Great Enhancement Research Articles

Modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic signaling together with neuronal activation enhances forelimb motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.

Singular strategies for promoting axon regeneration and motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) have been attempted with limited success. For instance, the deletion of RhoA and Pten (an extrinsic and intrinsic modulating factor, respectively) in corticospinal neurons promotes axon sprouting after thoracic SCI, however it is unable to restore motor function. Here, we examine the effects of combining RhoA/Pten deletion in corticospinal neurons with chemogenetic neuronal stimulation on axonal growth and motor recovery after SCI in mice. We find that this combinatorial approach promotes greater axonal growth and synaptic bouton formation in corticospinal neurons within the spinal cord compared to RhoA;Pten deletion alone. Furthermore, chemogenetic neuronal stimulation of RhoA;Pten-deleted corticospinal neurons improved forelimb performance in behavioral tasks after SCI compared to RhoA;Pten deletion alone. These results demonstrate that combination therapies pairing genetic modifications with neuronal stimulation can promote greater synaptic formation and motor recovery following SCI than either strategy alone.Significance Statement In this study, we examined whether pairing neural stimulation with genetic deletion of RhoA and Pten in corticospinal neurons would enhance axonal growth and motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). We found that this combinatorial approach, relative to singular strategies, promoted greater presynaptic bouton formation in injured corticospinal neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in improved motor recovery in those mice. These results open the possibility for even greater enhancements in healing and recovery following SCI through carefully crafted, multifaceted treatments tailored to address the specific needs of individual SCI patients.

Improving AQI Prediction and Optimization Using Graph Convolutional Networks and Transformer Models with Spatial Embedding Operations

State-of-the-art models do not quite capture complex spatial-temporal dependencies driving variations in the AQI across different urban zones, particularly in areas characterized by heavy traffic and industrial emissions. Accurate and timely prediction of the AQI is critical since it could mitigate the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi that frequent hazardous levels of pollution. They rely primarily on grid-based or very naive temporal schemes that hardly capture the real nature of an urban region. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper suggests three advanced paradigms: (1) Graph Convolutional Networks with Temporal Attention Mechanism, (2) Transformer-based AQI Prediction with Spatial Embedding, and (3) Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning with Nash Equilibrium for AQI optimization. This model captures the complex spatial interdependencies among different monitoring stations and directs attention in time for emphasizing related important features in different time domains. Therefore, the prediction accuracy improves up to 20% with an average error of ~2.8 units in high-risk zones like Wazipur and Okhla. The Transformer model introduces spatial embeddings that improve the self-attention mechanism to accurately predict spikes in AQI during polluted episodes and provides an estimated 25% improvement with an average error at around ~2.6 units. Conclusion In conclusion, the MARL model improves optimizations of interventions applied in pollution control by representing several regions or sources via agents, achieving a 20% decline in high-pollution episodes. This work effectively improved upon spatial-temporal learning by great enhancements in prediction and optimization of AQI, leading towards a more accurate forecast and practical control strategy for pollution: an objective that lends environmental management improved as well as greater public health benefits for urban and industrial areas.

Effect of Change in Physical Parameters in the Paddling Response of the Common Backswimmer (Notonecta glauca)

This study investigates the impact of varying environmental factors, specifically temperature, pH, and white light intensity, on the paddling response of the common backswimmer, Notonecta glauca Linnaeus 1758 (Hemiptera: Notonectidae). The normal paddling rate was established at approximately 31.6 flaps per minute (FPM) under controlled conditions of 30°C, pH 6.8, and 50% sunlight exposure. When exposed to increased pH levels, the paddling rate exhibited a significant increase, rising by nearly 75% compared to the normal rate. Conversely, a decrease in pH led to an even greater enhancement in paddling activity, with a rise of approximately 90%. A notable response was observed under increased temperature, where the paddling rate surged by more than 2.6 times than expected, indicating a strong sensitivity to thermal changes. The most reduction in paddling activity occurred under low light intensity, with the rate plummeting to roughly 37% of the normal value. The findings underscore the susceptibility of N. glauca to variations in these key environmental parameters, particularly highlighting its heightened response to temperature fluctuations and low light conditions. The species of interest is observed as ecological sentinels and understanding its optimum limit of tolerance over fundamental physical parameters enables us to estimate the effect of climate change, environmental modifications and habitat alterations over the course of time.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training vs. Vaginal Vibration Cone Therapy for Postpartum Dyspareunia and Vaginal Laxity.

Background and Objectives: Pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual health issues are common postpartum due to weakened pelvic muscles, significantly impacting women's quality of life (QoL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely used approach to address these issues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation methods-vibrating vaginal cones (VCG) and PFMT exercises (CG)-in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, reducing dyspareunia, and enhancing sexual function in postpartum women. Materials and Methods: This 1-year retrospective observational analysis evaluated 57 postpartum women presenting with perineal muscle relaxation and sexual dysfunction. Participants were assessed 3 months postpartum (T0) and after 3 months of therapy (T1) at the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Clinic of Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa. Outcomes were measured using the pubococcygeus (PC) test for pelvic floor strength and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual function. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual function across both groups. While both interventions effectively reduced dyspareunia, the VCG group demonstrated superior outcomes, with 96.67% of participants reporting no pain compared to 80.95% in the CG. FSFI scores improved significantly in both groups, with greater enhancements in arousal, desire, and pain domains observed in the VCG group (p < 0.01). Vaginal cone therapy also resulted in slightly higher gains in overall pelvic floor strength. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vibrating vaginal cones may be a promising option for postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation, with potential benefits for improving sexual satisfaction and reducing pain.

The Impact of Lumbar Stabilization and Thoracic Mobilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding thoracic mobilization to lumbar stabilization exercises for managing chronic low back pain (CLBP). Fifty-four CLBP patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the Lumbar Stabilization (LS) group and the Lumbar Stabilization plus Thoracic Mobilization (LS+TM) group. Pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quebec Low Back Pain Disability Scale (QLPSD), and EuroQOL-5D-3L, respectively. Both groups participated in a six-week intervention with three sessions per week. Significant improvements were observed in pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life for both groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). However, post-intervention analyses indicated that the LS+TM group experienced superior reductions in functional disability and greater enhancements in quality of life compared to the LS group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). While both exercise regimens were effective in managing CLBP, the addition of thoracic mobilization to lumbar stabilization exercises provided more significant benefits in functional recovery and overall well-being.

Preparing Al2O3/TiO2 nano-multilayers on the surface of FeAl/Al2O3 coating as tritium permeation barrier

Abstract Preparing tritium permeation barrier (TPB) coating on the surface of structural materials can effectively alleviate tritium permeation in fusion reactor system. However, due to the existence of inevitable certain number of defects in TPB, there is still a gap between the commonly prepared TPB coatings and the requirements proposed by fusion reactors. In this work, composite coatings with Al2O3/TiO2 nano-multilayers (NMLs) covering on the surface of FeAl/Al2O3 coating were prepared as TPB. The FeAl/Al2O3 TPB coating on the surface of 316L stainless steel was prepared by electrochemical deposition of Al, aluminization and in-situ oxidation. Due to the aggregation of Cr, there are micro sized defects in the Al2O3 layer. The presence of defects seriously reduces its hydrogen isotopes permeation resistance. The atomic layer deposition was then adopted to prepare Al2O3/TiO2 NMLs with period thickness of 15, 7.5 and 3 nm on the surface of Al2O3 layer, which not only cover the defects, but also utilize interfaces to suppress hydrogen isotopes permeation. The composite coating sample with the period thickness of 3 nm showed great enhancement of two orders of magnitude in deuterium permeation resistance property compared to the original FeAl/Al2O3 TPB coating at 500 °C, and the permeation reduction factor reaches a high value of 5 × 105, which far above the requirements of future fusion reactors.

Visible Light-Driven Direct Z-Scheme Ho2SmSbO7/YbDyBiNbO7 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Fenitrothion.

A highly versatile Z-scheme heterostructure, Ho2SmSbO7/YbDyBiNbO7 (HYO), was synthesized using an ultrasonic-assisted solvent thermal method. The HYO heterojunction, composed of dual A2B2O7 compounds, exhibits superior separation of photogenerated carriers due to its efficient Z-scheme mechanism. The synergistic properties of Ho2SmSbO7 and YbDyBiNbO7, particularly the excellent visible light absorption, enable HYO to achieve exceptional photocatalytic performance in the degradation of fenitrothion (FNT). Specifically, HYO demonstrated an outstanding removal efficiency of 99.83% for FNT and a mineralization rate of 98.77% for total organic carbon (TOC) during the degradation process. Comparative analyses revealed that HYO significantly outperformed other photocatalysts, including Ho2SmSbO7, YbDyBiNbO7, and N-doped TiO2, achieving removal rates that were 1.10, 1.20, and 2.97 times higher for FNT, respectively. For TOC mineralization, HYO exhibited even greater enhancements, with rates 1.13, 1.26, and 3.37 times higher than those of the aforementioned catalysts. Additionally, the stability and durability of HYO were systematically evaluated, confirming its potential applicability in practical scenarios. Trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses were conducted to identify the active species generated by HYO, specifically hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O2-), and holes (h+). This facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms and pathways associated with FNT. In conclusion, this study represents a substantial contribution to the advancement of efficient Z-scheme heterostructure and offers critical insights for the development of sustainable remediation approaches aimed at mitigating FNT contamination.

Thermohydraulic Performance and Flow Structures of Diamond Pyramid Arrays

Abstract Surface features are a common heat transfer enhancement method used in a myriad of applications including gas turbines and heat exchangers. One such style of surface feature is diamond pyramids, which offer significant heat transfer augmentation for moderate increases in overall pressure losses. This study investigated a suite of additively manufactured pyramids in a variety of sizes and arrangements at relevant scale contained in test coupons. Designs were printed with low surface roughness relative to typical additive components (Ra &amp;lt; 5 μm), and pyramids were printed within 100 μm of the design intent. Experimental and computational results indicate that the pressure penalty and heat transfer increased as the pyramids increased in size with aligned pyramids on both channel walls having higher values than staggered pyramids. It was found that implementing the pyramids onto a rough surface had a lesser impact on the friction factor than implementing it on a smooth surface, but that the relative increase in heat transfer was the same regardless of the roughness of the endwall. The greatest enhancement to local heat transfer and pressure loss was offset from the location of the minimum flow area due to local acceleration around the wake regions. The vortices formed in the wake of the pyramid structures enhanced the endwall heat transfer and shear stress. The performance of the pyramids investigated in this study follows a similar trend to prior studies investigating smooth rib geometries, though certain rib designs had higher heat transfer at lower pressure losses.

Relaxation-optimized correlation spectroscopy ROCSY for assigning 1H or 13C spin systems in large proteins.

Solution NMR studies of large systems are hampered by rapid signal decay. We hereby introduce ROCSY (relaxation-optimized total correlation spectroscopy), which maximizes transfer efficiency across J-coupling-connected spin networks by minimizing the amount of time magnetization spends in the transverse plane. Hard pulses are substituted into the Clean-CITY TOCSY pulse element first developed by Ernst and co-workers, allowing for longer delays in which magnetization is aligned along the z-axis. This has the following consequences: 1) transverse relaxation is minimized, 2) resonance offset effects are minimized, 3) and through-space nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) adds to J-coupling-mediated magnetization transfer. The major drawbacks of the technique are additional heat generation produced by the hard pulses and complication of analysis by the additional through-space NOE magnetization transfer. We demonstrate Halpha-to-HN correlations not possible using conventional 1H-TOCSY in a 15N-enriched sample of PagP (a 161-residue integral membrane protein) in dodecylphosphocholine detergent micelles. We also demonstrate enhanced signal-to-noise compared to 13C-TOCSY in a 15N,13C-enriched sample of cardiac troponin C N-terminal domain. We thus propose that ROCSY can be used to boost signal in any protein NMR experiment that utilizes TOCSY, with greater enhancements seen in higher molecular weight systems.

Direct Comparison of Low Velocity Impact Performance of Nanoclay, Boric Acid and Interlayer Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACTIn this study, the low velocity impact effect of glass fiber‐reinforced laminated composites reinforced with nanoclay and boric acid was investigated. Nanoclay, boric acid, and interlayer hybrid composites were produced at 0 (pure), 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% with respect to epoxy resin. Laminated composites were obtained by the hand lay‐up method. Impact tests were applied to the specimens by releasing the weight. Tests were carried out with impact energies of 30, 40, 50, and 60 J to evaluate the behavior of composites under loading result in rebounding. Nano reinforcement generally increases the maximum reaction force while decreasing the impact duration, maximum displacement, and absorbed energy. As a result of all the tests performed, the reaction force increased up to 53% compared to the pure specimen, while the absorbed energy, impact duration, and maximum displacement values decreased up to 21%, 36%, and 12%, respectively. The results of the hybrid specimens in the interlayer sequence provided more changes compared to the mono‐reinforced specimens (i.e., nanoclay or boric acid). The hybrid specimen with a reinforcement ratio of 1.5 wt% impact face boric acid exhibited the greatest enhancement in impact resistance among all the tested specimens. The reaction force, which is an indicator of resistance, increased by 44%, 35%, 51% and 34% from energy level 30 to 60 J, respectively. Furthermore, the specimen exhibited the lowest values for absorbed energy, maximum displacement and impact duration.

Influence of Drinking Context and Age of Onset on Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Motivations Among Uruguayan Adults.

An early age of drinking onset is linked to a greater likelihood of alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use occurs in places featuring characteristic social groups, and different drinking contexts are associated with different levels of alcohol-related outcomes. Drinking context may affect drinking motives, expectations or alcohol-related outcomes in concert with individual-level variables. The study aimed to examine how the preferred drinking context and age of the first drink affects the occurrence and volume of alcohol use, drinking motives and alcohol-related expectations. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay, from September 2020 to January 2021. Uruguayan citizens ≥18 years old were asked about their preferred drinking context, the age of first alcohol use and alcohol consumption frequency. In addition, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire and Alcohol Outcome Expectancies Questionnaire were used. A total of 752 Uruguayan citizens were included. The distribution of alcohol consumption across social contexts was not influenced by the age of first alcohol use. Those who began drinking early and endorsed solitary drinking reported higher frequency of drinking (P <0.05) and coping motives (P <0.05) than any other group. Those who drank at parties reported more conformity motives than most of the groups (P <0.01). An early age of drinking onset was associated with greater enhancement and social motives (P <0.05) and higher alcohol expectancies for stress reduction and social facilitation (P <0.005). Solitary drinking as a high-risk drinking context is likely to interact with the age of first alcohol use, suggesting that drinking in specific contexts is associated with specific drinking motivations and expectancies. This study represents progress towards exploring factors that influence alcohol consumption among a broader range of socio-cultural populations.

Assessment of the potential for carbon sink enhancement in the overlapping ecological project areas of China.

Ecological engineering can significantly improve ecosystem carbon sequestration. However, few studies have projected the carbon sink trends in regions where ecological engineering projects overlap and have not considered the different climate change conditions and land use scenarios. Using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and machine learning algorithms (enhanced boosted regression trees), the aims of this study to elucidate the stability of carbon sinks and their driving mechanisms in areas where ecological projects overlap and to predict the potential enhancement in carbon sinks under varying climate and human activity scenarios. The findings revealed that: (1) The carbon sinks clearly and steadily increased in regions where five ecological projects were implemented from 1982 to 2019. In contrast, the carbon sinks did not significantly increase in regions with two or three ecological projects. (2) As the number of ecological projects increased, the impact of human activities on the carbon sinks gradually decreased. In eastern China, rapid economic development and significant interference from human activities hindered the growth of carbon sinks. In contrast, in western China, the warming and humidification trend of the climate, large-scale afforestation, and other ecological projects have significantly improved carbon sinks. (3) The regions with five overlapping ecological projects exhibited the greatest enhancement and stability of carbon sinks under different scenarios. Compared with the SSP585 scenario, under the SSP126 scenario, the carbon sinks increased, and their stability was greater. Achieving carbon neutrality requires major ecological projects to account for the limitations imposed by climatic conditions. Instead of isolated projects or the implementation of single restoration measures, a comprehensive approach that uses the synergistic effects of combined ecological strategies is recommended.

Boosting the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of CUG-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant by Spark Plasma Sintering

The mechanical and thermal properties of the fabricated structures composed of lunar regolith are of great interest due to the urgent demand for in situ construction and manufacturing on the Moon for sustainable human habitation. This work demonstrates the great enhancement of the mechanical and thermal properties of CUG-1A lunar regolith simulant samples using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The morphology, chemical composition, structure, mechanical and thermal properties of the molten and SPSed samples were investigated. The sintering temperature significantly influenced the microstructure and macroscopic properties of these samples. The highest density (~99.7%), highest thermal conductivity (2.65 W·m−1·K−1 at 1073 K), and the best mechanical properties (compressive strength: 370.2 MPa, flexural strength: 81.4 MPa) were observed for the SPSed sample sintered at 1273 K. The enhanced thermal and mechanical properties of these lunar regolith simulant samples are attributed to the compact structure and the tight bonding between particles via homogenous glass.

Effect of Direct Current and Periodic Polarization on Differential Electrolytic Potentiometric Signal Produced By Carbon Nanotube Electrode

In differential electrolytic potentiometry (DEP), a pair of identical indicator electrodes is polarized using either a very small, heavily stabilized direct current (DC) or a periodic square waveform (SW) of constant amplitude. The square wave can be biased or bias-free. In this study, carbon nanotube-modified silver electrodes, CNT-Ag, were used as the DEP indicating system with all types of polarization. This was done to investigate how the polarization mode affects the signal intensity, shape, position, and amplification. The method was applied to analyze various analytes including ascorbic acid, Fluoroquinolone, cyanide, and chloride using normal titrimetric and sequential injection analysis (SIA) methods. Many of the findings showed that raising the polarizing direct current density (µA/cm2) boosts the DEP peak until reaching a certain point, after which the peaks begin to widen and the position of the peak center shifts. Similar changes were observed when increasing the percentage bias of the square waveform used to polarize the CNT-Ag indicator electrodes. The free-biased square waveform led to the least improvement in peak intensity. As the percentage bias increased, the peak intensity improved up to a certain level. However, beyond that point, all peaks began to broaden without further enhancement in intensity. In all cases, periodic polarization of electrodes produced a much greater enhancement in peak intensities compared to direct current polarization. With square-wave polarization, the ongoing reversal of polarity prevents the accumulation of films on the electrodes, speeds up the response, and substantially reduces electrode fouling and deactivation.Furthermore, aside from the advantages of the periodic polarization, the CNT-Ag electrode, fabricated through chemical vapor deposition with aligned and well-structured CNTs, contributes to boosting the DEP peak intensity by promoting heterogeneous electron transfer. This process facilitates fast equilibrium, leading to precise and reproducible results. Figure 1

Enhancing Pedagogical Competencies through Continuous Training: A Professional Approach

Professional growth through the process of continuing Professional Development (CPD) is significant for the improvement of teachers’ professional competency and for better preparation to meet diverse and challenging contexts of educational environments. In this quantitative study, the research seeks to examine the effects of CPD on teaching confidence, classroom management, and student achievement. Using a survey technique, information was obtained from 200 educators in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions on the extent to which they self-identified enhancements in the areas of subject content knowledge, classroom management, integration of technology, and student interest. The results presented enhanced competencies after participation in CPD with greater enhancements in the application of technology. Among the types of activities, workshops and/or online training were identified as the most beneficial for CPD practices, while the frequency of participation in such practices was found to be a definite factor in competency improvement. However, there are challenges including restricted access and the issue of resources especially if the environment that the research is being conducted is not well endowed. As such, the study calls for more frequent, varied, and accessible and sustainable CPD in ways relevant to educators’ contexts to help inform policymakers and institutions on the ways to promote 21st Century teachers and learning.

(Invited) Bringing Electrochemistry to Raman Spectroscopy Again with Unconventional Approach

Since the landmark discovery of enhanced Raman scattering at electrochemically roughened metal surfaces in 1974 (Chem. Phys. Lett. 1974, 26, 163), electrochemistry has ushered in a new era of Raman spectroscopy. Although the Raman signal is highly specific to molecular species and thus has great potential as a practical tool for molecular identification, its low cross-section has presented a significant challenge. This challenge has been met by the employment of plasmonic nanomaterials, the origins of which can be found in the study reported in 1974. Metallic surface with nanostructure, such as the electrochemically roughened metal surface, has surface plasmon that can greatly amplify both the incident electromagnetic wave and the scattered electromagnetic wave, which is termed electromagnetic (EM) enhancement, resulting in enhanced Raman scattering. This surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as one of the most popular analytical tools, thanks to the extensive development of new plasmonic nanomaterials. In addition to this material-wise signal enhancement, an electrochemical method can enhance Raman scattering by inducing a resonance condition: a charge-transfer resonance by the electron transfer between metal and Raman-active molecule. For achieving this chemical (CM) enhancement, it is essential to ensure proper alignment of the Fermi level of metal, the energy level of molecular orbitals, and the energy of incident light, and the application of electrochemical potential to the metal can adjust the Fermi level to meet the resonance condition.Here, we present a unique application of electrochemical processes that can induce both EM and CM enhancements. In the presence of a metal cation (i.e., a precursor of a plasmonic substance), a suitable electrode potential can generate a new plasmonic surface on the electrode. This process can enhance the Raman signal of the molecule adsorbed on the electrode prior to the potential application, via the EM enhancement mechanism. Since the newly formed plasmonic surface is retained even after the potential application is terminated, the continuation of EM enhancement is expected; however, the Raman signal is significantly reduced. In addition, the Raman enhancement observed during the potential application is mode-selective, which is one of the characteristics of CM enhancement. In combination, the electrochemical process involving a plasmonic metal precursor harnesses both EM and CM enhancements, yielding a great enhancement of the Raman signal. The mechanistic study of this platform and its applications will be presented in this talk.

Physico-mechanical characteristics of horsehair/jute fiber-based nonwoven fabric reinforced LLDPE composites: Effect of alkali treatment and maleic anhydride

Horsehair/jute fiber reinforced linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) laminated composites were prepared by compression molding using the film-stacking method. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of modifying reinforcement materials through alkaline treatment and incorporating maleated coupling agent on the mechanical, morphological, degradation performance, and water absorption properties of composites. Horsehair, which constitutes approximately 70% of the reinforcing material, preserved its keratin structure after alkaline treatments (NaOCI and NaOH) and the scale layer became more prominent. The alkali treatment slightly improved the mechanical properties of the composites but led to an increase in water uptake. The maleated coupling agent was included in the composite structure as a sheet. The compatibilizer significantly enhanced the tensile and flexural properties while also reducing water uptake of the composites. The greatest enhancement in mechanical properties was attained when alkaline treatment and compatibilizer were utilized in conjunction.

Optimization of the deposited Al2O3 thin film process by RS-ALD and edge passivation applications for half-solar cells

Optimization of the deposited Al2O3 thin film process by RS-ALD and edge passivation applications for half-solar cells

Microfluidic Study of Application of Nanosuspension with Aluminum Oxide Nanofibers to Enhance Oil Recovery Factor During Reservoir Flooding

The paper presents the results of a comparative microfluidic study of the oil displacement process from a microfluidic chip simulating rock. Suspensions of spherical nanoparticles of silicon oxide (22 nm) and aluminum oxide (11 nm), as well as aluminum oxide nanofibers (8.7 nm in diameter and with an aspect ratio of 58), were used as displacing liquids. The nanofibers represent a unique new-generation crystalline material with a high aspect ratio. This work presents the first consideration of the use of aluminum oxide nanofibers as an additive for enhanced oil recovery. The comparative analysis has demonstrated that the addition of nanofibers can markedly enhance the oil recovery factor relative to the addition of spherical nanoparticles, other things being equal. Thus, in particular, it was demonstrated that the addition of nanofibers into the system allows for the greatest enhancement of the oil recovery factor, reaching a value of 25%, whereas the addition of spherical nanoparticles results in a maximum increment of approximately 10%. This is due to the fact that nanofiber additives have a tenfold stronger effect on the viscosity of nanosuspensions compared to similar additives of spherical particles. Nanosuspensions of aluminum oxide nanofibers exhibit non-Newtonian behavior at low concentrations. This opens the possibility of their extensive use in enhanced oil recovery.

Formicarium-Like Micron Porous Si Synergistically Adjusted by Surface Hard-Soft Nanoencapsulation as Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Anode.

Micron porous silicon (MPSi) is a promising lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode that can provide enough space to effectively alleviate the volume expansion and large number of transmission channels to rapidly transport the Li-ions. However, a long-term stable MPSi anode at high current density is still a great challenge. Herein, a double-regulated formicarium like-MPSi composite using the surface hard-soft titanium dioxide-few layered MXene nanotemplate (FMPSi@TiO2@FMXene) was designed and synthesized via an in situ assembly strategy as long-life LIB anode. Such hard-soft TiO2-FMXene nanoencapsulation can collaboratively tune the internal/external stress, inhibit the volume expansion, reduce the interfacial reactions, and improve the electrical conductivity of MPSi, resulting in the great enhancement of structural stability and electrochemical performance in cycling even at high current density. Especially, this FMPSi@TiO2@FMXene anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1254.9 and 970.4 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 0.5 and 1 A/g, respectively. Moreover, a full cell is assembled with the FMPSi@TiO2@FMXene anode and commercial LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode, exhibiting a high capacity retention rate of 91.6% in 100 cycles. This work provides an effective surface nanoengineering tactic to obtain the structurally stable MPSi anodes by hard-soft nanotemplate for large-scale and long-term LIB application.