bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Use of Laser Zone‐Drawing on Nanofibers Enables Ultra‐Fast Thermal Kinetics and Precise Diameter Control
Authors: Flamini Matthew D. , Keblawi Mohamad , Lima Thamires , Chimenti Robert V. , Alvarez Nicolas , Beachley Vince 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLaser zone‐drawing is shown to significantly enhance control over nanofiber properties. This study investigates the dynamics of nanofiber laser zone‐drawing. It is hypothesized that the equilibrium between heating and cooling guides fiber temperature. The high heating rate of laser irradiation and the high convective cooling rate of nanofibers facilitate fast heating and cooling kinetics. Results showed fiber thinning in the presence of laser irradiation until reaching a steady‐state diameter. Final fiber diameter is correlated to laser power independent of initial fiber diameter. The relationship between final fiber diameter and laser power is used to estimate the heat transfer coefficient, which is used to create a computational model of the thermodynamic system. These simulations predict rapid heating and cooling up to 36 000 K min−1 for the lowest fiber diameters tested experimentally. While laser‐induced softening of polymer nanofibers is described in detail, the forces driving fiber drawing, particularly under different thermal kinetics, remain unexplored. This research showcases the capabilities of laser zone‐drawing in nanofiber manufacturing and facilitates future investigations aimed at enhancing fiber processing by producing highly aligned molecular structures via rapid cooling. This work signifies a pivotal methodological leap, promising transformative nanofiber materials useful across multiple industries including aerospace, electronics, and biomedicine.
A Soft‐Rigid Gripper for Safe Handling and Transportation
Authors: Troisi Danilo , Dragusanu Mihai , Pozzi Maria , Prattichizzo Domenico , Malvezzi Monica 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe automatic handling of perishable items like food and agricultural products requires robotic grippers that not only can perform gentle grasps but can also transport grasped objects safely and reliably. This result can be obtained by assuring that the contact between the grasped object and the gripper is as extended as possible, to avoid stress concentration in small areas, that could lead to local damage. In this study, a soft‐rigid gripper is presented and designed to grasp and hold objects and to distribute the contact pressure over a large surface, limiting its maximum value and avoiding localized peaks. The gripper has four fingers and an extendable soft palm that wraps around the object, resembling a soft pocket. The palm is composed of two soft parts, whose geometrical characteristics have been evaluated using a shape optimization process and can be easily detached from the fingers to be changed or washed. The gripper is characterized with mechanical tests and evaluated in grasping and transporting tasks with real objects.
Molecular‐Templated ALD on Mixed SAM to Achieve Unimolecular Dispersion and In‐Process Fluorescent Monitoring of Template Molecules
Authors: Ono Takeshi , Hosomi Takuro , Saito Hikaru , Masai Hiroshi , Ikeuchi Midori , Liu Jiangyang , Tanaka Wataru , Takahashi Tsunaki , Kanai Masaki , Terao Jun , Yanagida Takeshi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) in the presence of organic template molecules on substrates (molecular‐templated ALD) is a promising technique for designing a molecular selectivity with thermal robustness onto the surfaces of metal oxides, which are required for heterogeneous catalysts and molecular sensing. However, self‐aggregations of template molecules significantly impair the selectivity of the resulting molecules, which is difficult to prevent or observe. Here, a rational method is presented for uni‐molecularly dispersing template molecules and revealing their state in the molecular‐templated ALD process. The environment‐sensitive fluorescence of pyrene is utilized as a probe to visualize the microenvironments around template molecules. The dispersion of pyrene moieties in OH‐terminated SAMs allowed the pyrene molecules to be 1) covalently immobilized, 2) isolated from other pyrene molecules, and 3) surrounded by OH groups that act as ALD initiation sites. Systematic spectroscopic measurements of pyrene probes revealed the successful ALD of metal oxides surrounding template molecules without their undesired aggregations. Furthermore, emission enhancements are observed when Al2O3 is used as the surrounding metal oxide. The amplification of pyrene fluorescence intensity, lifetime, and quantum yield is attributed to the suppression of non‐radiative decay, indicating that the Al2O3 layer has grown closely around a single organic molecule.
Development and Characterization of High‐Performance Conductive Coatings on Cotton Yarn for Advanced Machine‐Sewn Electronic Textiles
Authors: Fathme Alak Mir Md Kibria , Islam Md Mazharul , Liu Xiaoyuan , Liu Lifang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study explores the development and characterization of conductive coatings applied to cotton yarns for machine‐sewn electronic textiles. namely 100% pure undyed, fully bleached, and half bleached, are dip‐coated with two solutions: the conductive carbon paste (CCP) solution and the PEDOT:PSS (5 wt.%)/CCP (55.8 wt.%) solution. Each yarn is coated and dried three times, followed by cross‐linking with a 2% CaCl2 solution. Extensive testing, including electrochemical, SEM, tensile, FTIR, XPS, TGA, DTG, linear density, machine sewing, and wash durability, is performed. The half‐bleached yarn coated with CCP exhibits the highest conductivity (19.46 ± 0.240 Scm⁻¹) and density (65.33 ± 1.1 Tex), and the pure undyed yarn coated with PEDOT:PSS/CCP at 1.913 ± 0.007 Scm−1. Both coatings demonstrated durability, retaining conductivity, and strength after multiple washing cycles, with values of 18.70 ± 0.32 and 1.90 ± 0.007 Scm⁻¹ post‐wash. Thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) indicates improved stability, with Tm values reaching 273.66 and 280.38 °C for CCP and PEDOT/CCP coatings, respectively. FTIR and XPS confirmed strong chemical bonding, ensuring robust adhesion. These results suggest the feasibility of cost‐effective, bio‐compatible, and durable conductive yarns for advanced electronic textile applications.
Development of an Optical Switching BIPA‐TC‐HOF Film‐Based Optical Waveguide and Evaluation of Its ON‐OFF Gas Sensing Characteristics
Authors: Nizamidin Patima , Li Yanmei , Du Xiangdi , Abulimiti Reziwanguli 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOptical switching materials that respond to external stimuli including acidity/alkalinity, redox conditions, temperature, and guest molecules are extremely desirable. This paper reports hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) films with structure‐dependent optical switching properties in the presence of acidic/alkaline gases. A series of TPPS‐[(bdc)2‐(BIPA‐TC)]n‐HOF films, constructed from terephthalic acid, benzoimidephenanthroline tetracarboxylic acid, and phenylporphyrin sulfonate, were prepared on the surface of a LiNbO3 film composite optical waveguide (COWG) substrate using the solgel method. Upon increasing the drying temperature from 90 to 160 °C, the BIPA‐TC‐HOF‐x film structure evolved from flatter porous to a birds‐nest, and subsequently to a granular structure. The hostguest interactions between the BIPA‐TC‐HOF and the analyte gases induced different degrees of switching in terms of the refractive index. Gas sensing selectivity of the HOF‐x film COWG progressed from EDA sensing to EDA and H2S co‐sensing, and finally to H2S without any interference from the other acid/base gases. This phenomenon was attributed to the variations in the acidity/alkalinity of the BIPA‐TC‐HOF caused by structural changes during the drying process. The gas adsorption kinetics were found to be consistent with Pseudo‐Second‐Order kinetic model. This work provides a novel approach for the development of optic switching sensors.
Unraveling Temperature Distribution Within Crystalline Silicon PV Modules by Different Finite Element Method‐Based Thermal Modeling Approaches
Authors: Tomšič Špela , Lipovšek Benjamin , Bokalič Matevž , Topič Marko 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this work, the steady‐state spatial temperature distribution in commercial high‐efficiency crystalline silicon PV modules is studied using different FEM‐based thermal models that encompass conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer mechanisms. The results show that the lateral temperature distribution within the PV module depends on the module inclination angle and may be highly inhomogeneous, with a temperature difference of ≈5 °C between its warmest and coolest solar cells. Furthermore, It is demonstrated that wind plays a crucial role in determining the operating temperature of PV devices. Specifically, it is shown that forced convection has an even more significant positive effect at higher wind speeds and larger PV module dimensions since the transformation of laminar to turbulent wind contributes to additional cooling. Finally, the power losses associated with the lateral temperature variations across the PV module are analyzed. The results show that the effect of temperature inhomogeneity plays a negligible role in the performance of standard single‐junction silicon PV modules due to a very small temperature coefficient of the solar cell short‐circuit current.
Growth Performance of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) in Relation to Stocking Density: Initial Results From Seabass Culture in Open Sea Floating Net Cages in the Cox's Bazar Coast, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Mostofa Md. Golam , Sonia Saima Sultana , Rahman Shafiqur , Paul Mritunjoy , Sobuj Mohammad Khairul Alam , Hasan Shanur Jahedul , Ali Md. Zulfikar , Bhadra Anuradha 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to assess the impact of stocking density on the growth performance, survival rate and production of seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings in floating net cages conducted at the Maheshkhali Channel, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. A triplicate group of seabass, with an average initial weight of 86.82 ± 1.9 g, was randomly stocked in floating net cages at densities of 15, 12, 10 and 8 fish m−3, referred to as T15, T12, T10 and T8, respectively. The fish fingerlings were supplied with freshly chopped sardine (Sardinella fimbriata) at 10% of their body weight for 4 months and 5% for 2 months, administered twice daily. The water quality metrics were measured fortnightly. The initial and the final proximate composition of seabass was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Upon completion of the experiment on the 180th day, the growth performance and additional measures, including final body weight, weight gain (WG), percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency ratio (FER), survival rate and total production, were assessed. Comparisons of growth and yield demonstrated that fish stocking density significantly (p < 0.05) influenced growth and productivity. Fish cultivated at maximum density (T15) exhibited lower mean weights than those raised at lower densities. This study demonstrated that T10 had better results for all growth and other metrics examined, indicating the appropriateness of this density. Therefore, it may be inferred that seabass exhibits optimal growth at a stocking density of 10 fish m−3 along the coast of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
Understanding the yield impacts of alternative cover crop families and mixtures: Evidence from side‐by‐side plot‐level panel data
Authors: Won Sunjae , Rejesus Roderick M. , Poncet Aurelie M. , Aglasan Serkan , Thapa Resham , Tulley Katherine L. , Reberg‐Horton Chris , Cabrera Miguel L. , Davis Brian W. , Gaskin Julia , Hitchcock Richard , Schomberg Harry H. , Seehaver Sarah A. , Balkcom Kip , Reiter Mark , Miller Jarrod O. , Mirsky Steven B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe short‐run effects of cover crop use on cash crop yields (e.g., corn [Zea mays L.] and soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) have been a topic of debate given that evidence from previous literature has generally been mixed on this issue. Past studies suggest that the observed yield effect varies (i.e., negative, positive, or insignificant), often depending on the applied cover crop species used, weather conditions, and farm management practices implemented (among others). In this study, we examine the short‐run (i.e., 1 year) yield impact of four different cover crop families—grasses (Poaceae), broadleaves (Brassicaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), and others—both as single‐family groups and as mixtures. Data from side‐by‐side on‐farm experimental plots in six Eastern US states were collected from 2017 to 2019 in order to achieve the objective of the study. Statistical analysis of this multi‐year plot‐level data suggests that the majority of the cover crop families and mixtures investigated in this study do not have a statistically significant short‐run effect on subsequent corn yields. In some cases, cover crop treatment even resulted in short‐run yield losses (i.e., a yield penalty). These results imply that cash crop yield benefits from cover crop adoption are likely not going to be observed with just 1 year of use. This lack of immediate economic benefit may explain the relatively low cover crop adoption rate currently observed in the United States and the need for upfront cost‐share subsidy payments to encourage further uptake of this practice.
Carbon sequestration through sustainable land management practices in arid and semiarid regions: Insights from New Mexico
Authors: Ghimire Rajan , Aryal Deb Raj , Hanan Niall P. , Boufous Sawssan , Burney Owen , Idowu O. John , Geli Hatim M. E. , Hurd Brian , Prihodko Lara 
Published: December 2024

AbstractArid and semiarid regions cover more than one‐third of the land surface, where the interplay between water, land use, and management strongly influences carbon (C) sequestration. Yet, information on the C management practices and how local biophysical conditions affect the C sequestration potential is limited. We explored the opportunities, research gaps, and future directions of land C sequestration in arid and semiarid regions, using New Mexico as an example. We also identified the major land use types and their potential for C storage and sequestration. Our results showed that innovations in cropland and rangeland management, protection of existing forests, and restoration of degraded forest lands after drought and wildfire enhanced C sequestration in arid and semiarid lands. Landscape‐scale C balance studies with fine‐scale mapping, improving water and nutrient use efficiency, and policy incentives to support farms will unlock the full potential of C sequestration in croplands, rangelands, and forest lands. Future research should focus on the response of land management practices to climate anomalies and their potential to sequester C and offset greenhouse gas emissions as a natural climate solution in arid and semiarid regions.
Using electromagnetic induction to inform precision turfgrass management strategies in sand‐capped golf course fairways
Authors: Williams Dallas M. , Straw Chase M. , Smith A. Peyton , Watkins Kathryn L. , Hong Sarah G. , Floyd Weston F. , Wyatt Briana M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTo meet the turfgrass standards that players expect, golf course superintendents rely on intense irrigation, fertilization, and cultivation programs. However, the overapplication of irrigation water and fertilizer has been shown to have negative effects on water quality. Precision turfgrass management (PTM) is an emerging area of interest as more golf course superintendents are looking to increase input efficiency while simultaneously reducing water and fertilizer input costs, as well as environmental impacts. Our objectives were to (1) use electromagnetic induction (EMI) to determine the spatial variability of apparent electrical conductivity (EC) in sand‐capped fairways and (2) correlate EC to measured soil and turfgrass characteristics to determine the applicability of mapping EC for PTM. Soil samples and EC data were collected in spring 2021 on four sand‐capped fairways from two golf courses (one hybrid bermudagrass and one zoysiagrass) belonging to the same facility in southeast Texas. Apparent EC was found to be positively and significantly correlated with soil volumetric water content (VWC, 0.40 < r > 0.62) and turfgrass normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; 0.21 < r > 0.46) in three of four fairways, while EC was negatively and significantly correlated with penetration resistance (PR, −0.29 < r > −0.48) in two of four fairways studied. The strengths of these relationships were corroborated by strong visual similarities when comparing spatial maps of EC with those of VWC, NDVI, and PR, indicating that EMI‐based EC data have potential for use in delineating site‐specific management zones for water and fertilizer applications, as well as targeted aeration.
Salinity management with subsurface drainage over 9 years in a soybean–wheat–corn rotation
Authors: Derby Nathan E. , Wick Abbey F. , DeSutter Thomas M. , Daigh Aaron Lee M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSoil salinity is a global issue that impacts crop production and requires management to contain and ameliorate. Although field‐scale assessments are limited, a recent strategy used to manage salinity in the Northern Great Plains is the wide‐spread adoption of subsurface drainage. Therefore, a study was conducted between 2013 and 2021 on a 57‐ha field in southeastern North Dakota where changes in soil salinity, groundwater quality, and grain yields (soybean [Glycine max], wheat [Triticum aestivum], and corn [Zea mays L]) were compared between subsurface tile drained (TD) and undrained (UD) areas at the field scale. Topsoil (0–15 cm) electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe) decreased at a rate of 0.15 dS m−1 year−1 for TD but increased 0.03 dS m−1 year−1 for UD. The groundwater electrical conductivity of water (ECw) decreased 0.5 and 0.3 dS m−1 year−1 for TD and UD, respectively. Soil ECe, chloride (Cl−), sulfate‐sulfur (SO42−‐S), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations increased with soil depth for TD and UD. However, these ion concentrations decreased with time for TD and stayed relatively unchanged or increased for UD. Groundwater ECw and ion concentrations decreased over time for TD and to a lesser extent for UD. Groundwater levels increased slightly for TD but increased more for UD, where high water tables caused wet soil conditions resulting in yield reduction in several years. Soybean yields increase by 0.18 and 0.06 Mg ha−1 year−1 for TD and UD, respectively. Wheat grain yield increased over time for TD and UD at similar rates (0.17 and 0.18 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively). Corn grain yield increased slightly from 2016 to 2019 for TD, but decreased by 6.2 Mg ha−1 from 2016 to 2019 for UD due to wet soil conditions. Overall, the outcomes of this field‐scale study provide validation of similar outcomes reported in small‐scale studies for subsurface drainage as a management tool for soil salinity in the Northern Great Plains.
Can biostimulants and tillage rotations improve dryland crop productivity and soil microbes?
Authors: Tshuma Flackson , Bennett James , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas , Labuschagne Johan , van der Westhuizen Stephan , Rayns Francis 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSoil microbes are essential for soil nutrient cycling. However, frequent tillage and the use of synthetic agrochemicals can reduce soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity. In this study, the effects of four tillage treatments (mouldboard plough, shallow tine‐tillage, no‐tillage, and tillage rotation) and two rates of synthetic agrochemicals (standard and reduced, with biostimulants) on soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity were investigated between 2018 and 2020 in a Mediterranean climate zone in South Africa. It was hypothesized that a reduction in tillage frequency and quantity of synthetic agrochemical application would lead to greater microbial diversity and enzyme activity. Soil samples were collected from the 0‐ to 150‐mm layer of a field trial under a dryland crop rotation system. Soil microbial species richness and abundance were assessed using the Shannon–Wiener diversity and evenness indices. The activities of four microbial enzymes—β‐glucosidase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease—were used to evaluate ecosystem functioning. The combined effects of tillage rotation with a shallow tine implement and the application of biostimulants failed to significantly improve soil microbial diversity, enzyme activity, and crop productivity relative to other treatments. However, the combination did not reduce the wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain yield and quality, and soil biological parameters. Furthermore, the less intensive tillage treatments, ST, NT, and ST‐NT‐NT‐NT, resulted in higher enzyme activity than the mouldboard treatment. Therefore, we suggest that combining non‐intensive tillage with reduced synthetic agrochemical use can be a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to intensive tillage and high agrochemical application in dryland cropping systems.
Synergistic photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2: Mechanistic insights and sustainable applications
Authors: Xu Zaixiang , Fang Wenjuan , Zhou Fengcang , Jiang Chenghang , Zheng Jingnan , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Shijie , Bao Zhikang , Cao Qun , Wang Jianguo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) via photocatalysis represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach with significant potential for diverse applications. This study reveals the involvement of a novel triple interplay catalytic cycle in the photocatalytic production of H₂O₂, providing crucial insights into the underlying reaction mechanisms. Utilizing modified carbon nitride (m‐CN) as the catalyst, we achieved H₂O₂ concentrations of 3368 mmol L−1 (11.5 wt.%) and a production rate of 4900 mM g cat−1 h−1, demonstrating significant improvements over existing methods. Stability tests and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the robustness of the system over 100 h. Mechanistic studies, including EPR spectroscopy and kinetic analysis, further elucidated the reaction pathways, enhancing our understanding of H₂O₂ synthesis. This research offers a foundation for designing next‐generation photocatalytic systems with improved efficiency and selectivity, contributing to the advancement of sustainable H₂O₂ production for cooperative organic synthesis.