bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postharvest Handling Practices and Treatment Methods for Okra in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Iveren Blessing Iorliam , Tavershima Richard Ugoo
Published: April 2022

Over the years, okra's demand has grown in Nigeria as a result of its economic and nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, due to inadequate handling and storage procedures, the okra pods produced deteriorates and loses value. To ensure that the wastage of this produced okra reduces, proper postharvest handling practices and treatment methods of okra should be properly adopted and deployed by okra farmers, especially in Nigeria. Harvesting/handling, cleaning/sorting, grading, packing, and storage are all key postharvest handling methods for preserving okra quality and increasing the shelf life of the okra pods after harvest. Moreover, efficient postharvest treatment procedures such as postharvest heat treatment, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)/modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), calcium chloride (CaCl2) application, edible coating, and sanitizing chemicals have been proven to improve the shelf life of Okra. From this review, it was concluded that the quality of the harvested fruits could be maintained and shelf life extended by simply using appropriate postharvest handling practices and treatment methods.
Adsorption Capacity of Lead (II) (Pb2+) in Aqueous Solution by Brown Seaweed (Fucus spiralis)
Authors: Bungudu J. I. , M. Murphy Lorrie
Published: April 2022

The sorption uptake of lead by marine brown alga Fucus spiralis was investigated in bimetallic solutions. The experimental data fitted very well to Langmuir model. In bimetallic systems, the affinity of biomass for lead and cadmium increased and the sorption uptake of these metals was not affected by increasing concentrations. However, in solutions with both metals there was a significant mutual decrease of their sorption levels at high concentrations of the other metal. There is practical removal up to 100 ± 4% for biomass dosage 4.0 ±0.1 g which correspond to lowest adsorbed amount of 0.25 ± 0.1 mg/g. The highest adsorbed value was recorded with biomass dosage 0.25 ± 0.1 g but with the lowest percentage removal of 92.50 ± 6%. In this study at initial metal concentration of 10 mg/L the highest metal removal of 96% was achieved.
Physico-chemical Parameters and Heavy Metals Distribution in Selected Shell Fishes along the Opuro-Ama Creek in Rivers State of Nigeria
Authors: Chris Davies I. , Oghenetekevwe Efekemo
Published: April 2022

The study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in selected shell fishes (U. tangeri, C. amnicola, T. fuscatus, P. monodon), sediment and water. The samples were collected from a fishing port along the Opuro-ama Creek in Rivers State of Nigeria. analysis for Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co) and Zinc (Zn) were done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The order of metal accumulation in these shellfishes, sediment and water were; C. amnicola (Fe > Zn > Cu > Co > Mn); U. tangeri (Fe > Zn > Cu > Co > Mn); T. fuscatus (Fe > Cu > Zn > Co > Mn); P. monodon (Fe > Co > Zn > Cu = Mn); Sediment (Fe > Zn > Co > Cu > Mn); Water (Fe > Cu > Mn > Co = Zn). There was statistical difference (p<0.05) in metals concentration in the soft tissues in all the shellfish. From the results, the concentration of the metals in the tissues of all the shell fishes, the interstitial water and the sediment sampled from the creek were within the permissible limit recommended by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DRP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) except for Fe which was above the recommended limit. The physicochemical parameters of the interstitial water such as pH, Temperature, Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TSS) Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Salinity were within the acceptable levels in the guidelines for drinking]. Although Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were slightly higher than the recommended limit of these metals by Department of Petroleum Resources (DRP). This indicates that if theses metals are not checked, they may increase the potential for bioaccumulation in the shellfishes and the creek as well. Therefore, there is need for regular monitoring of this creek to avoid future deterioration.
Power Series Generalised Power Weibull Class of Distributions
Authors: Abonongo Anuwoje Ida L. , Luguterah Albert , Nasiru Suleman
Published: April 2022

The power series generalised power Weibull class of distributions were developed in this study by compounding the power series family of distributions and the generalised power Weibull distribution. The statistical properties of this new class were derived. Maximum likelihood parameter estimators were derived for the parameters of the power series generalised power Weibull class of distributions. Four sub-families of distributions were developed from the power series generalised power Weibull class of distribution; the generalised power Weibull geometric distribution, generalised power Weibull Poisson distribution, generalised power Weibull binomial distribution and the generalised power Weibull logarithmic distribution. The hazard rate and probability density function plots of the four sub families of distributions showed that, they can model both monotonic and non-monotonic lifetime data. Monte Carlo simulations performed on these sub-distributions showed that, their estimators were consistent estimators. Application of these sub-distributions to failure data from air conditioning system of an aircraft showed that, the generalised power Weibull geometric distribution provides a better fit to the data. Also, the generalised power Weibull Poisson distribution provides a better fit to the data on service times of 63 aircraft.
A Preliminary Study on Allelopathy and Potential Allelochemicals of Root Exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal
Authors: Shao Meini , Ma Yongsheng , Wang Yaokai , Xu Shujun , Miao Qing , Zhai Qiang , Qu Bo
Published: April 2022

Aims: In order to understand the role of allelopathy in invasion success, effects of root exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal on germination and primary growth of wheat and cabbage seeds were studied by vitro bioassay. These results indicated the allelopathy of root exudates and would be helpful for understanding Solanum rostratum Dunal invasion. 

Study Design: The roots were washed clean for three times with distilled water before they were gathered in a big bucket. The container was filled with distilled water, enough to submerge the roots, and air was aerated constantly with an air pump. The water extract was collected per 24 hs and for four times totally. The water extract from Solanum rostratum was concentrated with a rotary evaporator at 40°C and deposited in a refrigerator at 4°C. All the root exudates were pooled around 1500 mL, and the fresh weight of Solanum rostratum used for exudates collection was 1208 g, the exudate concentration was then marked as 0.8g f w/mL.

Place and Duration of Study: Solanum rostratum was grown in the greenhouse on April 15th, 2019, its seeds were collected from the invaded fields in Chaoyang city (Liaoning province, China).

Methodology: Petri dish bioassay was applied to test the effects of root exudates of Solanum rostratum on the seeds of wheat and Chinese cabbage. For test of allelochemicals exudated through the root, The compounds in organic fraction of root exudates analysed by GC-MS.

Results: These results indicated the allelopathy of root exudates and would be helpful for understanding Solanum rostratum Dunal invasion.

Conclusion: Root exudates of Solanum rostratum contained some allelochemicals, which could inhibit the germination and radicle growth of wheat and Chinese cabbage, though the effects of root exudates on shoot growth are different, with a stimulation on Chinese cabbage while a inhibition on wheat. The difference indicated a selectivity of allelopathy effect of root exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal.
To Study the Awareness and Adoption Level among the Tharu Tribes towards Selected Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITKs) for Its Cost Effectiveness
Authors: Mukherjee M. K. , Kumar Pankaj , Bharti Rakhi , Rajak S. K. , Kumar Singh Ranjay
Published: April 2022

The frequent use of modern medicines for animal husbandry practices has reduced the usage of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) but still, they are often used first to treat various animal diseases. The objective of this research work was to level awareness and adoption level of selected Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) among Tharu tribes in terms of reducing the production cost vis-à-vis increasing the overall production of their livestock. The investigation was carried out in the Tharuhat area of the West Champaran district, to explore the therapeutic uses of plants by local inhabitants. Information was gathered from traditional healers and livestock owners of Tharu Tribes, by using participant observation, open-ended conversations, and semi-structured questionnaires. Plants used as ethnoveterinary medicines were collected and identified by farmers of the study area (i.e., Tharuhat area) who had well knowledge about the use of indigenous practices in different areas of livestock rearing i.e., Breeding, Feeding, and Health care and its awareness. Documentation of traditional knowledge-related ethnoveterinary information and identification of potential species for prioritization of conservation through sustainable animal health care management is essential for the benefit of future generations. The present study contributed to the documentation of an inventory of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants, which might provide a better informative database for future scientific validation studies for the sake of animal health.
Effect of Long-term Fertilization and Manuring on Soil Enzyme Activity in Rice-rice Cropping System in Semi-arid Southern India
Authors: Aparna M. , Ravi P. , Chandra Shaker K. , Mahesh N.
Published: April 2022

Nutrient management practices have huge influence on soil biological health. The present study was conducted during kharif-2021 in the on-going AICRP on LTFE after 21 years of continuous application of fertilizers and manures to estimate the enzymatic activities i.e., urease and dehydrogenase activity at different growth stages of rice crop. In all the treatments, enzymes exhibited higher activity at flowering stage and thereafter the activity was decreased towards harvesting stage of the rice crop. Among all the treatments, FYM and 100% NPK+FYM treatments recorded highest dehydrogenase and urease activity, respectively as compared with all other treatments. Balanced fertilizer application i.e., 100% NPK also recorded significantly higher enzymatic activity compared with imbalanced fertilizer treatments i.e., 100% N and 100% NP during all the stages of crop growth period. Integrated nutrient management (100%NPK+FYM), FYM and 100% NPK are the best treatment with respect, to increasing enzymatic activity as compared with all other treatments. Grain yield of rice varied from 4078 kg ha-1 to 6569 kg ha-1during kharif-2021. Among all the treatments, maximum grain yield (6569 kg ha-1) was obtained with 100% NPK+FYM. Lower grain yield (4078 kg ha-1) was recorded in the treatment 100% N. Integrated use of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure resulted in higher growth parameters and maximum yield of rice. The combined use of organic as well as inorganic source of plant nutrients could be a sustainable option for optimizing the yield of rice in rice-rice cropping system in semi-arid southern India.
Effect of Multi-function Disintegrator Grinding on the Particle Size of Garcinia indica and Garcinia cambogia Rind Powder
Authors: Mujadadi N. , Fakrudin B. , Jayashree U. , Honnabyraiah M. K. , Swamy G. S. K. , Vasudeva K. R. , Pappireddy M.
Published: April 2022

Ultra-fine formulations edible dried fruit rind material provides a vast range of opportunities for the development of new products and applications in the food systems. The Garcinia indica and Garcinia cambogia, both species have a range of uses from culinary to healthcare applications. The dried rind of both species was attempted to study size and proportion of ultra-fine powder formed using Multi-function disintegrator as a function of different durations of grinding. The particle size and relative proportions were assessed using Zetasizer dynamic light scattering apparatus. A set of three major peaks in each sample was analyzed for particle size and intensity. In G. indica the result in peak1 for size and intensity, the minimum size of particle recorded was 175.8 nm from the sample ground 60 minutes. In G. cambogia minimum particle size recorded was 461.01nm from the sample ground for 60 minutes. The different particle sizes ranging from 48.13 nm to 3705.63 nm was recorded in powder resulting from different durations of grinding at full speed of the disintegrator. The results suggested that samples ground for longer duration in a simple particle disintegrator could accumulate ultra-fine particles in both G. indica and G. cambogia rind samples.
Effect of Sulphur and Boron on Growth and Yield of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Deep Chapirimatam Guru , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2021 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the effect of different levels of sulphur and boron on growth and yield of Greengram. The treatment consists of three different levels of Sulphur (10, 20, 30 kg/ha) and Boron (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Nine treatments replicated Thrice. Results revealed that significantly higher plant height (39.7cm), plant dry weight (13.27g/plant), number of branches per plant (6.20), Number of pods per plant (22.60), Number of seeds per pod (7.07), test weight (33.01 g), seed yield (1.58 t/ha) and Stover yield (2.67t/ha), were obtained by the application of sulphur at the rate 30 kg/ha along with boron 2 kg/ha.  The successive increase in fertilizer levels of sulphur and boron increased the growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of Greengram.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Diabetes in Côte d'Ivoire: a Cross-sectional Study in the Country's Adult Population
Authors: Okoubo Guillaume , Kouadio Ekra Daniel , Orsot Tetchi , Franck Ekou Kokora
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To estimate the current prevalence of diabetes and identify associated factors in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of 3198 adults aged 20-79 years. Risk factors were identified by stepwise ascending binary logistic regression. Successive models were compared using the likelihood ratio test.

Results: The survey population was predominantly female (55%) and lived in urban areas (55.38%). The prevalence of diabetes in Côte d'Ivoire was 6.2% [95% CI: 5.34 - 7.20]. Men (6.40%) and women (6.06%) have almost the same prevalence of diabetes, while urban areas (7.36%) have a higher prevalence than rural areas (4.56%). Factors significantly associated with this prevalence were age 60-79 years (AOR 1.61; P=0.028), male sex (AOR 1.56; P=0.020), high blood pressure (AOR 1.39; P=0. 048), family history of diabetes (AOR 2.5; P=0.000), abdominal obesity (waist circumference) (AOR 1.56; P=0.042), elevated triglycerides (AOR 3.30; P=0.000) and elevated LDL cholesterol (AOR 2.01; P=0.000). However, moderate and frequent alcohol consumption (AOR 0.63; P=0.009) was protective against diabetes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes in Côte d'Ivoire is relatively high and continues to increase. Age at 60 years and above, alcohol consumption, hypertension, family history of diabetes, abdominal obesity through waist circumference, high Triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol are the factors associated with this prevalence. Interventions targeting associated modifiable risk factors are needed to reduce this increasing prevalence.
GC/MS Analysis and In vitro Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Solvent Extracts on Microorganisms Isolated from the Armpit, Scalp and Urinary Tract
Authors: Anyakorah Caroline Iruoma , Ogunsina Oluwatomisin Alan , Igbo Ukachi Ezinwa
Published: April 2022

Aims: The study was to assess the antibacterial effect of solvent extracts of Ganoderma lucidum on isolates from the human scalp, armpit, and urinary tract.

Study Design: Descriptive comparative.

Place and Duration of Study: the Bells University of Technology, between December 2019 and October 2020.

Methodology: Test organisms isolated from the scalp, armpit, and urine were identified using conventional methods and Analytical Profile Index kits (API). Ganoderma lucidum was rinsed with 2.5% potassium hydroxide and sterile distilled water, dried at 50℃ for 72 h, and pulverized. The mushroom powder (10%) was extracted in methanol, acetone, and petroleum ether at 65oC for 48 h. The filtrate was evaporated and two-fold serial dilutions were prepared in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Antibacterial activity was done by the agar well diffusion method. Inoculum adjusted to 0.5 McFarland standard was inoculated onto Mueller Hinton agar. Wells of 6mm were filled with 100ml of the extracts. Antibiotic sensitivity was by disc diffusion method. Plates were incubated at 37oC for 24 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MC) analysis of methanol extract was carried out.

Results: The isolates were identified as follows; scalp (Corynebacterium kutscheri and Enterobacter intermedius), armpit (Acinetobacter baumannii), and urine (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The solvents exhibited varying degrees of inhibition on test organisms. The methanol extract was most inhibitory on all organisms. Petroleum ether showed the least inhibition. P. aeruginosa was most resistant to the extracts. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides inhibited all the organisms and recorded a higher zone of inhibition, unlike the beta-lactams. GC/MS of methanol extract revealed the presence of 48 compounds amongst them were sugar, alcohols, nitrates, alkaloids, amines, fatty acids, methyl esters, and steroids. Also found was Phenol, 2-methoxy butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) an antioxidant.

Conclusion: Ganoderma lucidum contained bioactive compounds that are antimicrobial and showed utility for use in the medical-pharmaceutical industry.
Effect of Endoscopic Management of Unresectable Malignant Biliary Strictures on Patient’s Quality of Life
Authors: Soomro Uzma , Qureshi Sajida , Khan Raja Taha Yaseen , Memon Farzana , Akhter Hamza , Najero Ghulam Ali
Published: April 2022

Background: Biliary strictures(BS) possess challenging diagnosis, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. In gastrointestinal clinical practice, the occurrence of biliary strictures is quite common. Multiple diagnostic techniques are used to examine BS in which endoscopic management is considered comparatively effective and non-invasive intervention.

Objective: The study aimed to observe the impact of the endoscopic management of unresectable malignant biliary strictures on the patients' quality of life (QoL).

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical Ward IV Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 80 patients with diagnosed unresectable malignant stricture, aged between 18 to 70 years, those with disease duration of more than eight weeks and life expectancy > 1 month were included in the study. In addition to the baseline characteristics along with the pre and post-treatment quality of life was assessed, and the mean values were compared statistically using SPSS version 19.0.

Results: The mean total score of QoL improved from 71.47 ± 0.88 at baseline to 84.12 ± 1.93 after 30 days of endoscopic management of unresectable malignant biliary strictures.

Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in the patient's QoL after 30 days of endoscopic management of unresectable biliary stricture.
Assessment of the Relation of Anti-TPO and TSH, T3 and T4 Levels between Some Subclinical Diabetes Patients in Iran
Authors: Alinia-Ahandani Ebrahim , Matwalli Marwa Mohamed Adel Salama , Hosseinnejad Saheb , Sheydaei Milad , Darzi-Ramandi Hadi , Alizadeh-Tarpoei Zahra , Heidary-Bazardehy Seyed Sara
Published: April 2022

Background: As we know, around 28% of ills who had benign fibrocystic mastopathy mostly have shown antibodies of anti-TPO as well as around 80% of them that have shown the thyroid hypertrophy issue. The Assessment of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) as the main antigen agent of the thyroid microsomal fraction has enabled the progress of a sensitive and specific assay for the detection of the corresponding autoantibodies and other digestive fractions.

Aim: Effect of gender, climate, and age on the ATPO, TSH, T3 and T4 rates were assessed as a goal.

Materials and Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic validity of the anti-TPO, TSH, T3, and T4 assays and their relationships in 500 laboratory cases from Isfahan province with various types of thyroid and diabetes diseases and in controls. Age factor in the various levels of T3, T4, ATPO and TSH items is studied in the following research, which demonstrates a reduced rate in T4 factor of the 1st decade.

Results: In the present study, patients with high TSH levels had high TPO tests. Patients with high levels of ATPO usually had high TSH, and in patients with low thyroid status, high TSH and high ATPO, TSH levels were normalized with levothyroxine tablets. Those with a high ATP content and normal TSH levels may have hypothyroidism in the future.

Conclusion: We concluded that you should check the thyroid test every 6 months. This could be concluded from the following research that gender, age, race, and area all demonstrate some remarkable impacts on the levels of T4, T3, TSH, and ATPO.
Cardio Protective Role of Novel Gemmo Therapeutically Treated Glycyrrhizaglabra against Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Injury
Authors: Akhter Amees , Meraj Munazzah , Laghari Mubeena , Irfan Rao , Fouzia . , Jahngir Gulam Zahara
Published: April 2022

Aim: To explore cardio protective potential of Glycyrrhiza glabraas against chemically induced myocardial injury in experimental animals by using their blood (serum) for subsequent determination of enzyme levels.

Methodology: Glycyrrhizaglabra with known cardio protective potential was used against chemically induced myocardial injury in experimental animals. These animals were divided into seven groups having ten animals each. Seventy rabbits of both sexes, 1-1.5 kg weight was included while pregnant rabbits weight >1.5 kg were excluded. Glycyrrhiza glabraleaves after gemmo-therapeutic treatment were subjected for phytochemical screening. The blood was drawn from the neck region; serum was separated for biochemical analysis. Pretreatment with native and gemmo-extract resisted to rise (P≤0.05) cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, SGOT, sGPT, LDH).

Results: Phytochemical screening for alkaloids 7% & 7.5%, flavonoids 21% & 24%, glycosides 16% and 20%, tannic acid10% & 15.5%, and saponins 8% & 15% in gemmo and native extract respectively.

Conclusion: It was studied that in isoproterenol injured rabbits, gemmo-extract was significantly better (P≤0.05) than native-extract in curative as well as in preventive treatment to normalizing serum cardiac enzymes.
Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis: Case Report
Authors: Miguel Thiago Sande , Rocha Fernanda Bekman Diniz Mitleg , Rossett Tais Cristina , Rocha Felipe Bekman Diniz Mitleg , Damasceno Eduardo de França , Costa Daniel Almeida da
Published: April 2022

Aims: To describe Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis.

Presentation of Case: LPC, 7 years old, male, brown, with no previous comorbidities, was taken to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil by parents who alleged the presence of bluish-looking lesions in the sclera of the child's right eye since birth.

Discussion: Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis is a rare pathology characterized by an increase in the number, size and pigmentation of melanocytes. Its pathophysiological picture is unknown, but it is believed to be due to an alteration in the migration of melanocytes from the neural crest to the epidermis during the embryonic process. This condition can be complicated by glaucoma and uveal melanoma. Gonioscopy is essential in these cases to assess whether there is pigmentation of the trabeculae, so that the propaedeutics of investigation of glaucoma becomes essential in these patients, since 10% of cases can complicate this condition.

Conclusions: Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis early in life and the importance of monitoring these patients should be emphasized. Comprehensive tests are important for early detection and treatment, in order to improve the prognosis and avoid more severe consequences than what can happen from melanocytosis.
Predictors of Thirty‐Day Hospital Readmissions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Najjar Rayan , Alexander Swetha A. , Hughes Grant C. , Yazdany Jinoos , Singh Namrata
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate independent risk factors for readmission and to determine the major reasons for readmission in a nationally representative sample of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify adults with SLE who were discharged from hospital to home during January–November of 2016 and 2017. Thirty‐day all‐cause readmissions were identified. A multivariable adjusted survey‐specific logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with readmission.

Results

A total of 132,400 hospitalized adults with SLE were discharged home during the study period; 88.3% were female, with a median age of 51.0 years (interquartile range 38.7–61.9 years). Of these, 18,973 individuals (14.3%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge from their index hospitalization. In multivariable analyses, the factors associated with the highest odds for readmission were autoimmune hemolytic anemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.86 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.51–2.29]), glomerular disease (OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.19–1.36]), pericarditis (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.14–1.60]), heart failure (OR 1.34 [95% CI 1.24–1.44]), age 18–30 years (OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.17–1.41] versus age ≥​65 years), and Medicare (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.13–1.28]) and Medicaid insurance (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.18–1.34]). Sepsis (7.6%), SLE (7.4%), heart failure (3.5%), and pneumonia (3.2%) were among the most common causes for readmission.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative study of SLE readmissions, the strongest risk factors for 30‐day readmission were younger age, SLE‐related manifestations, and public insurance. These results identify patient groups with SLE that would benefit from postdischarge interventions designed to reduce hospitalizations and improve health outcomes.
Origin of the 2D Electron Gas at the SrTiO3 Surface
Authors: Yan Xi , Wrobel Friederike , Tung I‐Cheng , Zhou Hua , Hong Hawoong , Rodolakis Fanny , Bhattacharya Anand , McChesney Jessica L. , Fong Dillon D.
Published: April 2022

Bulk SrTiO3 is a well‐known band insulator and the most common substrate used in the field of complex oxide heterostructures. Its surface and interface with other oxides, however, have demonstrated a variety of remarkable behaviors distinct from those expected. In this work, using a suite of in situ techniques to monitor both the atomic and electronic structures of the SrTiO3 (001) surface prior to and during growth, the disappearance and re‐appearance of a 2D electron gas (2DEG) is observed after the completion of each SrO and TiO2 monolayer, respectively. The 2DEG is identified with the TiO2 double layer present at the initial SrTiO3 surface, which gives rise to a surface potential and mobile electrons due to vacancies within the TiO2−x adlayer. Much like the electronic reconstruction discovered in other systems, two atomic planes are required, here supplied by the double layer. The combined in situ scattering/spectroscopy findings resolve a number of longstanding issues associated with complex oxide interfaces, facilitating the employment of atomic‐scale defect engineering in oxide electronics.
Cyano‐Functionalized n‐Type Polymer with High Electron Mobility for High‐Performance Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Feng Kui , Shan Wentao , Wang Junwei , Lee Jin‐Woo , Yang Wanli , Wu Wenchang , Wang Yimei , Kim Bumjoon J. , Guo Xugang , Guo Han
Published: April 2022

n‐Type organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) with high electron mobility are scarce and highly challenging to develop. As a result, the figure‐of‐merit (µC*) of n‐type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) lags far behind the p‐type analogs, restraining the development of OECT‐based low‐power complementary circuits and biosensors. Here, two n‐type donor–acceptor (D–A) polymers based on fused bithiophene imide dimer f‐BTI2 as the acceptor unit and thienylene–vinylene–thienylene (TVT) as the donor co‐unit are reported. The cyanation of TVT enables polymer f‐BTI2g‐TVTCN with simultaneously enhanced ion‐uptake ability, film structural order, and charge‐transport property. As a result, it is able to obtain a high volumetric capacitance (C*) of 170 ± 22 F cm−3 and a record OECT electron mobility (μe,OECT) of 0.24 cm2 V−1 s−1 for f‐BTI2g‐TVTCN, subsequently achieving a state‐of‐the‐art µC* of 41.3 F cm−1 V−1 s−1 and geometry‐normalized transconductance (gm,norm) of 12.8 S cm−1 in n‐type accumulation‐mode OECTs. In contrast, only a moderate µC* of 1.50 F cm−1 V−1 s−1 is measured for the non‐cyanated polymer f‐BTI2g‐TVT. These remarkable results demonstrate the great power of cyano functionalization of polymer semiconductors in developing n‐type OMIECs with substantial electron mobility in aqueous environment for high‐performance n‐type OECTs.
Controllable Directional Liquid Transport in Open Channel
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gan Yang , Zhang Liwen , Guo Yurun , Wang Yan , Wang Zelinlan , Liu Xiaolin , Zhang Pengfei , Ran Tong , Jiang Lei , Chen Huawei
Published: April 2022

Directional liquid transport has gradually drawn worldwide attention due to its diverse potential applications in precision medicine, microfluidics, and microreactors. However, previous directional liquid control usually resorts to complex hierarchical micro‐nano structures, heterogeneous wettability, or external driving fields, which inevitably limits the flexibility and applicability of liquid manipulation. Here, a novel open channel surface is presented, which exhibits an on‐demand directional transport performance via a shifting mechanism of weak area on liquid precursor. The coupling effect of sidewall wettability and bottom hydrophobic barrier patterns redistributes the surface pressure from the front and rear meniscus of liquid precursor, which determine the position of weak area and transport direction. The impacts of wettability and various barrier patterns on anisotropic liquid transport ability are made clear, and the design principle of unidirectional open channels without complex microstructure is validated. Smart directional transport can also be easily built by use of various stimulus materials, such as thermal responsive polymer. This controllable directional liquid transport can introduce ways for various on‐demand liquid manipulations.
Flexible Mott Synaptic Transistor on Polyimide Substrate for Physical Neural Networks
Authors: Wu Zhenfa , Shi Peng , Xing Ruofei , Yu Tongliang , Zhao Le , Wei Lin , Wang Dong , Yan Shishen , Tian Yufeng , Bai Lihui , Chen Yanxue
Published: April 2022

Flexible synaptic devices that emulate biological synapses are the key to developing wearable intelligent equipment. However, there are still challenges to achieving multiple synaptic functions in flexible synaptic devices and realizing large‐scale production of synaptic devices. Herein, a flexible synaptic transistor on polyimide substrate is designed and fabricated using a solid‐state electrolyte gate and a VO2 Mott insulator thin film channel. Four orders conductance modulation is obtained in the VO2 thin film channel across the metal‐insulator transition. Several essential synaptic behaviors, including potentiation, depression, and short‐term/long‐term plasticity, are successfully demonstrated in this flexible synaptic device. More importantly, this synaptic transistor exhibits high cycling stability and good tolerance to bending deformation. A simulated artificial neural network built from this synaptic device achieves high recognition accuracy of 98% in the flat state and 92% in the bending state. In addition, this flexible device is fabricated on polyimide substrate by magnetron sputtering method, which has low cost and is compatible with modern semiconductor technology. This work can pave the way for large‐scale production of flexible synaptic Mott transistor devices.
Negative Emissions as the New Frontier of Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: May Matthias M. , Rehfeld Kira
Published: April 2022

The remaining carbon budgets compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2 °C above preindustrial levels are shrinking rapidly. An already firmly anticipated, but highly controversial measure to mitigate this challenge is the large‐scale implementation of negative emissions, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Many of the currently considered negative emission technologies (NET) are based on natural photosynthesis, associated with large land footprints. Photoelectrochemical carbon sinks, on the other hand, promise to combine high conversion efficiencies with versatile storage options. Efficient sink products differ from the products typically considered for solar fuels, which will require novel catalysts and device designs. The development of efficient devices also has to take into account climatic parameters of the local environment as especially the ambient temperature affects device operation. While still in an early stage of development, carbon drawdown by such an artificial photosynthesis approach could be a valuable extension of the portfolio of NET.
Overcoming the Low‐Surface‐Energy‐Induced Wettability Problem of Flexible and Transparent Electrodes for Large‐Area Organic Photovoltaic Modules over 500 cm2
Authors: Kwon Hyeok‐Chan , Jeong Won , Lee Yang‐Soo , Jang Jun‐Ho , Jeong Hyeon‐Seok , Kim Seungchan , Song Daehoon , Park Aeri , Noh Eunjee , Lee Kwanghee , Kang Hongkyu
Published: April 2022

To realize the commercialization of nonfullerene acceptor‐based efficient organic solar cells, a low‐cost and indium‐tin‐oxide‐free (ITO‐free) flexible electrode‐based module that can be produced by roll‐to‐roll production should be developed. However, the low surface energy of ITO‐free electrodes hinders the formation of a uniform charge transport layer through solution processing; this is the main cause of the efficiency drop. Herein, the realization of a highly uniform ZnO bilayer on an ultrathin Ag film‐based transparent electrode that is suitable for flexible substrates and large‐area organic photovoltaic (OPV) module fabrication is demonstrated. Based on the sputtered ZnO and blade‐coated ZnO nanoparticle‐based electron transport bilayer, large OPV module areas of 528.5 and 108 cm2 with high efficiencies of 7.67% and 9.15%, respectively, are achieved.
The Synergistic Effect of Pyrrolic‐N and Pyridinic‐N with Pt Under Strong Metal‐Support Interaction to Achieve High‐Performance Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Huang Hao , Qin Yingnan , Zhang Dan , Zhang Yanyun , Liu Kang , Zhang Yan , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: April 2022

Developing high‐performance Pt‐based catalysts with strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) is significant for hydrogen production by water electrolysis working at high current density conditions, but still challenging. Herein, Pt/X‐NCNT (X = 4, 8, 12, 16) with SMSI is designed and developed by combining the advantages of Platinum‐based catalysts and nitrogen‐doped carbon material. In‐situ and ex‐situ experiments and density functional theory simulations illustrate that the Gibbs free energies (ΔG) of reaction intermediates (H2O*, OH*, H*) are optimized by the synergistic effect of various N functional groups and Pt under SMSI. The Pt/8‐NCNT only needs overpotentials of 17, 107, and 153 mV to reach current densities of 10, 500, and 1000 mA cm−2. Concurrently, the Pt/8‐NCNT exhibits brilliant stability after 100 h current–time (i–t) tests at 500 mA cm−2. More importantly, this work demonstrates the function of pyrrolic‐N and pyridinic‐N in the reaction, and provides new ideas for the design of advanced SMSI electrocatalysts for various electrochemical and catalytic applications.
Nonlinear Electrochemical Analysis: Worth the Effort to Reveal New Insights into Energy Materials
Authors: Schlüter Nicolas , Novák Petr , Schröder Daniel
Published: April 2022

A variety of different methods for the investigation of electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers) and energy materials thereof are presented in the literature. But especially for scientists who are new to this field it is difficult to select methods that are appropriate for their research endeavors and to decide for the investment in these. In this overview, several starting points are given to facilitate this decision‐making process. First, suitable operando methods (in particular Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and online electrochemical mass spectrometry) are presented with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, standard electrochemical methods are listed and their limits are given concerning their possible information level. Finally, with the nonlinear electrochemical methods, powerful techniques are introduced that mitigate the drawbacks of standard electrochemical and operando methods. In this regard, the versatile possibilities of these promising approaches are presented; present challenges are pointed out as well. Based on this, a possible future for the use nonlinear methods in the field of energy materials is derived.
Homogeneously Miscible Fullerene inducing Vertical Gradient in Perovskite Thin‐Film toward Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Kyusun , Wu Ziang , Han Jiye , Ma Yue , Lee Sangsu , Jung Sung‐Kwang , Lee Jin‐Wook , Woo Han Young , Jeon Il
Published: April 2022

Fullerene‐based n‐type charge‐collecting materials have emerged as a solution for high‐performance perovskite solar cells. However, their application to perovskite solar cells is limited in the device architecture and only a small amount of fullerene additives have been introduced to the device system, because of the immiscibility of the fullerene species with polar solvents. To overcome this, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether chain‐attached fullerene derivatives are synthesized and applied to normal‐type perovskite solar cells. The newly synthesized fullerenes exhibit excellent solubility in polar solvents. A novel approach to introducing miscible fullerenes into perovskite devices and inducing a favorable vertical gradient is proposed. Forming an overcoat on an electron‐transporting layer and waiting for a few minutes, the fullerene derivatives progressively permeate into the fullerene‐doped perovskite active film. By fabricating perovskite solar cells combining direct mixing, overcoating, and waiting techniques, a remarkably high device efficiency of 23.34% is achieved. The high performance is attributed to the fullerene additives with a vertical gradient passivating the perovskite defect sites effectively and the overcoat enhancing the charge transfer. The device performance is certified by a national laboratory, which is the highest efficiency among the fullerene additives‐used perovskite solar cells.
Nitrogen, sulfur co‐doped porous carbon via high internal phase emulsion template and its potential application as the electrode of high‐performance supercapacitor
Authors: Zhao Yulai , Wang Anjun , Shen Lianzhi , Zhao Zhikui , Xiao Longqiang , Hou Linxi
Published: April 2022

Heteroatom doped carbonaceous material with high specific surface area (SSA) is vital for assembling advanced supercapacitor. Here, a moderate and valid strategy is proposed to synthesize N, S co‐doped porous carbons (NSPCs) which are derived from porous resorcinol‐melamine‐formaldehyde‐thiourea (RMFT) resins via high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template. The morphology, structure, porous characteristics and chemical ingredients of the prepared NSPCs are investigated by SEM, XRD, Raman spectra, and XPS systematically. The obtained NSPCs show typical open‐cell morphology. As the molar ratio of thiourea to melamine (T/M) increased from 0:1 to 2:1, the SSA of NSPC increases gradually from 927 to 1721 m2 g−1. Electrochemical tests show that when T/M is 2:1, the specific capacity of NSPC reaches 213.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. After 10,000 charge–discharge cycles at 10 A g−1, the retention ratio of specific capacitance is 99.6%, indicating an excellent cycling stability. Excellent performances together with facile preparation make NSPC via HIPE template a potential candidate as electrode of advanced supercapacitors.
Ontogenetic differences in mandibular morphology of two related macaque species and its adaptive implications
Authors: Toyoda Naoto , Ito Tsuyoshi , Sato Tamaki , Nishimura Takeshi
Published: April 2022

Mandibular morphology is determined not only by dietary habits, but also by sexual selection and allometry in primates. It is well‐known that African papionins show intra‐ and interspecific variations through varied extensions of a common ontogenetic allometric trajectory in the face. Here, we used geometric morphometrics to compare the ontogenetic trajectories of large‐bodied Japanese macaques and small‐bodied long‐tailed macaques in the sister clade of African papionins. The two species showed a major common allometric trend that was comparable to that of African papionins, but the allometric trajectory was transposed parallel to each other with few interspecies differences in mandibular shape. A minor allometric trend occurred before the eruption of the first molar. During extensino of this allometric trend in Japanese macaques, mandibular shape becomes mechanically suitable for processing tough food items in their dietary repertoire in winter. The decoupling of size and shape in the major allometric trend can allow for adaptive modifications in mandibular shape, which in turn may play a central role in speciation in macaques. Compared to other African papionins, macaques are widely distributed in temperate areas and have survived in fluctuating climates and habitats. Thus, evolutionary modifications that occur in different ontogenetic bases can result in variations in size and shape that are uniquely adaptive for a given clade.
Prediction of electricity prices for non‐regulated markets based on a power transformed mean reverting process
Authors: Castañeda‐Leyva Netzahualcóyotl , Hernández‐Ramos Hugo , Pérez‐Hernández Leonel Ramón , Rodríguez‐Narciso Silvia
Published: April 2022

The electricity price time series for non‐regulated markets presents two basic properties: (a) a mean reversion trend around a constant or deterministic function and (b) a price process with high volatility and marginal, conditional, and asymptotic distributions skewed to the right. We propose a microeconomic‐based model for the dynamics of electricity prices that provides a satisfactory explanation of the stylized features observed in non‐regulated electricity markets. The suggested model is based on a power transformation of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, which accounts for the unobserved demand process. This means that the model requires only the spot price of the electricity price to be available. Parameter estimates were obtained using the maximum likelihood method. This approach was implemented for data from the Alberta electricity market in Canada, with satisfactory results in terms of residual analysis and forecasting. The success rate of predicting the price jump sign (upward and downward) was approximately . Moreover, the statistical properties for the maximum likelihood parameter estimators are shown via a Monte Carlo simulation of the electricity price time series.
How do homeschoolers approach creative arts learning and how can they be supported? Developing a flexible framework for homeschool contexts
Authors: Burke Katie M.
Published: April 2022

Research has identified that creative arts education in homeschooling contexts presents unique challenges. A range of factors contribute to this, including a dearth of home‐education‐specific support. As such, the development of supporting resources that target the unique needs and approaches of homeschooling parents has previously been recommended. This paper reports on part of a larger Design‐Based Research project that consulted with up to 193 homeschooling families with the aim of developing such a support resource, one flexible enough to reflect the diversity of approaches across homeschooling contexts. The phase of the research reported here sought detailed insights into the processes that five families employed when planning and facilitating their childrenʼs arts learning. Through a series of three semi‐structured interviews with each family, observations of arts learning episodes in action and arts artefact analysis, each familyʼs approach to arts learning was mapped and analysed for insights into the processes that families employed when planning and actioning arts learning. The outcome of this phase of the project is a suggested framework to support homeschoolers in facilitating arts learning, aiming to be suitable across a variety of pedagogical approaches.
An innovative strategy to recycle permeate in biologics continuous manufacturing process to improve material efficiency and sustainability
Authors: Madabhushi Sri Ranganayaki , Huang Chung‐Jr , Wang Xiaowen , Bui Ashley , Atieh Tariq Bassam , Rayfield William J. , Jayapal Karthik P. , Lin Henry
Published: April 2022

Intensified perfusion processes are an integral part of continuous manufacturing for biopharmaceuticals which enable agile operations and significant reduction in cost of goods. However, they require large volumes of media to support robust cell growth and maintain high productivity, posing substantial challenges to operations, logistics, and process sustainability. This study explores a novel strategy for reprocessing and reusing permeate from perfusion cultures for mAb production. The concept was initially evaluated by recycling permeate, Protein A flow‐through (ProA FT) and CEX processed ProA FT in deep‐well plate mock perfusion and ambr® 250 perfusion formats. Further processing of ProA FT through a cation exchange depth filter before recycling reduced process impurities such as host cell proteins (HCPs) and DNA. However, a direct replacement of fresh media with spent media reduces nutrient depth which results in a concomitant reduction in productivity. In ambr® 250 bioreactors, recycling of ProA FT at 25%–50% replacement rates (defined as the fraction of recycled material in media) resulted in a 13%–30% reduction in cumulative productivity while maintaining product quality. To mitigate this, we used media concentrates which allowed independent modulation of media depth by replacing a portion of diluent WFI with recycled material. Results from deep‐well mock perfusion studies demonstrated that comparable or higher productivities relative to control can be achieved with this approach. Taken together, our study demonstrates the feasibility of recycling permeate in perfusion cultures. Process mass intensity (PMI) calculations reveal that this approach can meaningfully improve material efficiency by reducing water consumption, thereby enhancing overall bioprocess sustainability.