bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Parents' Awareness of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Infants and Children and Related Demographic Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Seyezadeh Abolhassan , Tohidi Mohamad Reza , Sameni Mehdi , Seyedzadeh Mohammad Saleh , Hookari Sara
Published: January 2021

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the second most common infection in children. Parents’ lack of awareness and information about UTIs ultimately leads to delayed referral for treatment, which raises many concerns in parents. Objectives: The research aimed to evaluate the parental awareness of UTIs in infants and children and related demographic factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 270 parents who had a child or infant with UTIs referring to the Nephrology Clinic of Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2018 were selected by a convenience sampling method. To analyze the data, the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: According to the results, the parental awareness of the symptoms of UTIs in children was moderate, and the overall score on the awareness of complications, treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of UTIs in children was high. There were statistically significant relationships between the parental age and knowledge of UTI treatment in children, between paternal education and treatment and diagnosis and the total score of knowledge on UTIs in children, and between maternal education and awareness of the symptoms and how to prevent UTIs. Further, there was a statistical relationship between the children’s history of UTIs and the awareness of how to diagnose and treat UTIs in children (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the results, educational programs must be promoted to raise parents' awareness of UTIs in infants and children, especially UTI symptoms in lower educated, elderly parents whose other children have not had any history of UTIs.
The Effect of Green Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with the Achillea millefolium Extract on the Morphometric and Developmental Indices of Preantral Follicles in Immature NMRI Mice
Authors: Abdollahi Mohammadreza , Baharara Javad , Shahrokhabadi Khadije , F. Bamoharram Fatemeh , Saadatfar Zohreh
Published: January 2021

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) are small-sized particles with dimensions of 1 - 100 nm that have various medical and pharmaceutical technology applications. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to develop a quick, green, and eco-friendly procedure for the synthesis of gold NPs (AMGNPs) using the aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium (AM) and evaluate the effects of them on preantral follicle (PF) maturation in vitro compared to commercially provided GNPs (C-GNPs) and the AM extract alone. Methods: We assessed PF maturation through the morphological assessment of follicles, diameter changes, and estradiol and progesterone levels in PF. We also evaluated the morphometric indices in the control group and groups treated with the AM extract, green GNPs, and C-GNPs. Results: The results showed that the AM extract had positive effects on the PF development by increasing the production of estradiol. The evaluation of PF treated with C-GNPs one to four days after the treatment showed that the mean diameter of follicles was significantly reduced in the C-GNPs group compared to the control group. Moreover, the mean estradiol level increased, and the mean progesterone level decreased in all the experimental (10, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL of C-GNPs, green GNPs, and the AM extract) groups compared to the control group (P-value < 0.05). The size and concentration of the NPs were 20 nm and 150 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The findings suggest that green GNPs synthesized with the AM extract can minimize the hazardous effects of NPs and have beneficial effects on the development and growth of PF.
All-inclusive descriptions of new freshwater snail taxa of the hyperdiverse family Tateidae (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda) from the South Island of New Zealand
Authors: Verhaegen Gerlien , Haase Martin
Published: January 2021

Four new species and one new subspecies of tateid freshwater gastropods are described from the north of the South Island of New Zealand, Catapyrgus jami sp. nov., Opacuincola lisannea sp. nov., O. gretathunbergae sp. nov., O. mete kahurangi ssp. nov. and Obtusopyrgus farri sp. nov. The species are integratively defined based on a combination of shell morphological, anatomical and mitochondrial DNA data. Morphological and anatomical data were generated by morphometrics, scanning electron microscopy, as well as micro-computed tomography. The genetic data were basis of phylogenetic analyses and incorporated into the diagnoses. The new taxa occur in springs or spring-like habitats, i.e., shallow, slow-flowing sections of small streams except for O. mete kahurangi subsp. nov., which was collected from rough rocks in a river, where the snails sat in small depressions. None of the species exceeded 2.75 mm in length. Opacuincola gretathunbergae sp. nov. and Obtusopyrgus farri sp. nov. are pigmented and true crenobionts, while C. jami sp. nov. and the sympatric Opacuincola lisannea sp. nov. have eyes of reduced size and lack epidermal pigment, hence, probably dwell in the transitional zone of epigean and groundwaters.
Objetos, cuerpos y memoria en el teatro argentino contemporáneo
Authors: Ferreyra Sandra
Published: January 2021

En la década de 1990, el campo teatral argentino se encuentra determinado por la aparición de una heterogeneidad de formas agrupadas por la crítica bajo el título “Nuevo teatro argentino”. Estas formas evidencian la tensión entre una concepción idealista de la escena que había dominado el teatro independiente hasta la década de 1980 y una perspectiva materialista que se había ido desarrollando subrepticiamente en tensión con los modos en que la primera planteaba las relaciones de la escena con la historia, de los sujetos con los objetos, de las palabras con las cosas y, como correlato, en tensión con el modo en el que el teatro se pensaba a sí mismo como dispositivo de memoria.En ese contexto surge y se fortalece el Periférico de Objetos. Analizaré aquí la producción de este grupo entendiendo que entre las innovaciones que propone se encuentra la exploración, a partir del procedimiento de la manipulación, de objetos y cuerpos como dispositivos de memoria involuntaria. Con el objetivo de señalar que la productividad de la relación manipulación/memoria no se limita al teatro de objetos sino que se expande también a la producción dramatúrgica, analizo dos obras dramáticas que Daniel Veronese escribe en esa misma década, en paralelo a su actividad como integrante de este grupo.

In the 1990s, Argentine theater field is determined by the emergence of a heterogeneity of forms grouped by critics under the title “New Argentine Theater.” These forms put in evidence the tension between an idealistic conception of the scene that had dominated independent theater until the 1980s and a materialist perspective that had developed surreptitiously in clear tension with the ways in which idealism conceive the relations between scene and history, subjects and objects, words and things but also in tension with the ways in which theater had thought itself as a memory device.In this context, El Periférico de Objetos arises and become stronger. I will analyze the production of this group, understanding that among the innovations it proposes from the manipulation procedure, is the exploration of objects and bodies as involuntary memory devices. With the aim of demonstrating that the productivity of the relationship between manipulation and memory is not limited to object theatre but also expands to dramaturgical production, I analyze two dramatic works that Daniel Veronese wrote in that same decade, in parallel to his activity as member of this group.
El archivo fantasma. Apuntes acerca de la maternidad como (im)posibilidad en la práctica artística de Tracey Emin
Authors: Abellán Muñoz Rocío
Published: January 2021

La irrupción del movimiento conceptual y del discurso autobiográfico en el terreno artístico desde finales de la década de los sesenta del siglo pasado, supuso un punto de escisión que redefinió la obra de arte en base a premisas como la información, la significación, el lenguaje y el archivo. Bajo dicho contexto esta intervención pretende analizar la maternidad como un tropo que históricamente ha articulado la realidad femenina a través de cierta facción del corpus artístico de Tracey Emin relacionada con la creación de un archivo fantasma en torno a sus embarazos, sus abortos y sus hijos no natos.Así, desde una perspectiva analítica, sociológica y de género se analizará la perversión del archivo, la memoria y la autobiografía a través de la revelación de una narrativa espectral, anclada entre la vida y la muerte que, paradójicamente, constituirá para la artista la única vía a través de la que poder tolerar su traumática realidad.

The emergence of both the conceptual movement and the autobiographical discourse in the artistic sphere towards theend of the sixties of the last century, entailed a split point that redefined the art work as information, significance, language and archive. In this context, the aim of this paper is to analyse the maternity as a trope that, historically, has articulated feminine reality through one brach of Tracey Emin´s artwork related to the construction of a ghostly archive about her pregnancies, her abortions and her unborned children.Thus, from an analytical, sociological and gender critical approach, this paper ig going to analyze the perversión of the archive, memory and autobiography carried out by a ghostly narration, anchored between life and death that, paradoxically, for the artist will constitute the only way through which she can tolerate her traumatic reality.
Memes y Políticas de Identidad. El poder de la risa en la cultura digital
Authors: García Agnès
Published: January 2021

Una de las formas más arcaicas y evidentes de la comunicación es reír. En la cultura digital, las imágenes humorísticas, en concreto las satíricas, se unen a la sociedad de masas mediante la configuración de ideas e identidades. Durante el s. XIX, la identidad y el nacionalismo han sido dos caras de la misma moneda. Su representación por medio de símbolos e ideas siguen estando patentes en la actualidad. En el ámbito nacional, la identidad catalana no solo sigue teniendo una vinculación nacionalista propia del XIX, sino que ha devenido en un fenómeno de identidad propio unido asimismo al procés de independencia.Por eso mismo y con el objetivo de poner en relieve el poder de las imágenes humorísticas actuales, como son los memes, veremos cómo se convierten estas últimas, en expresiones de la memoria identitaria mediante el caso catalán.

One of the most archaic and obvious forms of communication is laughter. In digital culture, humorous images, in particular satirical ones, they join in mass society through the configuration of ideas and identities. During the 19th century, identity and nationalism have been two sides of the same coin. Their representation through symbols and ideas are still evident today.At the national level, Catalan identity not only continues to have the nationalist connection typical of the nineteenth century, but it also became an identity phenomenon of its own, closely linked to the process for independence. For that reason, and with the aim of highlighting the power of current humorous images such as memes, we will see through the Catalan case how these images become the expressions of identity memory.
INMIGRACIÓN INTERNACIONAL Y TURISMO EN ESPACIOS RURALES. EL CASO DE LOS “MICROPUEBLOS” DE CATALUÑA
Authors: Romagosa Francesc , Mendoza Cristóbal , Mojica Laia , Morén-Alegret Ricard
Published: January 2021

El artículo relaciona la inmigración internacional con el turismo en municipios de menos de 500 habitantes de Cataluña, los denominados micropueblos. Primero, se analizan a nivel de Cataluña datos agregados sobre turismo e inmigración internacional en estos lugares. Posteriormente, se estudia a partir de entrevistas las relaciones entre tipos de turismo e inmigración en la comarca de L’Alt Empordà, focalizando en emprendedores turísticos de origen extranjero. Como conclusión, se destaca que en variadas ocasiones estos negocios responden más a estrategias vitales que a pautas de rendimiento económico.

This article relates international immigration and tourism in municipalities with fewer than 500 inhabitants in Catalonia, i.e. small villages. Firstly, aggregate data on tourism and international immigration in small villages are analyzed at Catalan level. Posteriorly, the relations between different types of tourism and immigration in L’Alt Empordà county are explored thanks to interview analysis, focusing on tourism entrepreneurs of foreign origin. The conclusions under line that these businesses respond more to lifestyle strategies of these immigrants rather than a strict economic rationale.
INICIATIVAS PARA DAR VALOR A LA HUERTA DEL BAJO SEGURA. ANÁLISIS DEL PROYECTO “LA VEGA BAJA INTERIOR DE LA COSTA BLANCA” (ALICANTE)
Authors: Canales Martínez Gregorio , Castejón Porcel Gregorio
Published: January 2021

Las zonas regadas del Bajo Segura, y más concretamente el espacio emblemático de Huerta, fue objeto de una promoción urbanístico-inmobiliaria hasta la irrupción de la crisis económica de inicios del siglo XX. Un territorio con una marcada dualidad turística, por cuanto presenta un espacio litoral y prelitoral muy consolidado y dinámico, frente a un interior en el que la agricultura tiene un peso destacado y donde sus municipios, desde hace años, intentan acceder a este mercado. Objetivo perseguido mediante el desarrollo de políticas contrapuestas, ya que, por un lado, fomentan los enclaves turístico-residenciales y, por otro, apuestan por la promoción cultural de su paisaje de regadío más característico. El estudio aborda este último planteamiento y analiza el intento fallido de creación de un producto con incidencia directa en las áreas agrícolas de la comarca basado, fundamentalmente, en el conocimiento y la experiencia.

The irrigated areas of Bajo Segura, and more specifically the emblematic area of ​​Huerta, have been the object of urban-real estate development until the onset of the economic crisis at the beginning of the 20th century. A territory with a marked tourist duality, inasmuch as it presents a very consolidated and dynamic coastal and pre-territorial space, compared to an interior in which agriculture has a prominent weight and where its municipalities, for years, have tried to access this market. Objective pursued through the development of opposing policies, since, on the one hand, they promote tourist-residential enclaves and, on the other, they bet on the cultural promotion of its most characteristic irrigated landscape. The study addresses this last approach and analyzes the failed attempt to create a product with a direct impact on the agricultural areas of the region based, fundamentally, on knowledge and experience.
TARJETA TURÍSTICA SAFETY AND SECURITY: EL PASAPORTE PARA TURISTAS Y DESTINOS SEGUROS
Authors: Pimentel de Oliveira Danielle
Published: January 2021

La emergencia sanitaria por el COVID-19 ha paralizado el turismo, causando impactos nunca antes imaginados. Más de un tercio de la población global está en situación de confinamiento.

La actividad turística, que supone más del 10% del PIB mundial, se encuentra en situación de letargo. Se prevén escenarios futuros que requieren de una acción inmediata. La formula Safety Security puede ser la clave de un nuevo orden turístico, que debe contar con mayor número de medidas de sostenibilidad y añadir la seguridad del destino y del turista. Se propone la creación de una tarjeta turística, con credenciales de turista Safety Security para destinos Safety Security.

The health emergency caused by COVID-19 paralyzed tourism, causing impacts never before imagined. More than a third of humanity is in a situation of confinement.

The activity that accounts for more than 10% of the world's GDP is in a state of lethargy. Future scenarios requiring immediate action are predicted. The Safety Security formula can be the key to a new tourism order, which must include sustainability and add to the safety of the destination and the tourist. It is proposed to create a tourist card, with Safety Security tourist credentials for Safety Security destinations.
Erfaring av pasjonshistorien til salig liv.
Authors: Oftestad Bernt T.
Published: January 2021

In the Twin Realms of Denmark-Norway the king was also responsible for the religious life of his subjects. Kirkeritualet [The Church Ritual] of 1685 was an expression of the king’s care for his subjects. It included even guidelines for the priest’s spiritual care for those condemned to death. A “pious repentance”, rooted in the mystical tradition, became an important aspect of Lutheran Christianity following the Reformation. A reckoning with sin, conversion, and the interiorization of faith, following the Order of Salvation, was the path to a new and eternal life. It was by interiorizing the biblical narrative – for those condemned to death, the Passion of Christ – that one took part in such a sanctifying process. The spiritual advisor made the biblical text affective and present, using rhetorical means, in order to transform the heart. After uniting with Christ in the Eucharist the condemned could go to his death on the path to eternal life.
Las medidas de contención de la COVID-19 frente al derecho a la protección de datos personales sanitarios de la CDFUE
Authors: Sevilla Duro Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2021

El 31 de diciembre de 2019 se comunicó por vez primera la existencia de 27 casos de una neumonía de etiología desconocida, posteriormente denominada SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Durante los primeros meses de 2020 la enfermedad se extendió hasta alcanzar la práctica totalidad de los Estados del mundo. Para hacer frente a la pandemia, las instituciones europeas y los Estados miembros han adoptado medidas de diversa índole, especialmente sanitarias y económicas, que, en algunos casos, confrontan con lo dispuesto en la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea. Considerando el régimen jurídico de la Carta, a lo largo de este artículo se analizarán las modulaciones y limitaciones al derecho fundamental a la protección de datos personales sanitarios (art. 8 CDFUE) provocadas por las medidas adoptadas ante la crisis sanitaria. El estudio, a la luz del ordenamiento y la jurisprudencia europeas, focaliza en las autoridades habilitadas, el procedimiento requerido, los requisitos de las medidas limitadoras y la problemática tanto del tratamiento individualizado de datos como del big data.
Timbre as a semiotic system. On the problem of structural analysis of music timbre
Authors: Myakotin Evgenii Vladimirovich
Published: January 2021

The author attempts to explain the methodology of structural analysis of music timbre. The research subject is music timbre, and the object is its semiotic system. Based on the semiotic system developed by  Ferdinand de Saussure, the author outlines two algorithms within the structure of music timbre - randomness and linearity. Considering the first principle, the author explains the anthropologic nature of a timbre sign, forming the total variability of a timber sign, and some patterns of music timber perception. The second principle is considered through the prism of psycho-acoustics which helps to detect and define the structural principle of linearity as a primary mechanism of perception of music. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the first experience of studying music timbre in terms of its structural organization. For the first time timbre is considered as a semiotic system with structural principles. Since musicology still doesn’t have an appropriate conceptual framework for structural analysis of a timbre space, the model by Saussure becomes especially valuable, primarily because of the fact that it emerged as an attempt to build such a language system which would take into account the correlation and interrelation between language and speech. This is the content of the novelty and topicality of the research which is based on a certain algorithm of structural analysis of music timbre. 
Racial inequity in grant funding from the US National Institutes of Health
Authors: Taffe Michael A , Gilpin Nicholas W
Published: January 2021

Biomedical science and federal funding for scientific research are not immune to the systemic racism that pervades American society. A groundbreaking analysis of NIH grant success revealed in 2011 that grant applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health in the US by African-American or Black Principal Investigators (PIs) are less likely to be funded than applications submitted by white PIs, and efforts to narrow this funding gap have not been successful. A follow-up study in 2019 showed that this has not changed. Here, we review those original reports, as well as the response of the NIH to these issues, which we argue has been inadequate. We also make recommendations on how the NIH can address racial disparities in grant funding and call on scientists to advocate for equity in federal grant funding.
Analysis of codon usage patterns of the chloroplast genome in Delphinium grandiflorum L. reveals a preference for AT-ending codons as a result of major selection constraints
Authors: Duan Huirong , Zhang Qian , Wang Chunmei , Li Fang , Tian Fuping , Lu Yuan , Hu Yu , Yang Hongshan , Cui Guangxin
Published: January 2021

Background

Codon usage bias analysis is a suitable strategy for identifying the principal evolutionary driving forces in different organisms. Delphinium grandiflorum L. is a perennial herb with high economic value and typical biological characteristics. Evolutionary analysis of D. grandiflorum can provide a rich resource of genetic information for developing hybridization resources of the genus Delphinium.

Methods

Synonymous codon usage (SCU) and related indices of 51 coding sequences from the D. grandiflorum chloroplast (cp) genome were calculated using Codon W, Cups of EMBOSS, SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Multivariate statistical analysis combined by principal component analysis (PCA), correspondence analysis (COA), PR2-plot mapping analysis and ENC plot analysis was then conducted to explore the factors affecting the usage of synonymous codons.

Results

The SCU bias of D. grandiflorum was weak and codons preferred A/T ending. A SCU imbalance between A/T and G/C at the third base position was revealed by PR2-plot mapping analysis. A total of eight codons were identified as the optimal codons. The PCA and COA results indicated that base composition (GC content, GC3 content) and gene expression were important for SCU bias. A majority of genes were distributed below the expected curve from the ENC plot analysis and up the standard curve by neutrality plot analysis. Our results showed that with the exception of notable mutation pressure effects, the majority of genetic evolution in the D. grandiflorum cp genome might be driven by natural selection.

Discussions

Our results provide a theoretical foundation for elucidating the genetic architecture and mechanisms of D. grandiflorum, and contribute to enriching D. grandiflorum genetic resources.
Effects of Drying Methods and Onion Bulb Variety on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Onion Powder
Authors: Koménan Ayéméné Cédrick Ardin , Bamba Bio Sigui Bruno , N’gouin Joëlle-Annabelle , Akré Marie Stella Hermance , Soro Yadé Réné
Published: January 2021

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a rich source of constituents that are beneficial to human health. However, the short shelf life of these vegetables are a major cause of postharvest losses during peak harvesting season. Drying is one of the most convenient technologies for shelf stable food products production. This study is aimed at assessing the effects of three drying methods (industrial oven, electric dryer and sun drying) on physicochemical (moisture content, ash content, pH, titratable acidity, total polyphenol contents) and functional properties (water solubility and particle sizes) of onion powders of two onion varieties (white and violet of galmi). From the results obtained, physicochemical and functional components are affected significantly (P<0.05) by drying process but not titratable acidity (to the order of 36 mEq/100g DM). In addition, the moisture content of onion powders were below 13.66±0.115, 14.73±0.115, 14.60±0.305 g/100g WM for industrial oven, electric dryer and sun drying respectively with pH between 3.29 and 5.16. In addition, these powders showed a small particle size (under 400 μm) and high solubility as 93.33±2.3, 72±0.5, 62.66±2.3 g/100 g DM for Electric dryer (ED), Industrial oven (IO) and Sun drying (SD) respectively. Furthermore, polyphenol content was almost different in all the different drying process with values between 721.32 to 962.26 mg GAE/100g DM. Moreover, all properties were varied significantly (P<0.05) between white and violet of galmi powders. The preferred drying method and onion variety were industrial oven and violet of galmi. Finally, these results could be a valorization way to promote an industrialization of onion powders.
Soil Nutrients Status and Cotton Yield as Influenced by Split Application of Nitrogen and Potassium in Vertisol
Authors: Gade Komal A. , Mali D. V. , Sonune B. A. , Jadhao S. D. , Bhoyar S. M. , Konde N. M. , Jadhao S. M. , Thakre G. V. , Nalge D. N.
Published: January 2021

The present investigation was conducted during 2018-19 with a view to study the effect of split application of nitrogen and potassium on yield of cotton and soil nutrient status at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment comprised of eight different treatments and their combination with foliar spray of 1 per cent MgSO4 at two different growth stages viz. flowering and boll development in randomized block design with three replications. The results of the present experiment revealed that, available nutrient status of soil was slightly increased with increase in the splits of N and K fertilizer. Available N, P, K, S and exchangeable Ca in soil were significantly increased with the split application of fertilizer. The fertilizer split did not show significant effect on the exchangeable magnesium status of soil. Foliar sprays of 1 per cent MgSO4 at two different growth stages viz. flowering and boll development irrespective of fertility levels showed slightly higher exchangeable magnesium status of soil. The lowest available N, P, K, S and exchangeable Ca and Mg was recorded in treatment of absolute control. The fertilizer splits show a consistent increase in the seed cotton yield and stalk yield of Bt cotton. Hence, it can be concluded that, application of 60:30:30 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1 with splits of nitrogen at basal, 30, 60 and 90 DAS, 100 per cent P2O5 as basal and K2O in two equal splits at basal and 60 DAS recorded significantly higher seed cotton and cotton stalk yield. The seed cotton (R2 = 0.913**) and stalk yield (R2 = 0.935**) was significantly and positively correlated with the soil organic carbon status.
Antioxidant Drug Design: Historical and Recent Developments
Authors: Egbujor Melford C. , Egu Samuel A. , Okonkwo Vivian I. , Jacob Alifa D. , Egwuatu Pius I. , Amasiatu Ifeanyi S.
Published: January 2021

The sustained interest in the design of potent antioxidants drugs over the years can be attributed to the indispensable roles antioxidants play in the mitigation of oxidative stress and its concomitant diseases. The high demand for exogenous antioxidants has been ascribed to the prevalence of oxidative stress-mediated diseases such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, cell aging, arteriosclerosis and central nervous system disorders occasioned by a biochemical disequilibrium between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to eliminate these reactive species from the biological system. COVID-19 severity and death have been linked to a free radical generating process known as the cytokine storm. In an attempt to maintain optimal body function, antioxidant supplementation has increasingly become a wide spread practice because of antioxidants’ ability to directly scavenge free radicals, inhibit oxidative chain reactions thereby increasing the antioxidant defenses of the body. Recent data showed that researchers had made significant efforts to demonstrate the importance and timeliness of antioxidant therapy based on drug design from natural and synthetic sources. Therefore this review presents antioxidant drug design methodologies, identifying the lead and hits to provide a historical and up-to-date collection of research briefs on antioxidant drug design into a single piece in order to ensure easy accessibility, motivate readership and inspire future researches.
Highly Tunable Near‐Room Temperature Ferromagnetism in Cr‐Doped Layered Td‐WTe2
Authors: Yang Li , Wu Hao , Zhang Liang , Zhang Wenfeng , Li Luying , Kawakami Tappei , Sugawara Katsuaki , Sato Takafumi , Zhang Gaojie , Gao Pengfei , Muhammad Younis , Wen Xiaokun , Tao Boran , Guo Fei , Chang Haixin
Published: January 2021

The discovery of type‐II Weyl semimetal states in layered transition metal dichalcogenides Td‐WTe2 indicates great potential for novel electronic, spintronic, and quantum devices. Theoretically, the interaction between the topological states and the magnetic ordered states of Td‐WTe2 enables the modulation of Weyl semimetal states by an external magnetic field. However, currently, ferromagnetism in layered Td‐WTe2 is still elusive and rarely observed. In this research, ferromagnetic order into WTe2 using magnetic chromium (Cr) doping with a two‐step Te flux strategy is introduced. The Curie temperature (Tc) and the ferromagnetic moment are well tuned with a Cr doping concentration. The Tc of the Cr‐doped layered Td‐WTe2 could be regulated from 182 to 283 K, which is close to room temperature. The saturation magnetic moment could be changed from 2.26 to 4.20 emu g–1, which is stronger than most values reported for these materials. Most intriguingly, the Cr‐doped layered Td‐WTe2 single crystals still exhibit semimetallic behavior and they possess very large magnetoresistance with obvious Shubnikov de Haas (SdH) quantum oscillations and an anomalous Hall effect. The findings offer feasible ways to induce and tune ferromagnetic orders in layered Td‐WTe2 and thus to control its topological phase with external magnetic fields.
Recent Advances of DNA Nanostructure‐Based Cell Membrane Engineering
Authors: Feng Lingyu , Li Jiang , Sun Jielin , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Shen Jianlei
Published: January 2021

Materials that can regulate the composition and structure of the cell membrane to fabricate engineered cells with defined functions are in high demand. Compared with other biomolecules, DNA has unique advantages in cell membrane engineering due to its excellent programmability and biocompatibility. Especially, the near‐atomic scale precision of DNA nanostructures facilitates the investigation of structure–property relations on the cell membrane. In this review, first the state of the art of functional DNA nanostructures is summarized, and then the overview of the use of DNA nanostructures to engineer the cell membrane is presented. Subsequently, applications of DNA nanostructures in modifying cell membrane morphology, controlling ions transport, and synthesizing high precise liposomes are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and outlook on using DNA nanostructures for cell membrane engineering are discussed.
Hetero‐MXenes: Theory, Synthesis, and Emerging Applications
Authors: Gao Lingfeng , Bao Wenli , Kuklin Artem V. , Mei Shan , Zhang Han , Ågren Hans
Published: January 2021

Since their discovery in 2011, MXenes (abbreviation for transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides) have emerged as a rising star in the family of 2D materials owing to their unique properties. Although the primary research interest is still focused on pristine MXenes and their composites, much attention has in recent years been paid also to MXenes with diverse compositions. To this end, this work offers a comprehensive overview of the progress on compositional engineering of MXenes in terms of doping and substituting from theoretical predictions to experimental investigations. Synthesis and properties are briefly introduced for pristine MXenes and then reviewed for hetero‐MXenes. Theoretical calculations regarding the doping/substituting at M, X, and T sites in MXenes and the role of vacancies are summarized. After discussing the synthesis of hetero‐MXenes with metal/nonmetal (N, S, P) elements by in situ and ex situ strategies, the focus turns to their emerging applications in various fields such as energy storage, electrocatalysts, and sensors. Finally, challenges and prospects of hetero‐MXenes are addressed. It is anticipated that this review will be beneficial to bridge the gap between predictions and experiments as well as to guide the future design of hetero‐MXenes with high performance.
Paper‐Embedded Roll‐to‐Roll Mass Printed Piezoelectric Transducers
Authors: Schmidt Georg C. , Panicker Pramul M. , Qiu Xunlin , Benjamin Aravindan J. , Quintana Soler Ricardo A. , Wils Issac , Hübler Arved C.
Published: January 2021

The trend to a world with ubiquitous electronics has the need for novel concepts for sensors and actuators that are lightweight, flexible, low‐cost, and also sustainable. Piezoelectric transducers on the basis of functional polymers can meet these expectations. In this work, a novel concept for paper‐embedded large‐area piezoelectric devices realized solely by means of roll‐to‐roll (R2R) mass printing and post printing technologies including inline poling are introduced. The device set‐up, as well as the process technology, offers the great opportunity for a cost‐efficient and environmentally friendly mass production of thin and flexible organic large‐area piezoelectric devices. As the functional layers are embedded into paper by the hot lamination of two poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) layers, the printed electronics is protected and invisible. The paper gives insights to the R2R printing of a 500 m long web including R2R post printing processes and electrical and acoustic inline characterization. Fully R2R processed devices show a high remnant polarization of up to 78 mC m−2 and can be realized with high yield of >90%. Finally, a 360° surround‐sound installation realized with a 387 cm long paper web consisting of 56 piezoelectric speakers including wiring is presented.
Laser Fabrication of Bioinspired Gradient Surfaces for Wettability Applications
Authors: Wu Junrui , Yin Kai , Xiao Si , Wu Zhipeng , Zhu Zhuo , Duan Ji‐An , He Jun
Published: January 2021

Inspired by nature, gradient surfaces have attracted broad research interest because of their potential in microfluidics, fog/water collection, and water electrolysis. Among the various techniques for preparing gradient surfaces, laser processing is substrate‐independent, facile and efficient, pattern‐diverse, which can be used to prepare diverse gradient surfaces. Here, recent advances in the laser fabrication of gradient surfaces for wettability applications are summarized. The preparation principles of gradient surfaces and advantages of laser processing are introduced. Various laser fabrication strategies and wettability applications of gradient surfaces including wettability gradients and geometric gradients are discussed. Challenges and future perspectives for the laser fabrication of gradient surfaces are finally presented.
Capillary‐Force‐Driven Switchable Delamination of Nanofilms and Its Application to Green Selective Transfer
Authors: Kang Sumin , Kim Taek‐Soo
Published: January 2021

Technology for transferring nanofilm patterns is important in the fabrication of next‐generation electronic devices. However, with existing transfer methods, selective control of the delamination region is challenging without recourse to conventional lithographic techniques, which involve equipment‐intensive and toxic‐chemical etching processes. Here, capillary‐force‐driven switchable delamination of nanofilms and its application to a green selective transfer process are presented. The capillary‐force‐driven delamination is easily and spontaneously implemented by dipping an Au–Si specimen into water at an oblique angle; no other chemicals or additional processes are required. Moreover, the delamination behavior is switched by changing the hydrophobic Au surface to hydrophilic. The mechanism of switchable delamination is investigated by considering the primary influencing factors which are wettability of Au surface and surface tension of water platform. The switchable delamination allows the selective transfer of nanofilm patterns by locally modulating surface wettability. Diverse nanofilm patterns and structures including spiral, serpentine, and van der Waals heterostructures are demonstrated. Furthermore, various nanofilm materials are used in the transfer process by exploiting Au nanofilm as a debonding layer. Finally, a unique technique for assembly and one‐step transfer of nanofilm devices is suggested using the selective transfer method.
Active Tuning of Optical Constants in the Visible–UV: Praseodymium‐Doped Ceria—a Model Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductor
Authors: Kalaev Dmitri , Tuller Harry L.
Published: January 2021

Mixed ionic–electronic conductors offer chemical and electrical means for active tuning of their optical constants, e.g., with variations in oxygen non‐stoichiometry in Pr0.1Ce0.9O2–δ, enabling implementation of adaptive thin film optical devices. In situ chemo‐tuning of the extinction coefficient in Pr0.1Ce0.9O2–δ at elevated temperatures is demonstrated and a tuning model is provided that treats the interdependence of mobile oxygen vacancies and small polarons coupled to variations in optically active praseodymium ions. Furthermore, a new means for electro‐tuning of the optical constants of mixed ionic–electronic conductors is demonstrated experimentally and modeled for Pr0.1Ce0.9O2–δ thin films deposited on grid‐like electrode structures. Modeling of non‐steady‐state optical transmittance modulations in the latter allows for estimation of oxygen vacancy mobility that determines the switching speed of the device. Quenched‐in values of nr and k to room temperature become nonvolatile, providing a modulation range in the extinction coefficient of Δk ≈ 0.1 (change of ≈800%) and in the refractive index of Δnr ≈ 0.1 (relative to initial nr of ≈2.35). Key figures of merit, including transmission optical modulation of ≈0.04 per 1 mV nm–1, switching energy per area of 1.9 nJ µm–2, and switching times of seconds, are demonstrated, with further improvements possible.
Biogenic Fraction Determination in Fuel Blends by Laser‐Based 14CO2 Detection
Authors: Delli Santi Maria Giulia , Bartalini Saverio , Cancio Pablo , Galli Iacopo , Giusfredi Giovanni , Haraldsson Conny , Mazzotti Davide , Pesonen Antto , De Natale Paolo
Published: January 2021

A widespread use of biofuels is a key recommendation of the Paris Agreement and leading international organizations. It is an important step to mitigate the global warming effects due to greenhouse‐gas emissions from fossil oils. To this aim, an analytical technique sufficiently cheap and compact, to foster its widespread adoption, is necessary. Herein, it is shown that a compact, laser‐based spectrometer is suitable to replace the few established techniques, which have been used to quantify the biofraction in fuel blends, so far. Measurements of the biogenic fraction in different fuel samples are reported, with a precision of 1% in the whole range (0–100%) of possible blends, confirming a performance comparable to the best existing technique. An onsite‐deployable saturated‐absorption cavity ring‐down (SCAR) spectrometer is used. The results demonstrate the potential of laser‐based instrumentation to do the accurate and precise measurements required for the certification of biogenic content of any hydrocarbon‐based material. Worldwide adoption of such laser‐based technology for biofraction certification can significantly boost the market of biofuels and can prove to be a disruptive methodology for assessing the biogenic content in plastics and polymeric materials.
Multi‐Scale Design of Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Materials for Energy Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liang Zibin , Qiu Tianjie , Gao Song , Zhong Ruiqin , Zou Ruqiang
Published: January 2021

The development of advanced energy conversion systems such as fuel cells and electrolyzers with desirable efficiency and durability is of great significance in order to power society in a sustainable way, which highly depends on the fabrication of electrocatalysts with desirable electrochemical performance. Multi‐scale design of electrocatalysts from the atomic scale to device‐scale is crucial to achieve optimal overall electrochemical performance in terms of activity, selectivity, and durability. Benefitting from their highly diverse and tunable structures and compositions, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising platforms to design and synthesize electrocatalysts at multiple scales for energy electrocatalysis. Herein, the fundamental principles and recent progress in multi‐scale design of MOF‐derived materials from the aspects of active sites, interfaces, pore structures, and morphologies are summarized. Moreover, precise control of these variables, to meet the requirements of specific energy‐related reactions including oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), and N2 reduction reaction is critically discussed. Furthermore, challenges and future research directions in multi‐scale design and fabrication of MOF‐derived electrocatalysts for real‐world energy conversion applications are provided.
Skilling the Gap: 21 Conversations on Designing Education for Those Left Behind as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Advance
Authors: Gemmell Laura , Wenham Lucy , Hauert Sabine
Published: January 2021

Robotics and artificial intelligence (RAI) is advancing rapidly. These advances risk exacerbating inequalities unless the benefits are shared across society. Education in RAI is often aimed at business leaders and students. While education designed for these groups is needed, it is not accessible by everyone, and there is potential for people to be left behind. To understand the barriers in designing an educational scheme for those often missed by other initiatives, a pilot study was conducted. Twenty‐one semi‐structured interviews were held with Thought‐Leaders, Industry, Adult Educators, and Members of the Public. A thematic analysis was used to allow themes not previously thought of to arise. Looking at the findings through the lens of leaving no one behind presents three themes, which need to be addressed for education to be successful. First, as well as education for those designing RAI and education for everyday life, there needs to be education for those working with RAI. Second, work is needed to overcome preconceptions. The views of learners on RAI, potential “gatekeeping” of experts, and attitudes to training from industry can create barriers to education. Finally, education should be co‐designed with communities to ensure it is relevant to the learners' needs and lives.
4D Printing: Enabling Technology for Microrobotics Applications
Authors: Adam Georges , Benouhiba Amine , Rabenorosoa Kanty , Clévy Cédric , Cappelleri David J.
Published: January 2021

This review demonstrates that 4D printing constitutes a key technology to enable significant advances in microrobotics. Unlike traditional microfabrication techniques, 4D printing provides higher versatility, more sophisticated designs, and a wide range of sensing and actuation possibilities, opening wide new avenues for the next generation of microrobots. It brings disruptive solutions in terms of variety of stimuli, workspaces, motion complexities, response time, function execution, and genuinely 3D microrobots. This review brings to light how soft and smart materials directly printed in 3D are particularly well suited for microrobotics requirements. This review gives an overview of 4D printing in microrobotics, highlighting advanced microrobotics requirements, fabrication methods, used smart materials, activation techniques, recent advances in the microrobotics field, and emerging opportunities.
Effect of carbon nanotubes functionalization on properties of their nanocomposites with polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) matrix
Authors: Granada Jonas E. , Maron Guilherme K. , Beatrice Cesar A. G. , Larocca Nelson M. , Moreira Eduardo C. , Alano José H. , Pessan Luiz A. , Santana Ruth M. C. , Carreño Neftali L. V. , de Oliveira Amanda D.
Published: January 2021

In this work, a comparative study evaluating the influence of different functionalization of carbon nanotubes on the properties of nanocomposites with polymeric matrix was performed. A 50/50 wt% polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS) blend was used as polymeric matrix of the nanocomposites. The comparison was made between nanocomposites reinforced with covalently functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTf) and MWCNTf/nanoclay hybrid functionalization. The effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated through tensile and Izod impact tests and scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The thermal characterization of PC/ABS blends and nanocomposites was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that both methods of functionalization of MWCNTs increased the stiffness and impact resistance of the nanocomposites. TEM micrographs indicated the preferred location of the reinforcements in the SAN phase of ABS. Results from DSC indicated an increase in the thermal resistance of the nanocomposites.
Assessment of interfacial polymerization modalities on the performance of polyaniline doped polyethersulphone hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Tewfik Shadia R. , Sorour Mohamed H. , Shaalan Hayam F. , Hani Heba A. , Abulnour Abdelghani M. G. , Sayed Eman S.
Published: January 2021

Polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes doped with polyaniline were coated by interfacial polymerization (IP) using different monomer pairs. The coated fibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, water contact angle (CA), porosity, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the performance of coated fibers has been tested at low to medium pressure by measuring pure water flux and magnesium sulfate salt solution. Characteristics and performance have been assessed and compared for all samples. Porosity decreased for all coated samples as compared to the raw sample. Optimum results were obtained using m‐phenylenediamine and trimesoyl chloride depicting the lowest water CA (68°), highest Young's modulus (183 MPa), lowest pure water flux (0.28 LMH/bar), and the highest salt rejection (63% at 9 bar).
Oil‐ and water‐resistant paper substrate using blends of chitosan‐graft‐polydimethylsiloxane and poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Nair Aditya , Kansal Dhwani , Khan Ajmir , Rabnawaz Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Reported herein is an economical, plastic‐ and fluorine‐free coating approach for oil and water repellent paper substrates using blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan‐graft‐polydimethylsiloxane copolymer. The obtained coated paper showed good water‐resistance, as evidenced by its low Cobb60 values of ~20 ± 2.1 g/m2 and high water contact angles of 119 ± 6.3 °. The kit rating of the coated paper was 7.6/12, indicating decent grease‐resistant properties as compared to the kit value of 0/12 for the uncoated paper. The coated paper is also repulpable as demonstrated by the complete washing off the coating from the coated paper. Giving the cost‐effective nature of the coating materials and good water and oil‐resistant properties of the coated paper, the approach developed here is commercially viable, and will offer a multitude of environmental benefits such as the elimination of microplastic‐ and PFAS problems associated with existing paper coatings.