bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Macronutrient Levels, Micronutrient Mixture and Humic Acid on Yield and Economics of Kharif Maize
Authors: Hari Sudhan Reddy Mukkamalla , Biswas Saikat , Elizabeth Jolly Gritta
Published: March 2022

Background: Cultivation of Maize, a highly productive and profitable crop, requires standardization of macronutrients, micronutrients and organic nutrition.

Objective: Research was planned with the objective to enhance the yield and profit of kharif maize by agronomic fortification through macronutrients, micronutrient mixture and humic acid.

Method: The field experiment was conducted at agricultural farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab in randomized block design with 10 nutrient management treatments ((T0: control (100% RDF), T1: T0 +soil application of micronutrient mixture (MM) @10kg/ha, T2: T0+ foliar application of MM @1%, T3: T0+ seed priming with MM @1%, T4: 75% RDF+ soil application of MM@10kg/ha, T5: 75% RDF+ foliar application of MM@1%, T6: 75% RDF+ seed priming with MM @1%, T7: T4+ humic acid @1%, T8: T5+humic acid @1% at 30 days after sowing (DAS), T9: T6+ foliar application of humic acid@1% at 30 DAS). 

Results: Among various macronutrients, micronutrient mixture and humic acid   combinations, T8 treatment recorded relatively higher yield attributes like cobs/plant (1.18), cob length (18.8 cm), cob girth (17.6 cm), cob weight with (143.80 g) or without (132.56 g) husk, grains row/cob (14.1), grains/row (26.8), 100 grains weight (27.1 g), grain yield (7.83 t/ha), stover yield (10.13 t/ha) and harvest index (43.61%), which was remained statistically similar by T7 treatment. Production economics further, revealed that T8 treatment was the most profitable (net return:  ₹ 1,02,253/ha and B:C: 2.78) and therefore, can be recommended for kharif maize cultivation in Punjab.
An Atypical Presentation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency with Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Alkaabba Fahad , Caitlyn Mary , Ivey Kelsey S.
Published: March 2022

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in both developed and developing countries. This water-soluble vitamin is synthesized by bacteria and archaea and plays a major role in DNA synthesis and effective hematopoiesis. Most common etiologies of B12 deficiency include pernicious anemia and dietary deficiency. Hematological manifestations including anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and macrocytosis can commonly be seen with vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a rare cause of hemolytic anemia with approximately 1.5% of cases. Hemolysis with vitamin B12 deficiency remains a rare entity that has not been well described in the literature. Here we present a case of a 49-year-old male presenting with presyncope and fatigue who was found to have hemolytic anemia secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency with clinical improvement after vitamin supplementation therapy and provide a brief review of literature.
Progress Related in Genetic Research on Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Wang Fenglan , Liu Juan , Liu Yong-Lin , Jiao Fuyong
Published: March 2022

Kawasaki disease, It is a systemic vasioinflammatory disease in children of Asian descent, Coronary artery injury is its major complication, the disease has now become a major cause of acquired heart disease in children. The etiology of Kawasaki disease is not fully clear, and its pathogenesis is related to infection, immune damage and genetic susceptibility. Genetic research has made new progress in recent years, with the aim of trying to better discover the intrinsic link of pathogenesis and treatment, in order to better understand the pathogenesis and obtain better treatment. The exact etiology of KD is still unknown. However, increasing evidence supports that genetic factors play a key role in their occurrence and development. Studying the changes in related genes in children with Kawasaki disease will help to understand the relationship between the changes in this gene and the onset of Kawasaki disease and its coronary damage and the sensitivity of various treatments, and will contribute to the better treatment of Kawasaki disease.
The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Planning Access and Use at Primary Health Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Green Kinikanwo I. , Edet Clement K. , Harry Agiriye M. , Abbey Mkpe , Opelia-Ezeh Ihuoma M. , Wegbom Anthony I. , Raimi Olatunde
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges especially to health systems and population health. Many countries enforced border closures and implemented lockdowns which affected many sectors of the society. Increasing case load has led to many health authorities reassigning healthcare professionals and reorganizing existing health services to combat COVID-19 which may have affected routine and essential healthcare services, including family planning.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on the access and use of family planning among clients in primary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Participants were recruited from eighteen primary health centres across six Local Government Areas (district) of Rivers State. Data was collected between 7th July and 9th August 2021.

Methodology: Women of reproductive age attending family planning clinic, antenatal sessions, post-natal clinic and immunizations sessions were interviewed using systematic random sampling. The questionnaire was adapted from the Research for Scalable Solution standardized questionnaire on family planning.

Results: A total of 759 women were interviewed and the mean age of participants was 32.19 (SD±7.49). 44.3% (n=314) of respondents had met need of family planning before the pandemic which increased to 64.8% (n=305) post-lockdown. Also, the unmet need for family planning was higher than the State average during the lockdown. 21.0% (n=50) had an unmet need for child birth spacing while 10.5% (n=25) had an unmet need for limiting. Furthermore, 34.2% (n=26) of respondents reported unintended pregnancies. Finally, there was a family planning method shift post-pandemic to long-acting reversible contraception being preferred.

Conclusion: The lockdown and restrictions had impacted the met and unmet need for family planning. Also, there was a method shift of family planning method seen. These findings can be taken into consideration in cases of future public health emergencies.
Appraisal the Effect of NitrogenPhosphorus and Bio-fertilizers on Protein Contentin Seed of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Arkel
Authors: Bunker Raja Ram , Narolia R. K. , Nagar Vimal , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Pareek Pawan Kumar , Meena Suresh Kumar
Published: March 2022

A field experiment was performed in the course of rabi  year 2017-18.to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizers on the protein content of seeds of garden peas (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Arkel. The experiment was set up in RBD, with 11 treatments in three replications comparing nitrogen and phosphorus levels, as well as bio-fertilizers, to the control.A significant increase in protein content from 15.60% to 22.06% when 20 kg per hectare N + 40 kgper hectare P + Rhizobium + PSB was applied (T5), maximal nitrogen concentration in plants was 20 kg per hectare N + 40 kg per hectare P + Rhizobium + PSB (T5) (2.30 per cent). T5 was statistically comparable to 20 kg per hectare N + 40 kg per hectare P + Rhizobium (T3) and 20 kg per hectare N + 40 kg per hectare P + PSB (T4).
Mobile Device and Software for Automating Body Measurements in Sheep
Authors: Neto Constantino A. Dias , Junior Antonio de Sousa , Sarmento Jose Lindenberg Rocha , Carvalho Carlos Giovanni Nunes de , Kridi Douglas Santiago , Carvalho Maria Acelina Martins de
Published: March 2022

In sheep farming, the process of body measurement of animals is of fundamental importance, as they are hereditary characteristics, which reflect on meat production and body development. However, breeders still perform body measurements on animals, mostly by manual methods. Theobjective of this article is to present a computational solution, composed of a mobile device for automating data collection in sheep, through sensors, in addition to a software to process and find body measurements. For the proposed solution, the mobile device was built using Arduinotechnology with sensors, and the software was developed in RubyOnRails framework. To validate the computational solution, measurements were made with manual equipment (current solution employed by the producers) and compared using the error to identify the noise caused. Thus, the average relative errors of 7.44 % for withers height, 7.61 % for rump height, 7.19 % for chest girth, 6.45 % for body length, 13.48 % for Weight and 10.76 % for Depth, presenting the mean and standard deviation of automatic measurements close to manual measurements. 

It is concluded that the body measurements performed in an automated way, allow greater agility in the measurements, in relation to the traditional (manual) measurements, which require a lot of work with the animal in the correct measurement posture and demands time.
Carbon Emission Efficiency Best Practices: A Case Study in an Industrial Site
Authors: M’baye Abaubakry
Published: March 2022

Carbon emission efficiency is key in sustainability development such as renewable energies and nuclear. To reach the zero-carbon emission all those levers should be activated. Carbon emission efficiency has some advantages over other levers. Renewable energies are inexhaustible resources, but they are not fully available everywhere (it depends on the geographical situation) and the storage of this energy is still to be developed. Nuclear is also an option for avoiding fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the treatment of nuclear waste is still an issue because they are still radioactive and therefore harmful for health. Moreover, in case of incident the consequences can be huge.

This article discusses various best engineering practices for reducing carbon emissions. All those best practices have been selected among different practices because they have been successful experiences: tested, reproduced and important CO2 savings confirmed.

The industrial site of this case study is a pharmaceutical manufacturing in France. Thanks to the implementation of the best carbon emission efficiency practices, site’s carbon emissions have been reduced by 48% in a decade (from 2010 to 2020).
Fish Oil Supplements for Schoolchildren: A Pilot Intervention in a Maltese School for Policy Formulation in School Communities
Authors: Micallef Charles , Brincau Alexia
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Fish oil containing vitamin D used to be administered in Maltese schools to treat rickets. The oil-soluble vitamins A and D are important for the immune system and vision (vitamin A). Its omega-3 is indicated for behaviour, concentration and learning. It can help in dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. A pilot project aimed at spreading fish oil awareness and encouraging the government to give this supplement to schoolchildren was set up.

Methods: Students from Years 3-6, (7-11 years) attending a girls’ school participated. Risk assessments and parents’ consent were taken. The soft chewable supplement contained 120mg omega-3, 667 I.U. vitamin A and 100 I.U. vitamin D. Compliance, dropouts and reasons for refusing to take the capsules were recorded. The students’ parents/guardians were given a short questionnaire.

Results: Findings are based on 46 schooldays. 73 students started the programme. Due to vomiting or swallowing difficulties 58 girls continued the intervention. There were 43 respondents (parents/guardians) for the questionnaire. 86% were strongly in favour of this initiative; 14% were slightly less in favour. All respondents wanted this initiative to remain ongoing.

Conclusion: Given some recommendations for improvements, the results are hoped to initiate discussions for a national policy for fish oil at school.
Reasons why Female Students Choose to Take Medicine as a Career
Authors: Balouch Zahid , Daher Alshammari Amal , Habib Khan Farida , Mustafa Elsaid Ahmed Ruba , Ahmed Ali Salma , Ali Abrar , Khatoon Fahmida , Saleh Suaiman Alanazi Razan , Saud Aliassar Shadan , Saleh Mukhlif Al Barrak Salha
Published: March 2022

Objective: The purpose of the study is to explore and recognize the variety of reasons that belie the female student body decision of opting for medicine as a career option.

Methods: An interview based study, with both closed and open ended questions, was conducted amongst the female medical students of public and private sector medical colleges in Saudi Arabia. Material and information were gathered using this interview-based questionnaire which the female students were asked to fill out. The duration of study was from 1st October 2021 to 30th January 2022. Analyzed on SPSS version 22.

Results: A total of 900 female medical students participated with 336 (37.3%) from pre-clinical years and 564 (62.7%) from clinical years. The mean age of the respondents was 20.7+1.8 years. The results imply a variety of reasons for the choice of medicine as a profession by the females with majority stressing the desire to serve humanity and the attached respect and acceptance as the other attracting factors. Minor reasons also exist that are discussed in greater depth in the                  article.

Conclusion: It is evident that in spite of the overwhelming obstacles still prevalent and the conservative attitudes towards career oriented females, women’s deciding to enter the field of medicine is on the increase, as it makes it easier to stand up for when they are wronged and make their own choices. The government can help further by increasing the initiatives to get more females to enroll in the MBBS programs all over the country.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Caffeinated Products Consumption among General Population
Authors: Rajendran Vinoth , Shrinivasan V.P. Dharani , Ramalingam Kameswaran , Madasamy Senthil , Ramanathan Sambathkumar
Published: March 2022

Caffeinated product consumption is the world most widely consumed psychoactive drug. The consumption of caffeinated product is highly prevalent among Asian countries. This study aimed to assess knowledge attitude and practice towards caffeinated product consumption. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted through online Questionnaire through the social media platform. We assessed demographic characteristics and intake of caffeine from different products like tea, coffee, energy drinks and soft drinks. Both genders were included in the study and above 18 years old, repeated and incomplete data submission were excluded from the study. A total of 273 participants replied to the survey. Out of 273 participants; 148(54.22%) were female, 125(45.78%) were male, among them 241(88.30%) participants were under the age group of 18-28 years. Multiple choice procedure was carried out to assess the different products, most preferred products are 156(59.77%) consuming coffee, 146(55.93%) consuming tea, 106(40.99%) consuming chocolate, 47(18.00%) consuming carbonated drink, 26(9.96%) consuming energy drinks and 7(2.68%) consuming caffeine from other products. The major reason for intake of caffeinated products for refreshment was 163(62.45%) and most of the participants intake while studying 115(44.06%). The Most common symptom occurred due to excessive consumption of caffeine is vomiting 30(11.49%), the study participants faced difficulties faced missing a regular intake of caffeine is headache 71(27.20%). Out of 273 participants,the majority of the participants has lack knowledge and a positive attitude towards caffeine consumption. The Majority of the study participants believe the merits of caffeinated product consumption outweigh its demerits. It was found that side effect due to the usage of caffeinated products raising exceedingly it is essential to educate the consumption product in a recommended limit in their daily life style. This study result will give an idea for upcoming research on the consumption of caffeinated products.
The Effect of Molecular Markers in Advanced Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Acar Hasan Zafer , Akalın Arkın
Published: March 2022

Molecular markers play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of thyroid cancers, as in many types of cancer.

Our aim in this study is to investigate the effect of molecular markers in the follow-up and treatment of advanced thyroid cancers.

For this purpose, the results obtained in recent articles investigating molecular markers in the follow-up and treatment of advanced thyroid cancers were evaluated and new findings were presented. The databases from which the references are obtained are Google Scholar, Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science.

According to the results of our study, molecular markers have very important effects in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancers. It can already be said that future studies on this subject will further increase the treatment possibilities and prolong survival in advanced thyroid cancers.
Prevalence of Acute Stent Thrombosis after Primary PCI in STEMI Patients
Authors: Shaikh Sanaullah , Uddin Zuhaib , Shaikh Zeeshan , Shaikh Naveed Ahmed , Shaikh Javed Khurshed , Shah Ghulam Jaffar , Hussain Syed Taimour , Samad Ayesha
Published: March 2022

Background: In-hospital mortality data of patients who have been experiencing ST (stent thrombosis) shows 7.9% statistics for acute stent thrombosis (AST) within 24 hours of PCI, Sub-Acute Stent Thrombosis (SAST) occurs during 30 days of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), Late Stent Thrombosis (LST) found 3.8% within the first year after PCI, and Very Late Stent Thrombosis found 3.6% in 1 year after PCI. From our study, we found out the frequency of Acute Stent Thrombosis (AST) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) Patients after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PPCI).

Methods: This descriptive-analytic case series was conducted in 06 months data collection time in the NICVD Karachi Pakistan. All the study sample were computed and analyzed by using SPSS (20.0 Version). Mean ± standard deviation was calculated for age, duration of surgery, weight, height, and BMI. Chi-square test by using P ≤ 0.05 as significant on 95% Confidence Interval were used for other variables.

Results: Out of 142 patients of 55.56 years of mean age was evaluated with standard deviation ±12.24 and BMI mean was 27.56±6.28. The mean ± SD duration of surgery was 33.48±9.26.

Conclusion: It is to be concluded that the frequency of AST after primary PCI was found to be significant. Patients presenting with STEMI were at high risk of AST whether they were hemodynamically unstable or they had ACS stenting of multivessel coronary diseases.
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Whole Fruit Extracts of Luffa Acutangula. Var. Amara and Rhizome Extracts of Rheum Emodi in CCl4 - Induced Chronic Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Abid Muna , Ibrahim Mohammed , Abid Zakia
Published: March 2022

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of whole fruit extracts of Luffa acutangula.var. amara and rhizome extracts of Rheum emodi in CCl4 treated rats. The dried powders of L. amara and R. emodi were extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethanol and distilled water. The hepatoprotective capacity of the extract of the whole fruits of L. amara and the rhizomes of R. emodi was analyzed in liver injured CCl4- treated male rats. The present study explored the possibilities of using low doses of both plant extracts (150mg/kg, and 300mg/kg bw, po route) to treat CCL4 intoxicated albino rats in both acute and chronic models of hepatic damage, evident by increased serum levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides, all being implicated in considerable hepatic damage.

Histopathological examination in CCl4 treated rats revealed collapse of liver parenchyma with early fibrosis and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in patchy areas around central vein (Pic.group-2) when compared to the control group. Histopathological and physical examinations also indicated their effectiveness with their dose tolerability and liver protection.

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the whole fruits of L. amara and rhizomes of R. emodi were indicative of more hepatoprotective properties when compared to the petroleum ether extracts of both plants against CCl4 induced liver damage as confirmed from hepatic serum marker enzyme activities and histopathological studies.
Influence of Lycopene on Renal Tissue Injury in Celebrex Induced Albino Rats; An Experimental Research Study
Authors: Sundus Sadia , Aijaz Asma , Samreen Talat , Fatmee Sarwat , Fahmi Shazia , Ahmed Hira
Published: March 2022

Objective: To analyze the renal tissue injury in Celebrex induced albino rats with improvement by lycopene. 

Study design: Experimental research study.

Abode of study: Animal House, Basic medical sciences institute, Karachi,

Materials and Methods: Celebrex and antioxidant agent lycopene were used in this experimental study. Drugs were administered orally to forty male albino rats weighing of around 250gm for research. Rats were retained in isolated cages and alienated into 4 sets including control, diseased, treated groups. The drugs were administered by gastric tube once24-hourly for four weeks.  After finalization of research work, rats were sacrificed and body tissues were preserved for staining.

Results: gB Gomori’s calcium phosphate stained sections showed marked deposition of dark black particles of alkaline phosphate in cellular cytoplasm of proximal convoluted tubules but gC showed scarce deposition of black particles of alkaline phosphate in the cellular cytoplasm of proximal convoluted tubules.

Conclusion: This experiment discloses that lycopene recuperate the raised level of alkaline phosphate in the cytoplasm of proximal convoluted tubules.
Determination of the Electronic Energy Levels of a Quantum well Heterostruture Zn\(_{1-x}\)Mg\(_{x}\)O/ZnO/Zn\(_{1-x}\)Mg\(_{x}\)O
Authors: Thiam Moustapha , Diaw Aminata , Badiane Amaky , Niasse Omar Absatou , Diao Amadou , Diagne Moulaye , Bassirou L. O. , Bassirou B. A.
Published: March 2022

This paper studies a quantum well heterostructure made up by a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin layer (well) sandwiched between two Zn1-xMgxO layers acting as potential barriers. Setting the width of the well to a = 10 nm, the allowed quantum states in the conduction band (CB) and the wave function profiles are examined for two values of magnesium concentration : x = 0.1 and x = 0.2. The calculated wavelengths corresponding to intra-band transitions in the conduction band are in the infrared domain of the electromagnetic spectrum. These wavelengths depend on x, allowing to control the optoelectronic properties of the quantum well by adjusting the concentration x during the growth process.
On Fractal Properties for Pre-image Entropy
Authors: Shih Teng-San
Published: March 2022

Fractal dimension for pre-image entropy is introduced for continuous maps throughout this paper. First we show the definition of pre-image entropy dimension of a dynamical system from different topological versions. Then we give those basic propositions of pre-image entropy dimension and the formula for power inequality and forward generator. Relationships among different types of pre-image entropy dimension are studied and an inequality relating them is given. Some basic examples are provided to compare those values of polynomial growth type with the pre-image entropy dimension. After that, this study constructs a symbolic subspace to attain any value between 0 and 1 for pre-image entropy dimension.
Hospitalizations Associated With Rheumatic Disease in Alaska, 2015‐2018
Authors: Ferucci Elizabeth D. , Holck Peter
Published: March 2022

Objective

Few studies have evaluated hospitalizations associated with rheumatic disease in Indigenous North American populations. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of people hospitalized with rheumatic disease in Alaska, including a comparison of hospitalizations for Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) people in Alaska compared with those of other races.

Methods

We used statewide hospital discharge data from the Alaska Health Facilities Data Reporting Program from 2015 to 2018 for this study. Cases were ascertained based on discharge diagnosis (any listed) of a defined set of rheumatic diseases. We determined characteristics associated with rheumatic disease hospitalizations, including age, gender, and race. Using multivariate modeling, we determined risk factors for hospitalization overall, as well as for specific rheumatic diseases. We compared characteristics of hospital encounters for people with or without rheumatic diseases and by race.

Results

We identified 15975 people ever hospitalized with rheumatic disease in the study period and 87138 controls hospitalized but without any rheumatic disease diagnosis. Cases were older than controls and more likely to be female. The three most common types of rheumatic disease associated with hospitalization were osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Compared with other races, AN/AI people were more likely to be hospitalized with rheumatic disease, and this association was true for all specific diseases other than gout.

Conclusion

Hospitalizations associated with rheumatic disease are common in Alaska, with an increased likelihood of hospitalization for AN/AI people. This adds to the literature on health disparities in Indigenous North American populations.
Effect of Eliminating Water in Prussian Blue Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Wanlin , Gang Yong , Peng Jian , Hu Zhe , Yan Zichao , Lai Weihong , Zhu Yanfang , Appadoo Dominique , Ye Mao , Cao Yuliang , Gu Qin‐Fen , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: March 2022

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their low‐cost, similar energy density comparable with that of LiFePO4 in lithium‐ion batteries, and long cycle life. Nevertheless, crystal water (≈10 wt%) in PBAs from aqueous synthesis environments can bring significant side effects in real SIBs, especially for calendar life and high temperature storage performance. Therefore, it is of great importance to eliminate crystal water in PBAs for future commercial applications. Herein, a facile heat‐treatment method is reported in order to remove water from Fe‐based PBAs. Although the heat‐treated sample can be easily rehydrated in air, it still exhibits a stable cycling performance over 2000 times under controlled charge cut‐off voltage. In situ synchrotron high‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction demonstrates that the as‐prepared sample is maintained at a new trigonal phase after dehydration. Moreover, the redox reaction of low‐spin Fe2+/Fe3+ is activated and the high‐temperature storage performance of as‐prepared sample is significantly improved after removal of water.
In‐situ Polymerized Gel Polymer Electrolytes with High Room‐Temperature Ionic Conductivity and Regulated Na+ Solvation Structure for Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Weichao , Zhang Jun , Liu Xiaochen , Li Huan , Guo Yong , Geng Chuannan , Tao Ying , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: March 2022

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are promising candidates for low‐cost but high‐energy energy storage applications. Both long‐term stability and safety of SMBs can be largely enhanced when liquid electrolytes (LEs) are replaced by gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). However, the low room‐temperature (RT) ionic conductivity and inferior interfacial compatibility of GPEs severely restrain their practical use. Herein, a poly(butyl acrylate)‐based GPE with a high RT ionic conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1 is developed by in‐situ polymerization. Symmetrical cells assembled with this GPE show ultralong cyclability over 900 h at 0.2 mA cm−2, and ultralow overpotential of 233 mV at 1 mA cm−2. Full cells based on Na3V2(PO4)3(NVP) cathodes (NVP||GPE||Na) display significantly improved rate capability than that of LEs, benefiting from the solvation structure of Na+ in the GPE with much lower desolvation energy. Furthermore, the NVP||GPE||Na pouch cells exhibit a stable capacity of ≈92 mA h g−1 for 50 cycles at 1 C and excellent flexibility. The work not only provides a reliable GPE to develop RT SMBs but also offers new insight into the role of polymer frameworks in the rate performance of SMBs.
A Structural Gel Composite Enabled Robust Underwater Mechanosensing Strategy with High Sensitivity
Authors: Wang Zibi , Zhou Honghao , Liu Dong , Chen Xue , Wang Ding , Dai Sheng , Chen Fei , Xu Ben Bin
Published: March 2022

One of the key challenges in developing gel‐based electronics is to achieve a robust sensing performance, by overcoming the intrinsic weaknesses such as unwanted swelling induced deformation, signal distortion caused by dehydration, and large hysteresis in sensing signal. In this work, a structural gel composite (SGC) approach is presented by encapsulating the conductive hydrogel/MXene with a lipid gel (Lipogel) layer through an in situ polymerization. The hydrophobic Lipogel coating fulfills the SGC with a unique anti‐swelling property at an aqueous environment and excellent dehydration feature at an open‐air, thus leading to long‐term ultra‐stability (over 90 days) and durability (over 2000 testing cycles) for underwater mechanosensing applications. As a result, the SGC based mechanoreceptor demonstrates high and stable sensitivity (GF of 14.5). Moreover, several SGC based conceptual sensors with high sensitivity are developed to unveil their profound potential in underwater monitoring of human motions, waterproof anti‐counterfeiting application, and tactile trajectory tracking.
Siloxene/PVDF Composite Nanofibrous Membrane for High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator and Self‐Powered Static and Dynamic Pressure Sensing Applications
Authors: Bhatta Trilochan , Sharma Sudeep , Shrestha Kumar , Shin Youngdo , Seonu Sookyeong , Lee Sanghyun , Kim Dongkyun , Sharifuzzaman Md. , Rana SM Sohel , Park Jae Yeong
Published: March 2022

Polymer nanofibers are widely adopted in energy harvesting and pressure sensing applications owing to the large contact area and inherent compressibility. Herein, a high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on 2D siloxene‐polyvinylidene fluoride (S‐PVDF) composite nanofibrous membrane is newly evaluated. Through proper ratio optimization and facile electrospinning, the fabricated membrane shows significant improvement in dielectric property, electronegativity, and compressibility. The TENG comprising S‐PVDF membrane and Nylon 6/6 can deliver an excellent power density of 13.25 W m−2 (f ≈ 5 Hz) and easily operates low‐power electronics and Internet of things (IoTs). In addition, the excellent compressibility of membrane extends its applicability to self‐powered simultaneous detection of dynamic and static pressure, which is investigated by developing a hybrid pressure sensor (HPS) through effective integration of TENG and a capacitive pressure sensor. The HPS shows an excellent dynamic (12.062 V kPa−1 at (<3 kPa) and 2.58 V kPa−1 at (3–25 kPa)) and static (25.07 mV kPa−1 at (<3 kPa) and 5.96 mV kPa−1 at (3–25 kPa)) pressure sensitivities, respectively. Furthermore, a 2 × 2 HPS array tested and analyzed for multiple users using artificial intelligence significantly improves the accuracy (98%). Remarkable energy harvesting performance and greater accuracy of the HPS manifests better preferences for future self‐powered IoT and smart tactile‐based user authentication systems.
A Photoelectric Spiking Neuron for Visual Depth Perception
Authors: Chen Chunsheng , He Yongli , Mao Huiwu , Zhu Li , Wang Xiangjing , Zhu Ying , Zhu Yixin , Shi Yi , Wan Changjin , Wan Qing
Published: March 2022

The biological visual system encodes optical information into spikes and processes them by the neural network, which enables the perception with high throughput of visual processing with ultralow energy budget. This has inspired a wide spectrum of devices to imitate such neural process, while precise mimicking such procedure is still highly required. Here, a highly bio‐realistic photoelectric spiking neuron for visual depth perception is presented. The firing spikes generated by the TaOXmemristive spiking encoders have a biologically similar frequency range of 1–200 Hz and sub‐micro watts power. Such spiking encoder is integrated with a photodetector and a network of neuromorphic transistors, for information collection and recognition tasks, respectively. The distance‐dependent response and eye fatigue of biological visual systems have been mimicked based on such photoelectric spiking neuron. The simulated depth perception shows a recognition improvement by adapting to sights at different distances. The results can advance the technologies in bioinspired or robotic systems that may be endowed with depth perception and power efficiency at the same time.
Highly Durable Membrane Electrode Assembly with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/CeO2‐Reinforced Nafion Composite Membrane by Spraying Method for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Choi Eunho , Kim Sang Moon , Jang Segeun
Published: March 2022

For achieving economically viable polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in the commercial market, simplifying the fabrication process and manufacturing of robust membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are important. Herein, a single spray‐coating method for developing a robust and free‐standing reinforced Nafion composite membrane and electrodes is reported. By comparing the fabricated membrane's morphology under diverse process conditions including the nozzle‐to‐substrate distance and solution‐loading rates, the optimized spray‐coating for uniformly deposited spray‐based membrane without any defects has been determined. To explain this optimized condition, a simple theoretical model based on the concept of the surface coverage of sprayed droplets is proposed. The fabricated multiwalled carbon nanotubes/CeO2‐reinforced Nafion composite membrane shows excellent mechanical properties with minimal proton‐conducting loss despite using additional fillers of total 4 wt% in the Nafion matrix. By successively depositing the catalyst layer on that membrane using the same spray‐coating device, an MEA with the reinforced spray‐based membrane has been successfully fabricated; moreover, diverse electrochemical measurements and durability tests have been conducted. The MEA with the reinforced membrane shows comparable initial performance and considerably higher performance after the durability test compared to the MEA with commercial Nafion membrane.
Optimum Design and Test of a Novel Bionic Electronic Stethoscope based on the Cruciform Microcantilever with Leaf Microelectromechanical Systems Structure
Authors: Zang Junbin , Zhou Chenzheng , Xiang Menghui , Wang Juliang , Wang Haoxin , Zhang Zhidong , Xue Chenyang
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a heart sound sensing structure and system by combining the traditional auscultation structure and human‐like ear eardrum gas–solid coupling sound conduction process. This system is based on the lever pickup mechanism of eardrum vibration and the traditional stethoscope pickup amplification, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, and the detection principle of piezoresistive and Wheatstone bridge. The optimal size and process parameters of the biomimetic sensor structure are given through theoretical calculation and numerical simulation on Comsol and SRIM. Computer numerical control, 3D printing, MEMS technology, and 3D heterogeneous integration technology are used to complete the precise processing and encapsulation of the proposed structure. After the performance tests, results show that the optimal structure can collect directional signals, with a bandwidth from 10 Hz to 1 kHz, which can effectively cover the range of the heart frequency. The signal‐to‐noise ratio is improved by 2.3 dB compared with the 3M stethoscope. An electrocardiogram and phonocardiogram synchronization detection system is developed with this structure. The structure and system can be effectively applied to the high‐quality collection and intelligent recognition of heart sound data sets. The recognition accuracy can reach 98.5%. It is highly effective for early screening and intelligent diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
Selectively Stiffening Garments Enabled by Cellular Composites
Authors: Kwon Junghan , Choi Inrak , Park Myungsun , Moon Jeongin , Jeong Bomin , Pathak Prabhat , Ahn Jooeun , Park Yong‐Lae
Published: March 2022

Recent efforts on wearable robots have focused on augmenting the motor performance and/or protecting the wearer's body with lightweight structures. However, providing human‐scale force and structural stiffness usually conflicts with the wearability. Inspired by sandwich‐structured composites with high structural strengths, widely employed in both nature and man‐made structures, a mechanism of selectively stiffening garments (SSGs) utilizing anisotropic cellular cores and rubber‐laminated face sheets is proposed. While the proposed mechanism shows a high compliance allowing for conformity to the wearer's body when unjammed, it provides a significantly high force density when jammed, compared to conventional jamming methods, allowing for the ability to adjust mechanical properties based on the designs and materials. In this paper, various designs of the sandwich jamming structures for the SSGs with analytical characterizations and experimental validations are introduced. Potential applications for force and motion assistance are also demonstrated and impacted mitigation.
Engineering Silver Microgrids with a Boron Nitride Nanotube Interlayer for Highly Conductive and Flexible Transparent Heaters
Authors: Wagner Kaitlin , Kell Arnold J. , Martinez‐Rubi Yadienka , Paquet Chantal , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: March 2022

The use of flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) as printed heaters offers unique advantages where transparency is a necessary design feature. Many existing TCE materials however suffer from poor flexibility and require complex fabrication processes and thus are not commercially viable for such applications. The design and process optimization of screen‐printable silver metal microgrids over a layer of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) to produce highly conductive and mechanically robust transparent heaters with high transparency and low power requirements is reported. Square and hexagonal geometries are investigated alongside varying line width and pitch combinations to produce 16 different grid designs with optical transparency ranging between 65% and 89% and resistance values as low as 2.90 Ω sq−1. The BNNT thin film coating on polyethylene terephthalate substrates provides mechanical stability to the heater architecture by reducing the effects of deformation by up to 400%. The BNNT interlayer also contributes to an increase in thermal performance, achieving temperatures as high as 74.0 °C by initiating electrical sintering of the microgrids during heater operation which increases the Joule heating capacity of the features. Overall, this physical and material optimization provides a low‐cost, printable microgrid architecture for high performing and stable applications as TCE‐based heaters.
A Comprehensive Multipolar Theory for Periodic Metasurfaces
Authors: Rahimzadegan Aso , Karamanos Theodosios D. , Alaee Rasoul , Lamprianidis Aristeidis G. , Beutel Dominik , Boyd Robert W. , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: March 2022

Optical metasurfaces consist of 2D arrangements of scatterers, and they control the amplitude, phase, and polarization of an incidence field on demand. Optical metasurfaces are the cornerstone for a future generation of flat optical devices in a wide range of applications. The rapid advances in nanofabrication have made the versatile design and analysis of these ultra‐thin surfaces an ever‐growing necessity. However, a comprehensive theory to describe the optical response of periodic metasurfaces in closed‐form and analytical expressions has not been formulated, and prior attempts are frequently approximate. Here, a theory is developed that analytically links the properties of the scatterer, from which a metasurface is made, to its response via the lattice coupling matrix. The scatterers are represented by their polarizability or T matrix. Explicit expressions for the optical response up to octupolar order in both spherical and Cartesian coordinates are provided, for normal or oblique incidence. Several examples demonstrate that the proposed theoretical approach is a powerful tool for exploring the physics of metasurfaces and designing novel flat optics devices. Novel fully‐diffracting metagratings and particle‐independent polarization filters are proposed, and novel insights into bound states in the continuum, collective lattice resonances, and the response of Huygens’ metasurfaces under oblique incidence are provided.
Designing Stable Deep‐Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters through Controlling the Intrinsic Stability of Triplet Excitons
Authors: Kang Hosuk , Ihn Soo‐Ghang , Kim Inkoo , Chung Yeon Sook , Jeon Soon Ok , Sim Myungsun , Kim Joonghyuk , Lee Hasup , Son Youngmok , Son Won‐Joon , Jang Inkook , Kim Dae Sin , Choi Hyeonho , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: March 2022

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) has emerged as a promising and pragmatic light‐generation method for producing efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the low operational stability associated with blue‐light TADF emitters is a major drawback and the excited‐state molecular degradation process remains poorly understood. Archetypal TADF emitters are comprised of cycloamine donor and aromatic acceptor moieties, with the corresponding C–N bond considered as the weakest link in the molecular structure. Understanding mechanism of the C–N dissociation in the excited state is, thus, crucial to the engineering of more stable OLEDs. Here, by using a carbazole donor and a triazine acceptor with various functional groups, it is shown that the position of the triplet exciton is the key to enhancing operational stability and, therefore, device lifetime. Interestingly, repositioning the triplet exciton away from the C–N bond causes the dissociation pathway to diverge from a smooth transition state to a more abrupt conical intersection with a higher energy barrier. We realize a 2.3‐fold increase in device lifetime without compromising traditional design factors, such as the singlet–triplet energy gap, with judicious introduction of functional groups to the acceptor.
Efficient Visible Light Charging for Rare Earth‐Free Persistent Phosphor
Authors: Yang Huanxin , Zhao Weiren , Song Enhai , Hu Kaige , Zhang Hongshi , Yun Rui , Huang Hao , Zhong Jiyou , Li Yang , Li Xiyan
Published: March 2022

Persistent phosphor, as an eco‐friendly energy storage material, usually needs high‐energy photonic rays in the storage process, such as ultraviolet (UV) light, X‐ray, or even γ‐ray. This strict requirement for light source which is harmful to human health greatly limits the popularity of persistent phosphors in the daily life. Here, a novel broadband orange persistent emissive phosphor LiGaO2:1%Mn2+ (LGOM) is reported which supports efficient wide band excitation from UV to green light. The afterglow excited by 470 nm light even reaches ≈80% as intensity as UV excitation. The afterglow of LGOM excited by common blue lamp (450–460 nm) can be pictured by the smart phones for more than 48 h. The mechanism of visible light storage is discussed through the thermal‐luminescence measurements. In addition, interestingly, its persistent emissive color can shift from orange‐yellow to orange‐red after ceasing the excitation source. This unique broadband orange afterglow phosphor which supports efficient wide range visible‐light excitation, afterglow color shift, and long‐lasting luminescence is expected to have potential applications in the fields of emergency direction, anticounterfeiting, decoration design, etc.
Spontaneously Induced Hierarchical Structure by Surface Energy in Novel Conjugated Polymer‐Based Ultrafast‐Response Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Jeong WonJo , Kang Jinhyeon , Lim Soo Yeong , Ahn Hyungju , Kim Hyung Min , Won Jong Ho , Jung In Hwan
Published: March 2022

A novel conjugated polymer, poly(4‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,6‐dioctylbenzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d']bis(oxazole)) (PBB), is synthesized for use in ultrafast‐response organic photodetectors (OPDs). The PBB synthesis is considered facile because a monomer could be isolated without column chromatography purification. The excellent solubility of PBB allows easy dissolution in both halogenated and nonhalogenated solvents, facilitating the fabrication of p‐n heterojunction OPDs based‐on PBB and 6,6‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) using either chloroform (CF) or o‐xylene (Xy). Notably, Xy‐processed OPDs show superior performance with a responsivity (R) of 0.385 A W−1 and specific detectivity (D*) of 1.33 × 1013 Jones at –1 V, whereas CF‐based devices showed an R of 0.349 A W−1 and D* of 5.86 × 1012 Jones. More importantly, Xy‐processed OPDs exhibited an ultrafast signal response time of 3 µs, which is much faster than that of CF‐processed OPDs (42 µs). These superior static and dynamic properties of PBB:PC71BM devices are achieved by the inverted hierarchical arrangement of PBB and PC71BM via a biased orientation of PC71BM toward the ZnO layer as well as a homogenous nanomorphology. This ideal morphology is spontaneously induced due to the difference in interfacial energy between PBB and PC71BM toward the ZnO surface and a well‐mixed PBB:PC71BM blend in Xy solvent.
Transition‐Metal‐Free C(sp2)−H Phosphorothiolation/Cyclization of o‐Hydroxyarylenaminones: Access to S‐3‐Chromon Phosphorothioates
Authors: Zhang Biao , Fu Zhonghui , Yang Haoqi , Liu Donghan , Sun Yulin , Xu Yu , Yu Fuchao , Yan Sheng‐Jiao
Published: March 2022

The C(sp2)−H phosphorothiolation involving cyclization process through a transition‐metal‐free strategy is reported. It provides an attractive approach for the construction valuable S‐3‐chromon phosphorothioates from o‐hydroxyarylenaminones and P(O)SH compounds in the presence of 1.0 equiv. of iodine at 60 °C. This novel protocol shows readily available chemicals, broad substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions.

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Nanotwins Strengthening High Thermoelectric Performance Bismuth Antimony Telluride Alloys
Authors: Qin Haixu , Qu Wanbo , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yongsheng , Liu Zihang , Zhang Qian , Wu Haijun , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: March 2022

Bi2Te3 based thermoelectric alloys have been commercialized in solid‐state refrigeration, but the poor mechanical properties restrict their further application. Nanotwins have been theoretically proven to effectively strengthen these alloys and could be sometimes constructed by strong deformation during synthesis. However, the obscure underlying formation mechanism restricts the feasibility of twin boundary engineering on Bi2Te3 based materials. Herein, thorough microstructure characterizations are employed on a series of Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3+δ alloys to systematically investigate the twins’ formation mechanism. The results show that the twins belong to the annealing type formed in the sintering process, which is sensitive to Te deficiency, rather than the deformation one. The Te deficiency combined with mechanical deformation is prerequisite for constructing dense nanotwins. By reducing the δ below −0.01 and undergoing strong deformation, samples with a high density of nanotwins are obtained and exhibit an ultrahigh compressive strength over 250 MPa, nearly twice as strong as the previous record reported in hierarchical nanostructured (Bi, Sb)2Te3 alloy. Moreover, benefitting from the suppressed intrinsic excitation, the average zT value of this robust material could reach near 1.1 within 30–250 °C. This work opens a new pathway to design high‐performance and mechanically stable Bi2Te3 based alloys for miniature device development.