bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the Swarm
Authors: Han Byung-Chul
Published: August 2020

A prominent German thinker argues that—contrary to “Twitter Revolution” cheerleading—digital communication is destroying political discourse and political action.

The shitstorm represents an authentic phenomenon of digital communication.

—from In the Swarm

Digital communication and social media have taken over our lives. In this contrarian reflection on digitized life, Byung-Chul Han counters the cheerleaders for Twitter revolutions and Facebook activism by arguing that digital communication is in fact responsible for the disintegration of community and public space and is slowly eroding any possibility for real political action and meaningful political discourse. In the predigital, analog era, by the time an angry letter to the editor had been composed, mailed, and received, the immediate agitation had passed. Today, digital communication enables instantaneous, impulsive reaction, meant to express and stir up outrage on the spot. “The shitstorm,” writes Han, ”represents an authentic phenomenon of digital communication.”

Meanwhile, the public, the senders and receivers of these communications have become a digital swarm—not a mass, or a crowd, or Negri and Hardt's antiquated notion of a “multitude,” but a set of isolated individuals incapable of forming a “we,” incapable of calling dominant power relations into question, incapable of formulating a future because of an obsession with the present. The digital swarm is a fragmented entity that can focus on individual persons only in order to make them an object of scandal.

Han, one of the most widely read philosophers in Europe today, describes a society in which information has overrun thought, in which the same algorithms are employed by Facebook, the stock market, and the intelligence services. Democracy is under threat because digital communication has made freedom and control indistinguishable. Big Brother has been succeeded by Big Data.
The Barbarian Invasions
Authors: Michaud Éric
Published: August 2020

How the history of art begins with the myth of the barbarian invasion—the romantic fragmentation of classical eternity.

The history of art, argues Éric Michaud, begins with the romantic myth of the barbarian invasions. Viewed from the nineteenth century, the Germanic-led invasions of the Roman Empire in the fifth century became the gateway to modernity, seen not as a catastrophe but as a release from a period of stagnation, renewing Roman culture with fresh, northern blood—and with new art that was anti-Roman and anticlassical. Artifacts of art from then on would be considered as the natural product of “races” and “peoples” rather than the creation of individuals. The myth of the barbarian invasions achieved the fragmentation of classical eternity.

This narrative, Michaud explains, inseparable from the formation of nation states and the rise of nationalism in Europe, was based on the dual premise of the homogeneity and continuity of peoples. Local and historical particularities became weapons aimed at classicism's universalism. The history of art linked its objects with racial groups—denouncing or praising certain qualities as “Latin” or “Germanic.” Thus the predominance of linear elements was thought to betray a southern origin, and the “painterly” a Germanic or northern source. Even today, Michaud points out, it is said that art best embodies the genius of peoples. In the globalized contemporary art market, the ethnic provenance of works—categorized, for example, as “African American,” “Latino,” or “Native American”—creates added value. The market displays the same competition among “races” that was present at the foundation of art history as a discipline.
Effect of Blanching, Varietal Difference of Irish Potato Flour and Sprouted Maize Flour on Energy Density of Gruels of Three Irish Potatoes Varieties (Cipira, Pamela and Dosa) in Dschang, West-Cameroon: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Kalamo Leonie Gaytane Nguemguo , Tene Stephano Tambo , Klang Julie Mathilde
Published: August 2020

Child malnutrition is a problem that usually occurs from the age of weaning. It is mostly manifested in the form of protein-energy malnutrition and mainly affects many infants in developing countries. This study is aimed at improved the energy density of gruels made from Irish potato flours by using the response surface methodology. To achieve this, blanched and unblanched Irish potato flours of three varieties (Cipira, Dosa and Pamela) were produced. The flours were then chemically and physically characterized. The response surface methodology using the Doelhert plan was carried out to study the effect of blanching on the energy density of gruels of the three Irish potato varieties with dry matter and optimized germinated corn flour concentration (Kassaï variety) as factors. As such that the blanching, variety and interactive effect of the blanching and variety significantly influence (p<0.05; 0.01; 0.001) the proximate chemical composition of all flours. The combination of optimized germinated corn flour at concentrations ranging from 3.10 to 5.76 g with Irish potato flour at concentrations between 14.50-25.45 g of dry matter has resulted in gruels with flow velocities between 100 and 160 mm/30s. The activity of germinated flour was influenced by blanching, which reduced its activity in the Dosa and Pamela varieties but increased in the case of Cipira. The use of optimized germinated corn flour during the preparation of the Irish potato gruels resulted in an increase of the energy density between 3.4 and 6.02. The correlation matrix shows that the fluidizing capacity of optimized germinated corn flour is significantly (p<0.05; 0.01) influenced by carbohydrates, ash and fibers. In view of all the above, the appropriate combination of optimized germinated corn flour and the various Irish potato flours would alleviate the problem of protein energy malnutrition.
Moringa oleifera: Production and Marketing in Tiruppur District
Authors: Kavithambika S. , Indumathi V. M. , Mahendran K.
Published: August 2020

Aim: The study aimed at analyzing both the production and marketing aspects of Moringa oleifera. The main objective of this study was to analyze price and cost along the existing marketing channels of Moringa, and identify the most efficient channel. The study also sheds light on factors that affect the choice of market channel for Moringa marketing.

Methodology: Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu was selected for the study based on Moringa area and production statistics. Non- probability sampling technique was used to select the sample respondents. The sample consisted of 40 Moringa farmers and 35 market intermediaries (10 Local traders/Commission agents, 10 Wholesalers, 5 Processors and 10 Retailers). Conventional analysis using percentage; price spread along the chain was estimated by calculating farmer’s net price, marketing margin and farmer’s share in consumer’s rupee; technical efficiency of the farmers were measured using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEAP software version 2.1).

Results: Moringa was the most cultivated crop as it was drought tolerant and generated higher profits. About 50 percent of farmers operated in a technical efficiency range greater than 0.90 and, technical efficiency varied substantially between 0.67 and 1.00, with a mean technical efficiency of 0.89. Majority of the farmers preferred selling their produce to local traders and the reason for preferring that channel was it saved their time. Marketing Margin of processors were the highest.

Conclusion: Farmers can sell their produce directly to the retailers, as it was found to be the most efficient channel. Farmers could be better educated through government aided consultancy services and these consultancy firms and farmers associations, could work together. Price fluctuation presents a favorable climate for value addition processes in the study area and processors can expand the existing small-scale activities to meet out the demand.
Assessment of the Different Machine Learning Models for Prediction of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) Yield
Authors: Pangarkar Darshan Jagannath , Sharma Rajesh , Sharma Amita , Sharma Madhu
Published: August 2020

Prediction of crop yield can help traders, agri-business and government agencies to plan their activities accordingly. It can help government agencies to manage situations like over or under production. Traditionally statistical and crop simulation methods are used for this purpose. Machine learning models can be great deal of help. Aim of present study is to assess the predictive ability of various machine learning models for Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) yield prediction. Various machine learning models were applied and tested on panel data of 19 years i.e. from 1999-2000 to 2017-18 for the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. Various data mining steps were performed before building a model. K- Nearest Nighbors (K-NN), Support Vector Regression (SVR) with various kernels, and Random forest regression were applied. Cross validation was also performed to know extra sampler validity. The best fitted model was chosen based cross validation scores and R2 values. Besides the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root relative squared error (RRSE) were calculated for the testing set. Support vector regression with linear kernel has the lowest RMSE (23.19), RRSE (0.14), MAE (19.27) values followed by random forest regression and second-degree polynomial support vector regression with the value of gamma = auto. Instead there was a little difference with R2, placing support vector regression first (98.31%), followed by second-degree polynomial support vector regression with value of gamma = auto (89.83%) and second-degree polynomial support vector regression with value of gamma = scale (88.83%). On two-fold cross validation, support vector regression with a linear kernel had the highest cross validation score explaining 71% (+/-0.03) followed by second-degree polynomial support vector regression with a value of gamma = auto and random forest regression. KNN and support vector regression with radial basis function as a kernel function had negative cross validation scores. Support vector regression with linear kernel was found to be the best-fitted model for predicting the yield as it had higher sample validity (98.31%) and global validity (71%).
Reliability Analysis of Flexible Pavement Using First Order Method
Authors: Fattah Sameh S. Abd El- , Maaty Ahmed E. Abu El- , Hashim Ibrahim H.
Published: August 2020

Flexible pavement design is influenced by many design parameters such as (traffic characterization, pavement depths, structure materials and environmental conditions). To study the impact of variations in design parameters on pavement performance, several attempts have been achieved to add reliability concept to the mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design of pavements. In (M-E) design of pavements, the pavement life depends on subgrade rutting and fatigue cracking, considering them as independent failure patterns. The current design methodology used in many countries such as Egypt is ignoring the impact of temperature variation (despite its importance) on the pavement design. This research aimed to predict the pavement reliability due to variation in pavement design parameters especially temperature using the first-order reliability method (FORM) considering rutting and fatigue failures. Moreover, a comparison was performed between regressions models represented from different pavement agencies to recommend the most efficient one for Egyptian temperature. The results obtained that, considering design parameters variations (without temperature); the reliability based on US Army Corps method (91.64%) was the nearest one to the current design methodology in Egypt (91.0%). After adding temperature variations, the reliability was clearly affected where the regression model of Shell Research agency was the most appropriate one for all Egyptian temperature zones as it achieved the lowest error mean (-0.03) and the lowest error standard deviation (0.0011). Moreover, the air temperature of 28ºC was considered as the inflection point for pavement reliability-temperature curve in Egypt.
Ethno Botanical Study of Wild Medicinal Plants of Peerano Valley, District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Zeb Anwar , Khan Yaseen , Yaseen Tabassum , Shah Sulaiman
Published: August 2020

The ethno medicinal study play a key role in the control of various disorders and provide a base for further study on scientific lines. The purpose of the survey was to observe the traditional medicinal plants and their uses for the various common disorders in Peerano Valley, district Malakand Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. The study was carried out from March, 2015 to April, 2016 and collected the data from the local inhabitants through questionnaires, interviewed regarding the available medicinal plants. The total 35 plants are recorded as medicinal belonging to 31 families. The study showed that 20 plants species were herbs, 8 tress and 7 were shrubs. The common parts were leaf, fruit, and whole plant, which were used in greater numbers. The inhabitants used them for stomachache, fever, cough, healing of wounds, diuretic, antiseptics, hepatic disorders, diarrhea and digestive disorders. The survey aims to aware about valuable plants and to protect them from extinction. The old people are aware of the accurate knowledge of medicinal plants, it is needed to preserve this knowledge for the next generation.
Implementing Single-Row Process Plate Design for Pre-Encapsulated Lead Frame
Authors: Rodriguez R. , Gomez F. R. , Pulido J.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the application of an innovative design of wirebond process plate during wirebonding process of thin semiconductor carrier such as the pre-encapsulated leadframe. The implementation of the specialized process plate aims to improve the conventional method of wirebonding from panel type to single-row design to reduce the occurrence of warpage on thin leadframes. In this study, an 85% reduction for warpage level is achieved after the introduction of the new design of process plate. Future works could use the improved process plate design for devices of similar configuration.
Cross Sectional Survey on the Amount of Sugar Content in Cakes on Sale in Chennai and Its Correlation with Dental Caries
Authors: Paul Rachel , Gurunathan Deepa
Published: August 2020

Cakes are one of the most commonly consumed product by kids and adults and are consumed even more during special occasions. Packaged cake products have a lot of sugar content in them and sugar is one of the main factors causing dental caries in children. Keeping all this in mind this research was done to evaluate the correlation between the amount of cakes consumed and the incidence of dental craie in children. The data was collected from products packaging nutrition labelling provided by the company and also included the products name, pack weight, serving size, total sugars per 100 gms as well as per suggested serving size. A questionnaire was used to obtain the information on the correlation with dental caries. The data was collected and tabulated in excel sheet. The data analysis was done using SPSS software by IBM.  A total of 40 products were collected and tabulated. The average sugar content in cakes was 22.5 g. There was a large variation in sugar content between different cakes of the different categories within the same categories. Among the 40 products, 36 products showed a high sugar content when compared to the normal recommended dose for children. The study showed that the sugar content present in cakes was high and there can be a reduction in the amount of sugar present in it and thus reduce the risk of obesity and dental caries.
Combination Assay for Tumor Markers in Saliva of Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sabarathinam Jembulingam , Dharman Sreedevi , Selvaraj J.
Published: August 2020

Potentially malignant disorders are “the risk of malignancy being present in a lesion or condition either at the time of initial diagnosis or at a future date” include mainly leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis. Biomarkers were of immense help in diagnosis in recent years but a very few molecular biomarkers have been reported in the literature which are not significantly accurate. The current study aims at quantifying the levels of Transforming growth factor (TGF- β), Platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) and receptor of advanced glycosylation end products (RAGE) in saliva of patients with potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Unstimulated saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorder patients was collected and stored in sub zero temperature. Further biochemical analysis was performed with Raybio ELISA kits. One way ANOVA was performed. The mean concentration of RAGE, PDGF and TGF- β was increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma groups and potentially malignant disorders when compared to healthy controls.p-0.000 (p<0.05).These combined assays can be used as potential biomarkers for indicating the prognosis of the disease and can be used as a diagnostic tool for screening and early detection as these combined assays give more reliable and accurate diagnosis when compared to single biomarker assays.
Evaluation of Intranasal Administration of Dexmedetomidine during Therapeutic Extraction
Authors: Xavier Soya Alfred , Wahab Abdul , Sivakumar M.
Published: August 2020

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine during therapeutic extraction.Materials and Methods: The study design is a split mouth double blinded randomized control trial. Patients who visited the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery for the therapeutic extraction of premolars were assessed for enrollment. Each subject participated in two surgical sessions, with the extraction of premolars of the upper and lower quadrant of the same side during a single session. A week later subjects were asked to report back for the extraction of the upper and lower premolar on the contralateral side. The patients were randomized by a computer generated number into two groups. Group A received intranasal dexmedetomidine (100 mcg/ml) and group B received intranasal saline at the first session. An alternate regimen was used during the second session during which group A received intranasal saline and in group B intranasal dexmedetomidine was administered. A mucosal atomization device was used to deliver the drug. Pain from local anesthesia infiltration was rated on the numerical rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Sedation status was measured using the Observer's Assessment of Sedation. Blood pressure and heart rate of the patient were also monitored.Original Research ArticleXavier et al.; JPRI, 32(18): 112-119, 2020; Article no.JPRI.59782113Results: A total of 14 patients were involved in the study. Observer assessment scale indicated that significant sedation was obtained in group A when compared to group B. Compared to group B there was a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure in group A at the end of 10 minutes and 40 minutes. These parameters were normalized to the baseline at the end of 60 minutes. There was no significant difference in pain score noted during the local anesthesia infiltration. None of the patients had bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory depression in this trial.Conclusion: In this study, we conclude that the intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine controls the patient's fear and anxiety during the therapeutic extraction but not the pain during the administration of local anesthesia.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized from Dried Ginger
Authors: Devi R. Shruthi , Jeevitha M. , Preetha S. , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: August 2020

Nano science is considered to be an important area in research in which developing nontoxic, reliable and ecofriendly synthesis of nanoparticles by the green approach has a vital part. Nanoparticles that contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are considered to be a new trend for developing therapeutic agents that help in killing drug resistant pathogenic microorganisms. The present study is focused on discovering the antioxidant properties of copper nanoparticles synthesized from dried ginger. Dried ginger is a traditional medicine used widely and has shown to possess good antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The phytochemical compounds of dried ginger can act as a reducing agent to synthesize copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were preferred for this study as it has unique physical and chemical properties. There are various methods used to synthesize nanoparticles and here in this study we have used the green synthesis method for synthesizing the copper nanoparticles. The copper nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and its antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH assay.
Free Radical Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Chlorogenic Acid Mediated Silver Nanoparticle
Authors: Jaisankar Anu Iswarya , Arivarasu Lakshminarayanan
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Nanotechnology is a field of research and innovation concerned with building 'things' - generally, materials and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules. It is a booming field of this 21st century. The role of nano technology is becoming very crucial in nearly every aspect of life ranging from cosmetics to advanced bio technological approaches. In recent years, silver nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in the field of medicine. The green synthesis of nanoparticles eliminates the generation and use of hazardous substances and thus sustains non toxicity. Chlorogenic acids are phenolic compounds formed by the esterification of cinnamic acids. They exhibit various pharmacological Properties. Our study deals with the green synthesis of Chlorogenic acid mediated silver nanoparticles and assessment of their anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 

Aim: The present study aims at assessing the antioxidant and anti inflammatory property of chlorogenic acid mediated silver nanoparticle and investigating the efficacy of Chlorogenic acid mediated Silver nanoparticle.

Materials and Methods: The methodology includes Green synthesis of Chlorogenic acid mediated Silver nano particle synthesis followed by tests for Anti inflammation and Anti oxidation.

Results: Both the Anti inflammatory and Anti oxidation activity of the chlorogenic acid mediated silver nanoparticle had shown a proportionate increase in activity with increasing concentration of the compound.

Conclusion: Chlorogenic acid mediated silver nanoparticles have shown significant anti inflammatory and anti oxidation activity and they are considered as potent anti inflammatory and antioxidant agents.
Hyaluronic Acid Mediated Zinc Nanoparticles against Oral Pathogens and Its Cytotoxic Potential
Authors: Karthik V. , Arivarasu Lakshminarayanan , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: August 2020

Aim: To determine the Hyaluronic acid mediated zinc nanoparticles against oral pathogens and cytotoxic potential.

Introduction: Hyaluronic acid is a non sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Bacterial invasion can also be repressed by an inhibitor Interfering with receptor interaction for bacterial invasion, Hyaluronic acid is an example of inhibitor.Nanoparticles is considered as one of the most promising studies in science and technology study  and  Maintaining the shape, size and distribution of nanoparticles helps in its function and interaction with other molecules.

Materials and Methods: 0.1 g of Hyaluronic acid was added to a flask containing 100 ml of distilled water and heated for an hour. After observing the solubility, 0.574 g of Zn was added to the mixture and then kept on a magnetic stirrer for 1 hour at 100 degree Celsius.

Anti microbial activity: Agar well diffusion and Disc diffusion method is used. Then incubated for 37 degree Celsius for 48 hour. The zone of inhibition is recorded.

Cytotoxic potential: Different concentrations of Hyaluronic acid mediated zinc nanoparticles are incorporated to the wells. After 24 hrs the results were analysed.

Results and Discussion: Hyaluronic mediated zinc nanoparticles is proved to be effective against a wide range of foodborne and clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using several assays such as disk diffusion, agar or broth dilution.Hyaluronic acid mediated Zinc nanoparticles has high potent cytotoxic potential it had been proved with the help of brine shrimps.

Conclusion: From the observed results, it has been concluded that Hyaluronic acid has a lot of medicinal values and it has antimicrobial activity and it has good cytotoxic potential.
Predicting rape events: The influence of intimate partner violence history, condom use resistance, and heavy drinking
Authors: Gulati Natasha K. , Stappenbeck Cynthia A. , George William H. , Davis Kelly C.
Published: August 2020

Sexual aggression perpetration is a public health epidemic, and burgeoning research aims to delineate risk factors for individuals who perpetrate completed rape. The current study investigated physical and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) history, coercive condom use resistance (CUR), and heavy episodic drinking (HED) as prospective risk factors for rape perpetration. Young adult men (N = 430) ages 21–30 completed background measures as well as follow‐up assessments regarding rape events perpetrated over the course of 3 months. Negative binomial regression with log link function was utilized to examine whether these risk factors interacted to prospectively predict completed rape. There was a significant interaction between physical IPV and HED predicting completed rape; men with high HED and greater physical IPV histories perpetrated more completed rapes during follow‐up than men with low HED at the same level of physical IPV. Moreover, psychological IPV and coercive CUR interacted to predict completed rape such that men with high coercive CUR and greater psychological IPV histories perpetrated more completed rapes throughout the follow‐up period than men with low coercive CUR at the same level of psychological IPV. Findings suggest targets for intervention efforts and highlight the need to understand the topography of different forms of aggression perpetration.
Profiles of bystanders' motivation to defend school bully victims from a self‐determination perspective
Authors: Jungert Tomas , Holm Kristoffer , Iotti Nathalie O. , Longobardi Claudio
Published: August 2020

This study was aimed at exploring which latent profiles emerge based on ratings of self‐determined motivation to defend victims of bullying, and to explore if they are related to bystander roles and victimization in bullying, as well as student–teacher relations. Data were collected from 1,800 Swedish and Italian students, with an age range between 10 and 18 years (M = 12.6, standard deviation = 1.74). The students completed a survey in their classrooms. Latent profile analysis was used to explore the possible clusters of individuals with similar ratings on the motivational variables. Multivariate analysis of variances were conducted to explore differences between the profiles in relation to their roles when witnessing bullying and to student–teacher relationships. Four latent profiles emerged. The profiles represented respondents (a) high in prosocial motivation, (b) high in externally extrinsic motivation, (c) intermediate in externally extrinsic motivation, and (d) with identified/introjected motivation. Multivariate analyses showed that reports of bystander roles when witnessing bullying, teacher–student relationships, and bullying victimization, significantly differed over the motivational profiles. The bystanders were unevenly distributed across the four groups and most individuals were categorized in the prosocial motivation group. Female and male bystanders were evenly distributed across clusters. The prosocial motivation group experienced victimization to a lesser extent than the other profile groups. Students in the intermediate externally extrinsic group were more likely to take the pro‐bully and outsider role during bullying. Concerning student–teacher relationships, the prosocial motivation group reported the closest relationships with their teachers, while the intermediate externally extrinsic group reported the most conflictual relationships.
Self‐Folding 3D Silk Biomaterial Rolls to Facilitate Axon and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Huang Yimin , Fitzpatrick Vincent , Zheng Nan , Cheng Ran , Huang Heyu , Ghezzi Chiara , Kaplan David L. , Yang Chen
Published: August 2020

Biomaterial scaffold designs are needed for self‐organizing features related to tissue formation while also simplifying the fabrication processes involved. Toward this goal, silk protein‐based self‐folding scaffolds to support 3D cell culture, while providing directional guidance and promotion of cell growth and differentiation, are reported. A simple and robust one‐step self‐folding approach is developed using bilayers consisting of a hydrogel and silk film in aqueous solution. The 3D silk rolls, with patterns transferred from the initially prepared 2D films, guide the directional outgrowth of neurites and also promote the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The osteogenic outcomes are further supported by enhanced biomechanical performance. By utilizing this self‐folding method, cocultures of neurons and hMSCs are achieved by patterning cells on silk films and then converting these materials into a 3D format with rolling, mimicking aspects of the structure of osteons and providing physiologically relevant structures to promote bone regeneration. These results demonstrate the utility of self‐folded silk rolls as efficient scaffold systems for tissue regeneration, while exploiting relatively simple 2D designs programmed to form more complex 3D structures.
Enhanced In Vivo Vascularization of 3D‐Printed Cell Encapsulation Device Using Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Paez‐Mayorga Jesus , Capuani Simone , Farina Marco , Lotito Maria Luisa , Niles Jean A. , Salazar Hector F. , Rhudy Jessica , Esnaola Lucas , Chua Corrine Ying Xuan , Taraballi Francesca , Corradetti Bruna , Shelton Kathryn A. , Nehete Pramod N. , Nichols Joan E. , Grattoni Alessandro
Published: August 2020

The current standard for cell encapsulation platforms is enveloping cells in semipermeable membranes that physically isolate transplanted cells from the host while allowing for oxygen and nutrient diffusion. However, long‐term viability and function of encapsulated cells are compromised by insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the graft. To address this need, a strategy to achieve enhanced vascularization of a 3D‐printed, polymeric cell encapsulation platform using platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is investigated. The study is conducted in rats and, for clinical translation relevance, in nonhuman primates (NHP). Devices filled with PRP, MSCs, or vehicle hydrogel are subcutaneously implanted in rats and NHP and the amount and maturity of penetrating blood vessels assessed via histopathological analysis. In rats, MSCs drive the strongest angiogenic response at early time points, with the highest vessel density and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. In NHP, PRP and MSCs result in similar vessel densities but incorporation of PRP ensues higher levels of eNOS expression. Overall, enrichment with PRP and MSCs yields extensive, mature vascularization of subcutaneous cell encapsulation devices. It is postulated that the individual properties of PRP and MSCs can be leveraged in a synergistic approach for maximal vascularization of cell encapsulation platforms.
Biodegradable and Electroactive Regenerated Bacterial Cellulose/MXene (Ti3C2Tx) Composite Hydrogel as Wound Dressing for Accelerating Skin Wound Healing under Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Mao Lin , Hu Sanming , Gao Yihua , Wang Li , Zhao Weiwei , Fu Lina , Cheng Haoyan , Xia Lin , Xie Shangxian , Ye Weiliang , Shi Zhijun , Yang Guang
Published: August 2020

Traditional wound dressings mainly participate in the passive healing processes and are rarely engaged in active wound healing by stimulating skin cell behaviors. Electrical stimulation (ES) has been known to regulate skin cell behaviors. Herein, a series of multifunctional hydrogels based on regenerated bacterial cellulose (rBC) and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) are first developed that can electrically modulate cell behaviors for active skin wound healing under external ES. The composite hydrogel with 2 wt% MXene (rBC/MXene‐2%) exhibits the highest electrical conductivity and the best biocompatibility. Meanwhile, the rBC/MXene‐2% hydrogel presents desired mechanical properties, favorable flexibility, good biodegradability, and high water‐uptake capacity. An in vivo study using a rat full‐thickness defect model reveals that this rBC/MXene hydrogel exhibits a better therapeutic effect than the commercial Tegaderm film. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that coupling with ES, the hydrogel can significantly enhance the proliferation activity of NIH3T3 cells and accelerate the wound healing process, as compared to non‐ES controls. This study suggests that the biodegradable and electroactive rBC/MXene hydrogel is an appealing candidate as a wound dressing for skin wound healing, while also providing an effective synergistic therapeutic strategy for accelerating wound repair process through coupling ES with the hydrogel dressing.
Biopolymers Derived from Trees as Sustainable Multifunctional Materials: A Review
Authors: Liu Chao , Luan Pengcheng , Li Qiang , Cheng Zheng , Xiang Pengyang , Liu Detao , Hou Yi , Yang Yang , Zhu Hongli
Published: August 2020

The world is currently transitioning from a fossil‐fuel‐driven energy economy to one that is supplied by more renewable and sustainable materials. Trees as the most abundant renewable bioresource have attracted significant attention for advanced materials and manufacturing in this epochal transition. Trees are composed with complex structures and components such as trunk (stem and bark), leaf, flower, seed, and root. Although many excellent reviews have been published regarding advanced applications of wood and wood‐derived biopolymers in different fields, such as energy, electronics, biomedical, and water treatment, no reviews have revisited and systematically discussed functional materials and even devices derived from trees in a full scope yet. Therefore, a timely summary of the recent development of materials and structures derived from different parts of trees for sustainability is prsented here. A concise introduction to the different parts of the trees is given first, which is followed by the corresponding chemistry and preparation of functional materials using various biopolymers from trees. The most promising applications of biopolymer‐based materials are discussed subsequently. A comprehensive review of the different parts of trees as sustainable functional materials and devices for critical applications is thus provided.
Tuning the Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of Cs2AgBiBr6 Double‐Perovskite Single Crystals through Alkali‐Metal Substitution
Authors: Keshavarz Masoumeh , Debroye Elke , Ottesen Martin , Martin Cristina , Zhang Heng , Fron Eduard , Küchler Robert , Steele Julian A. , Bremholm Martin , Van de Vondel Joris , Wang Hai I. , Bonn Mischa , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Wiedmann Steffen , Hofkens Johan
Published: August 2020

Lead‐free double perovskites have great potential as stable and nontoxic optoelectronic materials. Recently, Cs2AgBiBr6 has emerged as a promising material, with suboptimal photon‐to‐charge carrier conversion efficiency, yet well suited for high‐energy photon‐detection applications. Here, the optoelectronic and structural properties of pure Cs2AgBiBr6 and alkali‐metal‐substituted (Cs1−xYx)2AgBiBr6 (Y: Rb+, K+, Na+; x = 0.02) single crystals are investigated. Strikingly, alkali‐substitution entails a tunability to the material system in its response to X‐rays and structural properties that is most strongly revealed in Rb‐substituted compounds whose X‐ray sensitivity outperforms other double‐perovskite‐based devices reported. While the fundamental nature and magnitude of the bandgap remains unchanged, the alkali‐substituted materials exhibit a threefold boost in their fundamental carrier recombination lifetime at room temperature. Moreover, an enhanced electron–acoustic phonon scattering is found compared to Cs2AgBiBr6. The study thus paves the way for employing cation substitution to tune the properties of double perovskites toward a new material platform for optoelectronics.
In Situ Curing Technology for Dual Ceramic Composed by Organic–Inorganic Functional Polymer Gel Electrolyte for Dendritic‐Free and Robust Lithium–Metal Batteries
Authors: Siyal Sajid Hussain , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Jatoi Ashique Hussain , Lan Jin‐Le , Yu Yunhua , Saleem Muhammad , Yang Xiaoping
Published: August 2020

Lithium–metal batteries (LiMBs) are promising energy storage devices due to the high capacity and minimum negative electrochemical potential. Nevertheless, their concrete applications remain disturbed by unbalanced electrolyte–electrode interfaces, limited electrochemical window, and high risk. Herein, a novel strategy to obtain dual ceramic‐based electrolytes that possesses a great potential in energy storages and higher level of energy densities in LiMBs. Dual‐ceramic (lithium aluminum titanium phosphate ‐lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LATP‐LLTO)) gel polymer electrolyte (DCGPE) film developed via the curable system aims to prepare flexible Li+ interpenetrating network film to integrate the two ceramic structures with polyethylene oxide (PEO) to yield the free‐standing electrolytes film for better battery safety and desired interfacial stability. The DCGPEs films present a satisfactory electrochemical performance, including good ionic conductivity, large transference number, and wide electrochemical stability window at room temperature. Most importantly, the fundamental function of LATP and LLTO is to support building a stable solid‐electrolyte‐interphase and limits the growth of dendrites. Thus, prepared dual ceramic‐based electrolytes effectively render to inhibit lithium dendrite growth in a symmetrical cell Li//PEO + 10% LATP + 15% LLTO//Li test during charge/discharge at a current density of 2 and 0.25 mA cm−2 above 2400 h without short‐circuiting occurrence at room temperature. Besides, the battery assembled of LiFePO4/PEO + 10% LATP + 20% LLTO/Li exhibits superior cyclic stability with high Coulombic efficiency. This study recommends that the binary network structures of Li‐ion conductor help to design a prime solution of promising electrolyte for high‐performance LiMBs applications.
Structural Innovations in Printed, Flexible, and Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Yin Lu , Lv Jian , Wang Joseph
Published: August 2020

Research in stretchable, printed electronics combines multidisciplinary, state‐of‐the‐art developments in material science and structural engineering. In addition to major advances based on developing novel materials and fabrication processes, synergistic structural innovations are of equal importance for enabling stretchability in printed devices and should not be overlooked. Planar printing techniques are preferred, compared to microfabrication or 3D printing processes, owing to their low cost, high throughput, and compatibility with a wide range of materials. Various printing strategies for controlling the substrate, bonding, distribution of strain, and buckling can be used to fabricate a variety of devices featuring wrinkled, textile‐embedded, serpentine, island‐bridge, or 2D‐transformed 3D and 4D structures. Such structural innovations allow the use of ordinary printable materials for creating highly stretchable devices with minimal compromise in device performance and mechanical resiliency. This article provides an overview of the structures used in printed devices and summarizes their corresponding fabrication strategies and distinct features. The challenges of advancing the structural designs in printed devices and the prospects of transforming stretchable structures toward smart, responsive devices are also discussed. Future efforts will greatly expand the possibilities of using planar printing processes for fabricating complex structures with new functionalities.
Phase Evolution of a Prenucleator for Fast Li Nucleation in All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Gao Xuejie , Mukherjee Sankha , Doyle‐Davis Kieran , Fu Jiamin , Li Weihan , Sun Qian , Zhao Feipeng , Jiang Ming , Hu Yongfeng , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Lu Shigang , Li Ruying , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Singh Chandra Veer , Sun Xueliang
Published: August 2020

Undesirable Li dendrite growth under high current densities due to the nonuniform Li nucleation and growth has significantly hindered the development of high‐rate all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Herein, the phase evolution of a Li prenucleator (MoS2) is shown in working ASSLBs that renders a highly active nucleator (Mo), where Mo promotes fast Li nucleation and Li dendrite suppression. During plating, Li shows strong affinity with Mo, which guides Li fast nucleating and selectively depositing on Mo surface with a large specific surface, thus reducing the local current density. Moreover, a fast diffusion of Li atom on Mo (110) surface promotes uniform Li deposition and limits the Li dendrite growth. Benefitting from the reduced local current density as well as the improved Li dendrite suppression, Li–Li symmetric cells within MoS2 prenucleator demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance, achieving cycle lifetimes as high as 1000 h for 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2 and 780 h for 0.5 mA cm−2/2 mAh cm−2. Additionally, developed Li‐LFP ASSLBs demonstrate high capacity retention of 78% with an ultra‐long cycling life of 3000 cycles under a high current density of 1 mA cm−2. The general concept has the potential to be extended to other metal‐sulfide prenucleators.
Flexible 3D Architectured Piezo/Thermoelectric Bimodal Tactile Sensor Array for E‐Skin Application
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Wang Yalong , Wang Yao , Mao Hongye , Zhang Qiang , Deng Yuan
Published: August 2020

Electronic skin (e‐skin) functions as human–machines interaction interfaces, holding great promise in future personal health monitoring and endowing robots with capability of sense of touch. Despite recent exciting progress in e‐skin research, accurate discrimination of various tactile inputs remains a great challenge yet. A 3D processing technique is demonstrated here combining laser fabrication and screen printing to construct vertically architectured pressure/temperature bimodal active sensor employing all organic functional materials, i.e., piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) and thermoelectric polyaniline‐based composites. The sensor transforms pressure and temperature stimuli into two independent electrical signals without interference, exhibiting high temperature sensing sensitivity (109.4 µV K−1) with rapid response time (0.37 s) and superior pressure sensing sensitivity over a wide range (100 Pa to 20 kPa). Finite element analyses further explain the thermal harvesting performance of the sensor. Applications of sensor as e‐skin in various temperature/stress perception scenarios and its stability are demonstrated. Further, a 4 × 4 pixel bimodal tactile sensor array is integrated for the first time, presenting accurate spatial distribution mapping of pressure/temperature signals simultaneously without interference, and functions without external power supply due to its intrinsic working principle. This study thus moves a step toward multifunctional flexible electronics for e‐skin applications.
Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials for Clean Energy and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Li Huangxu , Zhou Xichen , Zhai Wei , Lu Shiyao , Liang Jinzhe , He Zhen , Long Huiwu , Xiong Tengfei , Sun Hongyan , He Qiyuan , Fan Zhanxi , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2020

Phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN) is critically important for the preparation of nanomaterials with new phases, which are key for the investigation of phase‐dependent physicochemical properties and applications. This essay presents the state‐of‐the‐art development of PEN for the unique properties of nanomaterials with unconventional phases and their applications in energy storage and conversion and catalytic reactions. Finally, personal perspectives on the challenges and future opportunities of PEN in various applications are also provided.
Fate and transport of phosphorus‐containing land‐applied swine slurry in a karst watershed
Authors: Sharpley A. N. , Daniels M. B. , Brye K. R. , VanDevender K. , Burke J. , Berry L. G. , Webb P.
Published: August 2020

Phosphorus distribution in pasture soils underlain with karst geology was determined on a 0.10‐ha grid in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Two fields (Fields 1 and 12) received swine slurry from a concentrated animal feeding operation, whereas another (Field 5) received mineral fertilizer. All fields were grazed by cattle and periodically hayed. Mean Mehlich‐3 extractable P in the top 10 cm increased (p ≤ .05 level) for Fields 1 (59–91 mg kg−1) and 12 (63–122 mg kg−1) between 2014 and 2018, with little change for Field 5 (45–47 mg kg−1). Over the 5‐yr monitoring period, P and N runoff averaged a respective 1.0 and 2.4 kg ha−1 yr−1 from Fields 1 and 12 or 1.4 and 2.5% of P and N applied in swine slurry. Field 5 P and N runoff averaged a respective 1.9 and 2.8 kg ha−1 yr−1 or 6.6 and 4.4% of that applied as mineral fertilizer. Findings confirmed that long‐term application of P, as fertilizer or manure, in excess of pasture uptake, result in a rapid accumulation of P near the soil surface, and thus, increase nutrient loss via surface runoff. Mehlich‐3 P increased in the top 10 cm of soil (143–255 mg kg−1) in edge‐of‐field buffer zones of 30 m on Fields 1 and 12, where no manure was applied. This illustrates the complexity of cattle grazing areas as additional nutrient sources that must be managed to minimize off‐site nutrient transport that are particularly important in karst watersheds.
Stylo grass affecting soil respiration in latosol guava orchard of southern subtropical region of China
Authors: Wei Changbin , Qiao Jian , Ma Zhiling , Ma Haiyang , Tang Xinming , Zhao Weifeng , Yan Qingze , Tang Lizhu , Du Liqing
Published: August 2020

Soil respiration is an important index to reflect soil quality and nutritional properties. However, these characteristics of latosol orchards of guava (Psidium guajava L. Pearl) in the south subtropics are not fully understood. In the present research, the effects of Stylo grass [Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw.] on soil respiration in guava orchards of latosol were studied. There were four treatments, namely, clean tillage, natural grass growth, Stylo grass ‘Ubon’ and ‘Reyan No. 2’. Soil respiration was monitored from December 2018 to November 2019 by using a soil CO2 flux system (LI‐8100A, LI‐COR, Lincoln, NE). Results showed that Reyan No. 2 had the best promoting effect on soil respiration in orchards, followed by Ubon and natural grass growth. The relationship between soil respiration and soil temperature of 5‐cm soil layer followed highly significant power function pattern for Stylo grass treatments (p < .01). The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of Reyan No. 2 was highest (1.75), followed by Ubon (1.46). Soil water, instead of temperature, was found to be the main factor of soil respiration in the grass orchard of latosol. This study proposes the main limiting factors of soil respiration in latosol orchards and recommends Reyan No. 2 as a grass variety for soil improvement. The finding has also enriched the theory and practice of soil improvement in latosol orchards. The higher Q10 (1.75) of Reyan No. 2 as obtained in this research may also have a certain effect on the soil carbon cycle of grass orchard of latosol.