bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core Skills and Competencies Essential for Agricultural Extension Workers to Meet Present Day Challenges
Authors: Shivamurthy M. , Madhushree A.
Published: June 2023

Agricultural extension contributes significantly for improving the welfare of farmers and others living in rural areas. Extension advisory services and programs strengthen the farmer’s capacity to innovate by facilitating farmers to access latest agricultural knowledge and adoption. The extension workers, therefore, not only advices farming families but also motivate them to use improved agricultural implements and adopt the modern agricultural technologies according to their socioeconomic status. The success of extension workers depends on the possession of skills and experiences gained in executing need based programs effectively. Hence, an attempt has been made in this study to assess level of importance of core competencies and skills required by extension workers to perform their job effectively. Mean index scores were calculated for each individual skills listed under twelve broad areas of skills and competencies selected for the study. The results revealed that, soft skills were ranked first followed by communication skills. Organizing/implementing agricultural development program, team building skills, formation and development of farmer organization and facilitation skills, use of modern communication methods and AV aids, use of computer applications, preparation of digital schedule/ questionnaire, knowledge on agricultural insurance policies and procedures, problem solving skills, proficiency on subject matter concepts, cultural intelligence, business planning and self-motivation are the individual skills ranked first respectively on the listed twelve broad areas of skills and competencies. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the extension workers are required to be equipped with these skills during the undergraduate and postgraduate level itself by designing and reorienting the curriculum and enhance the competence of the agricultural graduates along with upgrading the skills of extension workers.
Noise Pollution a Menace to Learning in Typical Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Tasui Mohammed , Emmanuel Nkeleme Ifeanyichukwu , Chukwuemeka Ike Goodluck , Charles Udegbe Chukwuemeka , Ogbonnaya Akpa
Published: June 2023

Knowingly and unknowingly, noise pollution hurts the quality of our everyday life. The lecture hall is an auditory-verbal environment that requires pleasant acoustics; however, the main problem of it is noise pollution. Thus, this study aims at assessing students’ perceptions of the effect of noise pollution in lecture halls in a typical Nigeria institution, taking the lectures halls in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), School of Environmental Sciences (SOES), the School of Health Teaching (SOHT) all in the Federal University of Technology Owerri FUTO. The study was pursued using a Quantitative and Qualitative approach that entailed the use of structured Questionnaires and observation. A total number of 150 questionnaires were distributed to the students because they are the major users of lecture halls, and a total of 134 questionnaires were filled and returned giving a percentage response of 89.3%. Data collected were analyzed using computer-based software statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19.0 and descriptive tools such as frequencies, percentage values and Relative Important Index (RII). The result of the analysis revealed among others that the major causes of noise in lecture halls are generators, automobiles, and Echo of noise from adjacent buildings. Similarly, the study also revealed that noise exposure affects listening ability, concentration of students, and reading ability and its peak period is usually in the afternoon hours (1.00-3.00 pm). Also, one of the effects of noise is that it makes students lose concentration when receiving lectures since the bridge between students and lecturers is limited as a result of interference in communication between students and lecturers. Consequently, It is recommended that noise detectors should be located in lecture halls and school environments to know the noise level in lecture halls and perhaps, operate on the noise level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, the use of noise-insulating materials during construction and maintenance, and the planting of natural shield trees within the study area to prevent noise from intruding into the lecture halls should be adopted.  Educating students on the effect of noise pollution the and location of the generator set sets in lecture halls far away from the road will reduce noise pollution.
Relief Morphometry of Nayaseri Watershed: A Case Study in Northern Slopes of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Tajvir
Published: June 2023

The study of relief elements is very significant in geography. Relief set the stage for all types of development of cultural features on the surface of the earth. To make planning regarding development of cultural landscape, for sustainable development, the study of relief is must, particularly in mountainous regions. The study of relief enlighten many characteristics of the area, like - slope, dissection of area, stability and instability of topography, erosion capacity of area, hydrological aspects and stages of sequential development of landforms etc.  In the light of this need, relief morphometry of catchment has been studied. To study the Morphometry of the watershed, parameters like – relative relief, absolute relief, dissection index, slope, hypsometric integral curve, clinographic curve,  relief ratio and ruggedness number, relief profile have been taken. The topographical map published by Government of India is the database of the analysis. Instruments, like- Rotameter and Planimeter have been used for various measurements. The observations per square kilometer are taken to calculate the areal coverage of absolute and relative relief, average slope and dissection index. The study reveals that the watershed has experienced tectonic incidences in the recent past. Fault, submergence, upliftment, tilt and sudden breaks of slopes are imprints of these activities on topography of the area. Indicators like - Slope, relief ratio, ruggedness number and relief profiles suggest that the watershed has Steep slopes, unstable landmass and capacity of intense erosion. Various measures of relief also imply that the area is in the youthful phase of its sequential development.
Yield and Economics of Dual Purpose Barley as Influenced by Various Nitrogen Dose and Seed Rate
Authors: Sharma Amit , Dhaka A. K. , Singh Bhagat , Kamal  , Jasht Simran , Godara Mohit
Published: June 2023

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season 2019-20 at wheat and barley section research area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was comprised of three nitrogen doses (N1-60, N2-75 and N3- 90 kg N/ha) as main plot treatments and four seed rates (S1- 87.5, S2- 100, S3- 112.5 and S4-125.0 kg/ha) as sub plot treatments. With four replications, experiment was laid out in split plot design. Based on the research investigation, it was found that nitrogen dose and seed rate both had significantly influenced the yield attributes and yield  of dual purpose barley Among nitrogen doses, 90 kg/ha being at par with 75 kg/ha recorded significantly higher grain yield (4895 kg/ha), biological yield (12220 kg/ha) and green fodder yield (3706 kg/ha) which were 9.7, 12.0 and 15.1 percent higher than nitrogen dose of 60 kg/ha, respectively due to higher  yield attributes  i.e. number of effective tillers (85.08), number of grains per spike (44.15), number of spikelets per spike (23.10), spike length (7.47) and test weight (37.82) with nitrogen dose 90 kg/ha which were 8.5, 5.1, 7.9, 11.4 and 4.8 percent higher than nitrogen dose of 60 kg/ha, respectively. Among seed rates, 125.0 kg/ha closely followed by 112.5 kg/ha recorded significantly higher effective tillers (85.11), grain yield (4922 kg/ha), biological yield (12181 kg/ha), green fodder yield (3729 kg/ha) which were 8.0, 11.0, 11.8 and 16.7 per cent higher than seed rate of 87.5 kg/ha, respectively.
Comparing the Efficacy of Carvedilol and Celecoxib to Prednisolone in Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Abuohashish Norhan Ahmed , Ibrahim Sarah , Osman Enass Y.
Published: June 2023

Ulcerative colitis refers to destruction of mucosal layer of distal colon and rectum. Exact mechanism for pathophysiology is still unclear but inflammation and oxidative stress may play a caustic role. Neutrophil and monocyte infiltration results in free radical generation which damages intestinal mucosa. Many treatments as steroids are used to reduce inflammation but cannot cause remission. Carvedilol is a third-generation nonselective β-blocker which possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inﬂammatory properties and can reduce gastric ulceration. Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) inhibitor which decrease risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The current study was designed to compare the efficacy of carvedilol and celecoxib to prednisolone in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model. A total of 40 adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control group: Rats received 2 ml of saline transrectal. Acetic acid (AA) group: Rats were transrectal injected with 2ml acetic acid. Prednisolone +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with prednisolone in a dose 4mg/kg /day. Carvedilol +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with carvedilol in a dose 30 mg/kg/day. Celecoxib +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with celecoxib in a dose 5mg/kg/day. All drugs were given orally for 7 days. At end of experiment, distal colon was removed, one part of specimen was preserved in 10% formalin for histological examination and other part was homogenized for evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), reduced  glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide  (NO) and mitogen-activated protein kinase ( p38 MAPK). Data of present study revealed that treatment of rats with carvedilol or celecoxib before induction of colitis significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, MDA, NO and mRNA level of p38 MAPK while both drugs increased GSH level. Protective effects of Carvedilol and celecoxib are due to anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and   ability to decrease synthesis of MAPK which reduce cytokines signaling in epithelial cells of gut mucosa.
Occupational Health and Safety Risk Analysis Using AS/NZS Standard 4360:2004 in a Fish Meatball Industry
Authors: Dewi Resti Nurmala
Published: June 2023

The Indonesian fishing industry developed by 1.4% in 2020, compared to the previous year, as shown by the existence of around 773 seafood factories. Such growth caused the emergence of different working conditions due to the use of complex machines. In 2019, the industrialization process generated an immense potential for accidents on occupational health as the mishaps increased from 60 to 270 cases. For this reason, this study aimed to identify the value and level of risk, using HIRARC (Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control) following AS/NZS 4360:2004 standards. The study was conducted at the fish meatball company located in East Java, for six months. The results showed that the company could manage the occupational health and safety, as indicated by the reduction of the levels of risk from acceptable (33.4%), priority 3 (14.3%), priority 2 risk (38.1%), priority 1 risk (9.5%), and very high risk (4.8%) to acceptable (76%) and priority 3 (24%). The risk assessment matrix had shifted from yellow (moderate) to green (low). Some recommendations implemented in the workplace included creating a safety organization, organizing training sessions among employees, fostering a safety culture, applying ergonomic principles, and controlling work hours.
Instrumentalização política e econômica da sexualidade:
Authors: Azevedo Thiago Augusto Galeão de
Published: June 2023

Este estudo tem como objeto a possível instrumentalização da sexualidade à luz de interesses políticos e econômicos, a partir da consideração da teoria de Michel Foucault. Trata-se de um artigo que tem como objetivo contribuir com elucidações, considerando-se a seguinte pergunta problema: em que medida a sexualidade pode ser considerada um instrumento político e econômico hegemônico de uma classe social sobre as outras, a partir de Michel Foucault? Para respondê-la, inicialmente, analisou-se os mecanismos de poder centrados na vida, tratando-se do Poder Disciplinar, Biopolítica das Populações e da era do Biopoder, conceitos chaves na teoria do filósofo em análise. Em um segundo momento, centralizou-se a discussão sobre as relações de poder no âmbito do sexo, analisando as interações com este, principalmente, a partir da exposição do chamado dispositivo de sexualidade. Por fim, passou-se a analisar a possível instrumentalização da sexualidade por uma determinada classe, à luz de conceitos fundamentais em Foucault, como maximização da vida e Teoria da degenerescência, possibilitando a reflexão sobre a instrumentalização política e econômica da sexualidade, a partir de um viés hegemônico.
Camille Claudel:
Authors: Souza ALívia Maria de , Reis Verônica Lima dos , Zamonel Beatriz de Barros , Rondini Carina Alexandra
Published: June 2023

A superdotação é comumente associada à genialidade e a áreas tradicionalmente valorizadas no contexto escolar -, linguagem, matemática e ciências, não sendo tão apreciada em outros campos do saber, como a arte. Tal fator, em conjunto com a inferiorização da mulher pela sociedade, corrobora para a invisibilidade de mulheres com superdotação artística. Objetivou-se, portanto, descrever os desafios enfrentados pela escultora francesa Camille Claudel (1864 – 1943) e analisar suas características sob a ótica da superdotação do tipo produtivo-criativo de Joseph Renzulli. Por meio de estudo exploratório, narrativo, com delineamento bibliográfico, foram elencados manuscritos (artigos, livros e/ou capítulos) sobre a artista, suas características, contexto social do século XIX e os desafios enfrentados por ela. Os resultados mostram que Camille Claudel possuía facilidade em criar, transformar, moldar e modificar objetos; infere-se que sua inteligência assentava-se no domínio espacial e apresentava superdotação na área produtivo-criativo com genialidade artística, todavia, às mulheres de sua época era negado o acesso ao mundo da Arte, exceto como discípulas dos artistas homens. Claudel produziu esculturas grandiosas, mas Auguste Rodin nunca deu os devidos créditos a ela; com a saúde mental comprometida e no forçado anonimato, morreu num asilo aos 79 anos. O texto descortina a urgência de mais estudos e debates sobre: a relação superdotação, gênero e arte; a problemática de uma sociedade machista; a desmitificação da superdotação; o reconhecimento de mulheres superdotadas.
Repercussões do aborto provocado no contexto da clandestinidade na vida das mulheres:
Authors: Sasso Greta , Teles Jéssica Machado , Vieira Letícia Becker
Published: June 2023

Aborto é a interrupção da gravidez até a 20-22ª semana de gestação, com o feto pesando menos de 500g, sendo espontâneo ou provocado. O aborto inseguro é realizado por indivíduos não habilitados, ocorrendo mais em em países com leis restritivas. Entre 2010-2014, 25,1 milhões de abortos ocorreram no mundo e 97% deles em países em desenvolvimento. Nosso objetivo é analisar as repercussões biopsicossociais do aborto no contexto da clandestinidade na vida e saúde das mulheres. Através da revisão narrativa, realizou-se busca bibliográfica nas bases de dados LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE/PubMED e SciELO, utilizando um recorte temporal de cinco anos. Obtivemos uma amostra de doze artigos, onde foi possível observar as repercussões físicas, como sepse e morte; o que foi mais percebido por mulheres que vivem em países religiosos e que não obtiveram apoio da família, assim como sentimentos negativos estão atrelados ao suporte emocional. Os resultados apontam que, as repercussões do aborto, se manifestam de forma dinâmica, de acordo com a individualidade da mulher, porém ligados entre si. É necessário mais estudos abordando a temática, ainda mais em países com leis restritivas.
Uma nova "casa dos homens"?
Authors: Filho Alberto Luis Araujo Silva
Published: June 2023

As masculinidades tem sido colocadas em questão no mundo contemporâneo, principalmente a masculinidade tradicional ou hegemônica, historicamente cultuada em nossa sociedade. Uma das arenas na qual essa reflexividade tem sido exercida é o universo dos grupos de homens ou grupos masculinos terapêuticos que tem se constituído como uma nova “casa dos homens” em que a condição masculina tem sido discutida à luz de perspectivas psicologizantes ou espiritualistas. Este artigo aborda esses grupos de forma crítica, questionando, a partir de relatos de pesquisa realizada durante a pandemia, em que medida o problema das desigualdades de gênero – tema associado às agendas feministas – tem conseguido adentrar estas iniciativas dirigidas por eles para eles.
Assessment of Need for Improved Identification of a Culprit Drug in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Li Dayan J. , Velasquez Gustavo A. , Romar George A. , Schunkert Elisa M. , Foreman Ruth K. , Divito Sherrie J.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Identifying a culprit drug is critical for patient care, yet identification is based on clinical judgment. Data are limited on the accuracy in or approach to identifying a culprit drug.

Objective

To evaluate patient allergy list outcomes, current approaches in identifying culprit drugs, and potential methods of improving culprit drug identification.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study spanned 18 years (January 2000 to July 2018), was conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston), and included patients with clinically and histologically confirmed cases of SJS/TEN overlap and TEN.

Main Outcomes and Measures

This study descriptively analyzed potential culprits to SJS/TEN, patients’ allergy lists, and currently used approaches that led to those lists. It then tested the theoretical contribution of incorporating various parameters to allergy list outcomes.

Results

Of 48 patients (29 women [60.4%]; 4 Asian [8.3%], 6 Black [12.5%], 5 Hispanic [10.4%], and 25 White [52.1%] individuals; median age, 40 years [range, 1-82 years]), the mean (SD) number of drugs taken per patient at disease onset was 6.5 (4.7). Physicians labeled 17 patients as allergic to a single culprit drug. Comparatively, 104 drugs were added to allergy lists across all patients. Physicians’ approaches relied largely on heuristic identification of high-notoriety drugs and the timing of drug exposure. Use of a vetted database for drug risk improved sensitivity. Algorithm for Drug Causality for Epidermal Necrolysis scoring was discordant in 28 cases, labeling an additional 9 drugs missed by physicians and clearing 43 drugs labeled as allergens by physicians. Human leukocyte antigen testing could have potentially affected 20 cases. Consideration of infection as a culprit was limited.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that currently used approaches to identify culprit drugs in SJS/TEN are associated with overlabeling patients allergic to likely nonculprit drugs and less commonly missed possible culprit drugs. Incorporation of a systematized unbiased approach could potentially improve culprit drug identification, although ultimately a diagnostic test is necessary.
Open Source–Based 3-Dimensional Liver Modeling Serving Accessibility of Liver Surgery Virtual Planning
Authors: Benkabbou Amine , Azami Amine , Majbar Mohammed Anass
Published: June 2023

This Surgical Innovation discusses 3-dimensional liver modeling serving accessibility of liver surgery virtual planning.
Locoregional Recurrence Patterns in Patients With Different Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheun Jong-Ho , Kim Hong-Kyu , Moon Hyeong-Gon , Han Wonshik , Lee Han-Byoel
Published: June 2023

Importance

While numerous studies have consistently reported that the molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC) are associated with different patterns of distant metastasis, few studies have investigated the association of tumor subtypes with locoregional recurrence.

Objective

To investigate the patterns of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), regional recurrence (RR), and contralateral BC (CBC) according to tumor subtypes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the clinical records of patients who underwent BC surgery at a single institution in South Korea between January 2000 and December 2018. Data were analyzed from May 1, 2019, to February 20, 2023.

Exposures

Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, RR, and CBC events.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was differences in annual incidence patterns of IBTR, RR, and CBC according to tumor subtypes. Hormone receptor (HR) status was assessed by immunohistochemical staining assay, and ERBB2 status was evaluated according to American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists guidelines.

Results

A total of 16 462 female patients were included in the analysis (median age at time of operation, 49.0 years [IQR, 43.0-57.0 years]). The 10-year IBTR-, RR-, and CBC-free survival rates were 95.9%, 96.1%, and 96.5%, respectively. On univariate analysis, HR−/ERBB2+ tumors had the worst IBTR-free survival (vs HR+/ERBB2− subtype: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.15-4.06), while the HR−/ERBB2– subtype had the worst RR- and CBC-free survival among all subtypes (vs HR+/ERBB2− subtype, RR: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.37-3.67; CBC: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.64-2.75). Subtype remained significantly associated with recurrence events in Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Regarding the annual recurrence pattern, the IBTR patterns of HR−/ERBB2+ and HR−/ERBB2− subtypes showed double peaks, while HR+/ERBB2− tumors showed a steadily increasing pattern without distinguishable peaks. Additionally, the HR+/ERBB2− subtype seemed to have a steady RR pattern, but other subtypes showed the highest RR incidence at 1 year following surgery, which then gradually decreased. The annual recurrence incidence of CBC gradually increased among all subtypes, and patients with the HR−/ERBB2− subtype had a higher incidence than patients with other subtypes over 10 years. Younger patients (age ≤40 years) had greater differences in IBTR, RR, and CBC patterns between subtypes than did older patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, locoregional recurrence occurred with different patterns according to BC subtypes, with younger patients having greater differences in patterns among subtypes than older patients. The findings suggest that tailoring surveillance should be recommended regarding differences in locoregional recurrence patterns according to tumor subtypes, particularly for younger patients.
The LIN28B–let‐7–PBK pathway is essential for group 3 medulloblastoma tumor growth and survival
Authors: Shahab Shubin W. , Roggeveen Christianna M. , Sun Jiarong , Kunhiraman Haritha , McSwain Leon F. , Juraschka Kyle , Kumar Sachin A. , Saulnier Olivier , Taylor Michael D. , Schniederjan Matthew , Schnepp Robert W. , MacDonald Tobey J , Kenney Anna Marie
Published: June 2023

Children with Group 3 medulloblastoma (G3 MB) have a very poor prognosis, and many do not survive beyond 5 years after diagnosis. A factor that may contribute to this is the lack of available targeted therapy. Expression of protein lin‐28 homolog B (LIN28B), a regulator of developmental timing, is upregulated in several cancers, including G3 MB, and is associated with worse survival in this disease. Here, we investigate the role of the LIN28B pathway in G3 MB and demonstrate that the LIN28B–lethal‐7 (let‐7; a microRNA that is a tumor suppressor)–lymphokine‐activated killer T‐cell‐originated protein kinase (PBK; also known as PDZ‐binding kinase) axis promotes G3 MB proliferation. LIN28B knockdown in G3‐MB‐patient‐derived cell lines leads to a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation in vitro and in prolonged survival of mice with orthotopic tumors. The LIN28 inhibitor N‐methyl‐N‐[3‐(3‐methyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazin‐6‐yl)phenyl]acetamide (1632) significantly reduces G3 MB cell growth and demonstrates efficacy in reducing tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Inhibiting PBK using HI‐TOPK‐032 also results in a significant reduction in G3 MB cell viability and proliferation. Together, these results highlight a critical role for the LIN28B–let‐7–PBK pathway in G3 MB and provide preliminary preclinical results for drugs targeting this pathway.
A model to optimize the location and size of facilities based on the area of the facility and the visit time of users
Authors: Tsunoda Masaki , Yoshikawa Tohru
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a new model to optimize the location and size of facilities that serve the public. The objective function is based on the floor area of the facility and the time that individuals spend in the facility. In this model, the area is used to represent the range of services provided by the facility: the larger the area, the more services are available, and thus the greater the utility. Time spent is based on daily time use and represents the degree to which users could enjoy the services provided: If the time spent in the facility is short, users are unable to take full advantage of the services offered. Focusing on the actual time spent makes it possible to avoid an overestimation of the facility's utility. The proposed model is applied to both a virtual city and an actual city. The results indicate that the optimum size of a facility depends on the amount of time that users can spend in the facility without restriction and that the optimum location is influenced by user activity patterns and population distribution. This suggests that planners should survey the daily time use of potential users before integrating facilities.
The Role of TCA Cycle Enzymes in Plants
Authors: Zhang Youjun , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: June 2023

As one of the iconic pathways in plant metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is commonly thought to not only be responsible for the oxidization of respiratory substrate to drive ATP synthesis but also provide carbon skeletons to anabolic processes and contribute to carbon–nitrogen interaction and biotic stress responses. The functions of the TCA cycle enzymes are characterized by a saturation transgenesis approach, whereby the constituent expression of proteins is knocked out or reduced in order to investigate their function in vivo. The alteration of TCA cycle enzyme expression results in changed plant growth and photosynthesis under controlled conditions. Moreover, improvements in plant performance and postharvest properties are reported by overexpression of either endogenous forms or heterologous genes of a number of the enzymes. Given the importance of the TCA cycle in plant metabolism regulation, here, the function of each enzyme and its roles in different tissues are discussed. This article additionally highlights the recent finding that the plant TCA cycle, like that of mammals and microbes, dynamically assembles functional substrate channels or metabolons and discusses the implications of this finding to the current understanding of the metabolic regulation of the plant TCA cycle.
A 3D Cell‐Free Bone Model Shows Collagen Mineralization is Driven and Controlled by the Matrix
Authors: van der Meijden Robin H.M. , Daviran Deniz , Rutten Luco , Walboomers X. Frank , Macías‐Sánchez Elena , Sommerdijk Nico , Akiva Anat
Published: June 2023

Osteons, the main organizational components of human compact bone, are cylindrical structures composed of layers of mineralized collagen fibrils, called lamellae. These lamellae have different orientations, different degrees of organization, and different degrees of mineralization where the intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar minerals are intergrown into one continuous network of oriented crystals. While cellular activity is clearly the source of the organic matrix, recent in vitro studies call into question whether the cells are also involved in matrix mineralization and suggest that this process could be simply driven by the interactions of the mineral with extracellular matrix. Through the remineralization of demineralized bone matrix, the complete multiscale reconstruction of the 3D structure and composition of the osteon without cellular involvement are demonstrated. Then, this cell‐free in vitro system is explored as a realistic, functional model for the in situ investigation of matrix‐controlled mineralization processes. Combined Raman and electron microscopy indicate that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a more prominent role than generally assumed in the matrix–mineral interactions. The experiments also show that the organization of the collagen is in part a result of its interaction with the developing mineral.
Flexible Vanadium Dioxide Photodetectors for Visible to Longwave Infrared Detection at Room Temperature
Authors: Balendhran Sivacarendran , Taha Mohammad , Wang Shifan , Yan Wei , Higashitarumizu Naoki , Wen Dingchen , Azar Nima Sefidmooye , Bullock James , Mulvaney Paul , Javey Ali , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: June 2023

Flexible optoelectronics is a rapidly growing field, with a wide range of potential applications. From wearable sensors to bendable solar cells, curved displays, and curved focal plane arrays, the possibilities are endless. The criticality of flexible photodetectors for many of these applications is acknowledged, however, devices that are demonstrated thus far are limited in their spectral range. In this study, flexible photodetectors are demonstrated using a VOx nanoparticle ink, with an extremely broad operating wavelength range of 0.4 to 20 µm. This ink is synthesized using a simple and scalable wet‐chemical process. These photodetectors operate at room temperature and exhibit minimal variance in performance even when bent at angles of up to 100 ° at a bend radius of 6.4 mm. In addition, rigorous strain testing of 100 bend and release cycles revealed a photoresponse with a standard deviation of only 0.55%. This combination of mechanical flexibility, wide spectral response, and ease of fabrication makes these devices highly desirable for a wide range of applications, including low‐cost wearable sensors and hyperspectral imaging systems.
Stretchable and Self‐Healable Semiconductive Composites Based on Hydrogen Bonding Cross‐linked Elastomeric Matrix
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Chen Kai‐Lin , Prine Nathaniel , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Gu Xiaodan
Published: June 2023

Semiconductors with both high stretchability and self‐healing capability are highly desirable for various wearable devices. Much progress has been achieved in designing highly stretchable semiconductive polymers or composites. The demonstration of self‐healable semiconductive composite is still rare. Here, an extremely soft, highly stretchable, and self‐healable hydrogen bonding cross‐linked elastomer, amide functionalized‐polyisobutylene (PIB‐amide) is developed, to enable a self‐healable semiconductive composite through compounding with a high‐performance conjugated diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP‐T) polymer. The composite, consisting of 20% DPP‐T and 80% PIB‐amide, shows record high crack‐onset strain (COS ≈1500%), extremely low elastic modulus (E≈1.6 MPa), and unique ability to spontaneously self‐heal atroom temperature within 5 min. Unlike previous works, these unique composite materials also show strain‐independent charge mobility. An in‐depth morphological study based on multi‐model techniques indicate that all composites show blending ratio‐ and stretching‐independent fibril‐like aggregation due to the strong hydrogen bond in elastomer to enable the unique stable charge mobility. This study provides a new direction to develop highly healable and electronically stable semiconductive composite and will enable new applications of stretchable electronics.
Interlayer Injection of Low‐Valence Zn Atoms to Activate MXene‐Based Micro‐Redox Capacitors With Battery‐Type Voltage Plateaus
Authors: Cao Zhiqian , Liang Guojin , Ho Derek , Zhi Chunyi , Hu Haibo
Published: June 2023

Insufficient and unstable energy output is the bottleneck issue radically restricting the application of micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs). Herein, an interlayer atom injection strategy that can anchor low‐valence Zn atoms (Znδ+, 0 < δ <2) on O‐terminals of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) flakes within the MXene/silver‐nanowires hybrid cathode of symmetric MSCs is first presented. Combining the polyacrylamide/ZnCl2 hydrogel electrolyte rich in Cl− and Zn2+ ions, the matched Znδ+/Zn2+ (−0.76 V vs SHE) and Ag/AgCl (0.23 V vs SHE), redox couples between the symmetrical electrodes are activated to offer faradaic charge storage beside ions‐intercalation involved pseudocapacitance. Thus, a battery‐type voltage plateau (≈0.9 V) appears in the discharge curve of a fabricated pseudo‐symmetric micro‐redox capacitor, simultaneously achieving energy density enhancement (117 µWh cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2) and substantially improved power output stability (46% of the energy from the plateau region) relative to that before activation (98 µWh cm−2 without voltage platform). The work provides a fire‐new strategy to overcome the performance bottlenecks confronting conventional MSCs.
Recent Progress in MOF‐Derived Porous Materials as Electrodes for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Gongjing , Shi Yuxin , Jiang Shu , Pang Huan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, metal‐organic frameworks, especially MOF‐based derivatives, have been regarded as one of the best candidate electrode materials for the next generation of advanced materials, due to high porosity, large surface area, modifiable functional groups as well as controllable chemical composition. This review presents the corresponding synthesis methods, structural design, and electrochemical performance of MOF‐derived materials, including metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal phosphides, and carbon materials, in high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. Subsequently, the problems that exist in the current application of MOF‐based derivatives as electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries are discussed along with possible and feasible solutions. At last, some reasonable pathways and strategies for the design of MOF derivatives are also suggested.
Machine Learning Assisted Analysis, Prediction, and Fabrication of High‐Efficiency CZTSSe Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Karade Vijay C. , Sutar Santosh S. , Shin Seung Wook , Suryawanshi Mahesh P. , Jang Jun Sung , Gour Kuldeep Singh , Kamat Rajanish K. , Yun Jae Ho , Dongale Tukaram D. , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: June 2023

The Earth‐abundant element‐based Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) absorber is considered as a promising material for thin‐film solar cells (TFSCs). The current record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CZTSSe TFSCs is ≈13%, and it's still lower than CdTe and CIGS‐based TFSCs. A further breakthrough in its PCE mainly relies on deep insights into the various device fabrication conditions; accordingly, the experimental–oriented machine learning (ML) approach can be an effective way to discover key governing factors in improving PCE. The present work aims to identify the key governing factors throughout the device fabrication processes and apply them to break the saturated PCE for CZTSSe TFSCs. For realization, over 25,000 data points were broadly collected by fabricating more than 1300 CZTSSe TFSC devices and analyzed them using various ML techniques. Through extensive ML analysis, the i‐ZnO thickness is found to be the first, while Zn/Sn compositional ratio and sulfo‐selenization temperature are other key governing factors under thin or thick i‐ZnO thickness to achieve over 11% PCE. Based on these key governing factors, the applied random forest ML prediction model for PCE showed Adj. R2 = >0.96. Finally, the best‐predicted ML conditions considered for experimental validation showed well‐matched experimental outcomes with different ML models.
Bio‐inspired Protein‐Based and Activatable Adhesion Systems
Authors: Heinritz Christina , Ng Xuen J. , Scheibel Thomas
Published: June 2023

Adhesives are in general chemically or physically sticky substances used to join surfaces. In case of gluing biological and living substrates, there is a need for bioadhesives that meet requirements such as biocompatibility, non‐toxicity, and degradability. Inspiration for bioadhesives is found in nature, where distinct mussels, sandcastle worms, barnacles, caddisfly larvae, spiders, and glowworms amongst others, use mainly protein‐based glues for various purposes. There is a great selection of reviews and books covering the use of various bioadhesives in various applications, but here the focus lies on advances in the development of bio‐inspired protein‐based adhesives for biomedical applications.
Collective Surface Enabling an Ultralong Life of LiCoO2 at High Voltage and Elevated Temperature
Authors: Zhang Wen , Cheng Fangyuan , Wang Meng , Xu Jia , Li Yuyu , Sun Shixiong , Xu Yue , Wang Liang , Xu Leimin , Li Qing , Fang Chun , Lu Yuhao , Han Jiantao
Published: June 2023

Rapidly increasing demand for energy density in consumer electronics is eager for developing high‐voltage LiCoO2 (LCO). However, some great challenges such as severe phase transition and surface instability negate the cycle life of LCO operated at high‐voltages (≥4.6 V). Herein, a chemical reconstruction strategy is proposed to form a collective surface of LCO through an interdiffusion reaction of MgHPO4·3H2O (MP) so as to extend the cycle life of high‐voltage LCO. The collective surface renders a three‐layer configuration that demonstrates an amorphous Li3PO4 outmost layer, a spinel‐like layer beneath, and a Mg diffusion layer within LCO bulk. MP with relatively low hardness enables the uniform precoating via mechanical mixing, followed by a sintering process to undergo an interdiffusion reaction. Li3PO4 is an intrinsic electrochemical stabilizer against interfacial side reactions. The spinel‐like compounds build a high‐voltage‐stable surface against irreversible O2 release. In addition, Mg diffuses into the bulk lattice to suppress irreversible phase transition during the deep delithiation of LCO. Therefore, such modified LCO with a collective surface exhibits ultralong life with capacity retention of 82% after 1000 cycles at 1 C within 3.0–4.6 V and stable operating at 4.7 V or elevated temperature (45 °C).
Recent Advances in Layered Two‐Dimensional Ferroelectrics from Material to Device
Authors: Lin Shenmao , Zhang Geyang , Lai Qinglin , Fu Jun , Zhu Wenguang , Zeng Hualing
Published: June 2023

With the advent of the post Moore era, modern electronics require further device miniaturization of all electronic components, particularly ferroelectric memories, due to the need for massive data storage. This demand stimulates the exploration of robust switchable ferroelectric polarizations at the atomic scale. In this scenario, van der Waals ferroelectrics have recently gained increasing attention because of their stable layered structure at nanometer thickness, offering the opportunity to realize two‐dimensional ferroelectricity that is long‐sought in conventional thin film ferroelectrics. In this review, recent advancements are summarized in layered ferroelectrics with highlights of the fundamentals of intrinsic two‐dimensional ferroelectricity, the emergence of artificial stacking ferroelectricity, and related protype devices with exotic functions. In addition, the unique polarization control in van der Waals ferroelectrics is discussed. Although great challenges remain unsolved, these studies undoubtedly advance the integration of 2D ferroelectrics in electronics.
Power‐Free Contact Lens for Glucose Sensing
Authors: Li Zongkang , Yun Jeonghun , Li Xiaoya , Kim Moobum , Li Jia , Lee Donghoon , Wu Angyin , Lee Seok Woo
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in wearable devices have enabled noninvasive monitoring for healthcare applications. Smart contact lenses have gained substantial attention for medical diagnosis through the analysis of vital signs in tear fluids. However, previous studies have mostly focused on designs embedded with electronic devices or antennas for wireless transmission, which are power‐intensive and require external receivers around the ocular system. Here, the study reports a power‐free smart contact lens for noninvasive glucose sensing according to the color changes of multiple electrochromic electrodes to achieve direct data transmission without the external wireless system. The device detects various glucose concentrations, from the ordinary range (0.16–0.5 mm) to abnormally high concentrations (0.9 mm). The multi‐electrode design exhibits acceptable accuracy, with a correlation coefficient r = 0.99543 to the controlled sample and allowed low‐glucose detections with concentrations down to 0.05 mm. The device shows good reproducibility, with standard deviations of determined glucose levels of 0.0462 and 0.025 for four continuous cycles and for an interval of several days, respectively. It is believed that the reported smart contact lens has the potential for daily health monitoring by ordinary users without a power supply and external devices. Its simple electronics‐free structure will allow for immediate application to the market with cost‐effective manufacturing.
Skin‐Adherent Elastomer‐Hydrogel Patch for Continuous 12‐Lead Cardiac Ambulatory Monitoring during Physical Activities
Authors: Li Yue , Zhao Zibin , Veronica Asmita , Yu Yeung Sin , Hsing I‐Ming
Published: June 2023

Continuous electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring is a necessity to prevent the sudden occurrence of cardiac events and premature death. Wearable bioelectronics provides the opportunity to realize noninvasive 12‐lead ambulatory monitoring for cardiovascular disease (CVD) detection and diagnosis. This work introduces a 12‐lead ECG patch that eliminates the issues associated with compliance, skin damage, and user‐discomfort encountered in conventional ECG sensors. The patch is safe, stretchable, and skin‐adherent with an adaptable design that allows for user‐friendly ECG monitoring. These can be attributed to the unique 3‐bridge patch structure, embedded liquid metal circuitry, and the wet‐adhesive polyacrylamide‐polydopamine‐tannic acid (PAM‐PDA‐TA) hydrogel. The hydrogel displays improved wet adhesiveness and biosafety for long‐term usage on deforming skin. The patch can acquire clean and consistent ECG signals with a higher signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratio compared to commercial electrodes during both static and dynamic monitoring. The outstanding performance of the patch ascertains its potential for daily continuous ECG monitoring and remote diagnosis.
All Electrohydrodynamic Printed Flexible Organic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Ren Ping , Song Runqiao , Zhu Yong , O'Connor Brendan , Dong Jingyan
Published: June 2023

The demand of cost‐effective fabrication of printed flexible transistors has dramatically increased in recent years due to the need for flexible interface devices for various application including e‐skins, wearables, and medical patches. In this study, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing processes are developed to fabricate all the components of polymer‐based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), including source/drain and gate electrodes, semiconductor channel, and gate dielectrics, which streamline the fabrication procedure for flexible OTFTs. The flexible transistors with top‐gate‐bottom‐contact configuration are fabricated by integrating organic semiconductor (i.e., poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) blended with small molecule 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene), conductive polymer (i.e., poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate), and ion‐gel dielectric. These functional inks are carefully designed with orthogonal solvents to enable their compatible printing into multilayered flexible OTFTs. The EHD printing process of each functional component is experimentally characterized and optimized. The fully EHD‐printed OTFTs show good electrical performance with mobility of 2.86 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio of 104, and great mechanical flexibility with small mobility change at bending radius of 6 mm and stable transistor response under hundreds of bending cycles. The demonstrated all printing‐based fabrication process provides a cost‐effective route toward flexible electronics with OTFTs.
Suppressing Degradation in QLEDs via Doping ZnO Electron Transport Layer by Halides
Authors: Chung Dong Seob , Lyu Quan , Cotella Giovanni F. , Chun Peter , Aziz Hany
Published: June 2023

Recent findings show that electron transport layers (ETLs) significantly influence the electroluminescence (EL) lifetime of quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs). In this work, it is found that using halide dopants in the ZnO ETL significantly enhances device EL lifetime. Electrical, photoluminescence, and photoelectron spectroscopy measurements on QLEDs and specially designed devices are used for elucidating the root causes of the lifetime enhancement. Results show that charge transfer occurs at the ZnO/QDs interface in QLEDs, producing positively charged states in ZnO, subsequently leading to luminance loss, a mechanism that contributes to EL loss. Furthermore, XPS studies show that electrical stress of QLEDs leads to an increase in the concentration of ZnO species with higher oxidative states and that a correlation between the magnitude of EL loss and the concentration of these species exists. The use of halide dopants is found to reduce this interfacial charge transfer and the formation of the ZnO species with higher oxidative states, possibly due to the dopants role in acting as hole scavengers that trap and efficiently neutralize holes in ZnO. The findings underscore the significant role that managing positive charges in ZnO plays in EL lifetime and provide an effective strategy for achieving highly stable QLED.
Cathepsin K‐Activated Probe for Fluoro‐Photoacoustic Imaging of Early Osteolytic Metastasis
Authors: Song Zhuorun , Miao Jia , Miao Minqian , Cheng Baoliang , Li Shenhua , Liu Yinghua , Miao Qingqing , Li Qing , Gao Mingyuan
Published: June 2023

Precise detection of early osteolytic metastases is crucial for their treatment but remains challenging in the clinic because of the limited sensitivity and specificity of traditional imaging techniques. Although fluorescence imaging offers attractive features for the diagnosis of osteolytic metastases, it is hampered by limited penetration depth. To address this issue, a fluoro‐photoacoustic dual‐modality imaging probe comprising a near‐infrared dye caged by a cathepsin K (CTSK)‐cleavable peptide sequence on one side and functionalized with osteophilic alendronate through a polyethylene glycol linker on the other side is reported. Through systematic in vitro and in vivo experiments, it is demonstrated that in response to CTSK, the probe generated both near‐infrared fluorescent and photoacoustic signals from bone metastatic regions, thus offering a potential strategy for detecting deep‐seated early osteolytic metastases.