bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-vitro and In-vivo Anti-Candidal Effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves Extracts
Authors: Adindu J. C. , Anyamene C. O. , Ezebialu C. U. , Chukwukaelo D. C. , Chude C. F. , Eruala L. E. , Umeofor A.
Published: May 2023

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by pathogens of the genus Candida. Due to the increase in antifungal resistance by Candida species, there is a need for alternatives in its treatment. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a medicinal plant with vast nutritional and antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated the in-vitro and in-vivo anti-candidal effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (spinach tree) leaves extract. Clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida dublinensis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis were used in this study and Cold maceration technique was employed in the plant extraction process, to obtain its ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extract. The agar well diffusion method and 2-fold dilution process -to obtain 250 mg/ml to 15.625mg/ml of the extracts -were used for the antimicrobial sensitivity test and three weeks old female Wistar rats infected with 20µl of standardized C. albicans were used for the in-vivo evaluation. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. In-vitro assay revealed ethanolic extract as the most potent extract with the highest inhibition zone diameter of 12.67±1.15c, 11.67±1.15c, and 12.33±0.58c at 250mg/ml against C. tropicalis, C. krusei2, and C. parapsilosis respectively. C. parapsilosis was the most sensitive to all the extracts. In-vivo, the disappearance of disease symptoms and progressive decrease in rats Candida burden- from 6.35×103 CFU/ml obtained after infection to 2.15×103CFU/ml after treatment revealed the ability of the plant to treat candidiasis. The study suggests that extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves could act individually or synergistically as effective drug candidates in the treatment of candidiasis; thus if its individual antifungal constituents are purified, this plant could be the next major anti-candidal agent.
Application of Internet of Things (IoT) in Nigerian Power Grid Management
Authors: Olufemi T. T. , Akinwole O. O.
Published: May 2023

The importance Internet of Things (IoT) in managing the Nigeria 330kV power grid cannot be overemphasized. The nation’s power sector has been deviled with problems ranging from low voltages to total system collapse. There have been efforts to reverse the negative trends. One of the efforts was the development of robust modern technologies to monitor and control the systems in real time. Another challenge of note is the lack of visibility with the grid controller, which can be compared to driving a car with blurred windscreen. The existing SCADA system has lower coverage and parades about 22% visibilities to control operators. Internet of things (IoT) is machine to machine connection via the internet for the purpose of controlling, monitoring and exchanging information.  A lot can be achieved via IoT like controlling remote actuators, sensing of remote device’s parameters such as temperature, position, voltage, current, and power.  It helps controllers at the master stations or control centers to make informed decisions for better grid stability.  The paper explains the design and implementation of the IOT based solution to the problems. It describes its components and deployment in twenty-nine power stations in Nigeria.  The paper discloses that the application of the homegrown solution has brought visibility and stability to the Nigerian power grid network.
Ethical Procedures in Scientific Research
Authors: Rodrigues Liliana
Published: May 2023

This work has as its theme the ethical procedures of research and aims to provide a framework of practical guidelines to ensure the protection of all actors involved in the development of scientific knowledge, particularly at the stage of research design and project.

This is a theoretical reflection on the ethical dimension of data collection practices and the limits that the researcher should consciously attend to in the scientific research process. For this reflection, I carried out a literature review and a document analysis of several legal documents, highlighting the European directive on data protection. This led to several questions, namely: what documents should be ensured in the research project design process? What is the scope of informed consent and how can anonymity and confidentiality of data be preserved? These and other questions are answered in a thoughtful way for those who understand that there is no science without ethics, nor ethics without conscience.

Here the hermeneutic method is the natural choice because it allows the interpretation of questions related to values and principles that must be contextualized. This interpretative analysis requires asking questions related to duty, but also to the norm or law. With this questioning it is hoped that the reader will understand in a systematized way the ethical procedures of research and will be able to draw on a documentary listing of the ethical point of view that will protect the informants, but also the researcher himself and affiliating institutions or participants.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: History and Present Impact
Authors: Gupta Kamini
Published: May 2023

Pradhan Mantri Jan –Dhan Yojana was launched on 28 august 2014 in India, as a concept of Financial Inclusion. The Main objective was to connect maximum people to banks and to provide them with financial literacy to get maximum benefit out of their small savings. This schemes was considered as new foundation stone for financial inclusion. PMJDY was launched with an aim to include financial excluded people into the development mainstream. This scheme was a huge success in rural areas. It was mostly dependent on public sector banks as they are having good reach in rural areas. PMJDY is being run by Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. On the inauguration day of PMJDY, 15 million bank accounts were opened. This scheme is helpful for the people having low income as they can easily open bank account and can get benefit of banking services. PMJDY bank account holders are also provided with RuPay Debit card which can be used for Payment and purchase.

The Guinness Book of World Records recognised this achievement, stating: “The Most bank account opened in one week as a part of the financial inclusion campaign 1,80,96,130 was achieved by the Government of India from August 23 to 28, 2014.” The slogan of PMJDY is “Mera Khaata, Bhagya Vidhata”. Former union Finance minister Late Mr. Arun Jaitley said that the PMJDY is a game changer for the economy as it has provided the platform for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) which, in turn, will help in plugging leakages is subsidies and thereby provide savings to the exchequer. This paper is exploring the benefits of PMJDY and the progress of PMJDY till April 2023.
ANÁLISE DA EFICIÊNCIA DOS GASTOS COM ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL NOS MUNICÍPIOS POTIGUARES
Authors: Fernandes Márcia Laiza Alves , Santos Yuri Dantas dos
Published: May 2023

O setor público lida com recursos limitados e diante das demandas da população se faz necessário que a aplicação desses recursos seja eficiente. A busca da eficiência está em melhorar a relação resultados e custos, isto é, maximizar resultados e minimizar os custos. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo geral analisar a eficiência do gasto com ensino fundamental nos municípios do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte no ano de 2015. Para esse fim, utilizou-se uma amostra de 110 municípios potiguares. Foram empregadas pesquisas descritiva, documental e quantitativa. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a aplicação de recursos não tem relação no rendimento obtido pelos alunos do ensino fundamental. Através do índice de eficiência desenvolvido neste trabalho, considerando indicadores de entradas e saídas, aponta-se o município de Ipueira como mais eficiente e o município de Guamaré como mais ineficiente.
CONTABILIDADE AMBIENTAL NA PECUÁRIA: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Dos Santos Francisca Viviane , Munz Fernandes Alice , Leal de Souza Ângela Rozane , Batista de Lucena de Souza Romina
Published: May 2023

Existem ambiguidades e polêmicas acerca da atividade pecuária, devido à conversão de recursos naturais em proteínas, por exemplo. Com vistas a isso, a pesquisa realizada teve como objetivo analisar a ênfase das investigações científicas sobre contabilidade ambiental na pecuária. Para tanto, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science, orientada por critérios operacionais e analíticos. O portfólio de estudos foi composto por oito artigos, cuja análise preliminar de coocorrência de dados textuais resultou em uma rede de vértices e associações composta por dois clusters denominados de aspectos ambientais e técnicos e aspectos econômicos e financeiros. A interdisciplinaridade da temática investigada ocasiona a convergência entre ambos os clusters, o que foi evidenciado pelo detalhamento das abordagens enfatizadas nas investigações. Os resultados demonstraram que novas ferramentas de contabilidade ambiental estão sendo implementadas nesse setor econômico dotado de polêmicas acerca dos impactos ambientais que ocasiona.
Gerenciamento de Resultados e Dificuldade Financeira
Authors: Oliveira Menezes Lenio Vitor , De Souza Bispo Jorge , Casé de Oliveira José Sérgio
Published: May 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar como as alterações nos métodos contábeis para fins de gerenciamento de resultado podem influenciar a situação financeira da empresa. Para tanto, tomou-se como referência a metodologia desenvolvida em Agustia, Muhammad e Permatasari (2020), porém com o uso do modelo de previsão de insolvência desenvolvido por Altman (1979) e o modelo de estimação de Accruals discricionários desenvolvido por Dechow (1995). A amostra é composta por empresas do setor de bens industrias do Brasil listadas na B3, no período entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. Utilizou-se regressão quantílica para tentar identificar os efeitos dos Accruals discricionários nos diferentes quantis da amostra sendo identificado que os Accrruals não possuem influência significativa para o quartil das empresas em dificuldade financeira, contudo, identificou-se que o Gerenciamento de Resultados apresenta influência significativa na alteração da situação financeira das empresas do setor de bens industriais que apresentam melhores condições financeiras. Os resultados deste trabalho contribuem com evidências empíricas de que empresas em situação de alto risco financeiro tendem a apresentar sua verdadeira situação econômica, como preconiza a Teoria da Agência, reduzindo, portanto, a assimetria informacional seja por medo de restrições contratuais ou subavaliação das ações do agente.
ERP Training Evaluation
Authors: Menezes Arlindo , Bomfim Gomes Dias Hellen , Branco de Holanda Victor
Published: May 2023

The work presented here aims to develop a new methodology to evaluate adherence to an ERP training strategy. We derive our method from the observations from the GRP implementation in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. Our methodology proposal derives from how Event Studies measure the abnormal return of an event within a data metric. In our study, the event is the training provided to employers on using the ERP, while the “return” data is the measured system input made by users who received that training. In our understanding, the training procedures are necessary to ensure the correct usage of an ERP. This understanding of how proper planning may be helpful and cost-effective allows us to claim our main contribution. We expect this methodology and experience may allow ERP trainers to design the appropriate training protocol for the trained group and expected ERP usage.
Financiamento de Campanhas Eleitorais e Desempenho Eleitoral nas Eleições Municipais 2008-2012: Um Estudo à Luz da Teoria da Escolha Pública
Authors: Silva Lindomar , Almeida Fabio , Castro Miguel , Lima Leandro
Published: May 2023

Este estudo analisou a influência do financiamento de campanha no desempenho eleitoral dos candidatos para às prefeituras brasileiras nas eleições de 2008 e 2012 à luz da Teoria da Escolha Pública. Foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, utilizando regressão logística. Os resultados indicaram uma influência positiva e significativa do financiamento de campanha no desempenho eleitoral dos candidatos, sinalizando que os prefeitos que foram eleitos arrecadaram mais recursos para as suas campanhas. Além disso, os resultados revelaram que os candidatos que já tinham sido eleitos em algum cargo público anteriormente, também levaram vantagem em relação aos candidatos que ainda não tinha sido eleitos. Outro aspecto observado é que as mulheres são a grande minoria dos candidatos e recebem menos recursos para as suas campanhas do que os homens, refletindo esse fato no desempenho eleitoral delas de forma negativa. A principal contribuição desse trabalho é o fato de que nos municípios com PIB per capita maior, bem como os municípios com a população mais escolarizada, os recursos de financiamento são menos relevantes para o desempenho eleitoral, sugerindo que os eleitores dos municípios mais ricos e mais escolarizados são menos suscetíveis às propostas pouco exequíveis divulgadas pelos candidatos com recursos de campanhas.
FATORES	DETERMINANTES	DA	EVIDENCIAÇÃO	DO	PENSAMENTO INTEGRADO NO SETOR PÚBLICO
Authors: Silva Clara Monise
Published: May 2023

A divulgação do relato integrado nas entidades do setor público surge com o intuito de sanar a necessidade de legitimidade e maior transparência das ações do poder público, como também de apresentar a população como estes entes têm gerado valor. Com isso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os fatores determinantes da evidenciação do pensamento integrado no setor público. A amostra foi composta de 50 universidades federais brasileiras, no período de 2018 a 2021. Para a coleta dos dados da pesquisa foram analisados os relatórios de gestão das universidades, obtidos através dos websites das universidades, como também foram analisados os sites do Inep e do gov.br para a coleta de informações relacionadas com as variáveis utilizadas na pesquisa. Os dados foram analisados por meio de uma regressão com dados em painel com efeitos fixos. A partir da análise dos resultados, constatou-se que as universidades federais analisadas nessa amostra alcançaram um índice médio de divulgação do pensamento integrado de 8,94, com um valor máximo de 10 e um valor mínimo de 7. Os resultados também apontam que apenas o tempo de fundação das universidades pode ser considerado um fator determinante do nível de evidenciação do pensamento integrado nas universidades federais no Brasil.
Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) no Futebol Profissional Brasileiro: Qual é o placar desse jogo?
Authors: SAMEER EL KHATIB AHMED
Published: May 2023

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a natureza das atividades de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) realizadas pelos clubes de futebol das Séries A e B do Campeonato Brasileiro, durante a temporada de 2019, bem como essas ações serviram à proteção ambiental e à sociedade, manifestando-se o conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável. Aplicamos análise comparativa com base em bancos de dados secundários (relatórios e sites) de 40 clubes, sendo 20 de cada Divisão, com foco em informações sobre suas aspirações de RSC. Nos clubes da Série A, a aplicação prática das atividades de RSC tem sido intensamente desenvolvida. Os clubes compartilham informações estatísticas detalhadas sobre suas ações, enquanto alguns dos clubes até publicam seus planos futuros. A quantidade e o detalhamento das informações encontradas nos clubes são bastante variados. Alguns clubes apresentam suas atividades de RSC em detalhes; entretanto, no caso da maioria dos clubes, as informações acessíveis são bastante superficiais e carecem de descrições exatas. Os resultados indicam que o futebol brasileiro está se movendo conscientemente para a realização do desenvolvimento sustentável, o que requer uma reconexão abrangente da sociedade esportiva e um aumento da consciência, a fim de alcançar a integração eficiente e bem-sucedida das atividades de RSC.
O uso dos Ativos Fiscais Diferidos como gerenciamento de resultados em big e small banks listados no Banco Central do Brasil
Authors: Ferraz de Almeida Rodrigo
Published: May 2023

Os Ativos Fiscais Diferidos representam o valor do tributo sobre o lucro a ser recuperado em determinado momento, e a maioria dos estudos presentes na literatura exibem esses ativos das instituições financeiras listadas no Banco Central do Brasil como um gerenciador de resultados, que em cenários de crise econômica nacional ou mundial, impactam diretamente os resultados financeiros dos bancos. E o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o uso dos Ativos Fiscais Diferidos como uma métrica para identificação de gerenciamento de resultados por accruals anormais (H1), em evitar relatar uma queda nos lucros (H2), evitar relatar uma perda (H3) e evitar o fracasso em atender às previsões de lucros dos analistas (H4) de big e small banks listados no Banco Central do Brasil, durante o período de 2016 a 2020. Utilizou-se accruals anormais Modelo Jones Modificado como proxy que refletem o gerenciamento de resultados sendo estimados pelo modelo de regressão probit. A inclusão de empresas financeiras para detectar métricas de accruals no atendimento das hipóteses em bancos listados no Brasil foi pouco explorada na literatura, o que pode melhorar a qualidade de informações e decisões dos bancos. E os resultados apresentados nesse estudo, exibiram significância para as hipóteses, quanto aos tamanhos dos bancos (big e small). Enquanto os big banks apresentaram o resultado significativo para o uso dos AFD como uma métrica de gerenciamento de resultados para accruals anormais (H1), os small banks apresentaram resultados significativos para usos dos AFD como uma métrica de gerenciamento de resultados para evitar um declínio nos lucros (H2), evitar relatar uma perda (H3) e evitar deixar de cumprir ou superar as previsões dos analistas (H4).
Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Daily Life: An Exploratory Experience‐Sampling Method Study
Authors: Phillips Nathaniel L. , Du Tianwei V. , Miller Joshua D. , Lynam Donald R.
Published: January 2025

Trait aggression is often separated into two functional dimensions: reactive and proactive tendencies. Reactive aggression is the tendency to engage in emotionally driven aggressive responses to perceived provocation, whereas proactive aggression is the tendency to engage in premeditated aggressive behaviors in the service of goal attainment. To date, the majority of empirical investigations examining these interrelated constructs have done so using cross‐sectional data that have important limitations (e.g., recall bias). In the current study, we used an experience‐sampling approach to investigate similarities and differences in reactive and proactive aggression's relations with affective and interpersonal constructs in a sample of 477 US undergraduate students. Our results indicated that baseline reactive and proactive aggression scores were predictive of aggression‐related behavior, cognition, and affect in real‐world dyadic encounters. Additionally, although reactive aggression showed stronger relations with investigated maladaptive outcomes (e.g., negative affectivity, lack of interpersonal warmth), profile similarity analyses indicated that these trait aggression dimensions shared substantial overlap in their nomological nets.
Multifunctional Roles of Ionic Microenvironments in the Preparation, Modification, and Application of g‐C3N4
Authors: Qian Xinru , Li Wenjin , Wang Xiaoning , Guan Haibin , Bao Qinghe , Zhao Baofeng , Wulan Bari , Liu Suxiang , Zhu Di , Feng Xiangyu , Sun Jian
Published: January 2025

As a visible light‐responsive metal‐free polymer semiconductor, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has garnered increasing attention in photocatalysis but needs structural modification and functional enhancement. Recently, the rational design of ionic microenvironments (IMEs) by leveraging the tunability of various ions to endow catalysts with tailored functionalities has been elevated to a hot direction. To elucidate their respective effects on g‐C3N4, IMEs are categorized into three types, namely plasma IMEs, organic IMEs, and inorganic IMEs, according to the criteria of external field dependence, cation type, and application scenarios. These promotions include facilitated preparation, diversified modifications, and improved efficiencies. First, IMEs participate in constructing a functionalized microenvironment through dynamic interactions with the precursor during the preparation, facilitating structural customization, crystal nucleation and growth, surface performance enhancement, and process cleanliness. Second, IMEs create a tunable microenvironment for post‐modification of g‐C3N4, functioning as an electron reservoir, structural modifier, substrate adsorbent, and stabilizer. Lastly, through the synergistic effect between IME and g‐C3N4, they achieve targeted product regulation, enhanced chemical stability, efficient substrate adsorption, and improved application potential in fields like catalysis, energy storage, and gas adsorption. Also, the limitations, challenges, and prospects of IME strategies are discussed, offering systematic insights into IMEs‐based structure‐activity relationships of g‐C3N4.
UCST Polymeric H2S‐Donor Fabricated Nanomedicine Managing Atherosclerosis by Gas‐Photothermal Therapy Involving a “Turning Waste into Treasure” Strategy
Authors: Ren Xuechun , Gao Di , Liu Xinyang , Yun Rong , Wang Ying , Jia Liangliang , Ren Liujiao , Zhang Xinyuan , Xing Lijuan , Li Ke , Li Chengwei , Tian Zhongmin , Yang Zhe
Published: January 2025

Atherosclerosis (AS) stands as a primary cause of vascular diseases worldwide, with its occurrence and progression being attributed to the interplay of multiple risk factors. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at effectively mitigating and reversing AS. Herein, a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor is incorporated into a thermal‐sensitive polymer possessing an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), which not only serves as a novel macromolecular H2S donor but also forms the targeted nanocarrier for delivering a near infrared II photothermal agent, achieving the gas‐photothermal therapy against AS with notable advantages. For one aspect, the multifunctional UCST nanomedicine could target atherosclerotic plaque and perform the photoacoustic imaging‐guided H2S‐photothermal therapy to reduce the ratio of en‐face aortic lesion areas from 17.2% to 6.5% and alleviate the inflammatory AS microenvironment. For another aspect, the inevitable hepatic accumulation of UCST nanomedicine would activate the 5'‐adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, thereby enhancing lipid metabolism and reducing plasma triglyceride levels. This transformation of waste nanomedicine into the valuable asset further aids in inhibiting the progression of AS. Consequently, the multifunctional UCST nanomedicine here would mediate an effective H2S‐photothermal therapy to attenuate AS.
Metallosalen Covalent Organic Frameworks with Integrated Organic–Inorganic Active Sites for Enhanced Li Storage
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Xiandi , Guo Dong , Jiao Menggai , Liu Yiyang , Fang Yongzheng , Wu Manman , Zhou Zhen
Published: January 2025

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) hold great promise as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but their limited conductivity has hindered broader application. In this study, a novel metallosalen COF (Cu‐TH‐COF) is introduced, synthesized via a one‐pot method, incorporating redox‐active Cu ions into N2O2 pockets and creating an extended π‐d conjugated structure. This design merges organic and inorganic active sites, enabling efficient multi‐electron transfer and improving the utilization of active sites in LIBs. The π‐d conjugation significantly enhances the electronic conductivity, resulting in improved rate performance. As a result, Cu‐TH‐COF delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 300 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and retains 174 mAh g−1 at 4000 mA g−1, significantly outperforming its Cu‐free counterpart. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of metallosalen COFs as high‐performance cathode materials and opens up a new strategy for next‐generation LIBs.
Unlocking the Crucial Role of Oxygen Vacancies on the Low‐Temperature Li‐Ion Storage
Authors: Meng Fanteng , Li Yutong , Liu Yongxu , Zhang Su , Kong Debin , Zhi Linjie
Published: January 2025

Designing crystal structures that enable fast Li‐ion transport is essential for achieving high performance in oxide electrodes for low‐temperature lithium‐ion batteries (LT‐LIBs), especially for micron‐scale particles. The introduction of point defects is considered to be effective for accelerating local Li‐ion transport at room temperature, but due to the discontinuity of point defects, the enhancement at low temperatures remains to be verified. Besides, the understanding of defect impact at low temperatures is quite limited. In this study, a micron‐scale vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) cathode with abundant oxygen vacancies in bulk phase is successfully synthesized. Such crystal structure tends to form continuous and fast Li‐ion transport channels, facilitating deep lithiation at ultralow temperatures with exceptional rate capability and impressive capacitance retention (74% at −40 °C and 54% at −50 °C). Remarkably, an empirical relationship between oxygen vacancies and low‐temperature Li‐ion storage in micron‐scale oxides is uncovered. Specifically, the degree of lithiation exhibits two distinct trends depending on temperature: a linear increase in response to oxygen vacancy concentration above −40 °C, and an exponential increase below this threshold. The insights gained here highlight the crucial role of high concentrations of point defects at ultralow temperatures, providing a direction for tackling critical challenges of low‐temperature battery technologies.
Super‐Tough Silk: The Potential of Knots in Evolved Spiders
Authors: Pugno Nicola M.
Published: January 2025

Spider silk is renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties, combining low density with high tensile strength and high extensibility and thus very high toughness modulus (t., i.e., dissipated energy per unit mass). However, the potential toughness of spider silk can be significantly enhanced if spiders evolved the ‐currently absent/undiscovered‐ ability to tie knots in their silk. This advancement will allow for a new level of gigantic toughness (T) revealing today “hidden toughness”, mimicking human engineering techniques and in particular a related proposal by the author used for realizing the world's toughest fibers. Indeed, knotting can provide additional energy dissipation via friction, enabling spiders to construct webs and traps with unprecedented efficiency. To quantify this scenario, the author calculates the gigantic toughness of 393 real spiders virtually assumed with evolving knot‐making behaviors, showing toughness gain (G = T/t) of about one or two orders of magnitude. The resulting “super‐tough silk” can benefit spiders in their natural habitats and suggests a new perspective on how knotting can serve as a key innovation in spider evolution and in Biology in general.
Inspired by “Trojan Horse” Effect to Construct a Novel Chrome‐Free Tanning Agent—Achieving the Integration of Tanning‐Dyeing and Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Li Ruilong , Ren Longfang , Sun Xin , Liu Huaqing , Zhang Xiancheng , Qi Bocheng , Yu Sijie , Wei Yihao , Cheng Fei , Qiang Taotao
Published: January 2025

Among human deaths induced by abnormal weather, ≈95% are caused by low temperatures. Personal thermal management (PTM) is more energy efficient than traditional central heating. Inspired by “Trojan War” and combined with the advantages of natural leather, a novel chrome‐free tanning agent (OMFA) with “Trojan Horse” effect is constructed based on ZrOCl2‐assisted oxidation mineral fulvic acid. It innovatively realizes the “One Stone Three Birds” integrated strategy of tanning, dyeing and PTM leather preparation. OMFA, just like a Trojan horse, brings the Zr4+ into all hierarchy of leather; as a result, OMFA is firmly fixed in leather collagen fibers by chemical cross‐linking. The shrinking temperature of resultant leather reaches 82.7 °C and the color difference is less than 0.2, showcasing good hydrothermal stability and color fastness. Moreover, the solar absorption rate of OMFA tanned leather reaches 78.3%. In the outdoor test, the surface temperature of the leather is higher 20.9 °C and 3.4 °C than the ambient temperature at noon and evening, respectively. This study is the first time to confer thermal management properties onto leather by means of tanning. This work is expected to replace chrome tanning agent, reduce dye wastewater discharge, and realize clean energy utilization.
Tailored Multisite Rigid Conjugated Molecules to Anchor Perovskite for Comprehensive Management of Perovskite Crystallization and Defects
Authors: Jia Wei , Zhao Qiangqiang , Tian Juanhua , Qiao Jingyuan , Shi Guangchao , Zheng Siming , Wei Yulin , Liu Zonghang , Hu Xueqing , Hui Wei , Wang Chenyun , Shang Jingzhi , Song Lin , Pang Shuping , Wang Kai , Rong Zi‐Qiang
Published: January 2025

engineering has emerged as a promising approach to improve the stability and power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by regulating the crystallization or defects. Conventional methods typically focus on a single functional group, leading to a deficiency in simultaneously addressing the above mentioned two aspects. Here, an innovative approach using (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐amine hydroiodide (MSPPAI) is presented to concurrently and effectively modulate perovskite crystallization and defect passivation. The unique structure of MSPPAI, combining a rigid conjugated structure with multisite anchoring groups (─NH2 and ─SO2─), enables precise regulation through strong interaction with perovskite components. This interaction promotes the preferred (100) orientation of perovskite crystals, enhances the grain size, and thus improves the film quality. Meanwhile, the conjugated structure and approximate coplanarity further facilitate ordered crystallization and directional growth. Furthermore, by preventing volatile loss and coordinating with residual Pb2+, MSPPAI could effectively stabilize grain boundaries and surfaces to reduce defects and prevent degradation. Utilizing these mechanisms, the corresponding MSPPAI based devices achieves an efficiency of 25.54% and exhibits excellent stability that maintains 93% of its initial efficiency even after 1600 h under humid conditions. This molecular design strategy presents a novel approach for improving the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Multi‐π‐Stacked Through‐Space Charge‐Transfer Emitters with Accelerated Radiative Decay for High‐Efficiency Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Suppressed Efficiency Roll‐Offs
Authors: Song Yongjun , Zhang Ke , Li Yibo , Shu Yan , Xiu Yue , He Lei
Published: January 2025

Through‐space charge‐transfer (TSCT) thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have been extensively explored for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but their low radiative decay rates (kr,s) have remained a formidable obstacle to enhancement of luminescent efficiency (ФPL) and suppression of efficiency roll‐off of the OLED. Here, multi‐π‐stacked TSCT‐TADF emitters with accelerated radiative decay are developed with a 3D [fixed acceptor]/donor/[fixed acceptor] structure formed on two individual fluorene bridges. Single‐crystal structures and theoretical calculations reveal cis or trans‐configurations of the two acceptors around the central donor and double TSCT channels in the emitter. In doped films, the emitters show green‐blue TADF with high kr,s up to 1.1 × 107 s−1 and near‐unity ФPL, which are notably improved compared to the single‐π‐stacked analog (kr,s = 2.1 × 106 s−1, ФPL = 0.89). OLEDs based on the emitters show high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 26.2% and the EQEs at 1000 cd m−2 (EQE1000) remain up to 23.4%, which are superior over the device based on the single‐π‐stacked analog (EQEmax/EQE1000 = 20%/15.6%). A narrowband blue‐green OLED with one emitter as a sensitizer shows high EQEmax/EQE1000 at 37.6%/27.7%. The work demonstrates the great potential of multi‐π‐stacked structure in enhancing the kr,s of TSCT‐TADF emitters for high‐efficiency OLEDs with low efficiency roll‐offs.
Wood and Cellulose: the Most Sustainable Advanced Materials for Past, Present, and Future Civilizations
Authors: Hamedi Mahiar Max , Sandberg Mats , Olsson Richard T. , Pedersen Jan , Benselfelt Tobias , Wohlert Jakob
Published: January 2025

Wood, with its constituent building block cellulose, is by far the most common biomaterial on the planet and has been the most important material used by humans to establish civilization. If there is one single biomaterial that should be studied and used by materials scientists across disciplines to achieve a sustainable future, it is cellulose. This perspective provides insights for the general materials science community about the unique properties of wood and cellulose and how they may be used in advanced sustainable materials to make a substantial societal impact. The focus is on sawn wood or cellulose fibers produced at scale by industry and the more recent cellulosic nanomaterials, highlighting the areas where these cellulose‐based materials can be valorized into higher‐order functions. Numerous articles have comprehensively reviewed different areas where cellulose is currently used in advanced materials science. The objective here is to provide general insight for all material scientists and to provide the opinions about the areas in which cellulose and wood have the largest potential to make a significant societal impact, especially to realize next‐generation sustainable materials for construction, food, water, energy, and information. Discussing key areas where future research is needed to open avenues toward a more sustainable future is ended.
Impact of Pentaerythritol (Core), Dimethylol Butanoic Acid (Monomer) Based Second Generation Aliphatic Hyperbranched Polymer on the Tribonegative Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride
Authors: Mohan Nalini Bai , Yoon Jae Uk , Bindhu Amrutha , Woo Insun , Gajula Prasad , Arun Anand Prabu , Bae Jin Woo
Published: January 2025

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an eminent technology and has become a promising solution for the existing energy crises. Several methods are investigated to enhance the TENG output performance. Herein, a novel pentaerythritol (core) and dimethylol butanoic acid (monomer)‐based hyperbranched polymer of second generation (HBP‐G2) is fabricated by facile single‐step polycondensation technique. Further, different weight percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) of HBP‐G2‐blended polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based nanofibers (NFs) are prepared using the traditional electrospinning technique. The prepared HBP‐G2 and the electrospun NFs are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD)light emitting diodes studies. The effect of HBP‐G2 on the triboelectric performance of PVDF is evaluated in terms of open circuit potential (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc) using aluminium as the counter electrode. Among all, the 20 wt% of PVDF/HBP‐G2 shows the superior performance of Voc of 241 V (ten times of neat PVDF NF) and Isc of 5.3 µA (six times of neat PVDF NF). The optimized 20 wt% TENG device (PVDF/G2‐PA‐20) exhibits a peak power density of 0.17 Wm−2 at an applied load resistance of 100 MΩ. Finally, the real‐time feasibility of the proposed TENG is successfully demonstrated to harvest mechanical energy such as operating calculators and lightning 36 light emitting diodes (LEDs)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.02.087.
Patterning the Pore Orientation of Nanoporous Metal via Self‐Organization in Flow Cells
Authors: Wang Congcheng , Li Yang , Geng Xiangwei , Mao Jiatao , Chen Qing
Published: January 2025

Nanoporous metals, a class of free‐standing, high specific‐area materials, evolve from interface‐controlled self‐organization in a selective dissolution (e.g., dealloying). The process creates randomly oriented pores, in which slow mass transport has limited the functional applications of nanoporous metals. Here the control of the pore orientation is demonstrated with a dealloying analogy, reduction‐induced decomposition, achieved in flow cells. Via forced convection, the self‐organization is placed under the control of sufficiently rapid mass transport to suppress pore branching and align 100 nm‐wide ligaments and pores along the direction of reaction propagation, boosting the permeability by an order of magnitude while retaining the large surface area. The pore orientation can be further manipulated with a flow field for an orientation pattern akin to the expected fluid pattern, enabling a nanoporous silver electrode to deliver a peak power of 0.3 W cm−2 in a redox‐flow battery, outperforming commercial carbon electrodes.
Designing Antifreeze Electrolytes with Colloid‐Like Structures for High‐Rate Performance in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Penghui , Wu MengDi , Chen Can , Li Chuanchang , Luo Chucheng , Zhu Huali , Yang Juan , Ning Jiayi , Li Shanshan
Published: January 2025

Optimizing the electrolyte configuration is an effective strategy to enhance the cycle life of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). A critical challenge in electrolyte development involves improving the antifreeze characteristics without compromising high‐rate performance for the AZIBs. This study selects the polymer polysaccharide konjac glucomannan (KGM) as an electrolyte additive, aiming to utilize its naturally formed stable colloidal system in aqueous solution, which exhibits superior rheological properties. This system can effectively balance the antifreeze performance of the electrolyte with the performance requirements of the cell under high‐rate charge–discharge conditions, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the cell. Therefore, the zinc anode exhibits stable cycling for 1250 h at 25 °C under conditions of 7 mA cm−2 and 3.5 mAh cm−2. At ‐10 °C, stable cycling is sustained for over 800 h at 7 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. In full cells, the cell delivers a discharge capacity of 77.9 mAh g−1 after 7500 cycles at a current density of 15 A g−1 at 25 °C. Even at ‐10 °C, the cell delivers a discharge capacity of 102.7 mAh g−1 after 660 cycles at 3 A g−1. KGM offers a cost‐effective, environmentally friendly solution to improve AZIBs' reliability and antifreeze capabilities.
Comparing agronomic performance of industrial hemp varieties for suitable production in the United States
Authors: Williams Ajit , Brym Zachary , Chen Chengci , Collins Alyssa , Crawford Jamie , Darby Heather , Dedecker James , Ellison Shelby , Fike John , Gage Karla , Gang David , Griffin Jason , Johnson Burton , Moore Virginia , Ortmeier‐Clarke Haleigh , Podder Swarup , Richmond Mitchell , Roozeboom Kraig , Thelen Kurt , Werle Rodrigo , Pearce Robert
Published: January 2025

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an ancient crop used throughout history for fiber, oilseed, and therapeutic compounds. Hemp varieties were cultivated across diverse environments in the United States, but knowledge of those agronomic practices along with genetic resources was lost during a period in which cultivation of cannabis was prohibited. Therefore, regional performance evaluations of hemp varieties for crop performance coupled with scientific communication of outcomes to the public are crucial for hemp's development as an agricultural commodity. Objectives for this research were to evaluate relative yields of industrial hemp varieties grown across the United States and link their suitability for commercial production across locations. A national collaboration established variety trials containing seven industrial hemp varieties planted across 14 locations (36°–48° N latitude and 72°–110° W longitude) over a 3‐year period. Crop dry straw yield and seed yield increased from the averages of 1600 and 700 kg ha−1 in Year 1 to 2400 and 1150 kg ha−1 in Year 2, and 3050 and 815 kg ha−1 in Year 3, respectively. The varieties Anka and X‐59 performed best in Vermont and Virginia, where seed yields consistently exceeded 1100 kg ha−1; however, no single variety performed above average across all sites. Overall, this assessment identified two industrial hemp varieties suitable for commercial production in specific sites and highlighted the importance for hemp breeders to investigate variety × location × year interactions when developing improved varieties to best capture site‐specific productivity.
Plasma p‐tau217 and neurofilament/p‐tau217 ratio in differentiating Alzheimer's disease from syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Huber Hanna , Tan Kübra , Cantoni Valentina , Rivolta Jasmine , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Benedet Andrea L. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J. , Borroni Barbara
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Plasma‐based biomarkers have shown promise for clinical implementation, but their accuracy in differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD) from syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) has yet to be fully investigated. This study assessed the potential of plasma biomarkers for differential diagnosis.

METHODS

This cohort study included 374 participants (96 AD, 278 FTLD). Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)217, neurofilament light chain (NfL), brain‐derived tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the amyloid beta1‐42/1‐40 ratio were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses assessed diagnostic accuracy, and a three‐range threshold approach was used to stratify patients based on the most accurate biomarker.

RESULTS

Plasma p‐tau217 effectively distinguished AD from FTLD, with the NfL/p‐tau217 ratio showing superior accuracy. The three‐range approach identified thresholds with 95% and 97.5% sensitivity and specificity, reducing the need for cerebrospinal fluid testing by 75% and 54%, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Plasma p‐tau217 and the NfL/p‐tau217 ratio are promising non‐invasive biomarkers for differentiating AD from FTLD, suggesting their use as a potential alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.

Highlights

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)217 distinguishes Alzheimer's disease (AD) from frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with high accuracy.

The neurofilament light chain/p‐tau217 ratio showed the highest accuracy for differentiating AD from FTLD.

A three‐range threshold reduces the need for invasive cerebrospinal fluid testing or amyloid positron emission tomography imaging.
Pathological angiogenesis was associated with cerebrovascular lesion and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhan Yaxi , Wang Qiong , Zhang Mengguo , Dai Linbin , Shen Yong
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the specific factors driving abnormal angiogenesis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its role in cerebrovascular lesions and neurodegeneration.

METHODS

We assessed cerebrovascular pathologies, amyloid‐beta (Aβ), and tau pathologies in post mortem human brains and detected 12 angiogenic factors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the China Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative (CANDI) cohort.

RESULTS

We observed severe blood‐brain barrier damage and elevated levels of the vascular marker CD31 in human AD brains, which had a stronger correlation with tau pathology than Aβ pathology. Consistently, only CSF pTau181 showed positive associations with CSF angiogenesis factors (soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [sVEGFR2], VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, placental growth factor [PLGF], Angiopoietin2, and Serpin E1), but not CSF Aβ42/40. Additionally, higher levels of CSF sVEGFR1, soluble Tyrosine‐protein kinase receptor 2 [sTIE2], PLGF, and interleukin 8 [IL8], as well as lower levels of CSF urokinase‐type plasminogen activator [uPA], were associated with worsen cerebrovascular pathologies and neurodegeneration.

DISCUSSION

Our findings indicate that tau pathology may play a critical role in pathological angiogenesis, contributing to cerebrovascular lesions and neurodegeneration in AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

BBB damage and elevated vascular marker CD31 in human AD brains had a stronger correlation with tau pathology than Aβ pathology.

CSF pTau181 mediated the effect of CSF Aβ42/40 on CSF sVEGFR1 and sTIE2.

Only CSF pTau181 showed positive associations with sVEGFR2, VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, PLGF, Angiopoietin2, and Serpin E1.

Higher sVEGFR1, sTIE2, PLGF, and IL8, and lower uPA in CSF, were associated with cerebrovascular pathologies and neurodegeneration.
Active Hydroxyl‐Mediated Preferential Cleavage of Carbon‐Carbon Bonds in Electrocatalytic Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xiaojing , Liu Baocang , Jing Peng , Xu Xuan , Hao Haigang , Gao Rui , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2025

Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) to produce high‐value formic acid (FA) is hindered by high formation potential of active species and sluggish C−C bond cleavage kinetics. Herein, Ni single‐atom (NiSA) and Co single‐atom (CoSA) dual sites anchored on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes embedded with Ni0.1Co0.9 alloy (Ni0.1Co0.9@NiSACoSA‐NCNTs) are constructed for electrochemical GOR. Remarkably, it can reach 10 mA cm−2 at a low potential of 1.15 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) and realize a high formate selectivity of 93.27 % even at high glycerol conversion of 98.81 % at 1.45 V vs. RHE. The GOR mechanism and pathway are systematically elucidated via experimental analyses and theoretical calculations. It is revealed that the active hydroxyl (*OH) can be produced during the GOR. The NiSA, CoSA, and Ni0.1Co0.9 synergistically optimizes the electronic structure of CoSA active sites, reducing the energy barriers of *OH‐mediated cleavage of C−C bonds and dehydrogenation of C1 intermediates. This decreases the number of reaction intermediates and reaction steps of GOR‐to‐FA, thus increasing the formate production efficiency. After coupling GOR with hydrogen evolution reaction in a membrane electrode assembly cell, 14.26 g of formate and 23.10 L of H2 are produced at 100 mA cm−2 for 108 h.
B,N‐Embedded Helical Nanographenes Showing an Ion‐Triggered Chiroptical Switching Function
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Michishita Sayaka , Yasutomo Issa , Ema Tadashi
Published: January 2025

Intramolecular oxidative aromatic coupling of 3,6‐bis(m‐terphenyl‐2’‐yl)carbazole provided a bis(m‐terphenyl)‐fused carbazole, while that of 3,6‐bis(m‐terphenyl‐2’‐yl)‐1,8‐diphenylcarbazole afforded a bis(quaterphenyl)‐fused carbazole. Borylation of the latter furnished a B,N‐embedded helical nanographene binding a fluoride anion via a structural change from the three‐coordinate boron to the four‐coordinate boron. The anionic charge derived from the fluoride anion is stabilized over the expanded π‐framework, which leads to the high binding constant (Ka) of 1×105 M−1. The four‐coordinate boron species was converted back to the parent three‐coordinate boron species with Ag+, and the chiroptical switch between the three‐coordinate boron and four‐coordinate boron species has been achieved via the ion recognition with the change in the color and glum values.