bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ordinary customer experience: Conceptualization, characterization, and implications
Authors: Heinonen Kristina , Lipkin Michaela
Published: May 2023

Although businesses strive to create extraordinary customer experiences, it is the ordinary experiences that form the backbone of customers' lives and hold the greatest potential for creating meaning and relevance. This conceptual study aims to shed light on the sources, characteristics, and mechanisms of the ordinary customer experience by conducting a scoping review of literature from various fields, including sociology, philosophy, consumer behavior, psychology, marketing, and management. The findings demonstrate that researchers characterize the ordinary customer experience as familiar, simple, and mundane—and thus often taken for granted—and as formed through customers' daily routines. This study defines the ordinary experience as the accumulation of a customer's perceptions, feelings, and sensemaking of customer‐specific, contextual, and offering‐related stimuli that are meaningfully and purposefully present in the customer's daily life. The ordinary experience representing a lived and reflective phenomenon is characterized as peripheral, predictable, neutral, acceptable, longitudinal, and convenient. Despite its seemingly mundane nature, the ordinary customer experience provides valuable insights into customers' sensemaking of experiences. By reconciling and bridging understandings from various fields, this study presents a comprehensive view of the ordinary customer experience and contributes to a more granular and holistic understanding of the ordinary in the marketing domain. It offers an alternative perspective on customer experience that extends beyond the conventional ordinary–extraordinary continuum.
PET‐RAFT Polymerization of Star Polymers with Folded ortho‐Phenylene Cores
Authors: Bradford Kate G. E. , Kirinda Viraj C. , Gordon Emma A. , Hartley C. Scott , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: May 2023

ortho‐Phenylenes are one of the simplest classes of aromatic foldamers, adopting helical geometries because of aromatic stacking interactions. The folding and misfolding of ortho‐phenylenes are slow on the NMR timescale at or below room temperature, allowing detection of folding states using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Herein, an ortho‐phenylene hexamer is coupled with a RAFT chain transfer agent (CTA) on each repeat unit. A variety of acrylic monomers are polymerized onto the CTA‐functionalized ortho‐phenylene using PET‐RAFT to yield functionalized star polymers with ortho‐phenylene cores. The steric bulk of the acrylate monomer units as well as the chain length of each arm of the star polymer is varied. 1H NMR spectroscopy shows that the folding of the ortho‐phenylenes do not vary, providing a robust helical core for star polymer systems.
Achieving High Performance Stretchable Conjugated Polymers via Donor Structure Engineering
Authors: Wu Ning , Huang Gang , Huang Hua , Wang Yunfei , Gu Xiaodan , Wang Xiaohong , Qiu Longzhen
Published: May 2023

A backbone engineering strategy is developed to tune the mechanical and electrical properties of conjugated polymer semiconductors. Four Donor–Acceptor (D–A) polymers, named PTDPPSe, PTDPPTT, PTDPPBT, and PTDPPTVT, are synthesized using selenophene (Se), thienothiophene (TT), bithiophene (BT), and thienylenevinylenethiophene (TVT) as the donors and siloxane side chain modified diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as acceptor. The influences of the donor structure on the polymer energy level, film morphology, molecular stacking, carrier transport properties, and tensile properties are all examined. The films of PTDPPSe show the best stretchability with crack‐onset‐strain greater than 100%, but the worst electrical properties with a mobility of only 0.54 cm2 V−1 s−1. The replacement of the Se donor with larger conjugated donors, that is, TT, BT, and TVT, significantly improves the mobility of conjugated polymers but also leads to reduced stretchability. Remarkably, PTDPPBT exhibits moderate stretchability with crack‐onset‐strain ≈50% and excellent electrical properties. At 50% strain, it has a mobility of 2.37 cm2 V−1 s−1 parallel to the stretched direction, which is higher than the mobility of most stretchable conjugated polymers in this stretching state.
A social capital approach of market orientation in public non‐profit organizations: The case of blood transfusion centers in Spain
Authors: de la Cruz Déniz‐Déniz María , Martín‐Santana Josefa D. , Cabrera‐Suárez María Katiuska , Robaina‐Calderín Lorena
Published: May 2023

In order to identify the determinants of market (donor) orientation in blood transfusion centers and services (BTCS), this study seeks to analyze whether connectedness and interpersonal trust represent a fundamental basis for interfunctional coordination that leads to market (donor) orientation. An empirical study was carried out with 147 participants from 14 Spanish BTCS. The measurement scales were validated through CFA and the proposed relationship model was tested using SEM. Both interpersonal trust and connectedness that exist among BTCS members foster interfunctional coordination and, ultimately, their donor orientation. Thus, BTCS must emphasize their internal relationship networks, rearranging them in favor of their donor orientation. This paper integrates social capital literature with market orientation literature, and it proposes empirical evidence on the role played by internal social links on interfunctional coordination, which leads to market orientation. This research proposes a reliable and valid measure of blood donor orientation, which could be useful for the future testing of theory and research in the non‐profit context. BTCS should adopt an organizational design which allows the introduction of a new managerial paradigm. People in charge of different areas at BTCS must pay particular attention to the climate of trust and the level of connectedness in cross‐functional relationships. The negative evolution of blood donation and the results of this research suggest that BTCS need to apply a management model focused on the donor, in order to achieve a sustainable donation system.
Experimental characterization of creep behavior of laminated bamboo composites based on stepped isothermal method
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Huang Zirui , Sheng Baolu , Wang Wendao , Zhang Kun
Published: May 2023

In the present research, the accelerated test using the stepped isothermal method (SIM) was applied to characterize the long‐term compressive behavior of laminated bamboo. Generating a creep master curve using the SIM data is somewhat empirical. In particular, the selection of the end and beginning segments in the rescaling process is not standardized, which will affect the determination of virtual time. The variability of the virtual time influences the construction of master curves, thus leading to errors in predicting long‐term behavior. The difference in selecting the end and beginning segments was studied in terms of the virtual time, rescaled isothermal curves, and master curves. A 40% end segment and a 30% beginning segment were recommended to build a more accurate master curve. The generated master curves showed repeatability and matched reasonably well with the conventional creep results. It indicates that SIM is a reliable tool for the accelerated test of the long‐term behavior of laminated bamboo. In addition, isochronous stress‐creep strain curves were constructed based on the master curves at different loadings to provide evidence to determine stress levels for structural design.
Quality evaluation of different black rice varieties of northeastern region of India
Authors: Banerjee Rupesh , Das Gupta Barun , Kar Amit , Bhardwaj Pardeep Kumar , Sharma Nanaocha , Haldar Pallab Kanti , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Mukherjee Pulok Kumar
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.), which is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, is indigenous to Northeast India, specifically Manipur, and traditionally consumed for its protective effects on human health. Due to its economic value, it is crucial to evaluate the quality of different black rice varieties to authenticate their therapeutic and nutritional properties.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the quality of pre‐ and post‐marketed black rice samples by a validated high‐performance thin layer chromatography method and determine variations of total phenolics and total flavonoids with antioxidant potential.

Material and Methods

The ferulic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and caffeic acid contents of three black rice varieties—Poireiton, Amubi, and Sempak—along with two marketed samples of Amubi from Manipur, India, were quantified based on standards. Antioxidant potential was measured by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl hydrate free radical scavenging assay.

Results

The highest and lowest relative biomarker contents were found in hydroalcoholic extracts of Amubi [caffeic acid (1.43% w/w), ferulic acid (1.15% w/w), quercetin (0.6% w/w), and gallic acid (0.39% w/w)] and the marketed sample Var. Amubi from Kakching District, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient of antioxidant potential with phenolic and flavonoid content showed a moderate to strong correlation for all samples.

Conclusion

This validated, rapid, accurate standardization method for black rice varieties will be beneficial for the quality evaluation of black rice and its derived products. It will also be helpful to authenticate the nutritional benefits for the consumers.
Effects of 12 minutes aerobic exercise on creativity
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Qin Chuan , Liu Dianzhi
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of 12 min of aerobic exercise on the convergent and divergent thinking of college students. In 56 college students, aerobic exercise promoted convergent thinking when participating in infrequent exercises. Aerobic exercise also improved fluency in divergent thinking.
Gender difference in the relationship between academic self‐efficacy, personal growth initiative, and engagement among Turkish undergraduates: A multigroup modeling
Authors: Gülşen Fatma Uslu , Şahin Ezgi Ekin
Published: May 2023

This study examines the mediating role of personal growth initiative in the relationship between academic self‐efficacy and engagement by examining gender differences. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the mediating role of personal growth initiative and its examination of gender differences in the relationship between academic self‐efficacy and engagement. By examining if there are any differences in the links between the variables based on gender, this research gives important insight into how these factors influence academic life for different student groups. The data was collected from 607 (333 female and 274 male) full‐time undergraduate students. LISREL was used to test the structural model. We tested the hypotheses that academic self‐efficacy is positively associated with student engagement, personal growth initiative mediates the relationship between academic self‐efficacy and student engagement, and whether there is a gender difference in this mediation model. The findings show that personal growth initiative has a partial mediating role in the relationship between academic self‐efficacy and engagement. In addition, there is no difference between gender‐based groups, and the bootstrap analyses support these findings. Gender does not make a difference in the model because college students may evaluate higher education as increasing their future employment opportunities.
Genetic testing for diffuse lung diseases in children
Authors: Hamvas Aaron , Chaudhari Bimal P. , Nogee Lawrence M.
Published: May 2023

Newly developing genomic technologies are an increasingly important part of clinical care and thus, it is not only important to understand the technologies and their limitations, but to also interpret the findings in an actionable fashion. Clinical geneticists and genetic counselors are now an integral part of the clinical team and are able to bridge the complexities of this rapidly changing science between the bedside clinicians and patients. This manuscript reviews the terminology, the current technology, some of the known genetic disorders that result in lung disease, and indications for genetic testing with associated caveats. Because this field is evolving quickly, we also provide links to websites that provide continuously updated information important for integrating genomic technology results into clinical decision‐making.
Summary of new NICE quality standards for diabetes in adults
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: May 2023

NICE has recently updated its quality standard statements for adults with diabetes, now dividing them into separate standards for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with some shared features. This article discusses the main changes to the quality statements and the outcomes measured.
Lattice Distortion and Piezoelectricity Enhancement in GaN by Alloying with Group III and Rare‐Earth Elements: A Comparative Experimental Study
Authors: Uehara Masato , Amano Yuki , Mizuno Takaaki , Aida Yasuhiro , Yamada Hiroshi , Umeda Keiichi , Akiyama Morito
Published: May 2023

The lattice of wurtzite nitrides such as gallium nitride (GaN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) is distorted by alloying with scandium (Sc). This lattice distortion, which entails a decrease in the lattice constant ratio c/a, leads to a significant improvement in piezoelectricity and the appearance of ferroelectricity, which are attractive properties for material applications. However, systematic studies on the effect of different alloying elements on the lattice distortion of wurtzite nitrides are scarce and restricted to theoretical investigations. Herein, the experimental investigation of the lattice distortion and its influence on the piezoelectricity of cosputtering‐prepared thin films of GaN alloyed with group III and rare‐earth elements other than Sc, that is, yttrium, dysprosium, and ytterbium is described. All the investigated elements greatly reduce the lattice constant ratio of GaN from 1.63 to 1.61 and cause a twofold increase in the piezoelectric charge coefficient. Therefore, it is indicated in the experimental results that alloying with elements other than Sc also results in the distortion of the crystal lattice and the enhancement of the piezoelectric properties of GaN. Furthermore, regardless of the particular alloying element used, a correlation between lattice distortion and piezoelectricity is experimentally demonstrated.
Identification of lignans and quality assessment in Dendrobium officinale under different cultivation modes
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Jinyan , Hu Li , Wang Yawen , Wu Zhanghua , Meng Yuanjun , Liang Zhiyun , Yang Li'e , Wei Gang , Huang Yuechun
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Lignans have attracted much attention from researchers because of their wide distribution and industrial applications in plants, as well as the remarkable diversity of their biological activities. As the literature has mainly focused on the extraction and identification of monomeric compounds of lignans, most lignans in Dendrobium officinale, a traditional Chinese medicine with a long cultivation history and rich sources, have not been detected using quality control methods. The aim of this study was to identify the lignans in Dactilon officinale.

Methods

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode array detection and HPLC multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the chemical constituents of D. officinale. Simultaneously, the characteristic chromatograms of D. officinale were established. Additionally, a method was established to determine the content of syringaresinol‐4,4′‐di‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, syringaresinol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside and syringaresinol.

Results

Thirty‐three lignans, including 17 tetrahydrofuran lignans, two dibenzylbutane lignans, three aryl tetrahydronaphthalene lignans and 11 8‐O‐4′‐neolignans, were tentatively identified from the methanol extract of the stems of D. officinale. This is the first report of 8‐O‐4′‐neolignans from D. officinale. In addition, a total of eight characteristic peaks were marked in characteristic chromatograms, which were identified as lyoniresinol‐9′‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, syringaresinol‐4,4′‐di‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, 8‐hydroxy‐syringaresinol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, 5,5′‐dimethoxy‐lariciresinol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, syringaresinol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, 4‐hydroxy‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethoxy‐8,4′‐oxyneoligna‐7′‐ene‐9,9′‐diol‐9‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, 4‐hydroxy‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethoxy‐8,4′‐oxyneoligna‐7′‐ene‐9,9′‐diol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside and syringaresinol.

Our results showed that no significant difference occurred in lignan composition among the 99 batches of D. officinale from different sources. However, the peak areas of the lignans of D. officinale planted under simulated wild culture were generally higher than those in greenhouses, and showed an upward trend with the increase in growth years. The average contents of syringaresinol‐4,4′‐di‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, syringaresinol‐4‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside and syringaresinol were 10.112–179.873, 51.227–222.294 and 6.368–120.341 μg/g, respectively.

Conclusions

This study provided a basis for improving the quality control of D. officinale and could provide references for the identification of lignans in other Dendrobium species.
Application of robotics in abdominal organ transplantation: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Rawashdeh Badi , El‐Hinnawi Ashraf , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Oberholzer Jose
Published: May 2023

Background

Robotic transplant surgery has garnered worldwide attention since 2002. Discussions on this issue have led to more publications over the past decade. This study assessed global robotic organ transplantation studies using bibliometric analysis.

Method

The study sample was robotic technique use in organ transplantation publications from 2002 to 2021 in the Web of Science database. We analysed top‐cited authors, countries, institutions, journals, and keywords. Citations were used to visualise and analyse target literature in VOSviewer.

Results

160 articles were included in the bibliometric study. Among the nations that are presently involved in the use of robotics in organ transplantation research, the United States of America leads robotic organ transplantation studies. The American Journal of Transplantation published the most articles overall.

Conclusion

Based on publication and citation numbers, robotic organ transplantation techniques are becoming more global attention. This robotic abdominal organ transplant surgery bibliometric analysis review covers research output and hotspots.
A Simple and Effective Quantification of Water‐Soluble Rhodium in Soil Samples by Magnetic‐Colloidal‐Gel‐Assisted Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction
Authors: Cesur Buket , Atsever Nihan , Tuğba Zaman Buse , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: May 2023

In this study, a simple, sensitive and environmentally friendly method was developed for the determination of water‐soluble rhodium in soil samples. For this purpose, rhodium was preconcentrated/separated by a dispersive solid phase extraction method (dSPE) and determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with flame atomizer, equipped with a slotted quartz tube (SQT‐FAAS). In the dSPE method, a magnetic colloidal gel (magnetic nanofluid) was produced by mixing Fe3O4 based magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), and deep eutectic solvent (DES) obtained from the mixture of choline chloride and phenol (1 : 3). The optimized system showed good linearity in the concentration range of 17–447 μg/kg. While recording a detection limit (LOD) of 4.26 μg/kg, an over 200‐fold improvement in the detection power was obtained based on the comparison of LODs of the developed method and FAAS. Applicability and accuracy of the developed method were validated by spike recovery results that fell in the range of 89–106 %, using the matrix matching method to boost quantification accuracy in the soil samples.
Enhanced Acetaldehyde Sensing Performance of Spherical Shaped Copper Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Rodrigues Jolina , Borge Vikas , Jain Shilpa , Shimpi Navinchandra Gopal
Published: May 2023

Spherical shape copper (Cu) doped ZnO nanostructures of various amount (3, 6, 9 and 12 %) were synthesized. The XRD, FTIR, UV‐Visible, HR‐TEM, FESEM, EDS, SAED and XPS were done to understand the structural, optical, morphology and shape of Cu doped ZnO nanostructures. To achieve the best gas reaction, doping concentration was optimized. ZnO and Cu doped ZnO nanostructures were exposed to various oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) and found to be more selective towards acetaldehyde sensing. For 50 ppm acetaldehyde gas, temperature study was done at various temperatures (RT, 50, 100, 150, 200 °C) which showed optimal at 100°C for maximal gas response. The response and recovery time was 16.53 and 18.36 seconds for 50 ppm of acetaldehyde gas. The gas sensing study was carried out at different humidity rates (11, 32, 51, 63 and 84 %) using different saturated solutions. 9 % Cu doped ZnO shows maximum response (61.53 %) as compared to pure ZnO and 3, 6 and 12 % Cu doped ZnO. The spherical shape Cu doped ZnO sensing response was increases with increase in concentration of gas from 10 to 300 ppm. Acetaldehyde gas shows enhanced selectivity towards spherical shape Cu doped ZnO sensors as compared to the other OVOCs like acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol, n‐butanol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde and acrolein. The reproducibility of Cu doped ZnO was studied for 50 days. Also, after acetaldehyde gas sensing change in morphology study of sensor was done.
Tuning the SERS Capabilities of ZnO Nanowire Arrays Functionalized with Au Quantum Dots for Highly Sensitive Detection of Methylene Blue
Authors: Hussain Shafqat , Nisar Amjad , Karim Shafqat , Yu Yanlong , Liu Yanguo , Sun Hongyu , Zafar Amina , Zahid Hussain Syed , Ahmad Mashkoor
Published: May 2023

The development of a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate capable of sensing the target analyte at low concentration has always been demanding. In this prospective, ZnO−Au quantum dots (QDs) hybrid structure with tunable surface properties and high chemical stability is considered a promising material for SERS applications. Here, a novel ZnO@Au QDs hybrid structures with various amounts of Au QDs (ZnO−Aux QDs, where x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0) was synthesized by employing solvothermal along with electrodeposition approach. The optimized substrate, ZnO@Au QDs (0.6) exhibits excellent SERS sensitivity for the detection of MB up to 1 nM with a good reproducibility. The chemical and compositional analysis show that the surface defects are formed due to the interface interactions which not only promote charge transfer between ZnO nanowires and Au QDs complex but also enhanced the Raman scattering of target analyte. The developed substrate demonstrates excellent SERS uniformity which makes them reliable choice for the detection of multi‐analyte for practical applications.
Modification of Carbon Dots for Metal‐Ions Detection
Authors: Fan Jiang , Kang Lei , Liu Di , Zhang Sufeng
Published: May 2023

It is very appealing to develop cheap, highly sensitive and efficient metal ion fluorescence sensors as traditional instrument methods are inherently costly and time‐consuming. Carbon dots (CDs) are widely used for sensing metal ions, attributing to their merits of good biocompatibility, low toxicity, easy surface modification and excellent photostability. This article reviewed the research progress of CDs as metal ion sensors in recent years, and studied their modification methods and detection performances. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of CDs as metal ion sensors were also analyzed. This article is expected to provide inspiration and help for researchers focusing on CDs as metal ion sensors.
Isatin‐Triazole‐Tethered, Tetrahydropyridine‐Based Chemosensors for Selective Recognition of Fe3+ Ions and Molecular Logic Gate Behavior
Authors: Jain Harshita , Deswal Nidhi , Negi Swati , Takkar Priya , Bhandari Mamta , Kakkar Rita , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2023

Three novel isatin‐triazole tethered tetrahydropyridine‐based colorimetric chemosensors were synthesized for selective recognition of Fe3+ ions. Their selectivity and sensitivity were investigated through colorimetric and UV‐Visible studies in a mixed‐aqueous medium (MeOH/H2O (7 : 3, v/v)). The binding stoichiometry of Chemosensor 3‐methyl 1‐phenyl (5S,6R)‐5‐bromo‐6‐(4‐((2,3‐dioxoindolin‐1‐yl)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐5,6‐dihydropyridine‐1,3(2H)‐dicarboxylate (6 a) was found to be 1 : 1 with the highest binding constant Ka, 8.6×103 M−1. The detection limit of 6 a for Fe3+ ions (0.47 μM) was much lower than the maximum permissible limit of Fe3+ ion according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Moreover, the 6 a‐Fe3+ complex was found to be recyclable upon the addition of EDTA. Furthermore, the reversible colorimetric changes of 6 a on adding Fe3+ ions and EDTA were found to mimic the ‘INHIBIT’ molecular logic gate. The chemosensor 6 a recognizes Fe3+ ions by binding through oxygen atoms of isatin as confirmed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies.
Estimation of Antioxidant Potential, Phytochemical Profiling, and In Silico Characterization of Hepatoprotective Biomarkers of Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. Webster Leaves
Authors: Upadhyay Richa , Singh Chandrashekhar , Mishra Awadhesh Kumar , Saini Rajesh , Singh Jasmeet , Tiwari Kavindra Nath
Published: May 2023

The present study reports a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus fraternus leaves. The reducing power and total polyphenolic content of the extracts were also measured. A significant correlation (0.99) was found between total antioxidant activity and the polyphenolic content of the extract. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS) analysis resulted in the identification of twenty bioactive compounds from the aqueous extract of leaves. These compounds have been identified for the first time in the P. fraternus extract. The hepatoprotective activity of the compounds was assessed through in silico docking analysis against two important liver enzymes, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST). Seven hepatoprotective compounds‐ hinokitiol, daidzein, gamma‐tocopherol, luteolin, hesperitin, scoulerin, and 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin have been identified that could be used in hepatoprotective drug formulations after clinical trials.
Effect of Basic‐acidic Dopant over Cu/SiO2 Catalyst on Product Selectivity in Ethylene Carbonate Hydrogenation
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Cai Xiaohua , Sun Yuxia , Du Minxing , Zhao Jiaojiao , Li Yuehui
Published: May 2023

Cerium and boron are commonly used components to tune the acidic/basic property of catalysts in industry. In this work, cerium or boron‐doped copper‐based catalysts (xM−Cu/SiO2, M=Ce/B) were prepared with the ammonia‐evaporation method. Both X‐ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy revealed that Cu+ content increased along with the Ce‐doping, but decreased by B‐doping. NH3‐Temperature Program Desorption results showed no change in the acidity of Ce‐doped catalysts, while significant amounts of medium‐strong acid sites appeared after B‐doping. Application in ethylene carbonate hydrogenation indicates the promoting role of Ce‐dopant in methanol production, while boron exhibits negative effects. The significant difference can be attributed to distinctive acidic/basic properties of Ce/B dopants, which affect the interaction between Cu and Si in the precursors, and thus adjust the ratio of Cu+/(Cu++Cu0).
Iron‐incorporated Ni4Mo Hierarchical Nanorod Arrays for Promoted Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hu Lina , Sun Xinyu , Wang Ying , Liu Yang , Zhang Shiqing , Liu Fang , Li Ying , Xue Yanming , Zhang Jun , Tang Chengchun
Published: May 2023

It is great significance to explore rich and efficient transition metal‐based electrocatalysts for the electrolysis of water. Nickel‐molybdenum (Ni−Mo) alloy is considering as one of the most promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in alkaline electrolyte, but its catalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still unsatisfactory. Heteroatom doping by interfering with the electronic structure of the catalysts has been considered to be an effective method to enhance electrocatalytic activities. Herein, we report the synthesis of iron (Fe)‐doped Ni4Mo intermetallic compound with hierarchical nanorod assemblies on nickel foam by hydrothermal and hydrogen‐induced methods, which significantly improve the catalytic performance for OER. The as‐prepared Fe−Ni4Mo/NF shows remarkable activity for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction, requiring only a low overpotential of 271 mV to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Such performance is significantly better than that of pristine Ni4Mo/NF with overpotential of 400 mV. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that the addition of Fe can significantly reduce the adsorption energy of the intermediate on the catalyst surface, thus facilitating the OER activity. Moreover, an alkaline electrolyzer composed of Fe−Ni4Mo/NF as cathode and anode can provide 10 mA cm−2 current density with only 1.48 V extremely low voltage, and shows excellent long‐term durability of 24 h. These results highlight a heteroatom incorporation engineering strategy into metallic alloys for electrochemical applications.
Molecular Insights on the Modulated Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Tacrine Adsorbed on Biocompatible Graphene Oxide
Authors: Phanrang Pynskhemborlang T. , Rajkumar Singh Imocha , Upadhyaya Jahnabi , Chandra Asit K. , Mitra Sivaprasad
Published: May 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) based nano‐formulation has gained much attention because of its carbonaceous composition with biologically benign properties. In this study, the interactions of GO with tacrine (TAC), an FDA approved Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug, are explored using various analytical tools and theoretical modeling techniques. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of these nano‐conjugates toward the in‐vitro catalytic activity of the neurodegenerative enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is also quantified. The maximal rate for enzyme inhibition in presence of the nanoconjugate decreases up to an extent of 16 and 34 % in comparison with TAC and GO, respectively. Interestingly, these results are in sharp contrast to the increased AChE activity on adsorption into spherical gold and silver nanoparticles. The current findings demonstrate the synergistic use of TAC−GO hybrid material with augmented AChE inhibition efficacy towards the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, GO presents a sustainable alternative for biomedical applications to inorganic equivalents.
Who gains and who loses from more information in technology markets? Evidence from the Sunshine Act
Authors: Zhang Huiyan , Branstetter Lee , Conti Raffaele , Mamadehussene Samir
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

We consider the context of a technology market where participants (in particular, sellers) differ in reputation, and sellers observed participating in the transactions might suffer a reputation loss. Our theoretical model predicts that low‐reputation idea sellers, thanks to the improvement in information disclosure, are more likely to be involved in technology transactions; at the same time, high‐reputation idea sellers, to protect their reputations, might prefer avoiding any transactions. This shift in seller composition might affect the quantity and quality of collaborations. To test our theory, we assess the effect of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act on physician‐firm collaborations. Overall, our findings indicate that while information disclosure might benefit some market participants, it can have unintended negative consequences for others.

Managerial Summary

In technology markets, more information about market participants generally leads to better outcomes. However, in contexts where sellers suffer a reputation loss if their transactions become known, higher‐reputation sellers may leave the market, affecting the quality of ideas being traded and impacting buyers. On the other hand, lower‐reputation sellers may benefit from increased visibility and share their ideas more frequently. Our research examined these effects in the context of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which made physician collaborations with medical device companies visible. The results suggest that the effects of information disclosure are not uniform and that some market participants may benefit while others may suffer losses.
Switching between 3D Surface Topographies in Liquid Crystal Elastomer Coatings Using Two‐Step Imprint Lithography
Authors: Zhang Pei , Debije Michael G. , de Haan Laurens T. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: May 2023

While dynamic surface topographies are fabricated using liquid crystal (LC) polymers, switching between two distinct 3D topographies remains challenging. In this work, two switchable 3D surface topographies are created in LC elastomer (LCE) coatings using a two‐step imprint lithography process. A first imprinting creates a surface microstructure on the LCE coating which is polymerized by a base catalyzed partial thiol‐acrylate crosslinking step. The structured coating is then imprinted with a second mold to program the second topography, which is subsequently fully polymerized by light. The resulting LCE coatings display reversible surface switching between the two programmed 3D states. By varying the molds used during the two imprinting steps, diverse dynamic topographies can be achieved. For example, by using grating and rough molds sequentially, switchable surface topographies between a random scatterer and an ordered diffractor are achieved. Additionally, by using negative and positive triangular prism molds consecutively, dynamic surface topographies switching between two 3D structural states are achieved, driven by differential order/disorder transitions in the different areas of the film. It is anticipated that this platform of dynamic 3D topological switching can be used for many applications, including antifouling and biomedical surfaces, switchable friction elements, tunable optics, and beyond.
Key Roles of Interfacial OH− ion Distribution on Proton Coupled Electron Transfer Kinetics Toward Urea Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Li Yaqiang , Yang Peixia , Ren Penghui , Wang Dan , Lu Xiangyu , Zhang Huiling , Zhang Zhengfeng , Yan Pengfei , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong , Wang Bo , Liu Huakun , Dou Shixue
Published: May 2023

Enhancing alkaline urea oxidation reaction (UOR) activity is essential to upgrade renewable electrolysis systems. As a core step of UOR, proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) determines the overall performance, and accelerating its kinetic remains a challenge. In this work, a newly raised electrocatalyst of NiCoMoCuOxHy with derived multi‐metal co‐doping (oxy)hydroxide species during electrochemical oxidation states is reported, which ensures considerable alkaline UOR activity (10/500 mA cm−2 at 1.32/1.52 V vs RHE, respectively). Impressively, comprehensive studies elucidate the correlation between the electrode‐electrolyte interfacial microenvironment and the electrocatalytic urea oxidation behavior. Specifically, NiCoMoCuOxHy featured with dendritic nanostructure creates a strengthened electric field distribution. This structural factor prompts the local OH− enrichment in electrical double layer (EDL), so that the dehydrogenative oxidation of the catalyst is directly reinforced to facilitate the subsequent PCET kinetics of nucleophilic urea, resulting in high UOR performance. In practical utilization, NiCoMoCuOxHy‐driven UOR coupled cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and harvested high value‐added products of H2 and C2H4, respectively. This work clarifies a novel mechanism to improve electrocatalytic UOR performance through structure‐induced interfacial microenvironment modulation.
Activity‐Stability Balance: The Role of Electron Supply Effect of Support in Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Deng Liming , Liu Shuyi , Liu Di , Chang Yu‐Ming , Li Linlin , Li Chunsheng , Sun Yan , Hu Feng , Chen Han‐Yi , Pan Hui , Peng Shengjie
Published: May 2023

Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers represents a significant challenge. Herein, the cobalt‐ruthenium oxide nano‐heterostructures are successfully synthesized on carbon cloth (CoOx/RuOx‐CC) for acidic OER through a simple and fast solution combustion strategy. The rapid oxidation process endows CoOx/RuOx‐CC with abundant interfacial sites and defect structures, which enhances the number of active sites and the charge transfer at the electrolyte‐catalyst interface, promoting the OER kinetics. Moreover, the electron supply effect of the CoOx support allows electrons to transfer from Co to Ru sites during the OER process, which is beneficial to alleviate the ion leaching and over‐oxidation of Ru sites, improving the catalyst activity and stability. As a self‐supported electrocatalyst, CoOx/RuOx‐CC displays an ultralow overpotential of 180 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER. Notably, the PEM electrolyzer using CoOx/RuOx‐CC as the anode can be operated at 100 mA cm−2 stably for 100 h. Mechanistic analysis shows that the strong catalyst‐support interaction is beneficial to redistribute the electronic structure of RuO bond to weaken its covalency, thereby optimizing the binding energy of OER intermediates and lowering the reaction energy barrier.
Unraveling the Role of Non‐Fullerene Acceptor with High Dielectric Constant in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yue , He Yakun , Zeng Liang , Lüer Larry , Deng Wanyuan , Chen Yuting , Zhou Jiadong , Wang Zhiqiang , Brabec Christoph J. , Wu Hongbin , Xie Zengqi , Duan Chunhui
Published: May 2023

Increasing the relative dielectric constant is a constant pursuit of organic semiconductors, but it often leads to multiple changes in device characteristics, hindering the establishment of a reliable relationship between dielectric constant and photovoltaic performance. Herein, a new non‐fullerene acceptor named BTP‐OE is reported by replacing the branched alkyl chains on Y6‐BO with branched oligoethylene oxide chains. This replacement successfully increases the relative dielectric constant from 3.28 to 4.62. To surprise, BTP‐OE offers consistently lower device performance relative to Y6‐BO in organic solar cells (16.27% vs 17.44%) due to the losses in open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Further investigations unravel that BTP‐OE has resulted in reduced electron mobility, increased trap density, enhanced first order recombination, and enlarged energetic disorder. These results demonstrate the complex relationship between dielectric constant and device performance, which provide valuable implications for the development of organic semiconductors with high dielectric constant for photovoltaic application.
Perovskite Solar Cells: Emerging Photovoltaic Technology for Achieving Net‐Zero Emission Agrivoltaics Ecosystem
Authors: Yang Boping , Zhang Mingming , Qiao Guo , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2023

The expected population growth and resulting increase in food and energy demands have become global concerns to be addressed with urgent and targeted actions. Agrivoltaics has recently emerged as the practice of co‐locating photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure and agriculture to alleviate land‐use competition between energy and agriculture production. However, PV and agriculture are highly dependent on the utilization of sunlight. Therefore, the design of a PV system is critical for maximizing electricity generation and plant biomass production. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), as an emerging PV technology, attract intensive attention owing to low fabrication cost, high performance, and tunable transmission. Accordingly, PSCs show promising application in a net‐zero emission agrivoltaics ecosystem. In this perspective, the advantages of PSC‐integrated agrivoltaics are discussed by comparing with traditional PV technologies. Thereafter, the promising and sustainable way is proposed to employ PSCs for electricity generation, plant growth, and aquatic animal development in an agrivoltaics ecosystem. Lastly, a design principle is provided for tailoring PSCs for a sustainable agrivoltaics ecosystem to simultaneously solve the energy and food crises.
3D Printable Geopolymer Composites Reinforced with Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials – A Review
Authors: Inayath Basha Shaik , Ur Rehman Atta , Khalid Hammad R. , Aziz Md. Abdul , Kim Jung‐Hoon
Published: May 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) geopolymer printing (3DGP) technology is a rapidly evolving digital fabrication method used in the construction industry. This technology offers significant benefits over 3D concrete printing in terms of energy saving and reduced carbon emissions, thus promoting sustainability. 3DGP technology is still evolving, and researchers are striving to develop high‐performance printable materials and different methods to improve its robustness and efficiency. Carbon‐based nanomaterials (CBNs) with beneficial properties have a wide range of applications in various fields, including as concrete/geopolymer systems in construction. This paper comprehensively reviews the research progress on carbon‐based nanomaterials (CBNs) used to develop extrusion‐based 3D geopolymer printing (3DGP) technology, including dispersion techniques, mixing methods, and the materials′ performance. The rheological, mechanical, durability, and other characteristics of these materials are also examined. Furthermore, the existing research limitations and the prospects of using 3DGP technology to produce high‐quality composite mixtures are critically evaluated.
New developments in the management of newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Leone Gianmarco , Alifrangis Constantine
Published: May 2023

The treatment algorithm for metastatic prostate cancer has changed more in the last decade than in the previous 50 years. Testosterone suppression has for many years been the gold standard for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, randomised studies have now shown that escalation of therapy beyond testosterone depletion results in profound and clinically meaningful survival benefits. This review aims to summarise the latest advancement in the field focusing on treatment of newly diagnosed hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer.
Nanotechnology enabled radioprotectants to reduce space radiation‐induced reactive oxidative species
Authors: Babu Balaashwin , Pawar Shreya , Mittal Agastya , Kolanthai Elayaraja , Neal Craig J. , Coathup Melanie , Seal Sudipta
Published: May 2023

Interest in space exploration has seen substantial growth following recent launch and operation of modern space technologies. In particular, the possibility of travel beyond low earth orbit is seeing sustained support. However, future deep space travel requires addressing health concerns for crews under continuous, longer‐term exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Among these challenges, radiation‐induced health issues are a major concern. Their potential to induce chronic illness is further potentiated by the microgravity environment. While investigations into the physiological effects of space radiation are still under investigation, studies on model ionizing radiation conditions, in earth and micro‐gravity conditions, can provide needed insight into relevant processes. Substantial formation of high, sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution during radiation exposure is a clear threat to physiological health of space travelers, producing indirect damage to various cell structures and requiring therapeutic address. Radioprotection toward the skeletal system components is essential to astronaut health, due to the high radio‐absorption cross‐section of bone mineral and local hematopoiesis. Nanotechnology can potentially function as radioprotectant and radiomitigating agents toward ROS and direct radiation damage. Nanoparticle compositions such as gold, silver, platinum, carbon‐based materials, silica, transition metal dichalcogenides, and ceria have all shown potential as viable radioprotectants to mitigate space radiation effects with nanoceria further showing the ability to protect genetic material from oxidative damage in several studies. As research into space radiation‐induced health problems develops, this review intends to provide insights into the nanomaterial design to ameliorate pathological effects from ionizing radiation exposure.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Thermoelectric properties and Kondo transition in the pseudo‐gap metals TiNiSi and TiNiGe
Authors: Downie Ruth A. , Kennedy Blair F. , Biswas Rajan , Smith Ronald I. , Bos Jan‐Willem G.
Published: May 2023

Materials with the TiNiSi structure have recently been highlighted as potential thermoelectric materials. Here we report the thermoelectric properties of TiNiX (X=Si and Ge). Both materials behave as defective metals or heavily doped degenerate semiconductors. Room temperature Seebeck coefficients are −45 μV K−1 (Si) and −20 μV K−1 (Ge) with electrical resistivities of 0.5–1 mΩ cm. The lattice thermal conductivities are 8 W m−1 K−1 (Si) and 6 W m−1 K−1 (Ge) at 360 K, which is promising in the absence of alloying. The calculated power factors and figures of merit remain small, with the largest S2/ρ=0.17 mW m−1 K−2 and peak zT=5×10−3 seen in TiNiSi near 300 K. Both compositions show Kondo behaviour at low‐temperatures, linked to the emergence of local moment magnetism, and have substantial magnetoresistance effects at 2 K. This work provides property characterisation for two members of this large class of intermetallic materials.
Kink-antikink collisions in the ϕ8 model: short-range to long-range journey
Authors: Bazeia Dionisio , Campos João G. F. , Mohammadi Azadeh
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We studied kink-antikink collisions in (1+1)-dimensional spacetime for all Z2 symmetric ϕ8 models with four degenerate minima. Such a polynomial model has only one free parameter, allowing us to conduct an exhaustive analysis. We performed detailed simulations in all three sectors of the model. We observed resonance windows from both localized and delocalized modes, as well as a sector change with the formation of additional kink-antikink pairs. Furthermore, we were able to show how collisions are modified when two quadratic minima merge into a quartic one, causing the kinks to acquire a long-range character. We demonstrated that when the tail not facing the opposing kink is long-range, incoming kinks and antikinks decay directly into radiation, as suggested in [1], by forming a large number of small kink-antikink pairs. Finally, we briefly discussed whether our analysis could be generalized to other polynomial models.
Quantum rotating black holes
Authors: Casadio Roberto , Giusti Andrea , Ovalle Jorge
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We consider black holes generically sourced by quantum matter described by regular wavefunctions. This allows for integrable effective energy densities and the removal of Cauchy horizons in spherically symmetric configurations. Moreover, we identify the ultrarigid rotation of the Kerr spacetime as causing the existence of an inner horizon in rotating systems, and describe general properties for quantum matter cores at the centre of rotating black holes with integrable singularities and no Cauchy horizon.