bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards inferring positioning of straight cochlear‐implant electrode arrays during insertion using real‐time impedance sensing
Authors: Riojas Katherine E. , Bruns Trevor L. , Granna Josephine , Smetak Miriam R. , Labadie Robert F. , Webster Robert J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundCochlear‐implant electrode arrays (EAs) are currently inserted with limited feedback, and impedance sensing has recently shown promise for EA localisation.MethodsWe investigate the use of impedance sensing to infer the progression of an EA during insertion.ResultsWe show that the access resistance component of bipolar impedance sensing can detect when a straight EA reaches key anatomical locations in a plastic cochlea and when each electrode contact enters/exits the cochlea. We also demonstrate that dual‐sided electrode contacts can provide useful proximity information and show the real‐time relationship between impedance and wall proximity in a cadaveric cochlea for the first time.ConclusionThe access resistance component of bipolar impedance sensing has high potential for estimating positioning information of EAs relative to anatomy during insertion. Main limitations of this work include using saline as a surrogate for human perilymph in ex vivo models and using only one type of EA.
Fiber Actuators Based on Reversible Thermal Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer
Authors: Tian Xuwang , Guo Yongshi , Zhang Jiaqi , Ivasishin Orest M. , Jia Jiru , Yan Jianhua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSoft actuators inspired by the movement of organisms have attracted extensive attention in the fields of soft robotics, electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and healthcare due to their excellent adaptability and operational safety. Liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuators (LCEFAs) are considered as one of the most promising soft actuators since they can provide reversible linear motion and are easily integrated or woven into complex structures to perform pre‐programmed movements such as stretching, rotating, bending, and expanding. The research on LCEFAs mainly focuses on controllable preparation, structural design, and functional applications. This review, for the first time, provides a comprehensive and systematic review of recent advances in this important field by focusing on reversible thermal response LCEFAs. First, the thermal driving mechanism, and direct and indirect heating strategies of LCEFAs are systematically summarized and analyzed. Then, the fabrication methods and functional applications of LCEFAs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and technical difficulties that may hinder the performance improvement and large‐scale production of LCEFAs are proposed, and the development opportunities of LCEFAs are prospected.
Flexible, Reliable, and Lightweight Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes with Dual‐Nanofibrous Structure for Outstanding EMI Shielding and Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Shao Runze , Wang Guilong , Chai Jialong , Wang Guizhen , Zhao Guoqun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, lightweight, flexible, and environmentally robust dual‐nanofibrous membranes made of carbon nanotube (CNT) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are fabricated using a novel shear‐induced in situ fibrillation method for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The unique spiderweb‐like network, constructed from fine CNTs and PTFE fibrils, integrates the inherent characteristics of these two materials to achieve high conductivity, superhydrophobicity, and extraordinary chemical resistance. The dual‐nanofibrous membranes demonstrate a high EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 25.7–42.2 dB at a thickness range of 100–520 µm and the normalized surface‐specific SE can reach up to 9931.1 dB·cm2·g−1, while maintaining reliability even under extremely harsh conditions. In addition, distinct electrothermal and photothermal conversion properties can be achieved easily. Under the stimulation of a modest electrical voltage (5 V) and light power density (400 mW·cm−2), the surface temperatures of the CNT/PTFE membranes can reach up to 135.1 and 147.8 °C, respectively. Moreover, the CNT/PTFE membranes exhibit swift, stable, and highly efficient thermal conversion capabilities, endowing them with self‐heating and de‐icing performance. These versatile, flexible, and breathable membranes, coupled with their efficient and facile fabrication process, showcase tremendous application potential in aerospace, the Internet of Things, and the fabrication of wearable electronic equipment for extreme environments.
Engineering of Ultra‐Thin Layer of MIL‐125(Ti) Nanosheet\Zn‐Tetracarboxy‐Phthalocyanine S‐Scheme Heterojunction as Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Catalyst
Authors: Jiao Yuzhen , Chen Yajie , Liu Lu , Yu Xinyan , Tian Guohui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with ultrathin 2D structure have attracted remarkable attention in photocatalytic application owing to the accessibility of abundant active sites on the surface. But high charge recombination results in poor photocatalytic activity. Herein, the synthesis of ultrathin MIL‐125(Ti) nanosheets is reported with a thickness of 1.3 nm through a simple chemical reaction route of precursor solution aging and subsequent solvothermal process for photocatalytic CO2 production. The maximal CO evolution rate achieves 200.8 µmol g−1 h−1, which is prominently higher than that (78.6 µmol g−1 h−1) of the bulk MIL‐125(Ti) counterpart. Furthermore, the structurally stable Zn (II) tetracarboxy phthalocyanine (ZnTcPc) molecules assembly on ultrathin MIL‐125(Ti) nanosheet (NS) to form MIL‐125(Ti) NS\ZnTcPc S‐scheme heterojunction through the strong interaction between the Ti3+ in MIL‐125(Ti) and the COOH in ZnTcPc. The introduction of ZnTcPc greatly extends light absorption range and increases charge separation rate. The experimental and density functional theory calculation results validate that the MIL‐125(Ti) NS\ZnTcPc S‐scheme heterojunction can favor CO2 adsorption and effectively depress the formation energy of the intermediates, achieving a high CO evolution rate of 450.8 µmol g−1 h−1. This work provides a strategy of engineering 2D MOF‐based heterostructure systems for photocatalytic application.
Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing Through Improved Angiogenesis: The Role of Emulsion‐Based Core‐Shell Micro/Nanofibrous Scaffold with Sustained CuO Nanoparticle Delivery
Authors: Alizadeh Sanaz , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Jafari Davod , Orive Gorka , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAttempts are made to design a system for sustaining the delivery of copper ions into diabetic wounds and induce angiogenesis with minimal dose‐dependent cytotoxicity. Here, a dual drug‐delivery micro/nanofibrous core‐shell system is engineered using polycaprolactone/sodium sulfated alginate‐polyvinyl alcohol (PCL/SSA‐PVA), as core/shell parts, by emulsion electrospinning technique to optimize sustained delivery of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP). Herein, different concentrations of CuO NP (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%w/w) are loaded into the core part of the core‐shell system. The morphological, biomechanical, and biocompatibility properties of the scaffolds are fully determined in vitro and in vivo. The 0.8%w/w CuO NP scaffold reveals the highest level of tube formation in HUVEC cells and also upregulates the pro‐angiogenesis genes (VEGFA and bFGF) expression with no cytotoxicity effects. The presence of SSA and its interaction with CuO NP, and also core‐shell structure sustain the release of the nanoparticles and provide a non‐toxic microenvironment for cell adhesion and tube formation, with no sign of adverse immune response in vivo. The optimized scaffold significantly accelerates diabetic wound healing in a rat model. This study strongly suggests the 0.8%w/w CuO NP‐loaded PCL/SSA‐PVA as an excellent diabetic wound dressing with significantly improved angiogenesis and wound healing.
Ginkgo Leaf‐Derived Carbon Supports for the Immobilization of Iron/Iron Phosphide Nanospheres for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Qichang , Fei Zhaofu , Shen Dekui , Cheng Chongbo , Dyson Paul J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIron/iron phosphide nanospheres supported on ginkgo leaf‐derived carbon (Fe&FeP@gl‐C) are prepared using a post‐phosphidation approach, with varying amounts of iron (Fe). The activity of the catalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) outperforms iron/iron carbide nanospheres supported on ginkgo leaf‐derived carbon (Fe&FexC@gl‐C), due to enhanced work function, electron transfer, and Volmer processes. The d‐band centers of Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 move away from the Fermi level, lowering the H2 desorption energy and accelerating the Heyrovsky reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the hydrogen‐binding free energy |ΔGH*| value is close to zero for the Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst, showing a good balance between Volmer and Heyrovsky processes. The Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst shows excellent hydrogen evolution performance in 0.5 m H2SO4, driving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 92 mV. Notably, the Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst outperforms a 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst, with a smaller overpotential required to drive a higher current density above 375 mA cm−2.
Catalyst‐On‐Hotspot Nanoarchitecture: Plasmonic Focusing of Light onto Co‐Photocatalyst for Efficient Light‐To‐Chemical Transformation
Authors: Chong Carice , Boong Siew Kheng , Raja Mogan Tharishinny , Lee Jinn‐Kye , Ang Zhi Zhong , Li Haitao , Lee Hiang Kwee 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPlasmon‐mediated catalysis utilizing hybrid photocatalytic ensembles promises effective light‐to‐chemical transformation, but current approaches suffer from weak electromagnetic field enhancements from polycrystalline and isotropic plasmonic nanoparticles as well as poor utilization of precious co‐catalyst. Here, efficient plasmon‐mediated catalysis is achieved by introducing a unique catalyst‐on‐hotspot nanoarchitecture obtained through the strategic positioning of co‐photocatalyst onto plasmonic hotspots to concentrate light energy directly at the point‐of‐reaction. Using environmental remediation as a proof‐of‐concept application, the catalyst‐on‐hotspot design (edge‐AgOcta@Cu2O) enhances photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes to achieve superior organic‐pollutant degradation at ≈81% albeit having lesser Cu2O co‐photocatalyst than the fully deposited design (full‐AgOcta@Cu2O). Mass‐normalized rate constants of edge‐AgOcta@Cu2O reveal up to 20‐fold and 3‐fold more efficient utilization of Cu2O and Ag nanoparticles, respectively, compared to full‐AgOcta@Cu2O and standalone catalysts. Moreover, this design also exhibits catalytic performance >4‐fold better than emerging hybrid photocatalytic platforms. Mechanistic studies unveil that the light‐concentrating effect facilitated by the dense electromagnetic hotspots is crucial to promote the generation and utilization of energetic photocarriers for enhanced catalysis. By enabling the plasmonic focusing of light onto co‐photocatalyst at the single‐particle level, the unprecedented design offers valuable insights in enhancing light‐driven chemical reactions and realizing efficient energy/catalyst utilizations for diverse chemical, environmental, and energy applications.
Hydrophobicity Promoted Efficient Hydroxyl Radical Generation in Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Chen Xi , Sheng Xia , Zhou Hang , Liu Zhiping , Xu Minmin , Feng Xinjian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHydroxyl radical (•OH) with strong oxidation capability is one of the most important reactive oxygen species. The generation of •OH from superoxide radicals (•O2−) is an important process in visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis, but the conversion generally suffers from slow reaction kinetics. Here, a hydrophobicity promoted efficient •OH generation in a visible‐light‐driven semiconductor‐mediated photodegradation reaction is reported. Hydrophobic TiO2 that is synthesized by modifying the TiO2 surface with a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer and rhodamine B (RhB) are used as model semiconductors and dye molecules, respectively. The surface hydrophobicity resulted in the formation of a solid–liquid–air triphase interface microenvironment, which increased the local concentration of O2. In the meanwhile, the saturated adsorption quantity of RhB on hydrophobic TiO2 is improved by five‐fold than that on untreated TiO2. These advantages increased the density of the conduction band photoelectrons and •O2− generation, and stimulated the conversion of •O2− to •OH. This consequently not only increased the kinetics of the photocatalytic reaction by an order of magnitude, but also altered the oxidation route from conventional decolorization to mineralization. This study highlights the importance of surface wettability modulation in boosting •OH generation in visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis.
A new Wind Atlas to support the expansion of the Italian wind power fleet
Authors: Sperati Simone , Alessandrini Stefano , D'Amico Filippo , Cheng Will , Rozoff Christopher M. , Bonanno Riccardo , Lacavalla Matteo , Aiello Martina , Airoldi Davide , Amaranto Alessandro , Decimi Goffredo , Vergata Milena Angelina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAs a contribution to national strategic energy planning, recent developments in meteorological modeling and wind generation technologies have improved the representation of the spatio‐temporal features of wind. This paper describes an updated Italian Wind Atlas (Atlante EOLico ItaliANo [AEOLIAN]) released in the early 2000s. The objective of AEOLIAN is to guide future wind generation to accord with ambitious European greenhouse gas emission targets set for 2030 and 2050. AEOLIAN is the result of a collaboration effort between Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE) SpA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which jointly developed a novel approach combining high‐resolution numerical weather modeling with the Analog Ensemble (AnEn) statistical technique. This paper uses dynamical model runs with hourly output for 1990–2019 with 4 km horizontal grid spacing. For 2015–2019, an inner grid nest with 1.33 km horizontal grid spacing is used. The AnEn is then employed to temporally extend the 5 years of high‐resolution runs back through 1990–2014 to create a 30‐year dataset for Italy and surrounding marine areas. A thorough verification is carried out using 104 observational stations homogeneously distributed throughout the territory. Compared with other state‐of‐the‐art products, AEOLIAN provides enhanced accuracy over complex terrain thanks to higher horizontal resolution and the assimilation of observational wind data over the domain, which result in a reduction of model bias on complex terrain and a better reconstruction of the wind distributions. Finally, a new WebGIS interface (https://atlanteeolico.rse-web.it/) to explore AEOLIAN data is described.
Effect of industrial wastewater treatment system upgrade on the composition of emitted odorants and volatile organic compounds from a cheese production facility
Authors: Hanková Mariana , Hruška Filip , Schätz Martin , Čížková Helena 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the rarely studied volatile organic compound emissions from a cheese production facility and the impact of its wastewater treatment system upgrade on the composition of emitted odorants. Wastewater grab samples were collected from six separate wastewater channels before (2019) and after (2021) the system upgrade and analyzed for volatile organic compounds, pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity. Results showed that the channel from hard cheese production in 2021 had the highest number of volatile organic compounds (35), followed by the fresh cheese production channel (22). Following the industrial wastewater treatment system upgrade, a mineral oil contamination occurred; however, the number of odorants with nasal impact frequency (NIF) ≥ 0.5 in the effluent decreased from 11 to 5. 2‐Propenoic acid butyl ester (NIF 0.75) stood out as the most prominent compound, described as fruity, waxy, or green. After the industrial wastewater treatment system upgrades, we observed a decrease in the number of odorants. However other measures must be taken to ensure proper wastewater processing.Practitioner Points
More than 60 VOCs were identified in 6 channels from the cheese production facility.15 odorants in cheese production wastewater were detected by SPME‐GC–MS/O.
The most potent odorants before and after the system upgrade were 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 2‐propenoic acid butyl ester, respectively.
The upgrades of the industrial wastewater treatment system had a positive impact on reducing the number of odorants and their odor intensity.
Adaptive evolution of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 exposed to carvacrol lacks a uniform pattern
Authors: Pagan Elisa , Merino Natalia , Berdejo Daniel , Campillo Raul , Gayan Elisa , García-Gonzalo Diego , Pagan Rafael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Emergence of genetic variants with increased resistance/tolerance to natural antimicrobials, such as essential oils, has been previously evidenced; however, it is unknown whether mutagenesis follows a general or a specific pattern. For this purpose, we carried out four adaptive laboratory evolutions (ALE) in parallel of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium with carvacrol. After 10 evolution steps, we selected and characterized one colony from each lineage (SeCarA, SeCarB, SeCarC, and SeCarD). Phenotypic characterization of the four evolved strains revealed enhanced survival to lethal treatments; two of them (SeCarA and SeCarB) showed an increase of minimum inhibitory concentration of carvacrol and a better growth fitness in the presence of carvacrol compared to wild-type strain. Whole genome sequencing revealed 10 mutations, of which four (rrsH, sseG, wbaV, and flhA) were present in more than one strain, whereas six (nirC, fliH, lon, rob, upstream yfhP, and upstream argR) were unique to individual strains. Single-mutation genetic constructs in SeWT confirmed lon and rob as responsible for the increased resistance to carvacrol as well as to antibiotics (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, rifampicin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim). wbaV played an important role in increased tolerance against carvacrol and chloramphenicol, and flhA in cross-tolerance to heat treatments. As a conclusion, no common phenotypical or genotypical pattern was observed in the isolated resistant variants of Salmonella Typhimurium emerged under carvacrol stress. Furthermore, the demonstration of cross-resistance against heat and antibiotics exhibited by resistant variants raises concerns regarding food safety.

Key points
• Stable resistant variants of Salmonella Typhimurium emerged under carvacrol stress
• No common pattern of mutagenesis after cyclic exposures to carvacrol was observed
• Resistant variants to carvacrol showed cross-resistance to heat and to antibiotics

Graphical abstract
Artificial light at night suppresses the day-night cardiovascular variability: evidence from humans and rats
Authors: Molcan Lubos , Babarikova Katarina , Cvikova Diana , Kincelova Natalia , Kubincova Lenka , Mauer Sutovska Hana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArtificial light at night (ALAN) affects most of the population. Through the retinohypothalamic tract, ALAN modulates the activity of the central circadian oscillator and, consequently, various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular one. We summarised the current knowledge about the effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Based on published data, ALAN reduces the day-night variability of the blood pressure and heart rate in diurnal and nocturnal animals by increasing the nocturnal values of cardiovascular variables in diurnal animals and decreasing them in nocturnal animals. The effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system are mainly transmitted through the autonomic nervous system. ALAN is also considered a stress-inducing factor, as glucocorticoid and glucose level changes indicate. Moreover, in nocturnal rats, ALAN increases the pressure response to load. In addition, ALAN induces molecular changes in the heart and blood vessels. Changes in the cardiovascular system significantly depend on the duration of ALAN exposure. To some extent, alterations in physical activity can explain the changes observed in the cardiovascular system after ALAN exposure. Although ALAN acts differently on nocturnal and diurnal animals, we can conclude that both exhibit a weakened circadian coordination among physiological systems, which increases the risk of future cardiovascular complications and reduces the ability to anticipate stress.
Examining Blended Learning Adoption Towards Improving Learning Performance in Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInstitutions of higher education are implementing Blended Learning (BL) approaches to supplement traditional courses in enhancing students’ learning experiences. However, only fewer studies have examined BL acceptance based on the determinants that influence students’ perception towards BL integration in improving learning performance. Accordingly, this study employs the theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information System (IS) success model to develop a model to examine the determinants that influence students’ perception towards BL integration and acceptance as a mode of study to improve learning performance. Survey questionnaire was designed, and data was gathered from 1169 students to empirically validate the designed model. Accordingly, Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyze the survey data. The results suggest that system quality, information quality, and service quality significantly impact students’ acceptance of BL. Moreover, results reveal that perceived usefulness of BL, perceived ease of use of BL, attitude towards using BL, intention to use BL, and actual use of BL were proven to be key determinants that should be considered in improving students’ acceptance of BL. Additionally, results indicate that students’ acceptance of BL significantly influences learning performance. Implications from this study provide insights on how institutions can improve students’ integration of BL initiatives in both physical and digital learning environments.
Modeling machine-side influences on the Z-Folding process of battery cells
Authors: Husseini Kamal , Boschert Levin , Schabel Sebastian , Fleischer Jürgen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe modeling of stacking machines for battery cell production offers potentials for quantifying interdependencies and thus optimizing development and commissioning processes against the background of a targeted efficient production. This paper presents a methodology to develop a model for quantifying machine-side influences using the example of a Z-Folding machine. The components and aspects of the machine to be modeled and their level of detail are systematically derived. Subsequently, it is shown how to parameterize the derived aspects. The components and aspects of the machine are modeled and connected through a multi-physics simulation. This makes it possible to predict the effects on the separator material to be processed depending on the selected setting parameters on the machine. This opens up potentials, for example, to identify optimal setting parameters in a risk-free and model-based manner, depending on the materials to be processed. As a result, material waste can be reduced by eliminating previous "trial and error" approaches.