict women from cycling.
Investigating Scientists’ Views of the Family Resemblance Approach to Nature of Science in Science Education
Authors: Wu Jen-Yi , Erduran Sibel 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we use the “Family Resemblance Approach” (FRA) as a framework to characterize how scientists view the nature of science (NOS). FRA presents NOS as a “system” that includes clusters or categories of ideas about the cognitive-epistemic and social-institutional aspects of science. For example, the cognitive-epistemic aspects include aims and values such as objectivity and scientific methods such as hypothesis testing. Social-institutional aspects refer to a range of components including social values such as honesty about evidence and institutional contexts of science such as research institutions. Characterized as such, NOS is thus a system of interacting components. The initial account of FRA was proposed by philosophers of science and subsequently adapted and extended for science education including through empirical studies. Yet, there is little understanding of the extent to which FRA coheres with scientists’ own depictions about NOS. Hence, an empirical study was conducted with scientists to investigate their views about FRA as well as their views of NOS using the FRA framework. In so doing, the research sought to explore the utility of FRA from scientists’ point of view. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 17 Taiwanese scientists’ responses to a set of written questions indicates that scientists are in agreement with the FRA account of NOS, and they detail all aspects in their reference to NOS, although the social-institutional aspects are underrepresented in their depiction. Implications for further studies and science education are discussed.
Optimizing Water Consumption in Richards’ Equation Framework with Step-Wise Root Water Uptake: A Simplified Model
Authors: Berardi Marco , D’Abbicco Marcello , Girardi Giovanni , Vurro Michele 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This work arises from the need of exploring new features for modeling and optimizing water consumption in irrigation processes. In particular, we focus on water flow model in unsaturated soils, accounting also for a root water uptake term, which is assumed to be discontinuos in the state variable. We investigate the possibility of accomplishing such optimization by computing the steady solutions of a $$\theta$$
θ
-based Richards equation revised as equilibrium points of the ODEs system resulting from a numerical semi-dicretization in the space; after such semi-discretization, these equilibrium points are computed exactly as the solutions of a linear system of algebraic equations: the case in which the equilibrium lies on the threshold for the uptake term is of particular interest, since the system considerably simplifies. In this framework, the problem of minimizing the water waste below the root level is investigated. Numerical simulations are provided for representing the obtained results.

Article Highlights

Root water uptake is modelled in a Richards’ equation framework with a discontinuous
sink term.

After a proper semidiscretization in space, equilibrium points of the resulting
nonlinear ODE system are computed exactly.

The proposed approach simplifies a control problem for optimizing water consumption.
Is Sociodemographic Status Associated with Empathic Communication and Decision Quality in Diabetes Care?
Authors: Bruno Brigida A. , Guirguis Karen , Rofaiel David , Yu Catherine H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the relationship between empathic communication, shared decision-making, and patient sociodemographic factors of income, education, and ethnicity in patients with diabetes.Research Design and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study from five primary care practices in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada, participating in a randomized controlled trial of a diabetes goal setting and shared decision-making plan. Participants included 30 patients with diabetes and 23 clinicians (physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists), with a sample size of 48 clinical encounters. Clinical encounter audiotapes were coded using the Empathic Communication Coding System (ECCS) and Decision Support Analysis Tool (DSAT-10).ResultsThe most frequent empathic responses among encounters were “acknowledgement with pursuit” (28.9%) and “confirmation” (30.0%). The most frequently assessed DSAT components were “stage” (86%) and knowledge of options (82.0%). ECCS varied by education (p=0.030) and ethnicity (p=0.03), but not income. Patients with only a college degree received more empathic communication than patients with bachelor’s degrees or more, and South Asian patients received less empathic communication than Asian patients. DSAT varied with ethnicity (p=0.07) but not education or income. White patients experienced more shared decision-making than those in the “other” category.ConclusionsWe identified a new relationship between ECCS, education and ethnicity, as well as DSAT and ethnicity. Limitations include sample size, heterogeneity of encounters, and predominant white ethnicity. These associations may be evidence of systemic biases in healthcare, with hidden roots in medical education.
Pathways to Developing Digital Capabilities within Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Pre-Digital Organizations
Authors: Keller Robert , Ollig Philipp , Rövekamp Patrick 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo enable new digital business models, pre-digital organizations launch entrepreneurial initiatives. However, in developing the required digital capabilities, pre-digital organizations often face challenges as they are marked by the ways they have historically established their organizational identity. Research on how pre-digital organizations can develop digital capabilities remains scarce. This study draws on a single case study to illustrate potential pathways for the development of digital capabilities. Two key characteristics are identified: the source of digital capability development and the set-up of the actors involved. The authors synthesize four possible pathway manifestations, discuss the dynamic nature of pathway combinations, and suggest that managing a portfolio of pathways may be crucial for pre-digital organizations. Therefore, the study contributes to a better understanding of digital transformation in pre-digital organizations. Furthermore, it provides guidance for practitioners to reflect on when deciding which pathways to follow.
Shining Light on Anion-Mixed Nanocatalysts for Efficient Water Electrolysis: Fundamentals, Progress, and Perspectives
Authors: Liu Yaoda , Vijayakumar Paranthaman , Liu Qianyi , Sakthivel Thangavel , Chen Fuyi , Dai Zhengfei 
Published: January 2022

Highlights

This review introduces recent advances of various anion-mixed transition metal compounds (e.g., nitrides, halides, phosphides, chalcogenides, (oxy)hydroxides, and borides) for efficient water electrolysis applications in detail.

The challenges and future perspectives are proposed and analyzed for the anion-mixed water dissociation catalysts, including polyanion-mixed and metal-free catalyst, progressive synthesis strategies, advanced in situ characterizations, and atomic level structure–activity relationship.

Abstract
Hydrogen with high energy density and zero carbon emission is widely acknowledged as the most promising candidate toward world's carbon neutrality and future sustainable eco-society. Water-splitting is a constructive technology for unpolluted and high-purity H2 production, and a series of non-precious electrocatalysts have been developed over the past decade. To further improve the catalytic activities, metal doping is always adopted to modulate the 3d-electronic configuration and electron-donating/accepting (e-DA) properties, while for anion doping, the electronegativity variations among different non-metal elements would also bring some potential in the modulations of e-DA and metal valence for tuning the performances. In this review, we summarize the recent developments of the many different anion-mixed transition metal compounds (e.g., nitrides, halides, phosphides, chalcogenides, oxyhydroxides, and borides/borates) for efficient water electrolysis applications. First, we have introduced the general information of water-splitting and the description of anion-mixed electrocatalysts and highlighted their complementary functions of mixed anions. Furthermore, some latest advances of anion-mixed compounds are also categorized for hydrogen and oxygen evolution electrocatalysis. The rationales behind their enhanced electrochemical performances are discussed. Last but not least, the challenges and future perspectives are briefly proposed for the anion-mixed water dissociation catalysts.
A Life Less than Ordinary: The Schooner Ocean (1821–1865)
Authors: Pink Jack , Whitewright Julian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe East Winner Bank Shipwreck takes its name from the southern sandbank on Hayling Island near Portsmouth, UK. Examination of the wreck indicates a 19th-century carvel-built vessel. The sandbank is an active environment, meaning the wreck is rarely exposed to its full extent. Discussed here is work completed on the site before and during the social-distancing restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Documentary sources and previous detailed surveys suggest a possible identification for the wreck. The site appears to be an example of an everyday 19th-century coastal trading vessel, rarely explored archaeologically in the UK, with potential to contribute to discussions of the maritime technologies and maritime cultural landscape of regular folk. The investigation represents an excellent example of combining historical and archaeological data sets to further the interpretation of both sources, revealing details about the ship and its lasting impact on this stretch of coastline.
An Influence Network-Based Consensus Model for Large-Scale Group Decision Making with Linguistic Information
Authors: Yao Shengbao , Gu Miao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe vast majority of the existing social network-based group decision-making models require extra information such as trust/distrust, influence and so on. However, in practical decision-making process, it is difficult to get additional information apart from opinions of decision makers. For large-scale group decision making (LSGDM) problem in which decision makers articulate their preferences in the form of comparative linguistic expressions, this paper proposes a consensus model based on an influence network which is inferred directly from preference information. First, a modified agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm is developed to detect subgroups in LSGDM problem with flexible linguistic information. Meanwhile, a measure method of group consensus level is proposed and the optimal clustering level can be determined. Second, according to the preference information of group members, influence network is constructed by determining intra-cluster and inter-cluster influence relationships. Third, a two-stage feedback mechanism guided by influence network is established for the consensus reaching process, which adopts cluster adjustment strategy and individual adjustment strategy depending on the different levels of group consensus. The proposed mechanism can not only effectively improve the efficiency of consensus reaching of LSGDM, but also take individual preference adjustment into account. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by the case of intelligent environmental protection project location decision.