bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Management Practices against Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) in India: A Review
Authors: Upadhyay Ankit , Rai Avinash Kumar , Verma Shravan Kumar , Upadhyay Lalit , Khan Anam , Singh Omkar , Rout Sandeep
Published: May 2023

Locusts are the most dangerous agricultural pests. They are belonging to family Acrididae. Gregarious locusts travel in swarms from one location to another in adult form. The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal), is one of the grasshopper species that cause crop damage and can fly up to 150 km in the direction of the wind. The present state of knowledge on its biological regulation employing microbes and plant extracts is discussed. Metarhizium flavoviride was among the first fungi to be identified in the laboratory and field as a bio-control agent against desert locust. Following extensive investigation, with integrated pest management stratedies using these bio-controls would be a viable option for controlling desert locust infestations. Against the desert locust, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approaches that emphasize the successful combination of chemical and biological insecticides with prediction and monitoring technology have been encouraged. Recent experimental investigations and researches are mainly focusing on identifying viable answers through financial collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations. The authors highlighted the loss in the agricultural sector due to desert locust infestation, as well as its sophisticated control and management solutions, after evaluating publications from numerous journals, magazines, and symposia.
The Effect of Influencer and Endorsement Content on Consumer Purchase Intention
Authors: Octaviani Rizky Amellia , Hartono Arif
Published: May 2023

Aims: This study aims to analyze the effect of advertising attributes from influencer’s endorsement content, such as credibility, infotainment, and irritation towards advertising value, which ultimately affect consumer purchase intentions on Instagram.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Indonesia, with no specific regional criteria in determining the respondents, from December 2022 to March 2023.

Design/ Methodology: This study uses a quantitative approach using a convenience sampling technique. The sampling method was conducted by distributing online questionnaires to 180 respondents considered according to predetermined criteria: aged 16 & over and followers of influencers. This research was processed using PLS-SEM (SmartPLS) applications.

Results: The empirical findings show that credibility and infotainment in influencer’s endorsement content significantly affect advertising value and consumer purchase intentions. However, the research results did not find a negative effect of irritation on advertising value.
Optimization of Brake Disc Profile Based on the Thermal Performance for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kudari Suvan S. , Bharatish A.
Published: May 2023

The brake disc market has reached the value of USD 20.9 billion in 2021 at a CAGR of 4.9% and it is expected to grow to USD 26.5 billion by 2026. However, the difficulties associated with the brake discs are significant rise in the temperature which results in, early wear, thermal cracks and brake fade leading to uneven braking and premature replacement. In this context many researchers have been studying the parameters like brake disc material and type of ventilation. The objective of the work was to study of the effect of ventilation types on thermal responses and optimize the brake disc profile for better thermal performances. Center of gravity and dynamic load transfer were calculated for two wheeler electric vehicle experimentally which was followed by computing the force required for braking process and heat flux on the brake disc analytically. Ventilation of type cross drilled holes (CD) was adopted in brake disc modelling, and was carried out in SOLIDWORKS 2022 and finite element model for the brake disc was created in ANSYS 17.2 with mesh size of 2 mm for lamellar graphite iron (LGI) with temperature dependent material properties. The transient thermal analysis for three braking cycles were carried out with the considerations such as: initial velocity of the vehicle of 96 km/h, ambient temperature of 22°C, conduction and convection modes of heat transfer and 5 s of deceleration and acceleration time. Transient thermal analysis was carried out by applying the heat flux on the frictional surface of the brake disc. For the solid disc without ventilation, it was found that the maximum temperature at the end of first braking cycle (0 to 5 s) was 157.72°C, at end of second braking cycle (10 to 15 s) was 256.95°C and at the end of third braking cycle (20 to 25s) was 349.73°C. As the wear rate for lamellar graphite iron grows exponentially beyond 300°C, ventilations were provided on the brake disc to reduce the temperature on the disc. For the optimized brake disc with ventilation type VT-12, it was found that maximum temperature at the end of first braking cycle (0 to 5 s) was 139.43°C, at end of second braking cycle (10 to 15 s) was 222.68°C and at the end of third braking cycle (20 to 25s) was 299°C. The overall character of these shows a quick rise in temperature at the start of the process, followed by the achievement of the maximum value and, eventually there is a drop in temperature.  In this research the future work can be carried out by implementing the noise, vibration and harness studies which would benefit the industry with better braking system.
Influence of Nutrition on Growth and Yield of G4 Mulberry Variety (Morus alba L.) and Bio-assay of Multivoltine Silkworm, Pure Mysore in Southern dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Hosamani Vinayak , Murali S. , Sowmya P. , Hosamani Venkatesh , Ashoka J. , Hegde C. R. , Mishra R. K.
Published: May 2023

The experiment was carried out during 2019-20 at P-2 Pure Mysore Multivoltine Basic Seed Farm (BSF), National Silkworm Seed Organisation, Nagenahalli, Karnataka to know the effect of nutrient management on the growth and yield of G4 mulberry variety and its subsequent bioassay of multivoltine silkworm, Pure Mysore. The mulberry garden (three years old) with G4 variety planted in paired row system was used for the experiment with seven treatments and three replications. The growth parameters (average of 5 crops) viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, lowest number of leaf in 100g weight, weight of individual leaf, weight of 100 fresh leaf, leaf yield per plant and leaf yield per ha-1were significantly highest (134.6 cm, 14.0, 24.0, 4.18g, 384g, 800g and 55.55 Mt) with the application of 100 % RDF, poshan spray and application of vermicompost at5 t/ha/year. The results of the bio-assay (average of five rearings) also showed the superiority forweight of 10 full grown larvae (27.2 gm), single cocoon weight (1.27g), single shell weight (0.18g), shell ratio (14.25%), ERR (95.00%) pupation (92.00%), number of cocoons/kg (787) and yield per 100 dfls (52.10 kg) in the treatment having 100 % RDF, poshan spray and application of vermicompost of at5 t/ha than other treatments. Combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients increased the productivity of the mulberry in G4 variety and subsequently better performance of Pure Mysore multivoltine seed cocoon parameters.
Dating Balbirnie: recent radiocarbon dates from the stone circle and cairn at Balbirnie, Fife, and a review of its place in the overall Balfarg/Balbirnie site sequence
Authors: Gibson Alex
Published: May 2023

The interpretation of the sequence at the Balbirnie stone circle and cairn was based largely on stratigraphy and the then-perceived chronology of ceramic styles. An increased radiocarbon database and the facility to date cremated bone have now allowed the sequence at this site to be refined and reinterpreted. The construction of the stone circle can be demonstrated to have begun 1,000 years earlier than originally reported and the stone circle can be shown to have been in use for over 1,500 years. These new data, as well as an increased and growing amount of research on later Neolithic and earlier Bronze Age ritual monuments in Britain as a whole, has further allowed the position of this site within the Balfarg/Balbirnie ritual complex to be reconsidered and as a result it is possible to suggest a revised sequence for the complex.
The iconography of the Papil Stone: sculptural and literary comparisons with a Pictish motif
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelly A
Published: May 2023

The axe-carrying bird-men and the remaining iconography of the cross-slab from Papil, West Burra, Shetland, are described and analysed. Special emphasis is placed on examining the Pail bird-men first with Irish and Pictish examples of the Temptation of St Antony and second with detailed descriptions of weapon-carrying bird-men and axe-carrying human figures in Pictish sculpture, concluding that the Papil bird-men belong with the latter. This motif is compared with descriptions of battlefield demons in early Irish literature, namely, Morrigan, Bodb and Macha. The Papil cross-slab is suggested to date to the early 9th century, based on technique and comparative iconographic evidence, and is thus contemporary with related Pictish examples. This motif is shown to represent a common ideal of mythological war-like creatures in Pictish tradition, paralleled by written descriptions of Irish battlefield demons, thus suggesting shared perceptions of similar mythological figures in the Insular world. A further connection between Ireland, Irish ecclesiastical foundations in the Hebrides, Shetland and southern Pictland is also discussed.
A late Roman object from Cove, Dumfries and Galloway, rediscovered
Authors: Janiszweski Robert
Published: May 2023

An intriguing gold object with Latin inscriptions was found in the 18th century, in Cove, Dumfries and Galloway. Currently lost, it survived in a few antiquarian accounts. In this paper, in the light of these written sources and parallel examples, the author will try to discuss its function, possible time of import and the character of its deposition.
Pictish Byre-houses at Pitcarmick and their landscape: investigations 1993–5
Authors: Carver Martin , Barrett John , Downes Jane , Hooper Janet , Sheridan Alison , Hunter Fraser , Rowe Peter , Edmonds Mark , Hall Derek , Holmes Matilda , Hall Allan
Published: May 2023

‘Pitcarmick-type’ houses were identified by the Royal Commission in north east Perthshire in 1988 and published in their survey of 1990. Long and narrow with rounded ends, they seemed to occur in a sequence between prehistoric roundhouses and medieval and post-medieval dwellings. They were therefore provisionally assigned to the later 1st millennium AD, a period associated in this region with the Picts. Excavations by John Barrett and Jane Downes at Pitcarmick (North) in 1993–5 defined the basic properties of two Pitcarmick-type houses and produced radiocarbon dates between the 8th and 11th centuries. A subsequent survey of the broader landscape by Janet Hooper offered a sequence of the main phases of occupation and their context. The Pitcarmick upland had been settled in the Bronze Age with circular stone-and-turf houses, thought to represent a series of self-supporting farmsteads using mixed farming and in touch with similar settlements in adjacent territory. Two thousand years later, Early Historic settlers inserted their dwellings into this relict landscape, also practising mixed stock and crop farming. In the Middle Ages, the land was settled by farmers who kept sheep and ploughed the earlier settlement areas. The post-medieval period is represented by a group of shielings on the eastern edge of the prehistoric and early medieval settlement area, where ploughing continued.

  These investigations are here brought to press by Martin Carver, supported by Historic Scotland and a team of specialists who examined the quartz, charcoal, animal bone and pottery and produced a tighter array of radiocarbon dates. This account proposes that the Bronze Age roundhouses are of conventional type, with a central hearth, entrances facing south-east, and roofs supported by a post-ring. The two Pictish buildings are defined as longhouses with byres (properly byre-houses), constructed with turf-and stone layered walls and timber roof-supports. Occupants sheltered round a hearth at the west end and animals were stalled either side of a paved drain at the east end. These houses are radiocarbon-dated to the period c AD 700–850. Both buildings had been reused between c AD 1000 and 1200 and both were subsequently flattened by later medieval and post-medieval ploughing, the effects of which severely inhibited subsequent interpretation. While Pictish in date and territorial affiliation, these longhouses exhibit strong links with preceding and contemporary practice across the North Sea. Their form currently stands in marked contrast both to their prehistoric predecessors and to contemporary neighbouring settlement in Britain.
Eldbotle; the archaeology and environmental history of a medieval rural settlement in East Lothian
Authors: Hindmarch Erlend , Oram Richard , Haggarty George , Hall Derek , Robertson Jackaline , Ceron-Carrasco Ruby , Gutiérrez Alejandra
Published: May 2023

Excavations on the Archerfield Estate, East Lothian, have uncovered evidence in the form of buildings and enclosures, for the lost village of Eldbotle, a settlement which was in use from the 5th century AD to the 18th century, but at its peak during the 13th and 14th centuries. Excavated rural settlements of this date are rare in Scotland so this has been used as a rare opportunity to explore the impact of national political and environmental events, and their social and economic repercussions, on the development and evolution of a small agricultural community like Eldbotle. Thus by weaving multiple strands of evidence together, the settlement at Eldbotle has been borught to life, despite the limited nature of the archaeological record.
The Witches’ Sabbath in Scotland
Authors: Paterson Laura
Published: May 2023

There are ample surviving references in the witchcraft trial material to indicate that the witches' sabbath became an important feature of the crime of witchcraft in Scotland. Comparison of the trial material has revealed numerous discrepancies between individual and group accounts of the witches sabbath. The frequent inability of the witches to agree upon a time, date or place that the witches' sabbath took place have indicated that, in the case studied, the witches' sabbath was not a genuine historical event. Elite beliefs and ideas about the witches' sabbath were frequently introduced during interrogations, and certainly left their mark upon the witchcraft records. However the examination process was often a negotiation between witches and their interrogators, and as such allowed many witches to incorporate their own beliefs and ideas into their descriptions of the witches' sabbath. Close reading of the trial material, combined with an analysis of contemporary presbytery records and popular ballads, provides evidence that many witches were drawing upon popular beliefs about fairies, magic and the supernatural, as well as their experiences at real life celebrations and festivities, to compose their descriptions of the witches' sabbath. The majority of confessions that contain descriptions of the witches' Sabbath are the product of this interrogation and negotiation process, but this research has also explored the possibility that the witches' Sabbath might have been a real visionary experience for some witches, and that these visionary experiences were fantasies induced by psychological trauma, or a waking or sleeping vision similar to those experienced by tribal shamans. This research has demonstrated that may pre-existing popular beliefs contributed to the formulation of the witches' descriptions of the witches' Sabbath and also stresses the importance of the influence of the interrogation process on the initial presence of the witches' sabbath in confessions. Although this research has been carried out within the context of Early Modern Scotland, it is likely to have wider implications for the study of the witches' sabbath in a European context.
Review Article: Perth High Street, Archaeological Excavations, 1975-1977
Authors: Ottoway Patrick
Published: May 2023

The article reviews four fasicules relating to excavations in Perth High Street and describes them as a major event in the history of urban archaeology. Fasicule 1 deals with the excavations at 75-95 High Street and 5-10 Mill Street with three further volumes covering ceramics, metalwork and wood; textiles and leather; environmental remains and miscellaneous finds.
Roman and medieval coins found in Scotland, 2006-10
Authors: Bateson J D , Holmes N M McQ
Published: May 2023

Coins and other numismatic finds from 219 locations across Scotland are listed and discussed. The catalogue and discussion cover coins and dating from the Roman period to the Act of Union of 1707 and include all casual and metal-detector finds which have been notified to either of the authors, as well as hoards found in isolation and a number of finds from archaeological excavations and watching briefs.
A stranger in the dunes? Rescue excavation of a Viking Age burial at Cnoc nan Gall, Colonsay
Authors: Becket Alastair , Batey Colleen E , Duffy Paul R J , Miller Jennifer , Rogers Penelope Walton
Published: May 2023

The rescue excavation of a Viking Age burial from an eroding sand dune at Cnoc nan Gall, near Machrins on the island of Colonsay, has provided further insights into a cemetery that has long been known to exist in this area. The burial comprised a middle-aged male with associated grave goods, including a Hiberno-Norse copper alloy ringed pin, and an Anglo-Saxon type strap-end, and also included small areas of organic preservation including cloth and botanical evidence. The artefacts and botanical evidence, along with a radiocarbon date obtained from a sample of the in-situ skeleton, suggest that the individual was buried in autumn or winter during the second half of the 10th century AD. Remains of either a stone setting, or cairn, along with the partial organic preservation in the grave, has also provided an insight into the burial customs employed. The grave may have been lined with grasses and the body wrapped in coarse linen cloth and placed on a birch bier or coffin.
Archaeology in the margins - RCAHMS emergency survey in the 1950s
Authors: Geddes George
Published: May 2023

In the years following the Second World War, the British government made a number of changes aimed at improving our self-sufficiency, whether in foodstuffs, timber or energy. The combination of schemes of subsidy and improvements in technology brought with it an increasing threat to monuments that had survived by virtue of the fact that they were sited in marginal land. In response, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) halted its national programme of County Inventories to undertake a rescue project that used newly available aerial photographs to identify threatened unrecorded prehistoric monuments, such as brochs, forts, palisaded settlements and earthworks. After eight years, the two archaeologists, with some help from other professionals and volunteers, had recorded more that 700 sites and prepared 190 measured surveys. While rescue was initially achieved through record, excavation and communication with the Ordnance Survey (OS), a small number are now protected by Scheduling. The results of the project went further, helping to underpin Stuart Piggott's development of a regional Iron Age synthesis in the 1960s. Now online for the first time, the information that was produced is the most detailed that exists for more than 90% of the sites, and, as with any documentary source, it is incumbent upon us to understand its strengths and weaknesses when we use it to understand, manage or protect the sites we care for and value.
Pictish symbol stones and early cross-slabs from Orkney
Authors: Scott Ian G , Ritchie Anna
Published: May 2023

Orkney shared in the flowering of interest in stone carving that took place throughout Scotland from the 7th century ad onwards. The corpus illustrated here includes seven accomplished Pictish symbol-bearing stones, four small stones incised with rough versions of symbols, at least one relief-ornamented Pictish cross-slab, thirteen cross-slabs (including recumbent slabs), two portable cross-slabs and two pieces of church furniture in the form of an altar frontal and a portable altar slab. The art-historical context for this stone carving shows close links both with Shetland to the north and Caithness to the south, as well as more distant links with Iona and with the Pictish mainland south of the Moray Firth. The context and function of the stones are discussed and a case is made for the existence of an early monastery on the island of Flotta.
Crannogs, castles and lordly residences: new research and dating of crannogs in north-east Scotland
Authors: Stratigos Michael J , Noble Gordon
Published: May 2023

This article outlines new research into the crannogs of north-east Scotland and dating of two crannogs in Loch Kinord, Upper Deeside, Aberdeenshire. The dating of the crannogs in Loch Kinord represents the first direct dating evidence for crannogs in the north-east of Scotland and indicates construction episodes at these crannogs in the last centuries of the first millennium ad. The radiocarbon dates, alongside various historic records, suggest that crannogs, including Castle Island in Loch Kinord, may have been significant nodes within early medieval landscapes of power in eastern Scotland.
Ecclesia Ludens
Authors: Hall Mark A
Published: May 2023

The 50th anniversary of the publication of The Games of Merelles in Scotland, by W Norman Robertson, in volume 98 of the Society’s Proceedings is an appropriate moment to mark the development of medieval play studies in Scotland. His short note recognised the significance of the two merelles boards (from Arbroath and Dryburgh monasteries) but did not seek to contextualise their discovery in either of the broader contexts of board games or the church. The moment to do this is also made apposite by the significant increase in the evidence for board games and this paper briefly introduces the range of archaeological evidence accompanied by a discussion of the religious context of such play, in its European dimension and in particular around the endorsement/condemnation debate. The need to more fully understand the value of play as an aspect of identity in medieval society and social hierarchies is recognised in the medieval section of ScARF dealing with empowerment (http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/content/55-playtime) and this paper is also offered as a contribution to approaching that understanding.
'Ardvonrig', Isle of Barra
Authors: McLeod Shane
Published: May 2023

This note assesses the likely location of the ‘Ardvonrig’ accompanied Viking Age burial found in 1862 on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, and considers whether the exact location of the burial can be determined following a visit to the site in 2014. The possible reasons for the choice of burial location are then assessed.
Alexander Henry Rhind (1833–63)
Authors: Gilmour Claire
Published: May 2023

Alexander Henry Rhind (1833–63) was one of the earliest exponents of scientific techniques and methodology in archaeological excavations, but the last in-depth survey of his life and career in the field was published in the year after his death. He undertook fieldwork in Scotland before travelling to Egypt for health reasons. There, he applied for a permit to excavate and some of his subsequent acquisitions and finds are among the finest in the collections of the British Museum and National Museums Scotland. He advocated for proper recognition and protection of monuments, in Britain and abroad, and implemented publication standards and excavation and recording methods followed by others. He may be called the first educated archaeologist to work in Egypt and publish his finds, and he left bequests to ensure the continuation of his work and to assist the work of others, such as the establishment of the prestigious annual Rhind Lecture Series. Some of his Scottish fieldwork and publications are relatively well known to scholars in this area, but he is also known to Egyptologists for artefacts such as the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus and his seminal volume Thebes: Its Tombs and Their Tenants. This paper revisits his life, with emphasis on his work beyond Scotland and his impact on the study of ancient Egypt.
Estimated Rates of Incident and Persistent Chronic Pain Among US Adults, 2019-2020
Authors: Nahin Richard L. , Feinberg Termeh , Kapos Flavia P. , Terman Gregory W.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Chronic pain risk and prognosis estimates are needed to inform effective interventions.

Objective

To estimate rates of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain (HICP) incidence and persistence in US adults across demographic groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined a nationally representative cohort with 1 year of follow-up (mean [SD], 1.3 [0.3] years). Data from the 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Longitudinal Cohort were used to assess the incidence rates of chronic pain across demographic groups. The cohort was created using random cluster probability sampling of noninstitutionalized civilian US adults 18 years or older in 2019. Of 21 161 baseline participants in the 2019 NHIS who were randomly chosen for follow-up, 1746 were excluded due to proxy response(s) or lack of contact information, and 334 were deceased or institutionalized. Of the 19 081 remaining, the final analytic sample of 10 415 adults also participated in the 2020 NHIS. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to March 2023.

Exposures

Self-reported baseline sex, race, ethnicity, age, and college attainment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were the incidence rates of chronic pain and HICP, and secondary outcomes were the demographic characteristics and rates across demographic groups. A validated measure of pain status (“In the past 3 months, how often did you have pain? Would you say never, some days, most days, or every day?”) yielded 3 discrete categories each year: pain free, nonchronic pain, or chronic pain (pain “most days” or “every day”). Chronic pain present in both survey years was considered persistent; HICP was defined as chronic pain that limited life or work activities on most days or every day. Rates were reported per 1000 person-years (PY) of follow-up, and age standardized based on the 2010 US adult population.

Results

Among 10 415 participants included in the analytic sample, 51.7% (95% CI, 50.3%-53.1%) were female, 54.0% (95% CI, 52.4%-55.5%) were aged 18 to 49 years, 72.6% (95% CI, 70.7%-74.6%) were White, 84.5% (95% CI, 81.6%-85.3%) were non-Hispanic or non-Latino, and 70.5% (95% CI, 69.1%-71.9%) were not college graduates. Among pain-free adults in 2019, incidence rates of chronic pain and HICP in 2020 were 52.4 (95% CI, 44.9-59.9) and 12.0 (95% CI, 8.2-15.8) cases per 1000 PY, respectively. The rates of persistent chronic pain and persistent HICP in 2020 were 462.0 (95% CI, 439.7-484.3) and 361.2 (95% CI, 265.6-456.8) cases per 1000 PY, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the incidence of chronic pain was high compared with other chronic diseases. These results emphasize the high disease burden of chronic pain in the US adult population and the need for early management of pain before it becomes chronic.
US Physicians’ Self-reported Discussions About Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches During Clinical Encounters With Patients in 2021
Authors: Hrywna Mary , Bover-Manderski Michelle T. , Wackowski Olivia A. , Steinberg Michael B. , Delnevo Cristine D.
Published: May 2023

This survey study assesses the extent to which physicians discussed tobacco-free nicotine pouches during clinical encounters with patients.
Nanocrystalline Nd–Fe–B Anisotropic Magnets by Flash Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Maccari Fernando , Mishra Tarini Prasad , Keszler Monica , Braun Tobias , Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Radulov Iliya , Jiang Tianshu , Bruder Enrico , Guillon Olivier , Molina-Luna Leopoldo , Bram Martin , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: May 2023

Flash spark plasma sintering (flash SPS) is an attractive method to obtain Nd–Fe–B magnets with anisotropic magnetic properties when starting from melt‐spun powders. Compared to the benchmark processing route via hot pressing with subsequent die upsetting, flash SPS promises electroplasticity as an additional deformation mechanism and reduced tool wear, while maximizing magnetic properties by tailoring the microstructure—fully dense and high texture. A detailed parameter study is conducted to understand the influence of Flash SPS parameters on the densification and magnetic properties of commercial MQU‐F powder. It is revealed that the presintering conditions and preheating temperature before applying the power pulse play a major role for tailoring grain size and texture in the case of hot deformation via Flash SPS. Detailed microstructure and magnetic domain evaluation disclose the texture enhancement with increasing flash SPS temperature at the expense of coercivity. The best compromise between remanence and coercivity (1.37 T and 1195 kA m−1, respectively) is achieved through a combination of presintering at 500 °C for 120 s and preheating temperature of 600 °C, resulting in a magnet with energy product (BH)max of 350  kJm−3. These findings show the potential of flash SPS to obtain fully dense anisotropic nanocrystalline magnets with high magnetic performance.
Dendri‐LEC Family: Establishing the Bright Future for Dendrimer Emitters in Traditional and Graphene‐Based Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Cavinato Luca M. , Yamaoka Keiko , Lipinski Sophia , Calvi Vladimir , Wehenkel Dominique , van Rijn Richard , Albrecht Ken , Costa Rubén D.
Published: May 2023

A rational implementation and optimization of thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) dendrimer emitters in light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) sets in the Dendri‐LEC family. They feature outstanding stabilities (90/1050 h for green/yellow devices) that are comparable to the best green/yellow Ir(III)‐complexes (450/500 h) and conjugated polymers (33/5500 h), while offering benefits of low‐cost synthesis and easy upscaling. In particular, a fundamental molecular design that capitalizes on exchanging peripheral substituents (tert‐butyl vs methoxy) to tune photophysical, electrochemical, morphological, and ion conductivity features in thin films is rationalized by temperature‐dependent steady‐state and time‐resolved emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Herein, a TADF mechanism associated to a reduced photoluminescence quantum yield, but an enhanced electrochemical stability and ion conductivity enables to clarify the reduced device efficiency and brightness (4.0 lm W−1@110 cd m−2 vs 3.2 lm W−1@55 cd m−2) and increased stability (90 vs 1050 h) upon using methoxy groups. What is more, this substitution enables an excellent compatibility with biogenic electrolytes keeping device performances (1.9 lm W−1@35 cd m−2 and 1300 h), while graphene‐devices achieve on par figures to traditional indium–tin oxide‐devices. Overall, this work establishes the bright future of dendrimer emitters toward highly stable and truly sustainable lighting sources.
Chloride‐Based Additive Engineering for Efficient and Stable Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Xinyi , Gallant Benjamin M. , Holzhey Philippe , Smith Joel A. , Elmestekawy Karim A. , Yuan Zhongcheng , Rathnayake P. V. G. M. , Bernardi Stefano , Dasgupta Akash , Kasparavicius Ernestas , Malinauskas Tadas , Caprioglio Pietro , Shargaieva Oleksandra , Lin Yen‐Hung , McCarthy Melissa M. , Unger Eva , Getautis Vytautas , Widmer‐Cooper Asaph , Herz Laura M. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: May 2023

Metal halide perovskite based tandem solar cells are promising to achieve power conversion efficiency beyond the theoretical limit of their single‐junction counterparts. However, overcoming the significant open‐circuit voltage deficit present in wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells remains a major hurdle for realizing efficient and stable perovskite tandem cells. Here, a holistic approach to overcoming challenges in 1.8 eV perovskite solar cells is reported by engineering the perovskite crystallization pathway by means of chloride additives. In conjunction with employing a self‐assembled monolayer as the hole‐transport layer, an open‐circuit voltage of 1.25 V and a power conversion efficiency of 17.0% are achieved. The key role of methylammonium chloride addition is elucidated in facilitating the growth of a chloride‐rich intermediate phase that directs crystallization of the desired cubic perovskite phase and induces more effective halide homogenization. The as‐formed 1.8 eV perovskite demonstrates suppressed halide segregation and improved optoelectronic properties.
Induction of Tumor Ferroptosis‐Dependent Immunity via an Injectable Attractive Pickering Emulsion Gel
Authors: Dai Xiaomeng , Zhang Jia , Bao Xuanwen , Guo Yixuan , Jin Yuzhi , Yang Chenjing , Zhang Hangyu , Liu Lulu , Gao Yang , Ye Chanqi , Wu Wei , Liu Chuan , Zhao Chun‐Xia , Sheng Jianpeng , Ren En , Li Hongjun , Fang Weijia , Wu Baiheng , Ruan Jian , Gu Zhen , Chen Dong , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2023

The combination of ferroptosis inducers and immune checkpoint blockade can enhance antitumor effects. However, the efficacy in tumors with low immunogenicity requires further investigation. In this work, a water‐in‐oil Pickering emulsion gel is developed to deliver (1S, 3R)‐RSL‐3 (RSL‐3), a ferroptosis inducer dissolved in iodized oil, and programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody, the most commonly used immune checkpoint inhibitor dissolved in water, with optimal characteristics (RSL‐3 + PD‐1@gel). Tumor lipase degrades the continuous oil phase, which results in the slow release of RSL‐3 and PD‐1 antibody and a notable antitumor effect against low‐immunogenic hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, the RSL‐3 + PD‐1@gel induces ferroptosis of tumor cells, resulting in antitumor immune response via accumulation of helper T lymphocyte cells and cytotoxic T cells. Additionally, the single‐cell sequence profiling analysis during tumor treatment reveals the induction of ferroptosis in tumor cells together with strong antitumor immune response in ascites.
Patterned Laser Ablation of Microgrooves with Controllable Cross‐Sections
Authors: Qiu Pei , Guo Yang , Huang Lingyu , Li Jun , Huang Jiaxu , Wang Min , Zhang Zhiyu , Xu Shaolin
Published: May 2023

Fabricating precision microgrooves with controllable cross‐sections on difficult‐to‐machine materials is significantly valuable but still challenging. Herein, a patterned laser‐induced microjet‐assisted ablation method for cross‐sectional profiles controllable laser micromachining is proposed. During the liquid‐assisted laser ablation process, debris and bubbles that may disturb the laser energy deposition can be instantaneously expelled by a directional laser‐induced microjet. The Gaussian laser spot is spatially modulated into specific geometric shapes, such as triangles, to tune locally deposited laser energy to carve microgrooves with designed cross‐sections. To achieve customized microgrooves efficiently, a reliable geometrical model based on the ablation threshold theory is developed to guide the processing parameter selection, including the laser spot shape, polarization, pulse energy, and scanning strategies. The simulation and experimental results confirm that this method achieves the decoupled control of the groove depth and width in a single‐path laser ablation process. Using this method, the design and manufacturing of microgrooves with controllable cross‐sections on single crystalline silicon carbide are demonstrated. The patterned laser‐induced microjet‐assisted ablation method provides a new route for fabricating precision microgrooves with controllable cross‐sections on difficult‐to‐machine materials.
Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2‐Containing Nanocomposites versus the Chemical Nature of the Polymeric Matrices: A Comparison
Authors: Vento Fabiana , Nicosia Angelo , Mezzina Lidia , Raciti Giulia , Gulino Antonino , Condorelli Marcello , D'Urso Luisa , De Guidi Guido , Mineo Placido
Published: May 2023

Environmental remediation of xenobiotic pollutants is an important issue in industrialized society. Catalyst‐mediated pollutant photodegradation using solar light shows promising results. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are a well‐known standard for mineralizing organic water pollutants. Its use as a sludge pointed out the need to support this photocatalyst to ease both its use and recovery. Polymers represent a viable solution because of their versatility, stability, and cheapness. The in situ radical bulk polymerization approach to the development of TiO2‐based thermoplastic nanocomposites for xenobiotic photodegradation enhances the photocatalytic performance of the semiconductor nanoparticles. The versatility and efficiency of these systems pave the way for their industrial applications as photocatalytic coatings for large‐scale surfaces. To shed light on the influences of the chemical nature of the polymer matrix on the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanosystems, polyvinyl acetate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene are investigated as supports for TiO2NPs. The obtained TiO2‐containing nanocomposites are characterized by thermal analyses, UV‐vis, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering, and contact angle measurements. The photocatalytic activity of the nanosystems in the form of thin films is investigated against pollutants in water solutions, and shows clear differences in the photodegradation efficiency among the nanocomposites having different chemical natures of polymers.
Weak Light‐Stimulated Synaptic Transistors Based on MoS2/Organic Semiconductor Heterojunction for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Ben , Dai Shilei , Guo Pu , Gao Yushan , Li Li , Guo Ziyi , Zhang Junyao , Zhang Jianhua , Huang Jia
Published: May 2023

Photonic synapses are expected to play an important role in implementing brain‐like computing owing to the wide bandwidth and low mutual interference of optical signals. Herein, photonic synaptic transistors based on inorganic semiconductor molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and organic semiconductor heterojunction with adjustable short‐term/long‐term plasticity are proposed. Benefitting from the outstanding photosensitive characteristics originating from the heterojunction, the devices have the capability of weak light detection and can exhibit distinct synaptic responses even under an ultraweak light intensity of 40 nW cm−2, which is considerably lower than that of most previously reported photonic synaptic transistors. Furthermore, a low energy consumption of 0.4 fJ per synaptic event can be obtained at a low operating voltage of 0.001 V, lower than that required for a single synaptic event observed in human brains. In addition, the devices can implement high‐pass filtering function and illustrate the potential in image sharpening processing. More significantly, logic functions as well as associative learning behavior are dramatically simulated through all‐optical stimulation. This work demonstrates a feasible approach to developing multifunctional photonic synaptic transistors based on inorganic/organic semiconductor heterojunction for neuromorphic computing.
Manganese‐Mediated Reductive Alkylation of Thiazolyl‐Phosphonium Salts
Authors: Yang Mengwan , Fang Jiaxi , Liu Huan , Lu Xinyao , Zhou Jiawen , Mou Zehuai , Wang Huifei
Published: May 2023

Reductive functionalization reactions between two electrophiles is a straightforward protocol to access carbon‐carbon bonds without use of organometallic reagents prepared in advance. Here, we developed a manganese‐mediated reductive alkylation of heterocyclic thiazolyl‐phosphonium salts with benzyl bromides to form C2‐alkylated benzothiazoles. The reaction features a broad substrate scope, high‐functional‐group tolerance, and can be utilized in late‐stage modification of complex natural products and bioactive molecules.
Fluoroalkyl Iodides in Fluoroalkylative Difunctionalization of C−C Multiple Bonds
Authors: Lucio‐Martínez Fátima , Chaładaj Wojciech
Published: May 2023

Fluorinated alkyl iodides serve as a convenient and inexpensive source of fluoroalkyl radicals that can readily undergo addition to the C−C unsaturated bonds of alkynes and alkenes which is the foundation for a variety of useful synthetic protocols. Since 2010 this field has witnessed huge progress in several respects. First the portfolio of fluorinated alkyl iodides was extended beyond only simple perfluoroalkyl iodides (CnF2n+1I). In particular, employment of iododifluoro−methyl‐ carbonyls and phosphonates has enabled facile installation of the medicinally relevant difluoromethylene motif. Secondly, from a conceptual point of view, novel strategies for activation of fluoroalkyl iodides towards radical formation have been introduced, relying on the formation of electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complexes, photoredox catalysis, frustrated Lewis pairs and transition metal catalysis, complementing prior approaches based on heat and UV induced C−I homolysis, radical initiators, and simple electron transfer processes. Based on these strategies a range of novel fluoroalkylative transformations of unsaturated systems have been added to classical iodoperfluoroalkylation. Broadly applicable protocols for simple fluoroalkylation and hydrofluoroalkylation, as well as for more sophisticated, complexity‐building methods of fluoroalkylation‐annulation and tandem multicomponent fluoroalkylations with concomitant installation of another functionality have been recently disclosed. This review summarizes the progress achieved since 2010 in the reactivity of fluoroalkyl iodides towards alkenes and alkynes with emphasis placed on the above‐mentioned advances.
Size‐Controlled DNA Tile Self‐Assembly Nanostructures Through Caveolae‐Mediated Endocytosis for Signal‐Amplified Imaging of MicroRNAs in Living Cells
Authors: Peng Yanan , Gao Zhijun , Qiao Bin , Li Dongxia , Pang Huajie , Lai Xiangde , Pu Qiumei , Zhang Rui , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Guangyuan , Xu Dan , Wang Yuanyuan , Ji Yuxiang , Pei Hua , Wu Qiang
Published: May 2023

Signal‐amplified imaging of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a promising strategy at the single‐cell level because liquid biopsy fails to reflect real‐time dynamic miRNA levels. However, the internalization pathways for available conventional vectors predominantly involve endo‐lysosomes, showing nonideal cytoplasmic delivery efficiency. In this study, size‐controlled 9‐tile nanoarrays are designed and constructed by integrating catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) with DNA tile self‐assembly technology to achieve caveolae‐mediated endocytosis for the amplified imaging of miRNAs in a complex intracellular environment. Compared with classical CHA, the 9‐tile nanoarrays possess high sensitivity and specificity for miRNAs, achieve excellent internalization efficiency by caveolar endocytosis, bypassing lysosomal traps, and exhibit more powerful signal‐amplified imaging of intracellular miRNAs. Because of their excellent safety, physiological stability, and highly efficient cytoplasmic delivery, the 9‐tile nanoarrays can realize real‐time amplified monitoring of miRNAs in various tumor and identical cells of different periods, and imaging effects are consistent with the actual expression levels of miRNAs, ultimately demonstrating their feasibility and capacity. This strategy provides a high‐potential delivery pathway for cell imaging and targeted delivery, simultaneously offering a meaningful reference for the application of DNA tile self‐assembly technology in relevant fundamental research and medical diagnostics.
Profit and viability persistence: Evidence from the Spanish agricultural sector
Authors: Gómez‐Limón José A. , Sánchez‐Cañizares Sandra , Hidalgo‐Fernández Amalia , Castillo‐Canalejo Ana M.
Published: May 2023

The literature focused on analyzing profit persistence in the agricultural sector is scarce. This paper contributes to reducing this gap by carrying out an empirical study of 10 types of farming in Spain based on a dynamic panel model with microeconomic data from a large sample of farms provided by the Spanish Farm Accountancy Data Network. The generalized method of moments system estimator is used to assess profit persistence, including all significant lagged profit rates explaining the adjustment of abnormal profits over time. Moreover, the dynamic of farms' economic performance is analyzed considering the return on assets as a dependent variable (i.e., measuring farms' profitability), as well as an alternative indicator that also accounts for opportunity costs (i.e., measuring farms' viability). The results show that profit and viability persistence in the farming sector are complex dynamic processes that depend on several lags of the aforementioned dependent variables (between 2 and 5 years), with high abnormal profit and viability persistence being widespread. In any case, heterogeneous persistence results are achieved depending on the type of farming. The differences found can be explained by disparities in several explanatory variables contributing to above‐ or below‐average performance. The conclusions reached could lead to sounder decision‐making regarding agricultural policy (i.e., farm subsidies) and competition policy (i.e., exceptions to competition law). [EconLit Citations: D41; L13; L22; L25; Q12; C23].
Current progress in perioperative chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer
Authors: Ioka Tatsuya , Shindo Yoshitaro , Ueno Makoto , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: May 2023

Biliary tract cancer (BTCs) is a heterogeneous malignancy divided into cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer. Due to little or no symptoms, most patients with BTCs are diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic disease. Only 20%–30% of all BTCs are suitable for potentially resectable diseases. Although radical resection with a negative surgical margin is the only potentially curative method for BTCs, most patients develop postoperative recurrence, which is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, perioperative treatment is necessary to improve survival. There are very few randomized phase III clinical trials of perioperative chemotherapy due to the relative rarity of BTCs. Adjuvant chemotherapy with S‐1 for patients with resected BTC significantly increased overall survival compared with upfront surgery in a recent ASCOT trial. In East Asia, S‐1 is currently considered the standard adjuvant chemotherapy, while capecitabine may still be used in other areas. Since then, our phase III trial (KHBO1401), gemcitabine and cisplatin plus S‐1 (GCS) has become the standard chemotherapy for advanced BTCs. GCS not only improved overall survival but demonstrated a high response rate. The efficacy of GCS as a preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable BTCs has been investigated in a randomized phase III trial (JCOG1920) in Japan. In this review, we summarize the current and ongoing clinical trials focusing on adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for BTCs.