bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income Sufficiency Assessment of Rural Households: A Case Study of Malda District in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ali Md Sabir , Bhadwal Shiwani , Gautam Yash
Published: February 2025

The study investigated the income sufficiency of rural households in Malda district of West Bengal. The primary data of 60 randomly selected farmers was collected through survey method during 2023-24. The findings revealed that on an average rural household earns Rs. 2,60,555.47 per annum (Rs. 21,713/month) and spends Rs. 207448 annually (Rs. 17,287.35/month). Field crops (85.34 %), Agricultural labour (72.60%) and business earnings (34.75%) occupies the highest share in the farm, off-farm and non-farm income sources, respectively. Family size and annual income had a significant positive effect on both farm household annual food and non-food expenditure. The result further revealed that large farmers have significant level of financial sufficiency with highest income-expenditure ratio (1.64) followed by medium farmers (1.35), non-cultivators (1.19) and small and marginal farmers (1.16). Average propensity to consume was highest for small and marginal farmers (0.86) and lowest for large farmers (0.61). However, farm income sufficiency revealed that farm income is insufficient to cover expenses of small and marginal farmers. Although agriculture remained the primary source of income, engagement in non-farm activities significantly contributed to households’ income sufficiency. Additionally, small land holdings and low wage rates are the major constraints in the region. Thus, policymakers should focus on an integrated strategy to enhance off and non-farm income opportunities along with capacity building programs in rural areas.
Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act and Early Mortality Following Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Nogueira Leticia M. , Boffa Daniel J. , Jemal Ahmedin , Han Xuesong , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: January 2024

Importance

Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is associated with gains in health insurance coverage, earlier stage diagnosis, and improved survival among patients with cancer.

Objective

To examine the association of Medicaid expansion with changes in early mortality among adults undergoing surgical resection of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a setting in which access to care is a major determinant of survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used the National Cancer Database to identify 14 984 adults 45 to 64 years of age who underwent surgical resection of NSCLC between 2008 and 2019. Analysis was conducted between March 28, 2021, and September 1, 2023.

Exposure

State of residence Medicaid expansion status.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Descriptive statistics were used to compare study population characteristics by Medicaid expansion status of patients’ state of residence. Difference-in-differences analyses were used to evaluate the association between Medicaid expansion and postoperative mortality before implementation of the ACA (2008-2013) vs after (2014-2019).

Results

Among 14 984 adults included, the mean (SD) age was 56.3 (5.1) years, 54.6% were women, and 62.1% lived in Medicaid expansion states. Both 30-day (from 0.97% to 0.26%) and 90-day (from 2.63% to 1.32%) postoperative mortality decreased from before the ACA to after among patients residing in Medicaid expansion states (both P < .001) but not in nonexpansion states (30-day mortality before the ACA, 0.75% vs after the ACA, 0.68%; P = .74; and 90-day mortality before the ACA, 2.43% vs after the ACA, 2.20%; P = .57), leading to a difference-in-differences of −0.64 percentage points (95% CI, −1.19 to −0.08; P = .03) for 30-day mortality and −1.08 percentage points (95% CI, −2.08 to −0.08; P = .03) for 90-day mortality. The difference-in-differences for in-hospital mortality was not significant (P = .34) between expansion states (1.41% before the ACA to 0.77% after the ACA; 0.63 percentage point decrease; P = .004) and nonexpansion states (1.49% before the ACA to 1.20% after the ACA; 0.30 percentage point decrease; P = .29).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with NSCLC, Medicaid expansion was associated with declines in 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality following hospital discharge. These findings suggest that Medicaid expansion may be an effective strategy for improving access to care and cancer outcomes in this population.
Family Physician–to–Hospital Specialist Electronic Consultation and Access to Hospital Care
Authors: Peeters Ken M. M. , Reichel Loïs A. M. , Muris Dennis M. J. , Cals Jochen W. L.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Globally, health care systems face challenges in managing health care costs while maintaining access to hospital care, quality of care, and a good work balance for caregivers. Electronic consultations (e-consultations)—defined as asynchronous, consultative communication between family physicians and hospital specialists—may offer advantages to face these challenges.

Objective

To provide a quantitative synthesis of the association of e-consultation with access to hospital care and the avoidance of hospital referrals.

Evidence Review

A systematic search through PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted. Eligible studies included original research studies published from January 2010 to March 2023 in English, Dutch, or German that reported on outcomes associated with access to hospital care and the avoidance of hospital referrals. Reference lists of included articles were searched for additional studies. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) scores were assigned to assess quality of evidence.

Findings

The search strategy resulted in 583 records, of which 72 studies were eligible for data extraction after applying exclusion criteria. Most studies were observational, focused on multispecialty services, and were performed in either Canada or the US. Outcomes on access to hospital care and the avoidance of referrals indicated that e-consultation was associated with improved access to hospital care and an increase in avoided referrals to the hospital specialist, although outcomes greatly differed across studies. GRADE scores were low or very low across studies.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review of the association of e-consultation with access to hospital care and the avoidance of hospital referrals, results indicated that the use of e-consultation has greatly increased over the years. Although e-consultation was associated with improved access to hospital care and avoidance of hospital referrals, it was hard to draw a conclusion about these outcomes due to heterogeneity and lack of high-quality evidence (eg, from randomized clinical trials). Nevertheless, these results suggest that e-consultation seems to be a promising digital health care implementation, but more rigorous studies are needed; nonrandomized trial designs should be used, and appropriate outcomes should be chosen in future research on this topic.
Machine learning‐mediated identification of ferroptosis‐related genes in osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Meng Hongming , Shou Zeyu , Zhou Han , Chen Liangyan , Yu Jiahuan , Hu Kai , Bai Zhibiao , Chen Chun
Published: January 2024

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a condition caused by a disruption or damage to the femoral head's blood supply, which causes the death of bone cells and bone marrow components and prevents future regeneration. Ferroptosis, a type of controlled cell death, is caused by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. Here, we identified ferroptosis‐related genes and infiltrating immune cells involved in ONFH and predicted the underlying molecular mechanisms. The GSE123568 dataset was subjected to differential expression analysis to identify genes related to ferroptosis. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, as well as protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, were conducted. Hub genes involved in ferroptosis were identified using machine learning and other techniques. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis and lncRNA–miRNA‐mRNA network prediction analysis were performed. Finally, we determined whether ferroptosis occurred by measuring iron content. The hub genes were validated by ROC curve analysis and qRT–PCR. Four ferroptosis‐related hub genes (MAPK3, PTGS2, STK11, and SLC2A1) were identified. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis revealed a strong correlation among ONFH, hub genes, and various immune cells. Finally, we predicted the network relationship between differentially expressed lncRNAs and hub genes in the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network. MAPK3, PTGS2, STK11, and SLC2A1 have been identified as potential ferroptosis‐related biomarkers and drug targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of ONFH, while some immune cells, as well as the interaction between lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA, have also been identified as potential pathogenesis markers and therapeutic targets.
Current Trends and Future Directions in ELT: Telecollaboration in the Education of TESOL Teachers
Authors: Kessler Jörg‐u , Haim Orly , Schwab Götz
Published: January 2024

There is growing evidence that telecollaboration has contributed to fostering intercultural awareness and intercultural (communicative) competence, including intercultural citizenship and critical (inter)‐cultural language awareness. This entry reviews recent literature and provides insights into best‐practice examples of telecollaboration. Specific guidelines for effective telecollaborations are provided.
Mobile‐Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐Ni
Published: January 2024

Mobile‐assisted language learning (MALL) refers to the use of mobile devices to learn a language in formal or informal situations for learners of all ages. MALL offers language teachers new tools and opportunities to create innovative, engaging learning activities that enhance language acquisition and learner engagement. Language teachers can leverage the benefits of MALL to promote collaborative learning and support a personalized language‐learning experience without the restriction of time and space. Nonetheless, previous research findings indicate that user perception of MALL is mixed, and the effectiveness of MALL remains inconclusive. The literature also suggests that teachers face significant pedagogical challenges when implementing mobile learning, despite the increasing popularity of MALL in both formal and informal learning settings. This entry will discuss these issues and conclude with the future directions of MALL.
Sodalinema
Authors: Noonan Avery J. C. , Dofher Kalen , Kieft Brandon , Koch Moritz , Qiu Yilin , Hallam Steven J.
Published: January 2024

So.da.li.ne.ma. Gr. neut. n.nêma, filament; N.L. neut. n.Sodalinema, the name of the genus referring to alkaline‐saline habitats where this cyanobacterium was found (soda lake) and to the cyanobacterium morphology.

Cyanobacteriota / Cyanobacteriia / Cyanobacteriales / Geitlerinemaceae / Sodalinema

ThePhormidiumgenus has been described as one of the most difficult phylogenetic lineages to resolve, with over 200 identified species representing distinct polyphyletic groups, including multiple strains intermingled with the genusSodalinema. In this article, we attempt to address this inconsistency by describing and differentiating the genusSodalinemafrom the other taxonomic lineage previously namedPhormidium, using the Genome Taxonomy Database as a framework for data‐driven classification. This genus contains 64 strains, including 5 strains with high‐quality isolate genomes, 9 strains with associated metagenome‐assembled genomes, and 50 additional strains represented by small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Many of these strains have been identified as having potential for biotechnological applications and grow in high‐density biofilms. Members of theSodalinemagenus are filamentous cyanobacterium with straight, cylindrical, and unbranched trichomes. They perform oxygenic photosynthesis, with some strains capable of nonheterocystous nitrogen fixation and phototaxis. Colonies typically exist in the form of biofilms or microbial mats, growing either attached or floating, and have been observed globally in a variety of habitats, ranging from freshwater, marine, and high‐salinity environments (1.6–234 g/l total salinity), pH from neutral to 11.2, and temperatures up to 50°C. Strains are commonly isolated from high‐salinity soda lakes or salt marshes with no identified biosynthesis of cyanobacterial toxins.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 51.1–53.4.

Type species:Sodalinema komarekiiCellamare et al. 2018.
Kinship, between Cities and Peoples
Authors: Sammartano Roberto
Published: January 2024

Since the poetic traditions of the archaic age, the relationships between cities and peoples were described through mythical genealogies that followed the same pattern of kinship as those between individuals. These fictitious reconstructions were used extensively in diplomacy to foster alliances and mutual help between communities sharing the same descent. Especially in the Hellenistic age, the Greek cities exploited the notion of of
syngeneia
and
oikeiotes
between peoples to create wide networks of mutual solidarity. A further use of ethnic kinship for diplomatic purposes concerns the relationships between Greeks and non‐Greek populations which were considered as descending from Greek heroes or gods.
A clinical solution for non‐toxic 3D‐printed photon blocks in external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Schulz Joseph B. , Dubrowski Piotr , Gibson Clinton , Yu Amy S. , Skinner Lawrie Basil
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A well‐known limitation of multi‐leaf collimators is that they cannot easily form island blocks. This can be important in mantle region therapy. Cerrobend photon blocks, currently used for supplementary shielding, are labor‐intensive and error‐prone. To address this, an innovative, non‐toxic, automatically manufactured photon block using 3D‐printing technology is proposed, offering a patient‐specific and accurate alternative.

Methods and materials

The study investigates the development of patient‐specific photon shielding blocks using 3D‐printing for three different patient cases. A 3D‐printed photon block shell filled with tungsten ball bearings (BBs) was designed to have similar dosimetric properties to Cerrobend standards. The generation of the blocks was automated using the Eclipse Scripting API and Python. Quality assurance was performed by comparing the expected and actual weight of the tungsten BBs used for shielding. Dosimetric and field geometry comparisons were conducted between 3D‐printed and Cerrobend blocks, utilizing ionization chambers, imaging, and field geometry analysis.

Results

The quality assurance assessment revealed a −1.3% average difference in the mass of tungsten ball bearings for different patients. Relative dose output measurements for three patient‐specific blocks in the blocked region agreed within 2% of each other. Against the Treatment Planning System (TPS), both 3D‐printed and Cerrobend blocks agreed within 2%. For each patient, 6 MV image profiles taken through the 3D‐printed and Cerrobend blocks agreed within 1% outside high gradient regions. Jaccard distance analysis of the MV images against the TPS planned images, found Cerrobend blocks to have 15.7% dissimilarity to the TPS, while that of the 3D‐printed blocks was 6.7%.

Conclusions

This study validates a novel, efficient 3D‐printing method for photon block creation in clinical settings. Despite potential limitations, the benefits include reduced manual labor, automated processes, and greater precision. It holds potential for widespread adoption in radiation therapy, furthering non‐toxic radiation shielding.
Domain‐specific cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lugosi Katalin , Engh Marie A , Huszár Zsolt , Hegyi Péter , Mátrai Péter , Csukly Gábor , Molnár Zsolt , Horváth Klaudia , Mátis Dóra , Mezei Zsolt
Published: January 2024

Objective

Methods of cognitive measurements in multiple sclerosis (MS) are not standardized. We aimed to identify the prevalence of cognitive domain‐specific impairment (DSI) in MS by using subtests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB‐N) with analyzing different cutoff values.

Methods

The systematic review and meta‐analysis were registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021287004). The systematic literature search was performed via PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL on 24 October 2021. Inclusion criteria were adults of different MS subtypes (CIS, RRMS, PPMS, and SPMS) with the condition of distinct DSI measured by BRB‐N. Pediatric MS, computerized versions of BRB‐N, and patients receiving steroids were excluded. Primary outcome was pooled prevalence rates of impaired patients within each cutoff and MS subtype, with 95% confidence interval, I‐squared statistics for heterogeneity, and chi‐squared test for subgroup differences. Risk of bias was assessed using the “JBI Quality Assessment Tool for Prevalence Studies.”

Results

In 48 eligible observational studies (n = 3431 patients), the three most prevalent thresholds were the 2.0 SD and 1.5 SD below the mean of normative values, and the score below the fifth percentile of the normative values. A progressively increasing worsening of the overall DSI was observed from CIS, moving toward RRMS, PPMS, and SPMS.

Interpretation

Cognitive impairment is observed in all MS phenotypes, with varying degrees. Due to several potential influencing factors, our comprehensive literature review has not revealed consistent findings, and we, therefore, recommend considering a more sophisticated, “individual referencing” approach, acknowledging the diverse clinical and sociodemographic characteristics among populations and disparities in cognitive testing.
21st‐Century Posthuman Spaceship and Spacecraft Architectures
Authors: Garcia Mark
Published: January 2024

Guest‐Editor Mark Garcia takes us on a spatial journey through some of the notions and precedents of spaceships and spacecraft, their fictive and architectural precursors and current conceptual preoccupations. The contexts these new posthuman architectures and posthumans will have to occupy, endure and travel through are mind‐boggling in their varied complexity.
Nitrocellulose‐Passivated SnO2 Thin Film as a Ultraviolet‐C Photodetector
Authors: Kaawash Nabeel M. S. , Halge Devidas I. , Narwade Vijaykiran N. , Thabit Mohammed Y. H. , Khanzode Pooja M. , Dadge Jagdish W. , Alegaonkar Prashant S. , Bogle Kashinath A.
Published: January 2024

This study demonstrates the development of an ultraviolet (UV)‐C photodetector (PD) fabricated using a surface‐passivated SnO2 thin film deposited via spray pyrolysis. This PD possesses an unprecedentedly fast response speed, with both rise time and decay time of 0.3 ms. Furthermore, even when subjected to a modest UV light intensity of 6 μW cm−2, the device shows a significantly high responsivity of 1500 A W−1, external quantum efficiency of 7 × 105%, and detectivity of 1013 Jones. When compared to previously reported SnO2‐based PDs, this device exhibits consistent performance over a long working time, which may be due to the suppression of surface vacancy defects via surface passivation, as observed from structural and optical measurements. This type of PDs has the potential to be useful in wide range of applications, including industrial sensing, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Hybrid Material Extrusion Process Optimization for Printability and Adhesion in 3D‐Printed Electronics
Authors: Fu Zhao , Salo Teemu , Calvo Guzman Remmi , Vanhala Jukka , Mäntysalo Matti
Published: January 2024

3D printing exhibits strong potential in electronics manufacturing for its capability of manufacturing complex structures with a wide range of materials. However, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has rarely been fabricated by 3D printing for electronics due to the limited understanding of its printability and the adhesion of the conductors on it. Herein, we invetigate the printability of TPU using varying layer height and printing temperature in the Materials Extrusion (MEX) process, their impacts on the printability, and the adhesion of conductive trace on TPU. The printability is characterized by the surface roughness, stability of dimension and mass, and the adhesion is evaluated by a standard cross‐cutting method. In this research, 0.20 mm layer height and 220 °C printing temperature have consistently proven to be optimal configuration parameters for MEX printing of TPU. Larger layer height in TPU printing causes poorer printing quality (lower dimensional accuracy, more porous structure, rougher surface), lower ink–TPU adhesion, and transforms the adhesive failure of ink against peeling to cohesive failure. Higher printing temperature causes less homogeneous structure and rougher surface with minor influence on the width and conductivity of ink on TPU, and no influence on the mechanism of ink failure against peeling.
Highly Sensitive, Multiparametric Thermal History Phosphor Based on An Eu(BTC) Architecture
Authors: Szymczak Maja , Mauri Anna , Galli Simona , Marciniak Lukasz , Fandzloch Marzena
Published: January 2024

The capacity to discern the highest temperature that an object is subjected to is a crucial diagnostic tool. Consequently, the pursuit of materials that enable the luminescence‐based investigation of the thermal history of an object with high sensitivity is of great importance from the functional applications standpoint. This study aims to present a multiparametric thermal history phosphor based on the luminescent coordination polymer [Eu(BTC)(H2O)6] [Eu(BTC)‐1, where H3BTC = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid]. The progressive dehydration thatEu(BTC)‐1undergoes as a function of temperature increase in the 343–425 K range results in significant alterations in both the shape of the Eu3+ions emission spectrum and the depopulation kinetics of their5D0level. Based on this occurrence, a thermal history phosphor with an unprecedentedly high relative sensitivity of 11.3% K−1in ratiometric mode, and 1.8% K−1in lifetime‐based mode, is developed. The outcomes of this research are expected to stimulate a wide interest in the exploitation of (porous) coordination polymer‐type materials for the development of thermal history phosphors.
Composition‐Reinforced Polydopamine Nanoenzyme for Improved Impairment of Prostatitis‐Damaged Sexual Behavior and Enhanced Anti‐Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Keyi , Mao Weipu , Song Xinran , Feng Wei , Wang Guangchun , Zhang Tao , Xu Tianyuan , Chen Ming , Chen Yu , Peng Bo
Published: January 2024

Inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis and progression of the most challenging diseases and even cancer. Nanomedicine‐based strategy can be referred as a distinct solution to this complicated clinical obstacle by proposing an elaborated combination of effective therapeutic performances on inflammation and cancer. Herein, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl doped polydopamine nanoparticles, termed as TPDA NPs, with the significantly improved reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RO/NSs) scavenging performance and enhanced photothermal efficiency are designed and synthesized by constructing donor‐acceptor pairs, for prostate diseases treatment including anti‐inflammation and anti‐tumor. Benefiting from mimicking multi‐natural enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase, TPDA NPs can inhibit the NF‐κB signaling pathways by downregulating the CD36 expression for the treatment of oxidative stress‐induced prostatitis. Especially, TPDA NPs can improve the prostatitis‐associated impairment of sexual behavior. By virtue of the enhanced photothermal‐conversion efficiency, TPDA NPs ablate prostate cancer and simultaneously decrease inflammatory reaction. Therefore, this work provides a “three birds with one shot” paradigm to utilize rationally designed TPDA NPs for efficient management of prostate diseases.
High Performance and Efficiency Recovery in Sn‐Based Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells by Antioxidant Vanillin and Microwave Treatment
Authors: Balilonda Andrew , Du Mengyu , Li Ziqi , Li Wenbo , Mei Wen , Leung Man Yui , Wu Guan , Tao Xiaoming , Chen Wei
Published: January 2024

Perovskite based on Sn have attracted extensive attention  to address the toxicity challenge associated with Pb‐based perovskite solar cells. However, Sn‐based perovskite solar cells（SPSCs）are notable for their poor stability and loss of efficiency due to rapid oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ in air. To slow down the rapid oxidation, a number of antioxidants are suggested. Nevertheless, the antioxidant normally gets oxidized to non‐antioxidizing by‐products in a single‐stage redox reaction and loses the function of oxidation prevention. Herein, vanillin is introduced, a natural antioxidant with a double‐staged redox reaction to inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+ or reduce Sn4+ back to Sn2+, which improves the efficiency and prolongs the open‐air stability of SPSCs. With 7.5% vanillin doping, an outstanding efficiency of 13.18% is achieved. Moreover, exposure of the solar cell to 160 W microwave irradiation for 3 minutes resulted in significant efficiency recovery from 88% to 96.5% at 812 hours and from 35.7% to 65.4% after 2200 hours of aging. This work reveals the potential of natural antioxidation and short microwave irradiation as suitable approaches to elevate the efficiency and lifetime of SPSCs.
Cobalt Single‐Atom Electrocatalysts Enhanced by Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Long‐Lasting Zinc‐Iodine Batteries
Authors: Guo Chaofei , Cao Yingnan , Gao Yun , Zhi Chuanwei , Wang Yu‐Xuan , Luo Yuhan , Yang Xue‐Juan , Luo Xiping
Published: January 2024

Herein, a hydrogen‐bonded cobalt porphyrin framework is presented that can efficiently host iodine and serve as an electrocatalyst for aqueous zinc‐iodine (Zn‐I2) organic batteries. The Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Density functional theory (DFT) results demonstrate that hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) possess excellent adsorption properties for iodine species. In situ Raman spectroscopy illustrates that the redox mechanism of Zn‐I2 battery depends on the redox reaction of I/I−, with I3−/I5− serving as intermediary products. The in situ Ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy further reveals that HOFs restrict polyiodide solubilization. The aqueous Zn‐I2 organic batteries with I2@PFC‐72‐Co cathodes exhibit excellent rate capability, achieving 134.9 mAh g−1 at 20 C. Additionally, these batteries demonstrate long‐term cycle stability, enduring > 5000 cycles at 20 C. The impressive electrochemical performance of I2@PFC‐72‐Co can be attributed to the cooperative Co single‐atom (CoSA) electrocatalyst in the HOF‐Co structure. Moreover, the benzene ring structure and the carboxyl functional group of HOFs possess a strong ability to adsorb iodine and iodide. Owing to these synergistic effects, the aqueous Zn‐I2 batteries with the I2@PFC‐72‐Co cathode exhibit excellent electrochemical performance.
Toward the Commercialization of Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Zhu Pengchen , Chen Chuanlu , Dai Jiaqi , Zhang Yuzhen , Mao Ruiqi , Chen Shangshang , Huang Jinsong , Zhu Jia
Published: January 2024

Perovskite (PVSK) photovoltaic (PV) devices are undergoing rapid development and have reached a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.1% at the cell level. Tremendous efforts in material and device engineering have also increased moisture, heat, and light‐related stability. Moreover, the solution‐process nature makes the fabrication process of perovskite photovoltaic devices feasible and compatible with some mature high‐volume manufacturing techniques. All these features render perovskite solar modules (PSMs) suitable for terawatt‐scale energy production with a low levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). In this review, the current status of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules and their potential applications are first introduced. Then critical challenges are identified in their commercialization and propose the corresponding solutions, including developing strategies to realize high‐quality films over a large area to further improve power conversion efficiency and stability to meet the commercial demands. Finally, some potential development directions and issues requiring attention in the future, mainly focusing on further dealing with toxicity and recycling of the whole device, and the attainment of highly efficient perovskite‐based tandem modules, which can reduce the environmental impact and accelerate the LCOE reduction are put forwarded.
A Green Asymmetric Bicyclic Co‐Solvent Molecule for High‐Voltage Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yan , Ou Ting , Dong Yue , Chen Lu , Huang Yunjie , Sun Delong , Qiang Wei , Pei Xiaopeng , Li Yiju , Tan Ying
Published: January 2024

Hybridizing aqueous electrolytes with organic co‐solvents can effectively expand the voltage window of aqueous electrolytes while reducing salt usage, but most reported co‐solvents are usually flammable and toxic, hardly achieving compatibility between safety and electrochemical performance. Here, a new non‐flammable and non‐toxic low‐salt‐concentration (1.85 m) aqueous electrolyte is reported using the green co‐solvent isosorbide dimethyl ether (IDE). Owing to its unique 3D molecular structure, IDE can form a five‐membered ring structure by binding the Li ion. The steric hindrance effect from IDE weakens its solvation ability, generating anion‐participated solvation structures that produce a robust and uniform LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase layer while containing elastic IDE‐derived organics. Moreover, the multiple O atoms in IDE can effectively regulate the intermolecular hydrogen bonding networks, reducing H2O molecule activity and expanding the electrochemical window. Such unique solvation structures and optimized hydrogen bonding networks enabled by IDE effectively suppress electrode/electrolyte interfacial side reactions, achieving a 4.3 V voltage window. The as‐developed Li4Ti5O12(LTO)||LiMn2O4(LMO) full cell delivers outstanding cycling performance over 450 cycles at 2 C. The proposed green hybrid aqueous electrolyte provides a new pathway for developing high‐voltage aqueous lithium batteries.
Crystallographic and Photophysical Analysis on Facet‐Controlled Defect‐Free Blue‐Emitting Quantum Dots
Authors: Lee Yu Jin , Kim Sungwoo , Lee Junho , Cho Eunseog , Won Yu‐ho , Kim Taehyung , Kim Dongho
Published: January 2024

The burgeoning demand for commercializing self‐luminescing quantum dot (QD) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) has stimulated extensive research into environmentally friendly and efficient QD materials. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) additive improves photoluminescence (PL) properties of blue‐emitting ZnSeTe QDs, ultimately reaching a remarkable quantum yield (QY) of 97% with an ultranarrow peak width of 14 nm after sufficient HF addition. The improvement in optical properties of the QDs is accompanied by a morphology change of the particles, forming cubic‐shaped defect‐free ZnSeTe QDs characterized by a zinc blende (ZB) crystal structure. This treatment improves the QD‐emitting properties by facilitating facet‐specific growth, selectively exposing stabilized (100) facets, and reducing the lattice disorders. The facet‐specific growth process gives rise to defect‐free monodispersed cubic dots that exhibit remarkably narrow and homogeneous PL spectra. Meticulous time‐resolved spectroscopic studies allow an understanding of the correlation between ZnSeTe QDs’ particle shape and performance following HF addition. These investigations shed light on the intricacies of the growth mechanism and the factors influencing the PL efficiency of the resulting QDs. The findings significantly contribute to understanding the role of HF treatment in tailoring the optical properties of ZnSeTe QDs, thereby bringing it closer to the realization of highly efficient and bright QD‐LEDs for various practical applications.
Single‐Layer Organic Light‐Emitting Diode with Trap‐Free Host Beats Power Efficiency and Lifetime of Multilayer Devices
Authors: Sachnik Oskar , Ie Yutaka , Ando Naoki , Tan Xiao , Blom Paul W.M. , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A.H.
Published: January 2024

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) employing a single active layer potentially offer a number of benefits compared to multilayer devices; reduced number of materials and deposition steps, potential for solution processing, and reduced operating voltage due to the absence of heterojunctions. However, for single‐layer OLEDs to achieve efficiencies approaching those of multilayer devices, balanced charge transport is a prerequisite. This requirement excludes many efficient emitters based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) that exhibit electron trapping, such as the green‐emitting bis(4‐(9,9‐dimethylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)phenyl)methanone (DMAC‐BP). By employing a recently developed trap‐free large band gap material as a host for DMAC‐BP, nearly balanced charge transport is achieved. The single‐layer OLED reaches an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.6%, which is comparable to the reported EQEs of 18.9–21% for multilayer devices, but achieves a record power efficiency for DMAC‐BP OLEDs of 82 lm W−1, clearly surpassing the reported multilayer power efficiencies of 52.9–59 lm W−1. In addition, the operational stability is greatly improved compared to multilayer devices and the use of conventional host materials in combination with DMAC‐BP as an emitter. Next to the obvious reduction in production costs, single‐layer OLEDs therefore also offer the advantage of reduced energy consumption and enhanced stability.
Facilitating Interskin Communication in Artificial Polymer Systems through Liquid Transfer
Authors: Zhang Dongyu , Broer Dirk J. , Liu Danqing
Published: January 2024

Chemical communication is a ubiquitous process in nature, and it has sparked interest in the development of electric‐sense‐based robotic perception systems with chemical components. Here, a novel liquid crystal polymer is introduced that combines the transferring, receiving, and sensing of chemical signals, providing a new principle to achieve chemical communication in robotic systems. This approach allows for the transfer of cargo between two polymer coatings, and the transfer can be monitored through an electrical signal. Additionally, cascade transfer can be achieved through this approach, as the transfer of cargo is not limited to only two coatings, but can continue from the second to a third coating. Furthermore, the two coatings can be infused with different reagents, and upon exchange, a reaction takes place to generate the desired species. The novel method of chemical communication that is developed presents a notable improvement in embodied perception. This advancement facilitates human–robot and robot–robot interactions and enhances the ability of robots to efficiently and accurately perform complex tasks in their environment.
High Performance and Reprocessable In Situ Generated Nanofiber Reinforced Composites Based on Liquid Crystal Polyarylate
Authors: Luo Keming , Peng Tao , Zheng Yaxuan , Ni Yufeng , Liu Ping , Guan Qingbao , You Zhengwei
Published: January 2024

Polymers are playing important roles in the rapid development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs); However, most polymers cannot meet the high requirements of thermomechanical performance; Thus, various polymeric composites are developed for triboelectric layer. These composites are hardly recycled since their reinforcements are unevenly distributed after reprocessing, which limits the sustainable development of TENGs. To solve the above challenges, in situ generated nanofiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) based on single‐component liquid crystal polyarylate (LCP) are designed and prepared via a one‐step polycondensation. Nonlinear naphthalene (NDA) widens the processing window of LCP without destabilizing the liquid crystal phase. The NDA‐rich domains act as a matrix while the NDA‐poor domains with higher rigidity form oriented nanofibers to achieve self‐reinforcement. The resultant NFRCs possess high glass transition temperature (Tg > 220 °C) and storage modulus (E′ = 0.1 GPa at 350 °C), which are far beyond existing triboelectric polymers, typically Tg < 110 °C and E′ < 0.1 MPa (flowable) at 350 °C. Furthermore, NFRC‐based TENG exhibits superior electrical output performance and retention rate (>90%) after reprocessing; Overall, this work offers a new design principle to prepare self‐reinforced composites, which paves a way to explore high performance materials.
4D Printed Non‐Euclidean‐Plate Jellyfish Inspired Soft Robot in Diverse Organic Solvents
Authors: Wang Yang , Xuan Huixia , Zhang Luzhi , Huang Hongfei , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Zhang Haiyang , Gu Shijia , Guan Qingbao , You Zhengwei
Published: January 2024

Soft robots have the potential to assist and complement human exploration of extreme and harsh environments (i.e., organic solvents). However, soft robots with stable performance in diverse organic solvents are not developed yet. In the current research, a non‐Euclidean‐plate under‐liquid soft robot inspired by jellyfish based on phototropic liquid crystal elastomers is fabricated via a 4D‐programmable strategy. Specifically, the robot employs a 3D‐printed non‐Euclidean‐plate, designed with Archimedean orientation, which undergoes autonomous deformation to release internal stress when immersed in organic solvents. With the assistance of near‐infrared light illumination, the organic solvent inside the robot vaporizes and generates propulsion in the form of bubble streams. The developed NEP‐Jelly‐inspired soft robot can swim with a high degree of freedom in various organic solvents, for example, N, N‐dimethylformamide, N, N‐dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, and trichloromethane, which is not reported before. Besides bionic jellyfish, various aquatic invertebrate‐inspired soft robots can potentially be prepared via a similar 4D‐programmable strategy.
Liquid DNA Coacervates form Porous Capsular Hydrogels via Viscoelastic Phase Separation on Microdroplet Interface
Authors: Morita Masamune , Sakamoto Tetsuro , Nomura Shin‐ichiro M. , Murata Satoshi , Yanagisawa Miho , Takinoue Masahiro
Published: January 2024

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) droplets of biopolymers are known as functional microdroplets in living cells and have recently been used to construct protocells and artificial cells. The formation of DNA coacervates (also referred to as DNA droplets) from branched DNA nanostructures and the control of their physical properties via DNA nanostructure design are demonstrated previously. For the construction of artificial cells or protocells, however, even though physical effects such as surface tension, wetting, and viscoelasticity are more important in a tiny (micrometer‐sized), confined environment than in a bulk solution environment, they have not been explored yet. This study shows that a tiny, confined environment using a water‐in‐oil (W/O) microdroplet interface modulates the phase separation dynamics of DNA coacervates, leading to micrometer‐sized porous capsular structures. The porous structures are produced via two types of viscoelastic phase separation (VPS) processes in DNA coacervates: i) simple VPS and ii) cluster‐cluster aggregation after VPS. Finally, it is shown that environmental chemical stimulation can manipulate porous capsular DNA hydrogels extracted from W/O microdroplets. These results provide an approach for designing and fabricating artificial cells or protocells with complex structures and physicochemical properties.
Correlation of Work Function and Conformation of C80 Endofullerenes on h‐BN/Ni(111)
Authors: Stania Roland , Seitsonen Ari Paavo , Jung Hyunjin , Kunhardt David , Popov Alexey A. , Muntwiler Matthias , Greber Thomas
Published: January 2024

Change of conformation or polarization of molecules is an expression of their functionality. If the two correlate, electric fields can change the conformation. In the case of endofullerene single‐molecule magnets the conformation is linked to an electric and a magnetic dipole moment, and therefore magnetoelectric effects are envisoned. The interface system of one monolayer Sc2TbN@C80 on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) on Ni(111) has been studied. The molecular layer is hexagonally close packedbut incommensurate. With photoemission the polarization and the conformation of the molecules are addressed by the work function and angular intensity distributions. Valence band photoemission (ARPES) shows a temperature‐induced energy shift of the C80 molecular orbitals that is parallel to a change in work function of 0.25 eV without charging the molecules. ARPES indicates a modification in molecular conformations between 30 and 300 K. This order–disorder transition involves a polarization change in the interface and is centered at 125 K as observed with high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The temperature dependence is described with a thermodynamic model that accounts for disordering with an excitation energy of 74 meV into a high entropy ensemble. All experimental results are supported by density functional theory (DFT).
Synthesis of gem‐Difluorocyclobutane‐Fused Indolines via Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Defluorinative Annulation of Trifluoromethyl Carbenoids with 2‐Alkenylanilines
Authors: Tan Hao , Li Haosheng , Wu Shaofeng , Abdukader Ablimit , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2024

A ruthenium‐catalyzed defluorinative annulation of 2‐alkenylanilines with α‐trifluoromethyl diazoester or diazoketones is described. The reaction has broad substrate scope, affording a range of gem‐difluorocyclobutane‐fused indolines in moderate to good yields with cis‐configuration. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction proceeds through a sequential N−H insertion/C−F bond cleavage/[2+2] cycloadditon process. α‐Trifluoromethyl‐α‐diazo reagents serve as gem‐difluorinated C2 subunits by cleaving one C−F bond.
Osmolarity‐Induced Altered Intracellular Molecular Crowding Drives Osteoarthritis Pathology
Authors: Govindaraj Kannan , Meteling Marieke , van Rooij Jeroen , Becker Malin , van Wijnen Andre J. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Ramos Yolande F. M. , van Meurs Joyce , Post Janine N. , Leijten Jeroen
Published: January 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative joint disease of which the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. At the molecular level, multiple factors including altered signaling pathways, epigenetics, metabolic imbalance, extracellular matrix degradation, production of matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammatory cytokines, are known to play a detrimental role in OA. However, these factors do not initiate OA, but are mediators or consequences of the disease, while many other factors causing the etiology of OA are still unknown. Here, it is revealed that microenvironmental osmolarity can induce and reverse osteoarthritis‐related behavior of chondrocytes via altered intracellular molecular crowding, which represents a previously unknown mechanism underlying OA pathophysiology. Decreased intracellular crowding is associated with increased sensitivity to proinflammatory triggers and decreased responsiveness to anabolic stimuli. OA‐induced lowered intracellular molecular crowding could be renormalized via exposure to higher extracellular osmolarity such as those found in healthy joints, which reverse OA chondrocyte's sensitivity to catabolic stimuli as well as its glycolytic metabolism.
Evolution of the Electronic and Excitonic Properties in 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites Induced by Bifunctional Ligands
Authors: Zhong Xinjue , Ni Xiaojuan , Kaplan Alan , Zhao Xiaoming , Ivancevic Marko , Ball Melissa L. , Xu Zhaojian , Li Hong , Rand Barry P , Loo Yueh‐Lin , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Kahn Antoine
Published: January 2024

2D Ruddlesden–Popper metal‐halide perovskites exhibit structural diversity due to a variety of choices of organic ligands. Incorporating bifunctional ligands in such materials is particularly intriguing since it can result in novel electronic properties and functions. However, an in‐depth understanding of the effects of bifunctional ligands on perovskite structures and, consequently, their electronic and excitonic properties, is still lacking. Here, n = 1 2D perovskites built with organic ligands containing ─CN, ─OH, ─COOH, ─phenyl (Ph), and ─CH3 functional groups are investigated using ultraviolet and inverse photoemission spectroscopies, density functional theory calculations, and tight‐binding model analyses. The experimentally determined electronic gaps of the ─CN, ─COOH, ─Ph, and ─CH3 based perovskites exhibit a strong correlation with the in‐plane Pb─I─Pb bond angle, while the ─OH based perovskite deviates from the linear trend. Based on the band structure calculations, this anomaly is attributed to the out‐of‐plane dispersion, caused predominantly by significant interlayer electronic coupling that is present in ─OH based perovskites. These results highlight the complex and diverse impacts of organic ligands on electronic properties, especially in terms of the involvement of strong interlayer electronic coupling. The impact of the bifunctional ligands on the evolution of the exciton binding energy is also addressed.
Promoting eco‐labeled food consumption in China: The role of information
Authors: Yuan Rao , Jin Shaosheng , Zhou Lin , Chien Hsiaoping , Wu Wenchao
Published: January 2024

Consumers usually have little knowledge about eco‐labels, and eco‐labeled foods are still relatively uncommon. This study explores whether providing information about eco‐labels can improve consumers’ valuations of eco‐labeled foods. We tested three types of information—selfish (health related), altruistic (environment related), and combined (both)—and used a sample of 4523 Chinese consumers. Our results indicate that all three types of information increase consumers’ valuations of eco‐labeled foods. Consumers express the largest valuation for eco‐labeled foods when provided with selfish information, followed by altruistic information and combined information. We also found heterogeneous responses to all information treatments, with high‐income consumers being more responsive to selfish information, while more highly educated consumers are more sensitive to combined information. We discuss the implications for designing policies to develop eco‐labeled food markets, for example, by using redundant or identity‐based information on the labels, especially in developing economies. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q13, Q18]
Highly Ordered Mesoporous Polymer‐Supported Phosphine as the Ligand for Organometallic Reaction: Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Chlorides at Room Temperature
Authors: Kim Hwang Suk , Lee Hee‐Yoon , Joung Seewon
Published: January 2024

We prepared a highly ordered mesoporous polymer‐supported diarylphosphine ligand by simple substitution reaction. By utilizing this ligand, we successfully achieved the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of various aryl chlorides at room temperature with high yields. Also, we extended our investigation to the use of a macroporous polymer support in a similar way, which yielded effective Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of both aryl chlorides and hindered aryl bromides.