bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deutzia in the Mari El Republic
Authors: Mukhametova Svetlana Valer'evna , Veselova Kseniya Aleksandrovna , Sukhareva Lyudmila Vitalievna
Published: August 2021

Deutzia is an ornamental flowering shrub valued for its abundant long-term flowering and the elegance of flowers shape. The research objects are the plants of 3 species and 1 variety of Deutzia in the Botanic Garden-Institute of VSUT (Yoshkar-Ola, Mari El Republic). Plants aged from 38 to 45 years grow in the exhibition “Fruticetum”. The study was conducted in 2015-2019. The height and diameter of plants crowns, their winter hardiness for the period from 1981 to 2019, the morphometric indicators of leaves and inflorescences, the possibility of vegetative propagation by herbaceous cuttings, and the size of annual plants were studied. According to the study results, the most hardy is Deutzia of Amur, which forms the highest shrubs. The long-leaved Deutzia has the longest leaf blades, Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’ has the smallest leaves. The long-leaved Deutzia has the largest inflorescences, Deutzia of Amur and Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’ have the smallest ones. Deutzia magnifica and Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’ have ornamentality advantage over other species due to the double flowers. For the maximum display of ornamental qualities, the plants need a successful overwintering. The greatest ability to reproduce by herbaceous cuttings is noted for Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’. The results of this study are important for the Deutzia application in the garden and park construction. In the landscaping of the republic settlements Deutzia is recommended for the target assortment.
Administrative liability for the violation of legislation in the field of handling and disposal of animal and biological waste
Authors: Ustyukova Valentina Vladimirovna
Published: August 2021

The subject of research in this article is social relations in the field of ensuring biological safety by means of administrative actions for the violations of legislation in the field of handling and disposing of animal and biological waste.  The purposes of the research are: analysis of doctrinal approaches to defining the terms “animal waste” and “biological waste”; legal assessment of using the provisions of the Administrative Offences Code of Russia establishing responsibility for the violation of rules of handling and disposing of the above mentioned types of waste; formulation of proposals aimed at the clarification of particular provisions of veterinary rules.  The research is based on general scientific and specific research methods (analysis, generalization, the formal-legal, comparative-legal and historical methods). They help the author to consider the evolution of the term “biological waste”, and to define its merits and flaws during the operation of the 1995 Veterinary rules for the collection and utilization of biological waste as compared with the current rules of 2020. The author analyzes disputable issues appearing in judicial practice when considering cases of the violation of veterinary and sanitary rules of biological waste disposal, and describes her own opinion which is not always in line with the position of commercial and regular courts. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the conclusion about the common goals of legal regulation of responsibility in the field of handling and disposing of animal and biological waste and the necessity to regulate them in one chapter of the Administrative Offences Code, rather than in different chapters as they are regulated now. The author states the necessity to clarify the terms “biological waste” and “animal waste” and to consider some of it as recyclable materials. The author attempts to differentiate between the types of waste under study and other types of waste (including food waste of animal origin).   
The goals and objectives of Italy in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War: position in the League of Nations and propaganda
Authors: Kuzmin Dmitrii
Published: August 2021

This article gives an assessment one of the most notable episodes of the interwar period in the history of international relations – the development of Italian foreign policy in the context of the Italo-Ethiopian war. In the early 1935, Italy was ruled by the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. One of the cornerstones of his foreign policy paradigm was the creation of the “New Roman Empire”. One of the initial targets of his expansion were Ethiopia and the Mediterranean. Italy replenishes its military and economic resources; however, it was deficient to achieve the set foreign policy goals. Therefore, the war in Ethiopia became one of the key vector of Rome’s official diplomacy. The warfare also unfolded in the ideological context – propaganda, politics within the League of Nations, and interlocutory instructions to the diplomats. The scientific novelty is defined by the absence of comprehensive research on the topic. The relevance of lies the fact that the Russian historiography did not give due attention dedicated to the secret plans of Italy during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. However, namely the plans of Cesare De Vecchi and Emilio De Bono that shed light on the crucial nuance of the Italian diplomacy of this period, and allow to properly stress topic and priorities with regards to foreign policy. This the article analyzes the ration between the objectives in Ethiopia and the Mediterranean basin –the cornerstone task within the framework of building a New Roman Empire.
Symphonic compositions of Boris Tishchenko and the world music culture
Authors: Serov Iurii Eduardovich
Published: August 2021

The subject of this research is the symphonic works of the prominent Russian composer of the late XX century Boris Ivanovich Tishchenko (1939 – 2010). His symphonic pieces synthesize different images, ideas, genres, and forms. This article explores various stylistic and linguistic effects upon his works, reveals the origins of fresh and unique artistic thinking. Emphasis is placed on the innovative role of B. Tishchenko in the revival of Russian symphonic style of the 1960s. Special attention is given to Tishchenko's succession of the great Russian symphonic tradition. The main conclusion lies in the thought that B. Tishchenko is one of the few among his contemporaries to remain faithful to the genre of great, “pure” symphony, as well as is the successor of the symphonic line of his brilliant teacher D. Shostakovich. The novelty consists in proving the thesis that symphonic style of B. Tishchenko is a holistic, meaningful, and truly modern phenomenon. Tishchenko amusedly delved into the new composing techniques, highlighting dodecaphony, aleatoric music, sonorism, pointillist music; however he did no remain faithful to these genres to the end; he constantly “refined” his musical language, introduced novelties for creating an artistic image.
Tonic interferon restricts pathogenic IL-17-driven inflammatory disease via balancing the microbiome
Authors: Marié Isabelle J , Brambilla Lara , Azzouz Doua , Chen Ze , Baracho Gisele V , Arnett Azlann , Li Haiyan S , Liu Weiguo , Cimmino Luisa , Chattopadhyay Pratip , Silverman Gregg , Watowich Stephanie S , Khor Bernard , Levy David E
Published: August 2021

Maintenance of immune homeostasis involves a synergistic relationship between the host and the microbiome. Canonical interferon (IFN) signaling controls responses to acute microbial infection, through engagement of the STAT1 transcription factor. However, the contribution of tonic levels of IFN to immune homeostasis in the absence of acute infection remains largely unexplored. We report that STAT1 KO mice spontaneously developed an inflammatory disease marked by myeloid hyperplasia and splenic accumulation of hematopoietic stem cells. Moreover, these animals developed inflammatory bowel disease. Profiling gut bacteria revealed a profound dysbiosis in the absence of tonic IFN signaling, which triggered expansion of TH17 cells and loss of splenic Treg cells. Reduction of bacterial load by antibiotic treatment averted the TH17 bias and blocking IL17 signaling prevented myeloid expansion and splenic stem cell accumulation. Thus, tonic IFNs regulate gut microbial ecology, which is crucial for maintaining physiologic immune homeostasis and preventing inflammation.
Discussing the Role of Entrepreneurial Universities in COVID-19 Era in the Middle East
Authors: Abidi Oualid , Dzenopoljac Vladimir , Dzenopoljac Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

Research Question: This conceptual research explores the role that academic entrepreneurship can play in Middle Eastern countries in addressing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the region. Motivation: Entrepreneurial universities are pivotal in contemporary economic systems due to their significant contributions in innovation efforts. Part of their mission is seen in the commercialization of their scientific knowledge through the creation of spin-offs (Cvijic et al., 2019; O'shea et al., 2005; Rodrigues et al., 2019). The challenges and constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the importance of coordinating the efforts of all parties including those of entrepreneurial universities in order to develop vaccines and generate healthcare solutions which could be patented and commercialized afterwards. Hence, this paper identifies the factors which can reinforce the entrepreneurial insertion of universities and increase their capacity in supporting collective efforts aiming at combatting the COVID-19 aftermath. Idea: Based on a review of recent literature, the purpose of this conceptual study is twofold: identify the predictors and the success factors of academic entrepreneurship; and argue for research propositions that could guide future empirical research. In addition, this paper provides insights into the current evolution of the entrepreneurial experiences of Middle Eastern universities. Data: This explorative research was based on an extensive literature review of the core aspects relevant to academic entrepreneurship. Recent references published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals with the primary focus on the Middle East or other developing economies were targeted in order to build up the conceptual model revolving around nine research propositions. Tools: Selected references were reviewed and categorized around the mainstream themes identified by the authors, i.e., impact of entrepreneurial universities, antecedents of academic entrepreneurship, and its success factors. For each block, several research propositions were derived and presented. Findings: The literature review findings argue for the potential role that specific factors can play in promoting the entrepreneurial engagement of Middle Eastern universities, namely the national institutional framework, an easy access to funding sources, the existence of interrelations with local organizations and the quality of the university’s organizational infrastructure. The conceptual framework assumes also that the performance of entrepreneurial universities would depend on the number and quality of relationships with the industry, the support of venture capitalists and the intensity of their entrepreneurial and market orientations. Contribution: This research contributes essentially in underlining the growing importance of academic entrepreneurship and how it can be a rewarding choice for Middle Eastern policy makers.
The Relationship between Workplace Conflicts and Job Satisfaction in the Public Sector in Serbia
Authors: Pavlović Marko , Stojanović-Višić Biljana , Runić Ristić Marija
Published: August 2021

Research Question: This paper starts with the research question regarding the relationship between workplace conflicts and job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia. Motivation: The main motivation for this research study was: to examine a compromising conflict resolution in the public sector in Serbia; to examine the frequency, causes, conflict resolution strategies and methods for their reduction and for improving work climate in the public sector in Serbia; to examine the job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia; and to examine the relationship between workplace conflicts and job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia. Idea: This research started with the intention to study job satisfaction or dissatisfaction and workplace conflicts in the public sector in Serbia in order to reach a more efficient and effective human resource management. Data: The research study was conducted from the beginning of March 2019 until the end of April 2019. The total sample size amounted to 300 respondents employed in the public sector in Serbia. Tools: Two scales have been used to gather data and conduct the research: the compromising conflict resolution scale and the job satisfaction survey scale. Findings: More than half of the respondents employed in the public sector in Serbia believe that conflicts in their workplace are not frequent, while less than half of them finds them frequent. This finding shows that opinions are divided regarding conflicts. As the main reason for conflicts, the respondents reported personal conflicts, organizational conflicts and communication conflicts. The best strategies to handle conflicts, according to the employees in the public sector in Serbia, are cooperation, competition and avoiding. At the same time, compromise occupies the bottom place according to its frequency occurrence. As regards the methods to lower the levels of conflict frequency and to improve the organizational climate, the employees in the public sector in Serbia emphasized better planning and division of work and more resources that a company has at its disposal. Regarding job satisfaction, these findings put employees in the category of ambivalent emotions. Contribution: The primary contribution of this paper is in its effort to lead to better human resource management in the public sector in Serbia due to the research study results.
Topic2features: a novel framework to classify noisy and sparse textual data using LDA topic distributions
Authors: Wahid Junaid Abdul , Shi Lei , Gao Yufei , Yang Bei , Tao Yongcai , Wei Lin , Hussain Shabir
Published: August 2021

In supervised machine learning, specifically in classification tasks, selecting and analyzing the feature vector to achieve better results is one of the most important tasks. Traditional methods such as comparing the features’ cosine similarity and exploring the datasets manually to check which feature vector is suitable is relatively time consuming. Many classification tasks failed to achieve better classification results because of poor feature vector selection and sparseness of data. In this paper, we proposed a novel framework, topic2features (T2F), to deal with short and sparse data using the topic distributions of hidden topics gathered from dataset and converting into feature vectors to build supervised classifier. For this we leveraged the unsupervised topic modelling LDA (latent dirichlet allocation) approach to retrieve the topic distributions employed in supervised learning algorithms. We made use of labelled data and topic distributions of hidden topics that were generated from that data. We explored how the representation based on topics affect the classification performance by applying supervised classification algorithms. Additionally, we did careful evaluation on two types of datasets and compared them with baseline approaches without topic distributions and other comparable methods. The results show that our framework performs significantly better in terms of classification performance compared to the baseline(without T2F) approaches and also yields improvement in terms of F1 score compared to other compared approaches.
Preference and effect of gustatory sense on sugar-feeding of fire ants
Authors: Jaleel Waqar , Li Qunchen , Shi Qingxing , LYU Lihua
Published: August 2021

Background

The red imported fire ant is one of the notorious species of ants all over the world. Sugar is one of the most important components of food and necessary for the survival of ants. Because more than 70% food of fire ants is honeydew produced by Homopteran insects such as aphids and scales.

Methodology

It is well known that beetles, flies, and honey bees can recognize the sugar taste through their legs and antennae, but in the case of fire ants, no records regarding gustatory sense were published. In the current study, considering the importance of sugar bait, we investigated the gustatory sense of the fire ant workers to sucrose via behavioral sequence and gustatory behavior. First, the feeding sequence (ethogram) of the fire ant workers on most preferred sugar (sucrose) solution was observed and categorized. Secondly, the gustatory behavior of treated fire ant workers (without flagellum and foreleg tarsi treated with HCL solution) was observed on the sucrose solution. In addition, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, we identified the possible porous sensilla types on antenna flagellum and foreleg tarsi of fire ant workers.

Results

Based on the results of feeding sequence, foreleg tarsi of workers were the main body appendages in the detection of the sucrose droplet as compared to antennae flagellum and palps. Feeding time of treated workers with HCL solution was significantly decreased on sucrose solution as compared to those workers having no flagellum. While both types of treated workers have less feeding time in comparison to normal workers. Based on the results of feeding sequence analysis and feeding time, it is indicating that the foreleg tarsi of workers play a more important role in the detection of sucrose solution as compared to antennae flagellum. Based on the SEM results, sensilla chaetic, trichoid II, and basiconic I and II have a clear pore at their tip. This study provides a substantial basis for elucidating the gustatory function of antennal and tarsal sensilla on appendages of fire ant workers to sugars and further baits improvement for the management of fire ants.
A Study on Consumer WTP and Respondent’s Income Wise Consumption Pattern for Khandsari Sugar in Coimbatore City of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Vivek G. , Samsai T. , Mahendran K. , Praveena S.
Published: August 2021

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the most important commercial crops of the tropics. It is the main source of sugar in the world. Jaggery (Gur) and Khandsari sugar are a traditional product of sugarcane which is the natural mixture of sugar and molasses. Jaggery and Khandsari are found to be a major agro-processing industry in rural sector. Today’s scenario people were shifting towards the consumption of khandsari sugar due to various reasons. Hence this study was carried out with consumer willingness to pay towards the price of khandsari sugar and their consumption wise pattern through their income. Convenience sampling was adopted and collected the information from 120 respondents of Coimbatore city as divided of five zones. Primary data was collected through well-structured interview schedule and Chi-square test, Multiple regression analysis were carried out to analyse the study. The outcomes of the study revealed that income was significantly associated with consumption usage, purchasing frequency, purchasing quantity and consumption purpose. Also age, educational status and monthly income influenced the consumer to pay more for khandsari sugar.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to find the consumer consumption pattern and their willingness to pay towards the purchase of khandsari sugar. Here, income was analysed with consumption pattern in Coimbatore city of Tamil Nadu.

Design of study and Methodology: The study was limited to Coimbatore city of Tamil Nadu with the sample of 120 respondents. The city was categorised into five zones such as south, north, central, east and west. The sampling method adopted here was convenience sampling. The data were collected through well-structured interview schedule and information was collected the people who purchased khandsari sugar.  Chi-square test was used to analyse the consumption pattern of khandsari sugar whereas for consumer willingness to pay regression analysis was use.

Findings:

Income status of the sample respondents showed that average income peoples preferred to purchase khandsari sugar and were medium sized families.

The consumption usage of khandsari sugar by the sample respondents revealed that, income was the main factor which influenced to consume more khandsari sugar

Consumer willingness to pay for khandsari sugar resulted that, the maximum chance of consumer willingness to pay for purchase of khandsari sugar was family type and the minimum chance of consumer willingness to pay for purchase of khandsari sugar was family size.
Effect of Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Developed Mixed Fruits Wine during Fermentation Process
Authors: Kumar Vikrant , Singh Jaivir , Singh B. R. , Chauhan Neelash , Chandra Suresh , Yadav M. K. , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Pankaj
Published: August 2021

The mixture of fruits pulp containing low sugar and thus sugar level was adjust from 25 oBrix by using sugar solution. The pH level of mixture was adjusted at 4. The juice was yeast by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with 1%. The Specific gravity of mixed fruit wine showed an increasing trend for all the treatments with fermentation period up to 0, 10, 20 and 30 days. The TSS largely affects the various physic-chemical parameters of fermented wine. Sugar is the main substrate for fermentation of fruits juice into alcohol. The specific gravity of the wine was found to be decreased with increase in sugar percent. The highest value of alcohol content was found 17.43% (v/v) in T6 sample after last day of fermentation period with 1% of yeast concentration. It has been observed that the sample show the high alcoholic wine.
A Complex Valued ResNet Network Based Object Detection Algorithm in SAR Images
Authors: Hwang Insu
Published: August 2021

Unlike optical equipment, SAR(Synthetic Aperture Radar) has the advantage of obtaining images in all weather, and object detection in SAR images is an important issue. Generally, deep learning-based object detection was mainly performed in real-valued network using only amplitude of SAR image. Since the SAR image is complex data consist of amplitude and phase data, a complex-valued network is required. In this paper, a complex-valued ResNet network is proposed. SAR image object detection was performed by combining the ROI transformer detector specialized for aerial image detection and the proposed complex-valued ResNet. It was confirmed that higher accuracy was obtained in complex-valued network than in existing real-valued network.
Review on the Quality Attributes of an Integrated Simulation Software for Weapon Systems
Authors: Oh Hyun-Shik , Kim Dohyung , Lee Sunju
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the quality attributes of an integrated simulation software for weapon systems named Advanced distributed simulation environment(AddSIM). AddSIM is developed as a key enabler for Defense Modeling & Simulation(M&S) systems which simulate battlefields and used for battle experiments, analyses, military exercises, training, etc. AddSIM shall provide a standard simulation framework of the next Defense M&S systems. Therefore AddSIM shall satisfy not only functional but also quality requirements such as availability, modifiability, performance, testability, usability, and others. AddSIM consists of operating softwares of hierarchical components including graphical user interface, simulation engines, and support services(natural environment model, math utility, etc.), and separated weapon system models executable on the operating softwares. The relation between software architectures and their quality attributes are summarized from previous works. And the AddSIM architecture and its achievements in the aspect of quality attributes are reviewed.
Software Design about Integrated Fault Diagnosis for the Propulsion System of the Tracked Amphibious Assault Vehicle
Authors: Lee Changkyu , Choi Byeongho , Park Daegon , Koo Youngho , Shim Sangchul , Chang Kyogun
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the design of model-based fault diagnosis software to apply to the propulsion system in tracked amphibious assault vehicle which consists of an engine, a transmission, a cooling system, and two waterjets. This software includes specific functions to detect the failures regarding sensor malfunctions, mechanical malfunctions, control errors, and communication errors. This software generates the proper malfunction codes which are classified as the warning and caution. In order to validate the fault diagnosis software, the manual and automatic test are performed using the test program with 32 test cases. Test results show that the designed fault diagnosis software is reliable and effective for applying to the propulsion system.
The mutual relationship between established process of reconstruction governance and implemented process of reconstruction project: A focus on L’Aquila city 10 years after the Abruzzo earthquake
Authors: Mashiko Tomoyuki , Franz Gianfranco , Uchida Naomi , Ariga Takashi , Satoh Shigeru
Published: August 2021

In the recovery process following massive earthquakes in historical Italian cities, the housing construction and restoration of built heritage proceed with relationships that are established among diverse actors. However, much less work has been done on the established processes of governance protocol and research methods have not been accumulated. This study is aimed at determining the characteristics of the established processes of reconstruction governance (RG) in L'Aquila city following the 2009 Abruzzo earthquake in Italy. The research method was adopted from the text analysis and inter‐actor relationship mapping which was obtained in the previous study. Moreover, the mutual relationships between established RG processes and the implemented processes of the reconstruction project (RP) were identified based on the periodization of L’Aquila’s recovery process by combining two initiatives. The results thus obtained revealed that the existence of mutual relationships between the two processes resulted in a diversification of RG and an expansion of the RP domains and types in addition to a centralization of the RP domains. In conclusion, we recommend the diversification and continuous strengthening of RG in the recovery process, early establishment of an intermediary support organization, and public offering projects for expanding civic association participation.
Multilayer Graphene—A Promising Electrode Material in Liquid Cell Electrochemistry
Authors: Tan Shu Fen , Reidy Kate , Lee Serin , Klein Julian , Schneider Nicholas M. , Lee Hae Yeon , Ross Frances M.
Published: August 2021

The combination of imaging with electrochemical quantification in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides opportunities for visualizing material processes in liquid with good spatial and temporal resolution in a way that is inaccessible in bench‐top electrochemical experiments. The electrode material used in liquid cell TEM determines the reliability and consistency of the electrochemical measurements and also influences the resolution when imaging processes on the electrode. Here, the opportunities arising from the use of 2D materials in liquid cell electrochemistry are explored. Through electrochemical imaging and modeling, it is demonstrated that the use of graphene electrodes enables quantitative study of electrochemical metal deposition and it is suggested that the minimal electron scattering and electric‐field enhanced wettability are advantageous in obtaining interpretable and higher resolution data. It is anticipated that incorporation of 2D materials into electrode design will present new opportunities for investigating problems in crystal growth, energy storage, and electrocatalysis.
Understanding the Synergistic Effects of Cobalt Single Atoms and Small Nanoparticles: Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalytic Activity and Stability for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhu Chao , Tan Hua , Liu Jan , Xu Lulu , Zhang Yongqi , Liu Yipu , Zou Xiaoxin , Liu Zheng , Lu Xuehong
Published: August 2021

The development of earth‐abundant oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts with high catalytic activity and good stability for practical metal‐air batteries remains an enormous challenge. Herein, a highly efficient and durable ORR catalyst is reported, which consists of atomically dispersed Co single atoms (Co‐SAs) in the form of Co‐N4 moieties and small Co nanoparticles (Co‐SNPs) co‐anchored on nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanocage (Co‐SAs/SNPs@NC). Benefiting from the synergistic effect of Co‐SAs and Co‐SNPs as well as the enhanced anticorrosion capability of the carbon matrix brought by its improved graphitization degree, the resultant Co‐SAs/SNPs@NC catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR activity and remarkable stability in alkaline media, outperforming Co‐SAs‐based catalyst (Co‐SAs@NC), and benchmark Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the strong interaction between Co‐SNPs and Co‐N4 sites can increase the valence state of the active Co atoms in Co‐SAs/SNPs@NC and moderate the adsorption free energy of ORR intermediates, thus facilitating the reduction of O2. Moreover, the practical zinc‐air battery assembled with Co‐SAs/SNPs@NC catalyst demonstrates a maximum power density of 223.5 mW cm–2, a high specific capacity of 742 W h kg–1 at 50 mA cm–2 and a superior cycling stability.
Rational Design on Wrinkle‐Less Transfer of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayer by Adjustable Wettability‐Assisted Transfer Method
Authors: Shen Ying‐Chun , Wu Yu‐Ting , Lee Ling , Chen Jyun‐Hong , Wani Sumayah Shakil , Yang Tzu‐Yi , Luo Chih Wei , Siao Ming‐Deng , Yu Yi‐Jen , Chiu Po‐Wen , Chueh Yu‐Lun
Published: August 2021

Transfer‐induced wrinkles are universal issues when transferring transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayer from an as‐grown substrate to a target substrate. The undesired transfer‐induced wrinkles can mainly be attributed to wettability, which refers to the ability of a liquid to come in contact with a solid surface. Herein, an adjustable wettability‐assisted transfer (AWAT) method with different mixtures of transfer media to reduce the density of wrinkles is developed. By manipulating the wettability of the transfer medium with different ratios of alcohol and de‐ionized (DI) water, the TMDC monolayer is smoothly attached to the target substrate, thus achieving a wrinkle‐less transferred TMDC monolayer. With this method, the density of wrinkles can be decreased by ≈15–20% compared with the conventional transfer method by pure DI water. The transferred MoS2 monolayer with the AWAT method can achieve enhanced carrier mobility from ≈20 to ≈35 cm2 V−1 s−1 in average, which is 30 times larger than that transferred by pure DI water. The AWAT method applied to a WS2 monolayer onto a SiO2/p+‐Si substrate and a MoS2 monolayer onto a HfO2/p+‐Si substrate are demonstrated, which is beneficial in research and applications involving the transfer of TMDC monolayer.
Wood‐Inspired Binder Enabled Vertical 3D Printing of g‐C3N4/CNT Arrays for Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jiang Bo , Huang Hui , Gong Wenbin , Gu Xiaoqing , Liu Ting , Zhang Junchang , Qin Wei , Chen Hui , Jin Yongcan , Liang Zhiqiang , Jiang Lin
Published: August 2021

2D nanomaterials are very attractive for photoelectrochemical applications due to their ultra‐thin structure, excellent physicochemical properties of large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratios, and the resulting abundant active sites and high charge transport capacity. However, the application of commonly used 2D nanomaterials with disordered‐stacking is always limited by high photoelectrode tortuosity, few surface‐active sites, and low mass transfer efficiency. Herein, inspired by wood structures, a vertical 3D printing strategy is developed to rapidly build vertically aligned and hierarchically porous graphitic carbon nitride/carbon nanotube (g‐C3N4/CNT) arrays by using lignin as a binder for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution. Arising from the directional electron transport and multiple light scattering in the out‐of‐plane aligned and porous architecture, the resulting g‐C3N4/CNT arrays display an outstanding hydrogen evolution performance, with the hydrogen yield up to 4.36 µmol (cm−2 h−1) at a bias of −0.5 V versus RHE, 12.7 and 41.6 times higher than traditional thick g‐C3N4/CNT and g‐C3N4 films, respectively. Moreover, this 3D printed structure can overcome the agglomeration problem of the commonly used g‐C3N4 with powder configuration and shows desirable recyclability and stability. This facile and scalable vertical 3D printing strategy will open a new avenue to highly enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of 2D nanomaterials for sustainably production of clean energy.
Solution‐Processable Carbon Nanotube Nanohybrids for Multiplexed Photoresponsive Devices
Authors: Ye Qingyu , Xu Xinzhao , Paghi Alessandro , Bamford Thomas , Horrocks Benjamin R , Houlton Andrew , Barillaro Giuseppe , Dimitrov Stoichko , Palma Matteo
Published: August 2021

Here, the formation of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based nanohybrids in aqueous solution is reported, where DNA‐wrapped CNTs (DNA‐CNTs) act as templates for the growth of PbS and CdS nanocrystals, toward the formation of PbS‐DNA‐CNT and CdS‐DNA‐CNT heterostructures. Solution‐processed multiplexed photoresponsive devices are fabricated from these nanohybrids, displaying a sensitivity to a broad range of illumination wavelengths (405, 532, and 650 nm). The DNA‐CNT and CdS‐DNA‐CNT devices show a drop in the current while PbS‐DNA‐CNT's current increases upon light illumination, indicating a difference in the operational mechanisms between the hybrids. Furthermore, the ON/OFF photoresponse of PbS‐DNA‐CNT is only 1 s as compared to 200 s for the other two nanohybrid devices. The mechanisms of the different photoresponses are investigated by comparing the performance under an inert and air atmosphere, and gate dependence device analysis and transient absorption spectroscopy measurements are also conducted. The results reveal that photoinduced oxygen desorption is responsible for the slower photoresponse by DNA‐CNT and CdS‐DNA‐CNT, while photoinduced charge transfer dominates the much faster response of PbS‐DNA‐CNT devices. The strategy developed is of general applicability for the bottom‐up assembly of CNT‐based nanohybrid optoelectronic systems and the fabrication of solution‐processable multiplexed devices.
Oriented Strontium Carbonate Nanocrystals within Collagen Films for Flexible Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Fang Weijian , Ping Hang , Li Xinhui , Liu Xiaofei , Wan Fuqiang , Tu Bingtian , Xie Hao , O'Reilly Patraic , Wang Hao , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: August 2021

Bone, assembled by mineralized collagen fibrils, displays piezoelectric properties under external stimulation to affect tissue growth. The mineralized collagen fibrils consist of collagen and oriented inorganic nanocrystals. Inspired from the unique structures and piezoelectric effect of mineralized collagen fibrils, the intrafibrillar mineralization of oriented strontium carbonate nanocrystals is achieved in vitro, which also exhibits good piezoelectric properties. The amorphous strontium carbonate precursors penetrate from the gap zones and fill gradually into the whole space within the collagen fibrils, and transform into a co‐oriented crystalline phase. Isolated mineralized collagen fibrils with organized SrCO3 nanocrystals acquire good flexible properties and inverse piezoelectric responses with an effective piezoelectric coefficient of 3.45 pm V−1, much higher than individual collagen (1.12 pm V−1) and SrCO3 crystals (0.092 pm V−1). These results may indicate that the organic and inorganic components synergistically contribute to the piezoelectric effect of bone. Furthermore, devices of flexible piezoelectric thin films assembled by SrCO3 mineralized collagen fibrils exhibit a regular open‐circuit voltage of 1.2 V under compressive stress and a stable cycling short‐circuit current of 80 nA under a bending mode. It can also facilitate the development of promising piezoelectric sensors.
Bio‐Inspired Photoelectric Artificial Synapse based on Two‐Dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXenes Floating Gate
Authors: Zhao Tianshi , Zhao Chun , Xu Wangying , Liu Yina , Gao Hao , Mitrovic Ivona Z. , Lim Eng Gee , Yang Li , Zhao Ce Zhou
Published: August 2021

The highly parallel artificial neural systems based on transistor‐like devices have recently attracted widespread attention due to their high‐efficiency computing potential and the ability to mimic biological neurobehavior. For the past decades, plenty of breakthroughs related to synaptic transistors have been investigated and reported. In this work, a kind of photoelectronic transistor that successfully mimics the behaviors of biological synapses has been proposed and systematically analyzed. For the individual device, MXenes and the self‐assembled titanium dioxide on the nanosheet surface serve as floating gate and tunneling layers, respectively. As the unit electronics of the neural network, the typical synaptic behaviors and the reliable memory stability of the synaptic transistors have been demonstrated through the voltage test. Furthermore, for the first time, the UV‐responsive synaptic properties of the MXenes floating gated transistor and its applications, including conditional reflex and supervised learning, have been measured and realized. These photoelectric synapse characteristics illustrate the great potential of the device in bio‐imitation vision applications. Finally, through the simulation based on an artificial neural network algorithm, the device successfully realizes the recognition application of handwritten digital images. Thus, this article provides a highly feasible solution for applying artificial synaptic devices to hardware neuromorphic networks.
High‐Entropy Atomic Layers of Transition‐Metal Carbides (MXenes)
Authors: Du Zhiguo , Wu Cheng , Chen Yuchuan , Cao Zhenjiang , Hu Riming , Zhang Yongzheng , Gu Jianan , Cui Yanglansen , Chen Hao , Shi Yongzheng , Shang Jiaxiang , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: August 2021

High‐entropy materials (HEMs) have great potential for energy storage and conversion due to their diverse compositions, and unexpected physical and chemical features. However, high‐entropy atomic layers with fully exposed active sites are difficult to synthesize since their phases are easily segregated. Here, it is demonstrated that high‐entropy atomic layers of transition‐metal carbide (HE‐MXene) can be produced via the selective etching of novel high‐entropy MAX (also termed Mn+1AXn (n = 1, 2, 3), where M represents an early transition‐metal element, A is an element mainly from groups 13–16, and X stands for C and/or N) phase (HE‐MAX) (Ti1/5V1/5Zr1/5Nb1/5Ta1/5)2AlC, in which the five transition‐metal species are homogeneously dispersed into one MX slab due to their solid‐solution feature, giving rise to a stable transition‐metal carbide in the atomic layers owing to the high molar configurational entropy and correspondingly low Gibbs free energy. Additionally, the resultant high‐entropy MXene with distinct lattice distortions leads to high mechanical strain into the atomic layers. Moreover, the mechanical strain can efficiently guide the nucleation and uniform growth of dendrite‐free lithium on HE‐MXene, achieving a long cycling stability of up to 1200 h and good deep stripping–plating levels of up to 20 mAh cm−2.
Al–Ge–Al Nanowire Heterostructure: From Single‐Hole Quantum Dot to Josephson Effect
Authors: Delaforce Jovian , Sistani Masiar , Kramer Roman B. G. , Luong Minh A. , Roch Nicolas , Weber Walter M. , den Hertog Martien I. , Robin Eric , Naud Cecile , Lugstein Alois , Buisson Olivier
Published: August 2021

Superconductor–semiconductor–superconductor heterostructures are attractive for both fundamental studies of quantum phenomena in low‐dimensional hybrid systems as well as for future high‐performance low power dissipating nanoelectronic and quantum devices. In this work, ultrascaled monolithic Al–Ge–Al nanowire heterostructures featuring monocrystalline Al leads and abrupt metal–semiconductor interfaces are used to probe the low‐temperature transport in intrinsic Ge (i‐Ge) quantum dots. In particular, demonstrating the ability to tune the Ge quantum dot device from completely insulating, through a single‐hole‐filling quantum dot regime, to a supercurrent regime, resembling a Josephson field effect transistor with a maximum critical current of 10 nA at a temperature of 390 mK. The realization of a Josephson field‐effect transistor with high junction transparency provides a mechanism to study sub‐gap transport mediated by Andreev states. The presented results reveal a promising intrinsic Ge‐based architecture for hybrid superconductor–semiconductor devices for the study of Majorana zero modes and key components of quantum computing such as gatemons or gate tunable superconducting quantum interference devices.
A Tandem Organic Photovoltaic Cell with 19.6% Efficiency Enabled by Light Distribution Control
Authors: Wang Jianqiu , Zheng Zhong , Zu Yunfei , Wang Yafei , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhang Maojie , Hou Jianhui
Published: August 2021

Despite more potential in realizing higher photovoltaic performance, the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of tandem organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells still lags behind that of state‐of‐the‐art single‐junction cells. In this work, highly efficient double‐junction tandem OPV cells are fabricated by optimizing the photoactive layers with low voltage losses and developing an effective method to tune optical field distribution. The tandem OPV cells studied are structured as indium tin oxide (ITO)/ZnO/bottom photoactive layer/interconnecting layer (ICL)/top photoactive layer/MoOx/Ag, where the bottom and top photoactive layers are based on blends of PBDB‐TF:ITCC and PBDB‐TF:BTP‐eC11, respectively, and ICL refers to interconnecting layer structured as MoOx/Ag/ZnO:PFN‐Br. As these results indicate that there is not much room for optimizing the bottom photoactive layer, more effort is put into fine‐tuning the top photoactive layer. By rationally modulating the composition and thickness of PBDB‐TF:BTP‐eC11 blend films, the 300 nm‐thick PBDB‐TF:BTP‐eC11 film with 1:2 D/A ratio is found to be an ideal photoactive layer for the top sub‐cell in terms of photovoltaic characteristics and light distribution control. For the optimized tandem cell, a PCE of 19.64% is realized, which is the highest result in the OPV field and certified as 19.50% by the National Institute of Metrology.
Synergistic Effects of Eu‐MOF on Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Stability
Authors: Dou Jie , Zhu Cheng , Wang Hao , Han Ying , Ma Sai , Niu Xiuxiu , Li Nengxu , Shi Congbo , Qiu Zhiwen , Zhou Huanping , Bai Yang , Chen Qi
Published: August 2021

Enhancing device lifetime is one of the essential challenges in perovskite solar cells. The ultrathin Eu‐MOF layer is introduced at the interface between the electron‐transport layer and the perovskite absorber to improve the device stability. Both Eu ions and organic ligands in the MOF can reduce the defect concentration and improve carrier transport. Moreover, due to the Förster resonance energy transfer effect, Eu‐MOF in perovskite films can improve light utilization and reduce the decomposition under ultraviolet light. Meanwhile, Eu‐MOF also turns tensile strain to compressive strain in the perovskite films. As a result, the corresponding devices achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.16%. In addition, the devices retain 96% of their original PCE after 2000 h under the relative humidity of 30% and 91% of their original PCE after 1200 h after continuous 85 °C aging condition in N2.
Magnetization Signature of Topological Surface States in a Non‐Symmorphic Superconductor
Authors: Kuang Wenjun , Lopez‐Polin Guillermo , Lee Hyungjun , Guinea Francisco , Whitehead George , Timokhin Ivan , Berdyugin Alexey I. , Kumar Roshan Krishna , Yazyev Oleg V. , Walet Niels , Principi Alessandro , Geim Andre K. , Grigorieva Irina V.
Published: August 2021

Superconductors with nontrivial band structure topology represent a class of materials with unconventional and potentially useful properties. Recent years have seen much success in creating artificial hybrid structures exhibiting the main characteristics of 2D topological superconductors. Yet, bulk materials known to combine inherent superconductivity with nontrivial topology remain scarce, largely because distinguishing their central characteristic—the topological surface states—has proved challenging due to a dominant contribution from the superconducting bulk. In this work, a highly anomalous behavior of surface superconductivity in topologically nontrivial 3D superconductor In2Bi, where the surface states result from its nontrivial band structure, itself a consequence of the non‐symmorphic crystal symmetry and strong spin–orbit coupling, is reported. In contrast to smoothly decreasing diamagnetic susceptibility above the bulk critical field, Hc2, as seen in conventional superconductors, a near‐perfect, Meissner‐like screening of low‐frequency magnetic fields well above Hc2 is observed. The enhanced diamagnetism disappears at a new phase transition close to the critical field of surface superconductivity, Hc3. Using theoretical modeling, the anomalous screening is shown to be consistent with modification of surface superconductivity by the topological surface states. The possibility of detecting signatures of the surface states using macroscopic magnetization provides a new tool for the discovery and identification of topological superconductors.
Hydrogen Passivation of M–N–C (M = Fe, Co) Catalysts for Storage Stability and ORR Activity Improvements
Authors: Liu Jieyuan , Wan Xin , Liu Shiyuan , Liu Xiaofang , Zheng Lirong , Yu Ronghai , Shui Jianglan
Published: August 2021

M–N–C (M = Fe, Co) are highly active nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and other applications. Although their operation stability has been extensively studied in proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells, the storage stability that determines the performance maintenance before use has not yet been understood. Here, it is found that long‐term exposure of M–N–C catalysts in air would cause surface oxidation and hydroxylation, resulting in significant decrease of ORR activity and fuel‐cell performances. Hydrogen passivation is demonstrated to be an effective strategy to protect the atomic M–N4 active sites and improve the storage stability of the catalysts. In addition, the hydrogen‐termination can also reduce the ORR energy barrier and increase the utilization of active sites, leading to the improvements of fuel‐cell activity and power density. Notably, these findings help to understand the storage‐associated degradation and protection of M–N–C catalysts.
Molecular Engineering of Covalent Organic Framework Cathodes for Enhanced Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Wenxi , Kale Vinayak S. , Cao Zhen , Lei Yougjiu , Kandambeth Sharath , Zou Guodong , Zhu Yunpei , Abouhamad Edy , Shekhah Osama , Cavallo Luigi , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: August 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are potentially promising electrode materials for electrochemical charge storage applications thanks to their pre‐designable reticular chemistry with atomic precision, allowing precise control of pore size, redox‐active functional moieties, and stable covalent frameworks. However, studies on the mechanistic and practical aspects of their zinc‐ion storage behavior are still limited. In this study, a strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of COF cathodes in zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) by introducing the quinone group into 1,4,5,8,9,12‐hexaazatriphenylene‐based COFs is reported. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates that the introduction of the quinone groups in the COF significantly pushes up the Zn2+ storage capability against H+ and elevates the average (dis‐)charge potential in aqueous ZIBs. Computational and experimental analysis further reveals the favorable redox‐active sites that host Zn2+/H+ in COF electrodes and the root cause for the enhanced electrochemical performance. This work demonstrates that molecular engineering of the COF structure is an effective approach to achieve practical charge storage performance.