bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art IoV trust management a meta-synthesis systematic literature review (SLR)
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Hassan Mohd Fadzil , Yew Kwang Hooi , Paputungan Irving , Tran Duc Chung
Published: December 2020

In the near future, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is foreseen to become an inviolable part of smart cities. The integration of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) into the IoV is being driven by the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and high-speed communication. However, both the technological and non-technical elements of IoV need to be standardized prior to deployment on the road. This study focuses on trust management (TM) in the IoV/VANETs/ITS (intelligent transport system). Trust has always been important in vehicular networks to ensure safety. A variety of techniques for TM and evaluation have been proposed over the years, yet few comprehensive studies that lay the foundation for the development of a “standard” for TM in IoV have been reported. The motivation behind this study is to examine all the TM models available for vehicular networks to bring together all the techniques from previous studies in this review. The study was carried out using a systematic method in which 31 papers out of 256 research publications were screened. An in-depth analysis of all the TM models was conducted and the strengths and weaknesses of each are highlighted. Considering that solutions based on AI are necessary to meet the requirements of a smart city, our second objective is to analyze the implications of incorporating an AI method based on “context awareness” in a vehicular network. It is evident from mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) that there is potential for context awareness in ad hoc networks. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the future formulation of IoVITS standards. In addition, gray areas and open questions for new research dimensions are highlighted.
Experiences of family caregivers of patients with terminal disease and the quality of end-of-life care received: a mixed methods study
Authors: Martí-García Celia , Fernández-Alcántara Manuel , Suárez López Patricia , Romero Ruiz Carolina , Muñoz Martín Rocío , Garcia-Caro Mᵃ Paz
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions and experiences of relatives of patients dying from a terminal disease with regard to the care they received during the dying process, considering the oncological or non-oncological nature of the terminal disease, and the place where care was provided (at home, emergency department, hospital room, or palliative care unit). For this purpose, we conducted a mixed-methods observational study in which two studies were triangulated, one qualitative using semi-structured interviews (n = 30) and the other quantitative, using questionnaires (n = 129). The results showed that the perception of relatives on the quality of care was highly positive in the quantitative evaluation but more critical and negative in the qualitative interview. Experience of the support received and palliative measures was more positive for patients attended in hospital in the case of oncological patients but more positive for those attended at home in the case of non-oncological patients.
O Estado e o turismo no Brasil
Authors: Souza Mariana Cristina da Cunha
Published: December 2020

As pandemias marcam períodos de instabilidade, rupturas e mudanças complexas na sociedade. Hoje, o mundo enfrenta a pandemia da COVID-19, doença causada pelo novo coronavírus. Em todas as dimensões sociais, os impactos têm sido significativos, sobretudo, por causa do isolamento social, medida considerada eficiente para frear a disseminação da doença. No Brasil, o isolamento foi estabelecido pelo governo e culminou no fechamento temporário dos empreendimentos que prestam serviços não essenciais, no qual o turismo é contemplado. Logo, o objetivo deste artigo é discutir o papel do Estado na mitigação dos impactos da pandemia no setor turístico, analisando-se as políticas públicas adotadas e características como: esfera política, contexto, abrangência, conteúdo e critérios para efetivação. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, cujo percurso metodológico consistiu na busca de palavras-chave em plataformas científicas e sites governamentais e de instituições setoriais de turismo, tanto no Brasil quanto no mundo. As informações obtidas foram organizadas, sistematizadas e analisadas empregando-se a técnica da Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados mostram que as políticas públicas formuladas pelo governo são de caráter estrutural, com foco na manutenção de emprego e renda para empresários e trabalhadores de segmentos específicos da cadeia produtiva; conjuntural/emergencial, portanto, restritas ao período da pandemia; e regulatórias, normatizando protocolos de segurança e prevenção da COVID-19 durante o processo de retomada da economia. De modo geral, as políticas que mais beneficiam o setor não são oriundas de pastas importantes para a atividade, tal qual, o Ministério do Turismo, mas provenientes de outras esferas de atuação governamental.
Functional and Pasting Properties of Composite Flours from Triticum durum, Digitaria exilis, Vigna unguiculata and Moringa oleifera Powder
Authors: Orisa C. A. , Udofia S. U.
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the functional and pasting properties of composite flours from Triticum durum (wheat), Digitaria exilis (acha), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) flours and Moringa oleifera leaf powder. The flour samples were mixed in a four by four factorial, in complete randomized design (CRD) to formulate the composite blends at four different levels (25, 50, 75 and 100) which gave 16 samples. The statistical analysis of data collected was used to select five (5) generally accepted composite flour samples (wheat, acha, cowpea and moringa oleifera leaf powder flours) with ratio of 100:0:0:0, 75:25:0:0, 0:50:50:0, 50:23:25:2 and 75:25:0:0, respectively. The flour samples were analyzed for functional and pasting properties using standard methods. Results of the functional properties showed that water absorption capacity of the composite flour blend ranged from 0.87-1.11g/g, bulk density 0.39-0.42 g/ml, least gelation concentration 2.00-4.00%, solubility 19.46-25.35%, wettability 2.57-4.02min, oil absorption 1.61-1.79g/g and least gelation temperature 62.00-68.50oC. The functionality of the composite flours such as water and oil absorption capacities, least gelation concentration and bulk density were improved when cowpea was incoporated into the blends than for moringa oleifera leaf powder and acha flour. On the other hand, wettability and solubility of the flour blends were improved when acha was incorporated into the blend. Results of pasting properties showed that peak viscosity ranged from 73.04-385.79RVU, trough viscosity 57.96-341.42RVU, break down viscosity 15.08-44.38RVU, final viscosity 109.54-581.58RVU, set back viscosity 51.58-240.17RVU, pasting time 5.70-6.40min and pasting temperature 50.08oC-50.35oC. These properties were shown to be higher when cowpea was incorporated into the flour blends than for moringa oleifera leaf powder and acha flour. However, pasting properties of the composite flour blends were higher than 100% wheat flour. This result therefore showed that composite flour from wheat, acha, cowpea and Moringa oleifera leaf powder has improved functionality and high pasting properties than the individual wheat flour and will serve as a useful ingredient in food formulations such as in dough, soups and baked products.
Awareness about Plagiarism among the Student of Higher Educational Institutions: Reflections of a Case Study Conducted at Ibra College of Technology, Oman
Authors: P. Ali. O. , Humaidhi Hamda Hamdoon Said Al- , Maawali Safa Zahir Saud Al-
Published: December 2020

Plagiarism has become a major problem in higher education institutions in recent years. With the advancement of modern means of publishing, the students and researchers can easily access information from various online sources, which has resulted in the act of stealing others works without referencing or without proper referencing, poor quotation, invented data, imitation, cheating and many other form of academic misconduct. Literature shows that many of the students in higher educational institutions are not very much aware about the process of research and writing. This misconception sometimes leads to plagarise academic work without knowing the seriousness of doing so. This is often due to a lack of awareness and research skills among students and researchers. This crime can lead to many problems such as, reduce the level of thinking, creativity and productivity because students do not prepare it by themselves and they do not work hard for it. The objective of this study is to investigate the student’s attitude and awareness toward the issue of plagiarism. This study was conducted at Business Department in University of Technology and Applied Science, (Ibra College of Technology) Sultanate of Oman during the academic year 2019-20.
Differences between the Incident and Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients in Egypt
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , El-Said Ghada , Abdelhady Mona Mohammed Tawfik , Sayed-Ahmed Nagy
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim: The number of patients on hemodialysis (HD) increases continuously. The HD population is usually divided into early and late HD patients according to the duration of HD, that are known as incident and prevalent groups. Still, there is a debate about the exact definition of both the incident and prevalent groups. Furthermore, predictors of death of both of these groups are not yet identified, especially in Egyptian HD patients. We aimed to compare between the incident and prevalent HD patients as well as to define predictors of mortality among each of these groups.

Study Design and Methodology: This prospective multicenter study was started in June 2016, comprising 2123 HD patients recruited from twenty-five Egyptian HD centers. Patients were classified according to HD duration into two groups: Incident group including patients with HD duration equals to or less than 6 months, and a prevalent group including patients who had been maintained on HD for more than 6 months. All patients were observed for one and half years and their demographic data, laboratory findings and mortality events were recorded.

Results: In comparison to the prevalent group, the incident HD patients showed significantly lower hemoglobin, serum albumin, urea reduction ratio, serum phosphorus, and serum ferritin but higher average erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) dose. There was significantly a higher number of patients with hypertension in the incident group, while there was no significant difference in diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease in both groups. There were a higher number of patients with positive hepatitis C virus antibodies and hyperparathyroidism in the prevalent group. By the end of the study, the mortality frequency was found to be significantly higher in the incident than the prevalent groups. Older age and corrected serum calcium were significant predictors of mortality in the total studied group as well as the prevalent group. However, no significant predictors of mortality could be detected among the incident group.

Conclusion: The incident HD group tends to show higher frequency of hypertension, laboratory findings suggestive of malnutrition as well as higher frequency of mortality with different pattern of mortality predictors compared to the prevalent group.
Minimum Performance Standards of Tillage Implements
Authors: Singh Maan , Jain Mukesh , Kamat Vivek R. , Aman . , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2020

This article focuses on formulation of minimum performance standards (MPS) for tillage machinery such as rotavator, disc harrow and cultivator. The required minimum performance standard of different tillage machinery under sandy loam soil condition is discussed further in this paper and recommended in order to ensure availability of quality tillage machinery to the farmers. The minimum performance standards for minimum depth of cut, minimum depth of puddle, minimum area covered per meter working width, minimum field efficiency, maximum fuel consumption per meter working width, minimum puddling index and maximum PTO power requirement per meter working width is 6.50 cm, 14 cm, 0.23 ha h-1, 76%, 3.0 l h-1, 77% and 11 kW respectively. The minimum performance standards for minimum depth of cut, minimum area covered per meter of working width, minimum field efficiency, maximum fuel consumption per meter of working width, maximum draft per meter of working width and maximum drawbar power per meter of working width of disc harrow is 8 cm, 0.43 ha h-1, 70%, 3.0 l h-1, 213 kg-f and 4.0 kW respectively. Similarly, minimum performance of the cultivators were recommended based on the analysis of results of different parameters such as minimum depth of cut, minimum area covered per meter of working width, minimum field efficiency, maximum fuel consumption per meter of working width, maximum draft per meter of working width and maximum drawbar power per meter of working width is 9 cm, 0.41 ha h-1, 75%, 2.0 l h-1, 244 kg-f and 3.4 kW respectively. Along with the performance parameters, other requirements like safety, dimensions, label, material of construction and breakdowns are discussed and recommended.
Development of a High Quality, Rapid, Efficient and Economical DNA Extraction Protocol from Climate Resilient Pearl Millet Crop Without Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Ambawat Supriya , Singh Subaran , Satyavathi C. Tara , Meena Rajbala , Meena R. C. , Khandelwal Vikas
Published: December 2020

Extraction of good quality genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from plants is a major prerequisite for molecular biology experiments. An efficient genomic DNA protocol must be simple, fast and cost effective with high yield and purity. Presence of polyphenols, polysaccharides and secondary metabolites in some plants hamper with DNA extraction making it a very laborious, difficult and time consuming procedure. Here, we portrayed a modified protocol based on the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method to isolate DNA from climate resilient pearl millet leaf tissues having higher amount of polysaccharides. It also excludes the use of expensive chemicals and equipments like proteinase K, liquid nitrogen and tissue lyser. This method includes extraction of DNA using a buffer (pH 8.0) containing 200 mM Tris-HCl, 20 mM ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA),1.4 M NaCl, 2% CTAB, 2% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and 1.0 % β-mercaptoethanol followed by purification of DNA with phenol, chloroform, isoamyl alcohol and finally precipitation of DNA by sodium acetate and isopropanol. Good quality genomic DNA with sharp and clear bands was obtained from 48 pearl millet genotypes using this protocol. The yield of DNA varied from 105.2 to 328.3 ng/μl. The purity of DNA sample ranged from 1.74 to 1.95 based on the absorbance at A260/A280 ratio indicating that it’s free from ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein contamination. PCR analysis using simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers exhibited consistent and reliable amplification products ranging from 150 to 650 bp.This study reveals a fast, simple, efficient, specific, reproducible, reliable and cost effective method for extraction of DNA from small to large number of plant samples amenable to PCR amplification and could be stored for longer duration.
Evaluation of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes for Yield and Drought Tolerance under Rain Fed and Irrigated Conditions
Authors: Madhuri R. Divya , Jayalakshmi V. , Priya M. Shanthi
Published: December 2020

In Southern India, drought stress is a major constraint to chickpea production and yield stability. Drought tolerant index (DTI) that provides a measure of drought based on yield loss under drought condition in comparison to normal condition was used for screening drought-tolerant genotypes. This study was conducted to determine drought tolerant genotypes with high yield in stress and non-stress conditions utilising physiological traits. Thirty chickpea genotypes were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rain fed and irrigated conditions at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, India during rabi, 2018-2019. The analysis of variance carried out for yield and drought tolerant traits revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all characters under rain fed as well as irrigated conditions. NBeG 776, NBeG 779, NBeG 868, ICCV 181606, MH 13 and MH 14 are drought tolerant. NBeG 776, NBeG 779 and NBeG 868 are suitable under both rain fed and irrigated conditions with significantly higher yields over their respective means. ICCV 181606, MH 13 and MH 14 are suitable exclusively for rain fed condition with significantly superior yields over the mean.
Early Post-transplant Renal Functions Predict Incidence of Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Alhelal Khulud , Almutairi Wejdan , Al-Rajhi Yousef , Alfouzan Rakan Khalid , Vasudevan Senthilvel , Mansour Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

Objectives: After renal transplantation, a remarkable improvement of impaired patient’s kidney function is often observed. Preserving improved kidney function ensures long-term renal allograft survival. However, there are different risk factors; the acute rejection is the major risk factor. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine renal function within the first six months as independent variables in predicting long-term survival and incidence of acute rejection.

Methods: Fifty-three patients who underwent kidney transplantation in 2016 and 2017 in King Abdulaziz Medical City- National Guard were evaluated consecutively1 and 2-month pre-transplant up to six months’ post-transplant. Time course of changes in kidney functions; measurements of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), albumin, calcium, sodium and potassium were recorded. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and anion gap (AGAP) were also reported. In addition, age, anthropometric factors and causes of ESRD were analyzed.

Results: Lower level of calcium was observed in 40% of patient’s two-month pre-transplantation and 69% of patients one month before. Normalization of calcium was achieved in all patients starting from second month post-transplantation. All patients presented elevated serum potassium level in pre-transplant months, however, renal transplant normalize potassium level starting from first month. A remarkable higher level of serum BUN was observed in all pre-transplant patients followed by dramatically decreased after renal transplant for first four months and remain in normal level starting from month 5. Likewise, serum creatinine was highly elevated in all pre-transplant patients. A profound reduction in serum creatinine started from month 1 post-transplant and normalizes at month 4. Moreover, both eGFR and AGAP were kept in normal level immediately after renal transplantation. All patients with early acute rejection during mean follow-up period have a remarkable elevated level of serum creatinine and profound decrease in eGFR starting from first month. While a significant higher level of serum BUN observed in fifth month only and serum albumin in third month.

Conclusion: Significant elevation of serum creatinine and reduction in eGFR starting from first month were associated with post-transplanted patients with early acute rejection. The clinical use of eGFR and serum creatinine may aid in predicting incidence of early acute rejection.
Association between Human Health and Indoor Air Pollution in Saudi Arabia: Indoor Environmental Quality Survey
Authors: Saleem Mohd , Kausar Mohd Adnan , Khatoon Fahmida , Anwar Sadaf , Shahid Syed Monowar Alam , Ginawi Tariq , Hossain Ashfaque , Al Anizy Abdullah Aziz Saleh Alhammad , A. Alswaidan Mohammed Aiydh , Saleh Aseeri Abdulrahman , Saloom Alturjmi Mahammad Hamed Bin , Abdulkarim Dkhel F. , Kuddus Mohammed
Published: December 2020

In many aspects of life quality, bio-contaminants and indoor air quality have had catastrophic consequences, including a negative impact on human health with an increased prevalence of allergic respiratory reactions, asthma, and infectious diseases. We aimed to evaluate the quality of indoor air environment and find out the association between human health and indoor air pollution and also to assess the physical health status of a group of Saudi and non-Saudi populations during this pandemic. Also, we aimed to assess the most common health condition or symptoms associated with ventilation. A questionnaire was distributed online to test indoor air quality, ventilation status, common signs and symptoms of any allergy or mental status and their relationship to certain variables. A total of 362 respondents were included. Before living in the current home, flu or Influenza and chapped lips were more prevalent than allergies and chapped lips signs while living in the current home. (12.2% , 10.8% vs. 18.5% , 13.55% before and after respectively) Multiple colds were the second most common symptom (10.2%). Hoarse voice and headaches were the least common symptoms experienced; each constituted 4.4%. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, most respondents wore a facemask, approximately 76.5%; and almost one-third of respondents had bright natural light inside the current home (43.1%). The presence of natural light within the current home was significantly associated with symptoms experienced during living in the current house (p<0.05). Natural sunlight exposure could decrease allergic symptoms and minor health problems associated with poor ventilation and air quality indoors. In current living homes, the majority of respondents never used air purifiers (72.9 percent). In order to get attention from people to enhance the quality and ventilation mechanism of indoor air, special care and awareness of the effects of the use of air purifiers on human health is needed.
Methodology of Concept and Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Abdusharipovna Babanazarova Sokhiba
Published: December 2020

This article discusses cognitive linguistics, one of the areas of the anthropocentric paradigm. The views of world linguists on the concept and its types, methods of conceptual analysis are analyzed. The methods of conceptual analysis are explained by means of comparisons. It is well known that man's knowledge of the surrounding world is expressed through concepts. These concepts are a mental-intellectual structure embodied as a product of various mental activities of man. In the process of thinking, a person deals with concepts, not with meanings and notions. Therefore the concept is recognized as a unit of thought and set of knowledge that branched and unified at one point. The article contains stable comparisons in the Uzbek language for conceptual analysis and it is repeatedly acknowledged that the comparisons reflect national and cultural connotations, richness of Uzbek language, and as well as its importance as a mirror of traditions. The analysis focuses on the standard of comparison, which reflects the uniqueness of people's perception and understanding of the world. Therefore, the study of cognitive analysis in relation to comparisons is one of the essential problems of anthropocentric linguistics.
Training Needs for Kindergarten Principals in the Light of Digital Age Requirements
Authors: Al-Hamad Nouwar Q. , Rathwan Ahmad M. , Rababah Ebtesam Q.
Published: December 2020

Kindergarten is a crucial stage in early childhood education. Principals and teachers should be highly competent and aware of children educational needs. Principals represent the model for driving the rest of the workforce in their institutions. The aim of this study was to assess the training needs of kindergarten principals in light of digital age requirements from their own perspective. The study sample consisted of (90) kindergarten principals in the district of Jerash, Jordan. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which addressed needs in three domains pertaining to the use of technology. Statistical analysis revealed that principals estimates of their training needs was overall moderate, with a slightly higher needs pertaining to ICT employment in kindergarten and educational process management. Furthermore, the findings showed that there were no significant statistical differences between respondent estimates pertaining to their academic qualifications, years of experience, or to kindergarten's ownership.
The Relationship between Self Control Skills and Behavioral Problems among Special Education Primary Grades in Israel
Authors: Agbaria Qutaiba
Published: December 2020

Prior research has demonstrated that poor self-control skills in childhood and adolescence are associated with greater behavioral problems (e.g., anger, attention deficits). However, the current study was the first to investigate these associations among the unique sample of special educated Arab-Israeli children, and individual characteristics (e.g., gender, age) that may influence the relationship between self-control and behavioral problems were explored. Participants (n=125) were first or second graders, and both the child’s parent and teacher completed questionnaires assessing the children’s self-control skills and behavioral problems. Self-control skills (both parent and teacher report) were negatively associated with both parent- and teacher-reported behavioral problems (introversive problems (rs>-.50, p<.01), extroversive problems (rs>-.45, p<.01), and general problems (rs>-.52, p<.01)). Females exhibited higher self-control skills (both parent and teacher report) than males (ps<.05), and both females and first graders exhibited fewer behavioral problems (introversive, extroversive, and general problems) than second graders (ps<.05). Thus, the current study highlights the importance of strong self-control skills as a deterrent for developing behavioral problems, which may inform early intervention efforts in Arab-Israeli primary school students.
Análise do discurso dos atores socioespaciais do futebol amazonense a partir de epistemologias do terceiro espaço
Authors: Gallego Campos Fernando Rossetto
Published: December 2020

Manaus é a maior metrópole brasileira sem clubes nas duas principais divisões nacionais. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar os discursos sobre o espaço e os discursos do espaço de atores socioespaciais do (Terceiro) espaço do futebol do Amazonas. Foram entrevistados quatro dirigentes e um treinador de diferentes clubes. As entrevistas foram analisadas a partir da Análise do Discurso. Na formação discursiva destacam-se aspectos, como: dificuldades financeiras, desvalorização do futebol local pela mídia e pelos torcedores (e grande identificação com clubes cariocas) e dificuldades esportivas e logísticas atribuídas por justamente estarem em Manaus/Amazonas (localização e isolamento). Os discursos revelaram dificuldade de os entrevistados agirem sobre o espaço (concebido), sendo fundamentalmente do espaço, portanto com fortes carga simbólica e dimensão territorial.

Abstract

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SOCIOSPATIAL ACTORS OF AMAZONAS’ FOOTBALL FROM THIRDSPACE EPISTEMOLOGIES

Manaus is the largest Brazilian metropolis without clubs on the two main football national divisions. In this context, this arcticle aims at analysing the Amazonas football (Third) space sociospatial actors’ discourses on space and of space. Four managers and a coach from different clubs were interviewed. The interviews were analysed with Discourse Analysis. The highlighted aspects in the discoursive formation are: financial difficulties, devaluation of local football by the media and the fans (and big identification with Rio de Janeiro clubs) and sports and logistical difficulties attributed to being in Manaus/Amazonas (location and isolation). The discourses have revealed interviewers difficulties to act on space (conceived). Thus the discourses are fundamentally of space, therefore with strong symbolic load and strong territorial dimension.
Recent Tactics and Advances in the Application of Metal Sulfides as High‐Performance Anode Materials for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lim Yew Von , Li Xue Liang , Yang Hui Ying
Published: December 2020

The successful development of post‐lithium technologies depends on two key elements: performance and economy. Because sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) can potentially satisfy both requirements, they are widely considered the most promising replacement for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the similarity between the electrochemical processes and the abundance of sodium‐based resources. Among various SIB anode materials, metal sulfides are most extensively studied as materials for high‐performance electrodes due to the versatility of their synthesis procedure, utilization potential, and high sodiation capacity. Herein, some of the most effective strategies aimed at effectively alleviating the performance shortcomings of these materials from the materials engineering/design perspective are summarized. In terms of facilitating ion transport in SIBs, which represents one of the most critical aspects of their performance, a specific family of strategies related to a particular operational mechanism is considered rather than categorizing based‐on individual sulfide materials. In the foreseeable future, the development of highly functional SIBs electrode materials and utilization of metal sulfides will become highly relevant due to their stability and performance characteristics. Therefore, it is anticipated that this review will guide further research and facilitate the realization of various applications of sulfide‐based high‐performance rechargeable batteries.
Copper@ZIF‐8 Core‐Shell Nanowires for Reusable Antimicrobial Face Masks
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Sharma Anu , Chen Yi , Jones Megan M. , Vanyo Stephen T. , Li Changning , Visser Michelle B. , Mahajan Supriya D. , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Swihart Mark T.
Published: December 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory viruses spread via aerosols generated by infected people. Face masks can limit transmission. However, widespread use of disposable masks consumes tremendous resources and generates waste. Here, a novel material for treating blown polypropylene filtration media used in medical‐grade masks to impart antimicrobial activity is reported. To produce thin copper@ZIF‐8 core‐shell nanowires (Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs), Cu NWs are stabilized using a pluronic F‐127 block copolymer, followed by growth of ZIF‐8 to obtain uniform core‐shell structures. The Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs are applied to filtration media by dip coating. Aerosol filtration efficiency decreases upon exposure to ethanol (solvent for dip‐coating), but increases with addition of Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs. Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs shows enhanced antibacterial activity, compared to Cu NWs or ZIF‐8 alone, against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli. Antiviral activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 is assayed using virus‐infected Vero E6 cells, demonstrating 55% inhibition of virus replication after 48 h by 1 µg of Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs per well. Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs’ cytotoxicity is tested against four cell lines, and their effect on inflammatory response in A549 cells is examined, demonstrating good biocompatibility. This low‐cost, scalable synthesis and straightforward deposition of Cu@ZIF‐8 NWs onto filter media has great potential to reduce disease transmission, resource consumption, and environmental impact of waste.
Constructing Electronic and Ionic Dual Conductive Polymeric Interface in the Cathode for High‐Energy‐Density Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Li Hao , Lian Fang , Meng Nan , Xiong Chenyu , Wu Nan , Xu Biyi , Li Yutao
Published: December 2020

Solid–solid interfaces in the composite cathode for solid‐state batteries face the thorny issues of poor physical contact, chemical side reaction, temporal separation, and sluggish Li+/e− transfer. Developing key material to achieve the composite cathode with efficient solid–solid interfaces is critical to improving the coulombic efficiency, cycling life, and energy density of solid‐state batteries. Herein, electronic and ionic dual conductive polymer (DCP) is prepared for the composite cathode via intermolecular interaction on the base of lithiated polyvinyl formal‐derived Li+ single‐ion conductor (LiPVFM), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiODFB), and electronic conducting polymer. Crosslinking, coordination, and hydrogen‐bonding effect enable DCP with high electrical conductivity of 68.9 S cm−1, Li+ ionic conductivity (2.76 × 10−4 S cm−1), large electrochemical window above 6 V and a high modulus of 6.8 GPa. Besides, DCP can form a coating layer on the active material powders to maintain structural integrity via buffering the internal stress during lithiation/delithiation, meanwhile, to construct long‐ and short‐range electronic/ionic conductive channel together with a small amount of CNTs. Rigid and flexible DCP‐based composite cathode enables the excellent cycling of solid‐state batteries with a high loading up to 11.7 mg cm−2 and high content of active materials close to 90 wt% without current collector.
Precise Tumor Photothermal Therapy Guided and Monitored by Magnetic Resonance/Photoacoustic Imaging using A Safe and pH‐Responsive Fe(III) Complex
Authors: Liang Guohai , Han Jiamei , Xing Da
Published: December 2020

Photothermal agents with
strong near infrared (NIR) optical absorbance and
excellent biocompatibility and traceability are highly desired for
precise photothermal therapy. This study reports the
development of a dual‐functional Fe3+ complex (Fe‐ZDS) for
imaging‐guided, precise photothermal therapy of tumors. The complex has stable
structure and obvious zwitterionic features, resulting in excellent
biocompatibility and efficient renal clearance. The iron‐dopa core structure renders the complex capable of generating
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast, while synergistically exhibiting optical
absorption in the red and NIR regions. Interestingly, the optical absorption of
the complex is pH‐sensitive, with significantly higher absorption intensity in
a weakly acidic environment than in a neutral environment. Thus the complex can
respond to acidic tumor stimuli and confine the energy of the laser to the
tumor tissue. The MRI contrast and photoacoustic signal of
the complex is taken advantage of to monitor the probe injection process and optimize the injection
position and dosage for maximally covering the tumor tissue and assessing the
activation of the complex in tumor tissues. The evolution of temperature inside the tissue during the laser irradiation is also
monitored. Using Fe‐ZDS as the theranostic probe, satisfactory treatment outcomes are achieved for photothermal therapy of tumors.
Strong Ferromagnetism Achieved via Breathing Lattices in Atomically Thin Cobaltites
Authors: Li Sisi , Zhang Qinghua , Lin Shan , Sang Xiahan , Need Ryan F. , Roldan Manuel A. , Cui Wenjun , Hu Zhiyi , Jin Qiao , Chen Shuang , Zhao Jiali , Wang Jia‐Ou , Wang Jiesu , He Meng , Ge Chen , Wang Can , Lu Hui‐Bin , Wu Zhenping , Guo Haizhong , Tong Xin , Zhu Tao , Kirby Brian , Gu Lin , Jin Kui‐juan , Guo Er‐Jia
Published: December 2020

Low‐dimensional quantum materials that remain strongly ferromagnetic down to monolayer thickness are highly desired for spintronic applications. Although oxide materials are important candidates for the next generation of spintronics, ferromagnetism decays severely when the thickness is scaled to the nanometer regime, leading to deterioration of device performance. Here, a methodology is reported for maintaining strong ferromagnetism in insulating LaCoO3 (LCO) layers down to the thickness of a single unit cell. It is found that the magnetic and electronic states of LCO are linked intimately to the structural parameters of adjacent “breathing lattice” SrCuO2 (SCO). As the dimensionality of SCO is reduced, the lattice constant elongates over 10% along the growth direction, leading to a significant distortion of the CoO6 octahedra, and promoting a higher spin state and long‐range spin ordering. For atomically thin LCO layers, surprisingly large magnetic moment (0.5 μB/Co) and Curie temperature (75 K), values larger than previously reported for any monolayer oxides are observed. The results demonstrate a strategy for creating ultrathin ferromagnetic oxides by exploiting atomic heterointerface engineering, confinement‐driven structural transformation, and spin‐lattice entanglement in strongly correlated materials.
Ultrasoft and High‐Mobility Block Copolymers for Skin‐Compatible Electronics
Authors: Ditte Kristina , Perez Jonathan , Chae Soosang , Hambsch Mike , Al‐Hussein Mahmoud , Komber Hartmut , Formanek Peter , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Fery Andreas , Kiriy Anton , Lissel Franziska
Published: December 2020

Polymer semiconductors (PSCs) are an essential component of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), but their potential for stretchable electronics is limited by their brittleness and failure susceptibility upon strain. Herein, a covalent connection of two state‐of‐the‐art polymers—semiconducting poly‐diketo‐pyrrolopyrrole‐thienothiophene (PDPP‐TT) and elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)—in a single triblock copolymer (TBC) chain is reported, which enables high charge carrier mobility and low modulus in one system. Three TBCs containing up to 65 wt% PDMS were obtained, and the TBC with 65 wt% PDMS content exhibits mobilities up to 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1, in the range of the fully conjugated reference polymer PDPP‐TT (0.7 cm2 V−1 s−1). The TBC is ultrasoft with a low elastic modulus (5 MPa) in the range of mammalian tissue. The TBC exhibits an excellent stretchability and extraordinary durability, fully maintaining the initial electric conductivity in a doped state after 1500 cycles to 50% strain.
Colors of Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wei Nan , Tian Ying , Liao Yongping , Komatsu Natsumi , Gao Weilu , Lyuleeva‐Husemann Alina , Zhang Qiang , Hussain Aqeel , Ding Er‐Xiong , Yao Fengrui , Halme Janne , Liu Kaihui , Kono Junichiro , Jiang Hua , Kauppinen Esko I.
Published: December 2020

Although single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exhibit various colors in suspension, directly synthesized SWCNT films usually appear black. Recently, a unique one‐step method for directly fabricating green and brown films has been developed. Such remarkable progress, however, has brought up several new questions. The coloration mechanism, potentially achievable colors, and color controllability of SWCNTs are unknown. Here, a quantitative model is reported that can predict the specific colors of SWCNT films and unambiguously identify the coloration mechanism. Using this model, colors of 466 different SWCNT species are calculated, which reveals a broad spectrum of potentially achievable colors of SWCNTs. The calculated colors are in excellent agreement with existing experimental data. Furthermore, the theory predicts the existence of many brilliantly colored SWCNT films, which are experimentally expected. This study shows that SWCNTs as a form of pure carbon, can display a full spectrum of vivid colors, which is expected to complement the general understanding of carbon materials.
Nanofibrous Patches for Repairing Cracked Surfaces
Authors: Natsathaporn Papada , Crespy Daniel
Published: December 2020

Crack repairing aims at reducing crack propagation to maintain the mechanical properties and extend the lifetime of materials. Self‐healing materials require the presence of fillers containing healing agents or a material's matrix with an intrinsic healing ability. A “patch‐and‐heal” strategy is proposed here to repair small cracks on existing materials. First, nanofibrous patches encapsulating photoinitiators or catalysts are fabricated by electrospinning. Then, small cracks are covered with flexible nanofibrous patches containing a photoinitiator or a photocatalyst. After dropping monomers on the patches, a polymer film and a foam are formed rapidly after UV‐irradiation or a thermal treatment, respectively. The “patch‐and‐heal” strategy is therefore a promising concept for repairing small cracks in a rapid and convenient manner.
Reactivity Screening of Single Atoms on Modified Graphene Surface: From Formation and Scaling Relations to Catalytic Activity
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandar Z. , Mentus Slavko V. , Skorodumova Natalia V. , Pašti Igor A.
Published: December 2020

Single atom catalysts (SACs) present the ultimate level of catalyst utilization, which puts them in the focus of current research. Using density functional theory calculations, model SACs consisting of nine metals (Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, and Au) on four different supports (pristine graphene, N‐ and B‐doped graphene and graphene with single vacancy) are analyzed. Only graphene with a single vacancy enables the formation of SACs, which are stable in terms of aggregation and dissolution under electrochemical conditions. Reactivity of models SACs is probed using atomic (hydrogen and A = C, N, O, and S) and molecular adsorbates (AHx, x = 1, 2, 3, or 4, depending on A). Scaling relations between adsorption energies of A and AHx on model SACs are confirmed. However, the scaling is broken for CH3. There is also an evident scaling between adsorption energies of atomic and molecular adsorbates on metals SAs supported by pristine, N‐doped and B‐doped graphene, which originates from similar electronic structures of SAs on these supports. Using the obtained data, the authors analyze the hydrogen evolution on the model SACs. Only M@graphene vacancy systems (excluding Ag and Au) are stable under hydrogen evolution conditions in highly acidic solutions.
Synergistically Enhanced Amplified Spontaneous Emission by Cd Doping and Cl‐Assisted Crystallization
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wen Jialun , Ren Xiaodong , Jin Shengye , Liu Shengzhong
Published: December 2020

Organic−inorganic hybrid halide perovskite materials have recently been recognized as a promising optical gain medium, and the development of optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of perovskite materials with low threshold and high optical gain will be on the only way to go for realizing its commercial perovskite laser. In this work, enhanced‐performance ASE with lower threshold and higher optical gain is obtained in CdCl2 passivated FA0.9MA0.15Cs0.3PbI2.7Br0.3 (FAMACs) polycrystalline films coated with poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer. The ASE threshold of the FAMACs polycrystalline films with CdCl2 is significantly reduced from 18.7 to 7.9 µJ cm−2, with an enhanced ASE output intensity and stability. The improved ASE performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Cd ion doping and Cl‐ion‐assisted crystallization in the FAMACs polycrystalline films, exhibiting remarkably enhanced photoluminescence, a prolonged decay lifetime and a low defect density, and thus leading to easily achieve the population inversion due to the reduction of nonradiative recombination of carriers in the optical gain medium.
Caffeine‐Operated Synthetic Modules for Chemogenetic Control of Protein Activities by Life Style
Authors: Wang Tianlu , He Lian , Jing Ji , Lan Tien‐Hung , Hong Tingting , Wang Fen , Huang Yun , Ma Guolin , Zhou Yubin
Published: December 2020

A genetically encoded caffeine‐operated synthetic module (COSMO) is introduced herein as a robust chemically induced dimerization (CID) system. COSMO enables chemogenetic manipulation of biological processes by caffeine and its metabolites, as well as caffeinated beverages, including coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. This CID tool, evolved from an anti‐caffeine nanobody via cell‐based high‐throughput screening, permits caffeine‐inducible gating of calcium channels, tumor killing via necroptosis, growth factors‐independent activation of tyrosine receptor kinase signaling, and enhancement of nanobody‐mediated antigen recognition for the severe acute respiratory distress coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike protein. Further rationalized engineering of COSMO leads to 34–217‐fold enhancement in caffeine sensitivity (EC50 = 16.9 nanomolar), which makes it among the most potent CID systems like the FK506 binding protein (FKBP)–FKBP rapamycin binding domain (FRB)–rapamycin complex. Furthermore, bivalent COSMO (biCOMSO) connected with a long linker favors intramolecular dimerization and acts as a versatile precision switch when inserted in host proteins to achieve tailored function. Given the modularity and high transferability of COMSO and biCOSMO, these chemical biology tools are anticipated to greatly accelerate the development of therapeutic cells and biologics that can be switched on and off by caffeinated beverages commonly consumed in the daily life.
Porous FeCo Glassy Alloy as Bifunctional Support for High‐Performance Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Pan Fuping , Li Zhao , Yang Zhenzhong , Ma Qing , Wang Maoyu , Wang Han , Olszta Matthew , Wang Guanzhi , Feng Zhenxing , Du Yingge , Yang Yang
Published: December 2020

The Zn‐air battery (ZAB) is attracting increasing attention due to its high safety and preeminent performance. However, the practical application of ZAB relies heavily on developing durable support materials to replace conventional carbon supports which have unrecoverable corrosion issues, severely jeopardizing ZAB performance. Herein, a novel porous FeCo glassy alloy is developed as a bifunctional catalytic support for ZAB. The conducting skeleton of the porous glassy alloy is used to stabilize oxygen reduction cocatalysts, and more importantly, the FeCo serves as the primary phase for oxygen evolution. To demonstrate the concept of catalytic glassy alloy support, ultrasmall Pd nanoparticles are anchored, as oxygen reduction active sites, on the porous FeCo (noted as Pd/FeCo) for ZAB. The Pd/FeCo exhibits a significantly improved electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction (a half‐wave potential of 0.85 V) and oxygen evolution (a potential of 1.55 V to reach 10 mA cm−2) in the alkaline media. When used in the ZAB, the Pd/FeCo delivers an output power density of 117 mW cm−2 and outstanding cycling stability for over 200 h (400 cycles), surpassing the conventional carbon‐supported Pt/C+IrO2 catalysts. Such an integrated design that combines highly active components with a porous architecture provides a new strategy to develop novel nanostructured electrocatalysts.
Fluorinated End Group Enables High‐Performance All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Near‐Infrared Absorption and Enhanced Device Efficiency over 14%
Authors: Yu Han , Qi Zhenyu , Yu Jianwei , Xiao Yiqun , Sun Rui , Luo Zhenghui , Cheung Andy Man Hong , Zhang Jianquan , Sun Huiliang , Zhou Wentao , Chen Shangshang , Guo Xugang , Lu Xinhui , Gao Feng , Min Jie , Yan He
Published: December 2020

Fluorination of end groups has been a great success in developing efficient small molecule acceptors. However, this strategy has not been applied to the development of polymer acceptors. Here, a dihalogenated end group modified by fluorine and bromine atoms simultaneously, namely IC‐FBr, is first developed, then employed to construct a new polymer acceptor (named PYF‐T) for all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). In comparison with its non‐fluorinated counterpart (PY‐T), PYF‐T exhibits stronger and red‐shifted absorption spectra, stronger molecular packing and higher electron mobility. Meanwhile, the fluorination on the end groups down‐shifts the energy levels of PYF‐T, which matches better with the donor polymer PM6, leading to efficient charge transfer and small voltage loss. As a result, an all‐PSC based on PM6:PYF‐T yields a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.1% than that of PM6:PY‐T (11.1%), which is among the highest values for all‐PSCs reported to date. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of fluorination of end‐groups in designing high‐performance polymer acceptors, which paves the way toward developing more efficient and stable all‐PSCs.