bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of Maxillary Anterior Region Dental Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Mehrotra Deepshikha , Shetty Rajmohan Y , Shetty Amarshree A
Published: October 2023

Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDIs) to the maxillary anterior teeth occur frequently in paediatric and adolescent populations. Prompt diagnosis, correct treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are pertinent aspects of successfully managing multiple TDIs in a patient. The present case report of a 13-year-old female patient describes a multidisciplinary approach necessary to successfully manage dental trauma of an avulsed maxillary central incisor and a complicated crown fracture involving the maxillary left lateral incisor in an adolescent. The complicated crown-root fracture was treated with endodontic therapy, followed by the placement of a fibrereinforced post, core build-up, and the cementing of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Bone grafting with a mandibular symphysis block autograft, followed by prosthetic rehabilitation with transitional implants, was performed to restore the aesthetics, form, and function of the avulsed maxillary central incisors. The use of osseointegrated implants has gained wide acceptance in the adult population. However, due to concerns regarding growth, their use in the paediatric population is not as common. This accounts for a scarcity of clinical cases reported in the literature. There are no established guidelines for the placement of implants in growing patients. Thus, authors believe that the present case report contributes to the literature on this subject. The treatment of this complex, multi-dental injury in the maxillary anterior region of a young female required a holistic approach with a step-wise progressive, long-term treatment plan. Traumatic injuries in adolescent patients can adversely impact their oral health-related quality of life if not treated correctly.
Enhancing Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Growth, Yield and Water Productivity through Irrigation and Mulching Techniques in Local Climate
Authors: Islam Md. Serazul , Hossain Md. Farid , Pervin Shahnaj
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Broccoli's efficient irrigation management is critical with changing climatic patterns and increasing water scarcity. The study aimed to assess the impacts of various irrigation methods and mulching techniques on broccoli cultivation.

Methodology: A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, considering two factors: irrigation methods (drip and surface) and mulching materials (black polythene, white polythene, grass straw, and no mulching).

Results: Drip irrigation, combined with black polythene mulching (I1MBP), consistently demonstrated its superiority that significantly improved multiple aspects of plant growth, yield and water productivity. In particular, I1MBP resulted in the highest plant heights at different growth stages, with the tallest plants at harvest (43.87 cm). However, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed higher plant heights but slightly shorter than drip irrigation. A similar trend was observed for the number of leaves per plant, with the I1MBP treatment having the most leaves. In curd development, the treatment (I1MBP) produced curds with larger diameters and lengths at harvest. In contrast, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed a larger curd size but, again, slightly lower than drip irrigation. In terms of curd initiation time, the I1MBP treatment had a longer duration, while the I1MN treatment had a shorter duration. Surface irrigation treatments followed a similar trend. With respect to yield, the I1MBP consistently had the highest unit weight of curd (423.14 g plant-1), yield per plot (25.39 Kg plot-1), and total yield (16.93 t ha-1), regardless of the mulching condition. However, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed higher yields (15.93 t ha-1) but slightly less than drip irrigation. On the other hand, the I1MBP demonstrated superior water use efficiencies (74.68 kg/ha-mm) and productivity (7.47 Kg m-3) compared to other treatments. Still, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also exhibited better water use efficiency (64.98 kg/ha-mm) and productivity (6.50 Kg m-3) than treatments with no mulch. Environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours, and evaporation, were found to correlate with broccoli growth stages, emphasizing their influence on crop development.

Conclusion: Finally, drip irrigation and black polythene mulching are pivotal for improved growth, yield, and water management, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
Behavioral Pattern of Photovoltaics Enhanced with Automatic Cooling Mechanism
Authors: Njok Armstrong O. , Ogbulezie Julie C. , Archibong Effiong A.
Published: October 2023

The increase in PV panel temperature with increasing level of solar power and solar flux is a major disadvantage when using Photovoltaics for electricity generation. Nigeria is a country that is blessed with enormous amount of sunlight throughout the year which should make it a good environment for the generation of electricity via photovoltaic technology. The daytime temperature of Nigeria is a major barrier towards the effective generation of electricity via photovoltaic technology. To remedy this issue of temperature, a cooling mechanism has to be considered in the process of any PV system design. An automatic cooling mechanism and an intelligent photovoltaic maximum power point tracker were deployed in the study. Experimental measurements were carried out in real outdoor conditions. The results of the study reveal an average increase of 6.42%, 7.77%, 18.34%, and 18.15% for voltage, current, power and efficiency respectively for the PV module under thermal regulation. This study demonstrates that cooling mechanism should be incorporated in the process of designing photovoltaic systems for optimum energy yield.
Virulence and Molecular Detection of Cassava Mosaic and Brown Streak Virus Genes on Elite Mutant Cassava Lines
Authors: Kimno Lydia Chepkoech , Were Javan Omondi , Bimpong Isaac Kofi , Kinyua Miriam Gaceri , Kimno Stephen
Published: October 2023

Unavailability of germplasm with Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) tolerance genes remains the main bottleneck towards management of the two diseases in tropic and sub-tropic regions in Africa. We assessed the pathogenicity of two viruses and established the presence of genes linked to CBSD and CMD among some elite cassava lines using field techniques and PCR methods. The screen-house experiment was arranged in split plot in completely randomized block design replicated thrice. Severity data was done on a scale of 1 - 5 at an interval of 14 days post inoculation. Symptomatic fresh leaves were used in the extraction of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid and amplification done using markers linked to African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), separated bands  scored as present (+) or absent (-) and visualized under UV trans-illuminator. Virulence and pathogenicity results showed higher tolerance to CBSD and CMD under single inoculation. In contrast, dual inoculation synergistically increased severity expression leading defoliation at early stages of growth. DNA amplification found no CBSD and CMD alleles in CAS1. However, some traces of the alleles were amplified on CAS2, CAS3, KME3 and KME4. Mutant cassava lines exhibited low severity compared to parental lines which were genetically different in terms of viral genes detected by the ACMV linked markers.
Influence on Crop Health and Yields as Affected by Soil Organic Matter and Crop Residue Management: An Overview
Authors: Hazarika Jahnabi , Gupta Shilpi , Saroj Nanhe Lal , Saikia Tikendrajit , Roy Manuranjan
Published: October 2023

For growth of plants and crop productivity, soil is a crucial component. However, just a very small portion of the soil is genuinely fertile for farming these days, and if we managed it incorrectly, it could be depleted. It has been demonstrated that organic nutrients increase crop production, quality, and yield, which in turn improves the quality as well as richness of the soil's characteristics and creates a more favorable environment for the soil's beneficial microorganisms. According to reports, organic carbon in the soil and soil matter are the most significant indicators of soil quality and soil health. They are also advantageous for the sustainability of agriculture. Crop residue can be used effectively to improve soil quality and increase or maintain SOM's physical and chemical qualities.
Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Soil Actinomycetes from Diverse Land Use Systems in Meru South, Eastern Kenya
Authors: Gitari Judith M. , Muraya Moses M. , Onyango Benson O. , Maingi John M.
Published: October 2023

Aim: The increasing emergence and global spread of antibiotic-resistance by microorganisms pose a severe public health threat. Continuous exploration of different environments is required to find new sources of antibacterial compounds. Therefore, the study isolated, characterized and identified potential Actinomycetes candidates with antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens from diverse land use systems.

Study Design: Soil samples from land use systems were collected using a cross-sectional survey technique using line transect sampling in order to isolate Actinomycetes. A 30 × 7× 3 factorial experiment with a completely randomized design was used for evaluating Actinomycetes isolates with antibacterial activity.

Methodology: The in-vitro cultivation of Actinomycetes was evaluated using four selective media. The Actinomycetes isolates were characterized using morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers. The antibacterial activity screening of crude extracts was conducted against six bacterial pathogens using the agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of Actinomycetes isolates were analyzed using Analysis of Variance. The molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA sequence homology.

Results: The morphological analysis showed variations in colony morphology, including differences in color, size, and texture. Biochemical tests provided insights into the metabolic capabilities of the isolates, indicating variations in enzymatic activities and substrate utilization. Antagonistic activity of Actinomycetes extracts exhibited significant differences (P =.05) against test bacterial pathogens. Notably, isolate C52 from degraded forest zone showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (12.21 mm), isolate L6 (16.23 mm) against Listeria monocytogenes and isolate C50 (15.5 mm) against Raoutella planticola. Streptomyces celluloflavus, S. griseobrunneus, S. pratensis, S. crystallinus, and S. eurocidicus were identified in the study.

Conclusion: The crude extracts obtained from Actinomycetes showed significant antibacterial activity against the selected test organisms. This suggests the presence of bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial properties within these extracts.
Comparative Study of Dormant Bud Development in Taro [Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Xanthosoma sp. and Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] in Relation to their Size and Localization on the Principal Tuber
Authors: Joseph Akaza Moroh , Roland Anzara Gnigouan Kadio Guy , Georges Yao Kouakou Abéssika , Bakari Kouassi Abou , Simon-Pierre N’Guetta Assanvo
Published: October 2023

The study was to determine the effects of variety, position and bud size on six parameters of taro development and production. For that, 480 tuber cuttings of three varieties (C1, C3, CD) of Colocasia and (X1, X4, X5) of Xanthosoma carrying small and large buds were sown in a complete randomized blocks design with two repetitions, in the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Côte d'Ivoire). The analyses showed that leaves of X5 emerged earlier (23 days). Also, leaves limb of X1, X4, X5 are longer (22 to 25 cm) and wider (20 to 25 cm) than those of C3 and CD (19 cm). Petioles and leaves are longer (51 and 74.25 cm, respectively) in X1. In contrast, Colocasia produced more tubers. Overall, bud of the top germinated earlier (26 days), generated longer (22.90 cm) and wider (22.54 cm) laminas and more tubers. Conversely, petioles and leaves from bud of the middle are longer. Also the large buds sprouted earlier (24.82 days) and generated longer (24.09 cm), wider (23.48 cm) laminas, longer petioles (45.32 cm) and leaves (69.43 cm). Furthermore, in individual varieties, on the one hand, plants grown from top buds presented the widest laminas (19.89 and 25.58 cm), in CD and X5, the longest petioles and leaves (41.44 and 67.83 cm) and, in addition, produced the greatest number (3.35) of tubers, in X5. On the other hand, large bud germinated earlier (25.20 days) in C3 and generated the longest laminas (19.71 to 26.84 cm) in the five varieties, wide (21.96 to 27.32 cm) in X1, X4, C3, the longest petioles (46.57 cm) in C3, longest leaves (61.30 to 79.73 cm) in C3, X1, X4 and the greatest number (3 to 6.23) of tubers in C3 and X4. All these findings should be exploited for better taro production.
Population Characteristics and Organ Procurement Organization Performance Metrics
Authors: Lopez Rocio , Mohan Sumit , Schold Jesse D.
Published: October 2023

Importance

In 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule updating the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) Conditions for Coverage. This rule evaluates OPO performance based on an unadjusted donation rate and an age-adjusted transplant rate; however, neither considers other underlying population differences.

Objective

To evaluate whether adjusting for age and/or area deprivation index yields the same tier assignments as the cause, age, and location consistent (CALC) tier used by CMS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the performance of 58 OPOs from 2018 to 2020 across the entire US. A total of 12 041 778 death records were examined from the 2017 to 2020 National Center for Health Statistics’ Restricted Vital Statistics Detailed Multiple Cause of Death files; 399 530 of these met the definition of potential deceased donor. Information about 42 572 solid organ donors from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was also used. Statistical analysis was performed from January 2017 to December 2020.

Exposure

Area deprivation of donation service areas and age of potential donors.

Main Outcome and Measures

OPO performance as measured by donation and transplant rates.

Results

A total of 399 530 potential deceased donors and 42 572 actual solid donor organs were assigned to 1 of 58 OPOs. Age and ADI adjustment resulted in 19.0% (11 of 58) to 31.0% (18 of 58) reclassification of tier ratings for the OPOs, with 46.6% of OPOs (27 of 58) changing tier ranking at least once during the 3-year period. Between 6.9% (4 of 58) and 12.1% (7 of 58) moved into tier 1 and up to 8.6% (5 of 58) moved into tier 3.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study of population characteristics and OPO performance metrics found that adjusting for area deprivation and age significantly changed OPO measured performance and tier classifications. These findings suggest that underlying population characteristics may alter processes of care and characterize donation and transplant rates independent of OPO performance. Risk adjustment accounting for population characteristics warrants consideration in prospective policy and further evaluation of quality metrics.
Medical Physics Leadership Academy Journal Club (Leadership Club) program: Two‐year review in building a community of leaders
Authors: Cetnar Ashley J. , Hall Kelsey , Hirata Emily Y. , Wang Dongxu , Collins Cielle E. , Barreto Izabella L. , Edward Sharbacha S. , Kapadia Anuj , Wells Michelle C. , Wilson Joshua M. , Xu Yiwen , Johnson Jennifer L.
Published: October 2023

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine began the Medical Physics Leadership Academy Journal Club in the fall of 2020. The initiative was launched to provide a forum for medical physicists to learn about leadership topics using published material, discuss and reflect on the material, and consider incorporating the discussed skills into their professional practice. This report presents the framework for the MPLA Journal Club program, describes the lessons learned over the last 2 years, summarizes the data collected from attendees, and highlights the roadmap for the program moving forward.
UN: Changing drug markets, barriers to care endanger public worldwide
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2023

The United Nations' (UN's) latest annual report on worldwide drug trends paints a concerning picture characterized by a largely unaddressed treatment gap and increasingly fluid drug markets that challenge both supply‐ and demand‐side initiatives. The report calls for a substantial policy and financial commitment to addressing economic, sociocultural and gender‐based inequalities in access to drug treatment and related health services.
Microstructure Evolution and Shear Strength of TiAl‐Based Intermetallics Joint Vacuum Brazed with TiH2–Ni–TiB2 Powder Filler
Authors: Li Li , Yuan Leixin , Luo Fen , Chen Yutong , Zhao Wei , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2023

Vacuum brazing of Ti–47Al–2Nb–2Cr–0.15B (at%) alloy with TiH2–Ni–TiB2 powder filler in situ assisted 20 vol% TiB whiskers is performed at 1190–1250 °C for 10 min. The microstructure evolution of the joint at various brazing temperatures and the relationship between microstructure and joint properties are systematically investigated. In the results, it is indicated that the interfacial microstructure of the γ‐TiAl joint brazed at 1230 °C is γ‐TiAl/Ti3Al + Al3NiTi2 (layer I)/Al3NiTi2 + Ti3Al (layer II)/Al3NiTi2 + TiB + Ti3Al (layer III)/Al3NiTi2 + Ti3Al (layer II)/Ti3Al + Al3NiTi2 (layer I)/γ‐TiAl. The layer II containing high‐hardness Al3NiTi2 is always the weakest part in the brazed joint. The microstructure refinement and load‐bearing behavior of layer III are increased with brazing temperature due to the increasing length of the TiB whisker. Variation of the content of low‐hardness Ti3Al in layer II as well as its microstructure refinement and internal bonding strength, the shear strength of γ‐TiAl joints is first increased and then decreased with brazing temperature, but that of Al3NiTi2 in layer II is reversed. The joint brazed at 1230 °C possesses the maximum shear strength of 332.87 MPa and a quasi‐cleavage fracture occurs in the layer II mainly consisted of Al3NiTi2.
Giant Nonvolatile Electric Field Control of Proximity‐Induced Magnetism in the Spin–Orbit Semimetal SrIrO3
Authors: Jaiswal Arun Kumar , Eder Robert , Wang Di , Wollersen Vanessa , Tacon Matthieu Le , Fuchs Dirk
Published: September 2023

With its potential for drastically reduced operation power of information processing devices, electric field control of magnetism has generated huge research interest. Recently, novel perspectives offered by the inherently large spin–orbit coupling of 5d transition metals have emerged. Here, nonvolatile electrical control of the proximity‐induced magnetism in SrIrO3 based back‐gated heterostructures is demonstrated. Up to a 700% variation of the anomalous Hall conductivity (σAHE) and Hall angle (ΘAHE) as function of the applied gate voltage Vg is reported. In contrast, the Curie temperature TC ≈ 100 K and magnetic anisotropy of the system remain essentially unaffected by Vg indicating a robust ferromagnetic state in SrIrO3 which strongly hints to gating‐induced changes of the anomalous Berry curvature. The electric‐field induced ferroelectric‐like state of SrTiO3 enables nonvolatile switching behavior of σAHE and ΘAHE below 60 K. The large tunability of this system, opens new avenues toward efficient electric‐field manipulation of magnetism.
Injectable Bioactive Antioxidative One‐Component Polycitrate Hydrogel with Anti‐Inflammatory Effects for Osteoarthritis Alleviation and Cartilage Protection
Authors: Wang Min , Li Sihua , Zhang Liuyang , Tian Jing , Ma Junping , Lei Bo , Xu Peng
Published: October 2023

Chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) can destroy the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), causing cartilage damage and further exacerbating the inflammation. Effective regulation of the inflammatory microenvironment has important clinical significance for OA alleviation and cartilage protection. Polycitrate‐based polymers have good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory abilities but cannot self‐polymerize to form hydrogels. Herein, a one‐component multifunctional polycitrate‐based (PCCGA) hydrogel for OA alleviation and cartilage protection is reported. The PCCGA hydrogel is prepared using only the PCCGA polymer by self‐polymerization and exhibits multifunctional properties such as injectability, adhesion, controllable pore size and elasticity, self‐healing ability, and photoluminescence. Moreover, the PCCGA hydrogel exhibits good biocompatibility, biodegradability, antioxidation by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species, and anti‐inflammatory ability by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and promoting the proliferation and migration of stem cells. In vivo results from an OA rat model show that the PCCGA hydrogel can effectively alleviate OA and protect the cartilage by restoring uniform articular surface and cartilage ECM levels, as well as inhibiting cartilage resorption and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 levels. These results indicate that the PCCGA hydrogel, as a novel bioactive material, is an effective strategy for OA treatment and has broad application prospects in inflammation‐related biomedicine.
A Smart Stimulation–Deadhesion and Antimicrobial Hydrogel for Repairing Diabetic Wounds Infected with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bei Zhongwu , Zhang Linghong , Li Jianan , Tong Qi , Shi Kun , Chen Wen , Yu Yan , Sun Ao , Xu Yang , Liu Jie , Qian Zhiyong
Published: October 2023

The healing of chronic diabetic wounds is a common and significant challenge in the medical field. Despite extensive efforts, the development of hydrogel dressings with satisfactory functionality remains an ongoing concern. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing (PAN/Ag‐PLG) with adhesion, antibacterial, hemostatic, and other properties, which can effectively repair diabetic wounds infected with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is presented. The hydrogel dressing is composed of gallic acid (GA)‐functionalized polylysine (PL)‐reduced silver nanoparticles (Ag‐PLG), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and cross‐linked polyacrylic acid grafted with N‐hydrosuccinimide ester. Notably, compared to most conventional wound dressing that lack adhesion or are difficult to remove, the prepared hydrogels exhibit excellent adhesion and mild stimulation‐triggered detachment. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that the PAN/Ag‐PLG hydrogel exhibits outstanding biocompatibility and antibacterial properties and promotes diabetic wound repair by reducing oxidative damage and promoting cell migration and angiogenesis. The smart PAN/Ag‐PLG hydrogel reported in this study provides an approach for the potential clinical development of painless antibacterial dressings.
Layered Inorganic Silicate Aerogel Pillared by Nanoclusters for High Temperature Thermal Insulation
Authors: Zhou Tianpei , Xu Yetao , Zhen Yu , Wu Kaijin , Ding Honghe , Wang Linjun , Tai Xiaolin , Cai Xueru , Zhang Xun , Xia Tianpu , Zhu Junfa , Chu Wangsheng , Ni Yong , Xie Yi , Wu Changzheng
Published: September 2023

Layered inorganic material, with large‐area interlayer surface and interface, provides an essential material platform for constructing new configuration of functional materials. Herein, a layered material pillared with nanoclusters realizing high temperature thermal insulation performance is demonstrated for the first time. Specifically, systematic synchrotron radiation spectroscopy and finite element calculation analysis show that ZrOx nanoclusters served as “pillars” to effectively produce porous structures with enough boundary defect while maintaining the layered structure, thereby significantly reducing solid state thermal conductivity (≈0.32 W m−1 K−1, 298–573 K). Moreover, the layered inorganic silicate material assembled aerogel also exhibits superior thermal insulation performance from room temperature (0.034 W m−1 K−1, 298 K, air conditions) to high temperature (0.187 W m−1 K−1, 1073 K, air conditions) and largely enhanced compressive strength (42 kPa at 80% compression), which is the best layered material‐based aerogel that has achieved synergistic improvement in thermal and mechanical performance so far. Layered inorganic silicate aerogel pillared by nanoclusters will pave a new avenue for the design of advanced thermal insulation materials under extreme conditions.
A Universal Strategy for Synthesis of 2D Ternary Transition Metal Phosphorous Chalcogenides
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Jijian , Zhao Chunyu , Liang Qingrong , Dong Weikang , Shi Jia , Wang Ping , Kong Denan , Lv Lu , Jia Lin , Wang Dainan , Huang Chun , Zheng Shoujun , Wang Meiling , Liu Fucai , Yu Peng , Qiao Jingsi , Ji Wei , Zhou Jiadong
Published: September 2023

The 2D ternary transition metal phosphorous chalcogenides (TMPCs) have attracted extensive research interest due to their widely tunable band gap, rich electronic properties, inherent magnetic and ferroelectric properties. However, the synthesis of TMPCs via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is still challenging since it is difficult to control reactions among multi‐precursors. Here, a subtractive element growth mechanism is proposed to controllably synthesize the TMPCs. Based on the growth mechanism, the TMPCs including FePS3, FePSe3, MnPS3, MnPSe3, CdPS3, CdPSe3, In2P3S9, and SnPS3 are achieved successfully and further confirmed by Raman, second‐harmonic generation (SHG), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The typical TMPCs–SnPS3 shows a strong SHG signal at 1064 nm, with an effective nonlinear susceptibility χ(2) of 8.41 × 10−11 m V−1, which is about 8 times of that in MoS2. And the photodetector based on CdPSe3 exhibits superior detection performances with responsivity of 582 mA W−1, high detectivity of 3.19 × 1011 Jones, and fast rise time of 611 µs, which is better than most previously reported TMPCs‐based photodetectors. These results demonstrate the high quality of TMPCs and promote the exploration of the optical properties of 2D TMPCs for their applications in optoelectronics.
Enhanced Visualization and Interpretation of XMCD‐PEEM Data Using SOM‐RPM Machine Learning
Authors: Wong See Yoong , Harmer Sarah L. , Gardner Wil , Schenk Alex K. , Ballabio Davide , Pigram Paul J.
Published: September 2023

Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is a powerful technique for surface characterization that provides detailed information on the chemical and structural properties of materials at the nanoscale. In this study, the potential is explored using a machine learning algorithm called self‐organizing map with a relational perspective map (SOM‐RPM) for visualizing and analyzing complex PEEM‐generated datasets. The application of SOM‐RPM is demonstrated using synchrotron‐based X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD)‐PEEM data acquired from a pyrrhotite sample. Traditional visualization approaches for XMCD‐PEEM data may not fully capture the complexity of the sample, especially in the case of heterogeneous materials. By applying SOM‐RPM to the XMCD‐PEEM data, a colored topographic map is created that represents the spectral similarities and dissimilarities among the pixels. This approach allows for a more intuitive and easily interpretable representation of the data without the need of data binning or spectral smoothing. The results of the SOM‐RPM analysis are compared to the conventional visualization approach, highlighting the advantages of SOM‐RPM in revealing features that are not readily observable in the conventional method. This study suggests that the SOM‐RPM approach can be used complimentarily for other PEEM‐based measurements, such as core level and valence band X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Fabrication of Hydroxyl‐Group‐Rich Reduced Graphene Oxide Film and its Application for Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Kim Cheol‐Hwi , Kim Seok In , Ju Fu Nan , Cho Yeon‐Woo , Kim Huijung , Park Joon‐Ha , Lee Kwang‐Ho , Son Hyungbin , Luo Zhengtang , Kim Tae‐Hyung
Published: October 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) can be obtained economically from graphite, and it has, therefore, been used for energy storage, conversion, and biosensor fabrication. To overcome the limitations associated with the poor electrical conductivity of GO, mild thermal reduction is widely used. However, owing to considerable variations in GO in terms of size and shape, uniform reduction of GO films is highly challenging. Herein, it reports a mildly reduced uniform graphene oxide thin film (mrUG) that is enriched with functional hydroxyl groups. This film is effective for electrochemical H2O2 decomposition and detection. A uniform graphene oxide thin film (UGTF) is first fabricated on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate and subjected to mild thermal annealing at 300 °C. Remarkably, the variations in all important parameters, including film thickness, surface roughness, reduction level, are significantly low in the case of mrUG. Moreover, It is found that unlike GO, UGTF undergoes structural rearrangement easily and possesses many hydroxyl groups (─OH) when reduced for a specific duration (t = 10 s, mrUG(10)). mrUG(10) is highly stable and effectively decomposed H2O2, which is advantageous for the electrochemical detection of H2O2 with extremely low signal variations. Therefore, mrUG(10) can be used as a carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalyst in biosensors, energy, and electronic applications.
Design and Fabrication of Wideband Dielectric Resonator Antenna Using Low Loss Ultra‐Low Sintering Temperature Li6B4O9 Microwave Dielectric Ceramic for Wireless Communication Applications
Authors: Shehbaz Muhammad , Du Chao , Alzakree Ahmed Redwan Hazaa , Wang Wei , Xia Song , Shi Zhong‐Qi , Zhou Tao , Liang Qi‐Xin , Zhang Mei‐Rong , Zhou Di
Published: October 2023

Low dielectric constant (ɛr), high quality‐factor (Q × f), and temperature stable microwave dielectric ceramics with ultra‐low sintering temperature are the preferred choice of researchers for the development of low‐cost and high‐performance dielectric resonator antenna (DRA), which have wide application prospects for wireless communication technology. In this work, wideband DRAs fabricated using ultra‐low sintering temperature, low‐loss, and high‐quality Li6B4O9 microwave dielectric ceramics are reported. Li6B4O9 ceramic synthesized via solid‐state reaction at sintering temperature of 620 °C demonstrates excellent microwave properties with optimum ɛr = 5.95, high Q × f = 38,700@12.4 GHz, and thermal coefficient of the resonant frequency (TCF ≈ −68.6ppm/○C). For the first time, performance comparison of two Li6B4O9‐based cylindrical DRAs with different ceramic aspect (radius to height) ratios excited by slot coupled microstrip line is realized. In the first DRA with ceramic aspect ratio of 0.864, DRA HE11δ mode is excited and bandwidth of 20.01% , 95% radiation efficiency, and 6.3 dBi maximum gain is attained. In the second DRA with ceramic aspect ratio of 2.367, slot and dielectric resonator resonances are merged to attain wide bandwidth of 38.15% over which antenna broadside radiation performance is preserved. The proposed DRAs can be utilized for high‐capacity, high‐speed wireless communication applications.
Enlargement of Bandgap and Birefringence in Nonlinear Optical Alkali‐Metal Sulfate Crystals by the Substitution of Asymmetrical Non‐π‐Conjugated Cation
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Gong Pifu , Wang Zhenyan , Jiang Huatong , Zhao Jianfu , Li Chao , Lin Zheshuai , Duan Xiulan , Yu Fapeng
Published: October 2023

Wide bandgap and large birefringence, as well as strong second harmonic effect, are important but often mutually restraint prerequisites for deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, a type of photoelectronic materials that play an indispensable role in the DUV laser generation. For the long term, the search for new DUV NLO crystals has focused on the alkali‐metal inorganic acid salts where the variations of anionic groups are considered. Herein, another design strategy is reported, in which the alkali‐metal cations are substituted by the asymmetrical non‐π‐conjugated cations to harmonize the above mutual restrictions. Accordingly, LiN2H5SO4 (LNHSO) crystal is obtained by the substitution of [N2H5]+ for alkali‐metal ions in LiMSO4 (M = Na, K, and Rb). Compared with LiMSO4 (M = Na, K, and Rb), LNHSO exhibits a moderate phase‐matching second‐harmonic generation response (0.6 × KH2PO4), increased birefringence (two to three times that of other sulfates), and the widest bandgap (7.69 eV) among all the reported NLO sulfates. The structural analysis and theoretical calculation reveal that the structural anisotropy, arrangement, and packing configuration of the novel NLO‐active [N2H5]+ cation in LNHSO effectively promotes the optical properties and enlarges the bandgap. This work provides an innovative perspective for the rational design and synthesis of DUV NLO materials with excellent performance.
Photoexcitation Control of Excitation Relaxation in Mixed‐Phase Ruddlesden‐Popper Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Lead‐Iodide Perovskites
Authors: Stadlbauer Anna , Eyre Lissa , Biewald Alexander , Rauh Felix , Heindl Markus W. , Liu Shangpu , Zerhoch Jonathan , Feldmann Sascha , Hartschuh Achim , Deschler Felix
Published: October 2023

The electronic states and exciton binding energies of layered Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) metal‐halide perovskites can be tailored through changes of their chemical composition, yielding multi‐phase systems with complex energy cascades. Ultrafast photoexcitation relaxation with transfer dynamics into domains of increasing layer number has been reported for these materials. Here, ultrafast optical spectroscopy is used to report an unexpected excitation energy dependence of photoexcitation relaxation dynamics in mixed‐dimensional benzylammonium cesium lead iodide RP perovskite (BeA2CsPb2I7) thin films, which gives rise to spectrally broadband luminescence over the visible region. Using transient absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy it is found that excitations, which are formed in the n  =  2 RP‐phase after photoexcitation with ≈0.2 electron volt excess energy, transfer to higher layer number RP‐phases on unexpectedly slow timescales of tens of picoseconds. Further, it is observed that such excitations are initially optically passive. Notably, luminescence occurs under these conditions from multiple RP‐phases with optical bandgaps across the visible range, yielding broadband luminescence. The results hold potential for realization of broadband white‐light emitters and other light‐emitting devices.
Hybrid Organic–Inorganic PMMA Optical Fibers Functionalized with Photochromic Active WO3 Nanoparticles: From Materials Design to Photochromic Fabrics
Authors: Badour Yazan , Pedros Matthieu , Gaudon Manuel , Danto Sylvain
Published: October 2023

Here, the direct incorporation of photochromic WO3 nanoparticles is investigated in a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by bulk radical polymerization for the fabrication of plastic optical fibers (POFs). All the prepared composites, from preforms to 1D single fibers and 2D fabrics, are thoroughly investigated, leading to insight into their thermal, morphological, and photochromic properties (coloring/bleaching amplitudes and kinetics). It is found that the preforms exhibit partially irreversible photochromic behavior, whereas the single fibers proved to be effectively reversibly photochromic through a degradation of transmission signal upon UV irradiation and a full recovery under dark conditions. The as‐prepared PMMA plastic fibers, both undoped and doped, show good homogeneity without any imperfections or contamination. The WO3 nanoparticles play a dual role as intrinsic and extrinsic absorption centres leading to higher transmission losses. Finally, a hand‐made textile woven with a bundle of doped fibers is presented. The proposed 1D single fibers and 2D fabrics demonstrate their great potential as novel hybrid inorganic–organic materials in the domain of flexible UV‐sensors and photochromic smart textile with improved color stability and lifetime.
High‐Efficiency TADF Polymers with a Spatially Confined Conjugated Backbone Enable Solution‐Processable Blue OLEDs Realizing over 20% EQE
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Xie Yanchao , Hua Lei , Li Shengyu , Tong Xingwen , Ying Shian , Yan Shouke , Ren Zhongjie
Published: September 2023

The concept of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) conjugated polymers has the advantage of enabling solution‐processable devices and harnessing singlet and triplet excitons simultaneously, whereas the resultant redshift of emission spectra and inevitable drop‐off of triplet excited states are detrimental to exploring high‐efficiency blue conjugated polymeric emitters. Herein, a feasible molecular design strategy is proposed by combining a spatially confined conjugated backbone and a TADF moiety isolated by a saturated spiro spacer to enable blue emission in newly designed partly conjugated TADF polymers, simultaneously achieving an excellent photoluminescence quantum yield of over 80% and a relatively high reverse intersystem crossing rate of 4.2 × 105 s−1. Endowed by superior photophysical properties and balanced carrier mobility, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 20.5% is achieved with emission at 486 nm and Commission Internationalede l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.18, 0.31), which is so far the highest efficiency for solution‐processed blue TADF polymer light‐emitting diodes.
0D Cs3Cd1‐xMnxBr5 Nanocrystals Embedded in Glass for Optical Thermometry
Authors: Ye Ying , Li Kai , Niu Luyue , Ren Jing , Liu Chao
Published: September 2023

Mn2+‐activated metal halides are widely reported in multi‐functional optoelectronic applications. However, Mn2+‐related optical thermometry is seldom discussed. In this work, all‐inorganic Cs3CdBr5 nanocrystals (NCs) are precipitated in glass. Incorporation of Mn2+ acts as a nucleation agent to promote the growth and improve the optical properties of Cs3CdBr5 NCs embedded in glass with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 66%. It is found that [MnBr4]‐[MnBr4] structural units are strongly coupled in Cs3Cd1‐xMnxBr5 NCs, leading to efficient energy transfer from a single [MnBr4] unit to [MnBr4]‐[MnBr4] couples and subsequent green‐red dual‐band emission with the same excitation spectra. The temperature‐dependence of green emission from the [MnBr4] unit and red emission from the [MnBr4]‐[MnBr4] couples results in high Sa (0.0241 K−1 at 168 K) and Sr (3.0346% K−1 at 74 K) from Cs3Cd1‐xMnxBr5 NCs embedded in glasses. These results pave the way for novel Mn2+‐activated metal halide NCs for high‐sensitive temperature sensors.
Neuromorphic Computing via Fission‐based Broadband Frequency Generation
Authors: Fischer Bennet , Chemnitz Mario , Zhu Yi , Perron Nicolas , Roztocki Piotr , MacLellan Benjamin , Di Lauro Luigi , Aadhi A. , Rimoldi Cristina , Falk Tiago H. , Morandotti Roberto
Published: October 2023

The performance limitations of traditional computer architectures have led to the rise of brain‐inspired hardware, with optical solutions gaining popularity due to the energy efficiency, high speed, and scalability of linear operations. However, the use of optics to emulate the synaptic activity of neurons has remained a challenge since the integration of nonlinear nodes is power‐hungry and, thus, hard to scale. Neuromorphic wave computing offers a new paradigm for energy‐efficient information processing, building upon transient and passively nonlinear interactions between optical modes in a waveguide. Here, an implementation of this concept is presented using broadband frequency conversion by coherent higher‐order soliton fission in a single‐mode fiber. It is shown that phase encoding on femtosecond pulses at the input, alongside frequency selection and weighting at the system output, makes transient spectro‐temporal system states interpretable and allows for the energy‐efficient emulation of various digital neural networks. The experiments in a compact, fully fiber‐integrated setup substantiate an anticipated enhancement in computational performance with increasing system nonlinearity. The findings suggest that broadband frequency generation, accessible on‐chip and in‐fiber with off‐the‐shelf components, may challenge the traditional approach to node‐based brain‐inspired hardware design, ultimately leading to energy‐efficient, scalable, and dependable computing with minimal optical hardware requirements.
Elucidating the Active Sites and Synergies in Water Splitting on Manganese Oxide Nanosheets on Graphite Support
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten O. , Wark André , Haid Richard W. , Kluge Regina M. , Suzuki Shinya , Kamiya Kazuhide , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Maruyama Jun , Skúlason Egill
Published: October 2023

Photosystem II is nature's solution for driving the oxygen evolution reaction to oxidize water. A manganese‐oxide cluster is this protein's active center for water splitting, while the most efficient man‐made catalysts are costly noble metal‐based oxides. Facing the climate change, research on affordable and abundant electrocatalysts is crucial. To mimic the biological solution, manganese oxide nanosheets are synthesized and deposited on highly‐oriented pyrolytic graphite. This electrocatalyst is then examined with spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, electrochemical noise scanning tunneling microscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The detailed investigation assigns the origin of its enhanced water‐splitting performance to detected activity at the nanosheet edges which the proposed mechanism explains further. Therefore, the results provide a blueprint for how to design efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation with abundant materials.
Soil pH mapping as a function of land use, elevation, and rainfall in the lake tana basin, northwestern of ethiopia
Authors: Belay Addisu Mengist , Selassie Yihenew G. , Tsegaye Enyew Adgo , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Addis Hailu Kendie
Published: October 2023

Soil acidity has become a serious problem in the northern highlands of Ethiopia, limiting land productivity mainly that of crop yield. Research had been done to try to come up with results showing the area was affected by severe acidity, but based on few watersheds and districts in a haphazard way. The objective of this research was therefore to develop a comprehensive soil pH map that covers a broader area of 27 districts covering 2,810,055 ha of land to assess the degree of soil acidity in the Tana Sub‐basin, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Using GPS (3‐m precision), 2652 soil point data were collected. Precipitation, elevation, and land use cover were taken into account when creating an interpolated soil pH map. Using adjacent probed pH values, ordinary kriging interpolation (R2 = 0.65; root‐mean‐square error = 0.37125) technique was used to estimate the unmeasured locations, while the spatial pH variability was mapped using the geostatistical (GS+10) software. All Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations soil pH categories, with 11.22%, 19.97%, 18.77%, 14.59%, 9.64%, and 6.29% of the soil samples being extremely acidic, strongly acidic, moderately acidic, slightly acidic, neutral, moderately alkaline and strongly alkaline, respectively, were observed. The interpolation result showed a moderate coefficient of variation (10.52%) indicating that the research area had medium variability. In addition, the nugget‐to‐total semivariance ratio ranged from 25% to 75%, indicating moderate geographic dependence. The pH semivariograms best fitted the exponential model, which means the one with maximum (R2 = 0.834) and with minimum residual sum of squares (1.819E‐06) value for mapping of pH. Our result showed that soil pH was inversely dependent on precipitation and altitude, while it varies with land use type. The research result/map could give useful tools for effective integrated land management to minimize soil acidification by policymakers, agriculturalists, and other stakeholder groups. We also recommended future routine updates on the size and distribution of surface soil acidity in the study area.
Numerical modeling of groundwater flow and nitrate transport in karst and wastewater irrigated agricultural and forest landscapes, PA, USA
Authors: Daniel Timothy J. , Richendrfer John , Falta Ronald , Murdoch Lawrence , Lin Henry , Darnault Christophe J. G.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the influence of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation on nitrate groundwater contamination in karstic landscape is critical for developing long‐term management plans and assessing the sustainability of these practices. The Pennsylvania State University has been operating a secondary treated wastewater effluent irrigation site—the “Living Filter”—since the 1960s. The objective of this study is to develop a regional groundwater flow and nitrate transport model to assess the impact of treated wastewater and disposal of large volumes of wastewater for irrigation of agricultural and forested lands on nitrate groundwater contamination in a karst landscape in the Spring Creek Watershed in central Pennsylvania. The modular three‐dimensional finite‐difference ground‐water flow model (MODFLOW) was used to construct the groundwater flow model of the local aquifer and simulate three‐dimensional regional changes in the water table over time. The simulation of nitrate fate and transport in the aquifer was conducted by developing a groundwater mass transport model using MODFLOW and a modular three‐dimensional transport multi‐species model (MT3DMS). The calibrated groundwater model yielded a root mean square error of 5.41 ft for the area of irrigation and 24.67 ft for the entire modeled area. Results of the calibrated model show the extension of a nitrate plume over most of the study area with concentrations below 10 mg·L−1 under the current 2015 setting and the long‐term 2035 scenario of increased irrigation rates. The nitrate migration was dominated by the presence of two high conductivity groundwater troughs adjacent to the study area resulting in a near steady‐state total mass since the 1990s.