bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Degradation Processes Linked to Long-Term Forest-Type Damage
Authors: Samec Pavel , Kučera Aleš , Tomášová Gabriela
Published: August 2022

Forest degradation impairs ability of the whole landscape adaptation to environmental change. The impacts of forest degradation on landscape are caused by a self-organization decline. At the present time, the self-organization decline was largely due to nitrogen deposition and deforestation which exacerbated impacts of climate change. Nevertheless, forest degradation processes are either reversible or irreversible. Irreversible forest degradation begins with soil damage. In this paper, we present processes of forest soil degradation in relation to vulnerability of regulation adaptability on global environmental change. The regulatory forest capabilities were indicated through soil organic matter sequestration dynamics. We devided the degradation processes into quantitative and qualitative damages of physical or chemical soil properties. Quantitative soil degradation includes irreversible loss of an earth’s body after claim, erosion or desertification, while qualitative degradation consists of predominantly reversible consequences after soil disintegration, leaching, acidification, salinization and intoxication. As a result of deforestation, the forest soil vulnerability is spreading through quantitative degradation replacing hitherto predominantly qualitative changes under continuous vegetation cover. Increasing needs to natural resources using and accompanying waste pollution destroy soil self-organization through biodiversity loss, simplification in functional links among living forms and substance losses from ecosystem. We concluded that subsequent irreversible changes in ecosystem self-organization cause a change of biome potential natural vegetation and the land usability decrease.
Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine: Information Literacy
Authors: Bahadoran Zahra , Mirmiran Parvin , Kashfi Khosrow , Ghasemi Asghar
Published: August 2022

: The literature review is an integral part of the research process, from developing research ideas to disseminating findings. It involves explaining, interpreting, and summarizing published materials around a topic to elaborate a research hypothesis/question, synthesize new concepts, identify knowledge gaps, develop new theories, and identify new research directions. Effective reading and processing of the literature (i.e., analyzing and synthesizing) and actual writing of the literature (verbal or non-verbal output, e.g., tables and figures) are essential stages of an effective literature review. This article provides a practical guide to conducting an effective literature review. In addition, literature search and evaluation are also briefly discussed.
Improvement of Phenolic Compound Extraction by Using Ion Exchange Chromatography and Evaluation of Biological Activities of Polyphenol-enriched Fraction of Rosa canina Fruits
Authors: Sabahi Zahra , Hasan Seyed Muhammad Farid , Ayatollahi Seyed Abdulmajid , Farmani Fatemeh , Afsari Afshin , Moein Mahmoodreza
Published: August 2022

Background: Rosa canina has been traditionally known as a medicinal plant. Different applications of fruits (Rose hip) comprise the food, perfume, and cosmetic industries. Objectives: This study aimed to prepare an enriched polyphenolic fraction from Rosa canina in addition to its biological activities. Methods: Poly phenolic enriched fraction was prepared using Amberlite XAD-7 for removing unwanted components. Phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins content analyses showed that they increased significantly compared to the extract. HPLC analysis showed that this fraction is a rich source of ascorbic acid. Results: The results of the DPPH, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS, and nitric oxide assay confirmed that the antioxidant activities of the fraction had been increased compared to the extract. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and cellular antioxidant activity of the fraction also confirmed its potential antioxidant activity. This fraction showed xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity at 100 µg/mL concentration. Comet assay analysis revealed that this fraction at 25 - 100 µg/mL concentrations inhibited H2O2 genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. Conclutions: This study suggests that the fruit of Rosa canina could be considered as a potential antioxidant, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and an antigenotoxic source, and the application of Amberlite XAD-7 improves extraction efficiencies through enrichment of phenolic compounds in this plant.
Unnecessary Thoughts with Randy Boyagoda
Authors: Boyagoda Randy , Spaulding Peter ,   Marquette University Press
Published: August 2022

An interview with the author of Dante’s Indiana, Randy Boyagoda, conducted by Peter Spaulding.
Inflammatory stress signaling via NF-kB alters accessible cholesterol to upregulate SREBP2 transcriptional activity in endothelial cells
Authors: Fowler Joseph Wayne M , Zhang Rong , Tao Bo , Boutagy Nabil E , Sessa William C
Published: August 2022

There is a growing appreciation that a tight relationship exists between cholesterol homeostasis and immunity in leukocytes; however, this relationship has not been deeply explored in the vascular endothelium. Endothelial cells (ECs) rapidly respond to extrinsic signals, such as tissue damage or microbial infection, by upregulating factors to activate and recruit circulating leukocytes to the site of injury and aberrant activation of ECs leads to inflammatory based diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis. Here, we studied the role of cholesterol and a key transcription regulator of cholesterol homeostasis, SREBP2, in the EC responses to inflammatory stress. Treatment of primary human ECs with pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulated SREBP2 cleavage and cholesterol biosynthetic gene expression within the late phase of the acute inflammatory response. Furthermore, SREBP2 activation was dependent on NF-κB DNA binding and canonical SCAP-SREBP2 processing. Mechanistically, inflammatory activation of SREBP was mediated by a reduction in accessible cholesterol, leading to heightened sterol sensing and downstream SREBP2 cleavage. Detailed analysis of NF-κB inducible genes that may impact sterol sensing resulted in the identification of a novel RELA-inducible target, STARD10, that mediates accessible cholesterol homeostasis in ECs. Thus, this study provides an in-depth characterization of the relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and the acute inflammatory response in EC.
Adoption Pattern of Mechanization of Paddy Farms in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sushma Kumbha Naga , Thilagavathi M. , Parimalarangan S. , Vasanthi R.
Published: August 2022

Farm mechanization is a crucial component of contemporary agriculture. Along with lowering labour costs and human drudgery, it increases productivity. Mechanization enhances the safety and comfort of agricultural workers, the efficiency with which other inputs are used, and the quality and added value of the produce. The present study assesses the adoption pattern of farm mechanization at farm level among 120 sample paddy farmers of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Adoption index was applied for selected sample respondents to study their adoption of machinery at different operations performed during paddy production. The overall adoption index score was 45.78. Complete adoption of mechanization was found in plant protection operation, tillage operations have average adoption index of 77.19. There was no mechanization observed in inter cultural operations and mechanization in sowing, transplanting and harvesting was observed mainly in large farms.
Application of Business Model Canvas (BMC) in the Fish Processing Unit of CV. Brightfood Riung Gunung, Bandung City
Authors: Suryana Asep Agus Handaka , Beestari Nabila , Maulina Ine
Published: August 2022

Fish is one of the foods that are favored and consumed by the community. However, fish is a perishable food commodity that requires processing in order to minimize this problem. The fish processing unit of CV. Brightfood Riung Gunung is a small-scale fish processing unit that produces various kinds of processed products using tuna (Thunnus sp) and mackerel (Scomberomorus sp). Tuna and mackerel are fish commodities that easily found many markets business so carry out processing activities using these fish. The data analysis used a business model canvas. The application of business models in the early stages of business management development makes it clear what business managers can do about what will be done with the business to be carried out. This study aims to analyze the business model canvas on the fish processing unit of CV Brightfood Riung Gunung Bandung City. This study uses case study method, which is a study that includes an assessment that aims to provide a detailed description of the background, nature and character of a case. In other words, a case study focuses attention, intensive in one case and detailed. The sampling technique used a purposive sampling. The purposive sampling method is a sampling technique with certain considerations. The selected sample of this study is the owner of the company. The results of this study indicate that the fish processing unit of CV. Brightfood Riung Gunung, Bandung City, has implemented 9 elements of the business model canvas well compared to other similar industries.
Quantitative Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Mangifera indica Possible Ability to Induce Sedation and Remedy Insomnia
Authors: Alhaji A. I. , Ajibade G. A. , Ellina T. , Yakubu D. , Blessing T. , Ume A. O.
Published: August 2022

Aims: The study was aimed at the Phytochemical and Proximate analysis of the flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica for its ability to induce sedation.

Place and Duration of Study: The fresh flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica (Mango) were collected using secateurs and taken to the Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna for specific identification and authentication by an expert. 

Methodology: The phytochemical analysis was carried out following the procedures described by Harbourne, (1998) while the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000) were used for the determination of moisture and ash content, crude fiber, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and Nitrogen was determined using the micro Kjeldahl method described by (Gadelha et al., 2009).

Results: A very significant percentage of protein, Flavonoid and terpenoids were detected in the plant samples especially Mangifera indica flower.

Conclusion: A high presence of Flavonoid, Terpenoid and Protein in Mangifera indica plant parts is a sign of the possibility that the plant sample could contain a reasonable percentage of Apeginin, Myrcene and Tryptophan which are known active components to induce sedation and can feature in the future as a good source of sleep aid against insomnia.
Bivariate Stochastic Simultaneous Differential Equation Model for Heart Failure
Authors: Padi Tirupathi Rao , Sakkeel P. T. , Kanimozhi V.
Published: August 2022

Heart failure is one of the significant public health burdens in the world. According to WHO, 2 million people suer heart failure worldwide. In this study, we propose a bivariate stochastic model for heart failure disease progression and recovery process, which helps to understand the underlying mechanisms of the recovery process and suggests strategies to improve the performance of the public health system. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to understand the model behavior.
A Review of Antifungal Activity of Combined Plant Extracts or Plant Exudates from Medicinal Plants either together or with Known Antifungal Agents
Authors: Haji Moh’d Hamid , Mohamed Asma Balla , Albashir Alaa Altayeb , Mirghani Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Medicinal plants provide humanity with important phytochemical compounds and extracts which are widely used in treatment of many diseases. Fungal infections are one of these diseases which are widely distributed especially in developing countries; medicinal plants are extensively used in developing countries. There are few antifungal agents, most of them are expensive and have many adverse effects, also there is high incidence of drug resistance among some available antifungal agents, hence for these mentioned reasons many people, especially in developing countries, use medicinal plants (either alone, combined together or combined with known antifungal drugs) in treatment of many fungal infections. This rise a new and important issue about plant(s) – plant(s) and plant(s) - drug interactions.

The aim of this review is to try to fill the gap in understanding the interactions of plant(s) - plant(s)  and plant(s) – drug(s) combinations by providing an overview of some evidence-based researches done in this field, so our review highlights many interactions between medicinal plants constituents with current available antifungal agents, these interactions may be synergistic, additive, indifferent or antagonistic, so, if there is any antagonistic effect, we recommend to avoid using the combination which caused this effect. We collected a lot of studies which studied the interactions between plant(s) (including extracts, isolated active constituents, essential oils, plants latexes and other phytochemicals) used either together or with conventional antifungal agents. This will not only bring about better understanding of both phytochemicals and antifungal activity, but also may help in searching and developing new safely and effective drugs, specially with those combinations which showed synergistic effect.
Plant Growth-promoting and Biocontrol Potential of Selected Cyanobacteria from Stress Environment
Authors: Bagul Samadhan Yuvraj , Vishwakarma Ritu , Chakdar Hillol , Pandiyan K. , Bandeppa S.
Published: August 2022

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms and produce large number of diverse bioactive compounds. In the present study plant growth promotion and antifungal activities of fourteen cyanobacteria strains have been studied against selected phytopathogens. Among screened isolates highest production of IAA was found in Chroococcidiopsis cubana HC1 (102.9 µg/ml) when supplemented with 0.3 mg/mL tryptophan. Co-inoculation of C. cubana (HC1) and Tolypothrix sp. (RC1) were evaluated for plant growth promoting potential on rice (Rajendra Sweta) plant which showed enhanced root (20.7±1.0 cm) and shoot length (11.4±1.3 cm) as well as increased number of forks (36.0±1.0) as compared to control seedlings. Among fourteen isolates eight cyanobacterial isolates showed zone of inhibition against selected phytopathogens. Tolypothrix sp RC1 and Nostoc sp. SK1 showed highest rate of inhibition (50%) against Ralstonia solanaceram while Pseudoanabaena sp. RD1 showed highest inhibition rate (52%) against Sclerotium rolfsi. Nostoc sp. HC2 found to be highest inhibition (61%) against Fusarium oxysporum. The cyanobacteria reported in this study have immense potential for biocontrol against fungal plant pathogens and plant growth promoting ability which enhances crop growth. Cyanobacterial isolates obtained from the study could be worthy in sustainable agriculture due to dual advantages of biocontrol as well as plant growth promotion.
Development of Carbon-based N Fertilizer for Reducing N Loss and Improving Nitrogen Availability
Authors: Firnass M. Mohamed Roshan Abu , Kannan P. , Swaminathan C. , Senthil K. , Jayakumar B.
Published: August 2022

Aims: Synthesis and characterization of carbon-based nitrogen fertilizer and assess the nitrogen releasing pattern of newly synthesized N fertilizer.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments in three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The incubation study was conducted in the Soils and Environment post-graduate laboratory at Agriculture College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India from February 2022 to April 2022.

Methodology: Seven treatments were tested with various combinations of N fertilizers viz., Absolute control-No nitrogen (C), Soil test crop response-based N as urea (STCR- U), Soil test crop response-based N as ammonium chloride (STCR-AC), Carbon-tailored N fertilizer from urea (100% N) (CNF-U100), Carbon-tailored N fertilizer from urea (75% N) (CNF-U75), Carbon-tailored N fertilizer from ammonium chloride (100% N) (CNF-AC100) and Carbon-tailored N fertilizer from ammonium chloride (75% N) (CNF-AC75). The characterization of carbon-tailored N fertilizers and their impact on soil available N were analyzed.

Results: When compared to STCR urea and ammonium chloride, carbon-tailored N fertilizers generated a greater result in terms of sustained release pattern of nitrogen over 10 weeks. Among the N fertilizers, carbon-tailored N fertilizer from urea 75% N (CNF-U75) demonstrated the sustained release of N (104.0 mg kg-1), when compared to the STCR-U (108.9 mg kg-1) and STCR-AC (110.0 mg kg-1) fertilizers.

Conclusion: A novel carbon-based N fertilizer was tailored by intercalating urea and ammonium chloride with carbon material. The N releasing pattern of CNF-U75 implied that carbon-based N fertilizer is a novel product for sustained N release with higher nitrogen utilization efficiency and lower environmental risks. This study result could be used as a beneficial source of information on the current needs and future perspectives of carbon-based N fertilizer (CNF) in precision farming.
Evaluation of Heterosis of Crosses between Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis and their Hybrids Collected from Minna Metropolis
Authors: Kolawole S. O. , Yisa T. A. , Bankole F. , Mustapha T. , Daniel C. E.
Published: August 2022

Hybridization of Clarias gariepinus (Cl) and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Ht) and determination of their growth and heterosis parameters were performed. Four crosses (♀ × ♂) were tested: Cl X Cl, Cl X Ht, Ht X Cl, and Ht X Ht. Fifty 14-day-old juveniles from each of the four crosses were stocked separately in tripled plastic bowls. Fifteen fish were randomly selected each week using a fine mesh mosquito net and then weighed on a sensitive scale. The highest percentage of fertilization (58.57%) was recorded in the pure breed (Ht x Ht). The hybrid (Cl x Ht) had the highest hatching rate. Pure breeds recorded the highest condition factor (2.37), and hybrids had the highest feed conversion ratio. The Cl X Cl cross had the highest final mean weight (1980 mg) and the specific growth rate (SGR) of 4.91% / day compared to the other three crosses. Negative heterosis for growth (-14.95%) was observed in hybrids, while hybrid survival showed positive heterosis (26.56%). Poor growth of the hybrids explained the negative heterosis. Therefore, crossbreeds survived better than purebred catfish. There was a significant difference in the specific growth rate between the four genetic groups studied (P> 0.05).
Combinatorial pathway disruption is a powerful approach to delineate metabolic impacts of endocrine disruptors
Authors: Bernal Kévin , Touma Charbel , Erradhouani Chedi , Boronat‐Belda Talía , Gaillard Lucas , Al Kassir Sara , Le Mentec Hélène , Martin‐Chouly Corinne , Podechard Normand , Lagadic‐Gossmann Dominique , Langouet Sophie , Brion François , Knoll‐Gellida Anja , Babin Patrick J. , Sovadinova Iva , Babica Pavel , Andreau Karine , Barouki Robert , Vondracek Jan , Alonso‐Magdalena Paloma , Blanc Etienne , Kim Min Ji , Coumoul Xavier
Published: August 2022

The prevalence of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and chronic liver diseases among others, has been rising for several years. Epidemiology and mechanistic (in vivo, in vitro and in silico) toxicology have recently provided compelling evidence implicating the chemical environment in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this review, we will describe the biological processes that contribute to the development of metabolic diseases targeted by metabolic disruptors, and will propose an integrated pathophysiological vision of their effects on several organs. With regard to these pathomechanisms, we will discuss the needs, and the stakes of evolving the testing and assessment of endocrine disruptors to improve the prevention and management of metabolic diseases that have become a global epidemic since the end of last century.
Semi‐supervised classification of fundus images combined with CNN and GCN
Authors: Duan Sixu , Huang Pu , Chen Min , Wang Ting , Sun Xiaolei , Chen Meirong , Dong Xueyuan , Jiang Zekun , Li Dengwang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, which is a kind of fundus lesion with specific changes. Early diagnosis of DR can effectively reduce the visual damage caused by DR. Due to the variety and different morphology of DR lesions, automatic classification of fundus images in mass screening can greatly save clinicians' diagnosis time. To alleviate these problems, in this paper, we propose a novel framework—graph attentional convolutional neural network (GACNN).

Methods and Materials

The network consists of convolutional neural network (CNN) and graph convolutional network (GCN). The global and spatial features of fundus images are extracted by using CNN and GCN, and attention mechanism is introduced to enhance the adaptability of GCN to topology map. We adopt semi‐supervised method for classification, which greatly improves the generalization ability of the network.

Results

In order to verify the effectiveness of the network, we conducted comparative experiments and ablation experiments. We use confusion matrix, precision, recall, kappa score, and accuracy as evaluation indexes. With the increase of the labeling rates, the classification accuracy is higher. Particularly, when the labeling rate is set to 100%, the classification accuracy of GACNN reaches 93.35%. Compared with DenseNet121, the accuracy rate is improved by 6.24%.

Conclusions

Semi‐supervised classification based on attention mechanism can effectively improve the classification performance of the model, and attain preferable results in classification indexes such as accuracy and recall. GACNN provides a feasible classification scheme for fundus images, which effectively reduces the screening human resources.
Stereo Metasurfaces for Efficient and Broadband Terahertz Polarization Conversion
Authors: Xu Yuehong , Xu Quan , Zhang Xueqian , Feng Xi , Lu Yongchang , Zhang Xixiang , Kang Ming , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: August 2022

Efficient and flexible manipulation of terahertz (THz) polarization in a broadband manner using metasurfaces has attracted continuous attention in recent years. Previous studies have commonly applied multilayer metallic resonators or bonded dielectric structures as the basic units, which are affected by the spacer loss or bonding difficulty and stability. Here, a new design scheme is proposed based on an all‐metal stereo U‐shaped meta‐atom working in a reflection configuration. The stereo metasurface functions as an efficient and broadband THz waveplate with tailorable birefringence simply controlled by the sunken depth. Such an intriguing property is experimentally verified by a reflection‐type THz half‐waveplate. The polarization conversion ratio is higher than 90%, with 69% relative bandwidth and over 85° angle tolerance for incidence. Furthermore, an efficient and broadband meta‐grating based on the Pancharatnam–Berry phase method is also experimentally demonstrated. The proposed strategy enriches the design degrees of freedom of polarization‐related metasurfaces and may find broad applications in realizing various functional devices.
Recent Advances in Metal Chalcogenide Quantum Dots: From Material Design to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Piao Zhiyan , Yang Dan , Cui Zhongjie , He Haiyang , Mei Shiliang , Lu Hanxu , Fu Zizhao , Wang Le , Zhang Wanlu , Guo Ruiqian
Published: August 2022

With the rapid progress in nanomaterials and biochemistry, there has been an explosion of interest in biomolecule‐modified quantum dots (QDs) for biomedical applications. Metal chalcogenide quantum dots (MCQDs), as the most widely studied QDs, have attracted tremendous attention in the biomedical field on account of their unique and excellent optical properties and the ease of biomolecular modifications. Herein, important advances in MCQDs over recent years are reviewed, from materials design to biomedical applications. Especially, this review focuses on the challenges encountered in the applications of MCQDs in biomedical fields and how these problems can be solved by rational design of synthesis methods and modifications, which have opened a universal route to develop the functionalized MCQDs. Moreover, recent processes in bioimaging, biosensing, and cancer therapy based on MCQDs are examined, including the rapid detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). This review provides broad insights into MCQDs in the biomedical field and will inspire material researchers to develop MCQDs in the future.
Room‐Temperature Anode‐Less All‐Solid‐State Batteries via the Conversion Reaction of Metal Fluorides
Authors: Lee Jieun , Choi Seung Ho , Im Gahyeon , Lee Kyu‐Joon , Lee Taegeun , Oh Jihoon , Lee Nohjoon , Kim Hyuntae , Kim Yunsung , Lee Sangheon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: August 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) that employ anode‐less electrodes have drawn attention from across the battery community because they offer competitive energy densities and a markedly improved cycle life. Nevertheless, the composite matrices of anode‐less electrodes impose a substantial barrier for lithium‐ion diffusion and inhibit operation at room temperature. To overcome this drawback, here, the conversion reaction of metal fluorides is exploited because metallic nanodomains formed during this reaction induce an alloying reaction with lithium ions for uniform and sustainable lithium (de)plating. Lithium fluoride (LiF), another product of the conversion reaction, prevents the agglomeration of the metallic nanodomains and also protects the electrode from fatal lithium dendrite growth. A systematic analysis identifies silver (I) fluoride (AgF) as the most suitable metal fluoride because the silver nanodomains can accommodate the solid‐solution mechanism with a low nucleation overpotential. AgF‐based full cells attain reliable cycling at 25 °C even with an exceptionally high areal capacity of 9.7 mAh cm−2 (areal loading of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 = 50 mg cm–2). These results offer useful insights into designing materials for anode‐less electrodes for sulfide‐based ASSBs.
Dynamic Liquid Metal Catalysts for Boosted Lithium Polysulfides Redox Reaction
Authors: Qi Yaqin , Li Nan , Zhang Kun , Yang Yong , Ren Zengying , You Jingyuan , Hou Qian , Shen Chao , Jin Ting , Peng Zuling , Xie Keyu
Published: August 2022

Designing efficient electrocatalysts with high electroconductivity, strong chemisorption, and superior catalytical efficiency to realize rapid kinetics of the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) conversion process is crucial for practical lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery applications. Unfortunately, most current electrocatalysts cannot maintain long‐term stability due to the possible failure of catalytic sites. Herein, a novel dynamic electrocatalytic strategy with the liquid metal (i.e., gallium–tin, EGaSn) to facilitate LiPSs redox reaction is reported. The combined theoretical simulations and microstructure experiment analysis reveal that Sn atoms dynamically distributed in the liquid Ga matrix act as the main active catalytic center. Meanwhile, Ga provides a uniquely dynamic environment to maintain the long‐term integrity of the catalytic system. With the participation of EGaSn, a tailor‐made 2 Ah Li–S pouch cell with a specific energy density of 307.7 Wh kg−1 is realized. This work opens up new opportunities for liquid‐phase binary alloys as electrocatalysts for high‐specific‐energy Li–S batteries.
Highly‐Bendable MoS2/SnS Flexible Photodetector with Broadband Infrared Response
Authors: Yu Hao , Xie Ying , Wei Jiahui , Zhang Peiqing , Cui Zhiying
Published: August 2022

Flexible electronics is one of the hotspots of interdisciplinary research and can promote disruptive technology for post‐Moore applications in the field of biomedical, electronic skin, wearable devices, etc. 2D materials have triggered great interest in flexible electronic devices since they have tunable bandgaps, excellent mechanical flexibility, good chemical stability, and outstanding optical properties. Their reducible atomic thickness greatly facilitates the design and construct for bending, crimping, and folding, whereas it comes at the expense of superior optoelectronic properties. Herein, a highly‐bendable flexible photodetector based on MoS2/SnS amorphous blended film is fabricated with a broadband response from 473 to 1550 nm. The responsivity at 808 nm is 1128 times larger than that of intrinsic MoS2 photodetector accompanied by a four‐fold acceleration in response time. It can bear a small bending radius as low as 3 mm for over 2000 bending–flatting cycles without a drastic performance decay. Moreover, it shows an ultrastrong stability in photoresponse exposed to air for 200 days. This work provides a promising candidate for high performance flexible photodetectors and opens up the prospect of 2D bulk blended materials in a facile all‐in‐one strategy for multifunctional flexible optoelectronics devices and systems.
3D Printed Biohybrid Microsystems
Authors: Prinz Victor Ya. , Fritzler Konstantin B.
Published: August 2022

This review is devoted to the role of 3D printing in the development of a new high‐tech field, smart biohybrid microsystems. The motivation behind the development of this field is the intention to integrate the capabilities of biological systems optimized in the course of evolution with the achievements of modern methods of forming micro‐ and nanostructures. Biohybrid technologies have demonstrated enormous potential for creating new materials and devices intended for a wide range of applications, primarily in the fields of medicine and biology. In this review, attention is focused on 3D printing as the main driver of the development of technologies for the formation of biohybrid systems. Methods featuring micro‐ and nanoresolution, which make it possible to efficiently integrate artificial structures and biosystems at the cellular level, are discussed. The formation of smart biohybrid microsystems—complex multifunctional devices designed for the medical treatment and study of tissues and organs in vitro and in vivo—is analyzed. Particular attention is given to the most promising, breakthrough trends in the development of biohybrid systems—microrobots, organ‐on‐a‐chip systems, and brain–computer interfaces. The main strategies in designing such systems and the near‐future opportunities offered by them are outlined.
AFM‐Based Hamaker Constant Determination with Blind Tip Reconstruction
Authors: Ku Benny , van de Wetering Ferdinandus , Bolten Jens , Stel Bart , van de Kerkhof Mark A. , Lemme Max C.
Published: August 2022

Particle contamination of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photomasks is one of the numerous challenges in nanoscale semiconductor fabrication, since it can lead to systematic device failures when disturbing patterns are projected repeatedly onto wafers during EUV exposure. Understanding adhesion of particle contamination is key in devising a strategy for cleaning of photomasks. In this work, particle contamination is treated as a particle‐plane problem in which surface roughness and the interacting materials have major influences. For this purpose, vacuum atomic force microscopy (AFM) contact measurements to quantify the van der Waals (vdW) forces between tip and sample are performed. This as a vacuum AFM‐based methodology that combines numerical Hamaker theory and blind tip reconstruction is introduced. The Hamaker constants of 15 × 10−20 J and 13 × 10−20 J for the material systems of a silicon (Si) tip with both aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and native silicon dioxide (SiO2) on Si substrates, respectively have been determined. These methodology allows an alternative, quick and low‐cost approach to characterize the Hamaker constant within the right order of magnitude for any material combination.
Bioinspired Ultrasensitive and Flexible Airflow Sensor based on Short Carbon Fiber Network
Authors: Shen Chen , Sun Shuai , Zhang Hui , Zhang Zhong
Published: August 2022

Electronic skin or wearable electronics have attached great attention due to their huge potential applications, and flexible airflow sensor, as an important part, reveals extensive applications. However, finding an efficient, low‐cost, and room‐temperature operation condition method to prepare flexible airflow sensors with high sensing performance still remains a challenge. Herein, inspired by filiform hairs of insects, a highly sensitive, stable, and flexible airflow sensor based on short carbon fiber network (SCFN) structure via electrostatic flocking is developed. The fabricated SCFN is endowed with an ultralow detection limit (0.053 m s−1), wide detection range (0.053–2.66 m s−1), multiangle response (0°–90°) with a fast response (1.7 s) and recovery time (3.4 s), together with excellent stability. Besides, its sensing mechanism is elaborated and demonstrated from microscale. Furthermore, it is applied to detect the velocity and direction of airflow through a 3D layout decoration of sensors and integrated into monitoring the leak location in a sealed reaction device. The combination of mild high‐throughput preparation and high sensing performance of SCFN airflow sensor shows significant potentials in electronic skin or wearable electronics filed.
Pomegranate‐Inspired Graphene Parcel Enables High‐Performance Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Long , Ma Tao , Yang Yi‐Wen , Liu Yi‐Fei , Zhou Peng‐Hu , Pan Zhao , Hu Bi‐Cheng , He Chuan‐Xin , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: August 2022

Uncontrolled lithium dendrites seriously hinder the commercialization of lithium metal batteries in comparison to the durable lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, inspired by squashy pomegranate structure, a novel loading strategy of metallic lithium (Li) is introduced to construct dendrite‐free Li metal anodes through porous reduced graphene oxide/Au (PRGO/Au) composite microrods (MRs) as unique storage parcels. The abundant internal voids and robust host structure are capable of achieving high mass loading of Li metal and effectively alleviating the conceivable volume change during cycling, accompanied by the preferential selective plating/stripping of Li inside the graphene‐based MRs with the embedded Au nanonuclei. As a result, the obtained PRGO/Au–Li anodes deliver a long‐lifespan stable cycling up to 600 h with a high specific capacity of ≈2140 mA h g–1 and voltage hysteresis as low as 20 mV in the absence of dendrites. The assembled full cells exhibit excellent rate capability and cycling stability. This work provides an alternative strategy to construct advanced high‐energy‐density lithium batteries via the unique 1D bioinspired graphene‐based packaging strategy.
Carbon fluxes from a spring wheat–corn–soybean crop rotation under no‐tillage management
Authors: Liebig Mark A. , Saliendra Nicanor Z. , Archer David W.
Published: August 2022

The increase in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in rainfed cropping systems of the northern Great Plains (NGP) has altered the delivery of ecosystem services from agricultural land. To date, there is limited understanding about how these crops affect the carbon (C) balance of cropping systems in the region when included in a short rotation window. This study sought to quantify C balance of a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–corn—soybean rotation under no‐tillage management using eddy covariance (EC) techniques. Paired field sites with the same soil type near Mandan, ND, were used for the study. Annual net ecosystem production (NEP) by crop was –34, 120, and 7 g C m–2 y–1 for spring wheat, corn, and soybean, respectively. Carbon removed in grain over the rotation was less than a third of C lost by ecosystem respiration (ER) (210 vs. 674 g C m–2 y–1). After accounting for grain C removal, net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) was –164, –253, and –121 g m–2 y–1 for spring wheat, corn, and soybean, respectively, with a mean NECB of –179 ± 39 g C m–2 y–1 (P = .043; t test for difference from zero), implying the rotation was a net C source. Time associated with active crop growth each year was 27% for spring wheat, 41% for corn, and 28% for soybean. Management strategies that lengthen the period of biomass growth may mitigate C loss from spring wheat–corn–soybean rotations in the NGP.
Microbial community structure from southern High Plains beef cattle feedyard manure and relationship with nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Waldrip Heidi , Parker David , Miller Sierra , Durso Lisa M. , Min Byeng R. , Miller Daniel N. , Casey Kenneth , Woodbury Bryan , Spiehs Mindy J.
Published: August 2022

Modern molecular techniques enable characterization of the microbial biome in livestock manure, from which there is particular concern over emission of greenhouse gases. This study evaluated how sampling depth, time, temperature, and artificial rainfall affected microbial community structure in feedyard manure, and relationships between the manure biome and known parameters related to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In three large incubation chambers, maintained at different temperatures that received two applications of artificial rainfall, we evaluated manure microbiome composition and abundance of N2O‐producing enzymes (nirK and nirS) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). These data were used with previously published data from the same study on N2O emissions and assessment of manure physicochemical properties, denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), and nitrification activity (NA). Microbiome composition was Firmicutes (50%), followed by 32% Actinobacteria, 11% Proteobacteria, 5% Bacteroidetes, 1% Chloroflexi, and small populations (<0.5%) of Planctomycetes, Deinococcus‐Thermus, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia, Tenericutes, and other organisms. Average bacterial populations varied largely as a function of sampling depth and time. Firmicutes increases tended to coincide with high N2O emissions. Overall, the largest change observed was increased Proteobacteria at 5–10 cm, where relative abundance increased from 10% (17.2 °C) to 24% (46.2 °C) over time and with increased temperature. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria predominated the microbial community of manure, but favorable conditions may lead to increases in Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi, which could influence N cycling and N2O emissions from feedyards. Copy numbers of nirS at the beginning of the experiment were higher than nirK. Differences in concentrations of nirK and nirS indicated that denitrifying enzymes in feedyard manure, particularly nirS, were sensitive to environmental changes.
Bentonite‐PDMS composite foams for oil spill recovery: Sorption performance and kinetics
Authors: Piperopoulos Elpida , Calabrese Luigi , Jovanovic Vesna Stankov , Nikolic Jelena , Ciric Slobodan , Milone Candida , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: August 2022

The aim of this article is the synthesis and characterization of bentonite‐filled siloxane foams for oil spills recovery. Composite foams at varying filler content in the range 35–45 wt% were investigated. The sorption kinetics and capacity of composite foams in different oils (e.g., kerosene, virgin naphtha, pump oil) were assessed. As a reference, water absorption capacity was also evaluated. Among all, the composite foam filled with 40 wt% bentonite (B‐40 batch) shows the lowest affinity with water and good absorption capacity with oils (mainly light oils) reaching an absorption capacity at saturation equal to 10.3 and 518.2 wt% in water and virgin naphtha, respectively. Furthermore, isothermal absorption curves were analyzed using three kinetic models: pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, and Elovich models. The equilibrium isotherm fitting results were optimal using the pseudo‐second order model, indicating that chemisorption phenomena play a key role in the speed of the absorption phase for these PDMS‐based composite foams. Finally, a correlation was addressed between morphology, foam microstructure, absorption capacity, and kinetics.
Activation of R‐BAPB polyimide with cold plasma dielectric barrier discharge for improvement of cell‐material interaction
Authors: Kamalov Almaz , Smirnova Natalia , Kolbe Konstantin , Borisova Margarita , Bystrov Sergey , Didenko Andrey , Vlasova Elena , Yudin Vladimir
Published: August 2022

Surface modification of films of the laboratory R‐BAPB polyimide based on 1,3‐bis(3,3′,4,4′‐dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene (dianhydride R) and 4,4′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)biphenyl (diamine BAPB) was performed using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with the aim of increasing proliferative activity of human fibroblasts on these films. The optimal duration of the DBD plasma treatment that provided the highest fibroblast proliferative activity was established. The surface roughness value of the film treated for this optimal period of time was equal to 47.5 ± 4.7 nm, and its surface free energy was 70 mJ/m2. It was demonstrated that the DBD plasma treatment to an increase in the concentrations of CO and CN bonds on the surface of R‐BAPB polyimide films, which enhanced proliferative activity of fibroblasts. The optimal DBD exposure time was 3 minutes.
Recognizing cocoon phenomena in a hospital restructuring: A case study of a psychodynamic organizational consultation
Authors: Gerard Nathan , Duncan Carrie M. , Allcorn Seth
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we expand upon our use of the cocoon metaphor for understanding and working with organizations from a psychodynamic perspective. Conceived as both defensive and generative, cocoons are relational phenomena that manifest throughout organizations and risk being mistaken as dysfunctional entities in need of dismantling. To illustrate the utility of the cocoon metaphor in conceptualizing organizational problems, we present a case study of a hospital restructuring following its acquisition by a for‐profit health care system and driven by efficiency and cost‐savings. The resulting disruptions across operating divisions created a set of problems that necessitated the help of an outside consultant. Engaging members of the organization in the task of solving their own problems entailed recognizing their (inter)subjective experiences and behaviors as more than just defensive hiding, or aggressive attacking, but also as holding the potential for new ways of working and relating. It also entailed showing leaders how to replace environmental impingement in the form of “looking for mistakes” with what we call, borrowing from Marion Milner (1969), a “waiting watchfulness” that fostered understanding of the emotional world inside, outside, and at the boundaries of cocoons to promote organizational learning and meaningful change.
Computergestützte Modellierung von Feuchtetransportprozessen in Holzwerkstoffen
Authors: Autengruber Maximilian , Lukacevic Markus , Eberhardsteiner Josef , Füssl Josef
Published: August 2022

Dieser Beitrag präsentiert computergestützte Modellierungskonzepte zur Vorhersage von Feuchteverläufen und zugehörigen Spannungsfeldern sowie zur numerischen Bestimmung potenzieller Risstiefen von Holzbauteilen. Die vorgestellten Konzepte werden anhand experimenteller Versuchsprogramme validiert und die damit einhergehenden Herausforderungen diskutiert. Ausgewählte Ergebnisse zeigen letztendlich die Möglichkeiten und auch die Relevanz solcher Methoden für den Ingenieurholzbau auf.
Baugrube für höchstes Hochhaus Berlins fertiggestellt
Authors: Lohse Jörn , Lampe Michael
Published: August 2022

Alexander Berlin's Capital Tower, kurz ABC‐Tower, ist eines von insgesamt vier Hochhäusern, die im Zuge der Neugestaltung rund um den Alexanderplatz im Herzen Berlins entstehen. Mit 150 m und 35 oberirdischen sowie vier unterirdischen Geschossen wird der ABC‐Tower das höchste Wohnhochhaus Berlins und eines der höchsten Deutschlands sein. Stump‐Franki Spezialtiefbau ist mit der Erstellung der Baugrube und den damit verbundenen Dichtungs‐ und Gründungsaufgaben beauftragt worden. Im September 2021 wurden alle Spezialtiefbauarbeiten sicher abgeschlossen und die Baugrube an den GU übergeben.
Thiophene Based Self‐Doped Conducting Polymers as Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Chola Noufal Merukan , Nagarale Rajaram K
Published: August 2022

Self‐doping strategy is well‐known for enhanced ion transport in electrode materials. Herein we report self‐doped thiophene‐based conducting polymer (SDTP), where the dopant SO3− groups function as the hanging ion carrier mimicking a ‘pendulum hand’. It synergistically improves the battery performance, ideally mitigating the dissolution and the enhance ion diffusion kinetics. The diffusion coefficient was determined by three different techniques, i. e., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and cyclic voltammetry at different sweep rates. The calculated diffusion coefficient for the SDTP was found to be much better than the neat thiophene polymer (NTP). The material was evaluated as a cathode for an aqueous zinc‐ion battery. The specific capacitance of the NTP was found to be 178 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 current density. It was drastically reduced to 167, 118.2, and 83 mAh g−1 after the 5th, 10th, and 30th respective cycles. The polymer SDTP outperformed with a specific capacity of 274, 208, 159, 127, 108 mAh g−1 at current densities of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 mA g−1. It exhibited good rate reversibility, and excellent rate stability with ∼99 % Coulombic efficiency in an over 4000 continuous cycles at 50 mA g−1 suggesting wise molecular engineering is necessary to improve battery performance.
Photoluminescent and photocatalytic behaviour of zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized through the room temperature ultrasonication method
Authors: Malik Khurshaid Ahmad , Malik Javied Hamid , Assadullah Insaaf , Tomar Radha
Published: August 2022

In the present article we report the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures at room temperature using an ultrasonication technique to study their photoluminescent and photocatalytic behaviour. Synthesized nanomaterial showed a strong near band edge ultraviolet (UV) light emission and red emission, thereby finding its use in photoluminescent materials. We developed a UV/ZnO/O2/H2O2 system for the photodegradation of organic pollutants in an aqueous system. We used synthesized nanostructures to photodegrade phenol red (PR) dye to check their photocatalytic activity. The ZnO nanostructures photodegraded more than 90% of the PR dye under UV light irradiation in which photonic energy is converted to chemical energy (photocatalytic energy conversion), thereby exploitable for water purification applications. Synthesized ZnO nanostructures were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible light spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to investigate their structural, optical, morphological, and compositional properties, respectively.