bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Influenced by Different Seed Rates and Weed Control Methods
Authors: Singh Sudhakar , Verma Kamini , Pandey Deepak , Chanda S. S. , Singh P. K. , Singh Gajendra
Published: November 2023

An experiment was conducted at Shradhay Bhagwati Singh Agriculture Research Farm (Hajipur), Chandra Bhanu Gupta krishi Snatakottar Mahavidyalaya, B.K.T., Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) during the rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment consisted of 12 treatment combinations comprised of 3 seed rates and 4 weed management practices, tested in factorial randomize block design with three replications. The results indicated that different seed rates and weed management practices significantly influenced the growth, yield and nutrient uptake of wheat. The soil of experimental site was silty loam soils having medium organic carbon (0.70%) and nitrogen (270 kg ha-1), phosphorus (27 kg ha-1) and potassium (262 kg ha-1). Crop sown with seed rate, S3 (120 kg ha-1) recorded highest plant height, number of tillers m-2, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, number of effective tillers, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and nutrient uptake. However, higher number of grains spike-1, grain weight spike-1, length of spike and test weight was recorded with crop sown with 100 kg ha-1 seed rate. Weed free upto 60 DAS (W1) resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes and yields over rest of the weed control treatment. Post emergence spray of Clodinafop + Metsulfuron (60 + 4) g ha-1 recorded significantly higher values of all growth, yield attributes and yield over sulfosulfuron @ 25g a.i ha-1. Weed free upto 60 DAS had highest weed control efficiency followed by Clodinafop + Metsulfuron 60 + 4 g ha-1 (49.78%). However, the highest weed index was noticed in weedy check and lowest with herbicide mixture. The highest net returns (Rs. 69036) and B:C (1.73) were obtained with combination of 120 kg seed rate ha-1 + Clodinafop+ Metsulfuron @ 60g ha-1 +4g ha-1 (PoE) at 30-35 DAS.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management and Salicylic Acid Application on Relative Water Content, Plant Height and Grain Yield of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Patnaik Girija Prasad , Baliarsingh Anupama , Dwibedi Sanat Kumar , Rath Bama Shankar , Mishra Dayanidhi , Panda Narayan , Samal Kailash Chandra
Published: November 2023

Aims: A field study was conducted to quantify the effect of moisture deficit stress at different critical stages of quinoa and different mitigation approaches were adopted in order to alleviate moisture deficit stress.

Study Design: The experiment was designed in split plot design comprising of six main plots (water management) and four sub plots (stress mitigation approaches). The treatments in main plots viz., no irrigation at branching (M1), at ear formation (M2), flowering (M3), grain filling (M4) stages, irrigating at all four stages (M5) and irrigating as and when required (M6), and sub plot treatments viz., soil test-based fertilizer recommendation (STBFR) (S1), STBFR + Salicylic acid spray at 100 ppm (S2), STBFR + rice straw mulching (S3) and integrated nutrient management (S4) were tested.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during Rabi 2021-22.

Methodology: Moisture deficit stress was imposed by withholding irrigation water and not irrigating in the defined period. The treatments in the subplots were imposed as per the schedule.

Results: Optimal results, including significantly taller plants, elevated relative water content, and increased grain yield, were achieved when irrigation was applied on an as-needed basis (M6). Conversely, the lowest grain yield was observed when moisture deficit stress was imposed during the branching stage of quinoa. This outcome was primarily linked to a more substantial reduction in both relative water content and plant height. Among the various stress mitigation approaches, integrated nutrient management (S4) emerged as the most effective management practice, followed closely by STBFR + Salicylic acid spray at 100 ppm (S2).

Conclusion: The result indicated that branching stage is the most critical stage for irrigation in quinoa and integrated nutrient management could be the best approach under moisture deficit stress in quinoa among the other treatments.
Studies on Selection Indices for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Improvement Using Interrelationship and Path Analysis under Sub-Tropical Conditions of Indore Region
Authors: Afrayeem Syed , Patidar Sachin , Kumar Hemant , Pandey Pratibha , Mohan Nitin
Published: November 2023

In Rabi 2022–2023 at Central Research Farm, Oriental University Indore, Madhya Pradesh, twenty varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were used in this investigation, which was conducted using an RBD design with three replications.  Thirteen quantitative characters were used to record data in order to study the relationships and path analysis between the characters. Correlation studies showed that biomass yield (0.891**, 0.511**), number of grains per spike (0.844**, 0.538**), and thousand seed weight (0.544**, 0.359**) exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Based on mean performance, JW 3020 (343.687 g) displayed the highest grain yield per running meter. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, the characters such as days to maturity (-0.473**, -0.609**) showed a negative correlation with grain yield per running meter. Path analysis showed that characters such as days to maturity (-0.005, -0.0055) had negative direct effects on grain yield per running meter at both phenotypic and genotypic levels, and characters like number of grains per spike (0.835, 0.035), biomass yield (0.71, 0.765), and harvest index (0.089, 0.598) had direct positive effects on grain yield per running meter at both genotypic and phenotypic levels.
Assessing the Efficacy of Bio-rational Insecticides for Controlling Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) Infestations on Mustard Crops
Authors: Upadhyay Ankit , Biswas S. K. , Dwivedi R. K. , Maurya C. L. , Kumar Kaushal , Bharathi K. , Pal Deepak Singh
Published: November 2023

Among the various treatments evaluated for their bio-rational effect against mustard aphid on Indian mustard during year- 2021-22 at C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur Uttar Pradesh, the descending order are the followed  treatments are NSKE @10% > NSKE @5% > Cow Urine @ 10% > Verticillium lecanii @ 1.5kg/ha. > Lantana leaf extract @  10 % > Castor leaf extract @ 10% > Lantana leaf extract @ 5 % > Castor leaf extract @ 5% > Cow Urine @ 5%. India, the spray of NSKE 10% @ 60 lit/ha followed by NSKE 5 % @ 30 lit/ha was proved to be the best treatments with pooled mean aphid population of 5.42, 5.10, 4.96, 4.85, 5.39, 5.26, 5.42, 5.23, 5.13, and 7.29 aphid/pant in the control after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment, respectively. The treatment NSKE 10 % was proved best and significantly superior over all treatments with highest reduction of Infestation of Lipaphis erysimi kalt. in both the years.
Impact of Climate Variables on Occurrence of Rice Earhead Bug, Leptocorisa oratorius (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae)
Authors: Das K. , Das P. , Rahman S. , Senapoty D. , Nath T. , Mudoi A. , Nath R. K.
Published: November 2023

Rice earhead bug, Leptocorisa oratorius (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) is one of the major sucking pests of rice, causing significant yield losses worldwide. The population fluctuation and infestation of earhead bug is influenced by different meteorological parameters. A field experiment was conducted at the ICR (Instructional Cum Research) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with a view to study the occurrence of L. oratorius on rice crop during Ahu (Autumn rice) season, 2018 and 2019. The population of L. oratorius was first observed in the field during the month of May and attained its peak population (2.66 and 1.56 adult per hill) on second and third week of June in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The occurrence of L. oratorius was also correlated with the different climate variables viz., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and bright sunshine hour (BSSH). The correlation analysis revealed no significant impact of climatic variables on the occurrence of L. oratorius population during 2018, while all the variables except rainfall showed significant correlation with the occurrence of L. oratorius population during 2019. In 2019, a significant best fit multiple regression model was developed for L. oratorius to predict their seasonal occurrence under agro-climatic condition of Jorhat, Assam. The per cent grain infestation was also recorded during 2018 and 2019, which was found to be 39.34 and 37.11 per cent, respectively.
Exploring Sustainable Practices in Modern Agronomy and their Environmental Impact- A Review
Authors: Rajput Aashu , Roy Shalini , Waghmare M. N. , Singh Swati , Shukla Vineet Kumar , Singh Vikash , Singh Prachi
Published: November 2023

The field of agronomy is undergoing a seismic shift towards sustainability, driven by an increasing understanding of the long-term benefits and a global urgency to act against climate change.                    It aims to explore the multifaceted realm of sustainable agronomy, scrutinizing its practices, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. It delve into the types of sustainable practices currently in use, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation tillage, highlighting their positive impact on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. We also offer a comparative analysis, contrasting these sustainable practices with conventional methods in terms of yield, economic benefits, and environmental impact. Also, dedicated to policy implications, discussing existing government policies that support sustainable practices and offering recommendations for further policy interventions. Case studies from India and abroad serve to demonstrate the practical application and success of these methods. The transition to sustainable agronomy is fraught with challenges. Technological needs, such as the requirement for advanced machinery and analytics tools, can be a hurdle, especially for small-scale farmers. Educational gaps also present a significant challenge, as current agronomy curricula in many parts of the world are not geared towards sustainable practices. Financial constraints, often exacerbated by inadequate support systems, add another layer of complexity to the transition. Despite these challenges, the review identifies multiple avenues for future research, including the development of cost-effective technologies, educational reforms, and alternative financing models to support farmers.
Streamlining Different Plant Breeding Methods to Enhance Water Use Efficiency in Agricultural Systems
Authors: Umesh Babu B. S.  , Archana K. A.  , Honnappa  , Manik Afsanabanu , Surekha S.  , Revanasiddayya
Published: November 2023

The relevance of Water in human life and agro-ecosystems has been extensively illustrated for decades around the globe. Despite the reality that the earth is mostly surrounded by water, its utility has been limited to domestic consumption and agricultural purposes. Thus, tweaking water usage in agricultural systems has been a tricky problem in order to meet the requirements of the growing population and to obtain more crop yield per drop of water in agriculture. In this review, an attempt has been made to revisit the methods available to improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
Enhancing Vase Life in LA Hybrid Lilies: An Exploration of Preservative Solutions and Varietal Influences
Authors: Diksha  , Malik Arvind , Dalal Raj Pal , Kumar Satish
Published: November 2023

The attraction of cut flowers lies in their aesthetic appeal, and among these, Lilium, or lilies, are renowned for their beauty and remarkable vase life. Vase life, the duration a cut flower remains fresh after harvesting, is a crucial factor for consumer satisfaction and commercial viability. Lilies, a significant economic crop, demand a thorough understanding of factors affecting their vase life. This research explored the impact of various preservative solutions on the vase life of two LA hybrid lily cultivars, Pavia and Arborifera. Notably, HQC 200 ppm demonstrated the highest water uptake, extended days until drooping, petal discoloration, and petal shriveling. Additionally, HQC 200 ppm treatment resulted in the longest vase life. These findings contribute to improving post-harvest practices for lilies and enhancing the floral industry's economic returns.
Effect of Intercropping System of Vegetables on Yield and Economics of Arecanut Plantation
Authors: Desai Nagappa , Shreenivasa K. R. , Anitha M. S. , Shankara M. H.
Published: November 2023

The on farm trials were conducted to study the effect of intercropping system of vegetables on yield, economics and soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation during the year from 2015-16 to 2016-17 at various villages in Tiptur taluk of Tumkur district, Karnataka state. The three intercropping systems involved viz., Treatment T1- Arecanut as mono-cropping (farmers practice), Treatment T2 - Arecanut intercrops with vegetable cowpea and Treatment T3- Arecanut intercrops with vegetable french bean conducted at seven farmers field as replication. The 26 year old Arecanut plantation of Gubbi local variety planted with 2.7 m x 2.7 m spacing. The result reveals that the two year mean data of experiments were recorded. The maximum chali yield of Arecanut was recorded (12.53 q/ha/year) in Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable french bean, which is on far with Arecanut plantation (12.25 q/ha/year) intercrops with vegetable cowpea.  Whereas, significantly minimum chali yield of arecanut was obtained in Arecanut as mono-cropping system in farmers practice. The cultivation of Arecanut intercrops with vegetable french bean was obtained highest net annual income (Rs. 2,56,832/ha) and B:C ratio (2.85) with additional income of the farmers and high market demand of vegetable beans as compared to cultivation of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable cowpea at Rs. 2,29,083/ha with B:C ratio of 2.72 with less demand of vegetable cowpea at market, whereas, cultivation of Arecanut as monocropping system was recorded lowest net annual income (Rs.1,45,290/ha) with B:C ratio (2.29) and no additional income from arecanut mono-cropping system practices in farmers field.

The soil samples were collected from arecanut plantation before initiated and after the experiment, analyzed the soil fertility status of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash availability, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in soil. Soil pH and organic matter content of samples were slightly alkaline to neutral and low to high respectively. The soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable French beans was recorded numerical improved (P<0.05) in all three major nutrients over the pre-treatment observation in the soil, which is on far with soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable cowpea, whereas, soil fertility status of NPK were found to lowest in Arecanut as mono- cropping system as farmers practices. This might be due to incorporated residue of French bean and cowpea biomass into soil, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen as results in improved of soil fertility status. Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable french bean were recorded higher net returns and sustainability of the soil fertility by cultivating more suitable cropping system to enhanced income of farmers.
Design and Techno-economic Simulation of a Standalone PV Solar Power Plant for a Typical Housing Estate in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Ohajianya Anthony Chibuike
Published: November 2023

Most, if not all, of the estates in Owerri, Nigeria are planned without recourse to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) envisions 2030’s goals 7 and 11. SDG goal 7 (on affordable and clean energy) and goal 11 (on sustainable cities and communities) envision a world by 2030 where there will be universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services; a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, etc. This research was done to depict the feasibility of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant for estates in Owerri, Nigeria. A standalone PV solar power plant for a typical 200 bungalow housing estate in Owerri, Nigeria was designed and simulated to study its techno-economic feasibility using PVsyst 7.3 simulation software. The study revealed that with a global horizontal irradiation of 4.70 kWh/m2/day reaching Owerri, Nigeria, a 468 kWp PV system is required to supply the electricity needs of an estate with an energy demand of 1,480 kWh/day. The system will generate a total of 615,168 kWh of electric energy in a year with a performance ratio of 70.4 % and a solar fraction of 96.8%. The designed PV solar power plant is highly feasible as the obtained results from the economic simulation showed that the system’s installation cost is 466,970 USD at a specific cost of 1.0 USD/kWp, and the net present value (NPV) is positive at 842,699.16 USD, 752,219.11 USD, and 698,107.07 USD, respectively for the 0%, 50%, and 80% loan financing cases. With an energy tariff of 0.15 USD/kWh, the return on investment, payback period, and levelized cost of energy were determined as 180.5%, 7.2 years, and 0.0698 USD/kWh, respectively for the 0% loan financing case.
Climate Events, Displacement, and Mental Health—Uprooted
Authors: Fortuna Lisa R. , Jimenez Aida , Porche Michelle V.
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the implications of climate event–related disasters and displacement as well as strategies for mitigating their mental health effects.
Trial of the Patient-Centered 2 × 24-Hour Predischarge Opioid Consumption Opioid Prescribing Guideline
Authors: Bleicher Josh , Stauder Elizabeth L. , Johnson Jordan E. , Ko Hyunkyu , Huang Lyen C.
Published: November 2023

This diagnostic/prognostic study evaluates the 2 × 24-hour predischarge opioid consumption guideline for opioid prescribing.
Radiation therapy margin reduction for patients with localized prostate cancer: A prospective study of the dosimetric impact and quality of life
Authors: Kumarasiri Akila , Chetty Indrin J. , Devpura Suneetha , Pradhan Deepak , Aref Ibrahim , Elshaikh Mohamed A. , Movsas Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To investigate the impact of reducing Clinical Target Volume (CTV) to Planning Target Volume (PTV) margins on delivered radiation therapy (RT) dose and patient reported quality‐of‐life (QOL) for patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

Twenty patients were included in a single institution IRB‐approved prospective study. Nine were planned with reduced margins (4 mm at prostate/rectum interface, 5 mm elsewhere), and 11 with standard margins (6/10 mm). Cumulative delivered dose was calculated using deformable dose accumulation. Each daily CBCT dataset was deformed to the planning CT (pCT), dose was computed, and accumulated on the resampled pCT using a parameter‐optimized, B‐spline algorithm (Elastix, ITK/VTK). EPIC‐26 patient reported QOL was prospectively collected pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, and at 2‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, 24‐, 36‐, 48‐, and 60‐month follow‐ups. Post ‐RT QOL scores were baseline corrected and standardized to a [0–100] scale using EPIC‐26 methodology. Correlations between QOL scores and dosimetric parameters were investigated, and the overall QOL differences between the two groups (QOLMargin‐reduced‐QOLcontrol) were calculated.

Results

The median QOL follow‐up length for the 20 patients was 48 months. Difference between delivered dose and planned dose did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.1) for both targets and organs at risk between the two groups. At 4 years post‐RT, standardized mean QOLMargin‐reduced‐QOLcontrol were improved for Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Irritative/Obstructive, Bowel, and Sexual EPIC domains by 3.5, 14.8, 10.2, and 16.1, respectively (higher values better). The control group showed larger PTV/rectum and PTV/bladder intersection volumes (7.2 ± 5.8, 18.2 ± 8.1 cc) than the margin‐reduced group (2.6 ± 1.8, 12.5 ± 8.3 cc), though the dose to these intersection volumes did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.1) between the groups. PTV/rectum intersection volume showed a moderate correlation (r = −0.56, p < 0.05) to Bowel EPIC domain.

Conclusions

Results of this prospective study showed that margin‐reduced group exhibited clinically meaningful improvement of QOL without compromising the target dose coverage.
A coupled recursive least squares algorithm for multivariable systems and its computational amount analysis by using the coupling identification concept
Authors: Jin Yu , Ding Feng
Published: November 2023

In order to solve the problem of the parameter identification for large‐scale multivariable systems, which leads to a large amount of computation for identification algorithms, two recursive least squares algorithms are derived according to the characteristics of the multivariable systems. To further reduce the amount of computation and cut down the redundant estimation, we propose a coupled recursive least squares algorithm based on the coupling identification concept. By coupling the same parameter estimates between sub‐identification algorithms, the redundant estimation of the subsystem parameter vectors are avoided. Compared with the recursive least squares algorithms, the proposed algorithm in this article have higher computational efficiency and smaller estimation errors. Finally, the simulation example tests the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Stability and Failure Mechanisms of Al2O3|Al Bilayer Coatings Exposed to 300 Bar Hydrogen at 673 K
Authors: Hieke Stefan Werner , Frank Anna , Duarte Maria Jazmin , Gopalan Hariprasad , Patil Piyush , Wetegrove Marcel , Rohloff Martin , Kruth Angela , Pistidda Claudio , Dornheim Martin , Taube Klaus , Dehm Gerhard , Scheu Christina
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen barrier coatings are important for future hydrogen economy to enable materials for applications in hydrogen tanks. In the present study, coatings consisting of amorphous Al2O3(≈100 nm) synthesized by plasma ion‐assisted deposition on top of crystalline metallic Al (≈100 nm) are exposed to 300 bar hydrogen pressure at 673 K for 6 days. This is done to mimic and accelerate conditions in hydrogen storage containers for metallic hydrides. They remain intact after such harsh conditions, although changes do occur. Blister‐like features are observed consisting of a buckled oxide layer while the metallic Al layer underneath is retracted. As these features are also found for coatings annealed under 1 bar Ar atmosphere it is concluded that they are not related to the formation of gas bubbles but they form due to solid‐state dewetting. This is different to literature observation where H2bubbles are reported as a consequence of interface diffusion of H/H+species present due to the initial precursor used for film deposition. The mechanical properties of the coatings, which are evaluated from nanoindentation load–displacement curves, change only moderately. Overall, the study shows that Al2O3|Al coatings are suitable candidates to prevent hydrogen ingress, but dewetting due to long‐term exposure at elevated temperatures must be prevented.
Interface Engineering of Heterogeneous NiSe2‐CoSe2@C@MoSe2 for High‐Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhai Naixin , Luo Juhua , Mei Jie , Wu Yuhan , Shu Pengcheng , Yan Wenxing , Li Xiaopeng
Published: November 2023

Optimization of components and micromorphology regulation are shown to be effective in boosting electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA). One approach to achieve this enhancement is by utilizing the polarization effects of heterogeneous interfaces. Herein, NiSe2‐CoSe2@C@MoSe2 composites derived from NiCo‐MOF‐74 are fabricated via a facile selenization reaction and subsequent hydrothermal method. By varying the mass ratios of NiSe2‐CoSe2@C and MoSe2, a series of NiSe2‐CoSe2@C@MoSe2 composites with hierarchical flower‐like core–shell structures are obtained. The EMWA properties of the composites display a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing with the increasing content of MoSe2. Interestingly, when the mass ratio of NiSe2‐CoSe2@C and MoSe2 is 3:2, the minimum reflection loss (RL) value is −50.10 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (RL< −10 dB) value can reach 4.80 GHz (13.20–18.00 GHz). The remarkable EMWA capability can be ascribed to the synergy effects of conductive loss, polarization loss, and suitable impedance matching. This work establishes a new pathway for the synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides‐based composites, which hold great promise as high‐performance materials for EMWA applications.
Dion–Jacobson Phase Perovskite Crystal Assembled by π‐Conjugated Aromatic Spacer for X‐Ray Detectors with an Ultralow Detection Limit
Authors: Fan Qingshun , Ma Yu , You Shihai , Xu Haojie , Guo Wuqian , Liu Yi , Tang Liwei , Li Wenjing , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: November 2023

2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites recently have attracted extensive attention for X‐ray detection owing to their structural rigidity and environmental stability. The chemical incorporation of π‐conjugation aromatic spacing cations into DJ phase perovskites will increase the rigidity of cation and electron cloud density between adjacent inorganic slabs, thus facilitating structural rigidity and charge transport. However, it is still a challenge to synthesize high‐quality single crystals of DJ phase perovskite with aromatic spacers for detecting X‐ray applications. Here, a new DJ phase perovskite by introducing π‐conjugated aromatic cation spacer, (4ABA)PbI4 (1, 4ABA = 4‐aminobenzylamine), eliminating the van der Waals gap is designed. High‐quality single crystals of 1 are grown via the facile solution method, exhibiting high resistivity (1.97 × 1011 Ω cm), low trap density (3.36 × 109 cm−3), and large carrier mobility‐lifetime product (1.03 × 10−3 cm2 V−1) under X‐ray illumination. Such remarkable physical characteristics endow single crystal 1 detector with high‐performance X‐ray detection including a high sensitivity of 572 µC Gyair−1cm−2, an ultralow detection limit of 7.50 nGyair s−1 and exceptional radiation stability. The X‐ray detection limit of 1 is over 700 times lower than that of routine medical diagnosis (5500 nGyair s−1), demonstrating potential applications in medical examination.
A pH‐Responsive Virus‐Like Particle as a Protein Cage for a Targeted Delivery
Authors: Kim Kwan‐Jip , Kim Gijeong , Bae Jin‐Ho , Song Ji‐Joon , Kim Hak‐Sung
Published: November 2023

A stimuli‐responsive protein self‐assembly offers promising utility as a protein nanocage for biotechnological and medical applications. Herein, the development of a virus‐like particle (VLP) that undergoes a transition between assembly and disassembly under a neutral and acidic pH, respectively, for a targeted delivery is reported. The structure of the bacteriophage P22 coat protein is used for the computational design of coat subunits that self‐assemble into a pH‐responsive VLP. Subunit designs are generated through iterative computational cycles of histidine substitutions and evaluation of the interaction energies among the subunits under an acidic and neutral pH. The top subunit designs are tested and one that is assembled into a VLP showing the highest pH‐dependent structural transition is selected. The cryo‐EM structure of the VLP is determined, and the structural basis of a pH‐triggered disassembly is delineated. The utility of the designed VLP is exemplified through the targeted delivery of a cytotoxic protein cargo into tumor cells in a pH‐dependent manner. These results provide strategies for the development of self‐assembling protein architectures with new functionality for diverse applications.
Electrochemical Evolution of Ru‐Based Polyoxometalates into Si,W‐Codoped RuOx for Acidic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Jeon Dasom , Kim Dong Yeon , Kim Hyeongoo , Kim Nayeong , Lee Cheolmin , Seo Dong‐Hwa , Ryu Jungki
Published: November 2023

Despite intensive studies over decades, the development of electrocatalysts for acidic water splitting still relies on platinum group metals, especially Pt and Ir, which are scarce, expensive, and poorly sustainable. Because such problems can be alleviated, Ru‐based bifunctional catalysts such as rutile RuO2 have recently emerged. However, RuO2 has a relatively low activity for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and low stability for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) under acidic conditions. In this study, the synthesis of a RuOx‐based bifunctional catalyst (RuSiW) for acidic water splitting via the electrochemical evolution from Ru‐based polyoxometalates at cathodic potentials is reported. RuSiW consists of the nanocrystalline RuO2 core and Si,W‐codoped RuOx shell. RuSiW exhibits outstanding HER and OER activity comparable to Pt/C and RuO2, respectively, with high stability. Computational analysis suggests that the codoping of RuOx with W and Si synergistically improves the HER activity of otherwise poor RuO2 by shifting the d‐band center and optimizing atomic configurations beneficial for proper hydrogen adsorption. This study provides insights into the design and synthesis of unprecedented bifunctional electrocatalysts using catalytically inactive and less explored elements, such as Si and W.
Bimetallic‐MOF Derived Carbon with Single Pt Anchored C4 Atomic Group Constructing Super Fuel Cell with Ultrahigh Power Density And Self‐Change Ability
Authors: Chai Lulu , Song Jinlu , Kumar Anuj , Miao Rui , Sun Yanzhi , Liu Xiaoguang , Yasin Ghulam , Li Xifei , Pan Junqing
Published: November 2023

Pursuing high power density with low platinum catalysts loading is a huge challenge for developing high‐performance fuel cells (FCs). Herein, a new super fuel cell (SFC) is proposed with ultrahigh output power via specific electric double‐layer capacitance (EDLC) + oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) parallel discharge, which is achieved using the newly prepared catalyst, single‐atomic platinum on bimetallic metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived hollow porous carbon nanorods (PtSA/HPCNR). The PtSA‐1.74/HPCNR‐based SFC has a 3.4‐time higher transient specific power density and 13.3‐time longer discharge time with unique in situ self‐charge and energy storage ability than 20% Pt/C‐based FCs. X‐ray absorption fine structure, aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscope, and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the synergistic effect of Pt single‐atoms anchored on carbon defects significantly boosts its electron transfer, ORR catalytic activity, durability, and rate performance, realizing rapid “ ORR+EDLC” parallel discharge mechanism to overcome the sluggish ORR process of traditional FCs. The promising SFC leads to a new pathway to boost the power density of FCs with extra‐low Pt loading.
Amphoteric Ion Bridged Buried Interface for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Yu Runnan , Li Minghua , He Zhangwei , Dong Yiman , Xu Zhiyang , Wang Ruyue , Ma Zongwen , Tan Zhanao
Published: November 2023

Synergistic morphology and defects management at the buried perovskite interface are challenging but crucial for the further improvement of inverted perovskite solar cells (PerSCs). Herein, an amphoteric organic salt, 2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)ethylammonium‐4‐methyl benzenesulfonate (4FPEAPSA), is designed to optimize the film morphology and energy level alignment at the perovskite buried interface. 4FPEAPSA treatment promotes the growth of a void‐free, coarse‐grained, and hydrophobic film by inducing the crystal orientation. Besides, the dual‐functional 4FPEAPSA can chemically interact with the perovskite film, and passivate the defects of iodine and formamidine vacancies, tending to revert the fermi level of perovskite to its defect‐free state. Meanwhile, the formation of a p‐type doping buried interface can facilitate the interfacial charge extraction and transport of PerSCs for reduced carrier recombination loss. Consequently, 4FPEAPSA treatment improves the efficiency of the perovskite devices to 25.03% with better storage, heat, and humidity stability. This work contributes to strengthening the systematic understanding of the perovskite buried interface, providing a synergetic approach to realize precise morphology control, effective defect suppression, and energy level alignment for efficient PerSCs.
Base‐Mediated Synthesis of 1,3‐Diazaphenothiazines from 2‐Methylbenzothiazoliums, Aryl Aldehydes and Amidines
Authors: Liang Baihui , Deng Haiyin , Xu Shengting , Huang Jie , Liu Jingyu , Cai Xiangya , Chen Tian‐Xiang , Chen Xiuwen , Zhu Zhongzhi
Published: November 2023

In this study, we developed a process for the [2+1+3] cyclization of 2‐methylbenzothiazole salts, aldehydes and amidine hydrochlorides, which allows rapid synthesis of 1,3‐diazaphenothiazines with moderate to good yields. The use of ethanol as solvent, oxygen as the terminal oxidant, mild reaction conditions, good functionality tolerance show the promising application in organic synthesis.
Impact of Ionic Species on the Performance of Pedot:PSS‐Based Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Colucci Renan , Feitosa Bianca de Andrade , Faria Gregório Couto
Published: November 2023

The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) has received considerable interest in the field of bioelectronics due to its ability to support both ionic and electronic transport. However, the fundamental aspects of the OECT's operation are not yet fully understood. Here, the impact on the performance of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)‐based OECTs, of a series electrolytes with chloride‐based ions is evaluated, varying their cation counterpart under the extension of the Hofmeister Series. Electrical results are analyzed using the Bernards‐Malliaras and Faria‐Duong models and correlated with quartz crystal microbalance measurements. It is shown that cations with a higher ability of salting‐in, according to the Hofmeister series, swell the channel with higher efficiency. In addition, cations with a higher ability to salt‐out promote smaller modulations in the channel's current, indicating that the ionic transport in the bulk of the channel is directly correlated with the swelling ability of the film. Overall, the results provide a better understanding of the interplay of channel and electrolyte in OECTs and promote guidelines for optimizing materials choice for highly sensitive OECTs.
In Situ Vertically Aligned MoS2 Arrays Electrodes for Complexing Agent‐Free Bromine‐Based Flow Batteries with High Power Density and Long Lifespan
Authors: Tang Luyin , Liao Chenyi , Li Tianyu , Yuan Chenguang , Li Guohui , Lu Wenjing , Li Xianfeng
Published: November 2023

Bromine‐based flow batteries (Br‐FBs) are highly competitive for stationary energy storage due to their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, adding bromine complexing agents (BCAs) to electrolytes slows down Br2/Br− reaction kinetics, causing higher polarization and lower power density of Br‐FBs. Herein, in situ vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheet arrays on traditional carbon felt substrates as electrodes to construct high power–density BCA‐free Br‐FBs are proposed. MoS2 arrays exhibit strong adsorption capacity to bromine, which helps the electrodes capture and retain bromine species. Even without BCAs, the battery self‐discharge caused by bromine diffusion is also inhibited. Moreover, the rate‐determining step of Br2/Br− reactions is boosted and the vertically aligned array structure provides sufficient sites, motivating Br2/Br− reaction kinetics and decreasing the battery polarization. The capacity retention rate of the BCA‐free Br‐FB based on MoS2 arrays‐based electrodes reaches 46.34% after the 24‐h standing test at 80 mA cm−2, meeting the requirements of practical applications. Most importantly, this BCA‐free Br‐FB exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.00% and an ultralong cycle life of 1000 cycles at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2. This work provides an available approach to developing advanced electrode materials for high power–density and long‐lifespan Br‐FBs.
Ocular manifestations in a cohort of 43 patients with KBG syndrome
Authors: Carter Drake C. , Kierzkowska Ola , Sarino Kathleen , Guo Lily , Marchi Elaine , Lyon Gholson J.
Published: November 2023

Ophthalmological conditions are underreported in patients with KBG syndrome, which is classically described as presenting with dental, developmental, intellectual, skeletal, and craniofacial abnormalities. This study analyzed the prevalence of four ophthalmological conditions (strabismus, astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia) in 43 patients with KBG syndrome carrying variants in ANKRD11 or deletions in 16q24.3 and compared it to the literature. Forty‐three patients were recruited via self‐referral or a private Facebook group hosted by the KBG Foundation, with 40 of them having pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Virtual interviews were conducted to collect a comprehensive medical history verified by medical records. From these records, data analysis was performed to calculate the prevalence of ophthalmological conditions. Out of the 40 participants with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, strabismus was reported in 9 (22.5%) participants, while astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia were reported in 11 (27.5%), 6 (15.0%), and 8 (20.0%) participants, respectively. Other reported conditions include anisometropia, amblyopia, and nystagmus. When compared to the literature, the prevalence of strabismus and refractive errors is higher than other studies. However, more research is needed to determine if variants in ANKRD11 play a role in abnormal development of the visual system. In patients with established KBG syndrome, screening for misalignment or refractive errors should be done, as interventions in patients with these conditions can improve functioning and quality of life.
Controlled Remote Implementation of Operations via Graph States
Authors: Qiu Xinyu , Chen Lin
Published: November 2023

Protocols are proposed for controlled remote implementation of operations here. Sharing a ‐partite graph state, 2N participants collaborate to prepare the stator and realize the operation on N unknown states for distributed systems , only with the permission of a controller. The control power analysis shows that without the controller's permission, eight specified operations can be implemented with the success rate of 50%, other operations can be realized with the success rate of 25%, and thus the control power is reliable. All the implementation requirements of this protocol can be satisfied by means of local operations and classical communications, and the experimental feasibility is presented according to current techniques. The entanglement requirement of this protocol is characterized in terms of geometric measure of entanglement. It turns out to be economic to realize the control function from the perspective of entanglement cost.
Adjustable Plane Curvature of Covalent Organic Framework Enabling Outstanding Dielectric, Electret, and High‐Temperature Processing Properties
Authors: Chen Donglin , Li Jinpeng , Mei Xudong , Liu Xiaoyun , Zuo Peiyuan , Qiu Xunlin , Zhuang Qixin
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of integrated circuits towards miniaturization and complexity, there is an urgent need for materials with low dielectric constant/loss and high processing temperatures to effectively prevent signal delay and crosstalk. With high porosity, thermal stability, and easy structural modulation, covalent organic frameworks have great potential in the field of low dielectric materials. However, the optimization of dielectric properties by modulating the conjugated/plane curvature structure of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has rarely been reported. Accordingly, we herein innovatively prepare COF films with adjustable planar curvature, hence possessing ultralow dielectric constant (1.9 at 1 kHz), ultralow dielectric loss at 1 kHz (0.0029 at room temperature, 0.0052 at 200 °C), high thermal decomposition temperature (5 % weight loss temperature, 473 °C) and good hydrophobicity (water contact angle, 105.3°). Also, to the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report that the resulting COF film enables high surface potential (≈320 V) for one week, attributing to its intrinsic high porosity, thus presenting great potential in electret applications. Accordingly, this innovative work provides a readily available and scalable idea to prepare materials with comprehensively excellent dielectric and electret properties as well as high processing temperatures simultaneously for advanced electronic device applications.
Ciprofloxacin adsorption performance of Co‐doped UiO‐66
Authors: Yanardag Duygu , Kaya Gulcihan Guzel , Edebali Serpil
Published: November 2023

The presence of ciprofloxacin in various water sources, even at low concentrations, causes health risks and serious environmental pollution as well as development of antibiotic resistance. So, it is critically necessary to remove ciprofloxacin effectively from the effluent. Co‐doped UiO‐66 was synthesized through one‐step hydrothermal method and evaluated as an adsorbent for ciprofloxacin adsorption. Ciprofloxacin adsorption was systematically investigated revealing adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The findings revealed that Freundlich isotherm model (maximum adsorption capacity: 45.17 mg g−1) at optimum experimental conditions (pH: 5, contact time: 90 min and adsorbent dosage: 0.3 g L−1) and acquired data were fitted using pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The ciprofloxacin adsorption was determined to be a spontaneous and endothermic from thermodynamic experiments. Effects of coexisting compound in the aqueous solutions on the Co‐doped UiO‐66 adsorption performance were studied using different concentrations of NaCl solution. The ciprofloxacin removal slightly decreased in the case of increasing the concentrations of Na+ ions. Regeneration of the Co‐doped UiO‐66 was carried out in methanol + acetic acid solution and repeated adsorption experiments were conducted to reveal reusability of the Co‐doped UiO‐66. Its ciprofloxacin adsorption capacity reduced to 38.0 mg g−1 after the four cycles indicating that the Co‐doped UiO‐66 was a reusable and potential adsorbent for ciprofloxacin adsorption process.
Impact of phosphate addition on PFAS treatment performance for drinking water
Authors: Haupert Levi M. , Redding Adam , Gray J. Margaret , Civardi John , Datsov Boris , Sanan Toby T. , Mills Marc A. , Speth Thomas F. , Burkhardt Jonathan B.
Published: November 2023

Adding new unit operations to drinking water treatment systems requires consideration of not only efficacy for its design purpose but also costs, water quality characteristics, impact on overall regulatory compliance, and impact of other treatment unit operations. Here, pilot study results for ion exchange (IX) and granular activated carbon (GAC) are presented for a utility with both per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and volatile organic contaminant removal needs. Specifically, the impact of upstream air stripping and phosphate addition on PFAS treatment performance was evaluated. Modeling was used to fit the IX and GAC pilot data and predict performance under different scenarios. GAC performance was generally consistent for treating water before or after the air stripper, but the addition of phosphate prior to air‐stripping resulted in a loss of 15%–25% capacity for some PFAS on IX media, demonstrating the need to consider the entire treatment train before implementing PFAS removal unit operations.
Eco‐friendly biodiesel production using passion fruit peels and cupuaçu seeds: Catalyst development and process optimization
Authors: Barros Silma de S. , Nobre Francisco X. , Lobo Wyvirlany V. , Duvoisin Sergio , de Souza César A. S. , Herminio Vanessa Leal de Q. , Pereira Iracelma H. , Silva Edson P. , Iglauer Stefan , de Freitas Flávio A.
Published: November 2023

Yellow passion fruit peel and cupuaçu seeds are common wastes. Usually, they have few or no applications and are discarded, causing environmental pollution. To use them in a new way and reduce ecological pollution, we obtained the ash of yellow passion fruit peels by calcination. We characterized it using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), adsorption‐desorption of N2, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), basicity, and soluble alkalinity. It was observed that the ash was mainly composed of potassium (69%) in the form of carbonate, chloride, and sulfate, with a good surface area (11.23 m2 g−1). The cupuaçu butter was also extracted from the cupuaçu seeds and characterized, showing low acidity, peroxide, saponification, and iodine indexes, in addition to presenting a lipid profile with 57% saturated fatty acid and 43% unsaturated fatty acid. Oleic and stearic acids were present in higher proportions. These results demonstrate that this butter can be a sustainable input in biodiesel production. Thus, the ash was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the butter transesterification. The biodiesel synthesis was optimized, resulting in 97.8% butter conversion into biodiesel under the following conditions: reaction time of 2 h, 5 wt% of catalyst, 80 °C, and a methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 30. This work, therefore, shows that it is possible to obtain and utilize bioinputs, such as cupuaçu butter and passion fruit peel ash, to produce biodiesel through transesterification, and the use of waste materials (precisely passion fruit peels and cupuaçu seeds) makes this method a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach to biofuel production.
The effect of state and trait power on financial risk taking: The mediating and moderating roles of focus on rewards versus threats
Authors: Sekścińska Katarzyna , Jaworska Diana , Rudzinska‐Wojciechowska Joanna
Published: November 2023

Correlates of power remain understudied in the context of financial risk taking. This project aimed to investigate the role of focus on rewards versus threats in explaining the relationship between power and risky financial choices across three studies (N1 = 326, N2 = 397, N3 = 223). Study 1 analyzed the mediating role of focus on rewards versus threats and financial risk perception in the relationship between sense of power and risky financial choices. The results indicated that a greater sense of power translates into a greater general focus on rewards, which, in turn, leads to lower investment and gambling risk perception and results in riskier financial choices. Study 2 investigated the role of states of power and lack of power in explaining people's financial decisions as well as their influence on people's situational focus on rewards versus threats. We demonstrated that the state of power plays a significant role in explaining the situational focus on rewards versus threats, situational risk perception, and risky investment and gambling choices. Study 3 tested the single and joint moderating effects of the state of focus on rewards versus threats and the state of power in explaining the positive relationship between the sense of power and risky investing and gambling choices. In line with our main hypothesis, the obtained results showed a significant three‐way interaction among sense of power, state of power, and state of focus on rewards versus threats, both in terms of investment and gambling choices.