bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Changes in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) by Postharvest Application with Hexanal Containing Aqueous Formulations
Authors: Sachdeva Shubham , Sumathi T. , Vethamoni P. Irene , Sivakumar R. , Rahale C. Sharmila , Devi H. Usha Nandhini
Published: August 2023

Aim: Okra is a vegetable that holds a significant share in both domestic and export markets, but it is prone to desiccation and fungal spoilage, leading to a short shelf life. A laboratory study was undertaken to determine the effects of hexanal containing aqueous formulation to improve the shelf life of okra with the objective to maintain the best quality of pods for end consumer acceptance.

Study Design:  Factorial Completely Randomized Design was followed with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in laboratory conditions, Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore during 2021-2022

Methodology: In this study, TNAU released nanoformulation– TNAU FRUITY FRESH – ENHANCED FRESHNESS FORMULATION consisting of 2% Hexanal, 10% Formulation ingredients, 88% Deionized filler. and hexanal was used at varying concentrations for imposing treatments on freshly harvested, uniform sized undamaged tender pods of bhendi hybrid COBh H4 (TNAU released hybrid) using spray and dip methods under ambient and cold storage conditions and physiological parameters were assessed.

Results: As per the investigation, 2% Enhanced Freshness Formulation using dip method in cold storage conditions slower the physiological loss in weight, preserves the L*, a*, b* value, extend the shelf life and preserved the quality for consumer acceptance during storage 9 days as compared to control.

Conclusion: The study gave the knowledge of hexanal containing aqueous formulation and their effectiveness to use as post-harvest technology tool for okra.
Assessment of Plants Biodiversity in Innerline Reserve Forest, Hailakandi, Assam, India
Authors: Sakachep Martin , Khare Neelam
Published: August 2023

The study deals with the “Assessment of Plant biodiversity of Innerline Reserve Forest, Hailakandi (Assam)” India. that was carried out in six sites. A total of 54 species of trees belonging to 32 families with 2,303 individuals, 17 species of shrubs belonging to 13 families with 2,195 individuals and 27 species of grasses and herbs belonging to 13 families with a total of 1,595 individuals were encountered. Quadrate size of 400 m2 for trees, 100 m2 for shrubs, 20 m2 grasses and herbs. Compared to all the six sites, Site-III shows the highest Basal area (243.67 m2). In terms of IVI, Tectona grandis was found to be the most dominant tree species, Clerodendrum infortunatum was found to be the most dominant shrub species and Oplismenus compositus was found to be the most dominant grasses and herb species. In aspects for all the sites it can be concluded that Site-III showed the highest value for Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (Hˈ) (3.2) for trees species, Site-V showed the highest value for Shannon- Weiner Diversity Index (Hˈ) (2.27) for shrubs species and Site-III showed the highest value for Shannon- Weiner Diversity Index (Hˈ) (2.32) for grass & herb species.
Effect of Planting Date on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Semi-arid Tropics of Central India
Authors: Singh Dheerendra , Sharma Janmejay , Singh S. P. , Sadawarti Murlidhar J. , Kushwah Nishita , Chouhan Shubham , Parihar Chitrangda , Chauhan Aman Pratap
Published: August 2023

The present experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (Regional Station), Gwalior (M.P.) during the Rabi season of 2021-22 to study the influence of planting dates on performance of potato crop. Total seven different planting date as treatments viz., D1- 15/09/2021; D2- 30/09/2021; D3- 15/10/2021; D4- 30/10/2021 (Timely planting); D5- 14/11/2021; D6- 29/11/2021 and D7-14/12/2021 were tested in randomized block design (RBD) with four replications. The potato (cv. Kufri Mohan) was planted with a seed rate of 3.5 t ha-1 and with a spacing of 60 cm x 20 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizers viz., 180:80:120 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:K2O, respectively was applied to the crop. The various growth and yield attributes and yield viz., plant height, number of stem plant-1, haulm yield, tuber yield, biological yield and harvest Index were recorded. The results revealed that the timely planting treatment recorded 18.6-69.0% and 13.1-52.5% higher yield than early and late planting, respectively. Thus, the timely planting of potato (D4) showed significant positive effect on growth and yield of potato crop whereas the early (D2 and D2) and late planting (D6 and D7) treatments showed poor growth and yield performance.
Marker Assisted Introgression of Saltol QTL into “APMS 6B” to Enhance Salt Tolerance at Seedling Stage of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Thippani Srikanth , Kumar S. Sudheer , Senguttuvel P. , Madhav M. Sheshu , Reddy S. Narender
Published: August 2023

APMS 6B which is highly sensitive to salinity was used as a recurrent parent to introgress Saltol QTL from FL-478. Two gene linked markers viz., RM8094 and RM10793 were used for used to confirm backcross generations for saltol QTL. Two successive backcrosses were attempted to transfer target alleles of Saltol from FL478 into APMS-6B. After backcross progrmme, the BC2F1 plants subjected to foreground selection by using gene specific markers, positive plants for target gene were selected and selfed to raise BC2F2 populations. Twenty BC2F2 plants were identified to be homozygous dominant for Saltol QTL and these BC2F2 lines were also screened in plastic trays using Yoshida solution at the seedling stage. A total of BC2F2 lines were confirmed for the target gene and displayed a high level of salinity tolerance without any symptoms on their leaves, with a score of ‘0’.
Studies of the Changes in Physico-Chemical Parameters during Growth and Development of Fruits of Karonda cv. Konkan Bold
Authors: Dhole Rupali B. , Warang O. S. , Sante P. R.
Published: August 2023

Aims: To study the changes in physical and chemical parameters of karonda cv. Konkan Bold fruits during growth and development of fruits.

Place and Duration of Study: Fruit and Vegetable Processing Unit Laboratory at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the 2013-2014 period.

Methodology: During the course of investigation, the physico-chemical changes during growth and development were studied. Drying up of the stigmatic surface and swelling of the ovary were the indication of fruit set. Such set fruits were tagged on the selected karonda bush on the farm. The physico-chemical changes during growth and development of karonda fruits Cv. Konkan Bold were be recorded at the four growth stages: 1) Fruit set, 2) Half grown, 3) Full grown and 4) Ripe stage.

Results: As the fruit advanced from the set stage through to the full-grown stage, it was observed that attributes such as weight, volume, size, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, and iron content of the karonda fruit increased. Conversely, the specific gravity and titratable acidity demonstrated a decrease from the fruit set to the full-grown stage. The days required to reach the full-grown stage from the fruit set was approximately 108.34 days. Furthermore, ripening from the fruit set took around 116.17 days.

Conclusion: physical characteristics such as weight, volume, specific gravity, length, diameter, and the number of days needed for various growth stages and chemical parameters T.S.S., reducing sugars, total sugars, acidity, and iron content can serve as a maturity indices for these fruits.
Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Zn and Fe on Nutrient Status of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Shahi U. P. , Shekhar Chandra , Kumar Ankit , Pal Sudhir , Kumar Suneel
Published: August 2023

The present experiment was carried out to study the effect of soil and foliar application of zinc and iron on nutrient status of maize at Sardar Vallabhbhai University, Meerut during Kharif season of 2017-18. The present study consists of soil application of eight nutrient treatments namely 100% NPK, NPK+ Zn and Fe each @ 5 kg/ha,@ 10 kg/ha,@ 20 kg/ha, NPK+ Zn and Fe each @10 kg/ha + vermicompost (1.5 t/ha), NPK+Vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha, NPK+ Zn and Fe each @ 5 kg/ha + foliar spray each @ 0.1% at the tasselling stage and NPK+ Foliar spray Zn and Fe each @ 0.1% at 25 DAS and at tasselling stage. These treatments were tested in RBD with three replications, aiming to know the effect of micro-nutrients (Zinc and Iron) on performance nutrient content and uptake of the maize cultivar, ADV 755. The maximum nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium content and uptake were recorded in the treatment number T5(T1 +soil applied Zn and Fe each @10 kg/ha + vermicompost), the maximum Zn and Fe content and uptake were recorded in the treatment number T7(T1+Soil applied Zn and Fe each @ 5 kg/ha + foliar spray each @ 0.1% at tasseling stage) wherein N,P,K, Zn and Fe were applied with vermicompost.The application of N,P,K and vermicompostwould have also helped in increasing N,P and K content and uptake in plants. The maximum Zn and Fe, content and uptake were recorded in Treatment T7which may have happened due to better soil and foliage application availability of nutrients in it.
Enhancing Gaming Performance: A Recommender System for Selecting Optimal Gaming Headsets Based on SAW Method
Authors: Toruan Bobby Chrismanto Lumban , Istiono Wirawan
Published: August 2023

Aims: The objective of this research is to design and develop a gaming headset recommendation system using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) algorithm based on a website. Additionally, the goal is to obtain user satisfaction ratings for the gaming headset recommendation system using the SAW algorithm, based on the End-User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) model

Study Design:  This study was designed with Simple Additive Weighting method to build a gaming headsets website

Place and Duration of Study: This study's respondents were recruited from the Edu Computer Store on Jl Citra Raya Boulevard, Cikupa, Tangerang, Indonesia. From January to June of 2023, and this study was conducted at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara.

Methodology: In this research, the method designed is the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method, which aims to facilitate users in making the right decisions regarding gaming headsets. The SAW method provides a straightforward approach for evaluating and comparing multiple criteria to assist users in their decision-making process.

Results: Based on the conducted test results, there is a user satisfaction rate of 83.35% based on the End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) model, indicating that users strongly agree with the system.

Conclusion: The gaming headset recommendation system has been successfully designed and built using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. This system functions to recommend gaming headsets based on the comparison of six criteria: weight, price, driver size, frequency response, impedance, and sensitivity, according to user preferences. The system is developed on a web platform using the PHP Laravel framework.
Millets-A Powerhouse for Food Security and Combating Malnutrition
Authors: M. Shree Charan , V. Vijay Prabha , M. Jayanthi , I. J. Isaac Prem kumar
Published: August 2023

Malnutrition remains a global challenge, affecting millions of people and posing a significant threat to food security. It has become the emerging challenge in the contest of raising uncertainty of food supplies. Malnutrition factors like hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiency has become life threatening for children and women, as they become susceptible to common infections and life-threatening diseases. Millets are the ancient heritage grains valued for their nutritional properties as well as due to their high resistance to abiotic stress and low input requirement. These coarse grains are a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fibres, fats, proteins, vitamins, essential minerals and trace elements, essential amino acids, and anti-oxidants, and hence can be regarded as miracle grains. Despite the ease of cultivation and various nutritional and therapeutic properties, very less importance is given for its promotion. These neglected crops can assure food security and sustainable production. In this review, a brief account on the role of millets to combat malnutrition and achieve nutritional security has been furnished.
Model Development for Residual Chlorine
Authors: Bello M. T. , Bichi M. H.
Published: August 2023

The research is to develop a mathematical model for the decay of residual chlorine at the nodes and compare with results from Epanet 2.0. All the influencing parameters of initial chlorine Ccl(init(o)), bulk decay (Kb), wall decay (KW) and travel time (t), were well represented and the equation is developed applying the differential form of the first order chlorine decay model, describing reactions occurring in the bulk fluid and at the pipe wall, which was transformed in to chlorine concentration-based integral expression Ccl (t) =Ccl (o).e-kt ,  is the free chlorine (HOCL) concentration (mg/l) at time (t), which is also called the residual chlorine. is the chlorine concentration at time zero, which is the initial chlorine concentration in the entire water distribution systems. KW is the pipe wall decay coefficient of the particular water distribution pipe network directly affected by initial concentration. K is expressed in the study as the decay due to the quality of water, known as bulk decay coefficient (kb), per unit hour (t=1) at any particular node per hour. he developed mathematical model was a reflection of the reality in the study area Rcl (n)=Ccl (init). KW. е-Kb . The results of the model at nodes 31, 12, 13, 14, 18, 10, 17, 15, 20 and 21 are 0.18 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.20 mg/l, 0.19 mg/l, 0.20 mg/l, 0.19mg/l, respectively. Epanet 2.0 results for the same nodes were determine to be 0.17 mg/l, 0.21 mg/l, 0.22 mg/l, 0.20 mg/l, 0.21 mg/l, 0.21 mg/l, 0.25 mg/l, 0.24 mg/l, 0.20 mg/l, 0.20 mg/l, 0.18 mg/l. The correlation between the developed mathematical model residual chlorine results and Epanet 2.0 results gives moderate correlation of 0.561, signifying 60% pearson correlation and 0.01, 2-tailed significance level at 99%.
Application of AI Technology in Program Management
Authors: Badmus Olatunde Fatai
Published: August 2023

Effective program management is crucial in ensuring the successful execution of complex projects and initiatives in today's continuously changing corporate environment. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into program management procedures provides a viable path for improving decision-making, resource allocation, risk assessment, and overall project results. This article explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to program management, outlining its possible advantages, problems, and execution techniques. This study intends to give insights into the transformational effect of AI in improving Program management techniques by evaluating real-world examples and case studies.
Review of Literature on Contemporary Planning and Geography Concepts: Unique or Repackaged
Authors: Salmistu Sirle , Kotval Zenia
Published: August 2023

A fundamental goal of spatial planning is to plan for and create places for people to live work and play in. Creating functional and aesthetic places for a diverse public is central to most built environment professionals. While planning principles have evolved over time to address the changing needs of our society, they are not necessarily new. Yet the planning profession finds the need to continuously brand and rebrand the concept of planning. This paper looks at contemporary concepts to explore whether they are unique or a repackaging of fundamentally basic, principles of creating safe, comfortable and attractive places.
Lifestyle Choices and Environmental Exposures That Contribute to Pulmonary Disease: An AMA Guides Sixth Edition Perspective
Authors: Brigham Christopher R. , Demeter Stephen L. , Hoo E. Ranolph Soo
Published: August 2023

In evaluating pulmonary disease for impairment rating, determining the factors that contribute to the disease is critically important. These include lifestyle choices (eg, tobacco use) and environmental exposures. This article reviews how to evaluate what factors contribute to pulmonary disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
The Use of fPROMs in Clinical Practice and Impairment Rating: Reconsiderations for the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition (2021-2023) and Future Versions
Authors: Mueller Kathryn L. , Bruns Daniel , Glueckauf Robert L. , Gillaspy Stephen R.
Published: August 2023

Functional patient-reported outcome measures (fPROMs) are tools used in health care to assess patients' subjective experiences of their functioning and quality of life. They are used in clinical practice to guide treatment decisions, monitor treatment progress, and assess the effectiveness of interventions. The use of fPROMs has significantly expanded in the last decade. They reflect one aspect of patient-centered care and quality of treatment. Many of the revisions via the different versions (2021, 2022, 2023) to the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, focus on function measurement, and a reconsideration of the patient-reported outcome tools used in the 2008 version is appropriate.
Reforming the Medicare Hospice Benefit—Unintended Consequences
Authors: Teno Joan M.
Published: August 2023

This JAMA Forum discusses the reasons for changing the Medicare hospice benefit program, the potential serious unintended consequences, and provides recommendations for the testing of new alternative payment models.
Assessment of Prior Infection With Hepatitis B Virus and Fecundability in Couples Planning Pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Jun , Xuan Yan , Zhang Yue , Hong Xiang , Zhang Hongguang , Zhang Rong , Yan Tao , Wang Yuanyuan , Peng Zuoqi , Zhang Ya , Jiao Kailei , He Tianyu , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Wang Bei , Ma Xu
Published: August 2023

IMPORTANCE

The association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with reduced fecundability among reproductive-aged couples lacks large-population, in-depth study evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of HBV infection with time to pregnancy in couples planning pregnancy, and to explore whether this association varied by gravidity, health statuses, or lifestyles.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a population-based cohort study of Chinese couples participating in the National Free Preconception Check-up Projects during 2015 to 2017. They were planning pregnancy and were followed-up every 3 months until getting pregnant, as confirmed by gynecologic ultrasonography, or were followed-up for 1 year. Data were analyzed between March 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was time to pregnancy, assessed using fecundability hazard ratios (HRs). The Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association of HBV infection with fecundability.

RESULTS

Among 2 419 848 couples (mean [SD] age, 27.87 [5.20] years for women and 29.58 [5.50] years for men), 126 728 women (5.24%) and 156 572 men (6.47%) were infected with HBV. Compared with the HBV-negative group, the fecundability of both women and men in the HBV-positive group decreased by 5% (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.95). Compared with couples in which both partners were HBV negative, the fecundability of those in which both partners were HBV positive declined by 6% (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.93-0.96) among all couples, by 3% (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99) among nulligravidas couples, and by 7% (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91-0.95) among multigravidas couples. Both the female-male and couple models suggested that the association of HBV infection with decreased fecundability was more pronounced in couples with multigravidas. The negative association was greater in people with overweight and obesity and was inconsistent in certain subgroups; in particular, it was more pronounced in women with reproductive tract infections, normal fasting plasma glucose, and no alcohol intake and in men with normal blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this population-based cohort study, HBV infection was associated with decreased fecundability in a general reproductive-aged population, especially in couples with multigravidas. For women and men with certain health statuses and lifestyles, a comprehensive consideration of this association is recommended to provide personalized fertility guidance.
Association of Group B Meningococcal Vaccine Receipt With Reduced Gonorrhea Incidence Among University Students
Authors: Robison Steve G. , Leman Richard F.
Published: August 2023

This case-control study examines reported cases of gonorrhea among recipients of meningococcal group B vaccine at 2 universities in Oregon.
The Global Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Workforce
Authors: Petrucci Beatriz , Okerosi Samuel , Patterson Rolvix H. , Hobday Sara B. , Salano Valerie , Waterworth Christopher J. , Brody Robert M. , Sprow Holly , Alkire Blake C. , Fagan Johannes J. , Tamir Sharon Ovnat , Der Carolina , Bhutta Mahmood F. , Maina Ivy W. , Pang Jonathan C. , Daudu Davina , Mukuzi Allan G. , Srinivasan Tarika , Pietrobon Carolina A. , Hao Sheng-Po , Nakku Doreen , Seguya Amina , Din Taseer F. , Mbougo Olga Djoutsop , Mokoh Lilian W. , Jashek-Ahmed Farizeh , Law Tyler J. , Holt Elizabeth A. , Bangesh Ali Haider , Zemene Yilkal , Ibekwe Titus S. , Diallo Oumar Raphiou , Alvarado Jaqueline , Mulwafu Wakisa K. , Fenton John E. , Agius Adrian M. , Doležal Pavel , Mudekereza Édouard Amani , Mojica Karen M. , Rueda Ricardo Silva , Xu Mary Jue
Published: August 2023

Importance

A core component of delivering care of head and neck diseases is an adequate workforce. The World Health Organization report, Multi-Country Assessment of National Capacity to Provide Hearing Care, captured primary workforce estimates from 68 member states in 2012, noting that response rates were a limitation and that updated more comprehensive data are needed.

Objective

To establish comprehensive workforce metrics for global otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) with updated data from more countries/territories.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional electronic survey characterizing the OHNS workforce was disseminated from February 10 to June 22, 2022, to professional society leaders, medical licensing boards, public health officials, and practicing OHNS clinicians.

Main Outcome

The OHNS workforce per capita, stratified by income and region.

Results

Responses were collected from 121 of 195 countries/territories (62%). Survey responses specifically reported on OHNS workforce from 114 countries/territories representing 84% of the world’s population. The global OHNS clinician density was 2.19 (range, 0-61.7) OHNS clinicians per 100 000 population. The OHNS clinician density varied by World Bank income group with higher-income countries associated with a higher density of clinicians. Regionally, Europe had the highest clinician density (5.70 clinicians per 100 000 population) whereas Africa (0.18 clinicians per 100 000 population) and Southeast Asia (1.12 clinicians per 100 000 population) had the lowest. The OHNS clinicians deliver most of the surgical management of ear diseases and hearing care, rhinologic and sinus diseases, laryngeal disorders, and upper aerodigestive mucosal cancer globally.

Conclusion and Relevance

This cross-sectional survey study provides a comprehensive assessment of the global OHNS workforce. These results can guide focused investment in training and policy development to address disparities in the availability of OHNS clinicians.
Treatment of Superbug Infection through a Membrane‐Disruption and Immune‐Regulation Cascade Effect Based on Supramolecular Peptide Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Gong Haoning , Wang Zhiwei , Yuan Chengqian , Lu Jianren , Yan Xuehai
Published: August 2023

Infections from antimicrobial resistant pathogens have been considered as lethal threats to human health if antibiotic treatments become ineffective. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against resistant strains via a membrane disruptive mechanism without developing further resistance and are promising candidates to combat resistant microbes. However, currently developed small molecular AMPs are limited by weak antimicrobial efficacy and potential cytotoxicity. Herein, an antimicrobial AMP hydrogel based on supramolecular self‐assembly is developed. The hydrogel shows strong antimicrobial activity and high potency against antimicrobial resistant microbes. It also possesses high cytocompatibility and immunoregulative activity. The synergistic effects lead to its significant healing of the skin abscess disease induced by the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. This study not only sheds light on the design strategies and immune‐related antimicrobial actions of supramolecular AMP hydrogels, but also advances the development of self‐assembly peptide platform to fight against antimicrobial resistant infections.
Manipulating Spin Exchange Interactions and Spin‐Selected Electron Transfers of 2D Metal Phosphorus Trisulfide Crystals for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Chih‐Ying , Lin Hung‐Min , Chiang Chun‐Hao , Chen Hsin‐An , Liu Ting‐Ran , Vishnu S. K Deepak , Chiou Jau‐Wern , Sankar Raman , Tsai Huang‐Ming , Pong Way‐Faung , Chen Chun‐Wei
Published: August 2023

Because oxygen molecules in the ground state favor a triplet spin configuration, spin‐polarized electrons at electrocatalysts may promote the generation of parallel spin‐aligned oxygen atoms, enhancing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. In this study, a significant enhancement of OER performance is demonstrated by controlling the spin‐exchange interaction and spin‐selected electron transfer of 2D CoxFe1−xPS3 (x = 0–0.45) van der Waals (vdW) single crystals through Co doping. The pristine FePS3 exhibits antiferromagnetic orbital ordering, while the Co‐doped FePS3 exhibits the emergence of interatomic ferromagnetism due to doping‐mediated magnetic exchange interactions. The coupling between Fe and Co ions in the Co‐doped FePS3 crystal allows the formation of efficient spin‐selective electron transfer channels compared to the pristine FePS3. The correlation of spin‐exchange interactions and spin‐selected electron transfers of 2D Co‐doped FePS3 crystals with a superior OER performance is further revealed by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer, in situ X‐ray absorption near edge spectra and density functional theory simulations. The result suggests that manipulating the spin‐exchange interactions of 2D vdW crystals to enhance the spin‐selected electron transfer efficiencies through doping is an effective strategy to boost their OER catalytic performances.
Ni Single Atoms on Hollow Nanosheet Assembled Carbon Flowers Optimizing Polysulfides Conversion for Li−S Batteries
Authors: Wang Rui , Qin Jinlei , Pei Fei , Li Zhizhan , Xiao Pei , Huang Yunhui , Yuan Lixia , Wang Deli
Published: August 2023

The sluggish conversion kinetics and shuttling behavior of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) seriously deteriorate the practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, Ni single atoms on hollow carbon nanosheet‐assembled flowers (Ni‐NC) are synthesized via a facile pyrolysis‐adsorption process to address these challenges. The as‐designed Ni‐NC with enhanced mesoporosity and accessible surface area can expose more catalytic sites and facilitate electron/ion transfer. These advantages enable the Ni‐NC‐modified separator to exhibit both enhanced confinement‐catalysis ability and suppressed shuttling of LiPSs. Consequently, the Li−S battery with Ni‐NC‐modified separator shows an initial capacity of 1167 mAh g−1 with a low capacity decay ratio (0.033% per cycle) over 700 cycles at 1 C. Even at the sulfur loading of 6.17 mg cm−2, a high areal capacity of 5.17 mAh cm−2 is realized at 0.1 C, together with superior cycling stability over 300 cycles. This work provides a facile catalyst design strategy for the development of high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Inverse Opal Photonic Hydrogels for Blue‐Edge Slow Photon‐Enhanced Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Xiaodong , Xie Ge , Bi Duohang , Du Shuo , Li Miaomiao , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: August 2023

Photodynamic therapy is promising for combating bacteria by reactive oxygen species. However, the therapeutic efficiency of photodynamic antibacterial therapy (PDAT) is largely hindered by limited photon absorption and the low quantum yield of photosensitizers. Herein, a novel light‐harvesting platform is designed by decorating photosensitizer chlorine e6 (Ce6) into an inverse opal photonic hydrogel (Ce6/IOPG) framework for efficient light utilization to enhance PDAT. It is shown that the generating efficiency of singlet oxygen (1O2) can be tuned by the relative positions of the photonic bandgap (PBG) of IOPG and the absorption band of Ce6. The coupling of the slow photon effect with the efficient dispersion of Ce6 allows for a maximum generation of 1O2 of approximately 69.5‐fold and markedly enhances PDAT activity upon low light irradiation when the blue edge of PBG overlaps with the absorption band of Ce6. Particularly, slow photons at the blue edge show advantages in improving 1O2 generation compared to those at the red edge. The variation in 1O2 generation by altering the incident angle of light provides direct evidence for the slow photon effect in Ce6/IOPG. This work provides insights into blue‐edge slow photons in photodynamic enhancement and offers an advisable design principle for efficient antibacterial therapy.
Grain Boundary Diffusion Hardening in Potassium Sodium Niobate‐Based Ceramics with Full Gradient Composition and High Piezoelectricity
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Feng Xinya , Li Fei , Meng Dechao , Zheng Ting , Wu Jiagang
Published: August 2023

Reducing mechanical losses and suppressing self‐heating are critical characteristics for high‐power piezoelectric applications. For environmentally friendly Pb‐free piezoelectric ceramics, traditional acceptor doping or annealing treatments have successfully improved the mechanical quality factor (Qm) based on a ceramic matrix with a poor piezoelectric coefficient (d33<100 pC/N). Nevertheless, a ceramic with high Qm and d33 values has not been reported owing to the inverse relationship between Qm and d33. Herein, a novel hardening method called grain boundary diffusion is used to develop Pb‐free potassium sodium niobate ceramics, where Qm increased by more than two‐fold (from 51 to 132) and a high d33 value (d33 = 360 pC/N) is maintained. Significantly, d33 retained 98% of its initial value after 180 days, exhibiting improved aging stability. The established properties are associated with the formation of the core‐shell microstructure and the full gradient composition distribution using structural characterizations and phase‐field simulations, where the core maintains a high d33 and the shell provides a hardening effect. The novel hardening effect in piezoelectric materials, known as grain boundary diffusion hardening, highlights the enhancement of the mechanical quality factor with high piezoelectricity, providing a new paradigm for the design of functional materials.
Shortwave Infrared Polarization Imaging and Monolithic Integrated Polarization Amplification Systems Based on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Cai Xiang , Wu Weifeng , Han Bing , Wei Nan , Long Guanhua , Chen Zhangyuan , He Xiaowei , Wang Sheng
Published: August 2023

Next‐generation shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging systems generally require a multidimensional information sensing capability (including intensity, wavelength, polarization, phase, etc.), a highly integrated photodetector unit, and information processing, allowing for miniaturization and low‐cost production. However, traditional polarized SWIR imaging systems with integrated polarizer arrays as supplementary filters and silicon‐based amplifying circuits are complicated and very expensive. Here, a SWIR polarization‐sensitive photodetector and a monolithic integrated polarization amplification system (MIPAS) based on well‐aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays are demonstrated. The polarization‐sensitive CNT photodetector exhibits anisotropic ratios of ≈5.18 and ≈7.56 at 1800 and 2000 nm wavelengths, respectively, and high‐resolution characteristics that can be utilized to image SWIR laser spots with a radius of less than 10 µm. Furthermore, MIPAS including a CNT field‐effect transistor, a CNT loading resistor, and a polarization‐sensitive CNT photodetector is used to increase the anisotropic ratio of the CNT photodetector. The amplified anisotropic ratio is improved up to 173 and 243 at 1800 and 2000 nm wavelengths, respectively, which is the maximum reported in the SWIR band.  Our work demonstrates that the CNT polarization‐sensitive photodetector has the potential for SWIR polarization imaging with a monolithic integrated polarization amplification system.
Hyperactive Selenium Source Yields Kesterite Solar Cells with 12.86% Efficiency
Authors: Wang Mengyang , Geng Hang , Zhu Jichun , Cui Yubo , Zhao Shanheng , Fu Junjie , Kou Dongxing , Sun Jie , Zhao Chaoliang , Wu Sixin , Ding Liming , Zheng Zhi
Published: August 2023

One of the main issues that limits the efficiency of kesterite solar cells is the low diffusion and chemical activity of selenium clusters. Here, this work proposes a simple and effective pre‐selenization strategy using Na2(Se2S) solution, which enables the direct introduction of hyperactive Se2, Se3, and Se4 into the precursors. The results demonstrate that Se2, Se3, and Se4 promote the formation of the Cu2‐xSe liquid phase and enhance the diffusion of elements from different micro‐regions. Consequently, the ratios of Cu/(Zn + Sn) and Sn/Zn in different micro‐regions of the absorber are controlled within the optimal range, exhibiting reduced fluctuations. The controlled environment suppresses the formation of CuZn and SnZn defects, as well as [2CuZn + SnZn] defect clusters. Finally, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.86% is achieved, which is the highest PCE for kesterite solar cells made under ambient pressure and with N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent.
Outer Helmholtz Plane Regulation and In Situ Zn Surface Reconstruction for Highly Reversible Zn Anodes
Authors: Chen LiBin , Han YuPeng , Wang ZhiWen , Li QiaoHong , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

Metallic Zn, a promising anode for aqueous energy storage devices, suffers from uncontrolled dendrite growth and corrosion, leading to a short cycle life and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) in Zn‐based batteries. Herein, a composite electrolyte including zinc sulfate, copper(II) chloride, and poly(N‐diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), denoted as PDADMAC–CuCl2–ZnSO4, is applied to simultaneously reconstruct the outer Helmholtz plane (OHP) and homogenize the Zn surface for highly reversible Zn anodes. The results of characterization, namely Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, density functional theory calculations, and electrochemical tests, confirm that the addition of chloride ions promotes the adsorption of PDADMAC on the OHP of the electric double layer and controls the Zn deposition process by regulating the electric field. Simultaneously, in situ Zn surface homogenization is accomplished by the reaction of Cu2+ on the Zn surface. As a result, the highly reversible Zn anode sustains extremely long‐term cycling for 2407 h at 5 mA cm−2 with 5 mAh cm−2 and 1300 h at 10 mA cm−2 with 10 mAh cm−2 in Zn//Zn symmetrical cells. A high average CE of 99.3% is achieved over 430 cycles at 15% depth of discharge.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Interactions Induced Enhancement in Resistive Switching Memory Performance for Covalent Organic Framework‐Based Memristors
Authors: Yu Hongling , Zhou Pan‐Ke , Chen Xiong
Published: August 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising active mediums for high‐performance data storage devices stemming from their high crystallinity, ordered porous channels, predetermined topology, and rigid architectures, while relative studies are still limited. Here, two COFs (i.e., COF‐EtD and COF‐EtA)‐based resistive‐switching memory devices are proposed to demonstrate the impact of intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, both of which exhibit nonvolatile write‐once‐read‐many (WORM) memory characteristics. Comparatively, COF‐EtD with the hydroxyl motif decoration illustrated a lower SET voltage (i.e., turn‐on voltage) and a higher ON/OFF current ratio as well as exceptional high‐temperature endurance and solvent resistance. Mechanism explorations suggest that the resistance‐switching behavior of COF‐EtD may be controlled by the synergistic effect of space‐charge‐limited current and conductive filaments. This finding is the first example of simply varying the functional group of COFs to regulate the WORM resistive switching behavior, providing some inspiration for the advancement of electronic memories and positively contributing to the realization of high endurance and high‐density electric storage materials.
Circularly Polarized Luminescent Behavior of Delayed Fluorescence Liquid Crystals Based on Carbonized Polymer Dots
Authors: Luo Hui‐Ying , Guan Yan , Huang Jiang , Luo Zhi‐Wang , Huang Ao , Wang Ping , Xie He‐Lou
Published: August 2023

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) as modern photonic technology is essential for optical apparatuses, anti‐counterfeiting, and information encryption. However, it still faces the formidable challenge of integrating delayed fluorescence into CPL through harvesting the triplet excitons. Herein, a carbonized polymer dot liquid crystal (CPDs‐Chol) is reported that shows both circularly polarized fluorescence (CPF) and circularly polarized delayed fluorescence (CP‐DF). In order to realize the CP‐DF, a kind of CPDs‐Chol is successfully designed and synthesized through grafting cholesterol molecules on the surface of novel carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) possessing long afterglow of 13 s. Then, the resultant CPDs‐Chol is doped with 4‐cyano‐4‐pentylbiphenyl (5CB) in different ratios to fabricate CPL material, which shows the highest glum of −0.5 and −0.042 for CPF and CP‐DF, respectively. The combination of the CPL feature and the long afterglow of CPDs‐Chol@5CB and CPDs offer an attractive photonic technology with advanced applications in anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
Triplet Orbital Coupling: Achieving Ultralong Lifetime and Color Control in Upconversion Luminescence
Authors: Pu Guiqiang , Wu Yiming , Xu Duo , Dai Shuheng , Chen Qiushui , Fang Manman , Liu Xiaogang , Li Zhen
Published: August 2023

Lanthanide‐doped nanocrystals typically exhibit limited time‐gated nonlinear luminescence with microsecond lifetimes because of their parity‐forbidden 4f–4f transitions. Here the direct observation of ultralong‐lived upconversion luminescence by coupling molecular triplet orbitals to lanthanide‐doped nanocrystals is reported. Through careful manipulation of the molecular triplet states,  nanohybrids capable of producing ultralong upconversion lifetimes up to 1.37 s and tunable color output are constructed, surpassing the intrinsic lifetime of lanthanide ions by a factor of 4500. In addition to the exciton migration pathway from the 4f levels of lanthanide ions to the molecular singlet and then to triplet states, direct activation of the triplet state by exciton from the 4f levels is observed. This phenomenon significantly reduces the required photon energy (by more than 0.83 eV) for stimulation of the triplet state compared to the process involving intersystem crossing. Taking advantage of the unique properties of these nanohybrids, a pulsed laser‐pumped encryption system with enhanced security is developed by embedding additional passwords that contain information about pulse frequency and width. This work provides a new perspective on time‐resolved nonlinear luminescence with an ultrawide time dimension by engineering molecular triplet states.
Amino Acid‐Modulated Chirality Evolution and Highly Enantioselective Chiral Nanogap‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Kumar Panangattukara Prabhakaran Praveen , Kim Myung‐Ki , Lim Dong‐Kwon
Published: August 2023

Controlling the growth and selection of chiral inducers is crucial for the generation of chiral inorganic structures as observed in nature. Herein, the plasmonic chirality evolution from the Au cube seed under the presence of L‐ or D‐amino acid as a chiral inducer is reported. The 432 Helicoid I structure is obtained using tryptophan (Trp), identical to the result with cysteine (Cys). The use of tyrosine (Tyr) produced a Helicoid IV‐type structure. However, no distinctive chiral structures can be obtained using phenylalanine (Phe), valine (Val) and leucine (Leu), which indicates the critical role of amino acids in chirality evolution. In particular, Trp‐Helicoid I nanoparticles (NPs) showed excellent enantioselective response toward L‐ or D‐Cys in the colorimetric assay and Raman analysis in the presence of Trp. Furthermore, the chiroptical property with a nanogap of 23.78 ± 0.82 nm in the Helicoid I structure further expands its applications for highly sensitive and quantitative chiral analysis for small molecules such as R/S‐epichlorohydrin (ECH), R/S‐limonene (LM), and R/S‐2‐butanol (BuOH) using a non‐polarized light source. The finding of amino acid‐dependent chirality evolution can widen the current understanding of chirality evolution in nature, and the use of helicoid structures with nanogaps incorporated with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can open a new avenue for chiral spectroscopic analysis.
Designing amendments to improve plant performance for mine tailings revegetation
Authors: Johnson Mark G. , Olszyk David M. , Shiroyama Tamotsu , Bollman Michael A. , Nash Maliha S. , Manning Viola A. , Trippe Kristin M. , Watts Donald W. , Novak Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2023

To provide recommendations for establishment of plants on low‐pH Formosa Mine tailings, two greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of remedial amendments to improve the survival and growth of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings. A preliminary experiment indicated that 1% lime (by weight) raised tailings pH, permitting seedling survival. However, high rates of biosolid application (BS; 2% by weight) added to supply nutrients were phytotoxic when added with lime. A gasified conifer biochar (BC) added to tailings at 1%, 2.5%, or 5% (by weight), along with lime and BS, caused an additional increase in pH, decreased electrical conductivity (EC), and tended to increase the survival of Douglas fir. The addition of a locally sourced microbial inoculum (LSM) did not affect survival. A subsequent experiment expanded our experimental design by testing multiple levels of amendments that included lime (0.5% and 1% by weight), three application rates (0.2%, 0.5%, and 2%) of two nutrient sources (BS or mineral fertilizer), BC (0% and 2.5%), and with or without LSM. There were many interactions among amendments. In general, Douglas fir survival was enhanced when lime and BC were added. These experiments suggest that amending with lime, a nutrient source, and BC would enhance revegetation on low‐pH, metal‐contaminated mine tailings.
The complex relationship between iron status and anemia in pregnant and postpartum women in India: Analysis of two Indian study cohorts of uncomplicated pregnancies
Authors: Nair Manisha , Choudhury Saswati S. , Rani Anjali , Solomi Carolin , Kakoty Swapna D. , Medhi Robin , Rao Sereesha , Mahanta Pranabika , Zahir Farzana , Roy Indrani , Chhabra Shakuntala , Deka Gitanjali , Minz Bina , Deka Rupanjali , Opondo Charles , Churchill David , Lakhal‐Littleton Samira , Nemeth Elizabeta ,   the MaatHRI collaboration
Published: August 2023

Low hemoglobin is widely used as an indicator of iron deficiency anemia in India and other low‐and‐middle income counties, but anemia need not accurately reflect iron deficiency. We examined the relationship between hemoglobin and biomarkers of iron status in antenatal and postnatal period. Secondary analysis of uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in two Indian study cohorts: 1132 antenatal women in third trimester and 837 postnatal women 12–72 h after childbirth. Associations of hemoglobin with ferritin in both data sets, and with sTfR, TSAT, and hepcidin in the postnatal cohort were examined using multivariable linear regression. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between severity of anemia and iron status. Regression models were adjusted for potential confounders. Over 55% of the women were anemic; 34% of antenatal and 40% of postnatal women had low ferritin, but 4% antenatal and 6% postnatal women had high ferritin. No evidence of association between hemoglobin and ferritin was observed (antenatal: adjusted coefficient [aCoef] −0.0004, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.001, 0.001; postnatal: aCoef −0.0001, 95% CI −0.001, 0.001). We found a significant linear association of hemoglobin with sTfR (aCoef −0.04, 95% CI −0.07, −0.01), TSAT (aCoef −0.005, 95% CI −0.008, −0.002), and hepcidin (aCoef 0.02, 95% CI 0.02, 0.03) in postnatal women. Likelihood of low ferritin was more common in anemic than non‐anemic women, but high ferritin was also more common in women with severe anemia in both cohorts. Causes of anemia in pregnant and postpartum women in India are multifactorial; low hemoglobin alone is not be a useful marker of iron deficiency.
Ear anomalies and hearing loss in patients with VACTERL association and the effect of maternal diabetes
Authors: Galarreta Carolina I. , Hoyt Erin , Forero Laura , Curry Cynthia J. , Bird Lynne M.
Published: August 2023

VACTERL association is typically defined as the presence of three components among these birth defects: vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac anomalies, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), renal anomalies, and limb defects. There is increasing recognition that VACTERL and other recurrent constellations of embryonic development often overlap clinically and might share pathogenesis. We conducted a comprehensive chart review of a large patient population with VACTERL association from two tertiary care centers in California. We included patients with incomplete VACTERL expression, which we denoted as “partial VACTERL” (pVACTERL). We assessed the occurrence of craniofacial (CF) findings in these two groups and the combined cohort. We collected data on potential risk factors and demographic information such as sex, Hispanic ancestry, pregnancy complications, and maternal age. The study included 409 participants, of whom 263 had VACTERL and 146 pVACTERL. CF abnormalities were found in 17.3% of VACTERL patients and 9.4% of pVACTERL patients. In the VACTERL group, ear anomalies were found in 10.2%, microtia in 5.9%, hearing loss (HL) in 13.90%, and orofacial clefts in 3.1%. In the pVACTERL group, ear anomalies were found in 7.2%, microtia in 5.0%, HL in 9.3%, and orofacial cleft in 2.2%. Maternal diabetes significantly increased the risk for HL in VACTERL (odds ratio [OR]: 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–7.3) and pVACTERL patients (OR: 6.7, 95% CI: 1.70–23.4). Poorly controlled maternal diabetes significantly increased the risk for all the outcomes in VACTERL patients including CF anomalies (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.9–9.6), ear anomalies (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.8–11.8), microtia (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.7–16.6), and HL (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 3.4–19.4). Twin status was significantly associated with the occurrence of microtia (p = 0.038) in VACTERL patients. Occurrence of CF features, particularly ear anomalies, microtia, and HL, might be considered as part of phenotypic diversity of VACTERL association. Diabetes and twinning might appear to play a role in increasing the risk for this phenotype in VACTERL association.