bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violation of the right to privacy on the internet portals in Serbia: Case studies of portals Espreso and B92
Authors: Grigorov Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

This study analyses the characteristics and possibilities of protection of privacy rights on the Internet portals in the Republic of Serbia. The article examines the relationship between these rights and the right to freedom of expression. In accordance with that, the article presented the self-regulatory documents of the Republic of Serbia concerning the media, that serve as the ethical standard of journalists' conduct: The Journalist's Code of Ethics from 2006 and the Guidelines for the Application of the Journalist's Code of Ethics in Online Environment from 2016, the honoring of which is under the jurisdiction of the Press Council. The research is based on the analysis of cases where the privacy rights, dignity and integrity of persons were violated and it includes comparative research of the media reporting on two portals (Espreso and B92) during two separate periods of monitoring the compliance with the the Journalist's Code and the Guidelines in Online Environment. The first monitoring was conducted in cooperation with the Press Council in the period from October 1st to November 30th 2017, while the repeated independent monitoring was conducted in the period from March 1st to March 31 2018, in order to determine whether there had been an improvement on both portals. The monitoring showed that there are violations of privacy rights on both portals, most often in the 'Chronicle' section. The privacy of the victims is violated more frequently than that of the suspects. Also, despite there being a clear reference in the Code about the need of protecting the identity of minors, there have been multiple violations of children's right to privacy, especially in the 'Chronicle' section.
Representation of persons with disabilities in the Serbian press: Analysis of daily newspapers 'Blic' and 'Danas'
Authors: Trajković Jovana
Published: February 2021

Low social awareness of disability issues maintains discriminatory attitudes in society and does not contribute to improving the position of persons with disabilities. The media play a significant role in this because they produce new or reproduce existing meanings through representation. The media represent different identities and act as a forum for the social construction of reality, they construct and reproduce the social definition of disability. A highly discriminatory society is the main reason for the difficult life of people with disabilities, but objective media coverage of the topic of disability and persons with disabilities can improve this situation. Such reporting would contribute to changing the stereotypical attitudes towards which a person with a disability is viewed as one who needs help and pity, without considering physical and cultural barriers created in society. If living conditions were adapted to people with disabilities to the extent that they were adapted to all other persons, the quality of life of persons with disabilities would be significantly improved. In the research conducted for the purposes of this paper, we came to the conclusion that print media in Serbia do not devote sufficient space to the topic of disability, and generally report stereotypically.
An analysis of accrual-based earnings management in large Serbian companies
Authors: Miletić Snežana , Vučković-Milutinović Savka
Published: February 2021

This study analyzes systematic differences in earnings management across 215 large companies operating in the real sector in the Republic of Serbia in the period from 2009 to 2017. To achieve the main goal of the study, we constructed an aggregate measure which covers several aspects of accrual-based earnings management. The results indicate that the accrual-based earnings management, which is immanent to economies with underdeveloped capital markets, weak investor protection and frequent changes in the regulatory framework coupled with inefficient judiciary, is widespread among large Serbian companies. Having found significant differences in the levels of earnings management across companies, we examined the mean values of the aggregate earnings management measure for numerous categorical variables in order to identify whether individual company characteristics are related to incentives for aggressive exploitation of accounting discretion.
Legal uncertainty as the impediment to economic growth of Serbia
Authors: Babin Mihajlo , Radosavljević Goran , Đokić Ivan
Published: February 2021

Legal uncertainty represents one of the major impediments to sustainable economic growth of transition countries. Inadequate legal framework is often the source of legal uncertainty and strong impediment to effective rule of law and efficient judiciary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of penal policy on the prevention of tax indiscipline. The improvement of legal framework and tax discipline creates a synergistic effect for attraction of FDI, enhanced allocation of resources and higher economic growth. The analysis of the shortcomings of the existing legal solution is accompanied by the assessment of the prevailing case law and tax evasion criminalization in the selected European countries. Holistic approach to research allowed for the development of a specific proposal for the enhancement of legal framework and, consequently, the increase of legal certainty with positive effects on the economic growth of Serbia in the medium and long term.
Economic impact of the creative industry and the example of Serbia
Authors: Kovačević Igor , Anić Aleksandra , Ribić Maja , Đorđević-Zorić Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

The creative industry plays an important role in the economic development of countries. Its role has been the topic of various studies, confirming not just the importance, but also the specifics of its operations and characteristics. Creative industry in Serbia is an important part of the economy. This paper creates additional value in terms of understanding its economic impact and shows that this sector in Serbia demonstrated evident growth in the analysed period, with the average increment rate of the number of entities being 6.2% when observing the narrow classification and 7.8% when observing the broad one. Having in mind the structure of the sector in Serbia, 73.8-77% of its participants are entrepreneurs, and 92-93% of the companies are micro firms. In addition to this, most of the creative industry firms are registered in the capital city. In the observed period, GVA of the creative industry's private sector increased by 64.9% in terms of the narrow classification, with average annual growth rate of 18.1%. The share of GVA in GDP of the creative industry when taking into account the broad classification is higher compared to certain traditional industries in Serbia, such as construction, and somewhat lower than the share the agriculture. This paper also analyses the employment structure in this sector and its impact on overall employment.
Comparative overview of the state of agricultural insurance in Serbia and Croatia
Authors: Radović Gordana
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to assess the level of agricultural insurance development for family agricultural farms in Serbia and Croatia. To that end, a comparative analysis of the characteristics of agricultural insurance and of the level of its development for family agricultural farms was conducted for these two countries, which were taken as comparative examples due to significant similarities relevant for the subject of research. According to the categorization of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the territories of both countries are dominated by rural areas which are, according to the structure of the agricultural entities, dominated by family agricultural farms, while agriculture has approximately the same share in gross domestic product (GDP) of both countries. The author analyzes the development of agricultural insurance from 2006 to 2018, with family agricultural farms that can be considered micro enterprises important for the growth of the insurance industry in the observed countries. Based on the conducted research, the author concludes that in both Serbia and Croatia, agricultural insurance of family agricultural farms is underdeveloped and that there are significant opportunities for the growth of the insurance industry in this market segment. In 2018, only 3.99% of all family agricultural farms in Serbia were insured, with this percentage being 4.26% in Croatia. Bearing in mind that supply is satisfactory, that solvency should not be viewed as a problem, as is often done, given there is significant subsidization of agricultural insurance premiums, it will be necessary, before all, to develop demand.
Contribution to the analysis of the frame stiffness of the cranes with loading-unloading trolley
Authors: Gašić Milomir , Savković Mile , Zdravković Nebojša , Marković Goran
Published: February 2021

The paper analyzes the dependence of the stiffness of the support frames of the cranes with loading-unloading trolley on the change of geometrical parameters of the frames. The calculation model of the frames with transverse stiffness was formed because it additionally stiffens the supporting surface of the frames for connection with the axial-radial bearing. The relations of characteristic geometrical sizes of longitudinal and transverse elements were established, at which the necessary stiffness of the frames of loading-unloading trolley was achieved. Also, the variables and constants of geometric size were introduced, as well as the constant values of appropriate coefficients, the variation of which provides the possibility to form the optimal structure of the frames of loading-unloading trolley.
Institutional and functional frameworks for capital markets in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Simić Nataša , Božilović-Đokić Dragana , Đokić Vladimir
Published: February 2021

Globalization of financial flows, monetary integration, deregulation and cutting-edge information technology promote the growth of efficient capital market, as an integral part of national financial markets. The aim of this paper is to point out advantages and disadvantages of the development of relatively new capital market in the transition period of the Serbian economy. In the broadest sense, financial market is an organized place, where supply and demand for financial asset meet, forming the price of financial asset. In short, financial market includes all the institutions and procedures by which sellers and buyers of financial instruments are connected regardless of the nature of financial instrument. It enables unhindered funds and capital flow to the place where it can be employed most efficiently. Financial market development, depth and stability are crucial for economic growth and they are also a significant indicator of national market development in relation to its environment.
A process for assessing organization
Authors: Đorđević Branislav
Published: February 2021

The process of conducting an evaluation of organization design and performance remains a form of art or craft which each researcher or analyst is forced to learn by apprenticeship or reinvent by trial and error. Most research methodology texts assume that the researcher is the sole decision maker and user of the results of a studying question. In practice, assessments of complex organizations occur in contexts where the interests and value judgments of many stakeholders need to be taken into account. As a result, people who are commissioned to conduct an organization assessment are confronted with three problems that are largely ignored by organization theorists and research methodologists. (1) Who should decide what measures should be used as the criteria for evaluating an organization? (2) Whose conceptual model or framework should be used to guide the assessment? (3) How can facilitate learning and use of results within the organization being assessed? This chapter delves into these problems by attempting to (1) clarify some of the conceptual confusion on goals, values, and facts regarding measures of organizational effectiveness. (2) suggest a process model that may be useful for designing and conducting studies to assess organization design and performance, and (3) report our learning experiences in using the process model to guide two longitudinal assessments of organizations.
Conceptualizations and approaches in defining cooperative learning
Authors: Semiz Marina
Published: February 2021

The uses of the concept of cooperative learning in the literature, in practice and in everyday speech suggest considerable vagueness and fluidity, particularly with regard to its content, namely, whether it refers primarily to a form of learning, a learning strategy, a teaching method, an instructional strategy, a pedagogical approach, or a system of instruction. This paper aims to present and critically analyze existing conceptualizations of cooperative learning and approaches to its definition, and thus present the position of cooperative learning in relation to relevant and related concepts within a concept network. Through analysis of concepts and definitions within the logic and methodology of social sciences (pedagogical) research, the following conclusions have been drawn: a) in the papers analyzed there are multiple meanings of cooperative learning; b) there are descriptive, prescriptive and connotative definitions of cooperative learning; c) there are psychological and pedagogical approaches to its definition, and there is an evident lack of consensus among authors on the position of this concept in the network of related concepts. The plurality of meanings in which this concept is used, and the difficulties with its definition, have been related to the different contexts of its application, the variety of authors' theoretical and methodological approaches, the complexity of the concept itself, and, in some cases, the inaccurate uses of the concept for research and practical purposes.
E-books in foreign language learning from the students' perspective: A review of research
Authors: Pavlović Dragana , Petrović Dina
Published: February 2021

This paper looks at the use of e-books in higher education, with special reference to the perceptions of foreign language students, as over the last decade there has been a noticeable tendency in this population towards increased use of e-books for their studies. Due to their technical characteristics, primarily multimediality and interactivity, e-books have great potential for foreign language learning at all levels. Therefore, in the relevant literature there is an increasing number of studies dealing with various aspects of e-book use in foreign language acquisition. The aim of this paper is to present a review of published studies pertaining to student perceptions of the potential, advantages and drawbacks of e-books in content learning in the field of foreign languages. The structure of the paper comprises an introductory section, a section on the emergence of e-books, a review of research in higher education, and a review of studies in which data on foreign language students' perceptions of the use of e-books in their studies were obtained using empirical methods. In the conclusion, it is noted that students use e-books, that they are acquainted with their advantages and drawbacks, but that they nevertheless prefer the use of printed books for studying. Students' attitudes suggest that e-books, due to their technical characteristics, can have high applicability in foreign language learning in terms of vocabulary expansion, better comprehension, the development of reading habits and text analysis.
Somos todas iguais ou somos todas diferentes?
Authors: Grützmacher dos Santos Flavia , Berselli Marcia
Published: February 2021

A sociedade contemporânea tem muitos padrões a serem seguidos: estéticos, formas de pensar e formas de agir. Pessoas que fogem de tais padrões, muitas vezes são vistas como desencaixadas (BERSELLI; ISAACSSON, 2018) e o ambiente escolar é um dos lugares que mais reforça padrões: estudantes enfileiradas, aprendendo os mesmos conteúdos, buscando as mesmas notas e não podendo dialogar. Práticas cênicas que vão contra o discurso dominante (FORTIN, 2011), são vistas aqui como possíveis potencializadoras de debates acerca das diferenças, promovendo uma revisão de entendimentos acerca da deficiência e eficiência ao colocarem a pessoa como centro das pesquisas a partir de experiências práticas. Com tamanha potencialidade, elas podem estar no ambiente escolar a partir dos anos iniciais, proporcionando práticas e experiências que evidenciem as singularidades de cada pessoa e o respeito por cada corpo.
Caminhos do processo.
Authors: Schultz Myczkowski Rafael
Published: February 2021

A presente pesquisa é fruto de práticas participativas junto a pessoas com deficiência. A partir da dissertação e exposição Apagamentos retratos da privação, busquei responder aos apagamentos sociais da deficiência no campo da arte atrelando práticas participativas, processos fotográficos alternativos e o reencontro com as pessoas que fizeram parte da minha produção artística. Por meio de um laboratório de experimentações fotográficas – adaptado e portátil – intencionei possibilitar que pessoas com deficiência elaborassem seu próprio discurso, estimulando diálogos, a produção de imagens e contribuindo assim com as discussões sobre precariedade e reconhecimento no contexto da arte. A pesquisa e a prática artística apresentada e discutida neste artigo culminaram na exposição Permanências do reencontro realizada no Museu da Escola Catarinense — MESC — compondo-se pela apresentação dos processos e seus resultados fotográficos.
Análise integrada da paisagem na bacia hidrográfica de Coronel João Pessoa/RN
Authors: Rêgo Alana Ticiane Alves do , Costa Helves Cleverton Guerra , Nobre Samilly Brito , Souza Rafael Silva de , Queiroz Júnior Antônio Batista de , Lima Ricassilly Isac Bruno Rufino , Costa Talita Tássia da , Roque Francisco Soares , Bezerra Joel Medeiros
Published: February 2021

A análise de uma paisagem a partir de uma bacia hidrográfica possui a vantagem de deter limites bem definidos, onde o modelo e formato da bacia definem os arranjos da paisagem, o que reflete os efeitos de forma óbvia decorrentes das atividades antrópicas na área. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar uma análise integrada da paisagem por meio de recursos das geotecnologias ao considerar aspectos físicos e ambientais da Bacia Hidrográfica de Coronel João Pessoa/RN. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa e compreensão da diversidade e complexidade da paisagem, elaborou-se cartas temáticas para caracterização de atributos físicos e ambientais da unidade territorial. Foram identificadas as APP’s no qual foram classificadas como as encostas de declividade acima de 45%, reservatórios em zona rural, nascentes e rede de drenagem, onde, o uso do solo nessas áreas para fins de agricultura, pastagem, instalação de edifícios com rede de esgoto, tem alertado para possíveis fragilidades ambientais nessas áreas. A análise integrada multitemporal da paisagem entre 2009 e 2019, mostra uma expansão da vegetação nativa e um aumento significativo das águas superficiais, apesar da diminuição de precipitações pluviométricas. Verificou-se uma diminuição das ações antrópicas, que não foi o suficiente para reduzir a área de solo exposto, assim como a presença de afloramento rochoso ao longo da superfície terrestre da bacia. Em relação a cobertura vegetal, esta sofreu uma redução em áreas com declividade acima de 45%, logo, é possível inferir que houve crescente desmatamento da área devido, principalmente, as atividades antrópicas recorrentes nestas áreas, como a agricultura.
Socio-Economic Benefit of Fuel-Wood Marketing on the Host Communities of Onigambari Forest Reserve, Nigeria
Authors: Ayetan G. , Alli-Balogun A. S. , Fadele O. A. , Layade K. T.
Published: February 2021

Fuel wood extraction and marketing is one of the off farm activities for rural dwellers around the forest reserve of Oyo State, Nigeria. The assessment of fuel wood extraction on the rural dwellers’ livelihoods was carried out using multi-stage sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used to select Onigambari Forest Reserve where fuel wood extraction is one of the major off-farm businesses by the rural dwellers. Random sampling was also used to select 50% of the registered fuel wood marketers by Oyo State department of forestry. Structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews waere used to generate data. Data collected were analysed through tables of percentage. Results showed that fuel wood marketing is a profitable business with an average of 54,000 gains per month by the respondents. Fuel wood business has helped the respondents to possess properties such as houses, land for building, farmland and vehicles. Farming activities in the study area have also improved drastically as many of the respondents had farming as their primary occupation and their gains from fuel wood business were re-invested into farmland and haulage vehicles.
Influence of ABO and Rhesus Blood Group on Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Bayelsa State
Authors: Ojeka S. O. , Dapper D. V. , Egbejimi A. M.
Published: February 2021

Aim: This present study was carried out to ascertain the influences of ABO and Rhesus blood groups on blood pressure and hypertension among normotensive and hypertensive patients attending cardiologic clinic in Niger delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross sectional study design was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Cardiology Clinics in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, from February 2020 to November 2020.

Methodology: This study was carried out on 800 participants, consisting of 400 each of apparently healthy Normotensive and Hypertensive individuals. The blood pressures were determined using palpatory and auscultatory (stethoscope and sphygmomanometer) method in both control and hypertensive groups and their ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined using the slide haemagglutination technique. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software to perform Chi-square test.

Results: The frequency of the various blood groups was A-20.0%, B-16.8%, AB-13.3% and O-50.0% for the normotensive individuals and A-12.0%, B-15.5%, AB-17.8% and O-54.8%, for the hypertensive individuals. The frequency of ABO blood groups in both the normotensive and hypertensive group was therefore found to be O>B>A>AB. The prevalence of blood group O and rhesus O-ve was found to be  associated with elevated blood pressure and the development of hypertension while prevalence of blood group AB was found to be lowest in the same group, but was not significant statistically (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure of different blood groups.

Conclusion: Blood group O was found to be the most common blood group in our study. Blood group O- was also found to be more prone to hypertension. However, there was no statistically significant association between ABO blood groups and Hypertension.
Eco-physiological Responses of Amaranthus cruentus L. to Deficit Irrigation under Different NPK 20:10:10 Fertilization Rates
Authors: Tabot Pascal Tabi , Mebong Mfombep Priscilla
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research was to investigate the responses of Amaranthus cruentus L. to deficit irrigation under fertilization, in a 2 by 3 factorial experiment with two levels of irrigation (1.5 litre/week and 0.75 litre/week) corresponding to 2600 and 1300 mm/year respectively and three levels of NPK 20:10:10 (0, 138, 275 kg ha-1). This experiment was conducted in a screen house in Cameroon, and lasted for 12 weeks after the nursery phase. Growth parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Destructive sampling was done at 12 WAT to determine biomass partitioning, water use efficiency and the root/shoot ratio. Data were analyzed for variance and relationships in the MINITAB Version 17 statistical package. Within each irrigation level, plant mass decreased as fertilizer rates decreased, while root: Shoot ratio increased instead. Plant mass expressed higher values at the higher irrigation levels while root: Shoot ratio was lower compared to that at lower irrigation levels. This shows a strategy for resource re-allocation to roots under both water and nutrient deficit. Harvest index was statistically similar across irrigation and fertilizer levels. Within the higher irrigation levels, WUE of plants decreased with a decrease in fertilizer rates but not for plants subjected to deficit irrigation. While chlorophyll fluorescence values differed significantly across treatments, all values were below 0.8, indicative of stress. Factor analysis showed that growth of A. cruentus was highly fertilizer-dependent, while chlorophyll fluorescence was irrigation-dependent. This suggest that fertilizer application is essential in ameliorating the effects of deficit irrigation, and will be essential in the production of this crop under deficit irrigation.
Evaluation and Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Nutritional Composition of Cucurbita maxima and Vigna unguiculata Leaf Extracts
Authors: Sha’a K. K.
Published: February 2021

Antioxidant activities and nutritional composition are essential ingredients normally considered in the choice of vegetables for human consumption. Leafy vegetables in particular, are regarded as protective foods in human diet due to their many health benefits. The aim of this research was to carry out the quantitative phytochemical screening, the antioxidant activities of extracts and determine the nutritional content of Cucurbita maxima and Vigna unguiculata leaves. Quantitative phytochemical screening were conducted using standard techniques. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine antioxidant activities of these extracts. Nutritional composition was determined using standard procedures.  Quantitative analysis revealed the phytochemicals in C. maxima and V. unguiculata as; saponins (1.03%, and 1.34%), tannins (3.49% and 2.60%), terpenoids (0.0% and 0.47%), flavonoids (2.81% and 4.11%), alkaloids (5.72% and 3.5%), phenols (4.02% and 3.83%) respectively. There was a significant (p=0.05) difference in radical scavenging activity of ethanol leaf extract of V. unguiculata comprared to C. maxima. In FRAP both plants’ extract revealed a good antioxidant reducing power at 100mg/ml (range 0.40 to 0.5 absorbance) at 700nM. Antioxidant activities of extracts is attributed to their flavonoid and phenolic contents. Proximate analysis revealed the nutrients for C. maxima and V. unguiculata as; crude protein (11.58% and 14.83%), crude fat (0.47% and 0.61%), ash (4.11% and 3.72%), crude fiber (6.95 and 4.68%), moisture (1.03% and 1.38%), carbohydrate (75.86% and 74.78%) respectively. This shows that the leaves are a good source of energy to both humans and animals. Also, both vegetables revealed good percentages of proteins which can be used to compliment other sources of protein.
Seed Quality Status of Rice Varieties Based on Physical Properties, Seed Health and Proximate Composition
Authors: Rauf Farjana , Sagar Ashaduzzaman , Rahman Taufiqur , Hossain M. Abul , Kabir Humayun , Hossain A. K. M. Zakir
Published: February 2021

In the present study, seed quality status of fifteen rice varieties were evaluated for physical properties, health status and proximate composition. Physical properties like moisture content, seed purity, germination and vigor index varied between 11.77-14.67%, 96.08-98.93%, 96.50 to 99.00% and 1972.74 to 2639.76, respectively. The shoot length and root length of seedlings were from 8.93 cm to 12.99 cm and 10.89 cm to 14.22 cm, respectively. Seed health was determined by blotter test method. Five seed-borne fungi were detected and the identified fungi were Bipolaris oryzae (1.00-8.50%.), Fusarium moniliforme (0.50-3.50%), Fusarium oxysporum (0.50-9.00%.), Curvularia lunata (0.00-7.50%) and Alternaria padwickii (0.00-4.00%). Proximate composition analysis assessment was done using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method. The dry matter, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate were between 92.52- 93.77%, 2.39-6.70%, 8.65-14.27%, 6.51-9.13%, 1.23-1.97% and 62.84-71.06%, respectively.
Fracture Strength Characterization of the Die Active Side and Back Side for a Realistic Die Crack Assessment
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the characterization of an integrated circuit (IC) silicon die fracture strength to have a realistic die crack assessment. The evaluation was conducted using a 3-point bend test setup to measure the die strength of actual IC dies. Both the active side and the back side of the IC die were tested for 2 types of dies with different active side circuit layout. Results showed that the difference in the die active side circuit layout or structure has impact on die strength. It was also found that the active side was weaker than the back side. This implies that both the active side and the back side of an actual IC die must be subjected to fracture strength characterization to have an assessment that would be in a better agreement with real condition. Using only the strength of the back side would result in over-estimating the die strength. The common approach of using the fracture strength of the die back side to characterize the die strength is not realistic and can mislead the assessment of die crack or semiconductor package robustness.
Sustaining Interstate Land Transportation in Nigeria Amidst Consumers’ Changing Tastes and Preferences: An Investigative Report
Authors: Chinedu Anyanwu Hilary
Published: February 2021

Encircled by profit centric inter-state land transporters, middle class consumers (passengers) in Nigeria have echoed their resolve to adopt any land transport company with robust value creation for passengers due to their hedonistic tendencies. This investigative report sought to ascertain the likelihood of middle class consumers adopting a modern and equipped transportation company for inter-state journeys. It specifically identified factors that optimize value creation among middle class consumers, assessed the level of adoption intention, and determined the predictive effect of adoption intention on adoption behavior/continued patronage for a perceived modern and equipped transportation company for inter-state journeys. Using a mixed method, the report identified prioritization of timely departure, free access to communication facilities (Free Wi-Fi) while aboard, efficient response to consumer enquiries and complaints, and vehicle condition which is instrumental to passengers’ safety as the core factors that determine value creation among middle class inter-state passengers in Nigeria. Results further revealed that almost 90% of the respondents exhibited high adoption intention level for a perceived modern and equipped transportation company. Lastly, findings showed that consumers’ adoption intention significantly predicted adoption behavior/continued patronage for a perceived modern and equipped transportation company.  Implications of the findings are also discussed.
Mitochondrial STAT3 regulates antioxidant gene expression through complex I‐derived NAD in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Lahiri Tanaya , Brambilla Lara , Andrade Joshua , Askenazi Manor , Ueberheide Beatrix , Levy David E.
Published: February 2021

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor with roles in inflammation and tumorigenicity. A fraction of STAT3 localizes in mitochondria, where it augments tumorigenesis via regulation of mitochondrial functions, including modulation of respiration and redox status. We show a novel mechanism for mitochondrial STAT3 regulation of redox homeostasis in triple‐negative breast cancer cells. Loss of STAT3 diminished complex I dehydrogenase activity and impaired NAD+ regeneration, leading to impaired expression of glutathione biosynthetic genes and other antioxidant genes. Expressing mitochondrially restricted STAT3 or replenishment of the cellular NAD pool restored antioxidant gene expression, as did complementation of the NADH dehydrogenase activity by expression of the STAT3‐independent yeast dehydrogenase, NDI1. These NAD‐regulated processes contributed to malignant phenotypes by promoting clonal cell growth and migration. Proximity interaction and protein pull‐down assays identified three components of complex I that associated with mitochondrial STAT3, providing a potential mechanistic basis for how mitochondrial STAT3 affects complex I activity. Our data document a novel mechanism through which mitochondrial STAT3 indirectly controls antioxidant gene regulation through a retrograde NAD+ signal that is modulated by complex I dehydrogenase activity.
Emerging Thermal Technology Enabled Augmented Reality
Authors: Parida Kaushik , Bark Hyunwoo , Lee Pooi See
Published: February 2021

In the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in the domain of augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR). The need for realistic and immersive augmentation has propelled the development of haptics interfaces‐enabled AR/VR. The haptics interfaces facilitate direct interaction and manipulation with both real and virtual objects, thus augmenting the perception and experiences of the users. The level of augmentation can be significantly improved by thermal stimulation or sensing, which facilitates a higher degree of object identification and discrimination. This review discusses the thermal technology‐enabled augmented reality and summarizes the recent progress in the development of different thermal technology such as thermal haptics including thermo‐resistive heater and Peltier devices, thermal sensors including resistive, pyroelectric, and thermoelectric sensors, which can be utilized to improve the realism of augmentation. The fundamental mechanism, design strategies, and the rational guidelines for the adoption of these technologies in AR/VR is explicitly discussed. The conclusion provides an outlook on the existing challenges and outlines the future roadmap for the realization of next‐generation thermo‐haptics enabled augmented reality.
Tumor‐Activated Photosensitization and Size Transformation of Nanodrugs
Authors: Wang Yuanbo , Shi Leilei , Wu Wenbo , Qi Guobin , Zhu Xinyuan , Liu Bin
Published: February 2021

Effective intratumoral distribution of anticancer agents with good tumor penetration is of practical importance for photo‐chemotherapy. Herein, a metal‐organic framework (MOF) assisted strategy is reported for smart delivery of aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer (AIE PS) and chemodrug for deep tumor penetration to realize effective image‐guided photo‐chemotherapy. A newly designed AIE PS is loaded inside an iron(III) carboxylate‐based MOF, MIL‐100, to produce PS@MIL‐100, which is encapsulated by doxorubicin (Dox) conjugated poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEG) to yield Dox‐PEG‐PS@MIL nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 120 nm. After Dox‐PEG‐PS@MIL NPs reached the tumor site, intratumoral H2O2 can cause the release of the loaded PS at the tumor surface for activatable photodynamic therapy (PDT). The Dox‐PEG segment is simultaneously triggered to self‐assemble into ultrasmall Dox NPs. Under light irradiation, PDT is activated at the tumor surface, synergistically enhancing the tumor penetration of Dox NPs along with their ultrasmall size. After endocytosis of Dox NPs, free Dox is released from Dox NPs under low pH to enter cell nuclei for effective chemotherapy. Accompanied by bright far‐red/near‐infrared emission from the PS, image‐guided photo‐chemotherapy with enhanced efficacy is achieved.
Multiresponsive Emissions in Luminescent Ions Doped Quaternary Piezophotonic Materials for Mechanical‐to‐Optical Energy Conversion and Sensing Applications
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Peng Dengfeng , Bai Gongxun , Huang Youqiang , Xu Shiqing , Hao Jianhua
Published: February 2021

Visualization and noncontact sensing can be achieved based on multimode luminescent materials, which is essential to flexible optoelectronics, information encryption, and infrastructure monitoring. However, the development of optical sensors is primally limited by developing high‐performance luminescent functional materials with energy conversion. Here, by codoping transition metal and lanthanide ions into quaternary piezophotonic semiconductors MZnOS (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) microcrystals, the efficient multimode luminescent materials are successfully synthesized. They can simultaneously respond to ultraviolet, near‐infrared and stress, and exhibit completely different optical characteristics. Specifically, both composite film and block are prepared by mixing luminescent particles and polymers for mechanical‐to‐optical energy conversion. The developed composite based on mechanoluminescence can be utilized for visualizing pressure distribution, even E‐signature, and anti‐counterfeiting systems. In addition, temperature detection is researched based on upconversion emissions. The results suggest that these materials have great potential applications in advanced optical multimode sensors, which is of significance for integrated optoelectronic devices.
Robust Surface Reconstruction Induced by Subsurface Ni/Li Antisites in Ni‐Rich Cathodes
Authors: Li Xinyan , Gao Ang , Tang Zhexin , Meng Fanqi , Shang Tongtong , Guo Shengnan , Ding Jiarun , Luo Yanhong , Xiao Dongdong , Wang Xuefeng , Su Dong , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin
Published: February 2021

Loss of active materials is a critical problem of layered oxide cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries and undermines their long‐term electrochemical performance. However, the atomic‐scale outward migration mechanism of transition metals and oxygen remains elusive due to a highly localized environment at surface. Here, the robust surface reconstruction of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) induced by artificially introduced Ni/Li antisites is reported. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy, the outward co‐migration process of nickel and oxygen ions is directly revealed at the atomic scale, finally resulting in a stable surface structure. The robust nature of this surface structure originates from the strong linear superexchange interaction between subsurface NiLi and surface Ni as supported by first‐principles calculations. An idealized subsurface structure with NiLi is designed to suppress the outward migration of transition metal and oxygen ions and provide a universal lattice‐coherent surface protection strategy for layered lithium transition metal oxide cathodes.
Noncentrosymmetric Tetrel Pnictides RuSi4P4 and IrSi3P3: Nonlinear Optical Materials with Outstanding Laser Damage Threshold
Authors: Lee Shannon , Carnahan Scott L. , Akopov Georgiy , Yox Philip , Wang Lin‐Lin , Rossini Aaron J. , Wu Kui , Kovnir Kirill
Published: February 2021

Noncentrosymmetric (NCS) tetrel pnictides have recently generated interest as nonlinear optical (NLO) materials due to their second harmonic generation (SHG) activity and large laser damage threshold (LDT). Herein nonmetal‐rich silicon phosphides RuSi4P4 and IrSi3P3 are synthesized and characterized. Their crystal structures are reinvestigated using single crystal X‐ray diffraction and 29Si and 31P magic angle spinning NMR. In agreement with previous report RuSi4P4 crystallizes in NCS space group P1, while IrSi3P3 is found to crystallize in NCS space group Cm, in contrast with the previously reported space group C2. A combination of DFT calculations and diffuse reflectance measurements reveals RuSi4P4 and IrSi3P3 to be wide bandgap (Eg) semiconductors, Eg = 1.9 and 1.8 eV, respectively. RuSi4P4 and IrSi3P3 outperform the current state‐of‐the‐art infrared SHG material, AgGaS2, both in SHG activity and laser inducer damage threshold. Due to the combination of high thermal stabilities (up to 1373 K), wide bandgaps (≈2 eV), NCS crystal structures, strong SHG responses, and large LDT values, RuSi4P4 and IrSi3P3 are promising candidates for longer wavelength NLO materials.
Broadband Enhanced Chirality with Tunable Response in Hybrid Plasmonic Helical Metamaterials
Authors: Kilic Ufuk , Hilfiker Matthew , Ruder Alexander , Feder Rene , Schubert Eva , Schubert Mathias , Argyropoulos Christos
Published: February 2021

Designing broadband enhanced chirality is of strong interest to the emerging fields of chiral chemistry and sensing, or to control the spin orbital momentum of photons in recently introduced nanophotonic chiral quantum and classical optical applications. However, chiral light‐matter interactions have an extremely weak nature, are difficult to control and enhance, and cannot be made tunable or broadband. In addition, planar ultrathin nanophotonic structures to achieve strong, broadband, and tunable chirality at the technologically important visible to ultraviolet spectrum still remain elusive. Here, these important problems are tackled by experimentally demonstrating and theoretically verifying spectrally tunable, extremely large, and broadband chiroptical response by nanohelical metamaterials. The reported new designs of all‐dielectric and dielectric‐metallic (hybrid) plasmonic metamaterials permit the largest and broadest ever measured chiral Kuhn's dissymmetry factor achieved by a large‐scale nanophotonic structure. In addition, the strong circular dichroism of the presented bottom‐up fabricated optical metamaterials can be tuned by varying their dimensions and proportions between their dielectric and plasmonic helical subsections. The currently demonstrated ultrathin optical metamaterials are expected to provide a substantial boost to the developing field of chiroptics leading to significantly enhanced and broadband chiral light‐matter interactions at the nanoscale.
PbSe Nanocrystals Produced by Facile Liquid Phase Exfoliation for Efficient UV–Vis Photodetectors
Authors: Gao Lingfeng , Wang Rui , Kuklin Artem V. , Zhang Han , Ågren Hans
Published: February 2021

Lead selenide (PbSe)‐based nanomaterials have been extensively investigated as building blocks for next‐generation optoelectronic devices owing to their unique properties. In this work, PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) have been successfully fabricated by a facile liquid phase exfoliation approach and directly applied as active materials for photo‐electrochemical (PEC)‐type photodetectors (PDs). Taking advantage of broadband absorption and fast carrier dynamics, the PbSe NCs‐based PDs exhibit excellent photo‐current density (11.88 μA cm−2), photo‐responsivity (12.37 mA W−1), response/recovery time (0.12/0.13 s), and long‐term cycling stability. The working mechanism of PbSe NCs‐based PDs is explored by density functional theory calculations based on their structural and electronic properties under various conditions. It is anticipated that this contribution paves the way to readily fabricate low‐dimensional PbSe NCs and extend their practical applications in PEC‐type PDs.
Multifunctional Surfaces for Improving Soft Tissue Integration
Authors: Vilaça Adriana , Domingues Rui M. A. , Tiainen Hanna , Mendes Bárbara B. , Barrantes Alejandro , Reis Rui L. , Gomes Manuela E. , Gomez‐Florit Manuel
Published: February 2021

Metallic implants are widely used in diverse clinical applications to aid in recovery from lesions or to replace native hard tissues. However, the lack of integration of metallic surfaces with soft tissue interfaces causes the occurrence of biomaterial‐associated infections, which can trigger a complicated inflammatory response and, ultimately, implant failure. Here, a multifunctional implant surface showing nanoscale anisotropy, based on the controlled deposition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and biological activity derived from platelet lysate (PL) biomolecules sequestered and presented on CNC surface, is proposed. The anisotropic radial nanopatterns are produced on polished titanium surfaces by spin‐coating CNC at high speed. Furthermore, CNC surface chemistry allows to further sequester and form a coating of bioactive molecules derived from PL. The surface anisotropy provided by CNC guides fibroblasts growth and alignment up to 14 days of culture. Moreover, PL‐derived biomolecules polarize macrophages toward the M2‐like anti‐inflammatory phenotype. These results suggest that the developed multifunctional surfaces can promote soft tissue integration to metallic implants and, at the same time, prevent bacterial invasion, tissue inflammation, and failure of biomedical metallic implants.
Growing Living Composites with Ordered Microstructures and Exceptional Mechanical Properties
Authors: Xin An , Su Yipin , Feng Shengwei , Yan Minliang , Yu Kunhao , Feng Zhangzhengrong , Hoon Lee Kyung , Sun Lizhi , Wang Qiming
Published: February 2021

Living creatures are continuous sources of inspiration for designing synthetic materials. However, living creatures are typically different from synthetic materials because the former consist of living cells to support their growth and regeneration. Although natural systems can grow materials with sophisticated microstructures, how to harness living cells to grow materials with predesigned microstructures in engineering systems remains largely elusive. Here, an attempt to exploit living bacteria and 3D‐printed materials to grow bionic mineralized composites with ordered microstructures is reported. The bionic composites exhibit outstanding specific strength and fracture toughness, which are comparable to natural composites, and exceptional energy absorption capability superior to both natural and artificial counterparts. This report opens the door for 3D‐architectured hybrid synthetic–living materials with living ordered microstructures and exceptional properties.
Ordered Macroporous Superstructure of Nitrogen‐Doped Nanoporous Carbon Implanted with Ultrafine Ru Nanoclusters for Efficient pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Yu‐Lin , Li Xiaofang , Wei Yong‐Sheng , Fu Zhaoming , Wei Wenbo , Wu Xin‐Tao , Zhu Qi‐Long , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2021

The electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an attractive technology for the mass production of hydrogen. Ru‐based materials are promising electrocatalysts owing to the similar bonding strength with hydrogen but much lower cost than Pt catalysts. Herein, an ordered macroporous superstructure of N‐doped nanoporous carbon anchored with the ultrafine Ru nanoclusters as electrocatalytic micro/nanoreactors is developed via the thermal pyrolysis of ordered macroporous single crystals of ZIF‐8 accommodating Ru(III) ions. Benefiting from the highly interconnected reticular macro–nanospaces, this superstrucure affords unparalleled performance for pH‐universal HER, with order of magnitude higher mass activity compared to the benchmark Pt/C. Notably, an exceptionally low overpotential of only 13 mV@10 mA cm−2 is required for HER in alkaline solution, with a low Tafel slope of 40.41 mV dec−1 and an ultrahigh turnover frequency value of 1.6 H2 s−1 at 25 mV, greatly outperforming Pt/C. Furthermore, the hydrogen generation rates are almost twice those of Pt/C during practical overall alkaline water splitting. A solar‐to‐hydrogen system is also demonstrated to further promote the application. This research may open a new avenue for the development of advanced electrocatalytic micro/nanoreactors with controlled morphology and excellent performance for future energy applications.