bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor Air Quality and Risks Connected to Laundry Operations in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Olanrewaju John A.  , Ana Godson R.
Published: October 2023

During washing, ironing, and dyeing, laundry workers are exposed to chemicals that could be damaging to their health and the environment. These chemicals can cause everything from throat and skin irritation to cancer. Information on indoor air quality (IAQ) in laundry environments in underdeveloped nations, particularly Nigeria, was scarce. As a result, the study evaluated the risks to indoor air quality related with laundry activities in the Nigerian metropolis of Ibadan.

In Ibadan North (IBN), Ibadan North-East (IBNE), Ibadan South-West (IBSW), Ibadan North-West (IBNW), and Ibadan South-East (IBSE), 50 out of 100 consenting laundry operators were randomly chosen to participate in a descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Multi Testers N21FR were used to monitor temperature and relative humidity (RH). Using a Met One GT 321, CO2 meter, and an air sampler, the IAQ parameters were tracked. The values obtained for all parameters were compared to WHO limits of (Temp) 26°C, RH 60%, (PM10) 50g/m3, (TBC) 5x102 CFU/m3, and (CO2) 1,000ppm (ASHRAE) every day for eight weeks. With SPSS (version 20), Chi-square, Pearson Correlation, and p0.05, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Both the mean indoor and outdoor total bacterial counts (TBC) CFU/m3 values were much lower than the WHO-recommended guideline limit of 5x102 CFU/m3.  While indoor RH and temperature were above WHO guideline levels, PM10 and CO2 were below WHO and ASHRAE guideline levels, respectively, and TBC and TFC were within WHO guideline limits in all research locations. Therefore, it is recommended to boost cross ventilations in the laundry rooms to improve indoor air quality.

IAQ appeared to be impaired in the laundry environment in Ibadan, Nigeria. To better maintain thermal comfort parameters and lower levels of chemical pollutants released by launderers and product use during services, mechanical ventilation systems in laundry environments need to be upgraded with regard to operation and maintenance.
How Prepared are China's Preservice Mathematics Teachers? An Insight into their Cognition of Space Concept Literacy
Authors: Li Xiaoshuo , Yang Zezhong
Published: October 2023

At present, the research on space concept literacy in junior high school is a hot topic in the field of education in China. Many scholars have conducted research from different directions, but there is still a gap in the current research on preservice mathematics teachers' cognitive degree of space concept literacy. Therefore, this study used a semi-structured interview method to investigate 10 undergraduates and 10 graduates in a normal university in China to obtain their understanding of the contents related to space concept literacy. The results show that: 1. The cognitive breadth of space concept literacy is high, and most preservice mathematics teachers can cognize all the contents. 2. The cognitive clarity is relatively high. Most preservice teachers have a clear understanding of the cognitive contents, but the cognition of the value is relatively vague. 3. The cognitive accuracy is not high, and only a few preservice teachers can accurately master all the contents, among which the connotation is better, while the cultivation goals and value are worse. 4. The common implementation focus is the following three aspects: preparation of space concept literacy, cultivation of space concept literacy, and intensification of space concept literacy. 5. The cognition of the implementation focus is rational. However, preservice teachers have little understanding of content structuring and overall unit instructional design as suggested by the Standards, and lack the ability to capture emerging technologies such as AR technology.
Comparative Efficacy of Cypermethrin and Plant Extract in the Control of Cucumber Pests in Ado Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Falade M. J.
Published: October 2023

Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) is widely cultivated and consumed in the tropics as a source of fruit vegetable for man due to its numerous health benefits. Attainable yield in the farmers farm is considerably low due to the problem of insect pest attack. Based on the above, experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of cypermethrin and three plant extracts (Datura stramonium, Ricinus communis and Sida acuta)  in the control of insect pest associated with cucumber. Cucumber variety Cu 999 was planted on a 2 x 2 m at a spacing of 40cm x 40cm. three concentrations of the extracts was used in the control of the pest and cypermethrin insecticide was used as a standard check. The control plot in each case was sprayed with distilled water. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using least significant different at (p ≤ 0.05). Result from the study shows statistically significant variations. Eight insect pests belonging to different families were frequently observed on the cucumber. Incidence of normal fruits were generally higher than abnormal fruits at all the tested concentrations. At 65 % concentration with extracts of D. stranmonium, incidence of normal fruit (80.3 %) was not significantly different from that of cypermethrin insecticide (82.6 %). Yield of cucumber sprayer with 65% concentration of D. stramonium (250 kg/ha) was not significantly different from that of cypermethrin insecticide (254 kg/ha). The study concluded that extracts of the three plants can replace the synthetic insecticide in the management of the insect plant of cucumber with corresponding yield.
Navigating Gender Norms in China's Kindergartens: Male Educators' Perceptions, Challenges, and Strategies in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Chen Guanzheng
Published: October 2023

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the unique challenges faced by male kindergarten teachers within China's predominantly female-centric Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) domain. Utilizing purposive sampling, eight male educators from four kindergartens across Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen were enlisted, encompassing diverse ages, educational backgrounds, years of teaching experience, and specialized age groups of children. Through an integration of focus group discussions and 32 qualitative observational sessions, the research unveils four salient themes: professional gendered challenges, external expectations, confronting biases, and strategies to proactively reshape gender norms. While historical precedence has inadvertently placed male educators in the peripheries, often questioning their nurturing capabilities and emotional intelligence, this research shines a light on their resilience and innovative efforts to challenge these deep-seated stereotypes. The findings underline the pressing need for societal and policy shifts in ECEC, transcending gender binaries and prioritizing pedagogical expertise. The research suggests a more inclusive, unbiased ECEC environment, urging a broader perspective that privileges teaching prowess over gendered preconceptions.
An Algorithmic Illustration for Sericulture: GISELE
Authors: Ram Baidyanath , Singh Vikash Kumar
Published: October 2023

Silk is a natural fiber that is cultivated from the leaves of the Mulberry tree by rearing cocoons and then tending to the yarn in many ways. A silk yarn is first spun, then wound, dyed, and finally put into production by careful sericulture workers. Sericulture provides an interesting opportunity to many semi-skilled laborers in rural and urban India so that these people may achieve a source of their livelihoods. Sericulture has utility in sectors other than textile – like medicinal uses. In this research article, an algorithm called GISELE (A Gentle Illustration of Process of Sericulture) is discussed which leads to a procedure called Ceylon (Combinatorial Longitudes) and finally culminates in a process called Savon and later all of these techniques can lead to the efficient weave of silk in sericulture concerns in the Indian sub-continent.
Occurrence of Aflatoxin in Ready-To-Eat Roasted Snacks Obtained from Port Harcourt and Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Charity Nnam, Chidimma , Christian Eruteya, Onoriode
Published: October 2023

Aims: Microbial infestation of nuts and dried foods with the resultant production of aflatoxin is a global challenge to human health. This study aims to ascertain the safety of vended ready-to-eat cashews, groundnut and breadfruit.

Study Design: This work is based on a completely randomized design with two replications and the average values calculated for the mean comparison.

Place and Duration of Study: Imadavistic Laboratory, Port Harcourt and the Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of industrial Research, Oshodi, Nigeria, between January and November, 2022.

Methodology: Forty samples purchased randomly were examined for proximate composition, microbial safety and presence of aflatoxins using standard conventional and molecular methods.

Results: The respective mean percentage proximate compositions for groundnut, cashew and breadfruit were: protein (33.1±0.1, 14.9±0.3, 19.7±2.0), Carbohydrate (10.7±0.8, 16.5±2.2, 38.2±0.6), lipid (40.1±2.5, 34.3±1.3, 12.3±0.6), ash (1.8±0.1, 26.9±1.3,1.8±0.1), fiber (7.2±1.5, 20.3±0.6, 26.9±1.3) and moisture (7.0±0.1, 4.0±0.5, 7.8±1.6). Mycological count for groundnut, cashew and breadfruit ranged from 17 to 33; 5 to 17 and 2 to 17 log10 cfu/g, respectively. The mycological studies revealed that there were Aspergillus spp., Candida albicans, Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Aflatoxigenicity results reveal that 31.3% (10 of 32) of the fungi identified were able to produce aflatoxin and they were principally Aspergillus flavus. The range of aflatoxin in the samples was 6.96362 µg/kg of aflatoxin B1 in breadfruit obtained from Oji and Ekeonuwa to 1.07668 µg/kg of aflatoxin B2 obtained in cashew nuts from Rumokoro and Choba.

Conclusion: The presence of aflatoxins, though within acceptable doses, underscores the need for proper processing of these roasted snacks.
Investigation on the Abiotic Influences on Amplitude Fluctuation in the Incidence of Major Pest of Rice in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pal Rajneesh , Chandra Umesh , Kumar Deepak , Kant Chandra , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Suneel
Published: October 2023

An experiment was conducted at Students Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra deva University of agriculture and technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). during Kharif season 2021. The incidence that, the yellow stem borer, leaf folder, green leaf hopper, BPH and gundhi bug were recorded. The highest dead heart per cent of yellow stem borer was recorded on rice at 36th SMW (12.97 per hill) and white ear per cent (7.41 per hill) in 44th SMW, leaf folder 41st and 32nd SMW (6.75 & 0.10 per hill), green leaf hopper 43th and 32nd SMW (3.25 & 0.20 nos./hill), BPH 44th and 34th SMW (9.84 & 0.15 nos./hill) and gundhi bug 45th and 40th SMW (1.37 & 0.20 per hill).

Yellow stem borer (dead heart) was showed non-significant positive correlation with rainfall, minimum, maximum temperature and sun shine however, relative humidity showed significant positive correlation with dead heart. White ear showed that non-significant negative correlation with rainfall while, minimum, maximum temperature and relative humidity significant negative correlation however, sun shine showed non- significantly positive correlation with white ear. Leaf folder incidence showed non- significant positive correlation with rainfall and relative humidity, maximum and minimum temperature showed non-significant negative correlation, however sun shine showed significant positive correlation. Relative humidity and rainfall exhibited non-significant negative correlations with the incidence of green leaf hopper, although substantial positive correlations with sun shine and minimum and maximum temperatures were observed. Minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, and rainfall all exhibited non-significant negative correlations with the population of BPH; however, sunshiny days revealed a substantial positive link. The incidence of gundhi bug, showed significant negative correlation with minimum, maximum temperature and relative humidity correlation while rainfall and sun shine showed non-significant negative correlation and non-significant positive correlation respectively.
Enhancing Germination and Seedling Vigour of Interspecific F1 Hybrid Chilli Seeds through Priming with KNO3 and GA3
Authors: Umesh Babu B. S.  , B. V. Tembhurne  , Kuchanur P. H. , Khan Hasan , Aswathanarayana D. S. , Kisan B.
Published: October 2023

India is called a home for spices and also involved in the export. Chilli is an indispensable spice, essentially used in every Indian cuisine due to its pungency, taste, appealing odour and flavour. Quality seed is a key component for the successful agriculture, where the main objective is each seed should germinate and produce a vigorous seedling which ensures higher seed yield, productivity and also better storability to achieve good yield in the coming season. To achieve all the above said traits, the seed technologists have developed seed enhancement techniques. Seed enhancement techniques are post-harvest treatment of seeds to enhance the seed germination and seedling growth by facilitating the delivery of seeds with other materials at sowing time. This enhancement technique includes hydration treatments like seed priming and seed encapsulation like seed pelleting, which impacts significantly on seedling emergence and establishment. In this experiment study was conducted different priming treatments, seeds primed with KNO3 @ 1%, 2% and 3% and seeds primed with GA3 @ 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm, the seeds treated with KNO3 @ 1% showed highest germination percentage, root, shoot, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index I and II which was followed by GA3 @ 50 ppm. Acknowledge of proper priming techniques in order to improve the germination in the seeds.
Effect of Lead Contamination on Morphological Attributes and Biomass Allocation of Bambusa balcooa (Roxb.)
Authors: Rani Mamta , Lathwal Mamta , Vikas  , Singh Anand Narain , Chongtham Nirmala
Published: October 2023

Lead contamination in the agricultural soil by anthropogenic activities, industrialization and modernization poses a great concern to human health. A pot experiment was completed to evaluate the effect of Pb concentrations (0, 150, 500, 1000, 1700 mg kg-1) of lead nitrate on Bambusa balcooa plantlets grown in earthen pots placed in a fenced enclosure. For each concentration, three replicates were taken and to reduce the heterogeneity in the results, pots were placed in randomized manner. Thereafter, plantlets were transplanted in the pots and grown in the natural condition, only rainfall was controlled by covering the fenced enclosure with polythene sheet. The result showed that a higher concentration of Pb caused a minimum increase in the number of culm (0%), nodes (25%), leaves (58.53%), length of internode (19.04%), plant height (32.89%) and leaf area (62.91%). Biomass of the plant ranged from 5.33± 0.57 to 37.33±6.42g and moisture content was found maximum in Pb 500 mg kg-1 (38.78%) throughout the experiment. Findings of the study indicates that B. balcooa can tolerate the elevated level of Pb toxicity and can be used for remediation purpose.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and It’s Attributing Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) moench]
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Singh S. K. , Singh Som Veer , Bagare Vijay , Singh Artee , Yaday Vikash , Chowdhury Sayan , Mishra P.
Published: October 2023

This research was conducted in kharif during 2017 at research farm of SVPUA&T, Meerut, U.P. India. Total 30 genotypes were grown with recommended plant spacing and its collected from different agriculture universities of India. The studies of genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient for 10 traits, observed that phenotypic correlation coefficient was higher than the genotypic coefficient and it exhibited modifying effect of environments on the binding of the traits. Green fodder yield showed significant and strong positive correlation with leaf area at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, this character is useful to the breeders in selecting suitable plant type. Path analysis showed that plant height displayed maximum order of direct effect on green fodder yield followed by stem girth, leaf breadth and leaf stem at genotypic level.
Overworked and Understaffed, More Than 1 in 4 US Nurses Say They Plan to Leave the Profession
Authors: Suran Melissa
Published: October 2023

This Medical News article discusses how burnout and staffing shortages are driving nurses away from their jobs.
Electronic Health Records Failed to Make Clinicians’ Lives Easier—Will AI Technology Succeed?
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Voelker Rebecca
Published: October 2023

In this Medical News article, medical informatics expert Kevin B. Johnson, MD, MS, of the University of Pennsylvania discusses whether artificial intelligence can help reduce clinician workloads and burnout.
Spatiotemporal organization of cryptic North American Culex species along an urbanization gradient
Authors: Arsenault‐Benoit Arielle , Fritz Megan L.
Published: October 2023

Landscape heterogeneity creates diverse habitat and resources for mosquito vectors of disease. A consequence may be varied distribution and abundance of vector species over space and time dependent on niche requirements.

We tested the hypothesis that landscape heterogeneity driven by urbanization influences the distribution and relative abundance of Culex pipiens, Cx. restuans and Cx. quinquefasciatus, three vectors of West Nile virus (WNv) in the eastern North American landscape. We collected 9803 cryptic Culex from urban, suburban and rural sites in metropolitan Washington, District of Columbia, during the months of June–October, 2019–2021. In 2021, we also collected mosquitoes in April and May to measure early season abundance and distribution. Molecular techniques were used to identify a subset of collected Culex to species (n = 2461). Ecological correlates of the spatiotemporal distribution of these cryptic Culex were examined using constrained and unconstrained ordination.

Seasonality was not associated with Culex community composition in June–October over 3 years, but introducing April and May data revealed seasonal shifts in community composition in the final year of our study. Culex pipiens were dominant across site types, while Cx. quinquefasciatus were associated with urban environments, and Cx. restuans were associated with rural and suburban sites. All three species rarely coexisted.

Our work demonstrates that human‐mediated land‐use changes influence the distribution and relative abundance of Culex vectors of WNv, even on fine geospatial scales. Site classification, per cent impervious surface, distance to city centre and longitude predicted Culex community composition. We documented active Culex months before vector surveillance typically commences in this region, with Culex restuans being most abundant during April and May. Active suppression of Cx. restuans in April and May could reduce early enzootic transmission, delay the seasonal spread of WNv and thereby reduce overall WNv burden. By June, the highest risk of epizootic spillover of WNv to human hosts may be in suburban areas with high human population density and mixed Culex assemblages that can transmit WNv between birds and humans. Focusing management efforts there may further reduce human disease burden.
Evaluation of a head rest prototype for rotational corrections in three degrees of freedom
Authors: Schindhelm Robert , Razinskas Gary , Ringholz Jonas , Kraft Johannes , Sauer Otto A. , Wegener Sonja
Published: October 2023

Cranial stereotactic irradiations require accurate reproduction of the planning CT patient position at the time of treatment, including removal of rotational offsets. A device prototype was evaluated for potential clinical use to correct rotational positional offsets in image‐guided radiotherapy workflow. Analysis was carried out with a prototype device “RPS head” by gKteso GmbH, rotatable up to 4° in three dimensions by hand wheels. A software tool accounts for the nonrectangular rotation axes and also indicates translational motions to be performed with the standard couch to correct the initial offset and translational shifts introduced by the rotational motion. The accuracy of angular corrections and positioning of an Alderson RANDO head phantom using the prototype device was evaluated for nine treatment plans for cranial targets. Corrections were obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. The phantom position was adjusted and the final position was then verified by another CBCT. The long‐term stability of the prototype device was evaluated. Attenuation by the device along its three main axes was assessed. A planning study was performed to evaluate if regions of high‐density material can be avoided during plan generation. The device enabled the accurate correction of rotational offsets in a clinical setup with a mean residual angular difference of (0.0 ± 0.1)° and a maximum deviation of 0.2°. Translational offsets were less than 1 mm. The device was stable over a period of 20 min, not changing the head support plate position by more than (0.7 ± 0.6) mm. The device contains high‐density material in the adjustment mechanism and slightly higher density in the support structures. These can be avoided during planning generation maintaining comparable plan quality. The head positioning device can be used to correct rotational offsets in a clinical setting.
Electroreduction of Nitrite to Ammonia Over Ni1Ru Single‐Atom Alloys
Authors: Wang Fuzhou , Zhao Hongyan , Zhang Guike , Zhang Hu , Han Xiaopeng , Chu Ke
Published: October 2023

Electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia (NO2RR) holds great promise for concurrently achieving efficient NH3 electrosynthesis and wastewater purification. This study first develops Ni1Ru single‐atom alloys as an efficient and robust NO2RR catalyst. Extensive experiments and theoretical computations reveal that isolated Ni atoms electronically couple their adjacent Ru atoms to render Ni1Ru with high thermodynamic stability, boosted NO2−‐to‐NH3 hydrogenation energetics and suppressed hydrogen evolution. As a result, Ni1Ru assembled in a flow cell shows an exceptional NH3 yield rate of 37.5 mg h−1 cm−2 with an NH3‐Faradaic efficiency of 93.9% at a high current density of 312.3 mA cm−2, representing one of the highest NO2RR performances ever reported.
Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid‐Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery
Authors: Hu Mingdi , Li Xiaoyan , You Zhen , Cai Rong , Chen Chunying
Published: October 2023

Lipid‐based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi‐level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub‐organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP‐based NADs delivery.
Reductant Engineering in Stable and High‐Quality Tin Perovskite Single Crystal Growth for Heterojunction X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Li Mingbian , He Yuhong , Feng Xiaopeng , Qu Wei , Wei Wei , Yang Bai , Wei Haotong
Published: October 2023

Tin perovskites have emerged as a promising alternative material to address the toxicity of lead perovskites and the low bandgap of around 1.1 eV is also compatible with tandem solar cell applications. Nevertheless, the optoelectronic performance of solution‐processed tin perovskite single‐crystal counterparts still lags behind because of the tin instability under ambient conditions during crystal growth and limited reductants to protect the Sn2+ ions from oxidation. Here, the reductant engineering to grow high‐quality tin perovskite single crystals under ambient conditions is studied. Oxalic acid (H2C2O4) serves as an excellent reductant and sacrificial agent to protect Sn2+ ions in methanol due to its suitable redox potential of −0.49 V, and the CO2 as the oxidation product in the gas state can be easily separated from the solution. The FPEA2SnI4 single crystal grown by this strategy exhibits low trap density perovskite surface by constructing an FPEA2PbI4‐FPEA2SnI4 (FPI‐FSI) single crystal heterojunction for X‐ray detection. An improved X‐ray sensitivity of 1.7 × 105 µC Gy−1 cm−2 is realized in the heterojunction device, outperforming the control FPEA2PbI4 counterpart.
3D‐Architected Alkaline‐Earth Perovskites
Authors: Winczewski Jędrzej P. , Arriaga Dávila Joel , Herrera‐Zaldívar Manuel , Ruiz‐Zepeda Francisco , Córdova‐Castro R. Margoth , Pérez de la Vega Camilo R. , Cabriel Clément , Izeddin Ignacio , Gardeniers Han , Susarrey‐Arce Arturo
Published: October 2023

3D ceramic architectures are captivating geometrical features with an immense demand in optics. In this work, an additive manufacturing (AM) approach for printing alkaline‐earth perovskite 3D microarchitectures is developed. The approach enables custom‐made photoresists suited for two‐photon lithography, permitting the production of alkaline‐earth perovskite (BaZrO3, CaZrO3, and SrZrO3) 3D structures shaped in the form of octet‐truss lattices, gyroids, or inspired architectures like sodalite zeolite, and C60 buckyballs with micrometric and nanometric feature sizes. Alkaline‐earth perovskite morphological, structural, and chemical characteristics are studied. The optical properties of such perovskite architectures are investigated using cathodoluminescence and wide‐field photoluminescence emission to estimate the lifetime rate and defects in BaZrO3, CaZrO3, and SrZrO3. From a broad perspective, this AM methodology facilitates the production of 3D‐structured mixed oxides. These findings are the first steps toward dimensionally refined high‐refractive‐index ceramics for micro‐optics and other terrains like (photo/electro)catalysis.
An A‐D‐A‐Type Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter with Intrinsic Yellow Emission Realizing Record‐High Red/NIR OLEDs upon Modulating Intermolecular Aggregations
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Jia‐Xiong , Shi Yi‐Zhong , Zhang Xi , Zhou Lu , Hao Xiao‐Yao , Yu Jia , Wang Kai , Zhang Xiao‐Hong
Published: October 2023

Realizing efficient red/near‐infrared (NIR) electroluminescence (EL) by precisely modulating molecular aggregations of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters is an attractive pathway, yet the molecular designs are elusive. Here, a new approach is proposed to manage molecular aggregation via a mild‐twist acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A)‐type molecular design. A proof‐of‐concept TADF molecule, QCN‐PhSAC‐QCN, is developed that furnishes a fast radiative rate and obvious aggregation‐induced emission feature. Its emission bands can be facilely shifted from intrinsic yellow to the red/NIR region via fine‐tuning doping levels and molecular aggregates while maintaining elegant photoluminescence quantum yields benefiting from suppressed exciton annihilation processes. As a result, a QCN‐PhSAC‐QCN‐based organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) exhibits a record‐setting external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 39.1% at a doping ratio of 10 wt.%, peaking at 620 nm. Moreover, its nondoped NIR OLED affords a champion EQE of 14.3% at 711 nm and retains outstanding EQEs of 5.40% and 2.35% at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, which are the highest values among all NIR‐TADF OLEDs at similar density levels. This work validates the feasibility of such mild‐twist A‐D‐A‐type molecular design for precisely controlling molecular aggregation while maintaining high efficiency, thus providing a promising pathway for high‐performance red/NIR TADF OLEDs.
Gallium‐Based Liquid Metals: Optical Properties, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Wu Xiuru , Fang Hui , Ma Xing , Yan Sheng
Published: October 2023

Originating from the intrinsic metallic and liquid natures, gallium‐based liquid metals (Ga‐based LMs) have been greatly developed in the research of soft electronics, chemical synthesis, and other fields due to their fascinating characteristics. Meanwhile, the development and application of metal optics can help modern medicine and industry reach rapid developmental stages, such as disease imaging, photothermal treatment, and sensor detection. However, Ga‐based LMs have been much less explored in terms of their optical properties, particularly liquid alloys, and few reviews have contributed to their photonic applications. Ga‐based LMs can achieve wideband‐tunable plasmonic resonance and exhibit characteristic optical responses owing to their unique polymorphisms, undercooling, and superior mobility. Ga‐based LMs have broad applications in optical switches and memory, optical sensors, light sources, light‐driven micro or nano‐robots, photoacoustic imaging, and controllable metamaterials. In this study, recent progress in the optical properties of Ga‐based LMs and their potential applications are summarized. Current challenges in optical applications and future perspectives in this research field are summarized and discussed.
Active Matrix Integrated Metasurface for 2D Electromagnetic Modulation
Authors: Zhang Haochen , Zhang Zuojun , Ma Xiaoliang , Huang Cheng , Pu Mingbo , Luo Jun , Zhang Xu , Xiong Qi , Wang Yanxun , Luo Xiangang
Published: October 2023

Reconfigurable metasurfaces have attracted widespread attention owing to their dynamic, multifunctional, and intelligent manipulation ability of electromagnetic waves. However, most previous reconfigurable meta‐devices work in one‐dimension (1D) due to the complex electrical wires and control circuits for two‐dimensional (2D) modulation. Here, an active matrix circuit composed of a MOSFET chip and a storage capacitor is introduced into the meta‐atom design to realize 2D control of reconfigurable metasurfaces. The number of the control circuits is reduced from M × N to M + N by applying sequential voltage and selecting the row/column. As proof of the scheme, a 10 × 10 active matrix integrated reconfigurable metasurface operating in X‐band is experimentally demonstrated. 2D beam scanning and point focusing with focal lengths of 60 mm & 120 mm are verified through 2D phase modulation. The scheme for 2D modulation has great potential in the construction of high‐frequency large‐scale compact reconfigurable metasurfaces and promises unprecedented progress for wireless telecommunication and microwave detection.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Alkenes and Alkynes via Fluoroalkyl Radical Substitution Reactions
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko
Published: October 2023

Trifluoromethylated alkenes and alkynes are versatile building blocks for organofluorine synthesis. In addition, (trifluoromethyl)alkene motifs are found in biofunctional molecules. Hence, their synthesis is an important research objective. Although trifluoromethylated alkenes and alkynes have been prepared using transition‐metal‐mediated coupling reactions, more environmentally benign processes that obviate the use of precious metal catalysts and/or harsh reaction conditions should be developed. This review outlines recent advances in the synthesis of fluoroalkylated alkenes and alkynes via fluoroalkyl radical substitution reactions.
Mycelium Composites for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries: The Case for Africa
Authors: Akromah Stefania , Chandarana Neha , Eichhorn Stephen J.
Published: October 2023

The socio‐economic struggles in Africa are partly attributed to the low productivity of the agricultural sector. The Sustainable Development Goals Centre for Africa (SDGC/A) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDBG) both agree that the continent needs sustainable interventions to boost agricultural productivity, employment, and income. In this regard, mycelium composite production can present one potential solution. The added value to agricultural waste used to produce mycelium composites can generate additional revenue for farmers, serving as an incentive to increase agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the establishment of mycelium composite start‐ups can increase employment and income, especially for women and the youth. Mycelium composites can also aid in mitigating environmental and health challenges caused by some of the current waste management practices in Africa. This review offers valuable insights into the potential use of mycelium composites as a sustainable alternative for Africa. It explores the potential use of locally accessible resources, the potential applications for the composites in Africa, and the potential challenges that may arise with this technology. It further assesses the potential contribution of this technology to sustainable development in Africa in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN).
Construction of Dual S‐Scheme Heterojunction Based Co9S8 QDs Coupling with NiS/CdS Concave Cubic Derived from Prussian Blue Analog for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xie Haiyan , Wang Kai , Xiang Dingzhou , Li Songling , Jin Zhiliang
Published: October 2023

The design and development of high‐efficiency and low‐energy consumption catalysts for hydrogen evolution are critical to mitigating environmental problems. Herein, amorphous Co9S8 quantum dots (QDs) are prepared by hydrothermal method and loaded on concave cubic NiS/CdS derived from Prussian blue analog (PBA) to construct an efficient Co9S8 QDs/NiS/CdS dual S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts, showing excellent photocatalytic hydrogen performance of 13.45 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 5.42 times higher than that of pure CdS. The improved photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the creation of a double S‐scheme heterojunction, quantum confinement effect, and a concave cubic structure, accelerating electron transport and offering ample surface active sites. The possible mechanism is demonstrated with valence band XPS (VB‐XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work provides insight into the exploration of PBA‐based photocatalysts to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and provides an effective strategy for the design of photocatalysts with double the S‐scheme heterojunction.
Charge Dynamics Induced by Lithiation Heterogeneity in Silicon‐Graphite Composite Anodes
Authors: Berhaut Christopher L. , Mirolo Marta , Dominguez Diana Zapata , Martens Isaac , Pouget Stéphanie , Herlin‐Boime Nathalie , Chandesris Marion , Tardif Samuel , Drnec Jakub , Lyonnard Sandrine
Published: October 2023

The reaction processes in Li‐ion batteries can be highly heterogeneous at the electrode scale, leading to local deviations in the lithium content or local degradation phenomena. To access the distribution of lithiated phases throughout a high energy density silicon‐graphite composite anode, correlative operando SAXS and WAXS tomography are applied. In‐plane and out‐of‐plane inhomogeneities are resolved during cycling at moderate rates, as well as during relaxation steps performed at open circuit voltage at given states of charge. Lithium concentration gradients in the silicon phase are formed during cycling, with regions close to the current collector being less lithiated when charging. In relaxing conditions, the multi‐phase and multi‐scale heterogeneities vanish to equilibrate the chemical potential. In particular, Li‐poor silicon regions pump lithium ions from both lithiated graphite and Li‐rich silicon regions. This charge redistribution between active materials is governed by distinct potential homogenization throughout the electrode and hysteretic behaviors. Such intrinsic concentration gradients and out‐of‐equilibrium charge dynamics, which depend on electrode and cell state of charge, must be considered to model the durability of high capacity Li‐ion batteries.
Electrochemistry Enabled Heterostructure with High Tap Density for Ultrahigh Power Na‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Cai Jieming , Wang Linsong , Tao Shusheng , Liu Youcai , Cao Ziwei , Song Zirui , Xiao Xuhuan , Zhu Yirong , Deng Wentao , Hou Hongshuai , Yang Yue , Sun Wei , Zou Guoqiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: October 2023

Developing electrode materials with high tap density, low cost, and superior performance poses a formidable challenge in electrochemistry. The impressive performance exhibited by most electrodes comes at the expense of tap density and cost, severely limiting their practical applications. Here, combining computational and experimental results, an approach for the electrode materials with high tap density and rich heterostructure (Cu2S/Na2Sn) from cheap copper smelting slag enabled by an electrochemical process is proposed, reducing the diffusion energy barrier from 0.82 to 0.28 eV for Na+, as well as delivering an impressively high tap density of 3.32 g cm−3. Furthermore, the electrochemical activation process that irreversibly generates more stable Cu2S and Na2Sn after the first charge progress of parent materials is also revealed by in/ex situ analytical techniques. As expected, assembled sodium ion capacitors (SICs) achieve high energy density (74.4 Wh kg−1) at high power density (20 000 W kg−1) with outstanding capacity retention of 81.5% after 10 000 cycles, delivering over 76% of its energy density in 13.4 s, which surpasses the performance achieved by state‐of‐the‐art SICs. This work not only provides novel insights into irreversibly conversion‐type anodes but also introduces a method for efficient value‐added utilization of smelting slag.
Catalytic Current Collector Design to Accelerate LiNO3 Decomposition for High‐Performing Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qicheng , Xu Lei , Yue Xinyang , Liu Jijiang , Wang Xin , He Xiaoya , Shi Zidan , Niu Shuzhang , Gao Wei , Cheng Chun , Liang Zheng
Published: October 2023

Lithium nitrate is an attractive lithium additive in the construction of high‐performance lithium metal anodes with a Li3N‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. However, the eight‐electron transfer process induces high energy barriers between LiNO3 and Li3N. Herein, the inner Helmholtz plane is tuned on a Li deposition host to attain sluggish/rapid LiNO3 decomposition kinetics, resulting in different intermediate content distributions of Li species in the SEI. Notably, lithium oxynitride (LiNO) is identified as the decomposition intermediate, and experimental and simulation results confirm its role in obstructing LiNO3 decomposition. Moreover, the results reveal that the dipole–dipole interaction between LiNO and the polar V≡N bond can change the ionic/covalent character of the N═O bonds, considerably facilitating the energy transfer process of the N═O cleavage, and promoting a LiNO3 reduction to achieve a Li3N‐rich SEI. Consequently, when the electrolyte contains 0.37 m LiNO3, dendrite, and dead Li formation are suppressed effectively with the VN system, and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 1000 cycles (1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2) can be attained. These results can promote the nitride oxidation break process and pave the way for fabricating high‐performance Li3N‐rich lithium metal batteries.
Analysis of pet‐food customer postpurchase experience using online customer reviews: Implications for product and marketing strategies
Authors: Hobbs Lonnie , Shanoyan Aleksan , Wiley Zelia Z. , Aldrich Greg
Published: October 2023

Pet‐food industry growth and demand for specialized product offerings have generated new opportunities for companies to enhance their competitiveness and profitability through effective product differentiation. Recent rise in e‐commerce and technological advancements for capturing and analyzing online customer review data provide new opportunities for large‐scale assessment of customer perceptions of product attributes. This paper presents an integrated qualitative and quantitative approach for utilizing online customer review data to generate insights for informing pet‐food industry product and marketing decisions. The results from the analysis of 5632 online reviews of two pet‐food products highlight (i) product attributes that effectively differentiate (or put on par) two competing pet‐food products, (ii) identify product attributes that are most important for customer postpurchase experience, and (iii) estimate the effect of specific attributes on customers' positive (or negative) postpurchase experience. Specific pet‐food attributes examined include packaging, health/benefit, ingredient, taste, smell, appearance/form, natural/organic, processing, sourcing, small/large breed, price, and service. The advantages of this approach include its ability to leverage large amounts of easily accessible data and its generalizability to the analysis of other consumer goods that have significant online sales and customer review data [EconLit Citations: Q13, M31].
Immune cell kinetics and antibody response in COVID‐19 patients with low‐count monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis
Authors: Oliva‐Ariza Guillermo , Fuentes‐Herrero Blanca , Lecrevisse Quentin , Carbonell Cristina , Pérez‐Pons Alba , Torres‐Valle Alba , Pozo Julio , Martín‐Oterino José Ángel , González‐López Óscar , López‐Bernús Amparo , Bernal‐Ribes Marta , Belhassen‐García Moncef , Pérez‐Escurza Oihane , Pérez‐Andrés Martín , Vazquez Lourdes , Hernández‐Pérez Guillermo , García Palomo Francisco Javier , Leoz Pilar , Costa‐Alba Pilar , Pérez‐Losada Elena , Yeguas Ana , Santos Sánchez Miryam , García‐Blázquez Marta , Morán‐Plata F. Javier , Damasceno Daniela , Botafogo Vitor , Muñoz‐García Noemí , Fluxa Rafael , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Marcos Miguel , Almeida Julia , Orfao Alberto ,   the ECRIN‐M3 Consortium
Published: October 2023

Low‐count monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBLlo) has been associated with an underlying immunodeficiency and has recently emerged as a new risk factor for severe COVID‐19. Here, we investigated the kinetics of immune cell and antibody responses in blood during COVID‐19 of MBLlo versus non‐MBL patients. For this study, we analyzed the kinetics of immune cells in blood of 336 COVID‐19 patients (74 MBLlo and 262 non‐MBL), who had not been vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2, over a period of 43 weeks since the onset of infection, using high‐sensitivity flow cytometry. Plasma levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were measured in parallel by ELISA. Overall, early after the onset of symptoms, MBLlo COVID‐19 patients showed increased neutrophil, monocyte, and particularly, plasma cell (PC) counts, whereas eosinophil, dendritic cell, basophil, and lymphocyte counts were markedly decreased in blood of a variable percentage of samples, and with a tendency toward normal levels from week +5 of infection onward. Compared with non‐MBL patients, MBLlo COVID‐19 patients presented higher neutrophil counts, together with decreased pre‐GC B‐cell, dendritic cell, and innate‐like T‐cell counts. Higher PC levels, together with a delayed PC peak and greater plasma levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies (at week +2 to week +4) were also observed in MBLlo patients. In summary, MBLlo COVID‐19 patients share immune profiles previously described for patients with severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, associated with a delayed but more pronounced PC and antibody humoral response once compared with non‐MBL patients.
Talon cusp expression in Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Guatelli‐Steinberg Debbie , Kensler Terry B. , Francis George , Maldonado Elizabeth , Kohn Luci A. P. , Zhao Martin Q. , Wang Qian
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This brief communication documents the prevalence of maxillary central incisor talon cusps in Cayo Santiago rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and assesses whether talon cusp presence occurs at equivalent frequencies across matrilines.

Materials and Methods

The data on cusp presence vs. absence were analyzed by logistic regression in 170 monkeys (82 females, 78 males) from seven different matrilines. Sample sizes per matriline ranged from 10 to 42. Observations of talon cusps were blind with respect to matriline and sex.

Results

Talon cusps were present in 9.4% of the sample. By matriline, cusp frequencies ranged from 0%—Matrilines 073 and 106%—to 19.1% in Matriline 076. The frequency of the talon cusp in Matriline 076 was significantly greater than the frequency of the cusp in the remainder of the sample. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of the talon cusp by sex.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the talon cusp in rhesus monkeys, as in humans and baboons, is a rare trait. Elevated prevalence of the talon cusp in Matriline 076 suggests the possibility of a genetic influence on talon cusp expression.
Patient perspectives on recall period and response options in patient‐reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis symptomatology: An international multi‐centered study
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Derbarsegian Armo , Yu Victor T. , Alsayed Ahmed , Bitner Benjamin F. , Yeom Brian , Liu David T. , Schneider Sven , Adams Sarah M. , Houssein Firas A. , Walters Zoe A. , Tripathi Siddhant , Walker Victoria L. , Singerman Kyle W. , Meier Josh C. , Kim Raymond , Kuan Edward C. , Alsaleh Saad , Phillips Katie M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) use a variety of recall periods and response scales to assess CRS symptom burden. Global perspectives of CRS patients regarding optimal recall periods and response scales for CRS PROMs are unknown.

Methods

This was a multi‐center, cross‐sectional study recruiting 461 CRS patients from sites across the United States, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Austria. Participants chose which CRS symptom recall period (1 day, 2 weeks, 1 month, >1 month) was most reflective of their current disease state and upon which to best base treatment recommendations (including surgery). Participants also chose which of six response scales (one visual analogue scale and five Likert scales ranging from four to eight items) was easiest to use, understand, and preferred.

Results

A plurality of participants (40.0%) felt their CRS symptoms’ current state was best reflected by a 1‐month recall period. However, most patients (56.9%) preferred treatment recommendations to be determined by symptoms experienced over a >1 month period. The four‐ and five‐item Likert scales were the easiest to understand (26.0% and 25.4%, respectively) and use (23.4% and 26.7%, respectively). The five‐item (26.4% rating it most preferred and 70.9% rating it preferred) and four‐item Likert (22.3% rating it most preferred and 56.4% rating it preferred) response scales were most preferred.

Conclusion

Future PROMs for CRS should consider assessment of symptoms over a 1‐month period and use a four‐ or five‐item Likert response scale to reflect global patient preferences. These findings also inform interpretation of current CRS PROMs.