bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Feasibility Analysis of the Inferior Robusta Coffee Beans Selling Using the Fermentation Method with Kefir Starter at CV. Asmak Kopi
Authors: Prismanda Brian Septa , Witono Yuli , Giyarto  , Belgis Maria , Afriliana Asmak
Published: August 2023

This study aims to assess the financial feasibility of Kefir fermentation for inferior robusta coffee. The research design employed data collection methods. The study was conducted at CV. Asmak Kopi from August to December 2022. The study utilized data as the subject of investigation. The data used in this research consisted of primary and secondary data. Primary data was sourced from the coffee business entity CV. Asmak Kopi, including labor data, production costs, production types, and coffee prices. Secondary data used in the study was obtained from various government institutions, organizations, research studies, survey results, and other sources. The obtained data was quantitative and analyzed to determine financial feasibility, including analysis of production costs, break-even analysis, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) analysis, Benefit Cost Ratio (B/C Ratio) analysis, Payback Period (PP) analysis, Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, and Net Present Value (NPV) analysis. This quantitative analysis was presented in tabulated form, grouping and classifying the data to facilitate data analysis. Data processing was performed using calculators and Microsoft Excel software. Based on the research findings, the business of improving the quality of inferior robusta coffee through kefir fermentation at CV. Asmak Kopi is financially feasible. This is supported by the results of the financial feasibility test, indicating an IRR of 82.88%, B/C Ratio of 3.08, Gross B/C Ratio of 1.8, positive NPV, and a payback period shorter than the production lifespan. The sensitivity analysis also showed that a 50% increase in inferior material prices had no significant impact, indicating that the business is still viable. However, a 20% decrease in selling prices has a significant impact, and the product should not experience a price decrease of more than 20%. At a price decrease of 30%, the business is not feasible as it would result in losses. The business of improving the quality of inferior robusta coffee through kefir fermentation at CV. Asmak Kopi is feasible.
The Nexus between Agricultural Development and Employment Generation in Nigeria
Authors: Olanma Onwuemeka Irene
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that the country is blessed with arable lands for competitive and high yielding farming, unemployment still soars, and Nigeria’s inability to fully and sincerely promote agriculture has been cited as the basis for its recent alarming rate of unemployment. This study investigates the role of agricultural development in driving employment generation in Nigeria in an attempt to provide current empirical evidence for Nigeria’s lingering unemployment situation. Based on the Keynesian theory of employment, interest and money, the study estimated a dynamic multivariate autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model using Nigeria’s annual time series data for the period 1986 to 2020. The results obtained show that agricultural value addition and government expenditure on agriculture exerts a significant positive effect on employment generation both in the long and short-run while annual growth rate of the population exerts a significant positive effect on employment generation in the short-run in Nigeria. Nevertheless, human capital development and lending rate had a positive and insignificant effect on employment generation in the short-run. Furthermore, the causality results showed that a bi-directional causality existed between the selected agricultural development indices such as agricultural value addition, government expenditure on agriculture, gross fixed capital formation, annual growth rate of the population and employment generation. The study therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should embark on massive investment in agriculture as this builds an end-to-end integrated agriculture value chain which invariably boosts production and as such creates decent job which in turn, ends poverty in the long-run.
Evaluation of the Quality of Undeveloped Spring Waters Consumed Directly by the Local Population of Kasaï (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Authors: Nyembo Céline F. , Nsimanda Camille I. , Biey Emmanuel M. , Musibono Dieudonné E.
Published: August 2023

Objective: Contribute to the assessment of the quality of undeveloped spring water consumed by the local population of the province of Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Design of the Study: This study consists of four parts, an introduction with literature review, a description of the study environment and sampling site, the materials and methods used and finally the presentation and discussion of the results obtained.

Location and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in the province of Kasai, in the villages of Kamupafu, Kabilowa, Kayonga, Kankondo, Kankala, Lunyanya and Kumbikumbi in the town of Tshikapa. The study covered the period from September 29 to October 24, 2022.

Methodology: The water samples taken (27) were carried out in the laboratory according to standard procedures and a series of physico-chemical and microbiological characterization analyzes were also carried out in the field and in the laboratory.

Results: Among other results obtained, it appears that the average pH was between 4.6±0.15 and 6.96±0.43; the EC between 12.91±0.51 µS.cm-1 at the Dido/Milonga spring and 26.87±3.00 µS.cm-1 at the Tshitenga spring. The turbidity, the soluble ion (NO3-, F-) and arsenic (As) contents in the water reveal that with the exception of the turbidity in the Kamitutungulu spring (10 ± 1.04 NTU), the concentration of the other elements in the water from all the springs studied complies with WHO recommendations for drinking water quality. In addition, the average values (CFU 100 mL-1) of total coliforms vary between 18 (KAMANKONDE/ROBERT) and 81 (KATOKA 3) for waters of all the springs.

Conclusion: All spring waters analyzed showed microbiological contamination by bacteria indicating faecal pollution (coliforms). It’s therefore suggested that support be provided in terms of drinking water supply and hygiene by setting up village water supply structures.
In-vitro Antibacterial Potentials of Essential oil from Citrus limon against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Cultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Hassan Titilayo , Ajani Emmanuel Kolawole , Osho Friday Elijah , Munguti Jonathan , Adekanmbi Abimbola Olumide , Awoyemi Esther Ibukun
Published: August 2023

Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal plants like lemon (Citrus limon) are considered promising to replace synthetic antibiotics in aquaculture production due to their ability to improve fish health. The aim of the research was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial potentials of varying levels of lemon EO against Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from Nile Tilapia. This research was conducted at the Microbiology unit., Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya and Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria in December 2021. Extraction of EO from lemon peel was performed using steam hydro distillation. The quantitative and qualitative profiling of extracted oil was performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The antibacterial potential of lemon EO was tested against some pathogens using the agar well diffusion method while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth dilution method. The most abundant chemical was D-Limonene (37.56%), 3-Carene (15.88%) and Terpinen-4-ol (93.4%). The lemon EO at 100% and 50% concentration respectively showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae (26.00mm and 28.33mm) and E. coli (33.00mm and 30.00 mm); while the least activity was observed against A. hydrophila (8.33mm and 6.67 mm) at P = .05. The MIC and MBC values revealed that 50% lemon EO inhibited bacterial growth for S. agalactiae whereas it was greater than 50% for S. aureus, E. coli and A. hydrophila. Lemon EO has potential antibacterial properties against tested pathogens that affect cultured fish and could be considered a good candidate for further research to develop new antibacterial drugs in aquaculture.
Growth, Yield Attributes and Metabolite Components of Thickhead (Ebolo) (Crassocephalum crepidioides Benth.) as Affected by Soil Amendment
Authors: Oloriegbe W. A. , Agele S. O.
Published: August 2023

A screenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the growth, yield attributes and bioactive components of thickhead (ebolo) as affected by soil amendments. Treatments were soil type (fertile soil and degraded land respectively amended with NPK @300kg/ha (F1), NPK@150kg/ha (F2), Poultry Manure@10t/ha (F3), Poultry Manure @5t/ha (F4), NPK @ 150kg/ha + Poultry Manure @5000t/ha, (F5), NPK @ 75kg/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2500t/ha (F6) and unamended control.  Data were collected on soil properties, growth and biomass yields of thickhead and chemical, proximate and bioactive components of leaves. Results showed that soil type and amendment significantly affected growth, yield and bioactive components of thickhead. Growth of thickhead improved significantly for soil collected under fallow vegetation (S1) while application of NPK and poultry manure combination at 0.375g + 12.5g per plant significantly enhanced most of the measured variables of thickhead. Fertilizer amendment of soils enhanced leaf sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents, poultry manure amendment improved moisture content and crude protein, while NPK increased significantly leaf ash and fat contents. Post-cropping chemical analysis of treated soils showed increases in pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, organic matter, available P, K, Na, Ca, and Mg of fertilizer-amended soils compare with the unamended. Thickhead (ebolo) can be grown both on fertile and degraded soils, soil amendment using NPK-poultry manure combinations enhanced the growth, yield and nutrition of thickhead and is recommended for its production.
Heat Stress Effects on Leaf Physiological Performances, Vegetative Growth and Grain Yield of Grain Corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Rashid Mohd Aziz , Hanifah Nurul Atilia Shafienaz , Abdullah Nur Hidayah , Aris Nadiah Mohd , Rahman Mohammad Hariz Abdul , Suptian Mohd Fairuz Md , Ghani Muhammad Najib Othman
Published: August 2023

The impact of climate change on agricultural production will be most pronounced in tropical and subtropical regions, with numerous climate modeling studies predicting more occurrences of heat waves in the future. Elevated temperatures resulting from global warming pose a significant threat to the agricultural sector, as warmer conditions can hinder plant growth and development, leading to reduced crop yields or even crop failure under extreme circumstances. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of ambient, non-heated (30 °C) and heat stress conditions (38 °C) on the plant physiological responses, growth and yield of grain corn during both the vegetative and reproductive stages. The results demonstrated that exposure to heat stress for 7 days significantly impacted the physiological performance of the plants, resulting in a substantial 46.9% reduction in net photosynthetic rate. However, prolonged exposure to heat for 28 days caused even more severe effects, with a 72.5% reduction in net photosynthetic rate. Although the effects of heat stress on vegetative growth were not apparent after 7 days, the plants exhibited severe damage after 28 days of heat stress treatment. During the flowering stage, heat stress led to significant reduction in kernel set, total kernel number, and grain weight of grain corn by 45%, 41%, and 46%, respectively. Poor and scattered kernel set on cobs during the heat stress treatment at the anthesis period indicated damage to pollen grains, failed pollination, and fertilization. These findings highlight the vulnerability of grain corn varieties cultivated in Malaysia to the negative impacts of heat stress, leading to potential losses in production yield.
Exploring the Future of Agriculture through Nanotechnology: A Review
Authors: Gawande Vaishnavi , Razauddin  , Das Hiren , Gautam Rakhi , Manisankar G. , Bhuyan Samikhya , Kurdekar Akshay Kumar
Published: August 2023

Agriculture, as one of the oldest and most essential human endeavors, has constantly evolved through the integration of technology. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal tool, redefining traditional agricultural paradigms. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted implications and applications of nanotechnology within agriculture, providing a holistic view of its past, present, and future roles. Historically, nanotechnology's initial foray into agriculture sought to tackle prevalent challenges, from pest control to soil fertility. Despite some early obstacles, this merger has since showcased myriad successful applications, underscored by targeted and efficient solutions that significantly enhance crop yield and food quality. The present-day agricultural landscape is punctuated by nano-fertilizers ensuring optimal nutrient uptake, nanopesticides targeting pests with minimal off-target effects, nanosensors enabling precision agriculture, nano-based food packaging enhancing shelf life, and nanomaterials aiding in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, with innovation come challenges. The environmental and health ramifications of introducing nanoparticles into ecosystems remain a concern. While they promise reduced chemical usage and waste, potential issues like nanoparticle accumulation, unknown long-term effects, and possible toxicity necessitate rigorous research and regulation. Economically, the nano-agri sector promises substantial yield increases, but it also requires significant investments. As the technology permeates the agricultural supply chain, ramifications on job markets, trade dynamics, and global competitiveness become evident. Looking forward, anticipated advancements include smart nanodevices, potent nano-bio interfaces, and self-repairing materials. Nanobots, soil health rejuvenation techniques, and advanced nano-encapsulation are among the many potential R&D avenues. The road ahead requires collaborative efforts from governments, research institutions, farmers, and the private sector. Public-private partnerships, in particular, could prove indispensable, merging public sector oversight with private sector innovation.
Performance of Wheat Varieties at Different Sowing Dates under Open and Pongamia pinnata Based Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Karada Makhan Singh , Bajpai R. , Agrawal S. B. , Awasthi M. K. , Bhan Manish , Mishra Riya , Agnihotri Dheer
Published: August 2023

The experiment was carried out  in a Pongamia pinnata-based agroforestry system to assess the impact of land use systems, sowing dates, and wheat varieties on wheat cultivation at the Forestry Research Farm, JNKVV, Jabalpur during the Rabi season of 2021-22 The experiment followed a three-factor double split plot design with two systems (open system and agroforestry system) as the main plot, three sowing dates (12th November, 27th November, and 12th December) as subplots, and two wheat varieties (MP-3336 and GW-322) as sub-sub plots. The results showed that the open system outperformed the agroforestry system in terms of plant population, plant height at harvest, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Early-sown wheat consistently showed better performance in most parameters compared to timely-sown and late-sown varieties. Among the wheat varieties, the MP-3336 variety exhibited higher plant population, while the GW-322 variety showed taller plants at harvest, longer spikes, higher grain yield, and better harvest index. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing wheat cultivation in agroforestry systems and emphasize the importance of considering land use systems, sowing dates, and wheat varieties to maximize crop productivity.
Relationship between Flower Galls and Girth Class of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce
Authors: Bhatnagar Shiwani , Khan Ameen Ullah , Sharma Neha , Kumar Bundesh
Published: August 2023

Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) recognized as a multipurpose tree species of Thar Desert gets infested with flower galls caused by Eriophyes prosopidis. The heavy infestation turns the flowers into galls without forming pods causing high losses in the yield of pods locally known as sangri. The present work was conducted to find out the relation between girth class of tree and average number of galls per inflorescence in the flower gall infested trees. In the present study we concluded that the relation between girth class of tree and average number of galls per inflorescence is negative. The average number of mite induced galls per inflorescence was highest in the girth class 70-100 cm and least in girth class 130-160 cm showing a highly significant inverse relationship between DBH and average number of galls per inflorescence in Khejri.
Impact of Organic Manure, Inorganic Fertilizers and Bioinoculants on Production and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek , Kumar Anil , Pathak R. K. , Sharma Sanjeev , Pandey Hanuman Prasad , Sachan Ravindra , Singh Veerendra , Pandey Shubham
Published: August 2023

Field trials were undertaken to investigate the impact of integrated nutrient management on wheat yield and economic aspects during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experimentation took place at the student's instructional farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology in Kanpur. The study encompassed 11 treatment combinations, organized in a randomized block design with three replications. These treatments involved varying combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers. The cultivation of wheat variety HD-2967 was carried out in accordance with the suggested agronomic practices. Based on the outcomes derived from the investigation, it can be deduced that among the various productivity parameters, the treatment labeled as T10 [100 % NPK + S40 + Zn5 + Fe10 + Azotobacter + PSB + 5 ton FYM] exhibited the highest grain yield of 48.60 and 49.93 quintals per hectare, straw yield of 63.15 and 67.53 quintals per hectare, and biological yield of 111.75 and 117.46 quintals per hectare across both years of experimentation. For economic factors, the treatment T10 also yielded the highest gross returns of ₹ 1,40,190 and ₹154,632 during the first year (2021-22) and second year (2022-23) of the experiment, respectively. Moreover, the treatment T7 [100 % NPK + Zn5] showcased the maximum benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 2.26 and 2.39.  It is noteworthy that the highest costs of cultivation were observed in the treatment T10, amounting to ₹ 53,805 in the first year and ₹ 55,561 in the second year. This treatment encompassed a combination of 100 % NPK, S40, Zn5, Fe10, Azotobacter, PSB, and 5 tons of FYM.
Virulence and Resistance Factors Associated with the Specie of Proteus vulgaris
Authors: Prado Júlio César Sousa
Published: August 2023

Proteus vulgaris belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, colonizing mainly the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans. However, when there is some deregulation in the host's immune system, this pathogen spreads, causing several clinical manifestations. Currently in the literature little is discussed about the virulence and resistance profile of this species. Thus, the study aimed, through a literature review, to describe the main virulence factors and resistance of this strain. Studies have shown that P. vulgaris is associated with most Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), despite being less isolated from P. mirabilis, exhibiting high motility ability related to its fimbriae, enzyme and endotoxin secretion, ability to produce urease and biofilm formation. As for resistance, the pathogen is intrinsically resistant to several antibiotics, requiring further studies for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
Influence of Spacing, Age of Seedling and Bio NPK Consortium on growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Transplanted Rice
Authors: Rathwa D. K. , Shah S. N. , Bhuvela S. B. , Rathwa M. K. , Parmar J. K. , Patel A. R.
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of the year 2021 at Paddy Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Dabhoi, Gujarat to investigate the influence of spacing, age of seedling and Bio NPK consortium on growth, yield attributes and yield of transplanted kharif rice. The texture of experimental soil was sandy clay it was low in available N (219.68 kg/ha), medium in available P2O5 (28.43 kg/ha), available K2O (183.00 kg/ha) and organic carbon (0.42%) with pH (7.49) and EC (0.39 dS/m). Twelve treatment combinations comprising of two spacing viz., S1 (20 × 15 cm) and S2 (25 × 25 cm), three age of seedlings viz., A1 (15 days old seedling), A2 (25 days old seedling) and A3 (35 days old seedling) and two Bio NPK consortium viz., B1 (with Bio NPK consortium) and B2 (without Bio NPK consortium), tested in split plot design which was replicated thrice. The result showed that rice crop transplanted at S2 (25 × 25 cm spacing) recorded significantly higher, number of tillers/m2 (335/m2), number of panicle/m2 (272.72/m2), panicle length (27.83 cm), panicle weight (7.01 g), number of grains(207.89/panicle, grain yield (5477 kg/ha) and straw yield (8957 kg/ha). However, transplanting of 15 days old seedling (A1) gave significantly higher number of tillers/m2 (335.08/m2), number of panicle/m2 (267.92 /m2), panicle length (26.67 cm), panicle weight (6.54 g), number of grains (201/panicle, grain yield (5200 kg/ha) and straw yield (8928 kg/ha) and remained at par with transplanting of 25 days old seedling. Seedling treated with Bio NPK consortium was not effective.
Screening of Sweet Potato Genotypes against Sweet Potato Weevil (Cylas formicarius)
Authors: Hejjegar Iranna , Hiremath S. M. , Naik K. Ramachandra , Shekharappa  , Patil V. S.
Published: August 2023

Field screening of 51 sweet potato genotype against sweet potato weevil was conducted at AICRP on tuber crop, Vegetable Research Centre, Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), Dharwad during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21 (two seasons) The treatments in each replication were allotted randomly by using random number table. Sweet potato cuttings which have 2-3 buds were planted in each replication with 3 m × 3 m plot size at 60 cm × 20 cm spacing. The crop was raised by following the recommended package of practices of University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. The lowest weevil incident were observed in the 5 sweet potato genotypes, among these genotypes four genotypes viz., BSP-1, BSP-26, BSP-27, BSP-32 are good yield compare to check (Sree Bhadra) these four genotypes are considered for future research work and for commercial cultivation.
Deciphering Variability and Genetic Parameters in Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes of Kerala, India
Authors: Ram A. Adheena , Elsy C. R. , Beena C.
Published: August 2023

Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala, the most popular traditional scented rice cultivars of Wayanad district in Kerala were used to assess the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic parameters in this investigation. The study on twenty yield and associated quantitative, cooking and biochemical characters revealed significant differences among genotypes for each character except for leaf width indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations showed high level of variability for grain yield (42.19%), number of spikelets panicle-1 (31.36%) and test weight (26.23%) and moderate level of variability for leaf length, culm number, culm length, number of productive tillers, number of spikelets panicle-1, panicle length, straw yield, grain length, grain width, amylose content and protein content. For most of the characters studied, the difference between GCV and PCV was narrow, indicating that environmental factors have little influence on these characters and are highly influenced by genetic factors. Heritability estimations ranged from low to high (17.86% to 99.90%). Characters like leaf length, culm number, number of spikelets panicle-1 and straw yield showed high heritability along with high genetic advance reflecting that these characters were under additive gene action and these could be the desirable characters for effective selection for developing high yielding scented rice varieties. This study provides information about the genetic variability and heritability measures of the various yield and related characters which may help to establish the selection criteria for future improvement in short grain scented rice breeding programmes.
Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn
Authors: Vishal  , Bahadur Vijay , Manjeet
Published: August 2023

An investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Science, Prayagraj, (U.P.) - 211007 during the year 2022-23. The experiment was consisting of winter dawn variety of Strawberry with each comprising of ten treatments replicated thrice. Source of variables were NAA; GA3 ; BA (benzyl adenine) and combination of them with control treatment taken as eleven treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design by randomizing treatments in each replication. As far as the vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit is concerned, application of different treatment of plant growth regulators significantly enhanced the Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Petiole length, Plant spread, Days taken to first flower, Number of flowers /plant, Fruit length, Fruit width, Number of fruits/plant, Fruit set (%), Yield per plot, Total soluble solids, Total acidity, Ascorbic acid and Fruit weight at all successive stages. Maximum Plant height (24.50cm), Number of leaves per plant (20.66), Petiole length (13.83cm), Plant spread (27.16) (E-W), (26.16) (N-S) ,were recorded in successive year with T6 (GA3 100ppm)Days taken to first flower (40.00 days), Number of flowers /plant (19.33), Fruit length (61.43mm), Fruit width (38.33 mm), Number of fruits/plant (16.66), Fruit set (87.66%), Yield per plot (Kg.) (2.33 Kg) Total soluble solids (TSS) (10.17), Total acidity (%)(1.33%), Ascorbic acid (58.66 mg/ 100 g) and Fruit weight (g) (41.33 g) were recorded in successive year with T9 (BA 75ppm) and minimum vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit were observed in T0.
Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Boron on Growth and Yield Attributes of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)
Authors: Kalyan Peddinti Pavan , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was performed at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, UP, during the Rabi season of 2022, to determine the “Effect of sulphur and foliar application of Boron on growth and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)”. The experiment consists of three replications in which there were three levels of Sulphur (15, 30 and 45 kg/ ha) and three levels of boron (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%) and one control. Among the various treatment combinations in Treatment-9 with the application of Sulphur 45 kg/ ha along with boron 0.3% foliar spray at 35 DAS significantly recorded higher plant height (41.25 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (25.07), maximum dry weight (16.43 g/plant), maximum number of pods/plant (118.67), maximum number of seeds/pod (2.00) in lentil crop.
Holistic Admissions at UC Davis—Journey Toward Equity
Authors: Henderson Mark C. , Fancher Tonya L. , Murin Susan
Published: August 2023

This Viewpoint discusses what higher education institutions can learn from UC Davis when it comes to ensuring equity for their students now that the US Supreme Court has eliminated race-conscious college admissions.
Mild Transaminase Elevation With Rapid Diagnostic Escalation
Authors: Gandhi Priyal , Latifi Niloofar
Published: August 2023

This Teachable Moment describes a 33-year-old woman with decreasing transaminase levels on repeated testing and ultrasonography showing fatty infiltration.
Evaluation of Social Acknowledgment and Mental Health Among Kurdish Survivors of Genocide in 1988
Authors: Neldner Sina , Noori Razaw , Mahmood Harem Nareeman , Neuner Frank , Ibrahim Hawkar
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study assesses whether higher levels of trauma were associated with less perceived social acknowledgment and higher psychopathology among Kurdish survivors of a chemical attack that took place in 1988.
Socioeconomic Adversity and Weight Gain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Betts Samantha S. , Adise Shana , Hayati Rezvan Panteha , Marshall Andrew T. , Kan Eric , Johnson David L. , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: August 2023

This cohort study uses a natural experimental design to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on weight gain as associated with socioeconomic disadvantage in a diverse population of US youth.
Additive Manufacturing of Composite Foam Metamaterial Springs for Vibration Isolation
Authors: Zolfagharian Ali , Picken Peter , Bodaghi Mahdi , Fard Mohammad , Rolfe Bernard
Published: August 2023

This research introduces a novel approach for reducing the vibrations experienced by passengers in vehicles using metamaterials embedded in polyurethane foam to improve the existing vibration isolation capacity of car seats. An exploration of quasizero and negative stiffness metamaterials is conducted to develop metamaterial springs that exhibit a region of high‐static and low‐dynamic stiffness to achieve vibration isolation. Metamaterials are developed using low‐cost open‐source additive manufacturing methods and thermoplastic polyurethane filament. This investigation follows a process of determining the geometric, material, and systemic design requirements, to identify the quasizero and negative‐stiffness force–displacement regions. Small‐scale models of a car seat are developed by embedding the designed metamaterials into different grades of polyurethane foam and completing static and dynamic testing. The results demonstrate practical applications for implementing metamaterial springs into polyurethane foam to enhance vibration isolation under dynamic loading. The developed material library and the key geometric variables in the metamaterial design allow for application‐specific solutions where the selection of the appropriate metamaterial and foam combination can be tailored to suit the system requirements.
Amplifying Mn Segregation and Enhancing Damping Capacity via Adding Sn in Mn–44Cu–1.5Al as‐Cast Alloys
Authors: Xu Yizhe , Xu Yonggang , Guo Yu , Li Xinyou , Zhang Song , Zhixiong Yang
Published: August 2023

As a metal functional material, the Mn–Cu‐based alloys are regarded to be able to cope with the vibration and noise from machines. In particular, the as‐cast alloys often exhibit an excellent damping capacity, which is attributed to the Mn segregation in the alloys. Herein, to amplify the kind of segregation, a trace of Sn is added in as‐cast Mn–Cu–Al alloys. The phase structures of the as‐cast Mn–44Cu–1.5Al alloys are analyzed in detail through X‐Ray diffraction (XRD). The distribution characteristics of face‐centered cubic (FCC) phases and face‐centered tetragonal (FCT) phases are observed using electron backscatter diffraction (BSE). The alloys’ dynamic mechanical spectra and internal friction (IF) are measured using an inverted torsion pendulum device. It is found that the addition of Sn promotes the Mn segregation in the as‐cast Mn–44Cu–1.5Al alloys. A large amount of FCT phases appears in the dendritic trunks, enhancing the damping capacity of the alloys. In the meantime, the Sn atoms enhance the twin boundary mobility in Mn‐rich dendritic trunks. As a result, the alloy containing 1 wt% Sn has the highest damping capacity in the alloys.
Tuning the Surface Energy of Hole Transport Layers Based on Carbazole Self‐Assembled Monolayers for Highly Efficient Sn/Pb Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pitaro Matteo , Alonso Javier E. Sebastián , Di Mario Lorenzo , Romero David Garcia , Tran Karolina , Kardula Jane , Zaharia Teodor , Johansson Malin B. , Johansson Erik M. J. , Chiechi Ryan C. , Loi Maria A.
Published: August 2023

Recently, carbazole‐based self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been utilized as hole transport layers (HTLs) in perovskite solar cells. However, their application in Sn or mixed Sn/Pb perovskite solar cells has been hindered by the poor wettability of the perovskite precursor solution on the carbazole surface. Here a self‐assembled bilayer (SAB) comprising a covalent monolayer (Br‐2PACz) and a noncovalent wetting layer (4CzNH3I) as the HTL in a Cs0.25FA0.75Sn0.5Pb0.5I3 perovskite solar cell is proposed. It is demonstrated that the wetting layer completely solves the problem due to the higher polarity of the surface and, furthermore, the ammonium groups help in the passivation of trap states at the buried SAB/perovskite interface. The introduction of the SAB enhances the device reproducibility with an average efficiency of 18.98 ± 0.28% (19.45% for the best device), compared to 11.54 ± 9.36% (19.34% for the best device) for the SAM‐only devices. Furthermore, the improved perovskite processability on the SAB helps to increase the reproducibility of larger size device, where, a 12.5% efficiency for a 0.8 cm2 active area device compared to 0.68% for the best SAM‐based solar cell is demonstrated. Finally, the device's operational stability is also improved to 358 hours (T80%), compared to 220 hours for the SAM‐based solar cell.
The Synthescope: A Vision for Combining Synthesis with Atomic Fabrication
Authors: Dyck Ondrej , Lupini Andrew R. , Jesse Stephen
Published: August 2023

The scanning transmission electron microscope, a workhorse instrument in materials characterization, is being transformed into an atomic‐scale material‐manipulation platform. With an eye on the trajectory of recent developments and the obstacles toward progress in this field, a vision for a path toward an expanded set of capabilities and applications is provided. The microscope is reconceptualized as an instrument for fabrication and synthesis with the capability to image and characterize atomic‐scale structural formation as it occurs. Further development and refinement of this approach may have substantial impact on research in microelectronics, quantum information science, and catalysis, where precise control over atomic‐scale structure and chemistry of a few “active sites” can have a dramatic impact on larger‐scale functionality and where developing a better understanding of atomic‐scale processes can help point the way to larger‐scale synthesis approaches.
Intermediate Phase Free α‐FAPbI3 Perovskite via Green Solvent Assisted Perovskite Single Crystal Redissolution Strategy
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Shi Zejiao , Wang Yanyan , Khan Qudrat Ullah , Li Xiaoguo , Deng Liangliang , Pan Yiyi , Zhang Xin , Yang Yingguo , Yue Xiaofei , Hu Tianxiang , Liu Fengcai , Wang Haoliang , Li Chongyuan , Liu Kai , Yuan Wei , Cong Chunxiao , Yu Anran , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: August 2023

Perovskite single‐crystal redissolution (PSCR) strategy is highly desired for efficient formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite photovoltaics with enhanced phase purity, improved film quality, low trap‐state density, and good stability. However, the phase transition and crystallization dynamics of FAPbI3 remain unclear in the PSCR process compared to the conventional fabrication from the mixing of precursor materials. In this work, a green‐solvent‐assisted (GSA) method is employed to synthesize centimeter‐sized α‐FAPbI3 single crystals, which serve as the high‐purity precursor to fabricate perovskite films. The α‐FAPbI3 PSCR strategy facilitates direct α‐phase formation and inhibits the complex intermediate phases monitored by in situ grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. Moreover, the α‐phase stability is prolonged due to the relaxation of the residual lattice strain through the isotropic orientation phase growth. Consequently, the GSA‐assisted PSCR strategy effectively promotes crystallization and suppresses non‐radiative recombination in perovskite solar cells, which boosts the device efficiency from 22.08% to 23.92% with significantly enhanced open circuit voltage. These findings provide deeper insight into the PSCR process in terms of its efficacy in phase formation and lattice strain release. The green low‐cost solvent may also offer a new and ideal solvent candidate for large‐scale production of perovskite photovoltaics.
Intermittent Defect Fluctuations in Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Qingteng , Wan Gang , Starchenko Vitalii , Hu Guoxiang , Dufresne Eric M. , Zhou Hua , Jeen Hyoungjeen , Almazan Irene Calvo , Dong Yongqi , Liu Huajun , Sandy Alec R. , Sterbinsky George E. , Lee Ho Nyung , Ganesh P. , Fong Dillon D.
Published: August 2023

The heterogeneous nature, local presence, and dynamic evolution of defects typically govern the ionic and electronic properties of a wide variety of functional materials. While the last 50 years have seen considerable efforts into development of new methods to identify the nature of defects in complex materials, such as the perovskite oxides, very little is known about defect dynamics and their influence on the functionality of a material. Here, the discovery of the intermittent behavior of point defects (oxygen vacancies) in oxide heterostructures employing X‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy is reported. Local fluctuations between two ordered phases in strained SrCoOx with different degrees of stability of the oxygen vacancies are observed. Ab‐initio‐informed phase‐field modeling reveals that fluctuations between the competing ordered phases are modulated by the oxygen ion/vacancy interaction energy and epitaxial strain. The results demonstrate how defect dynamics, evidenced by measurement and modeling of their temporal fluctuations, give rise to stochastic properties that now can be fully characterized using coherent X‐rays, coupled for the first time to multiscale modeling in functional complex oxide heterostructures. The study and its findings open new avenues for engineering the dynamical response of functional materials used in neuromorphic and electrochemical applications.
Sustainable Energy Resources for Driving Methane Conversion
Authors: Chen Rong , Weng Guo‐Ming
Published: August 2023

The conversion of methane to value‐added chemicals by traditional reforming processes suffers from intensive energy consumption due to its particularly strong C─H bonds. Thus, it is urgent to optimize the driving force structure for methane conversion by accelerating the integration of sustainable energy. In this review, the advances in sustainable energy‐driven methane conversion are systematically summarized to provide a scientific understanding of methane conversion in operation/storage concepts, reactor design, technological maturity, system optimization, and remaining issues. Furthermore, the essence, economic evaluations, energy balance, and social impacts of methane conversion driven by sustainable energy are carefully discussed, paving a path for the future course of research and development. Diversifying the energy mix can play an important role in the future of sustainable energy‐driven methane conversion industries, being used as a crucial step for the transition to sustainable energy, especially the combination of solar/nuclear energy with fossil fuels to produce value‐added chemicals. Additionally, this review intends to bridge the studies of methane conversion and sustainable energy‐driven development, with the ultimate goal of offering a robust framework to understand the current status of sustainable energy‐driven methane conversion and provide guidance for the design of sustainable solutions for a greener future.
Bulk Passivation Enables Hundredfold‐Enhanced Electroluminescence of Monophosphine Cu4I4 Cubes
Authors: Li Ying , Xu Siwei , Zhang Xianfa , Man Yi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Guangming , Chen Shuo , Duan Chunbo , Han Chunmiao , Xu Hui
Published: August 2023

Electroluminescent (EL) clusters emerged rapidly, owing to their organic–inorganic hybrid character useful for comprehensive performance integration and the potential for large‐scale display and lighting applications. However, despite their good photoluminescent (PL) properties, until present, no efficient EL monodentate ligand‐based clusters were reported due to structural variation during processing and excitation and exciton confinement on cluster‐centered quenching states. Here we demonstrate an effective bulky passivation strategy for efficient cluster light‐emitting diodes with a monophosphine Cu4I4 cube named [TMeOPP]4Cu4I4. With terminal pyridine groups, an active matrix named TmPyPB supports an effective host‐cluster interplay for configuration fixation, structural stabilization, and exciton‐confinement optimization. Compared to common inactive hosts, the passivation effects of TmPyPB markedly reduce trap‐state densities by 24–40 % to suppress nonradiative decay, resulting in state‐of‐the‐art PL and EL quantum yields reaching 99 % and 15.6 %, respectively, which are significantly improved by about 7‐fold. TmPyPB simultaneously increases EL luminance to 104 nits, which is ≈100‐fold that of the non‐doped analogue.
Photothermal Conversion by Carbon Black Facilitates Aryl Migration by Photon‐Promoted Temperature Gradients
Authors: Matter Megan E. , Čamdžić Lejla , Stache Erin E.
Published: August 2023

The Newman Kwart Rearrangement (NKR) offers an efficient and high‐yielding method for producing substituted thiophenols from phenols. While an industrially important protocol, it suffers from high activation energy barriers (35–43 kcal/mol), requiring the use of extreme temperatures (>200 °C) and specialty equipment. This report details a highly efficient and straightforward method for facilitating the NKR using photothermal conversion. This underused, unique reactivity pathway arises from the irradiation of nanomaterials that relax via a non‐radiative decay pathway to generate intense thermal gradients. We show carbon black (CB) can be an inexpensive and abundant photothermal agent under visible light irradiation to achieve a facile NKR under mild conditions. The scope includes a wide array of stereo‐ and electronically diverse substrates with increasing difficulty of rearrangement, including BHT and BINOL as effective substrates. Furthermore, we demonstrate the unique application for temporal control in a thermal reaction and tunability of thermal gradients by modulating light intensity. Ultimately, photothermal conversion enables high‐temperature reactions with simple, visible light irradiation.
Solar‐to‐H2O2 Catalyzed by Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Yong Zijun , Ma Tianyi
Published: August 2023

Benefiting from the excellent structural tunability, robust framework, ultrahigh porosity, and rich active sites, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are widely recognized as promising photocatalysts in chemical conversions, and emerged in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photosynthesis in 2020. H2O2, serving as an environmental‐friendly oxidant and a promising liquid fuel, has attracted increasing researchers to explore its potential. Over the past few years, numerous COFs‐based photocatalysts are developed with encouraging achievements in H2O2 production, whereas no comprehensive review articles exist to summarize this specific and significant area. Herein we provide a systematic overview of the advances and challenges of COFs in photocatalytic H2O2 production. We first introduce the priorities of COFs in H2O2 photosynthesis. Then, various strategies to improve COFs photocatalytic efficiency are discussed. The perspective and outlook for future advances of COFs in this emerging field are finally offered. This timely review will pave the way for the development of highly efficient COFs photocatalysts for practical production of value‐added chemicals not limited to H2O2.
A DNA‐Stabilized Ag1812+ Cluster with Excitation‐Intensity‐Dependent Dual Emission
Authors: Rück Vanessa , Liisberg Mikkel B. , Mollerup Christian Brinch , He Yanmei , Chen Junsheng , Cerretani Cecilia , Vosch Tom
Published: August 2023

DNA‐stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA‐AgNCs) are easily tunable emitters with intriguing photophysical properties. Here, a DNA‐AgNC with dual emission in the red and near‐infrared (NIR) regions is presented. Mass spectrometry data showed that two DNA strands stabilize 18 silver atoms with a nanocluster charge of 12+. Besides determining the composition and charge of DNA2[Ag18]12+, steady‐state and time‐resolved methods were applied to characterize the picosecond red fluorescence and the relatively intense microsecond‐lived NIR luminescence. During this process, the luminescence‐to‐fluorescence ratio was found to be excitation‐intensity‐dependent. This peculiar feature is very rare for molecular emitters and allows the use of DNA2[Ag18]12+ as a nanoscale excitation intensity probe. For this purpose, calibration curves were constructed using three different approaches based either on steady‐state or time‐resolved emission measurements. The results showed that processes like thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) or photon upconversion through triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) could be excluded for DNA2[Ag18]12+. We, therefore, speculate that the ratiometric excitation intensity response could be the result of optically activated delayed fluorescence.
Ultralow‐loss Optical Waveguides through Balancing Deep‐Blue TADF and Orange Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Hybrid Antimony Halide Microstructures
Authors: Zhou Bo , Qi Zhenhong , Dai Meiqi , Xing Chang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: August 2023

Harnessing the potential of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is crucial for developing light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, sensors, and many others. However, effective strategies in this domain are still relatively scarce. This study presents a new approach to achieving highly efficient deep‐blue TADF (with a PLQY of 25 %) and low‐energy orange RTP (with a PLQY of 90 %) through the fabrication of lead‐free hybrid halides. This new class of monomeric and dimeric 0D antimony halides can be facilely synthesized using a bottom‐up solution process, requiring only a few seconds to minutes, which offer exceptional stability and nontoxicity. By leveraging the highly adaptable molecular arrangement and crystal packing modes, the hybrid antimony halides demonstrate the ability to self‐assemble into regular 1D microrod and 2D microplate morphologies. This self‐assembly is facilitated by multiple non‐covalent interactions between the inorganic cores and organic shells. Notably, these microstructures exhibit outstanding polarized luminescence and function as low‐dimensional optical waveguides with remarkably low optical‐loss coefficients. Therefore, this work not only presents a pioneering demonstration of deep‐blue TADF in hybrid antimony halides, but also introduces 1D and 2D micro/nanostructures that hold promising potential for applications in white LEDs and low‐dimensional photonic systems.