bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers in Adopting Human Resource Information System (HRIS): An Empirical Study on Selected Bangladeshi Garments Factories
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Anisur , Islam Md. Aminul , Qi Xu
Published: May 2017

Garment industry can be considered as the sprinter of the economy in Bangladesh for its significant contribution to the economy. Demand for Bangladeshi garments products are increasing so are the competitions. The garment industry, to keep pace with the increasing competition, needs to adopt Information System (IS) in business functions that help ensure cost management effectively in the labor-intensive garments factory.  However, very few garments factories have adopted IS in their operations. This paper tried to identify the factors inhibiting the adoption of HRIS in the garments industry of Bangladesh through a semi-structured questionnaire survey of 150 samples from 25 garment factories in Bangladesh.  We have used Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method to identify the factors impeding to adopt HRIS in garments sector of Bangladesh. From the study, we have identified three broad inhibiting factors termed as Financial, Management related, and Organizational; specifically, High investment, Costly maintenance, Long-term benefit, Organizational Structure, Culture of the Organization, Top management support, lack of experts and user, are found as major barriers in this regard. The findings may be useful to both the academicians to explore the factors in their respective countries and the HRIS practitioners in garment sector to emphasize on these areas so that organizations can ensure better HRIS implementation.
English Language Motivation between Gender and Cultures
Authors: Al Harthy Said Rashid
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the effects of the socio-cultural factors on the motivation of female and male students in 14 Arab and non-Arab countries through 14 studies. The findings indicate that both genders in the two groups share some interests of motivation for learning English, but they differ in some cultural factors that influence or hinder their learning. The findings of this research found that female students′ integrative motivation and attitudes towards English are higher than male students. The present study suggests a serious need for conducting qualitative or mixed method studies to investigate this phenomenon and to propose practical alternatives to increase male students' language motivation to learn English especially the integrative type. Pedagogical implications for teachers and suggestions for further research are included.
Equality at Work and Discrimination in Employment and Occupation
Authors: Laci Amarildo , Maxhelaku Armela , Rusi Ilir
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to give some general views on international labour standards, regarding equality of opportunity and treatment. It is important to mention that respecting freedom from discrimination, as a fundamental human right, places a great importance in guaranteeing other rights for workers. Equality standards applied by ILO provide methods which aim to fight against discrimination in society and in the workplace of the employers. One part of this paper is focused in analyzing the term “discrimination”, focusing in different forms that can occur at work, the target group which it can affect and measures that can be taken in order to provide equality at work. This paper analyses the scope and the obligations under ILO instruments, such as three fundamental conventions. One of the most important conventions is the convention concerning discrimination regarding occupation and employment, “Discrimination Employment and Occupation” Convention nr. 111. This fundamental convention represents discrimination as every different treatment which has effect on equality of creating same possibilities for everyone in occupation or employment. According to this legal act, it is mandatory the implementation of a national legislation which promotes equality of treatment and opportunity, regarding occupation and employment in general, designed to eliminate all types of different treatment in these fields. This paper is focused especially on analyzing the “Workers with Family Responsibilities” Convention, 1981, which refers to standards on equal treatment and opportunities for both women and men workers. “Workers with Family Responsibilities” Convention, applies to workers with such responsibilities, which restrict their possibilities to involve in an economic activity. The purpose is to provide an effective implementation of standards related to equality of treatment and opportunity for both women and men workers, in order to guarantee free choice of employment to help workers which have family responsibilities and to take into consideration their needs. Furthermore in this paper will be identified the methods that governments should apply, which aim to provide the application of the standard of equal compensation for workers, according to “Equal Remuneration” Convention, 1951 (No. 100).
Record Linkage using Probabilistic Methods and Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Elezaj Ogerta , Tuxhari Gloria
Published: May 2017

Nowadays corporations and organizations acquire large amounts of information daily which is stored in many large databases (DB). These databases mostly are heterogeneous and the data are represented differently. Data in these DB may simply be inaccurate and there is a need to clean these DB. The record linkage process is considered to be part of the data cleaning phase when working with big scale surveys considered as a data mining step. Record linkage is an important process in data integration, which consists in finding duplication records and finding matched records too. This process can be divided in two main steps Exact Record Linkage, which founds all the exact matches between two records and Probabilistic Record Linkage, which matches records that are not exactly equal but have a high probability of being equal. In recent years, the record linkage becomes an important process in data mining task. As the databases are becoming more and more complex, finding matching records is a crucial task. Comparing each possible pair of records in large DB is impossible via manual/automatic procedures. Therefore, special algorithms (blocking methods) have to be used to reduce computational complexity of comparison space among records. The paper will discuss the deterministic and probabilistic methods used for record linkage. Also, different supervised and unsupervised techniques will be discussed. Results of a real world datasets linkage (Albanian Population and Housing Census 2011 and farmers list registered by Food Safety and Veterinary Institute) will be presented.
The Effectiveness of Promoting Tennis School Training Services Towards Consumer Interest in Tennis in Indonesia
Authors: Utami Christina Whidya , Sputra Kent Adriel
Published: May 2017

Tennis School is a tennis training service aimed at increasing the popularity of tennis. One of the problems faced by the company is ineffective promotions. This study aims to find the effective promotion strategy for Tennis School. This research is a qualitative research with semi-structured interview as data collection method. Purposive sampling is used to select research informants. The result of this study indicates that in order to attract attention, generate interest, or trigger the desire and action of the consumers, the company can use professional or famous coaches, expand the consumer's knowledge, provide feedback, show the advantages of training through the coaches' knowledge and integrity, and offer free trials to new consumers. Additionally, the company's promotions should focus on the tennis communities, because tennis is a communityoriented sport.
An Investigation of Factors that Influence the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students of Public Universities in Ghana
Authors: Issahaku Paul Alhassan
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which background characteristics, students’ attitudes to learning, and students’ use of social media influence academic performance among undergraduates in Ghana. It was hypothesized that previous performance, hours of study, family income, having a personal study schedule, attending lectures regularly, participating in class discussions, taking notes during lectures, use of alcohol, and use of social media, among other factors will influence a student’s grade point average (GPA). Questionnaires were distributed to 1,500 students across four universities, of which 626 completed questionnaires were returned (N = 626). Correlation analysis showed that only hours of study was strongly related to GPA (r = .1, p = .05). Independent-samples t tests showed that students who had personal study schedules, attended lectures regularly, participated in class, took notes, chatted on Facebook, did not use alcohol, regarded a higher GPA as important, and who lived Off-campus, respectively, had a higher mean GPA. The study has contributed to the literature on factors that affect undergraduate academic performance in Ghana by investigating the effect of several demographic and attitudinal factors on student GPA. The findings indicate that to enhance academic performance it is important to influence students’ attitudes and dispositions toward learning, including lecture attendance, participation in class, self-initiated or independent learning, use of social media, and abstinence from alcohol.
Management of Biodegradable Waste among Rural Residents in Southern Nigeria: Implications for Environmental Public Health
Authors: Opara Jacinta A. , Charles-Unadike Veronica O.
Published: May 2017

This work investigated the management of biodegradable waste among residents in a South-East Locality of Nigeria. The design adopted was descriptive survey design. The population size was 270,902 residents in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area. The sample for the study consisted of 840 respondents selected using a multi-stage procedure. Four objectives guided the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency tables and simple percentages. The study revealed that majority(706; 84&%) of the residents agreed on the common types of biodegradable waste generated; majority use broom and bare hand (hand picking) to collect biodegradable waste with the frequencies of 648 (77%) and 560 (67%)respectively; majority agreed on the methods of transporting biodegradable waste with an overall frequency of 584 (70%) and that majority agreed the methods of disposal of biodegradable waste with an overall frequency of 632 (75%). Based on these, it was recommended among others that health educators should be employed in the ministry of environment with mandate of organizing health talks for the residents to enlighten them on the management of biodegradable and that government should provide adequate means and facilities for the management of waste in our surroundings.
Determinants of User Intention in Using e-Learning Technology in Indonesian Context: An Empirical Study
Authors: Tanduklangi Amri
Published: May 2017

At present, through the help of the internet, an increasing number of higher education institutions worldwide encourages faculty and students to adopt e-Learning in spite of the many barriers still exists in its implementation. This study presents how organizational factors and ease of use influence perceived usefulness and intention to use e-Learning. For this purpose, three hundred and ninety four samples collected from students of seven higher institutions in Southeast Sulawesi of Indonesia were surveyed with a questionnaire to validate the proposed framework through their own perceived behaviors. The result of the analysis using structural equation modeling of SmartPLS 2.0 shows that organizational culture, and perceived ease of use is positively related to both Perceived Usefulness and Intention to Use e-Learning. In addition, Organizational Support shows a significant effect on Intention to Use e-Learning, but a weak effect on Perceived Usefulness of e-Learning.
Migration and Spanish Citizenship Abroad: Recent Scenarios from the Cuban Context
Authors: Sánchez Carmen Ascanio , Cuesta Sara García
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to explore recent scenarios observed in migration and Spanish citizenship abroad, using Cuba as a case study. This project’s innovative contribution lies in its multimethod approach, which considers both normative and demographic factors while also including a qualitative and participatory dimension. Spanish migration to Cuba is a particularly interesting case, given the differences observed here as compared to other Latin American contexts, in terms of both the social policies involved and the Spanish migrants’ profiles and respective family strategies. We analyze migrant groups from the three regions of Spain that saw the greatest emigration to this Caribbean island: Asturias, the Canary Islands and Galicia. The results show the effects of Spanish social and migratory policies on migrants to Cuba and their families from the 1990s onward, in particular with respect to the law governing citizenship known as the “Grandchildren’s Act” (“Ley de Nietos,” 2007-2011). We discuss the different strategies and practices, both individual and collective, that arose from the new resources created by these policies. To conclude, we sketch out the repercussions of these new practices on intergenerational relationships, access to citizenship rights, and the reshaping of collective identities.
Effect of Temperature and Storage Time on DNA Quality and Quantity from Normal and Diseased Tissues
Authors: Imran Tarique Samoo  , Pershotam Khatri  , Bachal Bhutto  , Mansoor Tariq  , Iqra Chandio  , Munaza Soomro  , Saqib Ali  , Sheeba Shams
Published: May 2017

DNA extraction and purification is an initial step for authentic results in advance molecular biology, therefore DNA degradation is unavoidable. The aim of present study is to investigate the DNA quality and quantity in terms of shorter time preservation with normal and diseased tissue, therefore tissues of normal (n = 18) and diseased (n = 18) liver, lung and heart was collected from goat after slaughtered. For DNA extraction Gene JET Genomic DNA Purification Kit protocol was followed, then stored at -20 oC and -04 oC temperatures for 24hrs and 48hrs period of time. The concentration and purity of the extracted DNA were measured with Spectrophotometer and purity confirmed at an absorbance ratio of 260 or 280. It was observed that at a -20 oC temperature for 24hours the concentration of DNA yield was numerically higher than at -04 oC temperature for tissue stored at 48hrs, whereas absorbance was higher, however in normal tissues in contrast with diseased the concentration and absorbance of DNA was somehow same at -20 and -04 oC but different in storage time. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that time elapsed between sampling with the storage condition and with normal or diseased samples for DNA extraction will largely depend on the experiment. If tissue preservative conditions and sampling are appropriate, storage time will not be a factor at least for short storage periods.
Psychosocial Correlates of Psychological Distress among First Time Pregnant Mothers
Authors: Farwa Rasheed  , Urooj Sadiq
Published: May 2017

: Objective: The study investigated the relation of marital relationship and social support with psychological distress in first time pregnant women.Study Design: Correlational design.Setting and Duration: The study was carried out in Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of six months.Subjects and Methods: The sample of the present study includes 100 pregnant first time mothers. Sample of pregnant females was collected from the maternity ward of different hospital located in Lahore. Pregnant females included in sample were falling with the age range of 20-35 years, the minimum duration of their marriage was at least 2 years and minimum qualification was intermediate. Those women were selected who had no history of psychological problem and had never been on any kind of psychiatric/ psychological treatment (psychotropic medication /psychotherapy). The participants completed the Demographic Information sheet, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Relationship assessment Scale and Social Provision Scale. Responses were scored according to the producer given in the manuals.Results: Mean ± SD of age was 26.21 ± 2.8 years. Significant (p
The Role of Potassium in Plants under Drought Stress: Mini Review
Authors: Muhammad Umair Hassan  , Muhammad Aamer  , Muhammad Umer Chattha  , Muhammad Aman Ullah  , Saira Sulaman  , Muhammad Nawaz  , Wang Zhiqiang  , Ma Yanqin  , Huang Guoqin
Published: May 2017

Drought stress is a major catastrophe to plant productivity. Drought stress significantly reduces the crop yield and quality, and probably exceeds losses from all other stresses. Potassium (K+) is an essential nutrient and affects the growth and development, and it also contribute significantly towards plants survival under drought stress. In this mini review we discussed the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying K induced alleviation of drought stress.
WAYS OF PROCESSING AND RECYCLING OF FLUORINE-CONTAINING WASTE OF ALUMINUM INDUSTRY
Authors: Petlin Ilya V. , Lesnikova Margarita S.
Published: May 2017

The information on aluminum metal production volume, its application areas and ecological problems which go with aluminum production are described. The data on fluorine containing waste products types and quantity at aluminum production were reported. The aluminum production waste products negative influence on environment was identified. For hydrogen fluoride production the use of fluorine containing waste products as alternative man-made raw material is offered. Resource effective and resource saving method of aluminum production fluorine containing waste products processing is described in detail. Processing method consists waste oxidizing calcining to move away carbon component, interaction of sulfuric acid with fluorine containing particles to product hydrogen fluoride, dissolution of solid sulphatisation product and aluminum hydroxide precipitation. Aluminum oxide and sodium sulfate can be byproducts of describing wastes processing method. Aluminum oxide can be used for production run of aluminum metal electrolytic production. Sodium sulfate can be used in glass and cellulose production, in textile and tanning industries. The thermodynamic calculations of fluorine containing wastes components with sulfuric acid chemical interaction are given. The research of kinetics of fluorine containing wastes with sulfuric acid chemical interaction by method of reacting mixture unstoppable weighing with mass auto-registration have been carried out. The dependence of transformation (reaction) degree on the time in temperature range of 220 to 260 ºС has been identified. It was characterized by Krank-Gistling-Braunstein equation. On obtained dependence the reaction area and process rate-limiting step was determined. The methods of intensification of aluminum industry fluorine containing wastes interaction process in observed temperature range has been offered. The economic and ecologic effect of aluminum industry fluorine containing wastes processing method has been established.Forcitation:Petlin I.V., Lesnikova M.S. Ways of processing and recycling of fluorine-containing waste of aluminum industry. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N 4. P. 108-113.
Evolution of an intricate J-protein network driving protein disaggregation in eukaryotes
Authors: Nillegoda Nadinath B , Stank Antonia , Malinverni Duccio , Alberts Niels , Szlachcic Anna , Barducci Alessandro , De Los Rios Paolo , Wade Rebecca C , Bukau Bernd
Published: May 2017

Hsp70 participates in a broad spectrum of protein folding processes extending from nascent chain folding to protein disaggregation. This versatility in function is achieved through a diverse family of J-protein cochaperones that select substrates for Hsp70. Substrate selection is further tuned by transient complexation between different classes of J-proteins, which expands the range of protein aggregates targeted by metazoan Hsp70 for disaggregation. We assessed the prevalence and evolutionary conservation of J-protein complexation and cooperation in disaggregation. We find the emergence of a eukaryote-specific signature for interclass complexation of canonical J-proteins. Consistently, complexes exist in yeast and human cells, but not in bacteria, and correlate with cooperative action in disaggregation in vitro. Signature alterations exclude some J-proteins from networking, which ensures correct J-protein pairing, functional network integrity and J-protein specialization. This fundamental change in J-protein biology during the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition allows for increased fine-tuning and broadening of Hsp70 function in eukaryotes.
Sphingomyelin metabolism controls the shape and function of the Golgi cisternae
Authors: Campelo Felix , van Galen Josse , Turacchio Gabriele , Parashuraman Seetharaman , Kozlov Michael M , García-Parajo María F , Malhotra Vivek
Published: May 2017

The flat Golgi cisterna is a highly conserved feature of eukaryotic cells, but how is this morphology achieved and is it related to its function in cargo sorting and export? A physical model of cisterna morphology led us to propose that sphingomyelin (SM) metabolism at the trans-Golgi membranes in mammalian cells essentially controls the structural features of a Golgi cisterna by regulating its association to curvature-generating proteins. An experimental test of this hypothesis revealed that affecting SM homeostasis converted flat cisternae into highly curled membranes with a concomitant dissociation of membrane curvature-generating proteins. These data lend support to our hypothesis that SM metabolism controls the structural organization of a Golgi cisterna. Together with our previously presented role of SM in controlling the location of proteins involved in glycosylation and vesicle formation, our data reveal the significance of SM metabolism in the structural organization and function of Golgi cisternae.
Enhanced FIB-SEM systems for large-volume 3D imaging
Authors: Xu C Shan , Hayworth Kenneth J , Lu Zhiyuan , Grob Patricia , Hassan Ahmed M , García-Cerdán José G , Niyogi Krishna K , Nogales Eva , Weinberg Richard J , Hess Harald F
Published: May 2017

Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) can automatically generate 3D images with superior z-axis resolution, yielding data that needs minimal image registration and related post-processing. Obstacles blocking wider adoption of FIB-SEM include slow imaging speed and lack of long-term system stability, which caps the maximum possible acquisition volume. Here, we present techniques that accelerate image acquisition while greatly improving FIB-SEM reliability, allowing the system to operate for months and generating continuously imaged volumes > 106 µm3. These volumes are large enough for connectomics, where the excellent z resolution can help in tracing of small neuronal processes and accelerate the tedious and time-consuming human proofreading effort. Even higher resolution can be achieved on smaller volumes. We present example data sets from mammalian neural tissue, Drosophila brain, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to illustrate the power of this novel high-resolution technique to address questions in both connectomics and cell biology.
Open‐ocean convection process: A driver of the winter nutrient supply and the spring phytoplankton distribution in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Severin Tatiana , Kessouri Faycal , Rembauville Mathieu , Sánchez‐Pérez Elvia Denisse , Oriol Louise , Caparros Jocelyne , Pujo‐Pay Mireille , Ghiglione Jean‐François , D'Ortenzio Fabrizio , Taillandier Vincent , Mayot Nicolas , Durrieu De Madron Xavier , Ulses Caroline , Estournel Claude , Conan Pascal
Published: May 2017

This study was a part of the DeWEX project (Deep Water formation Experiment), designed to better understand the impact of dense water formation on the marine biogeochemical cycles. Here, nutrient and phytoplankton vertical and horizontal distributions were investigated during a deep open‐ocean convection event and during the following spring bloom in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea (NWM). In February 2013, the deep convection event established a surface nutrient gradient from the center of the deep convection patch to the surrounding mixed and stratified areas. In the center of the convection area, a slight but significant difference of nitrate, phosphate and silicate concentrations was observed possibly due to the different volume of deep waters included in the mixing or to the sediment resuspension occurring where the mixing reached the bottom. One of this process, or a combination of both, enriched the water column in silicate and phosphate, and altered significantly the stoichiometry in the center of the deep convection area. This alteration favored the local development of microphytoplankton in spring, while nanophytoplankton dominated neighboring locations where the convection reached the deep layer but not the bottom. This study shows that the convection process influences both winter nutrients distribution and spring phytoplankton distribution and community structure. Modifications of the convection's spatial scale and intensity (i.e., convective mixing depth) are likely to have strong consequences on phytoplankton community structure and distribution in the NWM, and thus on the marine food web.
Heterogeneous impact transport on the Moon
Authors: Huang Ya‐Huei , Minton David A. , Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Elliott Jacob R. , Richardson James E. , Fassett Caleb I. , Zellner Nicolle E. B.
Published: May 2017

Impact cratering is the dominant process for transporting material on the Moon's surface. An impact transports both proximal material (continuous ejecta) locally and distal ejecta (crater rays) to much larger distances. Quantifying the relative importance of locally derived material versus distal material requires understandings of lunar regolith evolution and the mixing of materials across the lunar surface. The Moon has distinctive albedo units of darker mare basalt and brighter highland materials, and the contacts between these units are ideal settings to examine this question. Information on the amount of material transported across these contacts comes from both the sample collection and remote sensing data, though earlier interpretations of these observations are contradictory. The relatively narrow (~4–5 km wide) mixing zone at mare/highland contacts had been interpreted as consistent with most material having been locally derived from underneath mare plains. However, even far from these contacts where the mare is thick, highland material is abundant in some soil samples (>20%), requiring transport of highland material over great distances. Any model of impact transport on the Moon needs to be consistent with both the observed width of mare/highland contacts and the commonality of nonmare material in mare soil samples far from any contact. In this study, using a three‐dimensional regolith transport model, we match these constraints and demonstrate that both local and distal material transports are important at the lunar surface. Furthermore, the nature of the distal material transport mechanism in discrete crater rays can result in substantial heterogeneity of surface materials.
Health‐aware model predictive control of wind turbines using fatigue prognosis
Authors: Sanchez Hector Eloy , Escobet Teresa , Puig Vicenç , Odgaard Peter Fogh
Published: May 2017

Wind turbine components are subject to considerable fatigue because of extreme environmental conditions to which they are exposed, especially those located offshore. Wind turbine blades are under significant gravitational, inertial, and aerodynamic loads, which cause their fatigue and degradation during the wind turbine operational life. A fatigue problem is often present at the blade root because of the considerable bending moments applied to this zone. Interest in the integration of control with fatigue load minimization has increased in recent years. This paper investigates the fatigue assessment using a rainflow counting algorithm and the blade root moment information coming from the sensor available in a high‐fidelity simulator of a utility‐scale wind turbine. Then, the integration of the fatigue‐based system health management module with control is proposed. This provides a mechanism for the wind turbine to operate safely and optimize the trade‐off between components' life and energy production. In particular, this paper explores the integration of model predictive control with the fatigue‐based prognosis approach to minimize the damage of wind turbine components (the blades). A control‐oriented model of the fatigue based on the rainflow counting algorithm is proposed to obtain online information of the blades' accumulated damage that can be integrated with model predictive control. Then, the controller objective function is modified by adding an extra criterion that takes into account the accumulated damage. The scheme is implemented and tested in a well‐known wind turbine benchmark.
Study on the Compression Properties and Deformation Failure Mechanism of Open‐Cell Copper Foam
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Xiongfei , Li Wei , He Jianjun , Li Cong , Dai Shuowei , Chen Jianlin , Ren Yanjie
Published: May 2017

Uniaxial compression experiments on open‐cell copper foams are conducted at strain rates of 10−2 s−1, 10−3 s−1, and 10−4 s−1 to obtain the true stress‐strain curves. The effects of the strain rate, cell size, and porosity on the mechanical properties is studied. The deformation mechanism of the open‐cell copper foams is investigated by experimental research and finite element analysis. The results showed that the compression strength, Young's modulus and yield strength increase with increasing strain rate and decreasing porosity and cell size. A lower strain rate results in higher strain sensitivity. Strain‐hardening behavior occurred in the process of high‐strain‐rate loading. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the failure mechanism of the open‐cell copper foam is the layer‐by‐layer collapse failure mechanism and that stress concentrations form easily at the weak pore struts. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental data at the first and second stages. However, the value of true stress predicted by the simulation at the third stage is slightly higher than that of the experiments.
Large Area One‐Step Fabrication of Three‐Level Multiple‐Scaled Micro and Nanostructured Nickel Sleeves for Roll‐to‐Roll Hot Embossing
Authors: Lang Valentin , Rank Andreas , Lasagni Andrés F.
Published: May 2017

Direct laser interference patterning enabled the fabrication of three level multiple‐scaled microstructures on nickel surfaces using infrared picosecond laser pulses. While the largest spatial period (1.5 to 5.7 µm) could be controlled by adjusting the angle between the interfering laser beams and the laser wavelength, low and high spatial frequency laser induced periodic surface structures with pitches of approximately 800 nm and 160 nm, respectively, were also observed. Using a set of optimized processing parameters, large area Ni‐sleeves were treated. These sleeves were later employed in preliminarily investigations of roll‐to‐roll high throughput hot‐embossing of polymer foils.
A Novel Direct Liquid Injection Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition System (DLI‐LPCVD) for the Deposition of Thin Films
Authors: Vervaele Mattias , De Roo Bert , Debehets Jolien , Sousa Marilyne , Zhang Luman , Van Bilzen Bart , Seré Stephanie , Guillon Herve , Rajala Markku , Seo Jin Won , Locquet Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2017

In this work, the use of a newly developed direct liquid injection low pressure chemical vapor deposition (DLI‐LPCVD) system is described, which allows for the deposition of thin films in a controlled and reproducible manner. The capabilities of this system are described via silica thin films deposited using the precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The deposition of thin films is controlled by parameters, such as deposition temperature, partial pressure of the gases, and flow rate of the precursor solution. The thickness of the deposited layer is varied simply by changing deposition temperature and time. X‐ray reflectivity and spectroscopic ellipsometry of the deposited samples show that the thickness of the layers is well controlled by deposition temperature and time. Auger electron spectroscopy, in addition, motivates our choice to use cyclohexane as a solvent. A growth rate of 12.2 Å min−1 is obtained. Atomic force microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and drop shape analysis are used to measure roughness, composition, and hydrophobicity. Thin films of silicon dioxide are successfully grown by the newly developed DLI‐LPCVD system. This system can be used for a wide range of films by varying the precursors.
Self‐Contained Polymer/Metal 3D Printed Electrochemical Platform for Tailored Water Splitting
Authors: Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin
Published: May 2017

The enormous advancements made recently in additive manufacturing require parallel development of new printable materials with particular focus on so‐defined functional materials. Functional materials have specific properties that are useful for the fabrication of active devices such as sensors, electronic components, catalytic reactors, etc. It is shown here that the combination of standard 3D‐printing technologies with easy‐to‐use electrochemical surface modification can facilitate the tuning of catalytic properties of printed metallic electrodes to be used as electrocatalysts for water splitting applications. A self‐contained electrochemical system, consisting of electrodes and an electrochemical cell, is built via 3D metal and polymer printing. Stainless‐steel electrodes are first obtained by selective laser melting additive manufacturing according to an established design; then electrochemical surface modification is performed to alter the electrode surface composition and therefore tune its catalytic properties toward the electrogeneration of hydrogen and oxygen. After surface characterization by means of scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis to evaluate the efficiency of the electrochemical functionalization, electrochemical testing is carried out to evaluate the catalytic properties of the electrodes. A simple, proof‐of‐concept water electrolyzer is finally assembled with the best performing electrodes and tested in alkaline solution for water splitting capabilities.
Light‐Fueled, Spatiotemporal Modulation of Mechanical Properties and Rapid Self‐Healing of Graphene‐Doped Supramolecular Elastomers
Authors: Noack Manuel , Merindol Rémi , Zhu Baolei , Benitez Alejandro , Hackelbusch Sebastian , Beckert Fabian , Seiffert Sebastian , Mülhaupt Rolf , Walther Andreas
Published: May 2017

Gaining spatially resolved control over the mechanical properties of materials in a remote, programmable, and fast‐responding way is a great challenge toward the design of adaptive structural and functional materials. Reversible, temperature‐sensitive systems, such as polymers equipped with supramolecular units, are a good model system to gain detailed information and target large‐scale property changes by exploiting reversible crosslinking scenarios. Here, it is demonstrated that coassembled elastomers based on polyglycidols functionalized with complementary cyanuric acid and diaminotriazine hydrogen bonding couples can be remotely modulated in their mechanical properties by spatially confined laser irradiation after hybridization with small amounts of thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO). The TRGO provides an excellent photothermal effect, leads to light‐adaptive steady‐state temperatures, and allows local breakage/de‐crosslinking of the hydrogen bonds. This enables fast self‐healing and spatiotemporal modulation of mechanical properties, as demonstrated by digital image correlation. This study opens pathways toward light‐fueled and light‐adaptive graphene‐based nanocomposites employing molecularly controlled thermal switches.
Laser‐Induced Graphene in Controlled Atmospheres: From Superhydrophilic to Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Li Yilun , Luong Duy Xuan , Zhang Jibo , Tarkunde Yash R. , Kittrell Carter , Sargunaraj Franklin , Ji Yongsung , Arnusch Christopher J. , Tour James M.
Published: May 2017

The modification of graphene‐based materials is an important topic in the field of materials research. This study aims to expand the range of properties for laser‐induced graphene (LIG), specifically to tune the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the LIG surfaces. While LIG is normally prepared in the air, here, using selected gas atmospheres, a large change in the water contact angle on the as‐prepared LIG surfaces has been observed, from 0° (superhydrophilic) when using O2 or air, to >150° (superhydrophobic) when using Ar or H2. Characterization of the newly derived surfaces shows that the different wetting properties are due to the surface morphology and chemical composition of the LIG. Applications of the superhydrophobic LIG are shown in oil/water separation as well as anti‐icing surfaces, while the versatility of the controlled atmosphere chamber fabrication method is demonstrated through the improved microsupercapacitor performance generated from LIG films prepared in an O2 atmosphere.
Ultrahigh Thermal Conductive yet Superflexible Graphene Films
Authors: Peng Li , Xu Zhen , Liu Zheng , Guo Yan , Li Peng , Gao Chao
Published: May 2017

Electrical devices generate heat at work. The heat should be transferred away immediately by a thermal manager to keep proper functions, especially for high‐frequency apparatuses. Besides high thermal conductivity (K), the thermal manager material requires good foldability for the next generation flexible electronics. Unfortunately, metals have satisfactory ductility but inferior K (≤429 W m−1 K−1), and highly thermal‐conductive nonmetallic materials are generally brittle. Therefore, fabricating a foldable macroscopic material with a prominent K is still under challenge. This study solves the problem by folding atomic thin graphene into microfolds. The debris‐free giant graphene sheets endow graphene film (GF) with a high K of 1940 ± 113 W m−1 K−1. Simultaneously, the microfolds render GF superflexible with a high fracture elongation up to 16%, enabling it more than 6000 cycles of ultimate folding. The large‐area multifunctional GFs can be easily integrated into high‐power flexible devices for highly efficient thermal management.
Strong Electro‐Optic Effect and Spontaneous Domain Formation in Self‐Assembled Peptide Structures
Authors: Gilboa Barak , Lafargue Clément , Handelman Amir , Shimon Linda J. W. , Rosenman Gil , Zyss Joseph , Ellenbogen Tal
Published: May 2017

Short peptides made from repeating units of phenylalanine self‐assemble into a remarkable variety of micro‐ and nanostructures including tubes, tapes, spheres, and fibrils. These bio‐organic structures are found to possess striking mechanical, electrical, and optical properties, which are rarely seen in organic materials, and are therefore shown useful for diverse applications including regenerative medicine, targeted drug delivery, and biocompatible fluorescent probes. Consequently, finding new optical properties in these materials can significantly advance their practical use, for example, by allowing new ways to visualize, manipulate, and utilize them in new, in vivo, sensing applications. Here, by leveraging a unique electro‐optic phase microscopy technique, combined with traditional structural analysis, it is measured in di‐ and triphenylalanine peptide structures a surprisingly large electro‐optic response of the same order as the best performing inorganic crystals. In addition, spontaneous domain formation is observed in triphenylalanine tapes, and the origin of their electro‐optic activity is unveiled to be related to a porous triclinic structure, with extensive antiparallel beta‐sheet arrangement. The strong electro‐optic response of these porous peptide structures with the capability of hosting guest molecules opens the door to create new biocompatible, environmental friendly functional materials for electro‐optic applications, including biomedical imaging, sensing, and optical manipulation.
Silicon Composite Electrodes with Dynamic Ionic Bonding
Authors: Kang Sen , Yang Ke , White Scott R. , Sottos Nancy R.
Published: May 2017

Silicon (Si) composite electrodes are developed with increased cycle lifetimes and reliability through dynamic ionic bonding between active Si nanoparticles and a polymer binder. Amine groups are covalently attached to Si nanoparticles via surface functionalization. Si composite electrodes are fabricated by combining the Si nanoparticles with a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) binder. The formation of ionic bonds between amine groups on Si particles and carboxylic acid groups on the PAA binder is characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Si composite anodes with ionic bonding demonstrate long term cycling stability with capacity retention of 80% at 400 cycles at a current density of 2.1 A g−1 and good rate capability. The dynamic ionic bonds effectively mitigate the deterioration of electrical interfaces in the composite anodes as suggested by stable impedance over 300 cycles.
Electrospray‐Assisted Fabrication of Moisture‐Resistant and Highly Stable Perovskite Solar Cells at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Kavadiya Shalinee , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Huang Su , Biswas Pratim
Published: May 2017

An electrospray deposition technique to fabricate a perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) layer for highly stable and efficient perovskite solar cells at ambient humidity (30%–50% relative humidity) conditions is demonstrated. A detailed study is conducted to determine the effect of different electrospray parameters on the device performance and to provide a mechanistic explanation of the superior stability of the films. Due to the controlled reactivity that results in the formation of a smooth perovskite film, these cells exhibit stability exceeding 4000 h, in contrast to much lower stability of those fabricated by conventional spin coating methods. Furthermore, the perovskite film deposited by electrospray methods exhibits a self‐healing behavior when exposed to moisture. The authors hypothesize the formation of an intermediate metastable phase and smooth morphology of the film as the reason for this enhanced stability. Electrospray is a scalable technique that provides precise control over the amount of material required for deposition, reducing significant material loss that occurs in conventional solution‐based methods. Overall, this work shows that stability of perovskite solar cells can be improved by fabrication using a well controlled and optimized electrospray technique, without the use of any additives or cell encapsulants.
Mechanochemical Friedel–Crafts Alkylation—A Sustainable Pathway Towards Porous Organic Polymers
Authors: Troschke Erik , Grätz Sven , Lübken Tilo , Borchardt Lars
Published: May 2017

This study elucidates an innovative mechanochemical approach applying Friedel–Crafts alkylation to synthesize porous covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). Herein, we pursue a counterintuitive approach by utilizing a rather destructive method to synthesize well‐defined materials with intrinsic porosity. Investigating a model system including carbazole as monomer and cyanuric chloride as triazine node, ball milling is shown to successfully yield porous polymers almost quantitatively. We verified the successful structure formation by an in‐depth investigation applying XPS, solid‐state NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. An in situ study of pressure and temperature developments inside the milling chamber in combination with two‐dimensional liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy reveals insights into the polymerization mechanism. The versatility of this mechanochemical approach is showcased by application of other monomers with different size and geometry.
Assessing the Influence of Mutation on GTPase Transition States by Using X‐ray Crystallography, 19F NMR, and DFT Approaches
Authors: Jin Yi , Molt Robert W. , Pellegrini Erika , Cliff Matthew J. , Bowler Matthew W. , Richards Nigel G. J. , Blackburn G. Michael , Waltho Jonathan P.
Published: May 2017

We report X‐ray crystallographic and 19F NMR studies of the G‐protein RhoA complexed with MgF3−, GDP, and RhoGAP, which has the mutation Arg85′Ala. When combined with DFT calculations, these data permit the identification of changes in transition state (TS) properties. The X‐ray data show how Tyr34 maintains solvent exclusion and the core H‐bond network in the active site by relocating to replace the missing Arg85′ sidechain. The 19F NMR data show deshielding effects that indicate the main function of Arg85′ is electronic polarization of the transferring phosphoryl group, primarily mediated by H‐bonding to O3G and thence to PG. DFT calculations identify electron‐density redistribution and pinpoint why the TS for guanosine 5′‐triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis is higher in energy when RhoA is complexed with RhoGAPArg85′Ala relative to wild‐type (WT) RhoGAP. This study demonstrates that 19F NMR measurements, in combination with X‐ray crystallography and DFT calculations, can reliably dissect the response of small GTPases to site‐specific modifications.
Direkte asymmetrische Alkylierung von Ketonen: noch immer ein unerreichtes Ziel
Authors: Cano Rafael , Zakarian Armen , McGlacken Gerard P.
Published: May 2017

Die Alkylierung von Ketonen ist Teil des Grundstudiums der Chemie. In vielen Fällen führt diese Umwandlung zu einem neuen stereogenen Zentrum. Allerdings täuscht die scheinbare Einfachheit der Umwandlung über eine Reihe von Schwierigkeiten hinweg, die so groß sind, dass eine allgemeine Methode für die direkte asymmetrische Alkylierung von Ketonen bisher unerreicht ist. Trotz der Weiterentwicklung der Organo‐ und Übergangsmetallkatalyse liefert bisher keine von beiden eine adäquate Lösung. Sogar die Anwendung eines effizienten und allgemein verwendbaren stöchiometrischen Reagens muss erst noch beschrieben werden. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beschreibt den aktuellen Stand in Bezug auf direkte Alkylierungsreaktionen einiger Carbonylgruppen und bespricht den begrenzten Fortschritt bei Ketonen sowie mögliche Wege, die letztlich zu einer breit anwendbaren Methode für die asymmetrische Alkylierung von Ketonen führen können.
Hexanuclear and Tetranuclear Mn/Ln clusters using 2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyridine: Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Sun Lei , Chen Hui , Chen Changneng
Published: May 2017

Reactions of manganese benzoate dihydrate and lanthanide nitrate hexahydrate with 2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH) as ligand in the mixture solutions of acetonitrile and ethanol according to different molar ratios of NEt3 generated two kinds of Mn‐Ln compounds [MnIII4LaIII2(O)2(hmp)7(PhCO2)2(NO3)5] ·5H2O (1) and [MnIII2GdIII2(hmp)6(PhCO2)4(NO3)2] ·3CH3CN·3C2H5OH·2H2O (2). By comparison of the two compounds, there exist considerable effects of reaction alkalinity on the structures and magnetic properties of products. Compound 1 possesses a core of [MnIII4LaIII2(μ4‐O)(μ3‐O)(μ3‐OR)(μ2‐O)7]2−, which comprises three face‐sharing defected cubane units. The core topology represents a new core type of Mn‐Ln clusters. Compound 2 has a planar‐butterfly structure. The solid‐state dc magnetic susceptibility analyses indicate the antiferromagnetic interactions within compound 1 and ferromagnetic interactions within compound 2. Compound 1 has an S = 0 ground state, while compound 2 possesses an S = 11 ground state, fitting of the dc data for the tetranuclear Mn2Gd2 with the Magpack program gives parameters of JMn‐Mn = 3.11 cm−1, JMn‐Gd = 0.02 cm—1 and g = 1.96.