bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Hedonic Value and Fashion Consciousness in Female Shoes Purchase Context: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wang Yun
Published: April 2020

In Taiwan, the total annual sale of shoes is NT$ 60 billion in which female shoes accounted for about NT$36 billion. The purpose of this research is to examine female consumers’ purchase intentions of fashion shoes by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior model. Additionally, this research incorporated hedonic shopping value as an independent variable to TPB model and examined the mediation role of fashion consciousness between dependent variables and independent variable. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed outside department stores using Mall-intercept method in Southern cites, Taiwan. The results indicated attitude, subjective norm, behavior control, and hedonic value have positive effects on fashion consciousness and purchase intention of fashion shoes. In addition, fashion consciousness has partial mediation effects between the relationships of attitude, subjective norm, and behavior control and purchase intention of fashion shoes. Full mediation effect is found between the relationship of hedonic value and purchase intent of fashion shoes.
Free gas in the peritoneal cavity after colonoscopy. Indication for immediate action or accidental finding in imaging tests after uncomplicated colonoscopy. Literature review
Authors: Znamirowski Przemysław , Głuszek Stanisław
Published: April 2020

Colonoscopy is a routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Along with the increase in the complexity of the procedures performed, the risk of complications increases. In 2017, WSES (World Society of Emergency Surgery) published the principles of safe colonoscopy. Intestinal perforation is one of the most common complications. The risk of perforation in treatment procedures such as mucosectomy or endoscopic dissection is significantly greater than the risk of diagnostic colonoscopy. The basic rule of procedure in case of suspected perforation is close supervision over the patient's condition and as soon as possible repair of damage. The role of the endoscopist is not only to recognize, but also to treat the damage early. Immediate endoscopic treatment of lesions is an effective, final and acceptable management strategy. In patients who have undergone imaging diagnostics for another reason free gas in the peritoneal cavity can be recognized. It does not have to mean the need for urgent surgical intervention. Patients with asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum after colonoscopy should, however, be treated as patients with suspected perforation of the large intestine and undergo careful clinical observation in accordance with WSES recommendations. Colonoscopy is a procedure with a risk of complications, which should be reported to patients qualified for endoscopy, but appropriate management reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure.
Facial human bites. Vision on STMMs in Africa
Authors: Clarós Pedro , Końska Natalia , Clarós Andrés
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Human bites of the face are a frequent and serious health issue as they often compromise patients function and aesthetics as well as lead to further complications. The aim of the study is to review human bites of the face referred to our team during 112 short-term medical missions (STMMs) in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past 20 years and to discuss the epidemiology, appearance, management and outcome, including the most common complications.
Methods: A retrospective medical documentation review was carried out examining all human bites of the face operated by our team during 112 STMMs from 2000 to 2019 in different countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Results: Out of about 5500 patients medical charts 51 patients were selected due to history of human bite. Patients’ age range was 15–65 years, female to male ratio was 1, 55:1, the most often involved parts were: lips, ear and nose. Various surgical procedures were carried out including local flaps and free grafts. Infection and graft necrosis were the most common reported complication (n = 4; 9.3%).
Conclusion: Human bites injuries are a serious health problem in some African populations because of their frequency and possible severity. The treatment is particularly challenging due to their potential to cause local infections, the risk they pose for transmission of systemic diseases as well as their demanding surgical management.
Minskade kostnader och ökad lönsamhet. Hållbarhet och föredömlighet som mål och medel hos svenska företag med statligt ägande
Authors: Skärlund Sanna
Published: April 2020

Svenska staten äger 46 olika bolag (2020), vars aktiviteter årligen sammanfattas i rapporten Verksamhetsberättelse för företag med statligt ägande, utgiven av regeringen. År 2007 slog regeringen fast att de statliga företagen måste rapportera om sitt hållbarhetsarbete varje år, och 2016 inkluderades också Agenda 2030 och FN:s 17 globala mål för en hållbar utveckling i den statliga ägarpolicyn. Men hur motiverar den svenska regeringen att de statliga företagen ska arbeta med hållbarhet och hur har regeringens användning av hållbarhet som begrepp förändrats över tid? I den här artikeln redogörs för detta utifrån kvalitativa och kvantitativa undersökningar av regeringens Verksamhetsberättelse för företag med statligt ägande från perioden 1999–2017. Det visar sig att hållbarhet har kommit att inkludera allt fler områden och att det vanligaste argument som förs fram i texterna är att företagen tjänar ekonomiskt på att implementera hållbarhet i verksamheten. Skäl som har med planetens framtid att göra nämns däremot aldrig. Om företagen verkligen gör en ekonomisk vinst av hållbarhetsarbete har dock ifrågasatts av tidigare forskning.

I anslutning till frågan om motiv till att arbeta med hållbarhet blir det också relevant att analysera hur de statliga företagen i verksamhetsberättelserna framställs som föredömen för andra företag. De områden som framhålls som viktiga vad gäller föredömlighet är framförallt hållbarhet, jämställdhet, mång-fald, etik och miljö, vilket är teman som också kan ses som viktiga aspekter av den svenska självbilden. Det beskrivs dock sällan att de statliga företagen är föredömen; istället anges det att de ska vara föredömen. Detta skulle kunna ses som en förhoppning för framtiden, men också som en uppmaning från regeringen till de statliga företagens ledningar.
Molecular Medicines for Parasitic Diseases
Authors: Singh Bhawana
Published: April 2020

Being the cause for significant amount of morbidities and mortalities, parasitic diseases remain the major challenge for the healthcare community due to the limitations associated with the current chemotherapeutics. Drug discovery/invention can be achieved by collaborative efforts of biotechnologists and pharmacists for identifying potential candidates and successfully turn them into medicine for improving the healthcare system. Although molecular medicine for disease intervention is still in its infancy, however, significant research works and successful trials in short span of time have made it broadly accepted among the scientific community. This chapter identifies different molecular medicine approaches for dealing with parasites that have been coming up on the horizon with the new technological advances in bioinformatics and in the field of omics. With the better understanding of the genomics, molecular medicine field has not only raised hopes to deal with parasitic infections but also accelerated the development of personalized medicine. This will provide a targeted approach for identifying the druggable targets and their pathophysiological importance for disease intervention.
Transformation of organic carbon in alluvial soils under different land uses
Authors: Šlepetienė Alvyra , Duchovski Kazimiež , Volungevičius Jonas
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study – to evaluate the status of organic carbon (OC) under different land uses of soils formed in alluvial deposits. The soil samples were collected from 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm depths in three field replicates.Three land uses were investigated: arable land, grassland and forest. The experimental site is situated near Surviliškis, Kėdainiai District (55°26′08.37′′N, 24°02′27.75′′Y) in Central Lowland of Lithuania. A total of 27 soil samples, collected from 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm depths in three field replicates, were analysed for OC. The samples were prepared for analysis by removing plant residues, grinding and sieving through a 0.25 mm sieve. For all land uses, the highest content of OC was found in the upper 0–10 cm soil layer of the soil, with the highest values found in the forest land use. Fast-growing deciduous trees are an effective means to increase the content of OC in alluvial soil, especially in the 0–10 cm layer. The distribution of OC in the soil layers depended on the land use. Grassland and forest land uses allow OC to be preserved throughout the 0–30 cm layer, with less OC differentiation than in arable land. This could be attributed to the specificities of organic matter accumulation and degradation in different land uses. Not only the amount of labile organic carbon (similar to total organic carbon) was highest (0.392 g kg–1) in forest soil in the 0–10 cm layer, it also had a higher relative share in the total organic carbon (2.9%) than in other land uses – arable land and grassland (2.3–2.4%).
Procedures of Fatigue Analysis by Supporting Direct Load Application on Midship Sections
Authors: Ozguc Ozgur
Published: April 2020

Fatigue evaluation of ship structures using direct calculation methods to calculate fatigue loads are standard practice today. There are several numerical codes available for use in analyses of these fatigue loads. In addition to the varying degrees of computational complexity associated with fatigue prediction methods, the inherent uncertainties of these procedures are also large. This paper introduces the procedure for stochastic fatigue analysis of typical midship models with direct load transfer applied, where an oil tanker is considered. It also covers a comparison of the results with the component-based approach included in the DNVGL Class Note 30.7: “Fatigue Assessment of Ship Structures”. The "real" case analysis includes both internal pressure loads from tank fluids as well as external pressure adjusted for wet and dry surfaces in the waterline area, according to DNVGL Class Note 30.7. Local fine mesh models of fatigue details have been analysed using the sub-modelling technique. The procedure performs well on a typical midship model apart from the file sizes of the generated load transfer files. With 25 wave periods and 12 different headings, the analysed 3-cargo-hold model (1/2 + 1 + 1/2) in the midship area had to be split into four super elements in order to get the analysis through finite element analyses. The procedure is suitable for vessels where warping (torsion) is of less importance. The described procedures are supported by a developed tool to be used in the analysis procedures. Three details of local fine mesh models such as deck erection butt weld, longitudinal stiffener through web-frame, and bottom erection butt weld have been analysed. The results have been compared with the component-based approach. For some of the details there are comparable results, but for others the results vary significantly. The typical trend is that the details heavily influenced by the external pressure (side longitudinal) give less comparable results than e.g. a detail in the main deck mainly influenced by global loads. A comparison of the effect of reducing versus not reducing the pressure amplitude in the waterline on the fatigue life has also been performed and discussed.
Logistical activities in the function of shipbuilding industry development
Authors: Stanivuk Tatjana , Šundov Marko , Žanić-Mikuličić Jelena , Mišura Antonija
Published: April 2020

This paper examines the impact of supply on production results in the shipbuilding industry. The shipbuilding industry is characterized by extreme complexity concerning the integration of many other industries, and the product of this industry itself is very complex and expensive with a demanding degree of processing after-sales significant revenue. Numerous suppliers are involved in the production process, thus shipbuilding has a multiplicative effect on other industries. One of the fundamental factors for the efficiency and effectiveness of the business in this industry is the role of logistics. Supply in the shipbuilding industry is nowadays a strategic decision that actively influences business success, which is why it is considered in this paper. Simulating its impact on the production process seeks to avoid possible mistakes that cannot only weaken a company's competitive position but also its viability. The simulation concludes with a concrete example that there is a certain influence of time deviations (arrivals, exemptions, and complaints) on the increase of the basic value of the order. This paper highlights the need to maximize response speed to customer needs, through the synthesis of planning activities, business logistics, and to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global market.
An Overview on Horizon Detection Methods in Maritime Video Surveillance
Authors: Petković Miro , Vujović Igor , Kuzmanić Ivica
Published: April 2020

The interest in video surveillance has been increasing in the fields of maritime industry in the past decade. Maritime transportation system is a vital part of the world’s economy and the extent of global ship traffic is increasing. This trend encourages the development of intelligent surveillance systems in the maritime zone. The development of intelligent surveillance systems includes sensor and data fusion, which incorporates multispectral and multisensory data to replace the traditional approach with radars only. Video cameras are widely used since they capture images of greater resolution than most sensor systems. Also, combined with video analytics they provide sensors with high capability, complex pattern recognition analytics, and multiple variables for the decision making process. In this paper, an overview of a small part of the system is presented – horizon detection.
Icariin protects against sodium azide—induced neurotoxicity by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ying , Huang Nanqu , Lu Hao , Huang Juan , Jin Hai , Shi Jingshan , Jin Feng
Published: April 2020

Background

Icariin (ICA) is one of the major active flavonoids extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium brevicornum Maxim and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ICA on sodium azide (NaN3)-induced rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell damage and to further examine the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

To explore its possible mechanism, we used NaN3 (50 mM)-induced neuronal PC12 cell damage. Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1. Glucose concentration was assessed by the glucose oxidase method. The role of ICA in the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway was explored by Western blotting.

Results

The results indicate that pretreatment with ICA reduced NaN3-induced cell damage and significantly reduced the leakage rate of LDH in PC12 cells. ICA pretreatment increased the MMP and a decrease in glucose concentration indicate increased glucose consumption. Furthermore, the protein levels of p-PI3K (p85), PI3K-110α, p-Ser473-Akt and p-Ser9-GSK-3β were markedly decreased in PC12 cells after NaN3 treatment for 24 h, whereas these effects were reverted after pretreatment with ICA. Tau phosphorylation at the Ser396/404 and Thr217 sites was significantly decreased by pretreatment with ICA.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ICA protects against NaN3-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
Effects of biodegradable plastic film mulching on soil microbial communities in two agroecosystems
Authors: Bandopadhyay Sreejata , Sintim Henry Y. , DeBruyn Jennifer M.
Published: April 2020

Plastic mulch films are used globally in crop production but incur considerable disposal and environmental pollution issues. Biodegradable plastic mulch films (BDMs), an alternative to polyethylene (PE)-based films, are designed to be tilled into the soil where they are expected to be mineralized to carbon dioxide, water and microbial biomass. However, insufficient research regarding the impacts of repeated soil incorporation of BDMs on soil microbial communities has partly contributed to limited adoption of BDMs. In this study, we evaluated the effects of BDM incorporation on soil microbial community structure and function over two years in two geographical locations: Knoxville, TN, and in Mount Vernon, WA, USA. Treatments included four plastic BDMs (three commercially available and one experimental film), a biodegradable cellulose paper mulch, a non-biodegradable PE mulch and a no mulch plot. Bacterial community structure determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed significant differences by location and season. Differences in bacterial communities by mulch treatment were not significant for any season in either location, except for Fall 2015 in WA where differences were observed between BDMs and no-mulch plots. Extracellular enzyme assays were used to characterize communities functionally, revealing significant differences by location and sampling season in both TN and WA but minimal differences between BDMs and PE treatments. Overall, BDMs had comparable influences on soil microbial communities to PE mulch films.
Pediatrics in Medieval Islamic Theoria
Authors: Van Dalen Elaine
Published: April 2020

This article analyzes the pediatric material in the Arabic commentaries (written tenth–fifteenth centuries) on the Hippocratic Aphorisms by exploring the traces of its late-antique origins and highlighting the influences of contemporary Islamic sources. This study demonstrates, first, how the commentaries assimilate Galenic pediatric theory through intricate elaborations and innovations; and second, that the commentators on the Aphorisms exhibit a strict theoretical interest in the causes and nature of childood diseases as opposed to their remedies. Consequently, it shows that therapeutic pediatric material was restricted to other nonexegetical genres, such as the encyclopedias of Ibn Sīnā and Ibn Rabban al-Ṭabarī. The commentary material is thus a unique example of medieval Islamic theoria or theoretical medicine, which transmitted and transformed Galenic and early medieval theoretical explanations of childhood illnesses through the centuries.
New Approaches to Commentary Formation in Ancient Mesopotamia
Authors: Wainer Zachary
Published: April 2020

Assyriologists who have studied Mesopotamian commentary formation have drawn upon ideas from scholars of religion in treating the creation of a static canon at the end of the second millennium bce as a necessary precondition for the emergence of cuneiform commentaries. The present contribution argues against the idea that Mesopotamian commentaries emerged in response to a closed canon by marshaling evidence from Mesopotamian divinatory compositions, including the celestial-divinatory series Enūma Anu Enlil and its associated aḫû, or “extraneous” tradition, as well as the extispical treatise Bārûtu. These compositions illustrate that commentaries could be written about texts that were still fluid and malleable in ancient Mesopotamia. Moreover, a brief look at the phenomenon of inner biblical exegesis in the Hebrew Bible supports the idea that texts need not be unchanging to be the subject of interpretation, whether in ancient Mesopotamia or elsewhere. In response to these conclusions, I outline an alternate theory for Mesopotamian commentary formation that eschews the importance of a closed canon and stresses instead ideas of scholarly bilingualism, divination, authority, and textual decorum in ancient Iraq.
Determination of Oxalates in Corms of Selected Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Varieties in Malaysia Using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zulkhairi A. Mohd , Razali M. , Umikalsum M. B. , Norfaizal G. Mohd , Athirah A. Aimi , Aisyah M. N. Siti
Published: April 2020

Aims: To determine the oxalate contents in different varieties of taro (Colocasia esculenta) collected in Peninsular Malaysia.

Study Design: Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) with UV detector (Diode Array Detection, (DAD)) was used to determine the total and soluble oxalate contents in different varieties of taro corms. Meanwhile, the insoluble oxalate content (calcium oxalate) was estimated from the subtraction of soluble oxalate content from total oxalate content.

Place and Duration of Study: Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI Headquarters), Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia between December 2018 to December 2019.

Methodology: 9 different varieties of taro were collected from different locations in Peninsular Malaysia. All the samples were analysed for their oxalate contents. Extractions were carried out to determine the total oxalate and soluble oxalate contents. All the samples were analysed using UHPLC. The generated data of oxalate contents were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Results: There is a significant difference (P <.05) between the oxalate content in the examined varieties with respect to the amount of total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents. The putih variety has significantly the highest amount of total oxalate content with 218.8 ± 28.2 mg/100 g DW (dry weight) followed by the udang variety with 184.2 ± 24.7 mg/100 g DW and the wangi variety with 178.3 ± 5.1 mg/100 g DW. Tapak badak variety has the lowest total oxalate content with 70.5 ± 20.1 mg/100 g DW. Result showed that wangi variety has significantly the highest soluble oxalate content with 135.1 ± 4.8 mg/100 g DW followed by udang with 100.9 ± 49.8 mg/100 g DW. The lowest soluble oxalate content was found in tapak badak with 17.7 ± 2.9 mg/100 g DW.

Conclusion: Despite many factors contributing to the difference in oxalate content between varieties, this study would help researchers or policy makers to suggest potential taros for commercial cultivation.
Climate Variability and Food Crop Production in Rural Cameroon: The Case of Ejagham Community - Manyu Division
Authors: Ngalim Robert Njilla Mengnjo , Besong Tambe Philomina
Published: April 2020

This study set to establish the relationship between rainfall and temperature variabilities and food crop production in the Ejagham community, Cameroon. Data were collected for crop production in the area from 2006-2015, and for rainfall and temperature from 1975 – 2015. Variance means was used to analyse the trend in climatic conditions of rainfall and temperature while correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship between climatic conditions and food crop production. Findings revealed that the trend in rainfall has been fluctuating. Clearly, rainfall dropped in the years 1986, 2001, 2003 and 2015. Overall, there has been a decrease in annual rainfall from about 3,000 mm in 1975 to almost 2,000 mm in 2015. The highest temperature was recorded in the 2010 with 29.0°C, followed by the year 2013 with 28.2°C. 2015 recorded the least temperature which had an average of 26.0°C. Furthermore, there exist a relationship between rainfall and temperature variabilities and food crop production in Ejagham area. This is indicated in the almost negative coefficients both for rainfall and temperature. It can therefore be concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and temperature variabilities and food crop production in Ejagham area.
Assessment of Commercial Charcoal Production Effect on Savannah Woodland of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpo A. S. , Mba E. H.
Published: April 2020

Charcoal is used as fuel in cooking for household, large food consumption and also in some industries especially those involved in casting bronze and other metals. It can be produced year round which involves woodland exploitation that contributes to deforestation with various negative consequences like loss of valuable resources and environment, drives climate change through the release of greenhouse gases, it also reduces the bio-productivity of ecosystems by disrupting the habitats of thousands of species, transforms forest lands into barren deserts and exposes bare surfaces which are susceptible to soil erosion, thus making the entire ecosystem unstable.

These are among the major threats to forest reserves and contributes highly to deforestation with 0.038 hectare of savanna woodland depleted for production of a single 15 kg capacity bag of charcoal in the study area and this had led to forest degradation which 96.2% of the respondents attested. The study was to determine the impacts of charcoal production to the forest reserves and also the public perceptions of the environmental effect of unplanned cutting of tree for Charcoal Production and it recommended awareness, prudent forest management and getting involve the private sectors, combined with proactive actions and policies.
Burden and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors Post Cataract Surgery at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center: A Hospital Based Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Uwemeye Livin , Makupa William U.
Published: April 2020

Aims: To determine the burden and factors associated with refractive errors after cataract surgery in a training institution.

Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of the Study: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Eye department. Northern Tanzania, from January 2016 to December 2017.

Methods: A review of files of all adult patients who have had cataract surgery in 2016 and 2017 was conducted. A total of 626 eyes of 554 patients who had post-operative refraction by experienced optometrists were included. Information were extracted from patients’ files then entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. The main outcomes were post-operative refraction and best corrected visual acuity. 

Results: Mean age was 69.3 years (SD=10.7) and ECCE accounted for 76% of surgeries. At least 84.6% had post-operative refractive error and astigmatism was the most common refractive error (56.8%). Spherical error accounted for 27.8%. Spherical error ranged from -12 to 4DS, mean = -0.42 (SD=1.3) DS and median = 0.00DS. The maximum cylindrical error was -7.5 DC, mean = -1.15 (SD=1.36) DC and median = -1.0DC. At least 56% had spherical equivalent within 1D of emmetropia. A BCVA of 6/18 or better was achieved in 92.8%. Age, poor pre-operative VA, poor presenting VA, astigmatism on keratometry, difference between recommended and inserted IOL, ECCE, grade of surgeon and suturing were associated with refractive errors.

Conclusion: Refractive errors following cataract surgery are common. Best corrected visual acuity outcome was in normal recommended range; however, the magnitude of refractive errors was high and the proportion of patients who achieved a final refraction within 1D of emmetropia was below the recommended range. An effort should be made to lower the prevalence and magnitude of refractive errors associated with cataract surgery in training institutions.
Ultrafine Pt‐Based Nanowires for Advanced Catalysis
Authors: Xu Hui , Shang Hongyuan , Wang Cheng , Du Yukou
Published: April 2020

At the frontier of electrocatalysis and heterogeneous reactions, significant effort has been devoted to Pt‐based nanomaterials owing to their advantages of tunable morphology and excellent catalytic properties. In contrast to Pt‐based nanocatalysts with other morphologies, nanowire catalysts, especially 1D ultrafine nanowire (NW) structure, are garnering increased attention because of their advantages of high atomic efficiency, intrinsic isotropy, rich high‐index facets, better conductivity, robust structure stability for prohibiting dissolution, ripening, and aggregation. Regardless of these advantages, it is still challenging to realize the precise control of ultrafine Pt‐based NWs in terms of their size, crystal phase structure, and composition. Aiming to synthesize advanced ultrafine Pt‐based NWs catalysts with higher activity, durability, and selectivity toward catalytic reactions, this review summarizes the recently available approaches for improving the catalytic performance of ultrafine Pt‐based NWs with detailed guidance. A summary of recent progress in ultrafine Pt‐based NWs catalysts for advanced catalysis and heterogeneous reactions is also provided. Furthermore, integrated experimental and theoretical studies are reviewed to explain the activity, stability, and selectivity enhancement mechanism. In the final section, the challenges and outlook are also discussed to provide guidance for the rational engineering of efficient ultrafine Pt‐based NWs catalysts for applications in renewable‐energy‐related devices.
Solution‐Processable Epitaxial Metallic Delafossite Oxide Films
Authors: Wei Renhuai , Gong Penglai , Zhao Minglin , Tong Haiyun , Tang Xianwu , Hu Ling , Yang Jie , Song Wenhai , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: April 2020

Metallic delafossites ABO2, as the new benchmark of ultra‐high conductive oxides, have recently attracted great interest. The harsh processing conditions and dimensional sizes obviously limit the fundamental sciences and technological applications. Here, a low‐cost and facile solution approach is realized to synthesize epitaxial metallic ABO2 thin films including PtCoO2, PdCoO2, and PdCrO2 with a dimension up to two‐inches in diameter, showing ultra‐high room temperature conductivity. The electrical properties, growth mechanisms, and potential technical applications including transparent conducting films and hydrogen evolution reaction activity are unveiled. The achievements of epitaxial metallic delafossites ABO2 thin films through solution methods will pave the route to producing wafer‐scaled ultra‐high conductive metallic delafossites.
Advanced Matrixes for Binder‐Free Nanostructured Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Lihan , Qin Xianying , Zhao Shiqiang , Wang Aurelia , Luo Jun , Wang Zhong Lin , Kang Feiyu , Lin Zhiqun , Li Baohua
Published: April 2020

Commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), limited by their insufficient reversible capacity, short cyclability, and high cost, are facing ever‐growing requirements for further increases in power capability, energy density, lifespan, and flexibility. The presence of insulating and electrochemically inactive binders in commercial LIB electrodes causes uneven active material distribution and poor contact of these materials with substrates, reducing battery performance. Thus, nanostructured electrodes with binder‐free designs are developed and have numerous advantages including large surface area, robust adhesion to substrates, high areal/specific capacity, fast electron/ion transfer, and free space for alleviating volume expansion, leading to superior battery performance. Herein, recent progress on different kinds of supporting matrixes including metals, carbonaceous materials, and polymers as well as other substrates for binder‐free nanostructured electrodes in LIBs are summarized systematically. Furthermore, the potential applications of these binder‐free nanostructured electrodes in practical full‐cell‐configuration LIBs, in particular fully flexible/stretchable LIBs, are outlined in detail. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges for such full‐cell LIBs based on binder‐free nanostructured electrodes are discussed.
Scalable Manufacturing of Free‐Standing, Strong Ti3C2Tx MXene Films with Outstanding Conductivity
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Kong Na , Uzun Simge , Levitt Ariana , Seyedin Shayan , Lynch Peter A. , Qin Si , Han Meikang , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan , Wang Xungai , Gogotsi Yury , Razal Joselito M.
Published: April 2020

Free‐standing films that display high strength and high electrical conductivity are critical for flexible electronics, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding coatings and current collectors for batteries and supercapacitors. 2D Ti3C2Tx flakes are ideal candidates for making conductive films due to their high strength and metallic conductivity. It is, however, challenging to transfer those outstanding properties of single MXene flakes to macroscale films as a result of the small flake size and relatively poor flake alignment that occurs during solution‐based processing. Here, a scalable method is shown for the fabrication of strong and highly conducting pure MXene films containing highly aligned large MXene flakes. These films demonstrate record tensile strength up to ≈570 MPa for a 940 nm thick film and electrical conductivity of ≈15 100 S cm−1 for a 214 nm thick film, which are both the highest values compared to previously reported pure Ti3C2Tx films. These films also exhibit outstanding EMI shielding performance (≈50 dB for a 940 nm thick film) that exceeds other synthetic materials with comparable thickness. MXene films with aligned flakes provide an effective route for producing large‐area, high‐strength, and high‐electrical‐conductivity MXene‐based films for future electronic applications.
Electrode Work Function Reduction by Polyethylenimine Interlayers: Choice of Solvent and Residual Solvent Removal for Superior Functionality
Authors: Bontapalle Sujitkumar , Opitz Andreas , Schlesinger Raphael , Marder Seth R. , Varughese Susy , Koch Norbert
Published: April 2020

Ultrathin polyethylenimine (PEI) interlayers are frequently used to reduce the work function of electrode materials; however, to exploit the full potential of this material for application in optoelectronic devices, further fundamental understanding is required. Here, it is demonstrated that intermixing of PEI deposited from water solution onto the conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene) (PEDOT):polystyrene sulfonate can be avoided by using anhydrous butanol as solvent. At the same time, this choice of solvent prevents de‐doping of PEDOT and preserves the electrode's transparency. For inorganic electrode materials, i.e., ZnO and graphite, it is demonstrated that residual solvent in PEI films, present even after annealing in inert gas atmosphere, leads to significant surface dewetting, and thus inhomogeneity in terms of the morphology and work function. However, annealing in ultrahigh vacuum removes residual solvent, establishes homogenous surface coverage with PEI, and allows one to achieve the maximum work function reduction. For the transparent electron transport material ZnO, a record low work function value of 2.3 eV is achieved, which can enable the formation of ohmic contacts to most semiconductors.
Aggregation‐Induced Emissive and Circularly Polarized Homogeneous Sulfono‐γ‐AApeptide Foldamers
Authors: Shi Yan , Sang Peng , Yin Guangqiang , Gao Ruixuan , Liang Xiao , Brzozowski Robert , Odom Timothy , Eswara Prahathees , Zheng Youxuan , Li Xiaopeng , Cai Jianfeng
Published: April 2020

Through continuous efforts in developing a new class of foldamers, homogeneous sulfono‐γ‐AApeptides have been designed and synthesized using tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties attached to the backbone as luminogenic sidechains. Based on previous crystal structures, it is found that these foldamers adopted a left‐handed 414‐helix. Due to the constraint of the helical scaffold, the rotation of the TPE moieties is restricted, leading to fluorescent emissive properties with high quantum yields not only at the aggregate state but also in solution. Investigation of the relationship between the structure and fluorescence behavior reveals that emission is induced by the combined effect of the aggregation‐induced emission and the rotated restriction from the backbone. Furthermore, as the packing mode of the luminogens can be precisely adjusted by the helical backbone, these foldamers are found to be circularly polarizable with relatively large luminescence dissymmetry factor. Interestingly, possessing cationic amphipathic structures similar to that of host‐defense peptides, these sulfono‐γ‐AApeptides are able to inhibit the growth of Gram‐positive bacteria, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus through membrane interactions.
Spin Logical and Memory Device Based on the Nonvolatile Ferroelectric Control of the Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy in PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3/Co/Pt Heterostructure
Authors: Ren Zengyao , Wang Mengxi , Liu Pengfei , Liu Qi , Wang Kaiyou , Jakob Gehard , Chen Jikun , Meng Kangkang , Xu Xiaoguang , Miao Jun , Jiang Yong
Published: April 2020

In the field of memory and spin‐logical devices, multiferroics have the potentials of low‐energy informational operation. A novel memory and logic device in a PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3/Co/Pt (PZT/Co/Pt) multiferroic heterostructure with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is proposed. The PMA of PZT/Co/Pt structure can be modulated via the PZT/Co interface by switching the polarization field in the PZT layer. Moreover, the anomalous Hall voltage (AHV) under downward polarization is about 63% higher than that under upward polarization at 50 K without magnetic field. Interestingly, this AHV modulation is reversible, fast, and nonvolatile. Furthermore, the multiferroic random access memory and logic device operations are demonstrated based on the ferroelectric‐modulated AHV, which can lower the operating current density. This nonvolatile manipulation via ferroelectric polarizations will offer a new pathway to improve spintronic and spin‐logical applications.
The Role of Grain Boundaries on Ionic Defect Migration in Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Phung Nga , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Meloni Simone , Mattoni Alessandro , Albrecht Steve , Unger Eva L. , Merdasa Aboma , Abate Antonio
Published: April 2020

Halide perovskites are emerging as revolutionary materials for optoelectronics. Their ionic nature and the presence of mobile ionic defects within the crystal structure have a dramatic influence on the operation of thin‐film devices such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and transistors. Thin films are often polycrystalline and it is still under debate how grain boundaries affect the migration of ions and corresponding ionic defects. Laser excitation during photoluminescence (PL) microscopy experiments leads to formation and subsequent migration of ionic defects, which affects the dynamics of charge carrier recombination. From the microscopic observation of lateral PL distribution, the change in the distribution of ionic defects over time can be inferred. Resolving the PL dynamics in time and space of single crystals and thin films with different grain sizes thus, provides crucial information about the influence of grain boundaries on the ionic defect movement. In conjunction with experimental observations, atomistic simulations show that defects are trapped at the grain boundaries, thus inhibiting their diffusion. Hence, with this study, a comprehensive picture highlighting a fundamental property of the material is provided while also setting a theoretical framework in which the interaction between grain boundaries and ionic defect migration can be understood.
Melatonin application enhances biochar efficiency for drought tolerance in maize varieties: Modifications in physio‐biochemical machinery
Authors: Alharby Hesham F , Fahad Shah
Published: April 2020

The roles of biochar, melatonin (Me), and P application have been well researched; however, biochar with Me application in helping plants be more drought tolerant are little understood. The aim of this greenhouse study is to evaluate the effects of Me and P in combination with biochar made from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues on vegetative growth and biochemical impact of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties Azam and Mallika under drought stress. Date residue and wheat straw biochars combined with melatonin (D+W+Me) reduced oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) the most. Generations of ROS species (malondialdehyde [MDA], H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], O2−, lipoxygenase [LOX], and electolyte leakage [EL]) was 118 and 700% higher in Azam variety compared to Mallika. The application of D+W+Me maintained osmolyte accumulation, α‐amylase activity, and antioxidant enzyme activities at higher levels in Mallika (2−7, 29, 9−55%, respectively) than in Azam and the rest of the treatments. The D+W+Me treatment also enhanced leaf gas exchange traits in Mallika (3−20%) under drought stress, helping to main better photosynthesis machinery. The D+W+P and D+Me treatments application alleviated a portion of the drought stress. Overall, Me application with date residue and wheat straw biochars enhanced the efficiency of biochar, by better assuaging the adverse drought stress influences.
Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution in Neutral Water Catalyzed by a Cobalt Complex with a Softer Polypyridyl Ligand
Authors: Wang Ping , Liang Guangchao , Smith Noah , Hill Kyra , Donnadieu Bruno , Webster Charles Edwin , Zhao Xuan
Published: April 2020

To explore the structure–function relationships of cobalt complexes in the catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), we studied the substitution of a tertiary amine with a softer pyridine group and the inclusion of a conjugated bpy unit in a Co complex with a new pentadentate ligand, 6‐[6‐(1,1‐di‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethyl)‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl]‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (Py3Me‐Bpy). These modifications resulted in significantly improved stability and activity in both electro‐ and photocatalytic HER in neutral water. [Co(Py3Me‐Bpy)(OH2)](PF6)2 catalyzes the electrolytic HER at −1.3 V (vs. SHE) for 20 hours with a turnover number (TON) of 266 300, and photolytic HER for two days with a TON of 15 000 in pH 7 aqueous solutions. The softer ligand scaffold possibly provides increased stability towards the intermediate CoI species. DFT calculations demonstrate that HER occurs through a general electron transfer/proton transfer/electron transfer/proton transfer pathway, with H2 released from the protonation of CoII−H species.
Reductive Deamination with Hydrosilanes Catalyzed by B(C6F5)3
Authors: Fang Huaquan , Oestreich Martin
Published: April 2020

The strong boron Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane B(C6F5)3 is known to catalyze the dehydrogenative coupling of certain amines and hydrosilanes at elevated temperatures. At higher temperature, the dehydrogenation pathway competes with cleavage of the C−N bond and defunctionalization is obtained. This can be turned into a useful methodology for the transition‐metal‐free reductive deamination of a broad range of amines as well as heterocumulenes such as an isocyanate and an isothiocyanate.
Attenuation of Murine Collagen‐Induced Arthritis by Targeting CD6
Authors: Li Yan , Ruth Jeffrey H. , Rasmussen Stephanie M. , Athukorala Kalana S. , Weber Daniel P. , Amin M. Asif , Campbell Phillip L. , Singer Nora G. , Fox David A. , Lin Feng
Published: April 2020

Objective

CD6 is an important regulator of T cell function that interacts with the ligands CD166 and CD318. To further clarify the significance of CD6 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we examined the effects of targeting CD6 in the mouse model of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), using CD6‐knockout (CD6‐KO) mice and CD6‐humanized mice that express human CD6 in lieu of mouse CD6 on their T cells.

Methods

We immunized wild‐type (WT) and CD6 gene–KO mice with a collagen emulsion to induce CIA. For treatment studies using CD6‐humanized mice, mice were immunized similarly and a mouse anti‐human CD6 IgG (UMCD6) or control IgG was injected on days 7, 14, and 21. Joint tissues were evaluated for tissue damage, leukocyte infiltration, and local inflammatory cytokine production. Collagen‐specific Th1, Th9, and Th17 responses and serum levels of collagen‐specific IgG subclasses were also evaluated in WT and CD6‐KO mice with CIA.

Results

The absence of CD6 reduced 1) collagen‐specific Th9 and Th17, but not Th1 responses, 2) the levels of many proinflammatory joint cytokines, and 3) serum levels of collagen‐reactive total IgG and IgG1, but not IgG2a and IgG3. Joint homogenate hemoglobin content was significantly reduced in CD6‐KO mice with CIA compared to WT mice with CIA (P < 0.05) (reduced angiogenesis). Moreover, treating CD6‐humanized mice with mouse anti‐human CD6 monoclonal antibody was similarly effective in reducing joint inflammation in CIA.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data suggest that interaction of CD6 with its ligands is important for the perpetuation of CIA and other inflammatory arthritides that are T cell driven.
3D Hollow Flower‐like CoWO4 Derived from ZIF‐67 Grown on Ni‐foam for High‐Performance Asymmetrical Supercapacitors
Authors: Chu Dawei , Guo Dongxuan , Xiao Boxin , Tan Lichao , Ma Huiyuan , Pang Haijun , Wang Xinming , Jiang Yanxia
Published: April 2020

A three‐dimensional (3D) hollow CoWO4 composite grown on Ni‐foam (3D−H CoWO4/NF) based on a flower‐like metal‐organic framework (MOF) is designed by utilizing a facile dipping and hydrothermal approach. The 3D−H CoWO4/NF not only possesses large specific areas and rich active sites, but also accommodates volume expansion/contraction during charge/discharge processes. In addition, the unique structure facilitates fast electron/ion transport of 3D−H CoWO4/NF. Meanwhile, a series of characterization measurements demonstrate the appropriate morphology and excellent electrochemical performance of the material. The 3D−H CoWO4/NF possesses a high specific capacitance of 1395 F g−1, an excellent cycle stability with 89% retention after 3000 cycles and superior rate property. Furthermore, the 3D−H CoWO4/NF can be used as a cathode to configurate an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), and 3D−H CoWO4/NF//AC shows a good energy density (29.0 W h kg−1). This work provides a facile method for the preparation of 3D‐hollow electrode materials with high electrochemical capability for advanced energy storage devices.
The metabolites and biotransformation pathways in vivo after oral administration of ocotillol, RT5, and PF11
Authors: Liu Jihua , Gan Huizhu , Li Ting , Wang Jia , Du Guangguang , An Yang , Yan Xiaojing , Geng Cong
Published: April 2020

Ocotillol, pseudo‐ginsenoside RT5 (RT5), and pseudo‐ginsenoside F11 (PF11) are ocotillol‐type saponins that have the same aglycone structure but with different numbers of glucose at the C‐6 position. In this study, the metabolites of ocotillol, RT5, and PF11 in rat plasma, stomach, intestine, urine, and feces after oral administration were investigated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that RT5 was easily biotransformed into metabolites in vivo, whereas PF11 and RT5 were difficult to be biotransformed. Hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, dehydration, deglycosylation, deoxygenation, hydration, phosphorylation, deoxidation, glucuronidation, and reactions combining amino acid were speculated to be involved in the biotransformation of ocotillol, RT5, and PF11. Based on the structural analysis of metabolites, it was deduced that hydrogenation, dehydration, deoxidation, and reactions combining amino acid occurred on the aglycone structure, whereas deglycosylation, hydration, and phosphorylation occurred on the glycosyl chain. Further, metabolites in plasma, urine, feces, and tissues were different: First, glucuronidation products were found in urine, stomach, intestine, and feces, but not in plasma. Second, the ocotillol prototype was not identified in urine samples. Third, the RT5 prototype was found in stomach, intestine, feces, and urine, but not in plasma.