bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Feasibility Study of Custom Hiring Service of Farm Machinery at Kanker District of Chhattishgarh
Authors: H. Tayade Narendra , V. Jogdand Surendra
Published: February 2023

The study has evaluated the contribution of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) towards improving the economic viability of farming in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. Model of custom hiring is very useful for providing the services of farm machinery for agricultural operation such as seedbed preparation, sowing, harvesting and threshing within a short period. Study is conducted to know the economic feasibility of the custom hiring services of farm machinery in all blocks of the Kanker district.  Survey was carried out through gathering the information of 30 custom hiring centres owners in addition to beneficiaries (138 cultivators) of this custom hiring centers. It was found that 38.4 % small cultivators avail the services of custom hiring centre followed by 31.88 % marginal, 15.94 % large, and 13.76 medium cultivators respectively. It was also noted that profit per investment of tractor among all the farm machinery was highest but other machinery such as rotavator, plough, cultivator, reaper, seed drill and thresher was also profitable to the farmers. Disc plough has negative value of profit per investment which indicates that these implement cause loss on the initial investment. The return on investment from machinery does not depend on its initial cost mainly but it depends   upon the annual usage it. The success of the CHC in the district will help in reducing debt-burden of the farmers by bringing down costs of operations and improving economic viability of farming.
On Optimal Product-mix for Profit Optimization of Sharks Bakery Company
Authors: Ezra P. N. , Agbo L. O. , Okonta C. A. , Nzekwe J. C.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, linear programming model was applied to Sharks bread Production Company to determine the right product-mix and quantities that maximize the company’s daily profit. The data collected on the products and resources were analyzed. The result showed that 30 loaves of coconut, 411 loaves of fruit, 50 loaves of almond and 270 loaves of wheat bread maximize the company’s profit. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis showed the lower and upper limits (of both per unit profits and resources) within which the optimal profit of the company is maintained.
Study of ‘Red Torch’ and ‘Pink Torch’ Cultivars of Torch Ginger in Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Menezes Cordeiro Maria Helena , Alves de França Rozineide Pereira , Laet Abreu Jéssica Tamara , Das Neves Leidiane Santana , Domingos Jahn Jhonatan Vinicius , Krause Willian , Alexandre Silva Celice
Published: February 2023

Aims: To characterize the development, yield, and morphological characteristics of the ‘Red torch’ and ‘Pink torch’ cultivars of torch ginger cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Study design:  The experiment was performed using two cultivars (‘Red torch’ and ‘Pink torch’) with three replications of three ginger torch clumps per plot.

Place and Duration of Study: Germplasm Active Bank of Ornamental Tropical Plants of the State University of Mato Grosso (14°08′38′′S, 57°03′45′′W; altitude of 488 m), Brazil, from August 2015 to July 2018.

Methodology: At monthly intervals during the first 10 months after planting, we assessed clump development, based on the measurement of the area occupied by the clump, and number of tillers emerging from the clump. The monthly yield per hectare was estimated from August 2016 to July 2018. During this period, the average number of floral stems produced per clump was determined, and the floral stems were characterized during the second year, for stem length, stem diameter, inflorescence length, inflorescence diameter, and fresh stem mass. Evaluations were based on the measurements obtained from 10 stems per clump.

Results: First-year clump expansion rates for 'Red torch' and 'Pink torch' were 4.00 and 7.90 cm2, respectively. 'Pink torch' presented a higher monthly average of tiller emergence than 'Red torch', and consequently higher productivity. The cultivars produced floral stems of commercial standard in the second year of growth, with stem lengths and diameters greater than 60.00 cm and 10.00 mm, respectively. In this study, we found that ‘Red torch’ and ‘Pink torch’ showed high yields and produce inflorescences with characteristics suitable for commercialization.

Conclusion: The basis of this study, we can conclude that cultivation of torch ginger in the Brazilian Cerrado would be viable.
Substrate stiffness induces nuclear localization of myosin regulatory light chain to suppress apoptosis
Authors: Onishi Katsuya , Ishihara Seiichiro , Takahashi Masayuki , Sakai Akihiro , Enomoto Atsushi , Suzuki Kentaro , Haga Hisashi
Published: February 2023

Stiffness of the extracellular matrix regulates various biological responses, but the response mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we found that the nuclear diphosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain (2P‐MRLC) is a critical mechanomediator that suppresses apoptosis in response to substrate stiffness. Stiff substrates promoted the nuclear localization of 2P‐MRLC. Zipper‐interacting protein kinase [ZIPK; also known as death‐associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3)], a kinase for MRLC, was localized in the nucleus in response to stiff substrates and promoted the nuclear localization of 2P‐MRLC. Moreover, actin fiber formation induced by substrate stiffness promoted the nuclear localization of 2P‐MRLC via ZIPK. 2P‐MRLC in response to substrate stiffness suppressed the expression of MAF bZIP transcription factor B (MafB) and repressed apoptosis. These findings reveal a newly identified role of MRLC in mechanotransduction.
Molecular Computation for Molecular Classification
Authors: Kieffer Coline , Genot Anthony J. , Rondelez Yannick , Gines Guillaume
Published: January 2023

DNA as an informational polymer has, for the past 30 years, progressively become an essential molecule to rationally build chemical reaction networks endowed with powerful signal‐processing capabilities. Whether influenced by the silicon world or inspired by natural computation, molecular programming has gained attention for diagnosis applications. Of particular interest for this review, molecular classifiers have shown promising results for disease pattern recognition and sample classification. Because both input integration and computation are performed in a single tube, at the molecular level, this low‐cost approach may come as a complementary tool to molecular profiling strategies, where all biomarkers are quantified independently using high‐tech instrumentation. After introducing the elementary components of molecular classifiers, some of their experimental implementations are discussed either using digital Boolean logic or analog neural network architectures.
Advances in Nerve Injury Models on a Chip
Authors: Lee Donghee , Yang Kai , Xie Jingwei
Published: January 2023

Regeneration and functional recovery of the damaged nerve are challenging due to the need for effective therapeutic drugs, biomaterials, and approaches. The poor outcome of the treatment of nerve injury stems from the incomplete understanding of axonal biology and interactions between neurons and the surrounding environment, such as glial cells and extracellular matrix. Microfluidic devices, in combination with various injury techniques, have been applied to test biological hypotheses in nerve injury and nerve regeneration. The microfluidic devices provide multiple advantages over the in vitro cell culture on a petri dish and in vivo animal models because a specific part of the neuronal environment can be manipulated using physical and chemical interventions. In addition, single‐cell behavior and interactions between neurons and glial cells can be visualized and quantified on microfluidic platforms. In this article, current in vitro nerve injury models on a chip that mimics in vivo axonal injuries and the regeneration process of axons are summarized. The microfluidic‐based nerve injury models could enhance the understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of nerve tissues and simultaneously serve as powerful drug and biomaterial screening platforms.
Decoding Natural Astrocyte Rhythms: Dynamic Actin Waves Result from Environmental Sensing by Primary Rodent Astrocytes
Authors: O'Neill Kate M. , Saracino Emanuela , Barile Barbara , Mennona Nicholas J. , Mola Maria Grazia , Pathak Spandan , Posati Tamara , Zamboni Roberto , Nicchia Grazia P. , Benfenati Valentina , Losert Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Astrocytes are key regulators of brain homeostasis, equilibrating ion, water, and neurotransmitter concentrations and maintaining essential conditions for proper cognitive function. Recently, it has been shown that the excitability of the actin cytoskeleton manifests in second‐scale dynamic fluctuations and acts as a sensor of chemophysical environmental cues. However, it is not known whether the cytoskeleton is excitable in astrocytes and how the homeostatic function of astrocytes is linked to the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. Here it is shown that homeostatic regulation involves the excitable dynamics of actin in certain subcellular regions of astrocytes, especially near the cell boundary. The results further indicate that actin dynamics concentrate into “hotspot” regions that selectively respond to certain chemophysical stimuli, specifically the homeostatic challenges of ion or water concentration increases. Substrate topography makes the actin dynamics of astrocytes weaker. Super‐resolution images demonstrate that surface topography is also associated with the predominant perpendicular alignment of actin filaments near the cell boundary, whereas flat substrates result in an actin cortex mainly parallel to the cell boundary. Additionally, coculture with neurons increases both the probability of actin dynamics and the strength of hotspots. The excitable systems character of actin thus makes astrocytes direct participants in neural cell network dynamics.
Self‐Assembled Tent‐Like Nanocavities for Space‐Confined Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Du Lulu , Zhang Jianyong , Xu Hantao , Zhou Xuan , Mai Liqiang , Xu Lin
Published: January 2023

Lithium metal is considered as a promising anode for its high energy density and low redox potential. However, dendrite growth and electrolyte‐lithium reaction lead to poor cycling stability of lithium anodes. Herein, a space‐confined strategy is proposed to realize stable Li metal anode by constructing a nonplanar interface with flexible tent‐like nanocavities. The tent‐like interface is achieved through the self‐assembly of graphene oxide on zinc nanosheets, accompanied by the spontaneous formation of ZnOC bond. Remarkably, the ZnOC bond immobilizes the graphene oxide layer to ensure tent‐like structural integrity, and shows excellent lithophilicity to induce homogeneous lithium deposition within nanocavities. Furthermore, the process of Li plating/stripping is confined inside tent‐like nanocavities to effectively decrease electrolyte content contact with fresh Li, which reduces hazardous electrolyte‐lithium reaction and thus eliminates continuous consumption of Li metal. Consequently, the symmetrical cells with the tent‐like interface deliver excellent long cycling performance over 1600 h at 1 mA cm−2, and full batteries show high‐capacity retention of 94.6% after 3000 cycles at 5 C. This strategy provides a unique flexible tent‐like interface to achieve stable lithium metal anode.
3D Laser Nanoprinting of Functional Materials
Authors: Liu Shao‐Feng , Hou Zheng‐Wei , Lin Linhan , Li Zhengcao , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2023

3D laser nanoprinting represents a revolutionary manufacturing approach as it allows maskless fabrication of 3D nanostructures at a resolution beyond the optical diffraction limit. Specifically, it endows the printed structures novel physical, chemical, or mechanical properties not observed at macroscopic scale. However, 3D laser nanoprinting typically relies on the photopolymerization process, indicating its limitation on the printable materials and functionalities. The capability to print diverse functional materials beyond polymer will enable a lot of new device applications in nanophotonics, microelectronics, and so on. One of the strategies is to use the 3D‐printed polymer structures as skeletons for functional material deposition, while another is to mix the functional components with the photocurable molecules and print the nanocomposites. More recently, several laser nanoprinting techniques beyond photopolymerization are also developed. In this review, the cutting‐edge technical innovation is summarized and a couple of examples are highlighted showing exciting applications of the printed structures in magnetic microrobots, photonics, and optoelectronics. Finally, the vision for existing challenges and future development in this field is shared.
Synergistic Dielectric–Magnetic Enhancement via Phase‐Evolution Engineering and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Liu Panbo , Zhang Guozheng , Xu Hanxiao , Cheng Shuaici , Huang Ying , Ouyang Bo , Qian Yuetong , Zhang Ruixuan , Che Renchao
Published: January 2023

Dielectric polarization and magnetic resonance associated with intrinsic constituent and extrinsic structure are two kinds of fundamental attenuation mechanisms for microwave absorbers, but remain extremely challenging in revealing the composition‐morphology‐performance correlation. Herein, hierarchical MXene/metal‐organic framework derivatives with coherent boundaries and magnetic units below critical grain size are constructed to realize synergistic dielectric–magnetic enhancement by phase‐evolution engineering and dynamic magnetic resonance. Specifically, phase‐evolution induced inseparable interfaces, diverse incompatible phases, and defects/vacancies contribute to dielectric polarization, while closely distributed magnetic units simultaneously realize nanoscale multi‐domain coupling and long‐range magnetic interaction. As results, the hierarchical derivatives promise an exceptional reflection loss of −59.5 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.1 GHz. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that phase‐evolution engineering and dynamic magnetic resonance maximize the absorption capability and demonstrate a versatile methodology for manipulating microwave attenuation. More importantly, the proposed multi‐domain coupling and long‐range magnetic interaction theories innovatively offer dynamic magnetic resonance mechanism for magnetic loss within critical grain size.
Highly Stable and Active Flexible Electrocatalysts Derived from Lotus Fibers
Authors: Liu Zhen , Wang Xuxu , Guo Rui , Richardson Joseph J. , Wang Tianzheng , Xu Weijian , Caruso Frank , Pan Shuaijun
Published: January 2023

The stability and activity of electrocatalysts are fundamental in energy‐related applications (e.g., hydrogen generation and energy storage). Electrocatalysts degrade over time when the active centers are not strongly anchored to the support. However, if the active centers are too strongly anchored, the activity of the electrocatalysts decreases due to reduced accessibility to reactants. Herein, a strategy is presented to balance the stability and activity of different active materials using a natural and flexible support material that can be woven and carbonized. Lotus fibers, which have surface hydroxyl and phenolic groups, high mechanical strength, and a mesoscale porosity post‐pyrolysis, are used to load diverse functional metal‐containing materials such as metal–organic frameworks, 2D materials, metal sulfide nanoparticles, metal ions, and high‐entropy alloys. After pyrolysis, the electrocatalysts display flexibility, high catalytic performance, and long‐term stability, outperforming commercial benchmarks (e.g., Pt/C) in specific scenarios for water splitting, liquid batteries, and flexible electronics.
Mechanically Robust and Transparent Organohydrogel‐Based E‐Skin Nanoengineered from Natural Skin
Authors: Bai Zhongxue , Wang Xuechuan , Zheng Manhui , Yue Ouyang , Huang Mengchen , Zou Xiaoliang , Cui Boqiang , Xie Long , Dong Shuyin , Shang Jiaojiao , Gong Guidong , Blocki Anna M. , Guo Junling , Liu Xinhua
Published: January 2023

Electronic skins (e‐skins), which are mechanically compliant with human skin, are regarded as ideal electronic devices for noninvasive human–machine interaction and wearable devices. In order to fully mimic human skin, e‐skins should possess reliable mechanical properties and be able to resist external environmental factors like heat, cold, desiccation, and bacteria, while perceiving multiple external stimuli, such as temperature, humidity, and strain. Here, a transparent, mechanically robust, environmentally stable, versatile natural skin‐derived organohydrogel (NSD‐Gel) is nanoengineered through the integration of betaine, silver nanoparticles, and sodium chloride in a glycerol/water binary solvent. The transparent NSD‐Gel e‐skin exhibits outstanding tensile strength (7.33 MPa), puncture resistance, moisture retention, self‐regeneration, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the NSD‐Gel e‐skin possesses enhanced cold/heat resistance and stimuli‐responsive characteristics that effectively sense environmental temperature and humidity changes, as well as physiological human body motion signals. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that the NSD‐Gel e‐skin confers desired biocompatibility and tissue protective properties even in extremely harsh environments (−196 °C to 100 °C). The NSD‐Gel e‐skin has great potential for applications in multidimensional wearable electronic devices, human‐machine interfaces, and artificial intelligence, generating a versatile platform for the development of high‐performance e‐skins with on‐demand properties.
Semiconducting Quantum Dots for Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Yu Yutang , Ma Tianyi , Huang Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) have received huge attention for energy conversion and storage due to their unique characteristics, such as quantum size effect, multiple exciton generation effect, large surface‐to‐volume ratio, high density of active sites, and so on. However, the holistic and systematic understanding of the energy conversion and storage mechanism centering on QDs in specific application is still lacking. Herein, a comprehensive introduction of these extraordinary 0D materials, e.g., metal oxide, metal dichalcogenide, metal halides, multinary oxides, and nonmetal QDs, is presented. It starts with the synthetic strategies and unique properties of QDs. Highlights are focused on the rational design and development of advanced QDs‐based materials for the various applications in energy‐related fields, including photocatalytic H2 production, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, photocatalytic N2 reduction, electrocatalytic H2 evolution, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, electrocatalytic N2 fixation, electrocatalytic O2 evolution, electrocatalytic O2 reduction, solar cells, metal‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, metal–air batteries, and supercapacitors. At last, challenges and perspectives of semiconducting QDs for energy conversion and storage are detailedly proposed.
GelMA and Biomimetic Culture Allow the Engineering of Mineralized, Adipose, and Tumor Tissue Human Microenvironments for the Study of Advanced Prostate Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Bessot Agathe , Gunter Jennifer , Waugh David , Clements Judith A. , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , McGovern Jacqui , Bock Nathalie
Published: January 2023

Increasing evidence shows bone marrow (BM)‐adipocytes as a potentially important contributor in prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastases. However, a lack of relevant models has prevented the full understanding of the effects of human BM‐adipocytes in this microenvironment. It is hypothesized that the combination of tunable gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)‐based hydrogels with the biomimetic culture of human cells would offer a versatile 3D platform to engineer human bone tumor microenvironments containing BM‐adipocytes. Human osteoprogenitors, adipocytes, and PCa cells are individually cultured in vitro in GelMA hydrogels, leading to mineralized, adipose, and PCa tumor 3D microtissues, respectively. Osteoblast mineralization and tumor spheroid formation are tailored by hydrogel stiffness with lower stiffnesses correlating with increased mineralization and tumor spheroid size. Upon coculture with tumor cells, BM‐adipocytes undergo morphological changes and delipidation, suggesting reciprocal interactions between the cell types. When brought in vivo, the mineralized and adipose microtissues successfully form a humanized fatty bone microenvironment, presenting, for the first time, with human adipocytes. Using this model, an increase in tumor burden is observed when human adipocytes are present, suggesting that adipocytes support early bone tumor growth. The advanced platform presented here combines natural aspects of the microenvironment with tunable properties useful for bone tumor research.
Conductive Antifouling Sensing Coating: A Bionic Design Inspired by Natural Cell Membrane
Authors: Huang Yi , Wu Haiping , Xie Ning , Zhang Xuewen , Zou Zhenyang , Deng Meng , Cheng Wei , Guo Xiaolan , Ding Shijia , Guo Bin
Published: January 2023

Constructing antifouling coatings for biosensing interfaces is a major hurdle in driving their practical application. Inspired by the excellent antifouling properties of natural cell membranes, a conductive biomimetic antifouling interface coating is proposed, which highly mimics the excellent antifouling properties of biofilms while overcoming the low conductivity defects of conventional coatings. Polyethylene glycol–Au gel is selected as the support structure and electron transfer layer, on which phospholipids and ampholytes are applied to construct a hydration layer for antifouling. The coating maintains promisingly low adsorption in biological matrices such as whole blood, serum, and urine, and has been utilized to construct multimodal clinical assay systems that provide favorable concordance with clinical results. Thus, this conductive bio‐coating breaks the last barrier of biosensors toward practical applications and possesses extremely significant application value.
Surface Optics and Color Effects of Liquid Metal Materials
Authors: Duan Liangfei , Zhou Tong , Zhang Yumin , Zhao Jianhong , Zheng Hongshun , Zi Baoye , Zhang Jin , Li Qian , Liu Jing , Liu Qingju
Published: January 2023

Liquid metals (LMs) are emerging as new functional materials with rather unique physical or chemical behaviors. They are generally safe and nontoxic, have high boiling points, reflectivities, good thermal and electrical conductivities, flexibility, fluidity, self‐healing capability and remain in liquid state at room temperature. However, the further applications of LMs are limited by their single‐color physical appearance, such as working in the situations with imposed stringent requirements for color and aesthetics. Recently, the color and fluorescence functionalization of LMs have overcome many conventional technical bottlenecks and opened significant potential for emerging applications in numerous fields owing to their rich colors and unique liquid structure. In this review, the recent developments in the optical properties, color and fluorescence effects of LMs are comprehensively investigated. The synthesis, structures, properties, chromogenic mechanisms, and potential photoelectric applications of colorful LMs are systematically analyzed and compared. The effectiveness and characteristics of colorful LMs induced by coating, mixing, compounding, surface modification, external stimuli are provided, aiming to establish a potential system for the synthesis and practices of colorful LMs. Finally, the challenges and prospects in the field have also been identified and explained to preferably guide further scientific and technical research in the coming time.
Ultrashort Peptides for the Self‐Assembly of an Antiviral Coating
Authors: Hu Tan , Kaganovich Michaela , Shpilt Zohar , Pramanik Apurba , Agazani Omer , Pan Siyi , Tshuva Edit , Reches Meital
Published: January 2023

Antiviral compounds are important for generating sterile surfaces. Here, two extremely short peptides, DOPA‐Phe‐NH2 and DOPA‐Phe(4F)‐NH2 that can self‐assemble into spherical nanoparticles with antiviral activity are presented. The peptide assemblies possess excellent antiviral activity against bacteriophage T4 with antiviral minimal inhibitory concentrations of 125 and 62.5 µg mL−1, for DOPA‐Phe‐NH2 and DOPA‐Phe(4F)‐NH2, respectively. When the peptide assemblies are applied on a glass substrate by drop‐casting, they deactivate more than 99.9% of bacteriophage T4 and Canine coronavirus. Importantly, the peptide assemblies have low toxicity toward mammalian cells. Overall, the findings can provide a novel strategy for the design and development of antiviral coatings for a decreased risk of viral infections.
Engraving Depth‐Controlled Nanohole Arrays on Fused Silica by Direct Short‐Pulse Laser Ablation
Authors: Liu Xin , Clady Raphaël , Grojo David , Utéza Olivier , Sanner Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Periodic nanohole arrangements constitute an important building block of advanced photonic devices. Aside from standard nanofabrication tools, a direct laser‐based approach is introduced here, that enables single‐step and point‐by‐point machining of arrays of holes with subwavelength diameters and depths reaching several micrometers at the surface of fused silica. The method relies on a simple optical arrangement including an axicon combined with an amplitude mask to shape the laser intensity in appropriately truncated micro‐Bessel beams of adjustable length. The suitability and limitations of the technique are investigated to fabricate arrays of cylindrical nanoholes with tunable depths. In particular, the challenge of avoiding crosstalk effects during the laser‐writing process of high‐density arrays is explored. The achievability of square arrays of nanoholes at the surface of fused silica, with diameters down to 200 nm and variable depths from 3 to 20 µm at a spatial density defined by a pitch of 1.5 µm is demonstrated. The performance level shows the potential of the direct‐laser‐processing method towards the realization of integrated devices, offering a highly flexible and cost‐effective alternative technique to current nanofabrication methods.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Combined Technology: A Powerful Tool for Investigating Interface Phenomena
Authors: Chen Tianyi , Xin Jialin , Chang Shwu Jen , Chen Ching‐Jung , Liu Jen‐Tsai
Published: January 2023

Interface phenomena refer to the phenomena caused by various physical and chemical processes occurring at phase interfaces. These phenomena can include adhesion, friction, lubrication, evaporation, condensation, adsorption, monolayer formation, and other phenomena and are applied in many fields, such as food, papermaking, rubber, material science, energy, and biomedicine. However, traditional detection equipment cannot meet the interface phenomena observation needs because the information detected by techniques such as electrochemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry is limited, as are the sensitivity and minimum detection limit. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) combined technology is a powerful tool for investigating interface phenomena. This paper reviews all combination technologies of SPR with various conventional detection systems, emphasizing the combination with electrochemistry, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. These technologies can observe interface phenomena through SPR and provide redox, molecular structure, functional group change, and other information. Through this information, the reactions on the interface can be made clearer and more controllable, which plays an important role in practical detection. In the future, SPR combined technology will mainly develop toward signal enhancement, light source coupling mode, and sensor chip design, and SPR will be combined with various detection technologies to achieve real‐time in situ detection of interface phenomena.
Nanostructures/Graphene/Silicon Junction‐Based High‐Performance Photodetection Systems: Progress, Challenges, and Future Trends
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Anwar Nadia , Malik Maria , Al‐Bahrani Mohammed , Islam Md. Rasidul , Choi Jeong Ryeol , Pham Phuong V. , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Graphene, due to its exceptional optoelectronic characteristics, high charge carrier mobility, wide absorption band, strong light‐matter interactions, and its adjustable nature, has attracted a lot of interest. In light of this, an attempt was made to successfully deposit graphene on a silicon substrate. This results in the formation of a Schottky junction, which could extend the operation window of the graphene/silicon hybrid device to the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, since photodetectors built with Van der Waal heterostructures successfully extend the lifespan of dynamic charge carriers with improved the transportation range and speed of charge separation for effective photodetection, the technical development of optoelectronic devices has been greatly accelerated. Recent developments in graphene‐silicon junction‐based devices, their photodetection effectiveness, and active factors that can be used in a variety of applications are outlined, including optical synaptic systems, optical spectrometers, plasmonic devices, optical waveguides, and ultrafast photodetectors. Moreover, the shortcomings of the present optoelectronic devices are also concisely reviewed, along with the viable solutions offered by this new device and its application in next‐generation devices.
Resolving Diverse Oxygen Transport Pathways Across Sr‐Doped Lanthanum Ferrite and Metal‐Perovskite Heterostructures
Authors: Taylor Sandra D. , Yano Kayla H. , Sassi Michel , Matthews Bethany E. , Kautz Elizabeth J. , Lambeets Sten V. , Neuman Sydney , Schreiber Daniel K. , Wang Le , Du Yingge , Spurgeon Steven R.
Published: January 2023

Perovskite structured transition metal oxides are important technological materials for catalysis and solid oxide fuel cell applications. Their functionality often depends on oxygen diffusivity and mobility through complex oxide heterostructures, which can be significantly impacted by structural and chemical modifications, such as doping. Further, when utilized within electrochemical cells, interfacial reactions with other components (e.g., Ni‐ and Cr‐based alloy electrodes and interconnects) can influence the perovskite's reactivity and ion transport, leading to complex dependencies that are difficult to control in real‐world environments. Here, this work uses isotopic tracers and atom probe tomography to directly visualize oxygen diffusion and transport pathways across perovskite and metal‐perovskite heterostructures, that is, (Ni‐Cr coated) Sr‐doped lanthanum ferrite (La0.5Sr0.5FeO3; LSFO). Annealing in 18O2(g) results in elemental and isotopic redistributions through oxygen exchange (OE) in the LSFO while Ni‐Cr undergoes oxidation via multiple mechanisms and transport pathways. Complementary density functional theory calculations at experimental conditions provide rationale for OE reaction mechanisms and reveal a complex interplay of different thermodynamic and kinetic drivers. These results shed light on the fundamental coupling of defects and oxygen transport in an important class of catalytic materials.
The Origin of Amphipathic Nature of Short and Thin Pristine Carbon Nanotubes—Fully Recyclable 1D Water‐in‐Oil Emulsion Stabilizers
Authors: Blacha Anna W. , Milowska Karolina Z. , Payne Mike C. , Greer Heather F. , Terzyk Artur P. , Korczeniewski Emil , Cyganiuk Aleksandra , Boncel Sławomir
Published: January 2023

Short and thin pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) emerge as 1D emulsion stabilizers capable of replacing aquatoxic low‐molecular surfactants. However, inconsistencies in understanding of water–solid interfaces for realistic CNTs hamper their individualization‐driven functionalities, processability in benign media, and compatibility with a broad‐scale of matrices. Pristine CNT processing based on water and inexpensive n‐alkanes within a low energy regime would constitute an important step toward greener technologies. Therefore, structural CNT components are quantitatively assessed, placing various CNTs on the scale from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. This structural interweave can lead to amphipathicity enabling the formation of water‐in‐oil emulsions. Combining experiments with theoretical studies, CNTs and CNT emulsions are comprehensively characterized establishing descriptors of the emulsifying behavior of pristine and purified CNTs. They emerge as having hydrophilic open‐ends, small number of oxygen–functionalized/vacancy surface areas, and hydrophobic sidewalls and full caps. The interplay of these regions allows short and thin CNTs to be utilized as fully recyclable 1D surfactants stabilizing water/oil emulsions which, as demonstrated, can be applied as paints for flexible conductive coatings. It is also shown how the amphipathic strength depends on CNT size, the pristine‐to‐oxidized/vacancy domains and the oil‐to‐water ratios.
Low‐Fluence Neutron Irradiation Effects on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Cui Xiao , Ji Keyu , Zhang Taiping , Wang Bingjun , Sha Wei , Dong Zilong , Shi Yuanhong , Jiang Chunsheng , Hua Qilin , Hu Weiguo
Published: January 2023

AlGaN/GaN‐based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are ideal candidates for power electronics in consumer, industrial, and space applications. Attributed to their excellent performance in electrical output and chemical stability, AlGaN/GaN HEMTs enable tolerant neutron irradiation in harsh environments. Different from high‐fluence irradiation‐induced device failure, the investigation of low‐fluence neutron irradiation is of great significance to understand the early damage mechanism of HEMTs. Here, the modulated electrical properties are presented of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs under low‐fluence neutron irradiations of 4.5 × 1013 and 6.0 × 1013 cm−2. After irradiation, the electrical characteristics of the samples are carefully measured, the output performance of different irradiated devices shows a similar change trend, i.e., almost no changes or only decreased slightly (≤14%) near the knee voltage. For leakage current, the samples irradiated with different fluences show different characteristics, including a slight decrease with the fluence of 4.5 × 1013 cm−2, and a slight increase with the fluence of 6.0 × 1013 cm−2. To further investigate the internal mechanisms, the performance changes are also simulated of the device by using Crosslight software. According to the measurements, it is concluded that the low‐fluence neutron irradiation will initially affect the 2DEG mobility and the surface states of the HEMTs.
Stretchable Strain and Strain Rate Sensor Using Kirigami‐Cut PVDF Film
Authors: Song Ji‐Hyeon , Kim Young‐Gyun , Cho Younggyun , Hong Seongheon , Choi Jun Young , Kim Min‐Soo , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: January 2023

Wearable sensor technology has recently received considerable interest because of the emergence of digital healthcare and its expanding markets. Wearable sensors require stretchability, biocompatibility, and high performance. In this study, stretchable strain sensors are designed and fabricated using a kirigami‐cut polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film. Further, the biocompatibility of PVDF is examined. Kirigami cutting can improve stretchability by 400% using the structural distortion of the cut parts. Compared to previously reported sensors, the developed sensor can measure the strain and strain rate simultaneously. The effect of strain and strain rate on the piezoelectric performance is analyzed. The output voltage increases exponentially with the strain, and a high strain rate results in high piezoelectric efficiency. The strain and strain rate can be detected by analyzing the sensor property, which illustrates the relationship between the voltage and voltage change rate. The sensing performance is evaluated using various kirigami patterns. Theoretical analysis reveals the dependence of output voltage on strain and strain rate. Finally, the developed sensor is successfully used as a wearable sensor for athlete rehabilitation and posture monitoring.
Versatile Biosynthetic Approach to Regioselective Enzyme Patterning for Direct Bioelectrocatalysis Application
Authors: Lee Hyeryeong , Reginald Stacy Simai , Chang In Seop
Published: January 2023

Due to the outstanding attributes of oxidoreductases, they have been utilized as biomaterials for bioelectrocatalytic systems. Herein, a simple and versatile biosynthetic approach that can designate binding position of enzymes on electrode with their surface‐orientation is suggested. In this regard, material‐selective properties of gold‐binding peptide (GBP) are exploited and genetically fused GBP to enzyme. To optimize the design of synthetic enzyme, a variable repeat number of GBP are fused to flavin adenine dinucleotide‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase gamma‐alpha complex (GDHγα) and their catalytic and gold‐binding activities are determined. The substrate catalysis and direct electrocatalytic capability of selected construct, GDHγα with three GBP repeats (GDHγα‐3GBP), are investigated on electrode. In an inorganic‐binding characterization, GDHγα‐3GBP exhibits fourfold higher affinity on gold (Au) surface and 215‐fold lower binding affinity for silicon dioxide (SiO2) than wild‐type GDHγα. Utilizing those regioselective features, fusion GDHγα is incorporated into nanotemplates comprising Au nanopatterns and SiO2 background. Thereby, nanoscale patterned GDHγα‐3GBP molecules are successfully obtained with their binding locations controlled specifically by Au nanopatterns, not SiO2. The results reveal that genetic SBP fusions enable highly selective template‐based surface assembly of biomolecules with electrically intimate cofactor‐surface interfaces. The proposed technology has remarkable potential to fabricate small‐scale biochips applied for enzyme‐based bioelectronics.
Controlling the Output Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerator Through Filling Isostructural Metal–Organic Frameworks With Varying Functional Groups
Authors: Wen Rongmei , Zhao Bo , Fan Liming , Guo Junmeng , Zhai Junyi
Published: January 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recently used in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to enhance output performance. Although functional groups tremendously influence the output performance of TENG, the effect of functional groups for MOFs on the output performance is yet not systematically studied. In this paper, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite TENG is designed based on isostructural UiO‐66‐R (R = H, NH2, NO2, and Br) family filler, and the effect of filler with various functional groups on the output performance of the TENG is first systematically studied. All the composites TENG harvest a higher output performance than the pure PDMS TENG. The TENG follows an output performance trend of PDMS@UiO‐66‐NO2 > PDMS@UiO‐66‐Br > PDMS@UiO‐66 > PDMS@UiO‐66‐NH2 > PDMS. The PDMS@UiO‐66‐NO2 TENG exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of ≈191 V and a current of ≈17.3 µA, which are 3.6 times and 4.25 times over that of the PDMS TENG. The working mechanism of the composite TENG is discussed in detail through experimental analysis. This work first proves a novel strategy to improve the output performance by functionalized filler MOFs with large electron‐withdrawing functional groups, and guides us on how to choose high‐efficiency triboelectric filler.
Non‐Contact Microfluidic Analysis of the Stiffness of Single Large Extracellular Vesicles from IDH1‐Mutated Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Jeong Mi Ho , Im Hyungsoon , Dahl Joanna B.
Published: January 2023

In preparation for leveraging extracellular vesicles (EVs) for disease diagnostics and therapeutics, fundamental research is being done to understand EV biological, chemical, and physical properties. Most published studies have investigated nanoscale EVs and focused on EV biochemical content. There is much less understanding of large microscale EV characteristics and EV mechanical properties. Recently a non‐contact microfluidic technique that measures the stiffness of large EVs (>1 µm diameter) is introduced. This pilot study probes the robustness of the microfluidic technique to distinguish between EV populations by comparing stiffness distributions of large EVs derived from glioblastoma cell lines. EVs derived from cells expressing the IDH1 mutation, a common glioblastoma mutation known to disrupt lipid metabolism, are stiffer than those expressed from wild‐type cells in a statistical comparison of sample medians. A supporting lipidomics analysis showed that the IDH1 mutation increased the number of saturated lipids in EVs. Taken together, these data encourage further investigation into the potential of high‐throughput microfluidics to distinguish between large EV populations that differ in biomolecular composition. These findings contribute to the understanding of EV biomechanics, in particular for the less studied microscale EVs.
Bioinspired Strong, Tough, and Biodegradable Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and its Applications as Substrates for Humidity Sensors
Authors: Liu Lei , Xu Xiaodong , Zhu Menghe , Cui Xihua , Feng Jiabing , Rad Zahra Faraji , Wang Hao , Song Pingan
Published: January 2023

Biodegradable polymeric materials with high strength and outstanding toughness are necessary for real‐world applications in the fields of electronics, electrics, and packaging. Unfortunately, such performance portfolios in polymers remain challenging to achieve due to their different governing mechanisms. Inspired by the hydrogen‐bond (H‐bond) cross‐linking structure of spider silk, herein, strong and tough poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites with β‐cyclodextrin as a cross‐linker are developed. Benefiting from the H‐bond cross‐linking effect, the addition of 1.0 wt% of β‐cyclodextrin enables PVA to achieve a high tensile strength of 136.5 MPa, and a high elastic modulus of 3.0 GPa, in combination with a good toughness of 82.1 MJ m−3. In addition, the presence of β‐cyclodextrin improves the biodegradability of PVA composite by decreasing its crystalline size. Furthermore, PVA/β‐cyclodextrin composite combined with MXene has great potential as a sensor material for humidity and strain detection. This proof‐of‐concept opens numerous opportunities to create strong, tough, and biodegradable polymers for packing and sensing applications.
LivHeart: A Multi Organ‐on‐Chip Platform to Study Off‐Target Cardiotoxicity of Drugs Upon Liver Metabolism
Authors: Ferrari Erika , Visone Roberta , Monti Elisa , Torretta Enrica , Moretti Matteo , Occhetta Paola , Rasponi Marco
Published: January 2023

The drug discovery and development process is still long, costly, and highly risky. The principal attrition factor is undetected toxicity, with hepatic and cardiac toxicities playing a critical role and being the main responsible of safety‐related drug withdrawals from the market. Multi Organs‐on‐Chip (MOoC) represent a disruptive solution to study drug‐related effects on several organs simultaneously and to efficiently predict drug toxicity in preclinical trials. Specifically focusing on drug safety, different technological features are applied here to develop versatile MOoC platforms encompassing two culture chambers for generating and controlling the type of communication between a metabolically competent liver model and a functional 3D heart model. The administration of the drug Terfenadine, a cardiotoxic compound liver‐metabolized into the noncardiotoxic Fexofenadine, proves that liver metabolism and a fine control over drug diffusion are fundamental to elicit a physio‐pathological cardiac response. From these results, an optimized LivHeart platform is developed to house a liver model and a cardiac construct that can be mechanically trained to achieve a beating microtissue, whose electrophysiology can be directly recorded in vitro. The platform is proved able to predict off‐target cardiotoxicity of Terfenadine after liver metabolism both in terms of cell viability and functionality.
Bonding III–V/Textured‐Silicon Monolithic Flexible Tandem Devices
Authors: Li Xingliang , Wang He , Zhang Wudi , Li Renjie , Ren Ningyu , Wang Sanlong , Li Yuxiang , Zou Qiaojiao , Han Wei , Zhang Qixing , Hou Guofu , Huang Qian , Xu Shengzhi , Zhang Chaohua , Sun Qiang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: January 2023

III–V/silicon tandem solar cells simultaneously have the potential advantages of high efficiency and low cost. Bonding is an effective way to realize tandem at both ends. However, it is difficult to realize vacuum bonding in industrialized micrometer‐sized pyramid silicon cells. Up to know, all bonding in III–V/silicon tandem solar cells is based on planar silicon cells. Here, a transparent conductive adhesive (TCA) based on micron particle size is designed and implemented, which realizes the bonding of III–V cell and textured silicon cell for the first time. The TCA consists of epoxy adhesive 301 (Epoxy‐301) as transparent adhesive and silver‐coated flexible polymethylmethacrylate microspheres as conductive particles. The average contact resistance of TCA is 0.17 Ω cm2, and the transmittance exceeds 91% in the range of 800—1200 nm. In addition, TCA shows good stability in the etching process of GaAs substrates. Monolithic III–V/silicon device exhibits 25.1% power conversion efficiency (PCE) on thin and textured silicon heterojunction solar cells, which enables flexible properties of tandem cells. Compared with silicon subcell and III–V subcell, the performance of tandem device is improved by 28.3% and 8.6%, respectively. This strategy provides a broad research window for improving the performance of tandem solar cells based on industrialized textured‐silicon bottom cells.
Highly Scalable, Flexible, and Frequency Reconfigurable Millimeter‐Wave Absorber by Screen Printing VO2 Switch Array onto Large Area Metasurfaces
Authors: Park Eiyong , Li Weiwei , Jung Heijun , Lee Minjae , Park Joon‐Ha , Shamim Atif , Lim Sungjoon
Published: January 2023

Flexible and reconfigurable (FAR) electronics are in high demand for emerging applications, including wearable, bioelectronics, and internet of things. Highly scalable antenna arrays or periodic surfaces are required for high directivity or electromagnetic wave path control, particularly for 5G millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) due to high path losses. Conventional lumped tuning components have limitations related to scalable FAR electronics and hence highly scalable and flexible vanadium dioxides (VO2) switch array is proposed for mm‐wave applications. A frequency reconfigurable mm‐wave absorber is designed by screen printing the VO2 switch array to demonstrate the proposed approach feasibility for large scale electronics, achieving high scalability, tunability, and flexibility because the 40 µm thick VO2 switch array satisfies radio frequency switch requirement. Flexibility and repeatability are tested up to 2000 bending cycles with 25 mm bending radius, and tunability and scalability are demonstrated with 300 ON/OFF ratio, and 98% product yield for 400 switches printed on 144 × 144 mm2 polyethylene terephthalate substrates. Absorption frequency is switchable from 14 to 28 GHz at 150 mm bend radius while retaining better than 90% absorptivity as a frequency reconfigurable mm‐wave absorber. Therefore, the proposed VO2 switch array would be suitable for scalable 5G and 6G FAR electronics.