bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pervasive Approach for Determining the Optimal Tissue Windows for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Wu Tianxiang , Wang Yiwen , Lin Hui , Qian Jun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe near‐infrared (NIR) tissue window is widely recognized for its exceptional potential in fluorescence bioimaging. Through theoretical simulations utilizing the Monte Carlo (MC) method, coupled with fluorescence imaging through phantoms, the Peak Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (PSNR) for imaging through scattering media within the spectral range of 900–2500 nm is investigated. The findings confirm that under specific conditions, the light absorption of water can enhance the quality of fluorescence imaging, although the imaging depth must be judiciously trade‐off. Additionally, the brightness of fluorescent probes plays a significant role in influencing the imaging PSNR, particularly in tissues that exhibit high levels of photon scattering and light absorption. Indiscriminately increasing the brightness may lead to a reduction in image PSNR. The light absorption of water at wavelengths 1450 and 2200 nm can optimize the clarity of fluorescence images at shallower depths. Meanwhile, the tissue window 1700 nm can facilitate greater imaging depths while maintaining an acceptable PSNR.
Observation of Photonic Chern Metal With Bi‐Chiral Edge Propagation
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Chen , Sun Ze‐Qun , Lai Hua‐Shan , Sun Xiao‐Chen , He Cheng , Chen Yan‐Feng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe recent discovery of anti‐chiral edge states in magnetic semimetals linking two unequal‐frequency bulk Dirac nodes manifests a paradoxical picture in contrast to the chiral behavior in Chern insulators, implying an untapped phase may exist. Here, a unique Chern metal, exhibiting a nontrivial Chern number but without a complete bandgap is proposed, and the complete topological phase diagram in the modified Haldane model is obtained. Subsequently, the Chern metal in a 2D honeycomb‐lattice gyromagnetic photonic crystal by simultaneously breaking parity and time‐reversal symmetries with opposite and unequal magnetic biases at different sublattices is realized. For the paired complementary‐shape boundaries, such as zigzag/bearded, it is experimentally revealed that either clockwise or counter‐clockwise chiral character is switchable in Chern metals relying on different boundary choices, a remarkable property deemed as bi‐chiral edge propagation. The topological Chern metal with hidden bulk‐boundary correspondence is articulated to bridge the chiral and anti‐chiral paradox gap between Chern insulators and magnetic semimetals. These results enrich the family of Chern materials and highlight the previously untapped on‐demand control of topological edge states.
Investigating the art‐infusion effects of vintage products
Authors: Schibik Aaron , Spears Nancy , Strutton David 
Published: August 2024

AbstractArt has been successfully positioned as a promotional tool inside marketing settings. This research examines various relationships between vintage products and art. Three studies investigated whether (a) consumers perceived vintage products as more art‐like than modern versions of the same products; (b) vintage products positively affected consumers' evaluations of nearby products by inducing art‐infusion‐like spillover effects; and (c) the observed effects emerged from the ability of vintage products to engage consumers' social‐self perceptions. This research extended the theoretical and practical utility of art‐infusion effects to a new product type (vintage) and marketing function (promotions). Consumers were more likely to view vintage products, as opposed to contemporary goods, as works of art. This research was the first to position vintage products as art, to elicit art‐like infusion effects from vintage products, and to reveal positional consequences ensuing from art‐infusion effects without utilizing art as a promotional tool. Positioning value instead emerged from placing contemporary offerings physically near vintage products in promotional contexts.
Carbon Fibers Precursors from Lignin and Cellulose Acetate via Melt‐Spinning
Authors: Vignali Adriano , Palucci Benedetta , Zoli Luca , Servadei Francesca , Iannace Salvatore , Bertini Fabio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe work describes the preparation of bio‐based precursor carbon fibers (CFs) by a solvent‐free process. Fibers from lignin, cellulose acetate, and triacetin as plasticizer are successfully obtained by melt‐spinning showing a potential alternative to traditional precursor fibers from petroleum produced by wet‐spinning. Thermal, morphological, and structural properties of precursor fibers are studied. In particular, precursor fibers present glass transition temperatures lower than neat polymers, indicating the feasibility of using melt‐spinning due to an enhanced softening. Two stabilization thermal treatments with fast or slow heating are adopted to prepare the precursor fibers for carbonization. The CF yield achieves 32% for the materials at high lignin content.
Valorization of Plastic HDPE and Cork Wastes in the Design of Composite Materials
Authors: Petlitckaia Svetlana , Barboni Toussaint , Quilichini Yann , Tihay‐Felicelli Virginie , Santoni Paul‐Antoine 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPlastic is a revolutionary material. However, pollution caused by plastic damages the environment, human health, and economy of different countries. It is important to find the new methods for recycling and reusing plastic materials. In this present study, plastic waste coming from high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) cups (called HDPEr in the following) are used together with virgin cork for production of composite materials. Different fractions of virgin cork with HDPEr are tested and allow to obtain successfully composite materials. The properties of HDPEr and composite are compared. The morphology of elaborated composite is studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal properties are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis; the flammability study is performed using a cone calorimeter. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the samples stored under different conditions are studied by tensile strength experiments. The results show that the cork content has an effect on the mechanical and thermal properties. The feasibility of the composites based on cork and HDPEr wastes opens the way of reusing of these wastes. The formulation of HDPEr composites must be optimized by adding a flame retardant and a coupling agent.
Microstructure Analysis Based on Gas Isotherms of N2, H2O and CO2 and 3D Imaging Using X‐Ray CT into Extruded Polystyrene foam Adding Graphite
Authors: Leem Yoobin , Kitagaki Ryoma , Takahashi Daishi , Kaneshika Wataru 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA type of foamed plastic insulation that improves thermal performance while maintaining the original durability by adding fillers with low radiation rates in foamed plastic insulation is investigated. The thermal conductivity of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) adding graphite is reduced by 14% compared to without graphite additives. The study investigates that mechanism by comparing the properties of XPS and XPS containing graphite (graph XPS) through the gas isotherm method and 3D imaging analysis by X‐ray CT. First, the specific surface area of the insulation's resin is examined through the gas isotherm method using N2, H2O, and CO2. The results confirmed that graph XPS has a more increased specific surface area than XPS. Second, the internal structure of the insulation and its strut/pore distribution is confirmed through X‐ray CT, which showed an increase in surface area with a thinning of the strut. The improved thermal performance due to the addition of graphite may contribute to an increase in the surface area of the insulation.
Milling‐Driven Volumetric Nanostructurization in Glassy‐Crystalline As70Se30 Characterized in Terms of Modified Positronics Approach
Authors: Shpotyuk Oleh , Ingram Adam , Shpotyuk Yaroslav , Lukáčová Bujňáková Zdenka , Baláž Peter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe melt‐quenched glassy‐crystalline As70Se30 alloys subjected to nanomilling in dry and combined dry‐wet modes are probed by positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy. Modified Positronics approach parameterizing conversion of Ps‐hosting holes in positron trapping sites is applied to identify volumetric changes in the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized alloys in respect to dry‐milled ones. Under transition from wet‐ to dry‐milled arsenoselenide probes, positron traps with defect‐specific lifetime ascribed to multiatomic vacancies in As–Se network appear instead of Ps‐decaying sites preferentially in PVP environment, these changes occurring in the oxidized arsenoselenide matrix.
Eco‐Friendly Chemical Modification of Agave Americana Fibers for Biocomposite Properties Enhancement
Authors: Idres Celia , Kaci Mustapha , Dehouche Nadjet , Bruzaud Stéphane 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChemical treatments are used to remove hydrophilic OH groups and surface particles from the fiber surface for increasing aspect ratio of fibers and subsequently, mechanical properties. In this paper, the effect of two eco‐friendly chemical treatments on morphology, chemical structure, and thermal stability of Agave Americana fibers (AAFs) is investigated. The first chemical treatment of AAF is based on citric acid (C6H8O7) to substitute OH groups contained in AAF by ester groups, while the second one involves sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to remove the lignin and hemicellulose components with the aim to promote good fiber‐matrix adhesion. Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) data shows that both treatments are efficient to remove hemicelluloses and a part of lignin contained in AAF resulting in a rough and clean fiber surface. Thermal stability of AAF has clearly increased by NaHCO3 treatment compared to untreated one, unlike C6H8O7, which reduces this property. The study highlights the possibility of substituting conventional polluting chemical treatments with environmentally friendly ones to modify the surface of plant fibers for polymer composites reinforcement.
Nanocomposites for Load‐Bearing Structures Heatable Through Joule Heating
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Longo Raffaele , Aliberti Francesca , Pantani Roberto , Lamberti Patrizia , Tucci Vincenzo , Spinelli Giovanni , Catauro Michelina , Vertuccio Luigi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEpoxy resin based on carbon nanotubes with heating properties is studied to tune its heating performance by changing the applied voltage value. The developed self‐heating device, able to heat to high temperatures in a short time, can be applied in various areas. The electro‐thermal investigation shows the presence of both positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behaviors with a predominance of NTC trend neat to the glass transition temperature of the epoxy matrix.
Effect of Preparation Parameters on the Structure of PVDF Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Pagliero Marcello , Rubattu Tommaso , Comite Antonio , Costa Camilla 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHollow fibers (HFs) provide a number of advantages in comparison with traditional flat sheet (FS) membranes. The ability to pack them closely enables the creation of modules with a large specific surface area. Furthermore, this geometry does not require any support material and offers excellent mechanical properties. Nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is the most used method for HF spinning. However, the parameters commonly used for FS manufacturing cannot be simply translated to HF production since there is a far greater number of factors that may be adjusted to produce membranes with the desired properties. In this study, HFs are prepared by means of the NIPS technology using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as polymer and dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent. The surface and cross‐section characteristics are tailored by tuning the nonsolvent strength (i.e., by using pure water or water/ethanol solutions). Nearly dense selective skins, suitable for gas separation processes, can be obtained when harsh nonsolvents are used, whereas porous and more symmetric structures, suitable for membrane filtration systems, are formed with weaker nonsolvents. Finally, the effect of the dope solution concentration is evaluated, registering a decrease of the membrane porosity as the polymer amount is increased.
Influence of Green Chemical Treatments on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐Hydroxyhexanoate)–Agave Americana Fibers Biocomposites
Authors: Idres Celia , Kaci Mustapha , Dehouche Nadjet , Bruzaud Stéphane 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work aims at investigating the effect of two eco‐friendly chemical treatments of Agave Americana fibers (AAFs) on morphology and mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) biocomposites prepared by melt compounding. Acid citric and sodium bicarbonate treatments are used separately to modify the fiber surface before their incorporation into PHBHHx matrix at 30 wt%. The study reveals through SEM observations that the fracture surface of untreated PHBHHx biocomposite shows a poor fiber‐matrix adhesion with the presence of many microvoids at interface and also some fibers pullout. However, less surface defects with a finer morphology are observed on the treated biocomposite samples resulting in improved tensile and flexural properties compared with neat polymer, being however, more pronounced for those modified with sodium bicarbonate. The study highlights the beneficial effect of the green treatments investigated to enhance the mechanical properties of PHBHHx biocomposites.
Processability Characteristics of Biocomposite from Recycled High‐Density Polyethylene and Brewers’ Spent Grain
Authors: Cabrera‐Álava Demis , Lazo Miriam , Adrián Estephany , Rigail‐Cedeño Andrés F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe current awareness of the environmental impact of the massive consumption of fossil fuel‐based resources has prompted the development of biocomposites based on plastic and agro‐industrial waste instead of virgin raw materials, promoting the new circular economy trend. This study uses a torque rheometer to analyze the effect of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) on processing a postconsumer high‐density polyethylene (rHDPE)‐based biocomposite. Processing parameters are measured to contrast the effect of BSG (20 and 40 wt%) and the addition of a coupling agent at low (10 rpm) and high speed (90 rpm). This work allows determining the viability of manufacturing recycled plastic biocomposite with agro‐industrial waste at an industrial scale.
Fabrication of Customized Filaments for FFF Using Phase Inversion Technology
Authors: Parnian Pooyan , D'Amore Alberto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) has significant potential to create sustainable, lightweight, multifunctional material systems in a single step. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most commonly used AM technology, which involves the deposition of thermoplastic polymer filament layers. Phase inversion is one method that can be used to produce filaments for FFF. In this process, a polymer solution is prepared and then extruded into a coagulation bath. By applying a unidirectional casting direction to the composite solution, the orientation of the reinforcements can be optimized to achieve superior mechanical performance. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of the phase inversion technique, combined with the controlled alignment of reinforcements within a polymeric matrix, to improve the mechanical properties of the resulting composite films. The results may prove promising for the development of unidirectional reinforcing filaments commonly used in FFF processes.
Investigation and Optimization of CFRP Recycling by Pyrogasification Process
Authors: Amadori Tommaso , Maccaferri Emanuele , Ortolani Jacopo , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Minosi Stefania , Corvaglia Stefano , Giorgini Loris 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) are remarkably replacing conventional materials in application requiring high mechanical performance thanks to their light weight and outstanding mechanical properties. Due to the massive increase in their production and application, one of the main drawbacks resides in their disposal, both at the end of their life and as scraps and offcuts. Furthermore, the production of carbon fiber (CFs) requires high energy demand (183–286 MJ kg−1), hence the recovery of composites to reuse CF seems to be a promising option in terms of sustainability and circular economy. With the aim of identifying a methodology to recover and recycle these materials, through this work a case study is shown for optimization of the pyrogasification process.
The Effect of Crosslinking Density on the Dynamic Behavior of Thermo‐Responsive Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels
Authors: Toto Elisa , Franco Eleonora , Ciarleglio Gianluca , Santonicola Maria Gabriella 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStimuli‐responsive hydrogels are of great interest in many biomedical applications, from drug delivery to tissue engineering. In this work, thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels are prepared by adding different amounts of crosslinking agent (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide, BIS) in a two‐step‐freezing polymerization method, which is simple and potentially able to reduce fabrication times and costs. The hydrogel swelling behavior and the temporal evolution of the volume variation in response to temperature changes are investigated. Results demonstrate how the thermo‐responsive behavior of these materials is related to the content of the BIS crosslinking agent, which is helpful to guide the synthesis of dynamic hydrogels with tunable functional properties.
Physico‐Chemical and Antimicrobial Features of Magnesium Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrix
Authors: Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Predoi Mihai‐Valentin , Ghegoiu Liliana , Badea Monica Luminita , Predoi Daniela , Jiga Gabriel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMagnesium doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in dextran matrix (7MgHApDx) with average size diameter of 18.2 ± 0.5 nm are synthesized by co‐precipitation. The surface morphology and shape of 7MgHApDx particles are established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stability that is evaluated by ultrasound measurements and zeta potential reveals a good stability. More than that, the functional groups present in the studied samples are identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. The antimicrobial properties of 7MgHApDx suspensions are determined against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 microbial strains.
Development and Characterization of Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Nanobiocomposites
Authors: Iconaru Simona Liliana , Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Predoi Mihai‐Valentin , Ghegoiu Liliana , Badea Monica Luminita , Trusca Roxana , Predoi Daniela , Jiga Gabriel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study is to develop a new nanobiocomposite based on silver doped hydroxyapatite (AgHAp)/chitosan (CH), AgHAp‐CH (xAg = 0.15) by an adapted method. The obtained nanobiocomposites are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The good stability of AgHAp‐CH suspension is established by ultrasound and zeta potential measurements. More than that, the antimicrobial activity of AgHAp‐CH nanobiocomposites against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 microbial strains is evaluated. AgHAp‐CH nanobiocomposites demonstrate an effective antibacterial effect against the studied microbial strains. Considering the facile method involved in the development of these nanobiomaterials and their excellent properties, it is suggested that they can be suitable candidates for applications in the biomedical field.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Graphene–Polymer Composite as Bipolar Plates in Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Lorente‐López Víctor , Pérez‐Feito Ricardo , Montero Álvaro , García‐Bernabé Abel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA graphene–polymer composite is used in the manufacture by 3D printing of bipolar plates for fuel cells. This composite is formed by a PVDF matrix with graphene. The thermal and dynamic mechanical characterization of this composite is studied, as well as the density of printed composite. The study finds that the material studied is a semicrystal polymer and is thermally stable. Density depends on filler in 3D printing, decreasing with fill percentage. The mechanical properties of these materials are good for fuel cell applications.
NBR‐Rich Nanofibrous Membranes for Hindering Composite Delamination: Comparison of the Performance Obtained Using Liquid and Photocrosslinked Rubber
Authors: Donne Matteo Dalle , Ortolani Jacopo , Maccaferri Emanuele , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Brugo Tommaso Maria , Zucchelli Andrea , Giorgini Loris 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work compares the delamination behavior of epoxy CFRPs nano‐modified with nitrile butadiene rubber/polyethylene oxide (NBR/PEO) blend nanofibrous membranes with a rubber content of 70 wt%. While the electrospun mat is able to retain the nanofibrous structure even without crosslinking, photocrosslinking is also carried to evaluate the potential different efficacy on the delamination hindering. Double cantilever beam (DCB) and end‐notched flexure (ENF) tests show significant improvements of the energy release rates (G) both in Mode I (up to ≈4 times) and Mode II (up to ≈1.5 times). In particular, the presence of “liquid” rubber (uncrosslinked mat) leads to the best reinforcing action in Mode I, while the crosslinked membrane gives the highest delamination hindering in Mode II.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)‐Based Gels with Boric Acid as Crosslinker
Authors: Lambertini Lucia , Laurenzi Susanna , Santonicola Maria Gabriella 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGels are soft materials made of a crosslinked polymer network immersed in a fluid. When water is the main component, these materials (hydrogels) find extensive use in the medical and pharmaceutical fields due to the high biocompatibility given by their high water content. The hydrogel ability to absorb water also makes it interesting for radiation shielding applications in space, since a high hydrogen content is helpful to reduce the damage caused by ionizing radiation on astronauts and electronic devices. In this work, crosslinked hydrogels are prepared using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with boric acid (BA) as crosslinking agent. Results in terms of chemical composition from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical properties from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and swelling behavior are used to assess the BA capacity to form hydrogen and chemical bonds with the PVA macromolecules.
Numerical Relaxation Analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Palmeri Flavia , Lambertini Lucia , Laurenzi Susanna 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced polymers are widely used to manufacture aerospace deployable structures. These structures are folded in launch configuration and then deployed in space for operational activities. Since the stowage of deployable structures in folded configuration occurs for long time, the understanding of the viscoelastic properties of the material is essential to predict the structural behavior during both the deployment phase and the operational life. In this work, numerical relaxation analysis is performed on the representative volume element (RVE) of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer using a homogenization approach at the microscale. This aims to predict the effects of matrix viscoelasticity on the structural performance of a deployable structure.