bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review on the Effect of Sugarcane Trash Ash on the Sorption, Degradation and Leaching of Atrazine and Fipronil in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Yadav Shubham , Singh Mansi , Thakur Lalitesh Kr.
Published: July 2023

Burning of surplus sugarcane trash for land clearing is a common practice followed by the farmers. The ashes generated from sugarcane trash burning will results in change in the physico-chemical properties of soils due to their alkaline nature. Ashes, due to presence of unburnt carbon, have exhibited potential to adsorb pesticides; therefore, might affect degradation, leaching and sorption of pesticides. Atrazine (Atz) and fipronil are commonly used pesticides in sugarcane. Due to their extensive application and their potential eco-toxicological effects, the global scientific interest focusing on the research of the environmental fate and behavior of pesticides after their entrance in the environmental matrices is undiminished. A comprehensive review on the effect of sugarcane trash ash on the sorption, degradation and leaching of atrazine (Atz) and fipronil in agricultural soils is so far not available. The objective of this review is thus to systematically summarize the impact of sugarcane trash ash on fate of atrazine (Atz) and fipronil in agricultural soils. Notably, the mechanisms and factors influencing were also extensively elucidated. This review helps better understand the effects of sugarcane trash ash on sorption, leaching, and degradation of atrazine (Atz) and fipronil in agricultural soils.
A Study on Marketing of Betel Leaves through Different Marketing Channels in Bhograi Block, Balasore District of Odisha
Authors: Behera Soumyashree , Ramchandra
Published: July 2023

The present study was conducted in the year 2022-23, to identify the different marketing channels in the study area and to analyse total marketing cost, producer’s share in consumer rupee, marketing margins, marketing efficiency and price spread in different marketing channels. Stratified multistage random sampling procedure was adopted to take a sample of 120 respondents from Bhograi block, Balasore, Odisha. The data was collected by personally interviewing the selected respondents with the help of a questionnaire. Four marketing channels were identified for marketing of betel leaves, channel I(Producer-Consumer), Channel II (Producer-Village Trader-Retailer-Consumer), channel III (Producer-Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer) and channel IV (Producer–Village Trader–Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer). The price spread was highest in case of channel-IV that was 2850 and lowest in case of channel I that was 400 as there are more middle men in channel IV than channel I. The marketing channel I was more efficient than the other channels but it was not used by the farmers more efficiently as they lack market information so channel II was mostly used by them. Marketing cost was highest in case of Channel IV (Rs.1550) and lowest in case of Channel I (Rs. 400).
Influence of Phosphorus and Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)
Authors: Kumar U. Sandeep Raj , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Influence of Phosphorus and Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Phosphorus viz. 20 kg, 30 kg and 50 kg/ha and three levels of Iron viz. 5, 10 and 20 kg/ha. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 9 (Phosphorus at 50 kg/ha + FeSO4 at 20 kg/ha) recorded significantly number of pods/plant (113.07), number of seeds/pod (1.93), Test weight (31.20 g), seed yield (1.25 kg/ha), Stover yield (2.07 kg/ha), harvest index (37.67 %), gross returns (1,00,266.67 INR/ha), net returns (66,866.71 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.00) as compared to other treatments.
Effect of Yeast and Different Levels of Sugar on Indian Olive (Elaeocarpus serratus L.) Cider
Authors: Phungshok Rormi , Joseph Annjoe V. , Kerketta Anita , Bahadur Vijay , Topno Samir E.
Published: July 2023

The study was conducted in Completely Randomized Design with eight treatments replicated three times. The treatments were T1 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +150 g sugar), T2 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +200 g sugar), T3 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +250 g sugar), T4 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +300 g sugar), T5 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +150 g sugar +1.5 g yeast), T6 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +200 g sugar +1.5 g yeast), T7 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +250 g sugar +1.5 g yeast) and T8 (Indian olive 500 g +250 ml water +300 g sugar +1.5 g yeast). Total soluble solids, pH and specific gravity decreased while alcohol content, acidity and sensory qualities increased with increasing length of fermentation. From the above experiment, it is concluded that treatment T5 was found superior in respect to parameters like total soluble solids, pH, acidity, alcohol content, and specific gravity. Whereas the highest score for organoleptic parameters like color and appearance, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability were recorded in T6. Treatment T6 also recorded highest in terms of gross return, the net return and cost-benefit ratio. Since Indian olive contains numerous nutritional and medicinal properties and is still underutilized, the production of cider from this fruit can to help reduce post-harvest losses and help in value addition of this crop. This study showed that acceptable cider can be produced from Indian olive using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Effect of Chemical Herbicides on Diversified Weed Flora and Weed Control Efficiency in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sachan Dhruvendra Singh , Khan Nadeem , Sachan Ravindra , Singh Shivendra , Gangwar Parthik , Singh Bhanu , Kumar Mandeep
Published: July 2023

The field experiment was carried out at Agriculture Research Farm, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India during Kharif, 2021. The experiment envisages study the effect of herbicides on the density, index and control efficiency of weed on maize crop. The experiment was laid down in the Randomized block design with twelve treatments replicated thrice. The highest weed control efficiency was observed in weed free treatment (T11) due to weed free environment all over the maize growth period but among the herbicidal treatments the treatment (T1) Atrazine 1.0 kg a.i ha-1 PE (Pre-emergence) showed highest weed control efficiency of 67.69 % up to 20 DAS. The treatment (T8) Atrazine 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 PE followed by Tembotrione  0.120 kg a.i ha-1 PoE at 20 DAS resulted in the lowest weed count and lowest weed index of 5.59 sqm-1 and 7.62% respectively. The highest weed control efficiency of 79.78 % all over the crop growth period was observed in the treatment (T8) Atrazine  0.5 kg a.i ha-1 PE followed by Tembotrione 0.120 kg a.i ha-1 PoE. The treatment Weedy check (T12) recorded highest weed dry matter accumulation while among the herbicidal treatments the lowest weed dry matter accumulation was observed in T8 treatment and was at par with the treatment T7.
Characterization of Rice Growing Soils of Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone (LBVZ) of Assam, India
Authors: Kalita Abreeta , Das Kulendra Nath , Kalita Mukul Chandra , Hazarika Sukritee
Published: July 2023

An experiment was conducted to characterize and classify the physico-chemical properties of different rice growing soils namely Ahu, Sali and Boro rice of Boko block of Assam. A total of sixty (60) geo-referenced and representative (0-15 cm) samples of soil were collected from the three different rice growing soils (20 each) viz., Ahu, Sali and Boro. The soils were then tested for their different physico-chemical properties. Soil textural classes varied from sandy loam to clay loam for Ahu and Sali rice while clay loam in Boro rice with strongly acidic to moderately acidic in their reactions (pH 4.52 to 5.85). Soil organic carbon was found to be medium to high in Ahu and Sali rice but high in Boro rice growing soils. The clay content was found to be significantly more in Boro rice growing soils as a contrary to Ahu and Sali rice growing soils. The EC values represented the non-saline nature of the soils and the CEC of all the rice growing soils of Boko block was invariably low with the mean values of 8.66 cmol (p+) kg-1 for Ahu rice growing soils, 8.80 cmol (p+) kg -1 for Sali rice growing soils and for Boro rice growing soils it was 8.90 cmol (p+) kg-1. All the available primary nutrients were medium in their status except available phosphorus which was low to medium. Exchangeable Ca2+ was the dominant basic cation followed by Mg2+.
Prospecção Tecnológica de Chatbot Relacionada à Lei de Direito Autoral
Authors: Santos Gracelynne Oliveira , Bandeira Maria da Glória Almeida , Souza Bruno Feres de , Santiago Augusto Zanoni Frade S.
Published: July 2023

Após a invenção da imprensa, o número de publicações impressas se multiplicou, surgindo, a partir daí, a preocupação com o direito autoral. A Lei n. 9.610/98, relacionada ao direito autoral no Brasil, é extensa e, ao longo dos seus 115 artigos, protege as obras intelectuais literárias, científicas, artísticas e musicais, exteriorizadas por qualquer meio. As pessoas vivem cercadas de obras protegidas por essa Lei, por isso, torna-se relevante a necessidade de identificar soluções tecnológicas que possam levar informações à sociedade acerca dessa temática. O chatbot pode ser uma dessas soluções. O Mapa do Ecossistema Brasileiro de Bots mostra um crescimento significativo no número de chatbots no mercado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise prospectiva dos programas de computadores do tipo chatbot que respondam à Lei de Direito Autoral brasileira. Adotou-se na metodologia a pesquisa básica com abordagem quali-quantitativa e de natureza exploratória e descritiva quanto aos objetivos. Foram realizadas buscas na base do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI), que resultaram num total de 60 programas de computador, e na ferramenta tecnológica Capterra, obtendo-se um total de 119 programas de computador. Após análises dos programas de computadores, não foram identificados chatbots que estivessem relacionados à Lei de Direito Autoral no Brasil.
Prospecção Tecnológica e Mapeamento do Sisal e Seus Subprodutos (1889-2022)
Authors: Leite Ana Carolina Nóbrega , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Silva Flávio Luiz Honorato da , Silva Júnior José Moreira da
Published: July 2023

O sisal é uma planta herbácea cultivada por suas propriedades fibrosas que possuem ampla aplicação industrial e cujos subprodutos são descartados. O presente trabalho objetiva fazer uma prospecção sobre as aplicações do sisal e seus subprodutos, avaliando o panorama mundial e nacional da proteção de tecnologias desenvolvidas na área. O estudo prospectivo foi realizado com base nos pedidos de patentes depositados nos bancos de dados do INPI e Espacenet do ano de 1889 até o período de junho de 2022. Foi constatado que a China lidera o ranking tecnológico com relação ao sisal, seguida pelo Brasil e pelo Reino Unido. O Brasil acompanha a tendência mundial de crescimento de tecnologias no assunto, mas apresenta um desenvolvimento mais lento. Os resultados demonstram que pouco investimento ainda é feito na cadeia produtiva do sisal e em políticas públicas que fortaleçam a inovação tecnológica no país.
Development of ADS051, an oral, gut‐restricted, small molecule neutrophil modulator for the treatment of neutrophil‐mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Murphy Christopher K. , Dixit Bharat , Oleson Frederick B. , Dolle Roland E. , Farquhar Ronald , McCormick Beth A.
Published: July 2023

Neutrophils are an essential component of the innate immune system; however, uncontrolled neutrophil activity can lead to inflammation and tissue damage in acute and chronic diseases. Despite inclusion of neutrophil presence and activity in clinical evaluations of inflammatory diseases, the neutrophil has been an overlooked therapeutic target. The goal of this program was to design a small molecule regulator of neutrophil trafficking and activity that fulfilled the following criteria: (a) modulates neutrophil epithelial transmigration and activation, (b) lacks systemic exposure, (c) preserves protective host immunity, and (d) is administered orally. The result of this discovery program was ADS051 (also known as BT051), a low permeability, small molecule modulator of neutrophil trafficking and activity via blockade of multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2)‐ and formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1)‐mediated mechanisms. ADS051, based on a modified scaffold derived from cyclosporine A (CsA), was designed to have reduced affinity for calcineurin with low cell permeability and, thus, a greatly reduced ability to inhibit T‐cell function. In cell‐based assays, ADS051 did not inhibit cytokine secretion from activated human T cells. Furthermore, in preclinical models, ADS051 showed limited systemic absorption (<1% of total dose) after oral administration, and assessment of ADS051 in human, cell‐based systems demonstrated inhibition of neutrophil epithelial transmigration. In addition, preclinical toxicology studies in rats and monkeys receiving daily oral doses of ADS051 for 28 days did not reveal safety risks or ADS051‐related toxicity. Our results to date support the clinical development of ADS051 in patients with neutrophil‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
Defect‐Free Sound Insulator Using Single Metal‐Based Friction Stir Process Array
Authors: Jin Yuqi , Yang Teng , Dahotre Narendra B. , Neogi Arup , Wang Tianhao
Published: July 2023

Metals are excellent conductors for phonon transportation such as vibration, sound, and heat. Generally, metal sound insulators require multimaterial structure or defects and unimetal sound insulators are challenging. Therefore, a design of a defect‐free sound insulator made by single alloys with multiple friction stir processes (FSPs) is proposed. Periodic friction stir processing can induce superlattice‐like local mechanical properties’ modifications. By experimental acoustic characterization, it is observed that FSP can introduce clear acoustic–elastic property contrast on an aluminum plate by the presence of stir zone and heat‐affected zones. In numerical simulations, the signature FSP‐induced property profile is periodically and parallelly arranged on a long aluminum plate. The transmission gap frequencies are present on the frequency spectrum with the sound propagation direction perpendicular to the FSP paths. Disorder offsets on FSP periodicity are further introduced. Anderson localization is found on a resonance frequency, which provides −11 dB sound reduction by an exponential decay. Due to the finite design length, the slight disorder can also enhance sound insulation in the periodic transmission gap frequency. With analysis and comparison with different configurations, the best performance in the models can achieve −30 dB sound insulation in the 350 mm‐long aluminum alloy plate with 14 parallel FSPs.
Field Enhanced Robust Droplet Electricity Generation
Authors: Shao Wan , Lin Tao , Liu Wei , Groenewold Jan , Tang Biao , Gao Jun , Zhou Guofu
Published: July 2023

Harvesting low grade hydrodynamic energy is attracting growing interest. Droplet generators have recently emerged as promising harvesting devices. However, toward practical utilization, their power density and energy conversion efficiency still warrant further improvement. In addition, the performance of droplet generators typically degrades when in contact with ambient water, significantly limiting their applications considering that they, by definition, are constantly exposed to water. This work reports a field‐enhanced droplet electricity generator (FE‐DEG) that significantly address these challenges. Using the field effect induced by a bias voltage to store high volumetric charge in the dielectric layer, the amount of charge that transfers during droplet impinging is significantly increased, which simultaneously improves the instantaneous power density and energy conversion efficiency. In addition, the performance of the generator can be reliably set by the external bias and remains stable after repeated immersion in bulk water, and even in some harsh chemical conditions. It is expected that this work may also inspire other robust energy harvesting devices.
A Dual Stimuli‐Responsive Nanoplatform Loaded PtIV‐Triptolide Prodrug for Achieving Synergistic Therapy toward Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Kang , Sun Yanting , Yang Jingxian , Hu Xiaochun , Chen Mengyao , Li Ruihao , Yang Xinda , Fan Ting , Wu Junjie , Tong Xiaohan , Dong Chunyan , Shi Shuo
Published: July 2023

To strengthen the antitumor efficacy and avoid toxicity to normal cells of cisplatin and triptolide, herein, an acid and glutathione (GSH) dual‐controlled nanoplatform for enhanced cancer treatment through the synergy of both “1+1” apoptosis and “1+1” ferroptosis is designed. Remarkably, ZIF8 in response to tumor microenvironment enhances drug targeting and protects drugs from premature degradation. Meanwhile, the PtIV center can be easily reduced to cisplatin because of the large amount of GSH, thus liberating the triptolide as the coordinated ligand. The released cisplatin and hemin in turn boost the tumor cell “1+1” apoptosis through chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, respectively. Furthermore, GSH reduction through PtIV weakens the activation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) effectively. The released triptolide can inhibit the expressions of GSH by regulating nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), further promoting membrane lipid peroxidation, thus “1+1” ferroptosis can be achieved. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the nanosystem can not only perform superior specificity and therapeutic outcomes but also reduce the toxicity to normal cells/tissues of cisplatin and triptolide effectively. Overall, the prodrug‐based smart system provides an efficient therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by virtue of the effect of enhanced “1+1” apoptosis and “1+1” ferroptosis therapies.
Modulating the d‐Band Center Enables Ultrafine Pt3Fe Alloy Nanoparticles for pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kuang Panyong , Ni Zhenrui , Zhu Bicheng , Lin Yue , Yu Jiaguo
Published: July 2023

By providing dual active sites to synergistically accelerate H2O dissociation and H+ reduction, ordered intermetallic alloys usually show extraordinary performance for pH‐universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, activated N‐doped mesoporous carbon spheres supported intermetallic Pt3Fe alloys (Pt3Fe/NMCS‐A), as a highly‐efficient electrocatalyst for pH‐universal HER, are reported. The Pt3Fe/NMCS‐A exhibits low overpotentials (η10) of 13, 29, and 48 mV to deliver 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4, 1.0 m KOH, and 1.0 m phosphate buffered solution (PBS), respectively, as well as robust stability to maintain the overall catalytic performances. Theoretical studies reveal that the strong Pt 5d–Fe 3d orbital electronic interactions negatively shift the d‐band center (εd) of Pt 5d orbital, resulting in reduced H* adsorption energy of Pt sites and enhanced acidic HER activity. With Pt and Fe acting as co‐adsorption sites for H* and *OH intermediates, respectively, a low energy barrier is required for Pt3Fe/NMCS‐A to dissociate H2O to afford H* intermediates, which greatly promotes the H* adsorption and H2 formation in alkaline and neutral conditions. The synthetic strategy is further extended to the synthesis of Pt3Co and Pt3Ni alloys with excellent HER activity in pH‐universal electrolytes, demonstrating the great potential of these Pt‐based alloys for practical applications.
4D Visualization of a Nonthermal Coherent Magnon in a Laser Heated Lattice by an X‐ray Free Electron Laser
Authors: Jang Hoyoung , Ueda Hiroki , Kim Hyeong‐Do , Kim Minseok , Shin Kwang Woo , Kim Kee Hoon , Park Sang‐Youn , Shin Hee Jun , Borisov Pavel , Rosseinsky Matthew J. , Jang Dogeun , Choi Hyeongi , Eom Intae , Staub Urs , Chun Sae Hwan
Published: July 2023

Ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetic phenomena is an exciting achievement of mankind, expanding one's horizon of knowledge toward the functional nonequilibrium states. The dynamics acting on an extremely short timescale push the detection limits that reveal fascinating light–matter interactions for nonthermal creation of effective magnetic fields. While some cases are benchmarked by emergent transient behaviors, otherwise identifying the nonthermal effects remains challenging. Here, a femtosecond time‐resolved resonant magnetic X‐ray diffraction experiment is introduced, which uses an X‐ray free‐electron laser (XFEL) to distinguish between the effective field and the photoinduced thermal effect. It is observed that a multiferroic Y‐type hexaferrite exhibits magnetic Bragg peak intensity oscillations manifesting entangled antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) Fourier components of a coherent AFM magnon. The magnon trajectory constructed in 3D space and time domains is decisive to evince ultrafast field formation preceding the lattice thermalization. A remarkable impact of photoexcitation across the electronic bandgap is directly unraveled, amplifying the photomagnetic coupling that is one of the highest among AFM dielectrics. Leveraging the above‐bandgap photoexcitation, this energy‐efficient optical process further suggests a novel photomagnetic control of ferroelectricity in multiferroics.
Indirect Electrocatalysis S─N/S─S Bond Construction by Robust Polyoxometalate Based Foams
Authors: Liu Gang , Chen Yifa , Chen Yulu , Shi Yanqi , Zhang Meiyu , Shen Guodong , Qi Pengfei , Li Jikun , Ma Delong , Yu Fei , Huang Xianqiang
Published: July 2023

Indirect electrocatalytic conversion of cheap organic raw materials via the activation of S─H and N─H bonds into the value‐added S─N/S─S bonds chemicals for industrial rubber production is a promising strategy to realize the atomic economic reaction, during which the kinetic inhibition that is associated with the electron transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface in traditional direct electrocatalysis can be eliminated to achieve higher performance. In this work, a series of di‐copper‐substituted phosphotungstatebased foams (PW10Cu2@CMC) are fabricated with tunable loadings (17 to 44 wt%), which can be successfully applied in indirect electrocatalytic syntheses of sulfenamides and disulfides. Specifically, the optimal PW10Cu2@CMC (44 wt%) exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for the construction of S─N/S─S bonds (yields up to 99%) coupling with the efficient production of H2 (≈50 µmol g−1 h−1). Remarkably, it enables the scale‐up production (≈14.4 g in a batch experiment) and the obtained products can serve as rubber vulcanization accelerators with superior properties to traditional industrial rubber additives in real industrial processes. This powerful catalysis system that can simultaneously produce rubber vulcanization accelerator and H2 may inaugurate a new electrocatalytic avenue to explore polyoxometalate‐based foam catalysts in electrocatalysis field.
Slicing of 4H‐SiC Wafers Combining Ultrafast Laser Irradiation and Bandgap‐Selective Photo‐Electrochemical Exfoliation
Authors: Geng Wenhao , Shao Qinqin , Pei Yan , Xu Lingbo , Cui Can , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren , Wang Rong
Published: July 2023

High‐efficiency and low‐loss processing is the mainstay to reduce the cost and deepen the application of 4H silicon carbide (4H‐SiC) wafers in high‐power and high‐frequency electronics. In this study, the high‐yield slicing of 4H‐SiC wafers is realized by combining femtosecond laser irradiation and bandgap‐selective photo‐electrochemical (PEC) exfoliation. By combining light‐absorption measurements, micro‐Raman, and micro‐photoluminescence characterizations, it is found that the damage layer formed inside 4H‐SiC after femtosecond‐laser irradiation consists of amorphous silicon and amorphous carbon. This indicates that the femtosecond‐laser irradiation leads to phase separation in 4H‐SiC. The bandgap of the damage layer is 0.4 eV. Taking advantage of the different bandgap energies of the damage layer and the perfect 4H‐SiC region, the damage layer is removed from the perfect region of 4H‐SiC by using bandgap‐selective PEC etching. During the PEC etching, light‐generated holes can selectively oxidize and corrode the damaged layer with the assistance of the HF solution, and leave the upper and lower perfect 4H‐SiC layers being intact. The current work contributes to the development of the high‐yield and high‐throughput femtosecond laser slicing of 4H‐SiC wafers.
Demonstration of Synaptic Characteristics in VRRAM with TiN Nanocrystals for Neuromorphic System
Authors: Yang Seyeong , Kim Taegyun , Kim Sunghun , Kim Sungjoon , Kim Tae‐Hyeon , Ismail Muhammad , Mahata Chandreswar , Kim Sungjun , Cho Seongjae
Published: July 2023

To efficiently develop an extremely intensive storage memory, the resistive random‐access memory (RRAM), which operates by producing and rupturing conductive filaments, is essential. However, due to the stochastic nature of filament production, this filamentary type resistive switching has an inherent limitation, which entails the unpredictability of the driving voltage and resistance states. Several strategies such as doping, research into multilayer stacks, and interface engineering, are suggested to tackle this challenge. This work fabricates a CMOS‐compatible TiN/HfOx/TiN‐NCs (nanocrystals)/HfOx/TiN RRAM to implement analog resistive switching and advance the development of the synaptic device. Specifically, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are utilized to observe the formation of TiN nanocrystals, which play a crucial role in the enhancement of resistive switching. By comparing HfOx–based RRAM devices with and without NCs, the DC I–V curves, retention, endurance, and switching speed are properly examined. Interestingly, it is found that the TiN/HfOx/TiN‐NCs/HfOx/TiN device is more appropriately utilized as an artificial synapse in neuromorphic systems mainly due to its stable and reliable resistive switching properties. Finally, this work demonstrates well‐controlled resistive switching 3D vertical RRAM with TiN‐NCs, which is particularly suitable for high‐density memory.
Humidity‐Responsive Actuator with Viewable and Programmable Deformation Enabled by Tannic Acid as Physical Cross‐linker
Authors: Guo Junbo , Zhang Hao , Cui Tiantian , Li Jiawei , Li Min‐Hui , Hu Jun
Published: July 2023

Programmable humidity‐driven actuators can autonomously transform into predefined forms in reaction to environmental stimuli, which are appealing for the creation of intelligent devices. Herein, this study reports a viewable in situ programmed humidity‐driven monolayer actuator consisting of hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), and tannic acid (TA). Benefiting from the multiple hydrogen bonding of TA with PVA and PAAm, TA acts as a physical cross‐linker to precisely control the modulus distribution of the monolayer film when introducing patterns by TA in the polymer film. Moreover, the physical anchoring effect of TA to PVA and PAAm makes TA molecules highly fluorescent in solid state. The resulting PVA/PAAm/TA film simultaneously exhibits high optical transparency (>80%), good mechanical property (tensile stress at break of 75.0 MPa, Young’s modulus of 7.1 GPa), bright cyan fluorescence, and reversible fast humidity‐response (0.04 s) under the relative humidity difference (ΔRH) of 55%. After in‐plane patterning, the film actuator can bend toward controllable directions in response to humidity gradient, and its programmed mode can be viewed by the fluorescence under UV light. This viewable and programmable approach will substantially aid the design of humidity‐driven actuators for applications in the fields of biomimicry, artificial muscles, and intelligent switches.
Optimizing Intermediate Adsorption via Heteroatom Ensemble Effect over RuFe Bimetallic Alloy for Enhanced Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zhao Xinying , Jiang Yuzhuo , Wang Mengfan , Liu Sisi , Wang Zhichao , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: July 2023

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising approach for nitrate removal and NH3 synthesis at ambient conditions. As a complex eight‐electron/nine‐proton transfer process, its performance relies heavily on the adsorption ability of reaction intermediates on the catalyst surface, which is determined by the geometric and electronic configurations of active sites. In this work, a heteroatom ensemble effect is deliberately triggered over RuFe bimetallic alloy to optimize intermediate adsorption for NO3RR. A record‐high NH3 yield rate of 118.8 mg h−1 mg−1 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 92.2% are achieved at −1.4 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, ranking at the top of the state‐of‐the‐art. Experimental and computational results reveal that the geometric and electronic characteristics of the induced heteroatom ensemble effect play crucial roles. Both Ru and Fe display a continuous state throughout the Fermi level, suggesting high electron density benefits the whole NO3RR. As a result, facilitated adsorption of NO3−, efficient stabilization of key intermediates, as well as the timely desorption of NH3 are simultaneously achieved, thus significantly promoting the direct reduction of NO3− to NH3.
Information Processing Capacity of Spintronic Oscillator
Authors: Tsunegi Sumito , Kubota Tomoyuki , Kamimaki Akira , Grollier Julie , Cros Vincent , Yakushiji Kay , Fukushima Akio , Yuasa Shinji , Kubota Hitoshi , Nakajima Kohei , Taniguchi Tomohiro
Published: July 2023

Physical reservoir computing is a framework that enables energy‐efficient information processing by using physical systems. Nonlinear dynamics in physical systems provide a computational capability that is unique to reservoirs. It is, however, difficult to find an appropriate task for a reservoir because of the complexity of nonlinear information processing. The information processing capacity has recently been used to clarify systematically the tasks that are solved by reservoirs; it quantifies the memory capacity of reservoirs in accordance with the order of nonlinearity. Herein, an experimental evaluation of the information processing capacity of a spintronic oscillator consisting of nanostructured ferromagnets is reported. The spintronic reservoir state is electrically manipulated by adding a delayed‐feedback circuit. The total capacity reaches a maximum of 5.6 at the edge of the echo state property. A trade‐off between the linear and nonlinear components of the capacity is also found. The result can be used to better understand the nonlinear information processing in reservoirs and to find good matches between reservoirs and tasks. As an example, a function‐approximation task is performed and it is found that it can be efficiently solved when the reservoir state is appropriately tuned so that its information processing capacity matches that of the task.
N‐Methylation of Twenty Different α‐Amino Acid Motifs Using Methanol under Metal‐Loaded Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis
Authors: Hashiba Yuki , Mori Shogo , Huang Ivven , Morioka Yuna , Naka Hiroshi , Saito Susumu
Published: July 2023

Efficient N‐methylation is highly required for the synthesis of N‐methylated α‐amino acids and peptides, both of which are essential motifs in biochemical applications. Herein, we report a photocatalytic system using metal‐loaded titanium dioxide in methanol under near‐UV light irradiation for N‐methylation of α‐amino acid or its derivatives at ambient temperature without wasteful stoichiometric reagents. The present method enables the N‐methylation of twenty kinds of α‐amino acid motifs found in proteins in the human body, whether polar/non‐polar or acidic/basic functional groups are embedded in the substrates. Dipeptides also undergo the N‐methylation at the N‐terminal while the peptide bond and carboxylic acid remain intact. Most of the N‐methylated products can be isolated through simple filtration and concentration without tedious purification processes such as an aqueous workup and column chromatography.
Real‐Time pH‐Dependent Self‐Assembly of Ionisable Lipids from COVID‐19 Vaccines and In Situ Nucleic Acid Complexation
Authors: Yu Haitao , Angelova Angelina , Angelov Borislav , Dyett Brendan , Matthews Lauren , Zhang Yiran , El Mohamad Mohamad , Cai Xudong , Valimehr Sepideh , Drummond Calum J. , Zhai Jiali
Published: July 2023

Ionisable amino‐lipid is a key component in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which plays a crucial role in the encapsulation of RNA molecules, allowing efficient cellular uptake and then releasing RNA from acidic endosomes. Herein, we present direct evidence for the remarkable structural transitions, with decreasing membrane curvature, including from inverse micellar, to inverse hexagonal, to two distinct inverse bicontinuous cubic, and finally to a lamellar phase for the two mainstream COVID‐19 vaccine ionisable ALC‐0315 and SM‐102 lipids, occurring upon gradual acidification as encountered in endosomes. The millisecond kinetic growth of the inverse cubic and hexagonal structures and the evolution of the ordered structural formation upon ionisable lipid‐RNA/DNA complexation are quantitatively revealed by in situ synchrotron radiation time‐resolved small angle X‐ray scattering coupled with rapid flow mixing. We found that the final self‐assembled structural identity, and the formation kinetics, were controlled by the ionisable lipid molecular structure, acidic bulk environment, lipid compositions, and nucleic acid molecular structure/size. The implicated link between the inverse membrane curvature of LNP and LNP endosomal escape helps future optimisation of ionisable lipids and LNP engineering for RNA and gene delivery.
Photoluminescence Anisotropy in Eutectic Crystals of Polynuclear Lanthanide Complexes and Silver Clusters
Authors: Wang Fei‐Fan , Zhang Yuchen , Zhao Teng , Feng Peng‐Fei , Lu Zhenda , Zang Shuang‐Quan , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: July 2023

Anisotropy is an intrinsic property of crystalline materials. However, the photoluminescence anisotropy in eutectic crystals of organometallic complexes has remained unexplored. Herein, the eutectic of polynuclear lanthanide complexes and Ag clusters was prepared, and the crystal shows significant photoluminescence anisotropy. The polarization anisotropy of emission δ and degree of excitation polarization P are 2.62 and 0.53, respectively. The rare excitation polarization properties have been proved to be related to the regular arrangement of electric transition dipole moments of luminescent molecules in the crystal. Our design provides a reference for developing new photoluminescence anisotropy materials and expanding their applications.
Optimization of mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid styrene‐butadiene rubber/nanoclay/graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Mojaddami Ameneh , Paydayesh Azin
Published: July 2023

In this study, solid styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) compound nanocomposites containing hybrid nanoclay–graphite nanofillers with different weight fractions were fabricated through a two‐roll mill process, and surface response methodology (SRM) using Minitab software was employed for designing experiments and developing good relationships between independent factors and responses. The impact of nanoclay, graphite, and their hybrids on the mechanical, aging, and thermal properties of filled SBR was studied. Compared with neat SBR, the SBR containing 10 phr nanoclay and 15 phr graphite (SBR/10/15) showed the highest tensile strength and tensile modulus with 55 and 47% rise, respectively. Also, A maximum increase in hardness was observed for SBR/5/30 by 42%, and it was revealed that nanofillers reduced the elongation at break. Additionally, despite reducing the mechanical properties of neat SBR, hybrid nanocomposites maintained their properties during aging so that the SBR/10/15 presented maximum aging resistance. The SBR/10/15 presented maximum aging resistance as it significantly retained its mechanical properties during the test. Moreover, thermal stability was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrated that the hybrid nanofillers improved the thermal stability of SBR.
Plasma‐enhanced immobilization of cerium oxide nanoparticles on a fluorocarbon‐based nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Kormunda Martin , Ryšánek Petr , Homola Tomáš , Henych Jiří , Tolasz Jakub , Hoskovec Jakub , Čapková Pavla
Published: July 2023

Fluorocarbon‐based (CF) nanofibrous membrane has been prepared by electrospinning of a source polyvinylidene fluoride and its surface was modified by CeOx nanoparticles by immersion in a water colloidal solution with CeOx nanoparticles (CeOx NPs). Two ways of the deposition of CeOx nanoparticles on the CF nanofiber membrane were used: (1) deposition of CeOx NPs on the pristine electrospun membrane and (2) the immediate deposition CeOx NPs on the plasma treated electrospun membrane. We investigated the effect of plasma treatment on the amount of CeOx NPs deposited on CF nanofiber surfaces and on the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in CeOx NPs deposited on CF. The amount of CeOx on nanofiber surfaces was determined by XPS (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and SEM analysis. Results showed a significant increase of CeOx NPs amount on the plasma treated CF membrane, accompanied by slight decrease of Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in CeOx NPs adherent on plasma treated CF surface in comparison with pristine CF surface. Detailed analysis of XPS spectra – C1s, O1s, and Ce3d indicated a possibility of the chemical bonding of CeOx NPs on the plasma treated CF surface.
Polycaprolactone—Eugenol systems: Interactions, retention and diffusion of the bioactive compound
Authors: Xie Sian , Martinez Lopez Brais , Chalier Pascale , Saulnier Benjamin , Reddy Narendra , Grohens Yves , Touchaleaume François
Published: July 2023

The retention ability of polycaprolactone (PCL) films and their potential use for applications that require controlled release, were evaluated using eugenol, an aroma compound as a model active substance. The PCL‐eugenol samples were prepared by means of a low‐temperature extrusion process that resulted in minimum losses of eugenol and a final proportion close to nominal content. The release kinetics of eugenol were monitored for different conditions of temperature and relative humidity, both by an usual gas chromatography analysis but also by spectroscopy method that revealed sufficient. The release kinetics were compared to the numerical results obtained by the resolution of Fickian and a power‐law models. Results showed that the temperature had an influence on the release rate, and that the release kinetics were mostly Fickian. Moreover, the determination of the Arrhenius parameters will allow the use of the Fickian model to dimension PCL samples for other applications requiring controlled release.
Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) prey fish diversity based on environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Zhou Chunhua , Wang Rongrong , Wang Sheng , Guo Ting , Lei Yao , Ouyang Shan , Wu Xiaoping
Published: July 2023

Knowledge of the feeding habits of the Critically Endangered Neophocaena asiaorientalis (Yangtze finless porpoise, YFP) is vital for the management and protection of this species. However, stringent protections implemented in 2020 dictate that only non‐invasive methods may be used to gain information.

Therefore, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding was used to obtain YFP prey diversity and community structures from different environmental samples collected from YFP habitat in April 2021. Sampling strategies for using eDNA to monitor the YFP were explored.

Of the 63 fish species detected, more species were detected in samples from surface water than in samples from deeper water and sediment, but the diversity and community structures of fish in the samples from surface water, deeper water, and sediment did not significantly differ.

The number of YFP sequences in the main lake area of Poyang Lake was significantly higher than that in other sampling areas. The YFP sequence number, operational taxonomic unit (OTU) number, and OTU occurrence frequency in surface water samples were higher than those in deeper water samples.

Eighteen previously verified species of YFP prey fishes were detected, with more species detected in water samples than in sediment samples. The sequence numbers of the YFP and their prey fishes Ctenopharyngodon idella, Pseudolaubuca engraulis, and Tachysurus argentivittatus were significantly positively correlated, indicating that YFP preferentially selected these three species.

Surface water samples yielded good results for the convenient and non‐invasive eDNA metabarcoding method of monitoring the feeding habits of this flagship species and for identifying early signals of YFP responses to changes in prey fish communities.

The creation of critical conservation areas, eDNA monitoring standards, and emergency rescue plans are vital for YFP conservation.
Trends and sex‐specific incidence of upper urinary tract cancer in Taiwan: A birth cohort study
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsuan , Hsu Wan‐Lun , Lee Yu‐Kwang , Chiang Chun‐Ju , Yang Ya‐Wen , You San‐Lin , Chen Yong‐Chen , Lai Tai‐Shuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Taiwan has one of the highest incidences of upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) worldwide, especially in women; however, no nationwide, long‐term follow‐up study has evaluated this.

Methods

We investigated the incidence of UTUC in Taiwan using data from the national population‐based Taiwan Cancer Registry database (1985–2019). We divided the birth cohort into nine 5‐year age groups and calculated the age‐specific incidence for these groups according to the corresponding birth years.

Results

The average annual percent change in the incidence of renal pelvis cancer from 1985 to 2019 showed sex‐specific differences, with 3.5% and 5.3% increases in the incidences in men and women, respectively. The age‐specific incidence rate for renal pelvis cancer among women showed a gradual increase in the group with older women as well as an increase over time in each age group. The results of a birth cohort analysis revealed that younger cohorts had higher incidence rates of renal pelvis cancer than older cohorts did.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the incidence of UTUC is unusually high among older Taiwanese women and that younger cohorts have a high risk of UTUC than older cohorts.
Port‐site hernia: A potentially severe complication of minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Matsuzaki Shinya , Maeda Michihide , Hisa Tsuyoshi , Kamiura Shoji
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Recently, the number of minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) is increasing; however, a specific postoperative complication of MIS such as port‐site hernia needs to be recognized. A persistent postoperative ileus after MIS is rare and such symptoms need to be recognized as a probable sign of a port‐site hernia.

Recently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches for early endometrial cancer have shown non‐inferior oncologic outcomes with better perioperative morbidity than open approaches. Nevertheless, port‐site hernias are a rare but specific surgical complication of MIS. Knowing the clinical presentation, surgery for port‐site hernias could help clinicians manage this condition.
One‐pot Upcycling of Waste Plastics for Selective Hydrogen Production at Low‐Temperature
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Awasthi Mahendra K. , Sheet Nirupama , Kharde Tushar A. , Singh Sanjay K.
Published: July 2023

Towards global efforts for efficient and sustainable ways to utilize polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐based plastic waste, herein we report an integrated process for the complete one‐pot transformation of PET‐based plastic waste for hydrogen gas production in an alkaline aqueous condition over a heterogeneous ruthenium catalyst at low temperature (110‐160 °C). We could achieve complete selectivity with a high yield of H2 gas (∼38,000 mL H2/gPET/gRu) without any traces of CO and CO2 contaminations. Complete depolymerization of different types of PET‐based plastic waste was also achieved with high carbon yield (∼98 %) for disodium terephthalate (Na2TPA, 5.2 mmol/gPET) and sodium formate (SF, 9.6 mmol/gPET), along with H2 gas. Moreover, the developed process is scalable to bulk‐level production of hydrogen gas from PET‐based plastic waste, highlighting the potential application of the developed process.
Developing Machine Learning Models for Catalysts in Oxidative Dehydrogenation of n‐butane
Authors: Tanimu Gazali , Olawale Ajadi Jimoh , Yahaya Yussif , Alasiri Hassan , Adegoke Nurudeen A.
Published: July 2023

1,3‐butadiene is widely used as a raw material in the synthesis of rubber and automobile tires. In this study, machine learning models were utilized to predict the performance of catalysts in the oxidative dehydrogenation of n‐butane to 1,3‐butadiene., The datasets consisted of 304 data points generated from experiments conducted in a fixed‐bed reactor in the temperature range of 400– 500 °C and O2/C4 molar feed ratio of 1–4 mol/mol, using metal oxides of Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Bismuth (Bi), Molybdenum (Mo), Manganese (Mn) and Tungsten (W) supported on gamma alumina catalysts. Repeated 10‐fold cross‐validation was used, with 70 % of the datasets randomly selected for training and optimizing the models, whereas the remaining 30 % were used for testing the models. Among the various models examined, support vector machine with radial basis function (SVMR) model had the best coefficient of determination (R2) performance for the n‐butane conversion (training set: 98.3 % vs. test set: 88.3 %) and 1,3‐butadiene selectivity (training set: 94.0 % vs. test set: 88.6 %). In addition, the models had the lowest training and test mean absolute errors (MAE) and root mean square errors (RMSE). This study highlights the notable role of machine learning algorithms in enhancing the prediction of n‐butane oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst performance, thus promoting the development of more effective catalyst designs that exhibit high activity and selectivity, contributing positively to the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Notably, a user‐friendly application incorporating the developed machine learning models was developed, providing an invaluable tool for the real‐time on‐site prediction of catalyst performance in the oxidative dehydrogenation of n‐butane to 1,3‐butadiene. This application is a significant advancement, facilitating swift and accurate catalyst performance prediction, fostering more efficient catalyst design, streamlining, and revolutionizing the rubber and automobile tire synthesis industries.