bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Social Media and Learners’ Creative Writing Skills
Authors: Tenaja Jecelle Faith M. , Oco Richard M.
Published: May 2023

Aims: The purpose of this study is to identify the profile of the respondents’ most used social media networks; determine the level of social media utilization in terms of educational, networking and entertainment tool; to determine the students’ level of creative writing skills in terms of content, convention, and vocabulary; find the significant relationship between the utilization of social media and the creative writing skills of students.

Study Design: Descriptive Survey Research Method with Quantitative Approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Agusan National High School in Cagayan de Or City's East 1 District during the school year: 2022.

Methodology: The respondents were Two hundred thirty-two (232) students in Grade 10 at Agusan National High School in Cagayan de Oro City's East 1 District. This study used a self-created survey that underwent validity and reliability testing.

Results: The results showed that the most utilized social media site was Facebook, while Twitter was Less Utilized interpreted as Very Low. On the students' overall utilization of social media, utilization as a networking tool got the highest, while utilization as an educational tool was the lowest. The students' overall creative writing skills, Vocabulary was the highest, while the content was the lowest. Students’ most used social media sites have a significant relationship with their creative writing skills. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected. Students’ extent of utilization of social media sites has a significant relationship to their creative writing skills. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected.

Conclusions: The study employed a descriptive survey research method, which included a quantitative approach to collecting numerical data through a questionnaire. It also used frequency and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was also used to find the relationships among the variables. The results showed that students visit and utilize Facebook and their social media accounts Most of the Time, while their creative writing skills were also at Most of the Time or High Level. It was concluded that students' utilization of social media is significantly correlated to their creative writing skills; thus, it is recommended that the utilization of social media be guided and monitored for proper and correct utilization.
Modulation of the Expression of Lipogenic Activity by Malted Hungry Rice Flour (Digitaria exilis.) on Rats Induced with Obesity
Authors: Nnedinso Umerah, Nkemjika , Ifeoma Asouzu, Ann
Published: May 2023

Lipolysis and lipogenesis causes obesity and these can be mediated by hormones. The                         study was aimed at determining the effect of malted hungry rice flour on lipogenic activity on diet-induced obese rats. The study was conducted between September to January 2021                              and 2022.  Twenty male adult albino rats were divided into four groups and obesity was induced which resemble mild obesity condition in human. The groups for the experiment were normal control (AIN-93), obese control, and two test diets were used to evaluate lipid profile                      parameter using a standard assay technique. There is an increase in BMI (from 0.37-0.41 to 0.58- 0.72). There are also an increase in other lipid profile with a decrease in HDL (p<0.05) after consumption of a palatable diet.  Consumption of the test diet led to a significant reduction                             in the lipid profile parameter, and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol compared to the             (group) obese control (p<0.05). The result suggests that malted hungry rice flour has an anti-obesity effect.
Exponentiated Power Lindley-Logarithmic Distribution and its Applications
Authors: Musa Abuh , Onyeagu Sidney I. , Obulezi Okechukwu J.
Published: May 2023

This article proposes a new distribution call the Exponentiated Power Lindley-Logarithmic Distribution for modeling real life data. The distribution is motivated by the Exponentiated Power Lindley distribution. The quantile function is derived and the Maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters are also derived. The distribution performed better in simulation study than the competing distribution. The distribution can model real life biomedical phenomena and agricultural events.
Left Main Total Chronic Occlusion in a Patient with Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report of a Rare and Severe Localization of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tahir A. Fadoul , Zahidi H. A. , Njie M. , Haboub M. , Arous S. , Benouna M. G. , Drighil A. , Azzouzi L. , Habbal R.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this case report is to draw attention at the potential severity of presentation of these associated pathologies. Prevention through early screening of colorectal cancer in patients with coronary artery disease and vice versa is the guarantee of a better management of the two pathologies. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests associations between cardiovascular disease and several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Many cases have reported severe coronary artery disease (CAD) in association with colorectal cancer including triple vessel disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reporting a total occlusion of the left main coronary artery in such patients.

We report the case of a 52 years old woman presented to our cath lab for severe angina (Class III of the Canadian classification) and impairment of left ventricle function. Six months before the patient was diagnosed with a metastatic colorectal cancer. Coronary angiography showed absence of anterograde opacification of the left coronary system. Selective right coronary artery angiography showed a retrograde filling of the left coronary system by collaterals issued from proximal and distal dominant right coronary artery.

Several studies have reported the association between colorectal neoplasm and CAD but Isolated left main coronary artery disease is extremely uncommon. Patients with left main coronary artery disease have always a grim prognosis and without prompt revascularization 60% will die after 5 years while survivors live with severe angina; heart failure or both.
Assessment of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties under Various Sowing Windows for Crop Growth, Development and Yield in Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Yadavrao Wankhede Sachin , Bhambhar Kharbade Sattappa , Satish Misal Suraj , Dadaji Jadhav Jaywant , Shaikh Abdul Aziz , Atmaram Sthool Vijay
Published: May 2023

The present experiment was carried out at Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, Centre of Advanced Faculty Training, College of Agriculture, Pune, MPKV, Rahuri for assessment of different groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties for crop growth, development and yields under various sowing windows in Western Maharashtra Plain Zone during the Kharif season of 2017 and 2018. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatment comprised of four varieties viz., V1: JL-501, V2: RHRG-6083 (Phule Unnati), V3: TAG-24 and V4: JL-776 (Phule Bharati) as main plot and four sowing windows viz., S1: 25th MW, S2: 26th MW, S­3: 27th MW and S4: 28th MW as sub plot treatments. From the result of the study, all the growth attributes were increased with the advancement in age of the groundnut crop. Plant height 35.27 and 33.34 cm, total number branches 11.34 and 10.55, total dry matter accumulation plant-1 34.36 and 32.11 g during both the years of experiment, which were found significantly higher in variety JL-776 over RHRG-6083, JL-501 and TAG-24. Among all the sowing windows 26th MW (S2) recorded the highest growth attributes viz., plant height (33.67 and 31.94 cm), total number of branches plant-1 (11.34 and 10.58 g) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (34.75 and 32.78 g) during both year of experiment. 26th MW sowing window was at par with the 27th MW sowing window with all growth attributes. Pod yield (26.59 and 28.14 q ha-1) and haulm yield (39.61 and 36.7 q ha-1) were significantly higher in variety in JL-776 followed by RHRG-6083, JL-501 and TAG-24. Pod yield (27.25 and 28.84 q ha-1) and haulm yield (40.60 and 37.61 q ha-1) was higher in 26th MW sowing window, which were at par with 27th MW sowing window during both the year.
Determination of Drought Tolerance Indices as Selection Criteria of Rice Genotypes under Water Deficit Conditions in Egypt
Authors: El-Refaee Y. Z. , Seadh S. E. , Abdel-Moneam M. A. , Eltantawy M. E. M.
Published: May 2023

The development of rice genotypes with impressive tolerance to abiotic stress is one of the primary objectives of rice breeding programs. The current study was carried out to assess the capability of different indices to identify rice genotypes that are drought-tolerant under Egyptian conditions during the two growing seasons 2018 and 2019. Thirteen drought tolerance indices were calculated using the grain yield of twenty rice genotypes. According to the combined analysis of variance for grain yield, there were highly significant differences between genotypes (G), irrigation regimes (I), and their interactions. All drought tolerance indices, as well as grain yields under non-stress and stress conditions (Yp and Ys), exhibited significant variations among genotypes. For Yp, Ys, and all indices assessed, estimates of broad sense heritability (h2) and genetic advance as a percentage of mean (GAM%) were high. Using mean performances, drought tolerance indices, and multivariate analysis, the genotypes Giza 179, Sakha 104, IET 1444, and GZ 6296-12-1-2-1 were superior genotypes under both stress and non-stress conditions, as were the genotypes Sakha 107, IRAT 170, IR 68552-55-3-2, WAB 56-104, IRGA 318-11-6-2-6, and NERICA -4 under stress conditions. Hence, it was suggested that they can be utilized as parents in hybridization programs that aim to improve the drought tolerance of other rice genotypes in Egypt. Furthermore, mean productivity index (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), harmonic mean (HM), and yield index (YI) were the tolerance indices that can be classified as better predictors of drought tolerance considering the yield potentials of the genotypes.
Overvıew of Bıoleachıng
Authors: Keke Mabel , Nnanwube Ikechukwu A. , Onukwuli Okechukwu D.
Published: May 2023

Aims: This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis of bioleaching, the fundamental idea behind it, the emergence of microbes and the bioleaching approaches.

Study Design: To do this, this research has been developed on a foundation of significant topics. The researcher used a quantitative approach in this particular investigation. The quantitative study is presented in tables that list the bioleaching processes and efficient microorganisms.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Chemical Engineering department, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Nigeria.

Methodology: The researcher decided on a combination methodology because of the context of the present investigation. The approach of data collection and analysis employing qualitative as well as quantitative methodologies is known as combined research design.

Results: The lengthy training period of microorganisms at the laboratory scale, which is significantly impacted by other experimental variables, is one of the key difficulties faced by the bioleaching process. Therefore, the key to increasing the simplicity of bioleaching technologies in large-scale industrial production is to enhance the bioleaching microorganism’s currently in use so that they can continue to be highly active under more complicated reaction conditions. Regarding the microbial problem, biological leaching piles of just a few genes in the offspring of acidophilic microorganisms have been documented. Although some bacterial genomes from acid mine drainage and acidic environments have been used to create replacements, these models cannot fully depict the potential for leaching; in addition, it can be difficult for researchers to obtain samples of microbes from actual production, making further research challenging.

Conclusion: In the years to come, microbial use for waste treatment and mineral processing will continue to gain importance on a global scale. The need to process ores with trace amounts of copper and gold, the potential for recycling waste spoils and tailings, financial limitations, and potential legislative changes on the environmental impact of more conventional approaches like hydrometallurgy will all contribute to this. The employment of chemolithotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria will be a significant addition, boosting the leaching rates and metal recoveries and enabling the treatment of resistant ores like chalcopyrite.
Neighborhood Income Mobility and Risk of Neonatal and Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Jairam Jennifer A. , Vigod Simone N. , Siddiqi Arjumand , Guan Jun , Boblitz Alexa , Wang Xuesong , O’Campo Patricia , Ray Joel G.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Residing in a low-income neighborhood is generally associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. It is not known if moving from a low- to higher-income area between 2 pregnancies alters the risk of adverse birth outcomes in the subsequent birth compared with women who remain in low-income areas for both births.

Objective

To compare the risk of adverse maternal and newborn outcomes among women who achieved upward area-level income mobility vs those who did not.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study was completed in Ontario, Canada, from 2002 to 2019, where there is universal health care. Included were all nulliparous women with a first-time singleton birth at 20 to 42 weeks’ gestation, each residing in a low-income urban neighborhood at the time of the first birth. All women were then assessed at their second birth. Statistical analysis was conducted from August 2022 to April 2023.

Exposure

Movement from a lowest-income quintile (Q1) neighborhood to any higher-income quintile neighborhood (Q2-Q5) between the first and second birth.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The maternal outcome was severe maternal morbidity or mortality (SMM-M) at the second birth hospitalization or up to 42 days post partum. The primary perinatal outcome was severe neonatal morbidity or mortality (SNM-M) within 27 days of the second birth. Relative risks (aRR) and absolute risk differences (aARD) were estimated by adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics.

Results

A total of 42 208 (44.1%) women (mean [SD] age at second birth, 30.0 [5.2] years) experienced upward area-level income mobility, and 53 409 (55.9%) women (age at second birth, 29.0 [5.4] years) remained in income Q1 between births. Relative to women who remained in income Q1 between births, those with upward mobility had a lower associated risk of SMM-M (12.0 vs 13.3 per 1000 births), with an aRR of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.93) and aARD of −2.09 per 1000 (95% CI, −3.1 to −0.9 per 1000 ). Likewise, their newborns experienced lower respective rates of SNM-M (48.0 vs 50.9 per 1000 live births), with an aRR of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.95) and aARD of −4.7 per 1000 (95% CI, −6.8 to −2.6 per 1000).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of nulliparous women living in low-income areas, those who moved to a higher-income area between births experienced less morbidity and death in their second pregnancy, as did their newborns, compared with those who remained in low-income areas between births. Research is needed to determine whether financial incentives or enhancement of neighborhood factors can reduce adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Perceived psychosocial safety climate, psychological distress, and work engagement in Japanese employees: A cross-sectional mediation analysis of job demands and job resources
Authors: Inoue Akiomi , Eguchi Hisashi , Kachi Yuko , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We examined the associations of perceived psychosocial safety climate (PSC) with psychological distress and work engagement in Japanese employees. We also examined the mediation effects of job demands (i.e., psychological demands) and job resources (i.e., job control, worksite support, and extrinsic reward) in these associations.

Methods

A total of 2200 employees (1100 men and 1100 women) registered with a Japanese online survey company were surveyed using a self-administered web-based questionnaire containing the scales on PSC (12-item PSC scale), job demands and job resources (Job Content Questionnaire and Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire), psychological distress (K6 scale), and work engagement (9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale), and items on demographic and occupational characteristics (i.e., age, sex, education, occupation, work form, and working hours per week). A multiple mediation analysis with a bootstrap method was conducted.

Results

After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, significant negative and positive total effects of perceived PSC were observed on psychological distress and work engagement, respectively (c = −0.258 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.298 to −0.219] and 0.383 [95% CI: 0.344–0.421], respectively). When we included job demands and job resources as mediators in the model, significant total mediation effects in these associations were observed (c − c′ = −0.181 [95% CI: −0.221 to −0.143] and 0.269 [95% CI: 0.234–0.304], respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that perceived PSC is negatively associated with psychological distress and positively associated with work engagement, and that these associations are partially mediated (or explained) by job demands and job resources.
Pull‐out strength of perforated steel plates with oval‐shaped perforation
Authors: Fujinaga Takashi , Tanaka Teruhisa
Published: May 2023

The use of Perfobond Leisten (PBL) shear connectors in building structures has attracted increasing interest. A new approach for using perforated steel plates in concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) column splices was implemented in this study. The shape of the perforation opening in perforated steel plates is generally a circle, similar to that of PBL shear connectors. However, in this study, an oval‐shaped perforation was used to increase the double shear area of the concrete. A pull‐out experiment was conducted on perforated steel plates with oval‐shaped perforations in a CFST block to evaluate the tensile performance of the perforated steel plates. A total of 29 specimens were tested, and the pull‐out strengths of the perforated steel plates were determined and analyzed under passive confinement from the steel tube. The contribution of the stress transfer was discussed in terms of the double shear of the concrete in the perforation and the bond and/or friction between the surface of the steel plate and concrete. Formulas for determining the maximum pull‐out strength were also developed.
Model‐based assessment of the impact of agri‐environment scheme options and short‐term climate change on plant biodiversity in temperate grasslands
Authors: West Bede , Jones Davey L. , Robinson Emma L. , Marrs Robert H. , Smart Simon M.
Published: May 2023

Agri‐environment schemes (AES) incentivise land‐management practices aimed at mitigating environmental impacts. However, their effectiveness depends on the duration and type of management. We modelled the potential for grassland AES options in Wales (UK) to achieve positive changes in plant diversity via change in soil conditions.

We modelled the response of plants and soils to the predicted effects of AES options over a 13‐year time interval. We applied scenarios of change in soil conditions in three managed grassland types, using high‐resolution baseline soil and vegetation data collected in grasslands across Wales, UK. We also applied scenarios of climate change to determine the extent to which this might modify the impact of AES intervention on plant species compositional turnover.

Empirical models of soil response to extensification were constructed from published experimental data and used to drive change in soil inputs to a small ensemble of ecological niche models for British plants. These models were applied to the local pool of species in each baseline (2 × 2 m) quadrat plus a wider 10 × 10 km pool from which we draw species absent at baseline but predicted to find conditions suitable as a result of AES intervention and climate change, thus estimating dark diversity at each location. Outputs were summarised by grouping species by the ecosystem functions and services they support and by matching projected species composition to the UK National Vegetation Classification.

Scenario modelling indicated that at least 10 years of management under grassland AES options were needed to achieve conditions suitable for desirable plant assemblages more typical of lower fertility habitats.

Synthesis and applications: We predict that management effects will have a more marked effect on vegetation and soil than predicted climate variation up to 2029. Realising modelled changes in habitat suitability as species compositional turnover and community assembly is likely to require additional measures to assist plant dispersal and establishment.
Flickering presentations do affect the judgment of learning but not the learning outcome
Authors: Ebersbach Mirjam , Guschlbauer Jana Antonia , Rummer Ralf
Published: May 2023

We examined whether visual disfluency, as elicited by presenting text on flickering slides, affects learning positively and the global judgment of learning (JOL) negatively. Participants (N = 202 in Experiment 1, between‐subjects design; N = 53 in Experiment 2, within‐subjects design) saw in an online session multiple slides including textual information that they had to learn. The slides were presented either fluently or disfluently, that is, interrupted by rapid presentations of black slides, evoking a flickering effect. Thus, instead of manipulating the textual material (e.g., by using different fonts), as most studies on the disfluency effect so far did, we manipulated the characteristics of the presentation (i.e., flickering vs. nonflickering). In both experiments, JOL was lower in the flickering than in the nonflickering condition. However, flickering slides did not lead to a better memory performance. The results provide further evidence for the assumption that a beneficial disfluency effect is questionable.
Constructing Electrocatalysts with Composition Gradient Distribution by Solubility Product Theory: Amorphous/Crystalline CoNiFe‐LDH Hollow Nanocages
Authors: Wu Jiashun , Yang Tong , Fu Rong , Zhou Min , Xia Lixue , Wang Zhaoyang , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2023

Transition‐metal based layered doubled hydroxides (LDH) as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts have attracted tremendous research interests. However, it is still a great challenge to strengthen the intrinsic activity of LDH. Herein, hollow CoNiFe‐LDH nanocages with amorphous/crystal phase and element gradient distribution are successfully constructed through the coordinated etching and precipitation process. Utilizing the difference of solubility product constants among transition metal cations to generate the gradient distribution effect in nanocages is proposed for the first time. The distinctive element gradient distribution in hollow CoNiFe‐LDH nanocages results in the composition gradient, which can provide the heterojunctions effect and play an important role in regulating morphology and electronic structure. Density functional theory calculations disclose that the synergistic effect between elements significantly regulates the electron density and enhances the conductivity. When employed as OER electrocatalysts, it exhibits a very competitive overpotential of 257 mV at 10 mA cm−2 combined with a low Tafel slope of 31.4 mV dec−1. This work represents a promising strategy to fabricate highly efficient OER catalysts for electrochemical water splitting and provides new opportunities to understand the promotion mechanism of intrinsic activity.
Toward Flexible Embodied Energy: Scale‐Inspired Overlapping Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High‐Energy‐Density and Variable Stiffness
Authors: Bao Yinhua , Liu Haojie , Zhao Zeang , Ma Xu , Zhang Xing‐Yu , Liu Guanzhong , Song Wei‐Li
Published: May 2023

High performance flexible batteries are essential ingredients for flexible devices. However, general isolated flexible batteries face critical challenges in developing multifunctional embodied energy systems, owing to the lack of integrative design. Herein, inspired by scales in creatures, overlapping flexible lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) consisting of energy storage scales and connections using LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) and graphite electrodes are presented. The scale‐dermis structure ensures a high energy density of 374.4 Wh L−1 as well as a high capacity retention of 93.2% after 200 charge/discharge cycles and 40 000 bending times. A variable stiffness property is revealed that can be controlled by battery configurations and deformation modes. Furthermore, the overlapping FLIBs can be housed directly into the architecture of several flexible devices, such as robots and grippers, allowing to create multifunctionalities that go far beyond energy storage and include load‐bearing and variable flexibility. This study broadens the versatility of FLIBs toward energy storage structure engineering of flexible devices.
A Universal Room‐Temperature Approach to Large‐Area Continuous COFs Film for Photocatalytic Coupling of Amines
Authors: Liu Youxing , Tan Hao , Sun Jianzhe , Wei Yanan , Liu Minghui , Hong Jiaxin , Shang Shengcong , Wang Xinyu , Li Lu , Gu Yu , Ye Na , Chen Jianyi , Yang Yong , Guo Shaojun , Liu Yunqi
Published: May 2023

Large‐area continuous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) film is highly desirable for the large‐scale continuous selective photocatalytic coupling of benzylamine (BA); however, traditional synthetic methods for preparing COFs films still suffer from the issues of harsh reaction condition, film breakage, and high energy‐consumption. Herein, a room‐temperature strategy is reported for making large‐area continuous imine‐based COFs film through the “infiltration‐reaction‐assembly” mechanism, demonstrating that such strategy is quite universal for making four types of large‐area COFs films. The as‐made PyTTA‐TPA (PyTTA: 1，3，6，8‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)pyrene, TPA: p‐benzaldehyde) COFs film exhibits excellent catalytic performance for selective photocatalytic coupling of benzylamine (BA) with a high conversion rate of 98.2% and high selectivity of 97% in 3 h, which is the best photocatalytic performance in all reported photocatalysts. In addition, the as‐made COFs film is quite general for achieving photocatalytic coupling of other amine derivatives with outstanding photocatalytic performance of ≈100% conversion rate. Overall, this work brings a significant development for the room‐temperature synthesis of large‐area continuous COFs film to photocatalytic reaction.
Alumina Nanoparticle Interfacial Buffer Layer for Low‐Bandgap Lead‐Tin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jin Heon , Farrar Michael D. , Ball James M. , Dasgupta Akash , Caprioglio Pietro , Narayanan Sudarshan , Oliver Robert D. J. , Rombach Florine M. , Putland Benjamin W. J. , Johnston Michael B. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: May 2023

Mixed lead‐tin (Pb:Sn) halide perovskites are promising absorbers with narrow‐bandgaps (1.25–1.4 eV) suitable for high‐efficiency all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. However, solution processing of optimally thick Pb:Sn perovskite films is notoriously difficult in comparison with their neat‐Pb counterparts. This is partly due to the rapid crystallization of Sn‐based perovskites, resulting in films that have a high degree of roughness. Rougher films are harder to coat conformally with subsequent layers using solution‐based processing techniques leading to contact between the absorber and the top metal electrode in completed devices, resulting in a loss of VOC, fill factor, efficiency, and stability. Herein, this study employs a non‐continuous layer of alumina nanoparticles distributed on the surface of rough Pb:Sn perovskite films. Using this approach, the conformality of the subsequent electron‐transport layer, which is only tens of nanometres in thickness is improved. The overall maximum‐power‐point‐tracked efficiency improves by 65% and the steady‐state VOC improves by 28%. Application of the alumina nanoparticles as an interfacial buffer layer also results in highly reproducible Pb:Sn solar cell devices while simultaneously improving device stability at 65 °C under full spectrum simulated solar irradiance. Aged devices show a six‐fold improvement in stability over pristine Pb:Sn devices, increasing their lifetime to 120 h.
Great Enhancement in the Thermopower of Ionic Liquid by a Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Qian Qi , Cheng Hanlin , Le Qiujian , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: May 2023

To efficiently harvest the abundant waste heat on earth is of great significance for sustainable development. Thermoelectric materials can be used to directly convert heat into electricity, and ionic thermoelectric materials like ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as the next‐generation thermoelectric materials. It is important to develop novel methods to improve the overall thermoelectric properties particularly the thermopower. Herein, the great enhancement in the thermopower of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMIM:DCA) is reported that is an IL by introducing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) that is a metal‐organic framework (MOF) for the first time. The presence of 40 wt.% ZIF‐8 can greatly increase the ionic thermopower of EMIM:DCA from 8.8 to 31.9 mV K−1 at room temperature, and the ZIF‐8/EMIM:DCA mixture at the ZIF‐8 loading of 10 wt.% can exhibit a ZTi value of 3.1, notably higher than that (0.59) of neat EMIM:DCA. The enhancement in the thermopower is attributed to the increase in the difference of the mobilities of EMIM+ and DCA− by ZIF‐8. Because DCA− is smaller while EMIM+ is larger than the pore size of ZIF‐8, the DCA− transport is hindered by ZIF‐8, while EMIM+ can bypass ZIF‐8.
Significantly Boosted Photothermoelectric Effect via Carrier Injection in Au Decorated SWCNT Films for Infrared Detection
Authors: Li Xibin , Sheng Ming , Liang Jiajie , Zheng Junqing , Zheng Yantao , Wang Shaokai , Li Qi , Zhao Li‐Dong , Deng Yuan , Wang Yao
Published: May 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have established their promising application as infrared photodetector and the photothermoelectric (PTE) effect is demonstrated to play a critical role. While extensive studies are focused on the optoelectronic behaviors, the thermoelectric conversion involved in the PTE has been pursued to less extent probably due to the overall low thermopower under infrared (IR) illumination. Herein, to trigger a stronger PTE response, Au/CNT heterojunctions are formed by Au nanoparticles (NPs) decoration of CNT films to facilitate both light absorption and carrier transportation, so that thermoelectric property is enhanced simultaneously. Significant boost on infrared radiation energy conversion capability is therefore enabled in Au NPs decorated CNT film, delivering maximum output voltage of 26.1 mV and power of 27.3 µW, outperforming the state‐of‐the art photodetectors based on PTE effect. The transport mechanism is revealed via combining in situ Kelvin Probe Force Microscope mapping of the surface potential and macroscopic transport and output performances under IR illumination. Finally, the IR detection function is validated via an 8‐channel IR detector prototype, presenting sensitive responsivity and long‐term cyclic stability. The study thus demonstrates the PTE effect as a promising platform toward high‐performance optoelectronic applications such as IR detection and solar energy harvesting.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Hydrogel for Direct Extracellular ATP Imaging‐Guided Surgical Resection with Clear Boundaries
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Qu Jiahao , Teng Xuanming , Zhu Weiping , Xu Yufang , Yang Yangyang , Qian Xuhong
Published: May 2023

Most solid tumors are clinically treated using surgical resection, and the presence of residual tumor tissues at the surgical margins often determines tumor survival and recurrence. Herein, a hydrogel (Apt‐HEX/Cp‐BHQ1 Gel, termed AHB Gel) is developed for fluorescence‐guided surgical resection. AHB Gel is constructed by tethering a polyacrylamide hydrogel and ATP‐responsive aptamers together. It exhibits strong fluorescence under high ATP concentrations corresponding to the TME (100–500 µm) but shows little fluorescence at low ATP concentrations (10–100 nm) such as those in normal tissues. AHB Gel can rapidly (within 3 min) emit fluorescence after exposure to ATP, and the fluorescence signal only occurs at sites exposed to high ATP, resulting in a clear boundary between the ATP‐high and ATP‐low regions. In vivo, AHB Gel exhibits specific tumor‐targeting capacity with no fluorescence response in normal tissue, providing clear tumor boundaries. In addition, AHB Gel has good storage stability, which is conducive to its future clinical application. In summary, AHB Gel is a novel tumor microenvironment‐targeted DNA‐hybrid hydrogel for ATP‐based fluorescence imaging. It can enable the precise imaging of tumor tissues, showing promising application in fluorescence‐guided surgeries in the future.
Implementing Logic Gates by DNA Crystal Engineering
Authors: Zhang Cuizheng , Paluzzi Victoria E. , Sha Ruojie , Jonoska Natasha , Mao Chengde
Published: May 2023

DNA self‐assembly computation is attractive for its potential to perform massively parallel information processing at the molecular level while at the same time maintaining its natural biocompatibility. It has been extensively studied at the individual molecule level, but not as much as ensembles in 3D. Here, the feasibility of implementing logic gates, the basic computation operations, in large ensembles: macroscopic, engineered 3D DNA crystals is demonstrated. The building blocks are the recently developed DNA double crossover‐like (DXL) motifs. They can associate with each other via sticky‐end cohesion. Common logic gates are realized by encoding the inputs within the sticky ends of the motifs. The outputs are demonstrated through the formation of macroscopic crystals that can be easily observed. This study points to a new direction of construction of complex 3D crystal architectures and DNA‐based biosensors with easy readouts.
Boost and Contraction of Flow by Herringbone Surface Design on the Microfluidic Channel Wall
Authors: Filippi Daniele , Derzsi Ladislav , Nalin Francesco , Vezzani Andrea , Ferraro Davide , Zaltron Annamaria , Mistura Giampaolo , Pierno Matteo
Published: May 2023

The handling of yield‐stress fluids typically involves a jammed‐to‐flow transition that is pivotal for many injection and transport technologies on different scales, such as additive manufacturing, injection molding, food rheology, and oil transport. For all of these applications, it is crucial to be able to tune the fluidization under constant load. The pressure‐driven flow of emulsions is reported within a microfluidic channel, one wall of which is patterned by a herringbone‐riblet roughness comprising a regular array of V‐shaped grooves. With respect to the pressure gradient, this pattern displays a convergent (divergent) orientation that provides a forward (backward) direction. At the tip of the herringbone pattern, the forward and backward flows are almost identical for a viscous Newtonian fluid and a diluted emulsion, whereas a surprising flow boost in the forward direction is observed as the emulsion approaches a jammed state. The flow boost is more effective at small herringbone angles and low pressure loads. 3D velocity profiles along the channel cross‐section unravel unexpected heterogeneous stress, band‐like distributed, with evidence of nonlocal correlations.
Phase Nanoengineering via Thermal Scanning Probe Lithography and Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Levati Valerio , Girardi Davide , Pellizzi Nicola , Panzeri Matteo , Vitali Matteo , Petti Daniela , Albisetti Edoardo
Published: May 2023

Nanomaterials derive their electronic, magnetic, and optical properties from their specific nanostructure. In most cases, nanostructured materials and their properties are defined during the materials growth, and nanofabrication techniques, such as lithography, are employed subsequently for device fabrication. Herein, a perspective is presented on a different approach for creating nanomaterials and devices where, after growth, advanced nanofabrication techniques are used to directly nanostructure condensed matter systems, by inducing highly controlled, localized, and stable changes in the electronic, magnetic, or optical properties. Then, advantages, limitations, applications in materials science and technology are highlighted, and future perspectives are discussed.
Strong Electron‐Phonon Coupling Mediates Carrier Transport in BiFeO3
Authors: Ou Zhenwei , Peng Bin , Chu Weibin , Li Zhe , Wang Cheng , Zeng Yan , Chen Hongyi , Wang Qiuyu , Dong Guohua , Wu Yongyi , Qiu Ruibin , Ma Li , Zhang Lili , Liu Xiaoze , Li Tao , Yu Ting , Hu Zhongqiang , Wang Ti , Liu Ming , Xu Hongxing
Published: May 2023

The electron‐phonon interaction is known as one of the major mechanisms determining electrical and thermal properties. In particular, it alters the carrier transport behaviors and sets fundamental limits to carrier mobility. Establishing how electrons interact with phonons and the resulting impact on the carrier transport property is significant for the development of high‐efficiency electronic devices. Here, carrier transport behavior mediated by the electron‐phonon coupling in BiFeO3 epitaxial thin films is directly observed. Acoustic phonons are generated by the inverse piezoelectric effect and coupled with photocarriers. Via the electron‐phonon coupling, doughnut shape carrier distribution has been observed due to the coupling between hot carriers and phonons. The hot carrier quasi‐ballistic transport length can reach 340 nm within 1 ps. The results suggest an effective approach to investigating the effects of electron‐phonon interactions with temporal and spatial resolutions, which is of great importance for designing and improving electronic devices.
Captive bonobos (Pan paniscus) apply precision grips when using flaked stone tools
Authors: Cebeiro Adela , Key Alastair
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Current evidence suggests that flaked stone tool technologies did not emerge until ~3.3–2.6 million‐years‐ago (Ma). It is often hypothesized that early hominin (principally Ardipithecus and early Australopithecus) manual anatomy may have prevented an earlier emergence, as the forceful precision grips essential to flake tool‐use may have been ineffectively performed by these species. Marzke, Marchant, McGrew, and Reece (2015) observed potentially forceful pad‐to‐side precision grips being recruited by wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) during feeding behaviors, indicating that Pan‐like manual anatomy, and therefore potentially early hominin anatomy, may be capable of effectively securing flake stone tools during their use.

Materials and Methods

Here, we report on the grips recruited by four captive, human‐trained, bonobos (Pan paniscus) during the use of stone and organic tools, including flake stone tools during cutting behaviors.

Results

It is revealed that pad‐to‐side precision grips are frequently recruited by these bonobos when securing stone flakes during cutting actions. In some instances, high forces could have been resisted and applied by the thumb and fingers.

Discussion

While our analyzes are preliminary and limited to captive individuals, and Pan is not suggested to secure flakes with the same efficacy as Homo or Australopithecus, it points to early hominins potentially being able to perform the precision grips required to use flake stone tools. In turn, the ability to gain tangible benefits from the effective use of flake tools (i.e., gain energetic returns from processing food resources) may have been – at least anatomically – possible in early Australopithecus and other pre‐Early Stone Age hominin species. In turn, hominin manual anatomy may not be a leading restriction on the emergence of the earliest stone tool technologies.
Illustrating the Fate of Methyl Radical in Photocatalytic Methane Oxidation over Ag−ZnO by in situ Synchrotron Radiation Photoionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Chengyuan , Qian Bing , Xiao Tianci , Lv Chunchun , Luo Jinsong , Bao Jun , Pan Yang
Published: May 2023

Photocatalysis has emerged as an ideal method for the direct activation and conversion of methane under mild conditions. In this reaction, methyl radical (⋅CH3) was deemed a key intermediate that affected the yields and selectivity of the products. However, direct observation of ⋅CH3 and other intermediates is still challenging. Here, a rectangular photocatalytic reactor coupled with in situ synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry (SR‐PIMS) was developed to detect reactive intermediates within several hundred microseconds during photocatalytic methane oxidation over Ag−ZnO. Gas phase ⋅CH3 generated by photogenerated holes (O−) was directly observed, and its formation was demonstrated to be significantly enhanced by coadsorbed oxygen molecules. Methoxy radical (CH3O⋅) and formaldehyde (HCHO) were confirmed to be key C1 intermediates in photocatalytic methane overoxidation to CO2. The gas‐phase self‐coupling reaction of ⋅CH3 contributes to the formation of ethane, which indicates the key role of ⋅CH3 desorption in the highly selective synthesis of ethane. Based on the observed intermediates, the reaction network initiated from ⋅CH3 of photocatalytic methane oxidation could be clearly illustrated, which is helpful for studying the photocatalytic methane conversion processes.
Design of the Ionic Organic Nonlinear Optical Material NH4[LiC3H(CH3)O4] with Ultrawide Band Gap and Moderate Birefringence
Authors: Tian Haotian , Lin Chensheng , Zhou Yuqiao , Zhao Xin , Fan Huixin , Yan Tao , Ye Ning , Luo Min
Published: May 2023

Ionic organic crystals containing organic planar π‐conjugated units has become one of the hot spots as nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. However, although this type of ionic organic NLO crystals commonly have remarkable second harmonic generation (SHG) responses, they also suffer from overlarge birefringences and relatively small band gaps that be hardly beyond 6.2 eV. Herein, a flexible π‐conjugated [C3H(CH3)O4]2− unit was theoretically revealed, showing great potential for designing NLO crystals with balanced optical properties. Accordingly, through the reasonable NLO‐favourable layered design, a new ionic organic material, NH4[LiC3H(CH3)O4], was successfully obtained. As expected, it achieves not only a large SHG effect (4×KDP), but also a suitable birefringence (0.06@546 nm) and an ultrawide band gap (>6.5 eV). This study provides a new flexible π‐conjugated NLO‐active unit, contributing to design more ionic organic NLO materials with excellent balanced optical properties.
Reversible elektrochemische Abscheidung Kalium‐verbrückter molekularer Vanadiumoxide: Ein neuer Ansatz zur Multielektronenspeicherung
Authors: Arya Nikhil , Philipp Tom , Greiner Simon , Steiner Michael , Kranz Christine , Anjass Montaha
Published: May 2023

Molekulare Metalloxide, so genannte Polyoxometallate (POMs), sind ausgezeichnete Katalysatoren, die kürzlich Beachtung als Materialien für Energieumwandlungs‐ und ‐speichersysteme gefunden haben, aufgrund ihrer Eigenschaft, mehrere Elektronen speichern und austauschen zu können. In dieser Studie berichten wir erstmals über die redox‐getriebene, reversible Elektrodeposition von molekularen Vanadiumoxid‐Clustern, die zur Abscheidung von dünnen Filmen führt. Die eingehende Untersuchung des Abscheidemechanismus zeigt eine Abhängigkeit der Reversibilität vom Reduktionspotential. Untersuchungen mittels der elektrochemischen Quarzkristall‐Mikrowaage und Studien mittels Röntgen‐Photoelektronenspektroskopie (XPS) geben Aufschluss über das Redoxverhalten und die Oxidationsstufen des Vanadiums in den abgeschiedenen Filmen in Abhängigkeit vom gewählten Potential während der Abscheidung. Es konnte eine Multielektronenreduktion des Polyoxovanadat‐Clusters bestätigt werden, welche eine durch K+‐Ionen unterstützte reversible Bildung von Kaliumvanadiumoxid‐Dünnschichten ermöglicht. Im positiven (anodischen) Potentialbereich wird eine Re‐oxidierung des Polyoxovanadats und ein vollständiges Entfernen (Stripping) des dünnen Films beobachtet für Filme, die bei einem Potential von höher als −500 mV vs. Ag/Ag+ abgeschieden wurden, während die Elektroabscheidung bei einem negativeren kathodischen Potential die elektrochemische Reversibilität des Prozesses verringert und das Potential für das Stripping erhöht. Das Potential dieser Filme und der mögliche Einsatz der abgeschiedenen Filme für die Anwendung in Kalium‐Ionen‐Batterien wird gezeigt.
Synthesis of oxime ester‐based epoxy resin with chemical recyclability
Authors: Youn Hyunshick , Hong Younggi , Yu Ayeong , Jeong Jisu , Goh Munju
Published: May 2023

Epoxy, a typical thermosetting resin, exhibits excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, it can cause environmental pollution when discarded prior to decomposition. In this study, a novel oxime epoxy based on 1,4‐benzoquinone dioxime was developed. It decomposes quickly under mild conditions and without requiring organic solvents, thus is environmentally friendly. The optimal curing temperature for benzoquinone oxime epoxy (BOE) with a curing agent was 85°C as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the BOE/1,6‐hexanediamine (HMDA) resin are 20 and 400 MPa, respectively, and Tg is 76°C. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the BOE resin was thermally stable. Interestingly, BOE/HMDA degraded in 8 h under mild conditions. This rapid degradation will facilitate the development of new chemically degradable epoxy molecules with embedded oximes and provide insights into solving the environmental problems caused by discarded epoxy resin.
Corrosion prevention and control using in situ phase layers formation via application of the complexing‐type inhibitors
Authors: Vyshnevska Yu. P. , Brazhnyk I. V.
Published: May 2023

A set of organic ligands of different natures has been investigated as complexing‐type corrosion inhibitors for the protection of low carbon steel in an acidic medium. The inhibitive mechanism implying the formation of phase protective layers on the metal surface as a result of the complexation process of added organic ligands with the metal cations is being discussed. The results of the investigation of the influence of pH and temperature conditions on the phase layers formation dynamics have been presented. A range of practical aspects of the application of organic ligands as complexing‐type inhibitors for the formation of ultrathin coatings have been discussed. The stability constant of the metal–ligand complex and its solubility have been proposed as the basis of a predictive model for analytical assessment of their potential protective efficiency.