bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Faced by the Farmers in Using Information Communication Technology Tools for receiving Rice Production Information
Authors: Rahman M. S. , Ali M. S. , Kabir M. H. , Alam M. M.
Published: September 2023

The facilitation of technology transfer to farmers plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity within the context of Bangladesh. In relation to this matter, a study was undertaken to evaluate the extent of problems faced by the farmers in utilizing Information Communication Technology (ICT) technologies for accessing rice production information. Data were collected from randomly selected 340 ICT tool using rice farmers of four selected districts of Bangladesh. The results indicated that majority (66.2%) of the rice farmers faced severe problem, compared to 27.9% and 5.9% of them faced moderate and low problem respectively in using ICT tools for receiving rice production technologies. Based on Standardized Problem Faced Index, top five severe problems were lack of ICT knowledge of farmers, high cost of internet packages, lack of training in using of ICT tools, high cost of ICT tools and required more time to learn using ICT  tools. These problems may be minimized by providing necessary training to the farmers on using ICT tools for receiving rice production information, cost reduction of internet package and ICT tools, providing better internet connectivity, uninterrupted power supply as perceived by the farmers.
Studies on the Growth, Production and Component Contents of Chrysanthemum indicum Using Arduino-controlled Moisture Content Irrigation Systems
Authors: Karasudani Asako , Asami Yuya , Inoue Shoji , Lay Horng-Liang
Published: September 2023

The flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum L., when used as herbal medicines, are said to effectively relieve heat, pain, eye fatigue, and inflammation and be detoxifying. Recent studies have been conducted to control the growth environment of plants with the use of computers, Arduino company producing one such open-source control device. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a traditional ck irrigation system and three soil moisture volume content irrigation controlled by Arduino UNO on flowering, growth, production, and indicators of flower quality of C. indicum grown in pots in a greenhouse. For this study, we aimed to maintain soil moisture volume content to 35%-40%. Irrigation was set to be initiated when soil moisture volume content dropped to 25-30% (Is 30% group), 15-20% (Is 20% group) or 5-10% (Is 10% group). Flowering time was earlier in Is 30% and Is 20% plants than the traditional ck plants, while Is 10% plants did not flower throughout the cultivation period. Both the Is 30% and traditional ck plants produced significantly more total number of flowers and total dry weight of the flowers than Is 20% (Is 10% none). Traditional ck flowers have a significantly higher content of chlorogenic acid, myricetin and quercetin, indicators of quality. The other indicators, luteolin and apigenin were significantly higher than traditional ck and Is 30% plants. This study concluded that the Arduino UNO’s irrigation control system had a better effect on C. indicum growth and component content when irrigation was set Is 30%.
Managing Housing and Infrastructure Needs for a Fully-fledged Involuntary Resettlement: The Case of Central Expressway in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayalath Chandana
Published: September 2023

Housing with infrastructure needs are basics in resettlement projects having a public stake. As part of a study exploring how these needs can be effectively addressed, this paper identifies the gaps in managing these infrastructure needs in one of the highway construction projects in Sri Lanka namely Central Expressway, Phase 1. This case study provides a perspective in exploring the issues encountered by the affected people using grounded theory. The paper presents the recommendations to minimize such gaps. Data was collected through unstructured interviews comprising both the beneficiaries and the government officials, reducing opinion bias. Gaps identified were ad-hoc erection of houses, lack of infrastructure facilities, security, safety and health issues, delay and insufficiency of compensation and inefficiency in administrative functions and information asymmetry. Some kind of interventionist approach is inevitable to enhance beneficiary participation and knowledge sharing in order to minimise these gaps, the majority of which has been outweighed by the perceived land value. The findings of this research will help detect the existing gaps in involuntary resettlement and institutional inefficiencies that hamper the progress of resettlement.
A Study on the Combination Prediction of Anhui Residents’ Consumption Level Based on the IOWA Operator
Authors: Li Zihan
Published: September 2023

Aims: In order to study the future trend of Anhui residents’ consumption level and predict the consumption level of Anhui residents in the next three years (2022-2024), this paper constructs a combination prediction model based on the induced ordered weighted averaging (IOWA) operator.

Study Design:  This paper selects the national resident consumption level in Anhui province from 2000 to 2021, which covers a period of 21 years. Based on the data, an IOWA operator combination prediction model is constructed using a multiple regression model, ARIMA (2,2,0) model, and machine learning decision tree model. This is a qualitative analytical study which set the sum of squared errors as dependent variables and error value of different single item prediction method as independent variables.

Place and Duration of Study: This paper selects the national resident consumption level in Anhui Province from 2000 to 2021.

Methodology: This paper constructs a combination prediction model based on the IOWA operator based on the multiple regression model, ARIMA (2,2,0) model, and machine learning decision tree model. The combination prediction method that minimizes the sum of squared errors is used to predict the consumption level of Anhui residents in the next three years (2022-2024), and the effectiveness of the IOWA operator-based combination prediction model is evaluated.

Results: This study finds that the prediction accuracy of the IOWA operator-based combination prediction model is generally greater than that of individual prediction models, and the sum of squared errors is generally significantly lower than that of individual prediction models.

Conclusion: The prediction results show that the consumption level of Anhui residents in the next three years will not fluctuate greatly, but will have a trend of slight increase. The results of this study can be helpful for the government to improve the consumption level of residents in Anhui Province.
Effect of Irrigation Scheduling Based-IW/CPE Ratio on Soil Qualities, Growth Characteristics and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pal S. , Kumar S. , Bharteey P. K. , Bahuguna A. , Kumar D. , Kumar A. , Yadav G. , Singh D. P. , Gaur A. S.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess the Effect of irrigation scheduling based on the IW/CPE ratio on soil qualities, growth characteristics and yield of wheat in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2016-17. In this experiment, the treatment combinations consisting of five irrigation levels viz., CRI stage (I1), 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (I2), 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (I3), 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (I4), and 1.2 IW/CPE ratio (I5) were tried in randomized block design. Whereas the initial irrigation of all treatments is done at the CRI stage (21 DAS), and then, according to the IW/CPE ratio treatments, the crop of the net plot area was harvested from the individual plot for observation. The final seed weight per plot was recorded in kg and converted to q/ha. The result showed the growth attributes, viz., plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of effective shoots per m2, and yield-attributing characters, viz., 1000 grain weight, harvest index, grain, straw, and Biological yield by crop was significantly higher at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (I4) in the moisture regime, which was at par with 1.2 IW/CPE ratio (I5) in the moisture regime and significantly higher than at the CRI stage (I1), 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (I2), and 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (I3).
Impact of Precision Farming on Shelf Life and Organoleptic Evaluation of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Rajapuri
Authors: Nisarga G.  , Naik Nagesh , Kantharaju V.  , Jalawadi Suhasini , Harshitha S. B.  , Desai Shwetha
Published: September 2023

Consumers choose the fruits that look good, firm and offer good flavour and have nutritive value. Producers and handlers are first concerned with appearance and textural quality along with long post harvest shelf life. Present experiment was undertaken at ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi to know the impact of precision farming on shelf life and organoleptic evaluation of banana cv. Rajapuri during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, KRC College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, Karnataka (India). The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. Among all the treatments, application of 100 per cent RDF through fertigation at weekly intervals along with polythene mulching with foliar spray of micronutrient mixture and bunch nutrition recorded the highest shelf life (10.00 days) and the least physiological loss in weight (8.45 %). The analyzed results for overall acceptability were in higher preference level in T5, T7 and T9 (9.00) while minimum was noticed in T13 (7.00).
Effect of Water Hyacinth Compost and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur Fertilizers on S-Availability, S-Uptake, and Quality and Yield of Onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) on Inceptisols of Jatinangor
Authors: Sofyan Emma Trinurani , Joy Benny , Sara Dirga Sapta , Santana Dwika Graha
Published: September 2023

Shallots are have a high potential in Indonesian agricultural land. Soil in Indonesia is dominated by Inceptisols, which is low in soil fertility. This can be managed  by adding nutrients to soil to increase its fertility, which can have a good effect on quality and crop yields. This experiment's purpose was to find the dosage of water hyacinth compost and N, P, K, S fertilizers that can give the best results for available S, S uptake, quality,and the yield of Batu Ijo variety of shallots in Inceptisols of Jatinangor and were carried out in the Soil Chemistry Laboratory, Plant Nutrition Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia from June to September 2020. The experiment used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and four replications, namely: control; Recommended N, P, K, S; ¾ Recommendations of  N, P, K, S; ½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; 1½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; and compost + N, P, K, S at dosage of 25 t ha-1 water hyacinth compost, 200 kg urea, 500 kg Ammonium Sulphate, 300 kg SP-36, 200 kg KCl. The results showed that ½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S gave the best result by increasing S-avallability, S-uptake, aroma, color, number of bulbs, fresh weight, and dry weight of shallots bulbs on Inceptisols of Jatinangor.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Airborne Aspergillus flavus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Public Toilets within Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Amadi L. O. , Sampson T. , Iwezor Nwala Noble
Published: September 2023

MRSA is a major contributor to skin infections, bloodstream infections, toxic shock syndrome, and joint inflammation. Aspergillus flavus can result in a range of health issues these problems include allergic reactions, aspergilloma, both invasive and non-invasive. infections are a matter of importance for public health. Aspergillus flavus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) resistance to both antibiotics and antifungal medications put the public at risk.This study therefore was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Aspergillus flavus and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from publicly used toilets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. Eighty (80) samples were collected for a period of two months from five public toilets using the sedimentation air sampling method. Samples were subjected to isolation and identification, antibiotics and antifungal susceptibility test using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, plant extracts and molecular identification of bacterial isolates for analysis. The susceptibility profile showed that MRSA were resistant to Ofloxacin (61%), Ceftazidime (92.30%), Levoflaxcin (92.30%), Vancomycin (77 %), Gentamycin (61%), Azithromycin (46.2%) and cefotaxime (46.2%) and susceptible to Imipenem (100%), Meropenem (92.32%). Ketoconazole and nystatin both antifungals were both effective on the A. flavus. Methanol extract of Ocimum grastissimum was more effective followed by Psidium guajava and moringa oleifera on MRSA but also less effective in A. flavus. The MAR index ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 which showed that 60% of MRSA isolates had MAR index of 0.8, while 20% had MAR index of 0.4 and 0.5. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts is promising as the extracts could be used as a cheap antimicrobial for the treatment of infections cause by these test organisms. Conclusively, this study revealed both organisms present in toilet air, their vulnerability patterns was established, their resistance gene verified, and explore the potential use of natural plant compounds on them, would assist in mitigating public health.
An Older Patient With Chest Pain—Diagnostic Traps
Authors: Jia Ziheng , Liu Tong , Che Jingjin
Published: September 2023

This case report describes an older patient with persistent chest pain, recent hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and previous kidney transplantation.
Changes in Diagnoses and Site of Care for Patients Receiving Hospice Care From Agencies Acquired by Private Equity Firms and Publicly Traded Companies
Authors: Braun Robert Tyler , Unruh Mark A. , Stevenson David G. , Prigerson Holly G. , Fernandez Rahul , Yao Leah Z. , Casalino Lawrence P.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Private equity firms and publicly traded companies have been acquiring US hospice agencies; an estimated 16% of US hospice agencies are owned by private equity (PE) firms or publicly traded companies (PTC).

Objective

To examine the association of PE and PTC acquisitions of hospices with Medicare patients’ site of care and clinical diagnoses.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of US hospice agencies used a novel national database of acquisitions merged with the Medicare Post–Acute Care and Hospice Public Use File for 2013 to 2020. Changes in sites of care and patient characteristics for hospice agencies acquired by PE or PTCs were compared with changes for patients in nonacquired for-profit hospice agencies.

Exposure

Private equity and publicly traded company acquisitions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

This study used a difference-in-differences approach within an event-study framework to examine the association of PE and PTC acquisitions of hospice agencies with changes in patient diagnoses and sites of care. Dependent variables were annual hospice-level measures of the Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) score and proportion of patients diagnosed with cancer or dementia. Sites of care included the proportion of patients receiving hospice care in their personal home, nursing home, or assisted living facility.

Results

A total of 158 hospice agencies acquired by PEs, 250 acquired by PTCs, and 1559 other for-profit hospice agencies were included. Preacquisition, hospice agencies that would later be acquired by PE or PTC served a mean (IQR) 30.1% (12.0%-44.0%) and 29.4% (13.0%-43.0%) of their patients in nursing homes respectively, a greater proportion compared with the 27.1% (8.0%-43.8%) served by for-profit hospices that were never acquired. Agencies acquired by PE between 2014 and 2019 saw a significant relative increase of 5.98% in dementia patients (1.38 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.35-2.40 percentage points; P = .008). In PTC-owned hospices, the proportion of patients receiving care at home increased by 5.26% (2.98 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.46-4.51 percentage points; P < .001), the proportion of dementia patients rose by 13.49% (3.11 percentage points; 95% CI, 2.14-4.09 percentage points; P < .001), and the HCC score decreased by 1.37% (−3.19 percentage points; 95% CI, −5.92 to −0.47 percentage points; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that PE and PTCs select patients and sites of care to maximize profits.
White Matter Tract Density Index Prediction Model of Overall Survival in Glioblastoma
Authors: Salvalaggio Alessandro , Pini Lorenzo , Gaiola Matteo , Velco Aron , Sansone Giulio , Anglani Mariagiulia , Fekonja Lucius , Chioffi Franco , Picht Thomas , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel , Zagonel Vittorina , Lombardi Giuseppe , D’Avella Domenico , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Importance

The prognosis of overall survival (OS) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) may depend on the underlying structural connectivity of the brain.

Objective

To examine the association between white matter tracts affected by GBM and patients’ OS by means of a new tract density index (TDI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study in patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of GBM examined a discovery cohort of 112 patients who underwent surgery between February 1, 2015, and November 30, 2020 (follow-up to May 31, 2023), in Italy and 70 patients in a replicative cohort (n = 70) who underwent surgery between September 1, 2012, and November 30, 2015 (follow-up to May 31, 2023), in Germany. Statistical analyses were performed from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023. Thirteen and 12 patients were excluded from the discovery and the replicative sets, respectively, because of magnetic resonance imaging artifacts.

Exposure

The density of white matter tracts encompassing GBM.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Correlation, linear regression, Cox proportional hazards regression, Kaplan-Meier, and prediction analysis were used to assess the association between the TDI and OS. Results were compared with common prognostic factors of GBM, including age, performance status, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation, and extent of surgery.

Results

In the discovery cohort (n = 99; mean [SD] age, 62.2 [11.5] years; 29 female [29.3%]; 70 male [70.7%]), the TDI was significantly correlated with OS (r = −0.34; P < .001). This association was more stable compared with other prognostic factors. The TDI showed a significant regression pattern (Cox: hazard ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.02-0.55; P = .04]; linear: t = −2.366; P = .02). and a significant Kaplan-Meier stratification of patients as having lower or higher OS based on the TDI (log-rank test = 4.52; P = .03). Results were confirmed in the replicative cohort (n = 58; mean [SD] age, 58.5 [11.1] years, 14 female [24.1%]; 44 male [75.9%]). High (24-month cutoff) and low (18-month cutoff) OS was predicted based on the TDI computed in the discovery cohort (accuracy = 87%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, GBMs encompassing regions with low white matter tract density were associated with longer OS. These findings indicate that the TDI is a reliable presurgical outcome predictor that may be considered in clinical trials and clinical practice. These findings support a framework in which the outcome of GBM depends on the patient’s brain organization.
What Parents Should Know About Food and Food Insecurity for Their Families
Authors: DeWitt Leila H. , Palmer Rebecca J. , Thompson Lindsay A.
Published: September 2023

This Patient Page discusses how families with food insecurity can partner with their child’s pediatrician to access nutrition food .
Downregulation of RCN1 promotes pyroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Deng Sisi , Pan Yuming , An Na , Chen Fengyi , Chen Huan , Wang Heng , Xu Xiaojing , Liu Rui , Yang Linlin , Wang Xiaomei , Du Xin , Zhang Qiaoxia
Published: September 2023

Reticulocalbin‐1 (RCN1) is expressed aberrantly and at a high level in various tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet its impact on AML remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that RCN1 knockdown significantly suppresses the viability of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from AML patients but does not affect the viability of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) from healthy donors in vitro. Downregulation of RCN1 also reduces the viability of AML cell lines. Further studies showed that the RCN1 knockdown upregulates type I interferon (IFN‐1) expression and promotes AML cell pyroptosis through caspase‐1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling. Deletion of the mouse Rcn1 gene inhibits the viability of mouse AML cell lines but not the hematopoiesis of mouse bone marrow. In addition, RCN1 downregulation in human AML cells significantly inhibited tumor growth in the NSG mouse xenograft model. Taken together, our results suggest that RCN1 may be a potential target for AML therapy.
Confining Prepared Ultrasmall Nanozymes Loading ATO for Lung Cancer Catalytic Therapy/Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Amin , Gao Ang , Zhou Cheng , Xue Cuili , Zhang Qian , Fuente Jesus M. De La , Cui Daxiang
Published: September 2023

Nanozymes with inherent enzyme‐mimicking catalytic properties combat malignant tumor progression via catalytic therapy, while the therapeutic efficacy still needs to be improved. In this work, ultrasmall platinum nanozymes (nPt) in a confined domain of a wormlike pore channel in gold nanobipyramidal–mesoporous silica dioxide nanocomposites, producing nanozyme carriers AP‐mSi with photoenhanced peroxidase ability, are innovatively synthesized. Afterward, based on the prepared AP‐mSi, a lung‐cancer nanozymes probe (AP‐HAI) is ingeniously produced by removing the SiO2 template, modifying human serum albumin, and loading atovaquone molecules (ATO) as well as IR780. Under NIR light irradiation, inner AuP and IR780 collaborate for photothermal process, thus facilitating the peroxidase‐like catalytic process of H2O2. Additionally, loaded ATO, a cell respiration inhibitor, can impair tumor respiration metabolism and cause oxygen retention, hence enhancing IR780's photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectiveness. As a result, IR780's PDT and nPt nanozymes' photoenhanced peroxidase‐like ability endow probes a high ROS productivity, eliciting antitumor immune responses to destroy tumor tissue. Systematic studies reveal that the obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is obtained by the strategy of using nPt nanozymes and reducing oxygen consumption by ATO, which in turn enables lung‐cancer synergetic catalytic therapy/immunogenic‐cell‐death‐based immunotherapy. The results of this work would provide theoretical justification for the practical use of photoenhanced nanozyme probes.
Dendritic Nanomedicine with Boronate Bonds for Augmented Chemo‐Immunotherapy via Synergistic Modulation of Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Li Yunkun , Wu Yahui , Fang Zaixiang , Zhang Yuxin , Ding Haitao , Ren Long , Zhang Lu , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei , Luo Kui
Published: September 2023

Unsatisfied tumor accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs and a complicated immunosuppressive microenvironment diminish the immune response rate and the therapeutic effect. Surface modification of these drugs with target ligands can promote their cellular internalization, but the modified drugs may be subjected to unexpected immune recognition and clearance. Herein, a phenylboronic acid (PBA) group‐shieldable dendritic nanomedicine that integrates an immunogenic cell death (ICD)‐inducing agent (epirubicin, Epi) and an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxgenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor (NLG919) is reported for tumor chemo‐immunotherapy. This NLG919‐loaded Epi‐conjugated PEGylated dendrimers bridged with boronate bonds (NLG919@Epi‐DBP) maintains a stable nanostructure during circulation. Under a moderate acidic condition, the PBA group exposes to the sialic acid residue on the tumor cell membrane to enhance the internalization and penetration of NLG919@Epi‐DBP. At pH 5.0, NLG919@Epi‐DBP rapidly disassembles to release the incorporated Epi and NLG919. Epi triggers robust ICD of tumor cells that evokes strong immune response. In addition, inhibition of the IDO1 activity downregulates the metabolism of L‐tryptophan to kynurenine, leading to a reduction in the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Collectively, this promising strategy has been demonstrated to evoke robust immune response as well as remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment for an enhanced chemo‐immunotherapeutic effect.
Precisely Inhibiting Excessive Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis to Efficiently Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Oral Pifithrin‐α Embedded Nanomedicine (OPEN)
Authors: Wang Mingyuan , Huang Qiong , Liu Min , Zhao Tianjiao , Song Xiangping , Chen Qiaohui , Yang Yongqi , Nan Yayun , Liu Zerun , Zhang Yuntao , Wu Wei , Ai Kelong
Published: September 2023

The increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has seriously affected the life quality of patients. IBD develops due to excessive intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis, disrupting the gut barrier, colonizing harmful bacteria, and initiating persistent inflammation. The current therapeutic approaches that reduce inflammation are limited. Although IBD can be treated significantly by directly preventing IEC apoptosis, achieving this therapeutic approach remains challenging. Accordingly, the authors are the first to develop an oral pifithrin‐α (PFTα, a highly specific p53 inhibitor) embedded nanomedicine (OPEN) to effectively treat IBD by inhibiting excessive IEC apoptosis. As a major hub for various stressors, p53 is a central determinant of cell fate, and its inhibition can effectively reduce excessive IEC apoptosis. The tailored OPEN can precisely inhibit the off‐target and inactivation resulting from PFTα entry into the bloodstream. Subsequently, it persistently targets IBD lesions with high specificity to inhibit the pathological events caused by excessive IEC apoptosis. Eventually, OPEN exerts a significant curative effect compared with the clinical first‐line drugs 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) and dexamethasone (DEX). Consequently, the OPEN therapeutic strategy provides new insights into comprehensive IBD therapy.
Transferable Highly (001) Oriented Sb2Se3 Nanorod Films on Flexible Substrates for Innovative Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Mendes Joao Otavio , Aygur Gabriel , Michel Jesús Ibarra , Bullock James , Gómez Daniel , Della Gaspera Enrico , van Embden Joel
Published: September 2023

Thin films of antimony chalcogenides, Sb2X3 (X = S, Se, or SxSe1−x), comprised of (001) oriented nanorods are highly desirable for optoelectronic applications owing to their light trapping capacity and highly efficient charge transport along the optimally aligned quasi‐1D (Sb4X6)n ribbons. Here, highly (001) oriented Sb2Se3 nanorod (Sb2Se3NR) layers are obtained via a novel template growth method, and transfer these layers to functional substrates via a polymer‐assisted technique. Transferable layers overcome the current challenges associated with achieving oriented growth directly on the desired substrate. Using a combination of a low‐temperature processable SnO2 nanoparticle transport layer and encapsulation/etching techniques photodetector devices are fabricated with excellent electrical contact. The optimized transferred devices show broad range photoresponse with signal‐to‐noise ratios up to 105 and responsivities reaching 0.96 mA W−1. Importantly, access to low‐temperature processing enables the fabrication of flexible devices. Based on this platform, a proof‐of‐concept self‐powered flexible heart rate monitor is fabricated. The achievement of transferable Sb2Se3NR layers introduced in this work is expected to be readily applicable to generate new (001) Sb2Se3 device architectures that may otherwise not be achievable via direct deposition, with application in photoelectrochemical water splitting, battery electrodes, and solar cells.
All‐Inorganic Micrometric CsPbBr3:Yb3+ Powder as a Multifunctional Material for Photovoltaics and Optical Thermometry: Structural and Optical Characterization
Authors: Stefanski Mariusz , Bondzior Bartosz , Gzyl Tomasz , Zielony Eunika , Betke Mateusz , Sieradzki Adam , Ptak Maciej
Published: September 2023

Halide perovskites have been studied very intensively by researchers during the last decade. Development of these materials has improved their unique optoelectrical properties reaching even higher standards, making them promising candidates for photovoltaic applications. It should be noted that most inorganic halide perovskites obtained to date have been synthesized using organic solvents in the form of nanosized colloids. Here, a low‐temperature synthesis protocol for the preparation of microcrystalline CsPbBr3 perovskite powder doped with Yb3+ ions is proposed. The structural and photoluminescence features of the studied material are thoroughly investigated and described. It turns out that the excitation of the CsPbBr3:Yb3+ perovskite with a 375 nm wavelength leads to spontaneous luminescence of excitons and Yb3+ ions. Hence, the use of CsPbBr3:Yb3+ as a luminescent thermometer or an additional absorbing layer on a solar cell surface is possible. The latter application may result in an increase in the conversion efficiency of the cell. In order to verify this, such a layer is prepared and installed on a commercial silicon solar cell. Its photovoltaic properties are investigated by measurements of the current–voltage characteristics with 1‐sun illumination and the spectral characteristics of the external quantum efficiency.
Recent Advances in Engineering of 2D Materials‐Based Heterostructures for Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Nie Kunkun , Yi Lixin , Li Binjie , Yuan Yanling , Liu Zhengqing , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

2D materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, layered double hydroxides, and MXene, have exhibited broad application prospects in electrochemical energy conversion due to their unique structures and electronic properties. Recently, the engineering of heterostructures based on 2D materials, including 2D/0D, 2D/1D, 2D/2D, and 2D/3D, has shown the potential to produce synergistic and heterointerface effects, overcoming the inherent restrictions of 2D materials and thus elevating the electrocatalytic performance to the next level. In this review, recent studies are systematically summarized on heterostructures based on 2D materials for advanced electrochemical energy conversion, including water splitting, CO2 reduction reaction, N2 reduction reaction, etc. Additionally, preparation methods are introduced and novel properties of various types of heterostructures based on 2D materials are discussed. Furthermore, the reaction principles and intrinsic mechanisms behind the excellent performance of these heterostructures are evaluated. Finally, insights are provided into the challenges and perspectives regarding the future engineering of heterostructures based on 2D materials for further advancements in electrochemical energy conversion.
High‐Throughput Automated Exploration of Phase Growth Behaviors in Quasi‐2D Formamidinium Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Yang Jonghee , Lawrie Benjamin J. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ahmadi Mahshid
Published: September 2023

Quasi‐2D metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are an emerging material platform for sustainable functional optoelectronics, but the uncontrollable, broad phase distribution remains a critical challenge for applications. Nevertheless, the basic principles for controlling phases in quasi‐2D MHPs remain poorly understood, due to the rapid crystallization kinetics during the conventional thin‐film fabrication process. Herein, a high‐throughput automated synthesis‐characterization‐analysis workflow is implemented to accelerate material exploration in formamidinium (FA)‐based quasi‐2D MHP compositional space, revealing the early‐stage phase growth behaviors fundamentally determining the phase distributions. Upon comprehensive exploration with varying synthesis conditions including 2D:3D composition ratios, antisolvent injection rates, and temperatures in an automated synthesis‐characterization platform, it is observed that the prominent n = 2 2D phase restricts the growth kinetics of 3D‐like phases—α‐FAPbI3 MHPs with spacer‐coordinated surface—across the MHP compositions. Thermal annealing is a critical step for proper phase growth, although it can lead to the emergence of unwanted local PbI2 crystallites. Additionally, fundamental insights into the precursor chemistry associated with spacer‐solvent interaction determining the quasi‐2D MHP morphologies and microstructures are demonstrated. The high‐throughput study provides comprehensive insights into the fundamental principles in quasi‐2D MHP phase control, enabling new control of the functionalities in complex materials systems for sustainable device applications.
Photoinduced Metastable Asymmetric Cu Single Atoms for Photoreduction of CO2 to Ethylene
Authors: Wang Qingyu , Zhang Yida , Lin Minxi , Wang Hengwei , Bai Yu , Liu Chengyuan , Lu Junling , Luo Qiquan , Wang Gongming , Jiang Hai‐Long , Yao Tao , Zheng Xusheng
Published: September 2023

Metastable structures are promising candidates for efficient catalysis owing to abundant active electronic states, strong electronic coupling with reactants, and energetic preference. Exerting the value of metastable structures while evading the difficulty in direct synthesis remains challenging. Herein, it is reported that light irradiation enables the generation and maintenance of the metastable state over copper single atoms for efficient carbon dioxide reduction. Under irradiation with light, photogenerated electrons transit to Cu‐3d orbits and initiate d‐orbital rearrangement. The initial symmetric Cu1─O4 coordination converts to the metastable asymmetric structure of Cu1─O2+1, and is reversibly restored after removing the light. The photoinduced metastable intermediate of Cu1─O2+1 promotes the Cu single‐atom catalyst to deliver an ethylene yield rate of 60.4 µmol gcat.−1 h−1. Mechanistic studies reveal that Cu1─O2+1 possesses stronger adsorption capability for reactants and intermediates. The reaction energy barrier over Cu1─O2+1 also shows an obvious decline compared to that over Cu1─O4.
A familial deletion of 10p12.1 associated with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Manohar Sujal , Gofin Yoel , Streff Haley , Vossaert Liesbeth , Camacho Pamela , Murali Chaya N.
Published: September 2023

Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or acquired from a variety of causes. While hereditary causes of thrombocytopenia are rare, several genes have been associated with the condition. In this report, we describe an 18‐year‐old man and his mother, both of whom have congenital thrombocytopenia. Exome sequencing in the man revealed a 1006 kb maternally inherited deletion in the 10p12.1 region (arr[GRCh37] 10p12.1(27378928_28384564)x1) of uncertain clinical significance. This deletion in the THC2 locus includes genes ANKRD26, known to be involved in normal megakaryocyte differentiation, and MASTL, which some studies suggest is linked to autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia. In the family presented here, the deletion segregated with the congenital thrombocytopenia phenotype, suggesting that haploinsufficiency of one or both genes may be the cause. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a deletion of the THC2 locus associated with thrombocytopenia. Future functional studies of deletions of the THC2 locus may elucidate the mechanism for this phenotype observed clinically.
A qualitative evaluation of patient and parent experiences with an undiagnosed diseases program
Authors: Siebold Dorothea , Denton Jessica , Hurst Anna C. E. , Moss Irene , Korf Bruce
Published: September 2023

Previous studies have explored patient experiences before being seen or at the beginning of their evaluation by undiagnosed diseases programs. This study provides additional insight into experiences after participation through in‐depth, qualitative evaluation, allowing for reflection of current practice and patient/parent needs. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients and parents of patients seen at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)'s unique, clinically focused Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP). Analysis of the interviews was guided by a thematic approach. Participants had undergone a diagnostic odyssey before being evaluated by the UDP and remained hopeful for a diagnosis. They appreciated the opportunity to be seen by the UDP. However, perception of experiences differed based on whether evaluation by the UDP led to a diagnosis. Additionally, while participants were pleased with initial communication, they indicated that there were unmet needs regarding follow‐up. Patients and parents of patients believe that participation in an undiagnosed diseases program is the best option for diagnosis. The findings of this study provide a general overview of patient experiences and highlight strengths of the UAB UDP while also emphasizing areas to focus the improvement to optimize the benefit to patients and families with undiagnosed and rare diseases, which could be used helpful in the development of similar clinics.
The diploic venous system in Homo neanderthalensis and fossil Homo sapiens: A study using high‐resolution computed tomography
Authors: Hui Jiaming , Balzeau Antoine
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The diploic venous system has been hypothesized to be related to human brain evolution, though its evolutionary trajectory and physiological functions remain largely unclear. This study examines the characteristics of the diploic venous channels (DCs) in a selection of well‐preserved Homo neanderthalensis and Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens crania, searching for the differences between the two taxa and exploring the associations between brain anatomy and DCs.

Materials and Methods

Five H. neanderthalensis and four H. sapiens fossil specimens from Western Europe were analyzed. Based on Micro‐CT scanning and 3D reconstruction, the distribution pattern and draining orifices of the DCs were inspected qualitatively. The size of the DCs was quantified by volume calculation, and the degree of complexity was quantified by fractal analyses.

Results

High‐resolution data show the details of the DC structures not documented in previous studies. H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens specimens share substantial similarities in the DCs. The noticeable differences between the two samples manifest in the connecting points surrounding the frontal sinuses, parietal foramina, and asterional area.

Discussion

This study provides a better understanding of the anatomy of the DCs in H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens. The connection patterns of the DCs have potential utility in distinguishing between the two taxa and in the phylogenetic and taxonomic discussion of the Neandertal‐like specimens with controversial taxonomic status.
Directing the Selectivity of CO Electrolysis to Acetate by Constructing Metal‐Organic Interfaces
Authors: Rong Youwen , Liu Tianfu , Sang Jiaqi , Li Rongtan , Wei Pengfei , Li Hefei , Dong Aiyi , Che Li , Fu Qiang , Gao Dunfeng , Wang Guoxiong
Published: September 2023

Electrochemically converting CO2 to valuable chemicals holds great promise for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. Owing to complex reaction pathways and shared rate‐determining steps, directing the selectivity of CO2/CO electrolysis to a specific multicarbon product is very challenging. We report here a strategy for highly selective production of acetate from CO electrolysis by constructing metal‐organic interfaces. We demonstrate that the Cu‐organic interfaces constructed by in situ reconstruction of Cu complexes show very impressive acetate selectivity, with a high Faradaic efficiency of 84.2 % and a carbon selectivity of 92.1 % for acetate production, in an alkaline membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer. The maximum acetate partial current density and acetate yield reach as high as 605 mA cm−2 and 63.4 %, respectively. Thorough structural characterizations, control experiments, operando Raman spectroscopy measurements, and density functional theory calculation results indicate that the Cu‐organic interface creates a favorable reaction microenvironment that enhances *CO adsorption, lowers the energy barrier for C−C coupling, and facilitates the formation of CH3COOH over other multicarbon products, thus rationalizing the selective acetate production.
Fabrication of Pillar‐Cage Fluorinated Anion Pillared Metal–Organic Frameworks via a Pillar Embedding Strategy and Efficient Separation of SO2 through Multi‐Site Trapping
Authors: Xu Wenli , Li Liangjun , Guo Mengwei , Zhang Fuzhao , Dai Pengcheng , Gu Xin , Liu Dandan , Liu Tao , Zhang Kuitong , Xing Tao , Wang Muzhou , Li Zhi , Wu Mingbo
Published: September 2023

Flue gas desulfurization is crucial for both human health and ecological environments. However, developing efficient SO2 adsorbents that can break the trade‐off between adsorption capacity and selectivity is still challenging. In this work, a new type of fluorinated anion‐pillared metal–organic frameworks (APMOFs) with a pillar‐cage structure is fabricated through pillar‐embedding into a highly porous and robust framework. This type of APMOFs comprises smaller tetrahedral cages and larger icosahedral cages interconnected by embedded [NbOF5]2− and [TaOF5]2− anions acting as pillars. The APMOFs exhibits high porosity and density of fluorinated anions, ensuring exceptional SO2 adsorption capacity and ultrahigh selectivity for SO2/CO2 and SO2/N2 gas mixtures. Furthermore, these two structures demonstrate excellent stability towards water, acid/alkali, and SO2 adsorption. Cycle dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm the excellent separation performance of SO2/CO2 gas mixtures and their cyclic stability. SO2‐loaded single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the preferred adsorption domains for SO2 molecules. The multiple‐site host–guest and guest‐guest interactions facilitate selective recognition and dense packing of SO2 in this hybrid porous material. This work will be instructive for designing porous materials for flue gas desulfurization and other gas‐purification processes.
Decorating Channel Walls in Metal–Organic Frameworks with Crown Ethers for Efficient and Selective Separation of Radioactive Strontium(II)
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Chen Xuran , Cao Meng , Zhao Shilei , Wang Hui , Chen Dan , Ma Yue , Liu Tao , Wang Ning , Yuan Yihui
Published: September 2023

Nuclear accidents and the improper disposal of nuclear wastes have led to serious environmental radioactive pollutions. The rational design of adsorbents for the highly efficient separation of strontium(II) is essential in treating nuclear waste and recovering radioactive strontium resources. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential materials for the separation of aqueous metal ions owing to their designable structure and tunable functionality. Herein, a novel 3D MOF material MOF‐18Cr6, in which 1D channels are formed using 18‐crown‐6‐ether‐containing ligands as channel walls, is fabricated for strontium(II) separation. In contrast to traditional MOFs designed by grafting functional groups in the framework pores, MOF‐18Cr6 possesses regular 18‐crown‐6‐ether cavities on the channel walls, which not only can transport and intake strontium(II) via the channels, but also prevent blockage of the channels after the binding of strontium(II). Consequently, the functional sites are fully utilized to achieve a high strontium(II) removal rate of 99.73 % in simulated nuclear wastewater. This study fabricates a highly promising adsorbent for the separation of aqueous radioactive strontium(II), and more importantly, can provide a new strategy for the rational design of high‐performance MOF adsorbents for separating target substances from complex aqueous environments.
Precise Modulation of Intramolecular Aggregation‐induced Electrochemiluminescence by Tetraphenylethylene‐based Supramolecular Architectures
Authors: Zhu Zhentong , Zeng Chaoqin , Zhao Yaqi , Ma Jianjun , Yao Xiaoqiang , Huo Shuhui , Feng Yanjun , Wang Ming , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: September 2023

The precisely modulated synthesis of programmable light‐emitting materials remains a challenge. To address this challenge, we construct four tetraphenylethylene‐based supramolecular architectures (SA, SB, SC, and SD), revealing that they exhibit higher electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensities and efficiencies than the tetraphenylethylene monomer and can be classified as highly efficient and precisely modulated intramolecular aggregation–induced electrochemiluminescence (PI‐AIECL) systems. The best‐performing system (SD) shows a high ECL cathodic efficiency exceeding that of the benchmark tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) chloride in aqueous solution by nearly six‐fold. The electrochemical characterization of these architectures in an organic solvent provides deeper mechanistic insights, revealing that SD features the lowest electrochemical band gap. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the band gap of the guest ligand in the SD structure is the smallest and most closely matched to that of the host scaffold. Finally, the SD system is used to realize ECL‐based cysteine detection (detection limit=14.4 nM) in real samples. Thus, this study not only provides a precisely modulated supramolecular strategy allowing chromophores to be controllably regulated on a molecular scale, but also inspires the programmable synthesis of high‐performance aggregation‐induced electrochemiluminescence emitters.
The Inverse Electron Demand Diels‐Alder Reaction Between Tetrazine and Trans‐Cyclooctene for Pretargeted Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Liao Aihua , Du Wei , Yang Huanghao
Published: September 2023

Over the past few decades, pretargeted bioimaging has made significant contributions to disease diagnosis and the real‐time visualization of biological processes. Notably, the inverse electron demand Diels‐Alder (IEDDA) reaction between tetrazine (Tz) and trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) has shown enormous potential in pretargeted bioimaging applications by capitalizing on its rapid kinetics, specific reactivity, biorthogonality and biocompatibility. To date, imaging probes based on the Tz−TCO click reaction have been extensively developed and widely used for pretargeted bioimaging applications. In this review, we focus on the Tz−TCO click reaction and summarize its applications in pretargeted bioimaging. Firstly, the fundamental principles for designing imaging probes based on the Tz−TCO click reaction are explained. Then, recent advances in imaging probes based on the Tz−TCO click reaction are discussed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives of the Tz−TCO click reaction in pretargeted bioimaging applications are presented.