bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of basal stem rot using deep learning: a review of digital data collection and palm disease classification methods
Authors: Haw Yu Hong , Lai Khin Wee , Chuah Joon Huang , Bejo Siti Khairunniza , Husin Nur Azuan , Hum Yan Chai , Yee Por Lip , Tee Clarence Augustine T. H. , Ye Xin , Wu Xiang
Published: April 2023

Oil palm is a key agricultural resource in Malaysia. However, palm disease, most prominently basal stem rot caused at least RM 255 million of annual economic loss. Basal stem rot is caused by a fungus known as Ganoderma boninense. An infected tree shows few symptoms during early stage of infection, while potentially suffers an 80% lifetime yield loss and the tree may be dead within 2 years. Early detection of basal stem rot is crucial since disease control efforts can be done. Laboratory BSR detection methods are effective, but the methods have accuracy, biosafety, and cost concerns. This review article consists of scientific articles related to the oil palm tree disease, basal stem rot, Ganoderma Boninense, remote sensors and deep learning that are listed in the Web of Science since year 2012. About 110 scientific articles were found that is related to the index terms mentioned and 60 research articles were found to be related to the objective of this research thus included in this review article. From the review, it was found that the potential use of deep learning methods were rarely explored. Some research showed unsatisfactory results due to limitations on dataset. However, based on studies related to other plant diseases, deep learning in combination with data augmentation techniques showed great potentials, showing remarkable detection accuracy. Therefore, the feasibility of analyzing oil palm remote sensor data using deep learning models together with data augmentation techniques should be studied. On a commercial scale, deep learning used together with remote sensors and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies showed great potential in the detection of basal stem rot disease.
Relationship between respiratory muscles ultrasound parameters and running tests performance in adolescent football players. A pilot study
Authors: Pałac Małgorzata , Sikora Damian , Wolny Tomasz , Linek Paweł
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Assessing the relationship between ultrasound imaging of respiratory muscles during tidal breathing and running tests (endurance and speed) in adolescent football players.

Methods

Ultrasound parameters of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (shear modulus, thickness, excursion, and velocity), speed (30-m distance), and endurance parameters (multi-stage 20-m shuttle run test) were measured in 22 male adolescent football players. The relation between ultrasound and running tests were analysed by Spearman’s correlation.

Results

Diaphragm shear modulus at the end of tidal inspiration was moderately negatively (R =  − 0.49; p = 0.2) correlated with the speed score at 10 m. The diaphragm and intercostal muscle shear modulus ratio was moderately to strongly negatively correlated with the speed score at 10 m and 30 m (aboutR =  − 0.48; p = 0.03). Diaphragm excursion was positively correlated with the speed score at 5 m (R = 0.46; p = 0.04) and 10 m (R = 0.52; p = 0.02). Diaphragm velocity was moderately positively correlated with the speed score at 5 m (R = 0.42; p = 0.06) and 30 m (R = 0.42; p = 0.07). Ultrasound parameters were not significantly related to all endurance parameters (R ≤ 0.36; p ≥ 0.11).

Conclusions

Ultrasound parameters of the respiratory muscles are related to speed score in adolescent football players. The current state of knowledge does not allow us to clearly define how important the respiratory muscles’ ultrasound parameters can be in predicting some performance parameters in adolescent athletes.
Language Intervention Instead of Speech Intervention for Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Šantić Ivana Šimić , Bonetti Luka
Published: April 2023

Cochlear implants are a standard rehabilitation option for children with severe hearing loss or deafness, allowing access to speech sounds necessary for the development of spoken language. However, the speech-language outcomes of pediatric cochlear implant users vary widely and are not directly or exclusively linked to technology but to combinations of individual audiological, personal, technical, and habilitational factors. These combinations may not favor spoken language development, which may further be linked to the issue of prior insistence on spoken language learning and associated with a high risk of language deprivation. Here, we discuss the outcomes of cochlear implantation from a habilitative perspective and lay down the efforts and resources necessary for the development of communication competence after cochlear implantation rather than the achievement of specific hearing, language, or speech skills that have limited socioemotional and educational contributions and do not guarantee an independent or productive life.
Determinants of Awareness of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among Vegetable Growers in Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Cherotich Carolyne , Kaur Manmeet
Published: April 2023

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) towards ensuring vegetable safety and quality is a novel concept among Kenyan vegetable growers with its implementation low due to lack of awareness. To bridge this gap, this study sought to determine the socio-economic characteristics that affect GAP awareness among vegetable farmers in Nakuru, Kenya. Simple random sampling was used to select 100 vegetable growers. Logistic regression was used for analysis and the findings reveal that gender, level of education, leased land, income and training significantly influenced awareness. Emphasis on awareness creation among female vegetable growers and capacity building through training on GAP standards is suggested as a way forward in order to increase implementation.
Effect of Different Doses of Irradiation on the Germination of Varieties of Maize Developing against the Fall Armyworm in the Central African Republic
Authors: Reo-Ndouba Rufin , Aba-Toumnou Lucie , Allah-Barem Félix , Doukofiona Augustin , Mbenda Steve Dieudonné , Kaïne Jephté Juste , Zinga Innocent , Semballa Silla , Bell Joseph Antoine
Published: April 2023

Maize is a major crop feeding 80% of the population of the Central African Republic (CAF). However, the country is not yet self-sufficient in its maize need and continues to rely partially on imports. Exacerbating this situation is the recent invasive spread of the fall armyworm attributed to change in weather patterns since 2016 which has been decimating the crop leading to drastic yield losses. Various control measures continue to be tested globally for the control of FAW, including chemical control, biological control using microbial organisms and predatory insects that attack FAW, use of genetically modified crops with Bt genes, and integrated pest management. However, the use of developing genetic resistance in maize against the pest remains under-explored. We focused research on initiating a mutation breeding effort in maize in CAF.

The goal of this experience is to determinate the optimal dose from radio-sensitivity test of CMS8704 (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy), CMS 2019 (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy), CMS 8501 (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy) and local ecotypes (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy).

200 seeds are bulk to irradiation with different doses (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy). The test of germination is carried out on 200 seeds four varieties. The treated seeds are sown at equal depths in a tray filled with soil/compost or can as well sow in natural condition on the field just to assure that the soil surface is flat, and the treated seeds are sown at equal depth containing the five treatments in rows of 200s seed each for one control and each treatment.  Per assay three replicates are performed, one tray per replicate.  Fourteen days after sowing, the seedling height and survival is measured to determine the Growth Reduction Value 50 or GR50. 

All seeds from different doses (CMS-20 19, CMS87 04 and the Local ecotype) were germinated from different doses (100Gy, 200Gy and 300Gy) and did be presented   the symptom of FAW. However, for the CMS85 01, all seeds from different doses (100Gy, 200Gy, 300Gy; 400Gy and 500Gy) were germinated as the control, but the major of plants are attacked by the FAW (Fall Armyworm).
Disclosure of Carbon Emissions, Covid-19, Green Innovations, Financial Performance, and Firm Value
Authors: Ramadhan Prasetyo , Rani Puspita , Wahyuni Endah Sri
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the publication of carbon emissions, COVID-19, and green innovation on financial overall performance and their impact on firm value. The population utilized here are Indonesian companies registered at the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2021 acquired from forty-eight organizations as a sample using purposive sampling. Path analysis is used as the analysis method. This study found that the publication of carbon emissions had no enormous impact on financial performance, while COVID-19 had a full-size negative impact on financial overall performance and green inno­vation had a substantial-higher-quality impact on financial performance. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has an extensive negative impact on firm value, financial performance has a substantial effect on firm value, and disclosure of carbon emissions and green innovation has no massive effect on firm value. Similarly, financial performance cannot seriously mediate the effect of carbon emission disclosure on firm value. However, financial performance was capable of noticeably mediating the bad effect of COVID-19 on firm value and the big high effect of green innovation on firm value.
Diagnosis of Leadership Pattern in the Treatment of Functional Laziness:Sample of Samarra University
Authors: Mohammed Abdulrahman Kareem
Published: April 2023

The current research seeks to reveal the relationship and influence between leadership styles through its dimensions (autocratic style, democratic style, free style) and functional laziness. Where (52) questionnaires were distributed to the research sample, in which the higher departments were chosen from the university president, his assistants, deans, their assistants, and heads of departments, comprehensively, and the data was analyzed using statistical methods (SPSSv.26), as a number of statistical methods were used to verify the validity of the hypothesis, including Correlation coefficient (person) and simple regression analysis, where the results showed that there is a very strong correlation between some dimensions of leadership styles, while the correlation is almost non-existent with others, as the correlation coefficient for dimensions ranged between ((-0.084-1) at the level of significance (0.01). Which indicates the existence of a close and significant correlation between the variables and that it has a strong (directive) effect on leadership styles, and therefore we reject the null hypothesis, as the result came that the style A For an autocratic, its correlation coefficient was very strong and statistically significant, and the correlation was inverse with the democratic style and direct with the free style, and the effect of the autocratic style onthe audience of the research sample appeared very strong, and on the basis of that, recommendations were made, including the need to highlight the concept of the characteristics of leadership styles and characterize them well, in addition to not adhering to the leadership style One.
The Role of Internal Audit Quality on Earnings Management
Authors: Al-saedi Mustafa Osamah , Almaliki Oday Jasim
Published: April 2023

Financial statements are used by companies to evaluate their performance. They can help investors make informed decisions and improve their investments. However, they should be accompanied by independent evidence. Misuse of information is a common issue that managers can make. In the case of earnings management, the company's management uses accounting policies to ensure that theprofits are not as transparent as possible. This practice can also lead to financial statements being non-transparable. Besides the quality of the audits, another important factor that an organization should consider is the internal auditor and the audit committee's performance. The goal of an audit is to ensure that the financial statements of a company are not filled with irrelevant information.Auditors' quality is often compared with that of financial reporting of an organization, as the internal control system of an organization is very important to the accuracy of its financial statements. This is also supported by a study that revealed that the coordination between the activities of the internal auditor and the external auditor is related to the quality of work. An internal auditor can provide a company with high-quality reports. By having a collaboration between BIG4 and an auditor, earnings management actions can be reduced.
diferentes concepções do metodo científico e o debate da ciência econômica contemporânea
Authors: Novais Ivo Costa , Hortencio Victor Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

O presente texto discute, a partir da evolução e das diferentes concepções do método científico, o status quo do debate da Ciência Econômica. Para tal fim, foi construída uma narrativa cronológica da evolução conceitual e metodológica da ciência enquanto a busca da verdade. Após a análise das principais contribuições à metodologia da ciência, a discussão é direcionada para o âmbito econômico, descrevendo a separação da economia em dois grandes programas de pesquisa: o heterodoxo e o ortodoxo. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é discutir o papel desses dois paradigmas que juntos traduzem o pensamento econômico vigente. Diante da argumentação desenvolvida, percebeu–se que a visão do mainstream tem graves problemas quanto à tradução da realidade objetiva na teoria, criando constrangimentos quando se trata da previsão e reversão de uma característica recorrente e inegável do capitalismo, a crise econômica.
Comparison of Propylthiouracil vs Methimazole for Thyroid Storm in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Lee Sun Y. , Modzelewski Katherine L. , Law Anica C. , Walkey Allan J. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , Bosch Nicholas A.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Thyroid storm is the most severe form of thyrotoxicosis, with high mortality, and is treated with propylthiouracil and methimazole. Some guidelines recommend propylthiouracil over methimazole, although the difference in outcomes associated with each treatment is unclear.

Objective

To compare outcomes associated with use of propylthiouracil vs methimazole for the treatment of thyroid storm.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This comparative effectiveness study comprised a large, multicenter, US-based cohort from the Premier Healthcare Database between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. It included 1383 adult patients admitted to intensive or intermediate care units with a diagnosis of thyroid storm per International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes and treated with either propylthiouracil or methimazole. Analyses were conducted from July 2022 to February 2023.

Exposure

Patients received either propylthiouracil or methimazole for treatment of thyroid storm. Exposure was assigned based on the initial thionamide administered.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the adjusted risk difference of in-hospital death or discharge to hospice between patients treated with propylthiouracil and those treated with methimazole, assessed by targeted maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

A total of 1383 patients (656 [47.4%] treated with propylthiouracil; mean [SD] age, 45 [16] years; 473 women [72.1%]; and 727 [52.6%] treated with methimazole; mean [SD] age, 45 [16] years; 520 women [71.5%]) were included in the study. The standardized mean difference for age was 0.056, and the standardized mean difference for sex was 0.013. The primary composite outcome occurred in 7.4% of of patients (102 of 1383; 95% CI, 6.0%-8.8%). A total of 8.5% (56 of 656; 95% CI, 6.4%-10.7%) of patients who initiated propylthiouracil and 6.3% (46 of 727; 95% CI, 4.6%-8.1%) who initiated methimazole died in the hospital (adjusted risk difference, 0.6% [95% CI, −1.8% to 3.0%]; P = .64). There were no significant differences in duration of organ support, total hospitalization costs, or rates of adverse events between the 2 treatment groups.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this comparative effectiveness study of a multicenter cohort of adult patients with thyroid storm, no significant differences were found in mortality or adverse events in patients who were treated with propylthiouracil or methimazole. Thus, current guidelines recommending propylthiouracil over methimazole for treatment of thyroid storm may merit reevaluation.
Glycemic Control Over Multiple Decades and Dementia Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Moran Chris , Lacy Mary E. , Whitmer Rachel A. , Tsai Ai-Lin , Quesenberry Charles P. , Karter Andrew J. , Adams Alyce S. , Gilsanz Paola
Published: April 2023

Importance

The levels of glycemic control associated with the lowest risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes are unknown. This knowledge is critical to inform patient-centered glycemic target setting.

Objective

To examine the associations between cumulative exposure to various ranges of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations with dementia risk across sex and racial and ethnic groups and the association of current therapeutic glycemic targets with dementia risk.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included members of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated health care system with type 2 diabetes who were aged 50 years or older during the study period from January 1, 1996, to September 30, 2015. Individuals with fewer than 2 HbA1c measurements during the study period, prevalent dementia at baseline, or less than 3 years of follow-up were excluded. Data were analyzed from February 2020 to January 2023.

Exposures

Time-updated cumulative exposure to HbA1c thresholds. At each HbA1c measurement, participants were categorized based on the percentage of their HbA1c measurements that fell into the following categories: less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, 7% to less than 8%, 8% to less than 9%, 9% to less than 10%, and 10% or more of total hemoglobin (to convert percentage of total hemoglobin to proportion of total hemoglobin, multiply by 0.01).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Dementia diagnosis was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes from inpatient and outpatient encounters. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the association of time-varying cumulative glycemic exposure with dementia, adjusting for age, race and ethnicity, baseline health conditions, and number of HbA1c measurements.

Results

A total of 253 211 participants were included. The mean (SD) age of participants was 61.5 (9.4) years, and 53.1% were men. The mean (SD) duration of follow-up was 5.9 (4.5) years. Participants with more than 50% of HbA1c measurements at 9% to less than 10% or 10% or more had greater risk of dementia compared with those who had 50% or less of measurements in those categories (HbA1c 9% to <10%: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.31 [95% CI, 1.15-1.51]; HbA1c≥10%: aHR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.62-1.86]). By contrast, participants with more than 50% of HbA1c concentrations less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, or 7% to less than 8% had lower risk of dementia (HbA1c<6%: aHR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88-0.97]; HbA1c 6% to <7%: aHR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.77-0.81]; HbA1c 7% to <8%: aHR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.89-0.97]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study dementia risk was greatest among adults with cumulative HbA1c concentrations of 9% or more. These results support currently recommended relaxed glycemic targets for older people with type 2 diabetes.
Lentiform Fork Sign on Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Methamphetamine and Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Hiesgen Juliane , Badenhorst Jacques
Published: April 2023

This case report describes a patient with a 3-day history of acute blindness after using alcohol and methamphetamine for 3 consecutive nights before onset of visual impairment.
Development of Electro‐Conductive Composite Bioinks for Electrohydrodynamic Bioprinting with Microscale Resolution
Authors: Kasimu Ayiguli , Zhu Hui , Meng Zijie , Qiu Zhennan , Wang Yutao , Li Dichen , He Jiankang
Published: April 2023

Bioprinting has attracted extensive attention in the field of tissue engineering due to its unique capability in constructing biomimetic tissue constructs in a highly controlled manner. However, it is still challenging to reproduce the physical and structural properties of native electroactive tissues due to the poor electroconductivity of current bioink systems as well as the limited printing resolution of conventional bioprinting techniques. In this work, an electro‐conductive hydrogel is prepared by introducing poly (3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) into an RGD (GGGGRGDSP)‐functionalized alginate and fibrin system (RAF), and then electrohydrodynamic (EHD)‐bioprinted to form living tissue constructs with microscale resolution. The addition of 0.1 (w/v%) PEDOT: PSS increases the electroconductivity to 1.95 ± 0.21 S m−1 and simultaneously has little effect on cell viability. Compared with pure RAF bioink, the presence of PEDOT: PSS expands the printable parameters for EHD‐bioprinting, and hydrogel filaments with the smallest feature size of 48.91 ± 3.44 µm can be obtained by further optimizing process parameters. Furthermore, the EHD‐bioprinted electro‐conductive living tissue constructs with improved resolution show good viability (>85%). The synergy of the advanced electro‐conductive hydrogel and EHD‐bioprinting presented here may provide a promising approach for engineering electro‐conductive and cell‐laden constructs for electroactive tissue engineering.
Dynamic Networks of Cellulose Nanofibrils Enable Highly Conductive and Strong Polymer Gel Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhen , Heasman Patrick , Rostami Jowan , Benselfelt Tobias , Linares Mathieu , Li Hailong , Iakunkov Artem , Sellman Farhiya , Östmans Rebecca , Hamedi Mahiar Max , Zozoulenko Igor , Wågberg Lars
Published: April 2023

Tunable dynamic networks of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are utilized to prepare high‐performance polymer gel electrolytes. By swelling an anisotropically dewatered, but never dried, CNF gel in acidic salt solutions, a highly sparse network is constructed with a fraction of CNFs as low as 0.9%, taking advantage of the very high aspect ratio and the ultra‐thin thickness of the CNFs (micrometers long and 2–4 nm thick). These CNF networks expose high interfacial areas and can accommodate massive amounts of the ionic conductive liquid polyethylene glycol‐based electrolyte into strong homogeneous gel electrolytes. In addition to the reinforced mechanical properties, the presence of the CNFs simultaneously enhances the ionic conductivity due to their excellent strong water‐binding capacity according to computational simulations. This strategy renders the electrolyte a room‐temperature ionic conductivity of 0.61 ± 0.12 mS cm−1 which is one of the highest among polymer gel electrolytes. The electrolyte shows superior performances as a separator for lithium iron phosphate half‐cells in high specific capacity (161 mAh g−1 at 0.1C), excellent rate capability (5C), and cycling stability (94% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1C) at 60 °C, as well as stable room temperature cycling performance and considerably improved safety compared with commercial liquid electrolyte systems.
All‐Polymer Fiber Organic Electrochemical Transistor for Chronic Chemical Detection in the Brain
Authors: Feng Jianyou , Fang Yuan , Wang Chuang , Chen Chuanrui , Tang Chengqiang , Guo Yue , Wang Liyuan , Yang Yiqing , Zhang Kailin , Wang Jiajia , Chen Jiawei , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: April 2023

Continuous and precise monitoring of chemicals in the brain can assist in understanding the working mechanism of the brain and exploring therapeutics for nerve disorders. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are employed for this purpose due to their high sensitivity from the in situ amplification effect. However, the chronic and stable detection of chemicals in the brain is rarely reported for OECTs. It is possibly due to the chronic inflammation from mechanical mismatch between the device and soft brain tissue as well as the biofouling that hinder the diffusion of chemicals to decrease the sensitivity similar to other implanted devices. Therefore, an all‐polymer fiber OECT (PF‐OECT) is designed, composed solely of conductive polymers and fluorine rubber. The PF‐OECT shows matching modulus with the soft brain tissue and good anti‐biofouling performance. It also demonstrates both high sensitivity and electrochemical stability under dynamic deformations and in complex protein solutions. Finally, the PF‐OECT is implanted into the mouse brain, achieving a stable 14‐day ascorbic acid monitoring. The design strategy of PF‐OECT presents a potential avenue for developing more biomedical devices.
Cation Exchange Membranes with Bi‐Functional Sites Induced Synergistic Hydrophilic Networks for Selective Proton Transport
Authors: Zhu Yanran , Chen Qian , Zhou Yue , Li Xingya , Ge Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: April 2023

Acid recycling via cation exchange membranes (CEMs) has attracted considerable attention from traditional industries and advanced manufacturing because of the economic and environmental advantages. However, current polymeric CEMs merely have constant ion channels by the fixed groups in the matrix and lack the synergy of bi‐functional sites. Herein, a series of dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 (DB18C6) functionalized sulfonated poly(biphenyl alkylene) membranes is reported. The resultant membranes form phase separation and ordered ion channels by the electrostatic interaction between DB18C6‐H+ complexes and the SO3− anionic sites, constructing a low‐swelling synergistic hydrophilic network. The prepared membranes have high proton permeation rates of 2.98‐4.85 mol m−2 h‐1 and extremely low ferrous ion permeabilities, leading to a high H+/Fe2+ selectivity of ≈3153 at the current density of 10 mA cm‐2, which is one order of magnitude higher than the commercial and previously reported membranes via the electrodialysis. These results provide strategies for designing bi‐functional ion exchange membranes for selective ion transport via utilizing crown ether/cation complexes.
Marangoni Flow Driven via Hole Structure of Soluble Acene–Polymer Blends for Selective Nitrogen Dioxide Sensing
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Lee Seunghan , Lee Hoonkyung , Choi Hyun Ho , Chae Huijeong , Kim Youngnan , Yang Seok Joo , Anthony John E. , Jang Ho Won , Won Sang Min , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: April 2023

The correlations between semiconductor type and gas sensing properties in soluble acene/polymer blends have not yet been examined. Here, the phase separation mechanism in pseudo‐liquid phase blend film is investigated and an unusual solid‐state morphology that is effective for amperometric gas sensing performance is demonstrated. In 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS–pentacene)/poly(fluorine‐co‐triarylamine) (PTAA) blend, two phases are uniformly mixed, without being completely phase‐separated due to the similar solubility and surface tension. On the other hand, in 2,8‐difluoro‐5,11‐bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (diF–TES ADT)/PTAA blend, the diF−TES ADT molecules are segregated both at the air–film, and film–substrate interfaces, and subsequently crystallized with a high degree of crystal perfection. In the meanwhile, Marangoni‐flow induces crater‐like via hole structure of PTAA at the middle layer. In situ measurement of (ultraviolet–visible) UV–vis absorption spectra and computational calculation reveal kinetics of liquid–solid–crystal transition in relation to the functional groups of soluble acene. Interestingly, flow driven hole structure of PTAA in diF–TES ADT/PTAA blend film allows the target NO2 gas to selectively penetrate the channel region, thereby enhancing sensitivity toward NO2, while decreasing affinity with other gases. The results provide protocols for fabricating highlperformance field‐effect transistors and gas sensors in a blending system.
Main‐Group s‐Block Element Lithium Atoms within Carbon Frameworks as High‐Active Sites for Electrocatalytic Reduction Reactions
Authors: Huang Hao , Chen Shi , Jiang Peng , Yang Yang , Wang Changlai , Zheng Wei , Cheng Zhiyu , Huang Minxue , Hu Lin , Chen Qianwang
Published: April 2023

Inspired by the d‐band center theory, previous studies mainly focus on transition metals as electrocatalytic active sites. The s‐block metals in the periodic table, especially group ΙA metals with fewer valence electrons, are rarely reported as high‐activity electrocatalysts for reduction reactions due to the difficulties associated with their electronic structure regulation. Herein, theoretical calculations demonstrate that group ΙA element lithium (Li) embedded in N, O‐doped graphene is an effective electrocatalytic active center for carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This catalytic feasibility results from the s–p orbital hybridization between originally empty 2p orbital of Li and the orbitals of coordinated atoms. This vacant 2p orbital can serve as a site for additional p–π conjugation between Li and N, O‐doped graphene. Theoretically, the zigzag‐type Li–O2 model shows remarkable CO2RR activity, while Li–pyridinic–N1‐C1 exhibits high ORR activity. Furthermore, a carbon‐based catalyst with well‐anchored Li atoms coordinated to N, O substituents is experimentally demonstrated to exhibit exceptional CO2RR activity (FECO = 98.8% at −0.55 V) and ORR performance in acidic media (E1/2 = 0.77 V). This is the first report on bifunctional high‐performance electrocatalyst utilizing a group ΙA element with performance comparable to that of most previously reported transition‐metal‐based catalysts.
Secondary‐Phase‐Induced Charge–Discharge Performance Enhancement of Co‐Free High Entropy Spinel Oxide Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nguyen Thi Xuyen , Patra Jagabandhu , Tsai Chia‐Chien , Xuan Wen‐Ye , Chen Hsin‐Yi Tiffany , Dyer Matthew S. , Clemens Oliver , Li Ju , Majumder Subhasish Basu , Chang Jeng‐Kuei , Ting Jyh‐Ming
Published: April 2023

High entropy oxide (HEO) has emerged as a new class of anode material for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) by offering infinite possibilities to tailor the charge–discharge properties. While the advantages of single‐phase HEO anodes are realized, the effects of a secondary phase are overlooked. In this study, two kinds of Co‐free HEOs are prepared, containing Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn, for use as LIB anodes. One is a plain cubic‐structure high entropy spinel oxide HESO (C) prepared using a solvothermal method. The other HESO (C+T) contains an extra secondary phase of tetragonal spinel oxide and is prepared using a hydrothermal method. It is demonstrated that the secondary tetragonal spinel phase introduces phase boundaries and defects/oxygen vacancies within HESO (C+T), which improve the redox kinetics and reversibility during electrode lithiation/delithiation. Density functional theory calculation is performed to assess the phase stability of cubic spinel, tetragonal spinel, and rock‐salt structures, and validate the cycling stability of the electrodes upon charging–discharging. The secondary‐phase‐induced rate capability and cyclability enhancement of HEO electrodes are for the first time demonstrated. A HESO (C+T)||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cell is assembled and evaluated, showing a promising gravimetric energy density of ≈610 Wh kg−1 based on electrode‐active materials.
Polyether‐b‐Amide Based Solid Electrolytes with Well‐Adhered Interface and Fast Kinetics for Ultralow Temperature Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Huang Xueyan , Huang Sheng , Wang Tianyi , Zhong Lei , Han Dongmei , Xiao Min , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: April 2023

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are highly desirable for energy storage because of the urgent need for higher energy density and safer batteries. However, it remains a critical challenge for stable cycling of SSLMBs at low temperature. Here, a highly viscoelastic polyether‐b‐amide (PEO‐b‐PA) based composite solid‐state electrolyte is proposed through a one‐pot melt processing without solvent to address this key process. By adjusting the molar ratio of PEO‐b‐PA to lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide (ethylene oxide:Li = 6:1) and adding 20 wt.% succinonitrile, fast Li+ transport channel is conducted within the homogeneous polymer electrolyte, which enables its application at ultra‐low temperature (−20 to 25 °C). The composite solid‐state electrolyte utilizes dynamic hydrogen‐bonding domains and ion‐conducting domains to achieve a low interfacial charge transfer resistance (<600 Ω) at −20 °C and high ionic conductivity (25 °C, 3.7 × 10−4 S cm−1). As a result, the LiFePO4|Li battery based on composite electrolyte exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with 81.5% capacity retention after 1200 cycles at −20 °C and high discharge specific capacities of 141.1 mAh g−1 with high loading (16.1 mg cm−2) at 25 °C. Moreover, the solid‐state SNCM811|Li cell achieves excellent safety performance under nail penetration test, showing great promise for practical application.
Tungsten Boride Stabilized Single‐Crystal LiNi0.83Co0.07Mn0.1O2 Cathode for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Performance and Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Qimeng , Deng Qiang , Zhong Wentao , Li Jing , Wang Ziming , Dong Pengyuan , Huang Kevin , Yang Chenghao
Published: April 2023

Transition metal doped LiNiO2 layered compounds have attracted significant interest as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in recent years due to their high energy density. However, a critical issue of LiNiO2‐based cathodes is caused particularly at highly delithiated state by irreversible phase transition, initiation/propagation of cracks, and extensive reactions with electrolyte. Herein, a tungsten boride (WB)‐doped single‐crystalline LiNi0.83Co0.07Mn0.1O2 (SNCM) cathode is reported that affectively addresses these drawbacks. In situ/ex situ microscopic and spectroscopic evidence that B3+ enters the bulk of the SNCM, enlarging the interlayer spacing, thus facilitating Li+ diffusion, while W3+ forms an amorphous surface layer consisting of LixWyOz (LWO) and LixByOz (LBO), which aids the construction of a robust cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) film, are shown. It is also shown that WB doping is effective in controlling the degree of the c‐axis contraction and release of oxygen‐containing gases at high voltages. The best doping concentration of WB is 0.6 wt.%, at which the capacity retention rate of the SNCM reaches 93.2% after 200 cycles at 2.7–4.3 V, while the morphology and structure of the material remain largely unchanged. The presented modification strategy offers a new way for the design of new stable SNCM cathodes for high‐energy‐density LIBs.
Self‐Formed Fluorinated Interphase with Fe Valence Gradient for Dendrite‐Free Solid‐State Sodium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiang Le , Jiang Daochuan , Gao Yue , Zhang Chaofeng , Ren Xiaodi , Zhu Lingyun , Gao Shan , Zhan Xiaowen
Published: April 2023

The poor anode/electrolyte compatibility and dendrite growth have discouraged the development of solid‐state sodium‐metal batteries (SSSMBs). Here, a self‐formed interphase with a unique Fe valence gradient is designed to stabilize the anode interface of Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid electrolyte. This interphase consists of a Fe‐ and NaF‐containing outer layer near the Na anode and a Fe2+/Fe3+‐rich inner layer, which are in situ formed upon contacting Na with a sodiophilic α‐Fe2O3‐xFx interlayer specially coated on Na3Zr2Si2PO12. The NaF and Fe prevents continuous reduction reactions and homogenize the electric filed, while the iron oxide gradient layer offers buffering Na storage during plating, further suppressing dendrite growth. Benefiting from the dynamically stable, low‐impedance and dendrite‐free interface, the symmetric cells achieve a 20‐fold reduction in interfacial resistance and a fourfold enhancement in critical current density (CCD) at 25 °C, and powered a high CCD of 1.9 mA cm‐2 and a 1000‐h cycle life at 1 mA cm‐2 at 80 °C. The corresponding SSSMBs based on Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes deliver a capacity retention rate of 96% over 120 cycles at 1 C. This robust interface design supports one of the best electrochemical performances ever reported and offers a comprehensive solution to stabilize the Na3Zr2Si2PO12/Na interface toward practical SSSMBs.
Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries with an Ultralarge Discharge Capacity per Cycle and an Ultralong Cycle Life
Authors: Zhong Xiongwei , Shao Yangfan , Chen Biao , Li Chuang , Sheng Jinzhi , Xiao Xiao , Xu Baomin , Li Jia , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Zhou Guangmin
Published: April 2023

A conventional two‐electrode rechargeable zinc–air battery (RZAB) has two major problems: 1) opposing requirements for the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions from the catalyst at the air cathode; and 2) zinc‐dendrite formation, hydrogen generation, and zinc corrosion at the zinc anode. To tackle these problems, a three‐electrode RZAB (T‐RZAB) including a hydrophobic discharge cathode, a hydrophilic charge cathode, and a zinc‐free anode is developed. The decoupled cathodes enable fast ORR and OER kinetics, and avoid oxidization of the ORR catalyst. The zinc‐free anode using tin‐coated copper foam that induces the growth of (002)Zn planes, suppresses hydrogen evolution, and prevents Zn corrosion. As a result, the T‐RZABs have a high discharge capacity per cycle of 800 mAh cm−2, a low voltage gap between the discharge/charge platforms of 0.66 V, and an ultralong cycle life of 5220 h at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. A large T‐RZAB with a discharge capacity of 10 Ah per cycle with no obvious degradation after cycling for 1000 h is developed. Finally, a T‐RZAB pack that has an energy density of 151.8 Wh kg−1 and a low cost of 46.7 US dollars kWh−1 is assembled.
Tunable Polarization‐Preserving Vortex Beam Generator Based on Diagonal Cross‐Shaped Graphene Structures at Terahertz Frequency
Authors: Chen Dingbo , Yang Junbo , He Xin , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhenfu , Chen Huan , Zhang Zhaojian , Tan Zhongqi , Luo Hui
Published: April 2023

The vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are of extreme importance for applications in communication, nanoscience, and optical micro‐manipulation. The development of dynamically tunable vortex beam generators with compact size is a critical step in the realization of vortex beam modulation and application. Here, a series of ultrathin OAM‐tunable polarization‐preserving vortex beam generators based on graphene metasurfaces are proposed, which offer a new scheme to generating vortex beams with variable topological charges at terahertz frequency. By introducing the diagonal cross‐shaped graphene structures, the abrupt phase shift range reaches 2π for linearly polarized incident light while maintaining the original polarization state. Planar spiral phase generators are theoretically constructed to convert beams with plane wavefront into beams with spiral phase. More importantly, the topological charges of the generated vortex beams can be dynamically tuned by the graphene Fermi energy in a broadband frequency range from 4.5 to 5.5 THz. This work provides a simple technology for the generation of vortex beams and the flexible modulation of the topological charge, which would inspire the application potential of the vortex beam.
Controlling the Energy Relaxation: Organic Doping in AIEgen Nanoparticles for Highly Enhanced Intravital Two‐Photon Imaging
Authors: Fan Miaozhuang , Feng Gang , Xia Lu , Zhang Yibin , Liu Maixian , Li Zhengzheng , Jiang Yihang , Yang Chengbin , Law Wing‐Cheung , Yong Ken‐Tye , Shen Yuanyuan , Xu Zhourui , Xu Gaixia
Published: April 2023

Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) as a new class of optical probes for two‐photon imaging (2PI) have attracted extensive attention in the research community. However, their non‐radiative energy dissipation plays a non‐negligible role in energy consumption, thereby weakening their performance in 2PI. Exploration of a facile and general approach to control the energy relaxation pathways is thus a fascinating yet significantly challenging task. To address this concern, an organic doping method is proposed herein by using TPE‐Br as the doping AIEgen and MeOTTMN as the functional AIEgen. With increased amount of doping molecules, a steadily strengthened brightness (up to 29‐fold of quantum yield) is observed at the expense of reactive oxygen species production. Remarkably, an ultradeep imaging depth of 1000 µm in a mouse brain is realized via 2PI using the heavily organic‐doped AIEgen(ODA) nanoparticles (NPs). Such result is far superior to the imaging depth of 156 µm enabled by MeOTTMN NPs. The safe use of ODA NPs is further evaluated by in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessment. This study thus provides an attractive paradigm to control the energy relaxation of AIEgen NPs and maximize their performance in 2PI while circumventing the difficulties in molecular engineering.
Artificial Intelligence Guided Studies of van der Waals Magnets
Authors: Rhone Trevor David , Bhattarai Romakanta , Gavras Haralambos , Lusch Bethany , Salim Misha , Mattheakis Marios , Larson Daniel T. , Krockenberger Yoshiharu , Kaxiras Efthimios
Published: April 2023

A materials informatics framework to explore a large number of candidate van der Waals (vdW) materials is developed. In particular, in this study a large space of monolayer transition metal halides is investigated by combining high‐throughput density functional theory calculations and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the discovery of stable materials and the prediction of their magnetic properties. The formation energy is used as a proxy for chemical stability. Semi‐supervised learning is harnessed to mitigate the challenges of sparsely labeled materials data in order to improve the performance of AI models. This approach creates avenues for the rapid discovery of chemically stable vdW magnets by leveraging the ability of AI to recognize patterns in data, to learn mathematical representations of materials from data and to predict materials properties. Using this approach, previously unexplored vdW magnetic materials with potential applications in data storage and spintronics are identified.
DNA Damage Inducer Mitoxantrone Amplifies Synergistic Mild‐Photothermal Chemotherapy for TNBC via Decreasing Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression
Authors: Chen Zuqin , Li Sunfan , Li Fangzhou , Qin Cheng , Li Xianlei , Qing Guangchao , Wang Jinjin , Xia Bozhang , Zhang Fuxue , Meng Liangliang , Liang Xing‐Jie , Xiao Yueyong
Published: April 2023

Patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) have the worst clinical outcomes when compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. Nanotechnology‐assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) opens new opportunities for precise cancer treatment. However, thermoresistance caused by PTT, as well as uncertainty in the physiological metabolism of existing phototherapeutic nanoformulations, severely limit their clinical applications. Herein, based on the clinically chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone (MTO), a multifunctional nanoplatform (MTO‐micelles) is developed to realize mutually synergistic mild‐photothermal chemotherapy. MTO with excellent near‐infrared absorption (≈669 nm) can function not only as a chemotherapeutic agent but also as a photothermal transduction agent with elevated photothermal conversion efficacy (ƞ = 54.62%). MTO‐micelles can accumulate at the tumor site through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Following local near‐infrared irradiation, mild hyperthermia (<50 °C) assists MTO in binding tumor cell DNA, resulting in chemotherapeutic sensitization. In addition, downregulation of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression due to enhanced DNA damage can in turn weaken tumor thermoresistance, boosting the efficacy of mild PTT. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that MTO‐micelles possess excellent synergetic tumor inhibition effects. Therefore, the mild‐photothermal chemotherapy strategy based on MTO‐micelles has a promising prospect in the clinical transformation of TNBC treatment.
Design‐Dependent Switching Mechanisms of Schottky‐Barrier‐Modulated Memristors based on 2D Semiconductor
Authors: Zhou Hangbo , Sorkin Viacheslav , Chen Shuai , Yu ZhiGen , Ang Kah‐Wee , Zhang Yong‐Wei
Published: April 2023

For Schottky barrier‐modulated memristors based on 2D semiconductors, it has, to date, not been possible to achieve control over defect type and concentration as the measured switching characteristics vary considerably even under similar fabrication conditions. In this work, four distinct types of memristors are identified based on the combination of low and high resistance sequences, as well as volatile and nonvolatile characteristics. All these four types of memristors were previously observed experimentally by different research labs. It is found that the specific behavior of each memristor type can be explained by the Schottky barrier height modulation and current rectification arising from the concerted effects of the concentration, charge polarity and mobility of defects. The conditions required to realize the four types of 2D semiconductor‐based memristors are analyzed and design guidelines for fabricating each of these four types of memristors are provided.
Printed 700 V/V Gain Amplifiers Based on Organic Source‐Gated Transistors with Field Plates
Authors: Hemmi Yudai , Ikeda Yuji , Sporea Radu A. , Inoue Satoru , Hasegawa Tatsuo , Matsui Hiroyuki
Published: April 2023

Printed amplifiers are promising components for flexible and wearable devices. The circuits need to have small footprint, high amplification, and low power consumption, which is not simultaneously possible with conventional thin‐film transistors because multiple stages are required and introduce sources of variability, failure, or wasted area. Source‐gated transistors (SGTs) can in principle have extremely high intrinsic gain but this is not always the case because of lateral field control problems. A good solution is the use of field plate structures, which are straightforward to implement with top contacts but not so with bottom contacts. Here, a printed implementation of organic SGT with a field plate is presented, which can achieve a record high intrinsic gain of 920 V/V. The single‐stage common‐source amplifier with two organic SGTs also exhibits a high gain of 700 V/V. Simulations confirm the effectiveness of the printed field plate, making it a promising approach for future flexible and wearable electronics.