bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Challenges of Tree Nursery, Reforestation and its Impacts in the Limbe Municipality, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Nong Buh Emmanuel , Ekane Maurice Melle , Bonaventure Ngong Ukah , Morio Okon Emmanuel , Ngwoh Kum Valentine
Published: September 2021

With the increasing rate of global warming and climate change in the world and Limbe municipality in particular, tree nursery in the Limbe Botanic Garden and reforestation is of great importance to combat the negative environmental impacts. There are frequent landslides, flooding, rapid deforestation, and destruction of animal habitats leading to climate change and global warming in the town of Limbe. This study is focus on exploiting the challenges of tree nursery, reforestation and its impacts in order to reduce the increasing rate of carbon dioxide and other environmental disasters brought about by rapid deforestation. A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to August 2021 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. With the use of a simple random sampling method, 400 questionnaires were administered. Focus group discussion (FGD) was held with tree growers, the chief of forest conservator in the Limbe Botanic Garden and also with the local population in charge of forest exploitation. The results obtained from the questionnaires indicated that 57% of the challenges of tree nursery and reforestation were as a result of limited species of trees being nursed and transplanted. In contrast, 24% and 19% of the respondents also indicated that the difficulty faced in the maintenance of Limbe Botanic Garden (LBG) is the fact that there is limited renovation strategies employed. And that the causes of deforestation in Limbe, is brought about by rapid exploitation of the forest for timber purposes. To overcome these challenges, a joint effort of government and stakeholder’s participation, together with the local population is urgently needed in order to achieve sustainable tree nursery and reforestation in the municipality.
Luteolin: A Potential Multiple Targeted Drug Effectively Inhibits Diabetes Mellitus Protein Targets
Authors: Davella Rakesh , Mamidala Estari
Published: September 2021

Background: Diabetes is a significant health problem that has reached worrisome proportions: almost half of the world's population now has diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a severe, long-term disease in which a person's blood glucose levels are elevated due to their body's inability to make any or enough insulin, or to properly utilise the insulin that it does produce. The chemicals extracted from medicinal plants were shown to be both safer and more bioactive than manufactured medicines.

Objective: The goal of this research was to use molecular docking to find possible binding affinities of luteolin, a phytocompound from Rumex vesicarius L, to five target proteins, in order to find the lead molecule against diabetes.

Methodology: One chemical was isolated from Rumex vesicarius L. leaves in this research. The binding affinity of the complexes was calculated using molecular docking studies. The docking procedure was carried out using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6, which brought the ligand together with the target proteins.

Results: The binding energies of Luteolin with major Glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amido transferase (GFAT1), Pancreatic α-Amylase, Forkhead box protein O1(FOX01), α--glucosidase, and Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) were determined to be -6.89, -6.80, -6.36, -9.35, and -7.72 kcal.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that luteolin can target not only α--glucosidase but also DPP4 and other targets, suggesting that they may be used as type 2 diabetes mellitus inhibitors. We believe that this phytochemical, luteolin, may be utilised in preclinical studies as an anti-diabetic drug to combat diabetes mellitus.
Protocol on: Level of Anxiety and Coping Strategies Adopted by Antenatal Mothers
Authors: Warghane Roshani , Moon Shalini
Published: September 2021

Background: Anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period are frequent. Pregnancy and birth bring a slew of physiological and behavioural changes, and both mothers and fathers must contend with a slew of new obstacles. As a result, pregnancy and the postpartum period are times when women are more vulnerable to the start or return of mental illness.

Objective: 1. To assess the level of anxiety among antenatal mothers  2. To assess the level of coping strategies among antenatal mothers  3. To associate the level of anxiety with selected demographic variables 4. To associate the level of coping strategies with selected demographic variables 5. To assess the correlation between the anxiety and coping strategies of antenatal mothers.

Materials and Methods: A Descriptive research design study was undertaken to assess the level of anxiety and coping strategies adopted by antenatal mothers. In this study a total number of 100women who fulfill the inclusion criteria were selected. Modified anxiety rating  scale and modified coping strategies scale was developed to assess the level of anxiety and coping strategies adopted by antenatal mothers.

Expected Results: This study is planned to assess the level of anxiety and adopted coping strategies by the antenatal mothers. Hence it is expected to identify the level of anxiety and adopted coping strategies which helps to understand the prevalence rate of anxiety level during third trimester of antenatal mothers.

Conclusion: The conclusion will be drawn from the results.
Cerebral Palsy with Gross Developmental Delay with Lower Respiratory Infection with Hypoxia- A Case Report
Authors: Alwadkar Sagar , Wanjari Mayur B. , Wankhede Pratibha , Mendhe Deeplata
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a range of diseases caused by non-progressive brain injury that occurs before, during, or after birth. There are numerous causes. Although the brain damage does not change and cannot be cured, the symptoms may change over time.

Case Presentation: Here we discuss a 10-year-old female child with a complaint of involuntary movement of hand legs from the morning with another complaint of cough, cold, fever from 4 days. After undergone a thorough investigation and physical examination made the final diagnosis was Cerebral Palsy with Gross Developmental Delay with Lower Respiratory Infection with Hypoxia (80%). The case report aims to help diagnose such type of case and help to get early treatment with management.

Conclusion: In this case report, we mainly focus on patient signs and symptoms. According to that deliver medical and nursing management. After being given medical and nursing management patient's condition was improving.
Diagnostic Role of Dopplerography of Renal Vessels in Patients with Late Dysfunction of the Transplanted Kidney
Authors: Viktorovych Yakymenko Volodymyr
Published: September 2021

Aims: Search for non-invasive methods for diagnosing late transplant kidney dysfunction, which can improve control and monitor the condition of the kidney transplant, characterization diagnostic role of dopplerography of renal vessels in patients with late dysfunction of the transplanted kidney.

Study design:  When conducting dopplerometry, blood flow indices were analyzed from 3 to 6 cycles of heart contractions, followed by an averaged indicator. In addition, the linear blood flow velocity was assessed separately from the renal vein.

Place and Duration of Study: For the period 2016-2017 Ultrasound of an allopod was performed in 60 recipients of RT (RENAL TRANSPLANT) in the late postoperative period.

Methodology: The average age of the patients was 38.89 ± 1.52 years. There were 34 men (56.6 7%), 26 women (43.33%). All patients were divided into two groups: patients with preserved function and patients with RT (RENAL TRANSPLANT) dysfunction. Related kidney transplantation (RRT) was performed in 55.0% of patients, in 45.0% - cadaveric kidney transplantation (CKP). The groups were comparable in the main clinical and demographic parameters.

Results: The reverse dynamics was observed when examining the level of the renal filtration function indicator, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (SKF) - at a TAMX level of more than 15 cm/sec, glomerular filtration was 51.18 ± 1.93 (47.32-55.04) ml/min (p <0.01), and with a decrease in TAMX of less than 15 cm/sec, the level of SKF decreased significantly, more than twice, to the level of 25.40 ± 2.19 (21.02-29.78) ml/min <0.001).

Conclusion: The determination of dopplerographic parameters for TP with preserved and especially with impaired depuration function with a direct assessment of TAMX opens up wide opportunities in non-invasive assessment of RT (RENAL TRANSPLANT) changes, identification of developing complications, as well as improved transplant survival.
Adolescence Male with Psychosis: A Case Report
Authors: Sayyad Shabnam , Gawai Jaya , Kasturkar Pooja , Wanjari Mayur
Published: September 2021

Introduction: An impaired relationship with reality is a hallmark of psychosis. It is a sign of a serious mental disorder. People with psychosis may have delusions or hallucinations. The way your brain processes information can be affected by psychosis. Losing touch with reality is caused by it. It's possible to see, hear, or believe things that aren't true. Psychosis is a symptom, not a disease. It can be caused by a mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or stress. This case report aims to provide nursing care for psychosis. The objectives of this case report are to identify psychosis symptoms by the nurses and to report immediately and to take action immediately and to prevent complications.

Case Presentation: A 17-years adolescent male admitted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital Sawangi (M) Wardha with Auditory Hallucinations in psychosis since 7 (2014) years was admitted to a psychiatric ward with a chief complaint of muttering and smiling to self, decreased interaction sleep disturbance, aggressiveness. The perpetuating factors are poor drug compliance. Conclusion: The patient underwent psycho pharmacotherapy and the patient taking the medications regularly and minimized the symptoms. The relatives were informed about the prognosis and finally patient was discharged. The nurses play a vital role at the bedside and take care of psychiatric patients with auditory hallucinations effective nursing interventions for an adolescent male with auditory hallucinations in psychosis enhancing and improving patient’s mental illness who experience auditory hallucinations in psychosis.
Beta Cell Function and Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic, Prediabetic and Diabetic in a Subset of Obese Pakistani Population
Authors: Bhatty Shaheen , Kashif Syed Muhammad , Nashit Mohammad , Sayeed Faiza Zafar , Asad Fariha
Published: September 2021

Objective: To compare insulin resistance and beta-cell function in nondiabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic subjects in a subset of obese Pakistani population.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and ten obese subjects underwent anthropometric measurements. After overnight fasting for 8 hours, 6 cc blood was drawn for fasting blood glucose level, fasting insulin level. Blood glucose samples were taken after drinking 75 gm glucose in 260 ml water. HOMA IR and HOMA BETA% were calculated by the formula. Subjects were divided into obese nondiabetic, obese prediabetic and obese diabetic according to WHO criteria.

Results: Out of 210 obese subjects, 53 (25.2%) were males and 157 (74.8%) were females. The mean BMI was 32.39±5.21. Mean abdominal circumference was 102.78±10.16. There were 101(48%) obese nondiabetic, 51(24%) were found to be obese prediabetic, 58(28%) were found to be obese diabetic. Mean insulin resistance in obese nondiabetic subjects was 2.8 ±3.7, in prediabetic 8.5± 12.3, in diabetic was 17.7±24.6. Mean HOMA beta was 245.3±267.4 in obese nondiabetic subjects, 290.5±298.4 in prediabetic, and 16.6±57 in diabetic.

Conclusion: There was a significantly increased incidence of prediabetes and diabetes in obese subjects. Prediabetic and diabetic subjects were found to have marked insulin resistance. Beta-cell function was markedly reduced in diabetic subjects having a family history of diabetes, emphasizing the genetic predisposition to develop beta-cell exhaustion.
Case Report on Tuberculosis Meningitis-A Nurses Perspective
Authors: Sakharkar Sheetal , Singh Seema , Ankar Ruchira , Raut Arati , Pohekar Savita , Khandar Jaya , Sawarkar Achia , Alnewar Pragati
Published: September 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. If the infection is not treated immediately the bacterium passes via the circulatory system and spread other organs and tissues. Pathogen will travel to the meninges and causes inflammation of membranes called as tubercular meningitis. Here, the authors report a case of tuberculous meningitis a  42- years-old male patient  with the chief complaints of low grade fever with chills since 1 month, headache in frontal region since 5-6 days, altered sensorium, breathing difficulty, reduced speech and left side weakness of the body since 1 day. After admitting in the ward all investigation done like MRI brain, ECG, lumbar puncture, blood tests etc. and he diagnosed as tuberculous meningitis. Patient admitted in AVBRH in ICU, investigations done, where patient was on NIV support, nasogastric tube, foleys catheter and it has been removed as patient was improving the condition and shifted in ward. Patient medical treatment in the ward was inj. C-tri 2 gm, Inj.levoflox 500 mg, inj. thimine 100 mg, Inj.Dexamethasone 10 mg, tab. Pan 40 mg, tab. Akt4 3, Inj.manitol, tab. Lorazepam. History collection, Physical examination, neurological assessment and nursing care plan were done after all treatment patient condition has been improved.
Myth and Truth about COVID-19 and Vaccination
Authors: Agrawal Kunal , Kute Prakash , Anjankar Ashish , Jha Roshan Kumar
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, is a novel coronavirus that has spread from Wuhan, China to every continent except Antarctica. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) changed the situation's classification from a public health emergency of international concern to a pandemic. To date (17 April 2021), the novel coronavirus — officially known as "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2," or SARS-CoV-2 for short — has caused over 140 Million infections and approximately 3 Million deaths around the world. In INDIA, the virus has infected nearly 14.3 Million people, with nearly 1,74,000 of them dying. (April 17, 2021) We have conducted a literature search around pub Med, Medline, Scopus, WHO, and web of science to distinguish the effect of myth vs. truth about COVID 19.

Present study concludes Citizens' consciousness and the avoidance of misconceptions play a critical role in managing the pandemic, and as a result of this awareness, India's fatality rate is at 3.3 percent, with a recovery rate of 12.02 percent, according to the Health Ministry of India.

The extraordinary effort to attain widespread vaccination coverage has been greeted with an assault of incorrect and misleading information. Misinformation has the potential to harm vaccination uptake. Debunking misleading claims is a prominent way of combating vaccination misinformation. As a result, dealing with COVID-19 vaccination disinformation involves proactive measures to “immunise the public against misinformation.”
Computer Aided System for Industrial Productivity Performance Determination
Authors: Akinnuli B. O. , Asiru Ridwan Emiola
Published: September 2021

One obvious problem in determining productivity especially for small and medium scale companies is the lack of appropriate software to help determine their productivity. This work developed a computer aided system for industrial productivity performance determination for small and medium-scale industries. The industrial productivity assessment application was developed using C# in the visual studio Integrated development environment. The application featured an easy to use and modern graphical interface and PDF report generation functionality.  The usage procedure basically involved getting the productivity input data via an administered questionnaire, feeding the input into the Material, Capital, Labour, Energy, Expenses and Output sections respectively and generating the productivity report. In order to evaluate the performance of the developed application, a suitable company “Psaltry International Ltd” was selected as a case study and the data from 2013 to 2019 were used as the test inputs. The input data were also analysed manually and the result were compared with the generated results from the productivity assessment application which duly showed that the result from the productivity application was accurate. Based on this it was recommended that small and medium scale industries should embrace the use of computer aid systems in the management of their productivity.
CircRNAs in gastric cancer: current research and potential clinical implications
Authors: Lu Yixun , Li Kai , Gao Yunhe , Liang Wenquan , Wang Xinxin , Chen Lin
Published: September 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) has a dismal prognosis and is also one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. circRNAs are covalently closed circular RNA molecules without 5′‐cap and a 3′‐tail, currently listed among the broad noncoding RNA family. circRNAs participate in a variety of pathophysiological processes relevant to human diseases, especially malignancies, including GC. Compelling evidence has shown that circRNAs can function by sponging miRNAs, interacting with RNA binding proteins, and encoding proteins or peptides. Yet, our current understanding of these RNA circles remains very limited. Here, we overview the biogenesis, characteristics, functions, and degradation of circRNAs. Moreover, we give an account of the circRNAs that have been linked with GC, describing their functions and mechanisms of action in the context of GC. Next, we discuss the potential value of circRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic GC biomarkers and summarize future prospects, important questions, and challenges of circRNA‐based therapeutics.
Aggressive interactions and consistency of dominance hierarchies of the native and nonnative cichlid fishes of the Balsas basin
Authors: Franco Marco , Arce Elsah
Published: September 2021

Dominance hierarchies are generally established based on the levels of aggressiveness that animals present. Frequently, animals fight to establish a dominance hierarchy and obtain a disputed resource. The Mexican mojarra Cichlasoma istlanum is a native species of the Balsas river basin and coexists there with four nonnative cichlids: tilapia Oreochromis sp., convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata, spotcheek cichlid Thorichthys maculipinnis, and green terror Andinoacara rivulatus. These five cichlid species compete for spaces for reproduction, feeding, and shelter and frequently engage in aggressive interactions to obtain these resources. We quantified dominance indices to evaluate the hierarchical structure of dominance among these five cichlids and the duration of aggressive behaviors of the Mexican mojarra during experimental contests between the native species and each of the four nonnative species. The Mexican mojarra was consistently dominant over the other four cichlid species, performing a larger number of aggressive behaviors and investing more time in attacking than the nonnative cichlids, which resulted in a higher hierarchical position. Our results show that the native fish, Mexican mojarra, established dominance over all four nonnative cichlid fish of the Balsas basin. Thus, the establishment of nonnative cichlid species in the Balsas basin is likely associated with factors other than behavioral dominance.
Fast generation of lung SBRT plans with a knowledge‐based planning model on ring‐mounted Halcyon Linac
Authors: Visak Justin , Webster Aaron , Bernard Mark E. , Kudrimoti Mahesh , Randall Marcus E. , McGarry Ronald C. , Pokhrel Damodar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To demonstrate fast treatment planning feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for centrally located lung tumors on Halcyon Linac via a previously validated knowledge‐based planning (KBP) model to support offline adaptive radiotherapy.

Materials/methods

Twenty previously treated non‐coplanar volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) lung SBRT plans (c‐Truebeam) on SBRT‐dedicated C‐arm Truebeam Linac were selected. Patients received 50 Gy in five fractions. c‐Truebeam plans were re‐optimized for Halcyon manually (m‐Halcyon) and with KBP model (k‐Halcyon). Both m‐Halcyon and k‐Halcyon plans were normalized for identical or better target coverage than clinical c‐Truebeam plans and compared for target conformity, dose heterogeneity, dose fall‐off, and dose tolerances to the organs‐at‐risk (OAR). Treatment delivery parameters and planning times were evaluated.

Results

k‐Halcyon plans were dosimetrically similar or better than m‐Halcyon and c‐Truebeam plans. k‐Halcyon and m‐Halcyon plan comparisons are presented with respect to c‐Truebeam. Differences in conformity index were statistically insignificant in k‐Halcyon and on average 0.02 higher (p = 0.04) in m‐Halcyon plans. Gradient index was on average 0.43 (p = 0.006) lower and 0.27 (p = 0.02) higher for k‐Halcyon and m‐Halcyon, respectively. Maximal dose 2 cm away in any direction from target was statistically insignificant. k‐Halcyon increased maximal target dose on average by 2.9 Gy (p < 0.001). Mean lung dose was on average reduced by 0.10 Gy (p = 0.004) in k‐Halcyon and increased by 0.14 Gy (p < 0.001) in m‐Halcyon plans. k‐Halcyon plans lowered bronchial tree dose on average by 1.2 Gy. Beam‐on‐time (BOT) was increased by 2.85 and 1.67 min, on average for k‐Halcyon and m‐Halcyon, respectively. k‐Halcyon plans were generated in under 30 min compared to estimated dedicated 180 ± 30 min for m‐Halcyon or c‐Truebeam plan.

Conclusion

k‐Halcyon plans were generated in under 30 min with excellent plan quality. This adaptable KBP model supports high‐volume clinics in the expansion or transfer of lung SBRT patients to Halcyon.
Informed consent: Patients with OUD must be told about MAT
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

When patients seek treatment, they are supposed to receive “informed consent,” but the actual rules are governed by state law, according to the Legal Action Center. We wondered about this when a recent unscientific survey of residential treatment programs showed that many do not provide buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are the only three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of OUD, and methadone can only be provided in a federally licensed opioid treatment program (OTP). Methadone and buprenorphine are both opioids themselves, which seems to be the main objection to use of these medications.
Non‐opioid veterinary sedative xylazine implicated in OD deaths
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

Xylazine, a veterinary drug for sedation, is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for humans. A central nervous system depressant, it has been used as a toxic adulterant in illicit fentanyl and heroin, and it may increase the risk of fatal overdose. It's not an opioid, so naloxone won't reverse its effects. Now, several states are reporting the presence of xylazine in drug overdose deaths.
Computer‐Aided Design of Metal Melt Filters: Geometric Modifications of Open‐Cell Foams, Effective Hydraulic Properties and Filtration Performance
Authors: Lehmann Henry , Werzner Eric , Malik Alexander , Abendroth Martin , Ray Subhashis , Jung Bernhard
Published: September 2021

The combination of additive manufacturing and replication technique enables the development of new ceramic foam filters (CFFs) for the filtration of metal melts based on computer‐generated templates. This article presents a numerical study on the sensitivity of filtration performance with respect to different geometric modifications, applied to an artificial monodisperse base structure. Three different geometric modifications are implemented, namely, elliptical elongation and flattening of the strut cross section with respect to the flow direction, additional finger‐like struts protruding into the pore cavity, and addition of deliberately closed windows. All modifications are implemented for overall porosities of 70–90%. The performance of the new structures is evaluated for continuous casting of aluminum by comparing the hydraulic tortuosity, the permeability, the Forchheimer coefficient, and the filtration coefficient, which are obtained from detailed pore‐scale simulations of the melt flow and inclusions transport using an Euler–Langrange approach. For the fast determination of the permeability coefficients, a novel and extremely simple model for the prediction of the Forchheimer coefficient is described. The investigation shows that geometric modifications to open‐cell foams potentially improve the filtration performance without significant decrease in filter porosity and can be considered as templates for the design of efficient CFFs.
Printed Cu–Ag Phases Using Laser‐Induced Forward Transfer
Authors: Gorodesky Niv , Sedghani-Cohen Sharona , Fogel Ofer , Altman Marc , Cohen-Taguri Gili , Kotler Zvi , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: September 2021

Laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT) is an additive manufacturing technique where short laser pulses are focused through a transparent substrate onto a thin, uniform, metal layer jetting micrometer‐scale droplets yielding high‐resolution 3D metal structures. Herein, LIFT printing from multilayered metal donors, and from compositional metal mixtures, is explored and presented. A comprehensive study of this sort has been lacking so far. LIFT printing from Cu–Ag structured donors is thoroughly studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the formation of a metastable Cu–Ag phase reflecting the high cooling rate of the metal droplets. Tuning properties of the printed metal structures is made possible by controlling the pulse width and the donor layers’ properties. Longer pulses (10 ns) jetting from cosputtered donors yield better homogeneity than shorter pulses (1 ns) from donors made of distinct sputtered layers. These homogenic structures also display better resistance to chemical etching. This study opens the door to designing various phases and structures with different electrical and mechanical properties by using LIFT of multimaterials donors.
Liquid Droplet Stamp Transfer Printing
Authors: Liu Xin , Cao Yu , Zheng Kunwei , Zhang Yingchao , Wang Zhouheng , Chen Yihao , Chen Ying , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: September 2021

Despite the increasingly significant role of flexible electronics in information, energy, and medical treatment, their integration with a special‐shaped interface remains an unresolved challenge. The traditional transfer method, as a core technology of device integration, is still unsuitable for thinned chips and 3D sensors. Solid‐contact elastomer stamp sometimes causes cracks while non‐contact method such as sacrificial layer method fails to achieve precise positioning transfer. Herein, the authors present liquid droplet stamp transfer printing (LSTP) with a high yield ratio which allows flexible devices to be transferred form silicon wafer to complex special‐shaped interfaces. Following the transfer scheme, the regulation of interface force is demonstrated with different thin‐film patterns. Besides, the liquid droplet stamp is designed as an efficient tool to transfer thinned inorganic flexible chips. A thinned micro light emitting diode, extensively used in large‐scale manufacturing of flexible circuits, is transferred and lighted successfully. In addition, a new method to fabricate 3D sensors is proposed with the liquid droplet stamp, which provides a new way of manufacturing wearable antenna and reconfigurable devices. Consequently, the LSTP has great potential for future sophisticated and system‐level flexible devices transfer printing and plays a vital role in the research of 3D flexible electronics.
Wafer‐Scale Growth of Aligned C60 Single Crystals via Solution‐Phase Epitaxy for High‐Performance Transistors
Authors: Lu Zhengjun , Deng Wei , Fang Xiaochen , Xiao Jie , Lu Bei , Zhang Xinwei , Pirzado Azhar Ali Ayaz , Jie Jiansheng , Zhang Xiujuan
Published: September 2021

Fullerene (C60) single crystals with exceptionally low defects and nearly perfect translational symmetry make them appealing in achieving high‐performance n‐type organic transistors. However, because of its natural 0D structure, control over continuous crystallization of C60 over a large area is extremely challenging. Here, the authors report a solution‐phase epitaxial approach for wafer‐scale growth of continuously aligned C60 single crystals. This method enables the rational control of the density of nucleation event at meniscus front by confining the size and shape of meniscus with a microchannel template. In this case, a single nucleus as seed crystal can be formed at the front of meniscus, and then epitaxial growth from the seed crystal occurs with continuous retreat of the meniscus. As a result, highly uniform C60 single‐crystal array with ultralow defect density is obtained on 2‐inch substrate. Organic field‐effect transistors made from the C60 single‐crystal array show a high average electron mobility of 2.17 cm2 V−1 s−1, along with a maximum mobility of 5.09 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is much superior to the C60 polycrystalline film‐based devices. This strategy opens new opportunities for the scalable fabrication of high‐performance integrated devices based on organic crystals.
Wet Chemistry Vitrification and Metal‐to‐Semiconductor Transition of 2D Gray Arsenene Nanoflakes
Authors: Hu Yi , Wang Xinzhu , Qi Zhenghang , Wan Susu , Liang Junchuan , Jia Qingqing , Hong Daocheng , Tian Yuxi , Ma Jing , Tie Zuoxiu , Jin Zhong
Published: September 2021

To manipulate the electrical and optical properties of 2D materials via engineering their phases and crystallinity is of great significance for the construction of nanodevices with versatile functions. Herein, the controllable transformation of semimetallic gray arsenene nanoflakes into semiconducting vitreous arsenene nanoflakes via a wet chemistry vitrification method is reported. Experimental studies and theoretical simulations reveal that the vitrification of gray arsenene nanoflakes is attributed to the consumption of arsenic atoms by aqueous HF via the trigger of dissolved oxygen, resulting in a significant variation of band structure rendered by the formation of atomic structure disorderliness and arsenic atom defects/vacancies. Unlike the semimetallic features of pristine gray arsenene nanoflakes, the as‐prepared vitreous arsenene nanoflakes exhibit a strong photoluminescence peak centered at 635 nm corresponding to an optical band gap of 1.95 eV, and the field‐effect transistors based on vitreous arsenene nanoflakes also exhibit definitely p‐type semiconducting characteristics with a carrier mobility of ≈159.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. The wet chemistry induced vitrification of gray arsenene nanoflakes presents an efficient strategy to regulate the electrical and optical properties of arsenene nanoflakes, providing new insights for the interface and band structure engineering of 2D nanomaterials.
Dislocations Stabilized by Point Defects Increase Brittleness in PbTe
Authors: Male James P. , Abdellaoui Lamya , Yu Yuan , Zhang Siyuan , Pieczulewski Naomi , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Scheu Christina , Snyder Gerald Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Dislocations and the residual strain they produce are instrumental for the high thermoelectric figure of merit, zT ≈ 2, in lead chalcogenides. However, these materials tend to be brittle, barring them from practical green energy and deep space applications. Nonetheless, the bulk of thermoelectrics research focuses on increasing zT without considering mechanical performance. Optimized thermoelectric materials always involve high point defect concentrations for doping and solid solution alloying. Brittle materials show limited plasticity (dislocation motion), yet clear links between crystallographic defects and embrittlement are hitherto unestablished in PbTe. This study identifies connections between dislocations, point defects, and the brittleness (correlated with Vickers hardness) in single crystal and polycrystalline PbTe with various n‐ and p‐type dopants. Speed of sound measurements show a lack of electronic bond stiffening in p‐type PbTe, contrary to the previous speculation. Instead, varied routes of point defect–dislocation interaction restrict dislocation motion and drive embrittlement: dopants with low doping efficiency cause high defect concentrations, interstitial n‐type dopants (Ag and Cu) create highly strained obstacles to dislocation motion, and highly mobile dopants can distribute inhomogeneously or segregate to dislocations. These results illustrate the consequences of excessive defect engineering and the necessity to consider both mechanical and thermoelectric performance when researching thermoelectric materials for practical applications.
Heterogeneous Fluorescent Organohydrogel Enables Dynamic Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Le Xiaoxia , Shang Hui , Wu Shuangshuang , Zhang Jiawei , Liu Mingjie , Zheng Yinfei , Chen Tao
Published: September 2021

Fluorescent patterns showing the unique color change in response to external stimuli are of considerable interest for their applications in anti‐counterfeiting. However, there is still a lack of intelligent fluorescent patterns with high‐security levels, presenting a dynamic display of encrypted information. In this study, a fluorescent organohydrogel is fabricated through a two‐step interpenetrating technique, leading to the co‐existence of naphthalimide moieties (DEAN, green‐yellow fluorescent monomer) contained Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) hydrogel network and Polyoctadecyl methacrylate (PSMA) organogel network bearing spiropyran moieties (SPMA, photochromic monomer). Due to the unique heterogeneous networks, the fluorescence color goes through a continuous change from green to yellow to red via the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process with the extension of irradiation time. In addition, when H+ is introduced into the system, SP units exhibit transformation into the protonated merocyanine (MCH+) rather than merocyanine (MC) under UV light, which inhibits the FRET process. By selectively being treated with H+, the fluorescent organohydrogel can act as an effective platform for encrypting secret information, making them more difficult to forge.
3D‐Printed Regenerative Magnesium Phosphate Implant Ensures Stability and Restoration of Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Golafshan Nasim , Willemsen Koen , Kadumudi Firoz Babu , Vorndran Elke , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Weinans Harrie , van der Wal Bart C. H. , Malda Jos , Castilho Miguel
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a painful and debilitating condition commonly occurring in humans and dogs. One of the main causes that leads to hip osteoarthritis is hip dysplasia. Although the current surgical methods to correct dysplasia work satisfactorily in many circumstances, these are associated with serious complications, tissue resorption, and degeneration. In this study, a one‐step fabrication of a regenerative hip implant with a patient‐specific design and load‐bearing properties is reported. The regenerative hip implant is fabricated based on patient imaging files and by an extrusion assisted 3D printing process using a flexible, bone‐inducing biomaterial. The novel implant can be fixed with metallic screws to host bone and can be loaded up to physiological loads without signs of critical permanent deformation or failure. Moreover, after exposing the hip implant to accelerated in vitro degradation, it is confirmed that it is still able to support physiological loads even after losing ≈40% of its initial mass. In addition, the osteopromotive properties of the novel hip implant is demonstrated as shown by an increased expression of osteonectin and osteocalcin by cultured human mesenchymal stem cells after 21 days. Overall, the proposed hip implant provides an innovative regenerative and mechanically stable solution for hip dysplasia treatment.
Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Bu Yunfei , Wang Yaobin , Han Gao‐Feng , Zhao Yunxia , Ge Xinlei , Li Feng , Zhang Zhihui , Zhong Qin , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an environment‐friendly and efficient oxidant with a wide range of applications in different industries. Recently, the production of hydrogen peroxide through direct electrosynthesis has attracted widespread research attention, and has emerged as the most promising method to replace the traditional energy‐intensive multi‐step anthraquinone process. In ongoing efforts to achieve highly efficient large‐scale electrosynthesis of H2O2, carbon‐based materials have been developed as 2e− oxygen reduction reaction catalysts, with the benefits of low cost, abundant availability, and optimal performance. This review comprehensively introduces the strategies for optimizing carbon‐based materials toward H2O2 production, and the latest advances in carbon‐based hybrid catalysts. The active sites of the carbon‐based materials and the influence of coordination heteroatom doping on the selectivity of H2O2 are extensively analyzed. In particular, the appropriate design of functional groups and understanding the effect of the electrolyte pH are expected to further improve the selective efficiency of producing H2O2 via the oxygen reduction reaction. Methods for improving catalytic activity by interface engineering and reaction kinetics are summarized. Finally, the challenges carbon‐based catalysts face before they can be employed for commercial‐scale H2O2 production are identified, and prospects for designing novel electrochemical reactors are proposed.
Coupling Glucose‐Assisted Cu(I)/Cu(II) Redox with Electrochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhang Yiqiong , Zhou Bo , Wei Zengxi , Zhou Wang , Wang Dongdong , Tian Jing , Wang Tehua , Zhao Shuangliang , Liu Jilei , Tao Li , Wang Shuangyin
Published: September 2021

Water electrolysis is a sustainable technology for hydrogen production since this process can utilize the intermittent electricity generated by renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydro. However, the large‐scale application of this process is restricted by the high electricity consumption due to the large potential gap (>1.23 V) between the anodic oxygen evolution reaction and the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a novel and efficient hydrogen production system is developed for coupling glucose‐assisted Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox with HER. The onset potential of the electrooxidation of Cu(I) to Cu(II) is as low as 0.7 VRHE (vs reversible hydrogen electrode). In situ Raman spectroscopy, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculation demonstrates that glucose in the electrolyte can reduce the Cu(II) into Cu(I) instantaneously via a thermocatalysis process, thus completing the cycle of Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox. The assembled electrolyzer only requires a voltage input of 0.92 V to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Consequently, the electricity consumption for per cubic H2 produced in the system is 2.2 kWh, only half of the value for conventional water electrolysis (4.5 kWh). This work provides a promising strategy for the low‐cost, efficient production of high‐purity H2.
Controllable Synthesis of COFs‐Based Multicomponent Nanocomposites from Core‐Shell to Yolk‐Shell and Hollow‐Sphere Structure for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Mi , Chang Jia‐Nan , Chen Yifa , Lu Meng , Yu Tao‐Yuan , Jiang Cheng , Li Shun‐Li , Cai Yue‐Peng , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: September 2021

The precise tuning and multi‐dimensional processing of covalent organic frameworks (COFs)‐based materials into multicomponent superstructures with appropriate diversity are essential to maximize their advantages in catalytic reactions. However, up to now, it remains an ongoing challenge for the precise design of COFs‐based multicomponent nanocomposites with diverse architectures. Herein, a metal organic framework (MOF)‐sacrificed in situ acid‐etching (MSISAE) strategy that enables continuous synthesis of core‐shell, yolk‐shell, and hollow‐sphere COFs‐based nanocomposites through tuning of core decomposition (NH2‐MIL‐125 into TiO2) rate is developed. More importantly, due to the multiple active sites, fast transfer of carriers, increased light utilization ability, et al, one of the obtained samples, NH2‐MIL‐125/TiO2@COF‐366‐Ni‐OH‐HAc (yolk‐shell) with special three components, exhibits high photocatalytic CO2‐to‐CO conversion efficiency in the gas‐solid mode. The MSISAE strategy developed in this work achieves the precise morphology design and control of multicomponent hybrid composites based on COFs, which may pave a new way in devealoping porous crystalline materials with powerful superstructures for multifunctional catalytic reactions.
Textile Waste Fiber Regeneration via a Green Chemistry Approach: A Molecular Strategy for Sustainable Fashion
Authors: Sun Xuantong , Wang Xi , Sun Fengqiang , Tian Mingwei , Qu Lijun , Perry Patsy , Owens Huw , Liu Xuqing
Published: September 2021

Fast fashion, as a continuously growing part of the textile industry, is widely criticized for its excessive resource use and high generation of textiles. To reduce its environmental impacts, numerous efforts are focused on finding sustainable and eco‐friendly approaches to textile recycling. However, waste textiles and fibers are still mainly disposed of in landfills or by incineration after their service life and thereby pollute the natural environment, as there is still no effective strategy to separate natural fibers from chemical fibers. Herein, a green chemistry strategy is developed for the separation and regeneration of waste textiles at the molecular level. Cellulose/wool keratin composite fibers and multicomponent fibers are regenerated from waste textiles via a green chemical process. The strategy attempts to reduce the large amount of waste textiles generated by the fast‐developing fashion industry and provide a new source of fibers, which can also address the fossil fuel reserve shortages caused by chemical fiber industries and global food shortages caused by natural fiber production.
Reborn Three‐Dimensional Graphene with Ultrahigh Volumetric Desalination Capacity
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Chen Nan , Li Zengling , Shao Huibo , Sun Xiaotong , Liu Feng , Liu Xiaoting , Guo Qiang , Qu Liangti
Published: September 2021

The constructing of 3D materials with optimal performance is urgently needed to meet the growing demand of advanced materials in the high‐tech sector. A distinctive 3D graphene (3DG) is designed based on a repeated rebirth strategy to obtain a better body and performance after each round of rebirth, as if it is Phoenix Nirvana. The properties of reborn graphene, namely 3DG after Nirvana (NvG), has been dramatically upgraded compared to 3DG, including high density (3.36 times) together with high porosity, as well as better electrical conductivity (1.41 times), mechanical strength (32.4 times), and ultrafast infiltration behavior. These advantages of NvG make it a strong intrinsic motivation for application in capacitive deionization (CDI). Using NvG directly as the CDI electrode, it has an extremely high volumetric capacity of 220 F cm−3 at 1 A cm−3 and a maximum salt absorption capacity of 8.02~9.2 mg cm−3 (8.9–10.2 times), while the power consumption for adsorption of the same mass of salt is less than a quarter of 3DG. The “Phoenix Nirvana”‐like strategy of manufacturing 3D structures will undoubtedly become the new engine to kick‐start the development of innovative carbon materials through an overall performance upgrade.
A Solution‐Processed Hole‐Transporting Layer Based on p‐Type CuCrO2 for Organic Photodetector and Image Sensor
Authors: Li Yi , Luo Hongde , Mao Longmei , Yu Longxin , Li Xifeng , Jin Libo , Zhang Jianhua
Published: September 2021

In this study, p‐type delafossite CuCrO2 nanomaterials are synthesized via a one‐step hydrothermal reaction. An organic photodiode (OPD) with an inverted stack is fabricated by utilizing such CuCrO2 as the hole‐transporting layer. The single OPD device shows the dark current density of 6.48 × 10−8 A cm−2, and an external quantum efficiency of 16.2% at a 525 nm illumination, and a −5 V bias. Its responsivity and detectivity are 68.5 mA W−1 and 4.75 × 1011 cm Hz1/2 W−1, respectively. A large‐area, flat‐panel image sensor is also realized similarly by applying the materials and structure onto a thin‐film transistor backplane. The active area and pitch of flat‐panel sensor are 75.0 mm × 81.0 mm and 150 µm, respectively and its resolution is 510 × 470. The performance of the organic image sensor is evaluated. The results indicate the materials and device have potential applications for the flat‐panel detector.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Cobalt and Nickel Ferrite Thin Films: Investigation of Structure and Pseudocapacitive Properties
Authors: Zywitzki Dennis , Schaper Raoul , Ciftyürek Engin , Wree Jan‐Lucas , Taffa Dereje H. , Baier Daniel M. , Rogalla Detlef , Li Yujiao , Meischein Michael , Ludwig Alfred , Li Zheshen , Schierbaum Klaus , Wark Michael , Devi Anjana
Published: September 2021

Transition metal ferrites, such as CoFe2O4 (CFO) and NiFe2O4 (NFO), have gained increasing attention as potential materials for supercapacitors. Since chemical vapor deposition (CVD) offers advantages like interface quality to the underlying substrates and the possibility for coverage of 3D substrates, two CVD processes are reported for CFO and NFO. Growth rates amount to 150 to 200 nm h−1 and yield uniform, dense, and phase pure spinel ferrite films according to X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis (RBS/NRA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Atom probe tomography (APT) and synchrotron X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) give insights into the vertical homogeneity and oxidation states in the CFO films. Cation disorder of CFO is analyzed for the first time from synchrotron‐based XPS. NFO is analyzed via lab‐based XPS. Depositions on conducting Ni and Ti substrates result in electrodes with pseudocapacitive behavior, as evidenced by cyclovoltammetry (CV) experiments. The interfacial capacitances of the electrodes are up to 185 µF cm−2.
Simultaneous Conversion of Polarization and Frequency via Time‐Division‐Multiplexing Metasurfaces
Authors: Yang Jin , Ke Jun Chen , Cao Wen Kang , Chen Ming Zheng , Cheng Qiang , Galdi Vincenzo , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2021

Metasurfaces are artificially engineered two‐dimensional materials composed of sub‐wavelength meta‐atoms, which have shown unprecedented capabilities in manipulating the amplitude, phase, frequency, and polarization states of electromagnetic waves. Specifically, polarization control can be attained via suitable anisotropic, linear, and time‐invariant designs, while frequency conversion is realized via nonlinear or time‐varying platforms. Simultaneous manipulations of polarization and frequency would be of considerable practical interest in many application scenarios, but remain unattainable with current approaches. Here, a time‐division‐multiplexing metasurface is proposed to realize the simultaneous conversion of polarization and frequency. The platform relies on time‐modulated polarization switches and, by varying the duty cycle and time delays of the polarization channels, can arbitrarily rotate the polarization at the central frequency of operation, and synthesize various polarization states at selected harmonic frequencies. Theoretical predictions are validated via measurements on a prototype operating at microwave frequencies, providing the first experimental evidence of simultaneous polarization and frequency conversions via time‐division‐multiplexing metasurfaces. The outcomes open a new pathway in manipulating the electromagnetic waves via time‐varying metasurfaces, and may be of interest for a broad variety of applications in scenarios ranging from polarization imaging to quantum optics.