bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Effect of Germination on Nutritional Characteristics of Kodo Millet Flour and Its Role in Rusk Development
Authors: Hasan Atif , Khan Tariq , Azad Z. R. A. A. , Tabassum Nazia , Joshi Sweta
Published: November 2024

Millets, the underutilized groups of cereal grains are considered as rich source of energy, carbohydrate and protein. Due to the presence of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help to eradicate several nutritional deficiency diseases, they are now termed as ‘nutri-cereals’ They contain appreciable quantities of phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, phytic acid and phytosterols. Owing to their important contribution in food security and potential health benefits, millet grains are now main topic of research for food scientists. This study thus aimed to develop kodo millet flour (KMF) via varying germination time (0h, 24h, 48h, and 72h) of kodo millet and preparing a bakery product (rusk) using the optimized KMF at varying concentrations of 0, 20, 30 and 50%. The germinated KMF were subjected to physiological studies, namely germination loss and germination efficiency. Optimum germination time was observed to be 48 h due to its high germination efficiency and a significantly lower germination loss as compared to 72 h of germination. Proximate analysis of KMF helped determine the increase in protein and fibre content of the germinated flour and a decreased ash, fat and moisture content. The significant changes (p ≤ 0.05) observed in all the analyses, helped determine the effect of different germination periods on various properties of dehusked kodo millet, and further optimize a particular germination time for better quality flour which would be used to form rusk. The results of this study thus suggested that germination of kodo millet could be effectively used to prepare kodo millet flour and further use it to prepare various baked products having good consumer acceptability.
Functional Food Potential of Green Tea Waste (Used Tea Leaves) Through Lactic acid Fermentation
Authors: Saito Kieko , Nakamura Yoriyuki
Published: November 2024

Aims: Fermented functional foods were developed to utilize green tea waste (used tea leaves) and their antioxidative activity was examined.
Methodology: The initial tea waste was prepared by steeping regular tea leaves in deionized water at 90°C for 60 s. This procedure was repeated to obtain the fifth and tenth sequential extracts. Subsequently, lyophilized tea leaves were rehydrated with potable water and inoculated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. Following thorough mixing, the inoculated sample was fermented under anaerobic conditions at 25°C in the absence of light. To monitor the progress of fermentation, the pH levels of the infusion were measured on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Additionally, the antioxidative activity of the fermented tea leaves and their infusions was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay.
Results: After one week of lactic acid fermentation, the pH of the infusions from the fifth and tenth tea leaf extracts decreased significantly compared to other samples. However, within two weeks, all sample infusions reached a pH below 4, suggesting that catechins in the used tea leaves may inhibit lactic acid production during the early stages of fermentation. Despite the multiple extractions, the tea leaves from the fifth and tenth extracts retained elements that supported fermentation. Furthermore, the infusion prepared from the tea leaves after the tenth extract continued to exhibit antioxidative activity, indicating that beneficial properties persist even after repeated extractions.
Conclusion: Tea waste can be effectively utilized for lactic acid fermentation. Moreover, the resulting infusion may provide health benefits, making it a potential functional food.
Knowledge and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus among HIV Clients Living with Diabetes in Eastern Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Okia David , Mwanzo Isaac , Olupot- Olupot Peter , Kimiywe Judith
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Poor diabetes knowledge among diabetes clients living with HIV remains a big public health challenge in Africa. Effective self-management of diabetes requires clients to be knowledgeable about the recommended diets, exercises, drugs, lifestyle modifications, and possible diabetes complications. The proportion of diabetes clients living with HIV with poor diabetes knowledge is on the rise in Eastern Uganda. Poor level of diabetes knowledge among clients is a serious threat to individual health, and Knowledge is essential for effective control of diabetes, as it allows the patient to play an active and cooperative role in planning and monitoring the therapeutic, which promotes informed decisions
Aim: This study, conducted from May to June 2024, assessed the level of diabetes knowledge and its associated factors among diabetes clients living with HIV in Eastern Uganda.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals in Eastern Uganda from May to June 2024.
Materials and Methods: The sample size was 267 registered participants though ten didn’t participate. Random sampling was done to select eligible registered participants. Electronic data collection was done by trained research assistants under the supervision of the principal investigator. All the research assistants were trained in data quality management. Ethical approval was obtained from Busitema University REC. The diabetes knowledge questionnaire was used to gather the data, and Stata version 14 was used for analysis. Univariate analysis and Binary logistic regression were used to identify associated factors. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: A total of 257 participants in Mbale and Soroti Hospitals participated in this study. The majority 152(59.1%) were females and 156(60.7%) of these participants were above the age of 50 years. The married were 59.1%. Only 20.2% had tertiary education. More than half (58.4%) had a below-average level of knowledge regarding diabetes, 78.2% did not know how diabetes is managed and 58.4% were not aware of the common diabetes complications. In addition, 49.80% were not knowledgeable about the recommended diabetes tests, and 46.30% were not knowledgeable about the diets.
Conclusions: The level of knowledge about diabetes is low among diabetes people living with HIV at Mbale and Soroti Hospitals in Eastern Uganda. No factor was found to be significantly associated with low diabetes knowledge.  Routine diabetes education by the facility's health workers is encouraged and the focus should be on recommended diabetes tests, diets, drugs and possible complications.
Contribution: Identifies specific areas to be strengthened in diabetes education.
Bio Efficacy of Bioagents against Sclerotium rolfsii: An Incitant of Stem Rot Disease in Groundnut
Authors: J. P. Divyasree , T. N. Usha , D. Rashmi , P. Yashwantha
Published: November 2024

Aims: An experiment was carried out to know the bio efficacy of ten bio agents against Sclerotium rolfsii viz, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus velenzensis,Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma afroharzianum,Trichoderma asperelloides, Trichoderma asperellum.
Study Design:  The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomised Design with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: During 2023-2024 at Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Shivamogga.
Methodology: The research utilized 10 different bioagents sourced from the Department of Plant Pathology at the College of Agriculture in Shimoga.
Results: Statistically difference observed among the bio-agents evaluated with respect to per cent inhibition of mycelia growth of S. rolfsii. Among the fungal bioagents, the highest per cent inhibition of mycelial growth was observed in T. longibrachiatum (55.43%). Among bacterial bio-agents, Bacillus subtilis showed maximum inhibition (42.35 %).
Conclusion: This study indicates that fungal bioagents are more effective than bacterial bioagents in controlling the growth of pathogen.
Effect of Harvesting Stages on Herbage and Essential Oil Yield of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Lavanya Kune , Narayanapur Vijayakumar B. , Vishwanath Y. C. , Ganiger Vasant M. , Kukanoor Laxman , Chandrashekar V. M. , Farooq Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Aim: To study the effect of different phenological stages of harvesting on the yield and quality of rosemary.
Study Design: Fisher’s method of ANOVA.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka during rabi 2023-24.
Methodology: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications, comprising five different stages of harvesting namely vegetative stage, flower initiation stage, fifty per cent flowering stage, full bloom stage and seed setting stage.
Results: The maximum mean fresh herbage yield (589.79 g plant-1, 14.74 kg plot-1 and 13.54 t ha-1) and dry herbage yield (308.40 g plant-1, 7.71 kg plot-1 and 7.08 t ha-1) were noticed at the seed setting stage. Whereas the superior essential oil content (1.51 %) was viewed at the vegetative stage. The greater essential oil yield (129.34 kg ha-1) was observed at the full bloom stage, which was on par with the seed setting stage (127.20 kg ha-1) and fifty per cent flowering stage (118.11 kg ha-1).
Conclusion: Fifty per cent flowering stage can be considered as suitable harvesting stage of rosemary under northern dry zone of Karnataka.
Case Report of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer in a 53-Year-Old Women: Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
Authors: Shil Rahul , Ankar Ruchira
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent cancer among all types of cancer in India, and it poses a serious health concern among women. Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and advanced breast cancer collectively represent over 70 percent of all cases of breast cancer. In this case report, we presented a 52-year-old female with no significant medical history apart from type II diabetes mellitus who suddenly discovered a lump in her left breast. Initially, the lump was 2 x 1 cm and had progressed to 4 x 3 cm in the left breast. Therefore, she was started with paclitaxel neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Following this, she had undergone left-modified radical mastectomy surgery and was recovering well.
Farm to Tourists: Exploring the Challenges and Development Strategies for Agro-tourism in Kurupetta Division in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasinghe R P C K , Walpola W K C S , Sithara J A I
Published: November 2024

Sri Lanka, an island nation adorned with a rich volume of natural resources, is emerging as a captivating destination for agro-tourism. It allows travelers to experience a unique blend of agricultural experiences and countryside eco-adventures. This research explores the key challenges faced by the agro-tourism sector in Kurupetta Division in Sri Lanka and proposed strategies to improve the sector. This study employed a qualitative research approach, focusing on gathering detailed insights through in-depth interviews with families who actively engaged in agricultural activities within the area. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. The research findings revealed five main challenges, hindering the agro-tourism practices in Kurupetta Division. It was mainly limited land area, inadequate infrastructure facilities, lack of awareness among farmers, lack of essential skills, and insufficient government support. Further, research emphasizes the need for agricultural and rural development that leads to sustainable national development.
The SWOT Analysis of Green Marketing in India with Special Reference to Consumer Durable Products
Authors: Kumar Dr. Shweta
Published: November 2024

As many environmental issues are rising their heads in modern times like Global warming, Pollution and degradation of natural resources etc. With the effect of all these environmental issues government and many organizations are concerned about the green marketing activities to cope up the same in favor of environmental protection. Green Marketing is basically as a remedy completely in favor of adoption of green products and services approach. Even nowadays the importance and opportunities of green marketing increasing and lots of consumers start demanding for the green products. With the influence of globalization and concern for environmental safety, the scope of eco-friendly products or green products also getting significance in India, but it is also found that the implementation of green marketing is not so easy it has many challenges as psychological, social, economic, political and cultural. Between these hassles, this paper will be discussed the opportunities and challenges before green marketing in India and this will also be discussed the problems faced by the marketers and government in the implementation of green marketing. This paper investigates the green durable products, as it is also emerging field of research. To prove the objectives of the study various statistical tools will be applied with the help of the questionnaire. SPSS Software Version 26 will be used for the descriptive statistics to find out the results
Synthetische Kunststoffe (Plastik)
Authors: Braun Melanie , Amelung Wulf
Published: December 2018

Jedes Jahr werden über 300 Mio t Plastik produziert. Es wird angenommen, dass hiervon bis zu 10 % in die Umwelt eingetragen werden wo Plastik aufgrund der hohen Persistenz akkumuliert. Hier fassen wir für Böden die wichtigsten Eintragspfade, Nachweismethoden, Gehalte sowie Reaktionen und Wirkung von Plastik zusammen. Dabei unterscheiden wir zwischen Nano‐ (<100 nm), kolloidalem (<1 µm), Mikro‐ (1 µm‐5 mm), Meso‐ (5‐25 mm) und Makroplastik (>2,5 cm). Nano‐ bis Mikroplastik werden primär z.B. für Hygienemittel produziert oder entstehen sekundär durch Zerkleinerung. Sie reichern sich in der Nahrungskette an, doch ihre Gehalte in Böden sind aufgrund fehlender Analyseverfahren bislang weitgehend unbekannt. Die gefundenen Gehalte an vorwiegend Mikroplastik und größeren Plastikteilen variieren dagegen beträchtlich, von 0–627,000 Teilen m‐3im Abwasser, von <3 bis >1200 mg kg‐1Kompost oder 1000 bis 24,000 Teilen kg‐1Klärschlamm. Risiken bestehen deshalb v.a. für solche Böden, die bevorzugten Eintragspfaden ausgesetzt sind. Für eine Gesamtbewertung jedoch fehlen bislang verlässliche Grenzwerte.
NIDA asks information on optimal duration of medication for OUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

What is the optimal duration of treatment with methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone for opioid use disorder (OUD)? The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is asking stakeholders how to structure research to answer this question. Last month, NIDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) looking into this, with responses needed by Dec. 5.
Data on meth‐related hospital stays add to ominous signs of a crisis
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2018

Scattered reports of stimulant problems beginning to outpace the opioid crisis in some states and localities are receiving further validation through results of a study that examined amphetamine‐related hospitalizations from 2003–15. Published in October in JAMA Network Open, the study of a nationally representative sample found that amphetamine‐related hospitalizations (mostly for methamphetamine) grew faster than hospitalizations associated with other substances during the period, leading authors to write that “amphetamine use may represent an emerging public health issue.”
ONDCP's Carroll visits Caron
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

Last month, James Carroll, deputy director (and acting director) of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), visited Caron Treatment Centers in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. “He is very mission‐driven, and not just another government official who has a job to do,” said Doug Tieman, president and CEO of Caron, in an interview with ADAW last week about the visit.
NASADAD releases infographic to help understand STR, SOR, and approps money
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) released the above infographic last week illustrating Opioid STR and SOR funding, as well as other funding. The timeline provides very helpful guidance on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants program and various fiscal years. We also received the following statement from SAMHSA asking for clarification, noting that the second year of SOR is contingent upon funding: “Consistent with SAMHSA's grant‐making process, funding announcements are developed for the full project period. Applicants submit applications for the entire project period. Each year is funded annually contingent upon funding. The SOR performance period is two years. The second year is contingent upon funding.”
Federal court rules denying methadone to inmates may violate law
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

Last week, a federal court in Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction requiring that a patient who is incarcerated be provided continued access to his methadone treatment. This is the first federal court in the country to find that denying ongoing medication treatment to incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) can violate the law under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Euryale Ferox Seed‐Inspired Superlubricated Nanoparticles for Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yan Yufei , Sun Tao , Zhang Hongbo , Ji Xiuling , Sun Yulong , Zhao Xin , Deng Lianfu , Qi Jin , Cui Wenguo , Santos Hélder A. , Zhang Hongyu
Published: December 2018

Osteoarthritis has been regarded as a typical lubrication deficiency related joint disease, which is characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage at the joint surface and the inflammation of the joint capsule. Here, inspired by the structure of the fresh euryale ferox seed that possesses a slippery aril and a hard coat containing starchy kernel, a novel superlubricated nanoparticle, namely poly (3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt)‐grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs‐NH2@PSPMK), is biomimicked and synthesized via a one‐step photopolymerization method. The nanoparticles are endowed with enhanced lubrication by the grafted PSPMK polyelectrolyte polymer due to the formation of tenacious hydration layers surrounding the negative charges, and simultaneously are featured with effective drug loading and release behavior as a result of the sufficient mesoporous channels in the MSNs. When encapsulated with an anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (DS), the lubrication capability of the superlubricated nanoparticles is improved, while the drug release rate is sustained by increasing the thickness of PSPMK layer, which is simply achieved via adjustment of the precursor monomer concentration in the photopolymerization process. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo experimental results show that the DS‐loaded MSNs‐NH2@PSPMK nanoparticles effectively protect the chondrocytes from degeneration, and thus, inhibit the development of osteoarthritis.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Two‐Component Ionic Crystals Showing Enhanced Long‐Lived Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence via TADF‐Assisted Förster Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhou Bo , Yan Dongpeng
Published: December 2018

Molecular room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials with long‐lived excited states have attracted widespread attention in the fields of optical imaging, displays, and sensors. However, accessing ultralong RTP systems remains challenging and examples are still limited to date. Herein, a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐assisted energy transfer route for the enhancement of persistent luminescence with an RTP lifetime as high as 2 s, which is higher than that of most state‐of‐the‐art RTP materials, is proposed. The energy transfer donor and acceptor species are based on the TADF and RTP molecules, which can be self‐assembled into two‐component ionic salts via hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Both theoretical and experimental studies illustrate the occurrence of effective Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between donor and acceptor molecules with an energy transfer efficiency as high as 76%. Moreover, the potential for application of the donor–acceptor cocrystallized materials toward information security and personal identification systems is demonstrated, benefitting from their varied afterglow lifetimes and easy recognition in the darkness. Therefore, the work described in this study not only provides a TADF‐assisted FRET strategy toward the construction of ultralong RTP, but also yields hydrogen‐bonding‐assembled two‐component molecular crystals for potential encryption and anti‐counterfeiting applications.
Is 3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals a Disruptor or Enabler?
Authors: Liang Kun , Brambilla Davide , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: December 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast‐growing manufacturing approach that comes with the promise of delivering personalized medicine to treat individual patients. However, large‐scale commercial applications in the pharmaceutical industry have been limited. Here, some of the challenges are discussed along with some pharmaceutical products where AM has the potential to make a tangible impact and pave the way for more rapid adoption are highlighted.
Impact of Post‐Lithography Polymer Residue on the Electrical Characteristics of MoS2 and WSe2 Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Liang Jierui , Xu Ke , Toncini Blaec , Bersch Brian , Jariwala Bhakti , Lin Yu‐Chuan , Robinson Joshua , Fullerton‐Shirey Susan K.
Published: December 2018

The residue of common photo‐ and electron‐beam resists, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is often present on the surface of 2D crystals after device fabrication. The residue degrades device properties by decreasing carrier mobility and creating unwanted doping. Here, MoS2 and WSe2 field effect transistors (FETs) with residue are cleaned by contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the impact of the residue on: 1) the intrinsic electrical properties, and 2) the effectiveness of electric double layer (EDL) gating are measured. After cleaning, AFM measurements confirm that the surface roughness decreases to its intrinsic state (i.e., ≈0.23 nm for exfoliated MoS2 and WSe2) and Raman spectroscopy shows that the characteristic peak intensities (E2g and A1g) increase. PMMA residue causes p‐type doping corresponding to a charge density of ≈7 × 1011 cm−2 on back‐gated MoS2 and WSe2 FETs. For FETs gated with polyethylene oxide (PEO)76:CsClO4, removing the residue increases the charge density by 4.5 × 1012 cm−2, and the maximum drain current by 247% (statistically significant, p < 0.05). Removing the residue likely allows the ions to be positioned closer to the channel surface, which is essential for achieving the best possible electrostatic gate control in ion‐gated devices.
Scalable Graphene‐on‐Organometal Halide Perovskite Heterostructure Fabricated by Dry Transfer
Authors: Qin Liang , Kattel Bhupal , Kafle Tika R. , Alamri Mohammed , Gong Maogang , Panth Mohan , Hou Yanbing , Wu Judy , Chan Wai‐Lun
Published: December 2018

Graphene, a single layer conductor, can be combined with other functional materials for building efficient optoelectronic devices. However, transferring large‐area graphene onto another material often involves dipping the material into water and other solvents. This process is incompatible with water‐sensitive materials such as organometal halide perovskites. Here, a dry method is used and succeeded, for the first time, in stacking centimeter‐sized graphene directly onto methylammonium lead iodide thin films without exposing the perovskite film to any liquid. Photoemission spectroscopy and nanosecond time‐resolved photoelectrical measurement show that the graphene/perovskite interface does not contain significant amount of contaminants and sustain efficient interfacial electron transfer. The use of this method in fabricating graphene‐on‐perovskite photodetectors is further demonstrated. Besides a better photoresponsivity compared to detectors fabricated by the conventional perovskite‐on‐graphene structure, this dry transfer method provides a scalable pathway to incorporate graphene in multilayer devices based on water‐sensitive materials.
Evidence for Primal sp2 Defects at the Diamond Surface: Candidates for Electron Trapping and Noise Sources
Authors: Stacey Alastair , Dontschuk Nikolai , Chou Jyh‐Pin , Broadway David A. , Schenk Alex K. , Sear Michael J. , Tetienne Jean‐Philippe , Hoffman Alon , Prawer Steven , Pakes Chris I. , Tadich Anton , de Leon Nathalie P. , Gali Adam , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L.
Published: December 2018

Many advanced applications of diamond materials are now being limited by unknown surface defects, including in the fields of high power/frequency electronics and quantum computing and quantum sensing. Of acute interest to diamond researchers worldwide is the loss of quantum coherence in near‐surface nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers and the generation of associated magnetic noise at the diamond surface. Here for the first time is presented the observation of a family of primal diamond surface defects, which is suggested as the leading cause of band‐bending and Fermi‐pinning phenomena in diamond devices. A combination of density functional theory and synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption spectroscopy is used to show that these defects introduce low‐lying electronic trap states. The effect of these states is modeled on band‐bending into the diamond bulk and it is shown that the properties of the important NV defect centers are affected by these defects. Due to the paramount importance of near‐surface NV center properties in a growing number of fields, the density of these defects is further quantified at the surface of a variety of differently‐treated device surfaces, consistent with best‐practice processing techniques in the literature. The identification and characterization of these defects has wide‐ranging implications for diamond devices across many fields.
Archimedean Spiral Inspired Conductive Supramolecular Elastomer with Rapid Electrical and Mechanical Self‐Healing Capability for Sensor Application
Authors: Han Yangyang , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Xinxing , Lu Canhui
Published: December 2018

In addition to flexibility and stretchability, self‐healing capability will become another characteristic for next‐generation electronics and devices. However, developing electronic materials with both good mechanical and electrical self‐healing abilities still remains a great challenge yet an exciting goal. Herein, a new kind of self‐healing conductive elastomer via alliance of supramolecular chemistry and Archimedean spiral‐structure design is reported to break the trade‐off between mechanical and electrical healing capabilities. The spirally structured conductive layout enables the material to rapidly self‐heal both mechanical (within 15 s) and electrical (within 0.25 s) damages with high efficiency, while without sacrificing the softness and stretchability of the self‐healing elastomer matrix. As a proof‐of‐concept, such materials can be used to fabricate self‐healable wearable sensors for monitoring diverse human activities. The rapidly, efficiently, mechanically, and electrically self‐healing materials demonstrated in this work facilitate the design and application of a wide range of stretchable and reliable electronic devices.
Deterministic Arrays of Epitaxially Grown Diamond Nanopyramids with Embedded Silicon‐Vacancy Centers
Authors: Jaffe Tzach , Felgen Nina , Gal Lior , Kornblum Lior , Reithmaier Johann Peter , Popov Cyril , Orenstein Meir
Published: December 2018

The negatively charged silicon‐vacancy center (SiV) in diamond is a potential high‐quality source of single‐indistinguishable photons for quantum information processing and quantum electrodynamics applications. However, when embedded in bulk diamond, this emitter suffers from both, relatively low extraction efficiency attributed to total internal reflection as well as nondeterministic location. On the other hand, its implementation in nanodiamonds is impeded by optical dephasing owing to their degraded surface quality. Here a robust and deterministic template‐assisted bottom‐up process for the creation of high‐quality diamond nanopyramids incorporating SiVs is reported. This method employs a predefinition of high‐precision nanopillars by e‐beam lithography and dry etching, and subsequent epitaxial overgrowth during which Si atoms are introduced into diamond. The overgrown layer, including the nanopyramid arrays, is epitaxial as confirmed by comprehensive analyses. This diamond nanopyramid, hosting the SiVs, can pave the way toward efficient localized single‐photon source arrays and potentially outshine nanodiamonds and nanosized structures prepared by a top‐down method. The lateral confinement of the SiVs inside the deterministic nanosized pyramids enables their positioning at the center of cavities and optical structures for enhanced quantum efficiency and light–matter manipulation, and their employment as a system to explore collective coherent interactions between ensembles and confined light.
Mechanically Tunable Bilayer Composite Grating for Unique Light Manipulation and Information Storage
Authors: Meng Yancheng , Zhang Suna , Wu Kunjie , Li Jie , Li Liqiang
Published: December 2018

Composite gratings play important roles in modern information technology. However, such gratings are generally based on the same structural pattern with limited types, and their structural parameters are difficult to tune, which greatly limit their application. A mechanically tunable composite grating in bilayer film, which orthogonally couples a sinusoidal phase grating and a rectangular phase grating, is developed here. The structural parameters of the grating can be well tuned by mechanically stretching or releasing the grating in the uniaxial direction. Naturally, this property allows tunable light manipulation: that is, a single incident laser beam can be split into a 2D diffraction beams array, and the intensity and propagation angle of each diffraction beam can be precisely controlled via mechanical manipulation of the grating. A theoretical model based on scalar diffraction theory that can quantitatively describe and accurately predict this light manipulation is further established. In addition, after treatment with an electron beam, the tunable structures can be immobilized, which enables the storage of information in the bilayer film. This work may open up new pathways for composite grating fabrication and further extend the applications of composite gratings in diverse fields.
Large Area Three‐Dimensional Photonic Crystal Membranes: Single‐Run Fabrication and Applications with Embedded Planar Defects
Authors: Chang Bingdong , Zhou Chen , Tarekegne Abebe Tilahun , Yang Yuanqing , Zhao Ding , Jensen Flemming , Hübner Jörg , Jansen Henri
Published: December 2018

Three‐dimensional photonic crystals (3D PhCs) enable light manipulations in all three spatial dimensions, however, real world applications are still faced with challenges in fabrication. Here, a facile fabrication strategy for 3D silicon PhCs with a simple cubic (SC) lattice structure is presented, which exhibits a complete photonic bandgap at near‐infrared wavelengths of around 1100 nm. The fabrication process is composed of standard deep ultra‐violet stepper lithography, followed by a single‐run modified plasma etch process. By applying a direct dry etch release step at the end of the 3D structural etch process, the fabricated 3D PhCs can be released and transferred in the form of a membrane onto other substrates such as glass, polymers, or even substrates with engineered surface. The thickness of the demonstrated membranes is around 2 µm and the size can be up to a few millimeters. A high reflectivity is observed at the stop band frequency, and a planar defect is introduced during the etching process resulting in an optical resonance mode with a small linewidth of around 30 nm. The structure constitutes an optical bandpass filter and can be used as a sensor for organic solvents.
Embossing Reactive Mesogens: A Facile Approach to Polarization‐Independent Liquid Crystal Devices
Authors: Wahle Markus , Snow Benjamin , Sargent Joe , Jones J. Cliff
Published: December 2018

Reactive mesogens (RMs) are used in a wide variety of applications, from retardation plates for organic light‐emitting display screens, liquid crystal phase stabilization, optical or electrically active elastomers to novel optic components. They can be processed as standard liquid crystals and subsequently polymerized to stabilize both shape and anisotropic properties. However, creating complex shapes while maintaining good alignment of the RM optical axis can be a challenge. In the present work, embossing is used to replicate a wide variety of RM structures in several electro‐optic devices. A novel device geometry is proposed where a polarization‐independent lens is formed by opposing birefringent Fresnel zone plates embossed in aligned RM. The RM forms the optical elements and alignment layers for an index‐matched liquid crystal, arranged to produce the twisted nematic configuration. Low voltages switch the device between nonfocusing and focusing states. After characterizing lens efficiency and beam properties, the method is used to fabricate a switchable multilevel Fresnel zone plate with optical efficiencies beyond 50%, and theoretically able to produce polarization‐independent lenses with efficiencies approaching 100% from a single structure. Finally, manufactured polarization‐independent gratings and microlens arrays are presented using the method to illustrate the wide range of applicability.
Direct Photoassisted α‐Trifluoromethylation of Aromatic Ketones with Trifluoroacetic Anhydride (TFAA)
Authors: Das Somnath , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Schaub Thomas
Published: December 2018

Direct α‐Trifluoromethylation of acetophenone derivatives was achieved by using trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) as the trifluoromethyl source and pyridine‐N‐oxide (Py−O) as activator and oxidant under visible light irradiation and tris‐(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate (Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2) as the photocatalyst. Different acetophenone derivatives could be converted to the corresponding α‐CF3 derivatives with high selectivity. Extensive mechanistic investigation revealed the formation of vinyl trifluoroacetate as the key intermediate for this transformation.

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Three‐Mode Modulation Electrochromic Device with High Energy Efficiency for Windows of Buildings Located in Continental Climatic Regions
Authors: Cardoso Marita A. , Pereira Rui F. P. , Pereira Sónia , Gonçalves Helena , Silva Maria M. , Carlos Luís D. , Nunes Sílvia C. , Fortunato Elvira , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Rego Rosa , de Zea Bermudez Verónica
Published: December 2018

A sustainable use of energy in buildings demands energy‐efficient windows. A new design concept for electrochromic (EC) smart windows, easy to implement at the industrial level, is introduced here. It enables simultaneous control of visible and near‐infrared (NIR) solar radiation, thus contributing to reduce heating and cooling loads especially in buildings located in areas experiencing wide daily temperature ranges. The EC device comprises amorphous indium zinc oxide, a conducting oxide transparent in the visible and NIR spectral regions, as nonactive layer, and a sol–gel protonic ionic liquid‐doped di‐ureasil electrolyte displaying high transparency and proton conductivity. The device offers three voltage‐operated modes: bright hot (+3.0 V: transmittances of 70/83% at 555/1000 nm), semi‐bright warm (−2.0 V: transmittances of 37/35% at 555/1000 nm), and dark cold (−2.5 V: transmittances of 6/4% at 555/1000 nm). Its main figures of merit are: high switching efficiency (transmittance variations of 64/79% at 555/1000 nm), high optical density modulation (1.1/1.3 at 555/1000 nm), high optical contrast ratio in the visible region (lightness variation of ≈43), good cycling stability, and unprecedented coloration efficiency (−12538/−14818 cm2 C−1 and +2901/+3428 cm2 C−1 at 555/1000 nm), outstanding optical memory (transmittance variation loss of only 24% more than 4 months after coloration), and self‐healing ability following mechanical stress.
A Percolation Model for Piezoresistivity in Conductor–Polymer Composites
Authors: Wang Mingyi , Gurunathan Ramya , Imasato Kazuki , Geisendorfer Nicholas R. , Jakus Adam E. , Peng Jun , Shah Ramille N. , Grayson Matthew , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Insulating polymer composites with conductive filler particles are attractive for sensor applications due to their large piezoresistive response. Composite samples composed of a polymer matrix filled with particles of doped semiconductor that gives a piezoresistive response that is 105 times larger than that of bulk semiconductor sensors are prepared here. The piezoresistance of such composite materials is typically described by using a tunneling mechanism. However, it is found that a percolation description not only fits prior data better but provides a much simpler physical mechanism for the more flexible and soft polymer composite prepared and tested in this study. A simple model for the resistance as a function of applied pressure is derived using percolation theory with a conductivity exponent, s. The model is shown to fit experimental piezoresistive trends with the resistance measured both perpendicular and parallel to the pressure direction.
Nanostructured Silicon‐Based Heterojunction Solar Cells with Double Hole‐Transporting Layers
Authors: Shen Suling , Zhang Jie , Zhou Shuang , Han Yujie , Gao Peng , Sun Baoqun , Zhao Ni , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: December 2018

Hybrid nanostructured silicon–organic solar cells have been pursued as a low‐cost solution for silicon photovoltaic devices. However, it is difficult for the organic semiconductor, typically poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene (PEDOT:PSS), to fully cover the nanostructured silicon surface due to the high surface tension of the polymer solution and the small size of the cavities in nanostructured silicon. As a result, the performance of the hybrid solar cells is limited by the defect‐induced surface recombination and poor hole extraction. In this work, an inorganic hole‐transporting layer, copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN), is introduced between silicon nanowire (SiNW) and PEDOT:PSS to improve the junction quality. The effect of CuSCN on as‐fabricated SiNW and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)‐treated SiNW structures is examined, and it is shown that in both cases CuSCN can well cover the SiNW surface due to the easy penetration of its solution into the silicon nanostructure. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells has been dramatically improved from 7.68% to 10.5% for as‐fabricated SiNW‐based‐hybrid cells, and from 10.75% to 12.24% for TMAH‐passivated SiNW‐based‐hybrid cells, suggesting that the double hole‐transporting layer approach can effectively improve the junction quality in hybrid organic‐nanostructured silicon‐based devices.
Probing the Electronic Properties of Monolayer MoS2 via Interaction with Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Rezende Natália P. , Cadore Alisson R. , Gadelha Andreij C. , Pereira Cíntia L. , Ornelas Vinícius , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ferlauto André S. , Malachias Angelo , Campos Leonardo C. , Lacerda Rodrigo G.
Published: December 2018

This work presents a detailed experimental investigation of the interaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and monolayer MoS2 field effect transistors (MoS2 FET), aiming for sensing application. The MoS2 FET exhibits a response to H2 that covers a broad range of concentration (0.1–90%) at a relatively low operating temperature range (300–473 K). Most important, H2 sensors based on MoS2 FETs show desirable properties such as full reversibility and absence of catalytic metal dopants (Pt or Pd). The experimental results indicate that the conductivity of MoS2 monotonically increases as a function of the H2 concentration due to a reversible charge transferring process. It is proposed that such process involves dissociative H2 adsorption driven by interaction with sulfur vacancies in the MoS2 surface (VS). This description is in agreement with related density functional theory studies about H2 adsorption on MoS2. Finally, measurements on partially defect‐passivated MoS2 FETs using atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide consist of an experimental indication that the VS plays an important role in the H2 interaction with the MoS2. These findings provide insights for future applications in catalytic process between monolayer MoS2 and H2 and also introduce MoS2 FETs as promising H2 sensors.
Steric Engineering of Alkylthiolation Side Chains to Finely Tune Miscibility in Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Xue Xiaonan , Weng Kangkang , Qi Feng , Zhang Yu , Wang Zaiyu , Ali Jazib , Wei Donghui , Sun Yanming , Liu Feng , Wan Meixiu , Liu Juan , Huo Lijun
Published: December 2018

Morphology and miscibility control are still a great challenge in polymer solar cells. Despite physical tools being applied, chemical strategies are still limited and complex. To finely tune blend miscibility to obtain optimized morphology, chemical steric engineering is proposed to systemically investigate its effects on optical and electronic properties, especially on a balance between crystallinity and miscibility. By changing the alkylthiol side chain orientation different steric effects are realized in three different polymers. Surprisingly, the photovoltaic device of the polymerPTBB‐m with middle steric structure affords a better power conversion efficiency, over 12%, compared to those of the polymers PTBB‐o and PTBB‐p with large or small steric structures, which could be attributed to a more balanced blend miscibility without sacrificing charge‐carrier transport. Space charge‐limited current, atomic force microscopy, grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering, and resonant soft X‐ray scattering measurements show that the steric engineering of alkylthiol side chains can have significant impacts on polymer aggregation properties, blend miscibility, and photovoltaic performances. More important, the control of miscibility via the simple chemical approach has preliminarily proved its great potential and will pave a new avenue for optimizing the blend morphology.
Structure Distortion Induced Monoclinic Nickel Hexacyanoferrate as High‐Performance Cathode for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Yue , Wan Jing , Huang Li , Ou Mingyang , Fan Chenyang , Wei Peng , Peng Jian , Liu Yi , Qiu Yuegang , Sun Xueping , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Han Jiantao , Huang Yunhui , Alonso José Antonio , Zhao Yusheng
Published: December 2018

Prussian blue analogs with an open framework are ideal cathodes for Na‐ion batteries. A superior high‐rate and highly stable monoclinic nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF‐3) is synthesized via a facile one‐step crystallization‐controlled co‐precipitation method. It gives a high specific capacity of 85.7 mAh g−1, nearly to its theoretical value. It also exhibits an excellent rate capability with a high capacity retention ratio of 78% at 50 C and a stable cycling performance over 1200 cycles. Through the ex situ X‐ray diffraction and pair distribution function measurements, it is found that the monoclinic structure with distorted framework is greatly related to the high Na content. The electronic structure studies by density functional theory (DFT) calculation demonstrate that NiHCF‐3 deformation promotes the framework conductivity and improves the electrochemical activity of Fe, which results in an ultrahigh‐rate performance of monoclinic phase. Furthermore, the high‐quality monoclinic (NiHCF‐3) exhibits excellent compatibility with both hard carbon and NaTi2(PO4)3 anodes in full cells, which shows great prospects for the application in the large‐scale energy storage systems.
Reproductive heat tolerance in a Mojave Desert annual plant,Trianthema portulacastrum
Authors: Branch Haley A. , Sage Rowan F.
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Reproduction in many crop species is impaired above 30° to 35°C; however, the sensitivity of reproduction in the natural flora remains uncertain. Studies focusing on the effect of high temperature on plant reproduction in wild species are necessary to improve our understanding of how rising global temperatures will impact global plant reproductive success and may ultimately inform models of plant distribution in the future. Additionally, these studies may highlight candidates for thermotolerance that could be further explored for crop improvement.

Methods

We studied reproductive heat tolerance inTrianthema portulacastrum, a weedy species found in hot microsites throughout the tropics and subtropics. Plants were grown at seven day/night temperature combinations: 30°/24°C, 33°/24°C, 36°/24°C, 40°/24°C, 44°/24°C, 24°/40°C, and 40°/40°C to study the effect of both high‐day and high‐night temperatures. The reproductive parameters measured include anther dehiscence, pollen viability, germination, ovule number, and seed set.

Key Results

Pollen viability and germination declined with increasing daytime temperature up to 44°C, but this did not affect fruit production or seed set. Seed set was reduced under high night temperature. Continuous high temperature over the day and night (40°C day/40°C night) decreased pollen viability by half and reduced seed set by two‐thirds.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrateTrianthema portulacastrumhas much higher reproductive thermotolerance than commonly identified in crop species, and though inhibited, can retain fecundity at 40°C. Through a combination of night escape and increased thermal tolerance, it maintains fertility in the hot microsites of its natural environment.
Teaching about Decoloniality: The Experience of Non‐Indigenous Social Work Educators
Authors: Hendrick Antonia , Young Susan
Published: December 2018

This paper provides a way to theorize and practice Decoloniality in teaching and learning within higher education. Two social work academics develop a framework for teaching about decoloniality which they hope is useful for other academics from different “helping” professions who also work with First Nations peoples. Rather than a fixed and firm framework it is intended to be used to inform practice and assist students in developing their own framework for practice. The article begins by offering how the authors define decoloniality, then presents a theory for practice/practice to theory framework and explanation of how we use this framework for teaching/learning and practice.