bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Impacts of Code-switching on Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety and English Language Problems through Path Analysis
Authors: Aparece Mechie L. , Bacasmot Jocelyn B.
Published: March 2023

This study mainly intended to identify the mediating effect of code-switching on the relationship between foreign language classroom anxiety and English language problems.  It also aimed to determine the level of the variables and to determine the relationships that naturally exist between them. It employed descriptive-correlational research design. The study was conducted in three private schools in Davao City, Philippines, between May 2022 and March 2023. This study included 300 senior high school academic track students from three private schools in Davao selected using stratified sampling technique. The data were gathered online using an adapted survey questionnaire which has been tested for content validity and checked for reliability using Cronbach Alpha. The data were analyzed using Mean, Pearson’s r, and path analysis. Results revealed that code-switching had no mediating effect on the relationship between foreign language classroom anxiety and English language problems (P=.509). Additionally, it was indicated that there was a high level of foreign language classroom anxiety (X̄=3.61) and code-switching (X̄=3.93) and a moderate level of English language problems (X̄=3.05). It was also revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between foreign language classroom anxiety and English language problems (R=.624, P=.000), foreign language classroom anxiety and code-switching (R=.451, P=.000), and code-switching and English language problems (R=.257, P=.000). Thus, the findings of the study showed that the use of code-switching neither removed nor significantly reduced the relationship between foreign language classroom anxiety and English language problems. This study prominently offered clarification on the ongoing global debate on whether code switching has beneficial or detrimental effect on English language learners.
Promoting Healthy School Climates in Public Secondary Schools in the South West Region, Cameroon: Role of Parents’ Participation in Decision Making Process
Authors: Ekwen Tam Vivian , Fonkeng George Epah , Etomes Sophie Ekume
Published: March 2023

Maintaining healthy and facilitating school climates constitute one of the greatest challenges faced by educational authorities in recent times. In Cameroon like others countries in the world, the government and education partners have been investing enormous energy to ensure that school environment are safe for all and conducive for teaching and learning. This study investigated the impact of parents’ involvement in decision making process on the health of school climates of public secondary schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. This study utilised the correlational research design. Data was collected through cross sectional survey of a sample of 31 schools and 135 parents whose children attend the schools. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data after being subject to validity and reliability checks. The ANOVA statistics was computed to predict the overall effect of parents’ participation in decision making process on school climate. The findings showed that: H1 = parents’ involvement in decision making process has a very significant and positive impact on school climate (R = 0.276**, P < 0.001, far < 0.05). This positive signs of the correlation value implies that parents’ involvement in the participatory decision making will lead to healthy school climate and this is supported by a high explanatory power of 89.1%. On the bases of the above, we conclude that there is a positive and significant relationship between parents’ participation in decision making processes and a healthy school climate. A major recommendation was for the Ministry of Secondary Education to establish enforcement structure to ensure that all secondary schools comply with the policy guidelines that provides for the involvement of stakeholders in decision making process in schools in Cameroon.
Aorto-right Ventricular Fistula: A Rare and Severe Complication in a Young Patient with Double Localization of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ibara-Onguema Junior Rocyr , Othende Franck Bienvenu Ekoba , Camara Tibou , El Jamili Mohammed , Karimi Saloua El , Hattaoui Mustapha El
Published: March 2023

Aorto-right ventricular fistulas are defects of the aortic wall in the area above the right coronary cusp, where it separates aorta and right ventricular outflow tract. This entity is rare and exceptional. Often, these defects are due to trauma or infective endocarditis.

We report an occasional finding of such a fistula with dramatic issue, in young patient without past medical history which admitted for rupture of cerebral mycotic aneurysm secondary to infective endocarditis with double localization (aortic and pulmonary valve).
Infective Endocarditis: Experience of the Cardiology Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital
Authors: Nabawi Hind , Boutgourine Mina , Maatof Bouchra , Jamili Mohammed El , Karimi Saloua El , Hattaoui Mustapha El
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially serious disease. It causes a high mortality and a high level of morbidity and complications. Its epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics have changed in recent years.

The Aim of our Work: Is to study the epidemiological, clinical, bacteriological, ultrasonographic, therapeutic and evolutionary data of IE between January 2017 and October 2022 in the Mohammed VI University Hospital and to compare them to the global profile.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective study including 110 patients hospitalized for a definite IE, according to the modified DUKE criteria, in the cardiology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital over a period of 5 years and 10 months from January 2017 to October 2022.

Results: The average age of our patients was 43 years with a male predominance. The bacterial graft was on native valve in 80% with predominance of rheumatic origin (69%), on cardiac prosthesis in 10% of patients, on healthy heart (4%) and congenital heart disease (6%). The most frequent portal of entry was dental (30%). Blood cultures were positive only in 33% of patients, isolating a staphylococcus (16%), a streptococcus (14%) and a GNB (3%). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed vegetation in 108 cases, valve perforation in 7 cases, cord rupture in 1 patient and perivalvular abscess in 10 cases. Seventy-seven percent of patients had surgical treatment with a mean delay of 29 days. The overall mortality was 24% with heart failure (p<0.001), renal failure (p=0.004) and neurological complications (p=0.002) as predictive factors of mortality.

Conclusion: Infective endocarditis remains a real health problem with a consequent mortality and morbidity. The population is often young, revealing the IE by complications; its prevention is the best way to improve its prognosis.
Agro-Techniques for Enhancing Wheat Productivity under Dry-land Conditions; An Overview
Authors: Chaudhary Santosh Kumar , Yadav Sushil Kumar , Mahto Dilip Kumar , Kumar Yogesh , Kumar Vinod , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2023

Wheat, being a most important stable food crop of the world and second most important food crop after rice in India, played vital role in food security of the country. Wheat is grown in India in 6 wheat growing zones, both under irrigated and dry land conditions with a lot of variation in yield. Agronomic practices such as planting pattern, seeding rate, nitrogen (N) application strategy as well as cultivars influences the pattern of use of soil water [1]. Despite sizeable area under dry land condition, production is very low mainly due to lack of proper adaptation of agro-technology. Although, there is sufficient scope to increase the dry land wheat productivity by treating seed with 1% Potassium salts, sowing drought tolerant varieties on or before 20th November in moist zone that gives more yield as compared to delayed sowing. Fertilizer application in the moist zone @ 50, 45 and 30 Kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, and one foliar application @ 2 % urea performed best under dry-land condition. Intercropping of dry land wheat with legume and oilseed (4:1) give more wheat equivalent yield over sole wheat. Weed management during (30-45 DAS) critical period of crop-weed competition increase wheat productivity.
Effect of Incorporation of Sewage Sludge and Fly Ash on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Okra in Inceptisols of Prayagraj U.P
Authors: Khatana Raghu Nandan Singh , Thomas Tarence , Swaroop Narendra , Barthwal Akshita , Vinay
Published: March 2023

The present research was conducted to determine whether it would be feasible to grow Okra in amended soil utilising sewage sludge and fly ash. Different types of nutrients and heavy metals were found in both soil amendments and for growth of the plant and crop yield they are used as ameliorate in acidic soils. In the research trial, soil properties like Bulk density, Particle density and pH are found to be positively non-significant and Pore space, Water holding capacity, EC, OC, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc and copper are found to be positively significantly low to medium range, which comprises yellowish brown sandy loam textured neutral to alkaline soil that is non-saline in nature among all the treatment combination applied.
Potential of Bioagents and Botanicals on Vegetative Growth Parameter of Betelvine (Piper betle) against Leaf Spot (Colletotrichum capsici Syd.)
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Zacharia Sunil , Kumar Mukul , Singh Siddharth , Kumar Saurabh
Published: March 2023

The betelvine (Piper betle L.) is a perennial climbing evergreen shrub belonging to the Piperaceae, also known as the pepper family. As leaves has economic part of betelvine crop and consumed freshly harvested leaves. The present study were carried out at farmer’s field in collaboration with Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences Prayagraj to find out the ecological, environmentally and biological safe treatment to manage the disease as well increases the plant height and leaves length. Among all the treatment Trichoderma harzianum found to increase maximum plant height at different days after planting. While, Trichoderma viride increases the maximum leaves length and breadth during both the year.
Effect of Potassium and Gibberellic Acid on the Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Krishna Musiboyina Ramya , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek
Published: March 2023

The field experiment was conducted at experimental field of the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental field is Sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%) available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (27.0 kg/ha) and K (291.2 kg/ha). The Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and one control plot replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. To determine the Effect of Potassium and Gibberellic Acid on the growth and yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The treatments consisted of three levels of Potassium – 20 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha and three levels of Gibberellic acid spray – 100 ppm, 120 ppm and 150 ppm. The results showed that treatment with the application of Potassium – 30 kg/ha + GA3 - 100 ppm was recorded significantly higher Plant height (68.8 cm), no. of nodules/plant (40.9), dry weight (39.32 g). Whereas, maximum Number of pods per plant (16.94), seeds per pod (13.46), seed index (18.36 g), higher seed yield (1459.70 kg/ha) and Haulm yield (2952.30 kg/ha).
Effect of Spacing and Potassium Levels on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Yadav B. Bharath , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of spacing and potassium levels on foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) during the (Zaid) 2022 with 9 treatments with Factor I (viz. spacing at 25ⅹ10 cm, 30ⅹ10 cm and 35ⅹ10 cm) respectively and Factor II (viz. potassium at 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha). The soil experimental plot was sandy loam texture. The experiment laid out in factorial Randomized Block Design at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). Giving of Spacing 30×10cm + 30 kg/ha Potassium recorded highest plant height in treatment 6 (104.40 cm), plant dry weight in treatment 9 (12.58g), treatment 6 is highest grain yield (2.11 t/ha) and stover yield (3.95 t/ha).
Evaluation of STCR Based Targeted Yield Equations of Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in Southern Laterite Soils (AEU-8) of Kerala
Authors: Eunice Dara. Hadassah , S. Visveswaran , B. Rani , O. P. Reji Rani , Gopinath Pratheesh P.
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was carried out in the Instructional farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram which comes under agro-ecological unit AEU-8 from the period March 2022 to June 2022 to test and validate the targeted yield equation for nutrient management developed by All India Coordinated research project on soil test based crop response studies (AICRP on STCR) 2014 for the cultivation of Amaranthus. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and five treatment combinations viz., T1 as KAU organic POP, T2 as soil test-based KAU, T3, T4, T5 as STCR based targeted yield recommendation for a target yield of 20, 22.5 and 30  tonnes respectively. Nutrient management with the application of STCR based targeted yield recommendation for a target yield of 25 tonnes T5 showed a significant increase in plant height, stem girth, leaf length, petiole length, leaf width, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1 and root length at 30 and 60 DAS respectively. The treatment, T5 also improved the N, P and K content and their uptake by leaf, shoot and root respectively of Amaranthus and gave significantly better results for all parameters in comparison to other treatments. The equation of  AICRP on STCR 2014 for the nutrient management for the cultivation of Amaranthus can be extended to the ultisols of AEU-8 of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.
Evaluation of the Performance of Parental Lines and Their F1 Hybrids for Yield and Attributing Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Kumar Lav , Yadav G. C.
Published: March 2023

The present investigation was carried out to obtain information based on per se performances of parents and their combinations for genetic improvement in tomatoes. Ten promising genotypes were crossed in a dial manner (excluding reciprocals). Half diallel set of 45 F1’s in tomato was evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD) with three replications for eighteen yield and yield attributing traits during Rabi 2020-21 (Y1) and 2021-22 (Y2) at the Main Experimental Station (MES), Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) India. The study evidently showed highly significant differences being observed for most of the traits under study. Based on per se performance, parent P3 (3.27 kg) exhibited the highest yield per plant followed by P6 (3.20 kg). The per se performance of crosses i.e. P3XP4 (3.33kg), followed by P2 x P9 (2.17 kg) produced significantly higher yield per plant than the general mean and P2 X P3 (24.97), followed by P1 X P2 (26.18) was found to be early as observed from character of days to 50% flowering. These hybrids may be exploited as a new variety after selection and subjected to multi-locational trials for their release for cultivation on a commercial scale.
Morpho-metric Analysis of Leaf and Fruit of Selected Mulberry Accessions: A Preliminary Measure for Diversity Analysis
Authors: Chanotra Suraksha , Sharma Palvi , Bhat Muzafar Ahmad , Kapoor Sumya , Verma Gurvinder Raj , Angotra Jyoty , Langer Seema
Published: March 2023

Morus spp. exhibits wide variation in leaf morphology among different species and accessions within the same species. Some of the important silent morphological characteristics pertaining to mulberry leaf and fruit have been selected for the current study. Among all the ten selected genotypes ovate leaf shape was recorded to be the most common ones. Maximum leaf size of leaf was recorded in case of genotype S-1635 as 187cm and minimum in case of Kanva-2 as 28cm. Most of the genotypes were recorded with serrated to parted margins except C-4 with parted margin and smooth leaf texture with exceptions of coarse leaf in C-4, Chinese white and C-2038. Two most common types of leaf apex have been recorded as acuminate and acute with cordate, hastate and truncate leaf base. Maximum leaf length was recorded in S-1635 as 17 cm followed by Chakmajra as 15 cm and S-13 as 14 cm and 7 cm was recorded in C-4 and Kanva-2 and maximum in S-1635 as 11cm followed by S-13 and chakmajra as 8 cm and least in G-4 and Kanva-2 as 4 cm. Similarly maximum actual leaf area was recorded in genotype S-1635 as 71 cm2 and minimum in genotype C-2038 as 19.5 cm2. Fresh and dry weight of the leaf was recorded to be maximum in S-1635 as 11.4 g and minimum in Kanva-2 as 3.5 g and V-1 as 5.2 g respectively. In addition to fresh and dry leaf weight, moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity was recorded to be maximum of 72.4% in C-4 and minimum of 54.26% in S-1635 and maximum moisture retention capacity of 64% was recorded for G-4 genotype and minimum of 50% in C-2038. Maximum stomatal frequency was observed to be highest of 156 mm2 was recorded in S-1635 and least in Chinese white as 84 mm2 and stomatal index of 16% in V-1 and least in genotype S-13 as 11.1% and Cystolyth frequency was observed to be highest S-13 as 52% and minimum in genotype C-2038 as 24%. Thus, the current study could be used by plant breeders for genetic characterization and evaluation of different genotypes.
Heavy Metals, Profile of the Proposed Dump-Site at Ntak-Inyang Itam, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ubong U. U. , Ikpe E. E. , Ekanem A. N. , Jacob J. N. , Archibong U. D.
Published: March 2023

Levels of trace metals (Cr, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Ni, V, Zn and Pb) in soil from Ntak-Inyang Itam, Itu Local Government Area were determined using standard analytical procedures involving the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results of the analysis shows that at the debt of 0-15cm at five locations distributed in the area, Cr at sample sites B and E had a mean value of 5.00± 0.55µg/kg which is lower when compared to sample sites A, C and D. Also Cr in the study area had a coefficient of variation (C.V) of 3.14% which signifies stability. Cd in the four sampling points (A, B, C and E) seems to maintain a constant mean value of 0.14± 0.01µg/g except for point D (Esuk in Ntak-Inyang) which has a mean concentration of 0.19± 0.02µg/g. Mn exhibited different mean value at different (five) sampling points and a C.V of 1.99% which was the least and the most stable in the area among the ten metals analysed. Fe exhibited the highest concentration in all the sampling points, with a C.V of 4.99%. The result of analysis of copper (Cu) shows a total mean concentration of 8.29± 0.67µg/g while Cobalt (Co) in the four sampling points had the same mean value of 0.11± 0.1µg/g except in sample point A (sloping area of AKRUBEL) which increases to a value of 0.22± 0.6µg/g. Nickel (Ni) in sampling point C and D exhibited the same mean value of 0.83± 0.9µg/g while other sampling points (A, B, D and E) the mean varies. Vanadium (V) in the samples were generally low, sample point A and D had a mean concentration of 0.10± 0.01µg/g. Sample point C, D and E had 0.05± 0.01µg/g each. Zinc (Zn) had a mean concentration of 2.72± 0.60µg/g and a C.V of 10.4% while Lead (Pb) stood at a C.V of 3.2%. The results were compared with various National and International standards, on the whole the area was not found to be polluted by these metals. Hence the area is suitable for sitting the dump-site, with intermittent monitoring.
Effect of Poly Dimethyl Diallyl Ammonium Chloride‐Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Concentration on the Microstructure and Friction Behavior of Co‐Doped Diamond‐Like Carbon Films
Authors: Jia Ya-Peng , Sun Wan-Chang , Xiao Yan , Zhang Cong-Xiao , Liu Jing-Pei , Zhou Meng-Ran , Zhang Bo , Xu Yi-Fan
Published: March 2023

A kind of wear‐resistant diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films doped with Ni, N, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are synthesized on Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy by a combined method of pulsed electrodeposition and liquid‐phase electrodeposition. The effect of different concentrations of MWCNTs on the microstructure and friction mechanism of Co‐DLC films is investigated. The results show that the polydimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA)‐MWCNTs complex tend to deposit parallel to the substrate. Benefiting from the “bridging” effect of the MWCNTs between the cluster structures, it effectively reduces the protrusions on the surface of the films. When the concentration of MWCNTs is 0.06 g L−1, the surface microstructure of the films is uniform and dense, and the films present a low ID/IG value (0.57) and a high sp3‐C content. The Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy patterns reveal that the Ni/N/MWCNTs‐DLC films are typical amorphous carbon films. Furthermore, the micro‐indentation hardness of the Co‐DLC films reaches 513.24 HV. The lubricated Ni/N/MWCNTs‐DLC films significantly improve the frictional wear properties of the titanium alloy surface, which is mainly attributed to the homogeneous and dense structure and the low friction coefficient (0.146) and wear loss (1.40 × 10−5 kg m−1).
Vacancy‐Defect Topological Insulators Bi2Te3−x Embedded in N and B Co‐Doped 1D Carbon Nanorods Using Ionic Liquid Dopants for Kinetics‐Enhanced Li–S Batteries
Authors: Hu Shunyou , Huang Xueyan , Zhang Ling , Li Guanglei , Chen Shengmin , Zhang Jiaheng , Liu Xiangli
Published: March 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are hindered by the shuttle effect and the sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfides. In this study, topological insulators (TIs) Bi2Te3−x with abundant Te vacancies embedded in N and B co‐doped carbon nanorods (Bi2Te3−x@NBCNs) are synthesized and used as sulfur host composites for high‐performance Li–S batteries. Bi2Te3−x@NBCNs effectively enhance the intrinsic conductivity, strengthened the chemical affinity, and accelerated the redox kinetics of polysulfides. 1D carbon nanorods with N and B co‐doped heteroatoms endowed with abundant polar sites improve the chemical affinity of polysulfides, while the embedded Bi2Te3−x nanoparticles further promote the nucleation and electrodeposition of Li2S2/Li2S. In situ Raman spectroscopy confirms that Bi2Te3−x@NBCNs effectively reduced cathode‐side accumulation of polysulfides and suppressed the shuttle effect. Owing to the extraordinary synergistic effects of rich heteroatom polar sites and conductive topological surface states, Bi2Te3−x@NBCN‐based cells exhibit a high initial specific capacity of 1264 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and ultra‐long lifetime (>1000 cycles, with a degradation rate of 0.02% per cycle at 1.0 C). The fundamental insights offered by this work are likely to enable improvement of the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries based on TI materials.
3D Shape‐Morphing Display Enabled by Electrothermally Responsive, Stiffness‐Tunable Liquid Metal Platform with Stretchable Electroluminescent Device
Authors: Oh Subin , Lee Sunwoo , Byun Sang‐Hyuk , Lee Simok , Kim Choong Yeon , Yea Junwoo , Chung Sein , Li Shuo , Jang Kyung‐In , Kang Jiheong , Jeong Jae‐Woong
Published: March 2023

3D displays are of great interest as next‐generation displays by providing intensified realism of 3D visual information and haptic perception. However, challenges lie in implementing 3D displays due to the limitation of conventional display manufacturing technologies that restrict the dimensional scaling of their forms beyond the 2D layout. Furthermore, on account of the inherent static mechanical properties of constituent materials, the current display form factors can hardly achieve robust and complex 3D structures, thereby hindering their diversity in morphologies and applications. Herein, a versatile shape‐morphing display is presented that can reconfigure its shape into various complex 3D structures through electrothermal operation and firmly maintain its morphed states without power consumption. To achieve this, a shape‐morphing platform, which is composed of a low melting point alloy (LMPA)‐graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)‐elastomer composite, is integrated with a stretchable electroluminescent (EL) device. The LMPA in the composite, the key material for variable stiffness, imparts shape memory property and forms conductive pathways with GNPs enabling rapid electrothermal actuation. The stretchable EL device provides reliable illumination in 3D shape implementations. Experimental studies and proof‐of‐concept demonstrations show the potential of the shape‐morphing display, opening new opportunities for 3D art displays, transformative wearable electronics, and visio‐tactile automotive interfaces.
Efficient Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Ethanol Enhanced by Spacing Effect of CuCu in Cu2‐xSe Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Hongzhi , Bi Xinze , Yan Yifan , Zhao Yuezhu , Yang Zhongxue , Ning Hui , Wu Mingbo
Published: March 2023

It is highly desired yet challenging to strategically steer carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction reaction (CO2ER) toward ethanol (EtOH) with high activity, which provides a promising way for intermittent renewable energy reservation. Controlling spatial distance between the adjoining active centers and promoting the CC coupling progress are crucial to realize this purpose. Herein, ultrathin 2D Cu2‐xSe is prepared with abundant Se vacancies, where the spatial distance between the CuCu around the Se vacancies is effectively shortened because of the lattice stress. Besides, the moderate spatial distance induced by Se vacancies can significantly decrease the Gibbs free energy of asymmetric *CO*CHO coupling progress, effectively change the local charge distribution, decrease the valence state of Cu atoms and increase the electron‐donating capacity of the dual active sites. Combining experimental observations and density functional theory   simulations, the CuCu dual sites with spatial distance of 2.51 Å in VSe‐Cu2‐xSe sample can catalyze CO2ER to EtOH with high selectivity in a potential range from −0.4 to −1.6 V, and reach the highest faradaic efficiency of 68.1% at −0.8 V. This work reveals the influence of spacing effect on ethanol selectivity, and provides a new idea for future design of catalysts with chain elongation reaction, which can bring extensive attention.
Enhancing Pt(IV) Complexes' Anticancer Activity upon Encapsulation in Stimuli‐Responsive Nanocages
Authors: Sancho‐Albero María , Facchetti Giorgio , Panini Nicolò , Meroni Marina , Bello Ezia , Rimoldi Isabella , Zucchetti Massimo , Frapolli Roberta , De Cola Luisa
Published: March 2023

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is the first‐line treatment for different cancer types, and in particular, for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients (a tumor histotype with urgent medical needs). Herein, a strategy is presented to stabilize, transport, and intracellularly release a platinumIV (PtIV) prodrug using a breakable nanocarrier. Its reduction, and therefore activation as an anticancer drug, is promoted by the presence of glutathione in neoplastic cells that also causes the destruction of the carrier. The nanocage presents a single internal cavity in which the hydrophobic complex (Pt(dach)Cl2(OH)2), (dach = R,R‐diaminocyclohexane) is encapsulated. The in vitro uptake and the internalization kinetics in cancer model cells are evaluated and, using flow cytometry analysis, the successful release and activation of the Pt‐based drug inside cancer cells are demonstrated. The in vitro findings are confirmed by the in vivo experiments on a mice model obtained by xenografting MPM487, a patient‐derived malignant pleural mesothelioma. MPM487 confirms the well‐known resistance of malignant pleural mesothelioma to cisplatin treatment while an interesting 50% reduction of tumor growth is observed when mice are treated with the PtIV, entrapped in the nanocages, at an equivalent dose of the platinum complex.
Encoded Structural Color Microneedle Patches for Multiple Screening of Wound Small Molecules
Authors: Lu Minhui , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Xu Dongyu , Li Ning , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: March 2023

Detection of biomarkers associated with wound conditions provides in‐depth healthcare information and benefits wound healing treatment. The current aim of wound detection is to achieve in situ multiple detections. Novel encoded structural color microneedle patches (EMNs) combining photonic crystals (PhCs) and microneedle arrays (MNs) for multiple wound biomarker detection in situ are described here. Using a partitioned and layered casting strategy, the EMNs can be divided into different modules and each serves for the detection of small molecules , including pH, glucose, and histamine. pH sensing is based on the interaction between hydrogen ions and carboxyl groups from hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PAM); glucose sensing is achieved with the help of glucose‐responsive fluorophenylboronic acid (FPBA); while histamine sensing relies on specific recognition of aptamers and target molecules. Owing to the responsive volume change of these three modules in the presence of target molecules, the EMNs can create structural color change and characteristic peak shift of the PhCs, thus realizing the qualitative measurement of target molecules with a spectrum analyzer. It is further demonstrated that the EMNs behave well in the multivariate detection of rat wound molecules. These features indicate that the EMNs can be valuable smart detection systems for wound status screening.
High Performance Transparent Silver Grid Electrodes for Organic Photovoltaics Fabricated by Selective Metal Condensation
Authors: Bellchambers Philip , Henderson Charlie , Abrahamczyk Szymon , Choi Seungsoo , Lee Jin‐Kyun , Hatton Ross A.
Published: March 2023

Silver grid electrodes on glass and flexible plastic substrates with performance that exceeds that of commercial indium‐tin oxide (ITO) coated glass are reported and show their suitability as a drop‐in replacement for ITO glass in solution‐processed organic photovoltaics (OPVs). When supported on flexible plastic substrates these electrodes are stable toward repeated bending through a small radius of curvature over tens of thousands of cycles. The grid electrodes are fabricated by the unconventional approach of condensation coefficient modulation using a perfluorinated polymer shown to be far superior to the other compounds used for this purpose to date. The very narrow line width and small grid pitch that can be achieved also open the door to the possibility of using grid electrodes in OPVs without a conducting poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) layer to span the gaps between grid lines.
Stretchable and Flexible Snake Skin Patterned Electrodes for Wearable Electronics Inspired by Kirigami Structure
Authors: Kang Chaeyoung , Kim Seong‐Won , Kim Wook , Choi Dukhyun , Kim Han‐Ki
Published: March 2023

Herein, snake‐skin‐patterned electrodes, with high versatility and excellent biocompatibility, are developed by combining the Kirigami structure and biomimicry. The snake‐skin electrode has excellent stretchability owing to the integration of the Kirigami structure and patterning. The snake skin patterns are optimized through finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to determine the most stretchable pattern structure. Based on the FEA results, we fabricated the optimal pattern on a polyurethane (PU) substrate by sputtering the AgPdCu alloy target. Even at high strains of 30% and 50%, the electrode exhibits much better stretchability compared with the electrode without the snake skin pattern. The best stretchable electrode exhibits a resistance change (ΔR) of less than 1.5 when it is severely stretched at up to 50% strain. Additionally, the dynamic stretching fatigue test, reveals that it exhibits stable conductivity, thus proving the effectiveness of using snake‐skin pattern for stretchable electrodes. The bending, rolling, folding and twisting tests confirm that the electrode has outstanding flexibility, too. A wearable temperature sensor with a snake‐skin‐patterned electrode exhibits stable and highly sensitive temperature sensing properties. In addition, light emitting diodes connected to the stretchable electrode exhibits stable brightness despite severe deformation of the electrodes.
Scaling toward Diminutive MEMS: Dust‐Sized Spray Chips for Aerosolized Drug Delivery to the Lung
Authors: Last Torben Sebastian , Pagliano Simone , Iordanidis Theocharis Nikiforos , Niklaus Frank , Stemme Göran , Roxhed Niclas
Published: March 2023

The functional area of silicon‐based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices often occupies only a fraction of the actual silicon area of the chip. As the chip cost directly scales with the total chip area, there is an incentive to reduce the chip to the smallest possible size. However, handling such diminutive devices poses challenges that industry‐standard packaging cannot solve. Here, the world's smallest spray nozzle chip for drug delivery to the lung is manufactured and packaged and how magnetic assembly combined with microfluidic glue fixation can overcome this barrier for diminutive MEMS devices is demonstrated. The spray nozzle chips have a circular footprint with a diameter of 280 µm and feature a nickel coating on their conical sidewall, allowing magnetic manipulation. The chips are assembled and sealed into plastic substrates using a three‐step gluing process guided by capillary action and activated by heat. Assembly speeds of up to 147 chips per minute are demonstrated and fabrication to packaging and functional operation of this device is shown for the target application.
3D Printed Magnet‐Infused Origami Platform for 3D Cell Culture Assessments
Authors: Moonesi Rad Reza , Daul Brandon , Glass Phillip , Joh Richard , Pemberton Charles , Shar Andy , Kim Jong Hyuk , Joung Daeha
Published: March 2023

3D printed platforms have diverse possible applications in cell‐based assays, creating biomimetic tissue or organ microenvironments, delineating cell‐to‐cell, cell‐to‐matrix, or cell‐to‐local microenvironment interactions, and investigating drug discovery. Existing engineering techniques limit physiologically relevant 3D cell proliferation and spatiotemporal organization of cells. Herein, a facile fabrication strategy is proposed for magnetically controllable, shape‐morphing, superparamagnetic 3D iron oxide nanoparticle/cellulose acetate scaffolds produced via origami‐inspired 3D printing technology. The additional dimensionality allows the creation of highly customizable 3D in vitro magnetoactive cell culture platforms in which cells can experience gravity with uniform surface morphology, favorable long‐term biodegradability, and low iron ion release that can be actuated numerous times. Leveraging this platform's properties, the spatial and temporal proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are demonstrated, enabling pre‐ and post‐folding dynamic regulation of cellular behaviors at a local level. It is further demonstrated that the viability of the seeded NIH/3T3 fibroblasts remains > 94% and spreads and proliferates within the scaffold channels over a period of 7 d in culture. Therefore, this transformative cell culture assessment could provide alternative directions to revolutionize the 3D cell culture platform to monitor cellular responses to drugs, compounds, and external stimuli and advance personalized treatments.
Artificial p–n‐like Junction Based on Pure 2D Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Structure Having Naphthalene Diimide Acceptor Moieties
Authors: Feng Zhao , Liu Xuelong , Imaoka Kentaro , Ishii Tomohiro , Tumen‐Ulzii Ganbaatar , Tang Xun , Harrington George F. , Heinrich Benoît , Ribierre Jean‐Charles , Chamoreau Lise‐Marie , Sosa Vargas Lydia , Kreher David , Goushi Kenichi , Matsushima Toshinori , Zhou Guijiang , Mathevet Fabrice , Adachi Chihaya
Published: March 2023

2D organic–inorganic perovskites are an emerging class of materials with great potential for optoelectronics since a wide variety of large functional chromophores can be regularly incorporated. Among this new type of materials, hybrid perovskite systems incorporating strong electron acceptor molecules are considered as a promising approach to designing a new type of functional 2D perovskites for optoelectronics. In this work, a rare example of organic–inorganic 2D perovskite incorporating strong acceptors such as naphthalene diimide (NDI) building blocks between inorganic sheets is presented. This hybrid architecture forms highly air‐stable thin films with a structure consisting of inorganic perovskite monolayers of metal‐halide octahedra separated by bilayers of NDI‐based organic cations. The presence of strong electron‐accepting moieties in this multifunctional donor–acceptor hybrid heterostructure leads to a rare type II heterojunction in which the excitons can be efficiently dissociated via the electron‐transfer process and in which holes and electrons can be easily confined in the inorganic and organic sublayers, respectively. Such an ultimate p–n heterojunction shows improved photoconduction properties with a photocurrent multiplied by ≈40 under white‐light illumination in comparison to a similar 2D perovskite structure containing optically and electrically inert alkyl chains as organic components.
Pyrrole–Imidazole Polyamides – A Frontrunner in Nucleic Acid‐Based Small Molecule Drugs
Authors: Vaijayanthi Thangavel , Pandian Ganesh N. , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

The remarkable success of messenger RNA vaccines against the ongoing coronavirus‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic renews attention toward nucleic acid therapeutics. While nucleic acid therapy using unmodified DNA or RNA is the primary focus in disease treatment, there is growing need to develop nucleic acid‐based small molecules owing to their potential clinical benefits as drugs in terms of cost and scalability. While small molecules targeting protein–protein interactions are known to alter the transcriptional status of a cell, they can result in a transient effect and variation of bio‐efficacy among patients. Small molecules targeting DNA and/or RNA are in demand in the precision medicine approach as they have consistent bioactivity among patients. This review details the progress of sequence‐specific DNA‐binding pyrrole–imidazole polyamides (PIPs) in modulating the transcriptional status of target gene(s) without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Here, the different versions of PIPs are listed, and also, how conjugating them with DNA alkylating agents, epigenetic modulators, and other drugs can improve their clinical utility as targeted transcription therapeutics. Owing to their specificity, functional diversity, and limited toxicity, PIP technology holds enormous promise as frontrunner in small‐molecule‐based nucleic acid drugs to precisely regulate therapeutically important genes on demand and treat intractable diseases.
Multi‐Operating Mode Field‐Effect Transistors Based on SnO/SnS Heterostructures and CMOS‐Like Inverter Applications
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Yunze , Wang Fengzhi , Pan Xinhua , Ye Zhizhen
Published: March 2023

A novel SnO/SnS heterojunction grown by pulsed laser deposition for the fabrication of high‐performance transistors with changeable polarity is described in this study. It is worth noting that the operating mode of a vertical heterojunction transistor can be switched from p‐type to ambipolar to n‐type by growing SnS with a different thickness on SnO with ambipolarity. The p‐type mobility could reach 1.77 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the switching ratio could reach 1517. The ambipolar transistor shows a V‐type transfer curve with electron channel mobility and hole mobility, respectively. The cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy of the heterojunction interface reveals a high level of quality, which explains the method by which the working mode of the heterojunction changes. In addition, complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) inverters are successfully used with p‐type SnO transistors, n‐type SnO/SnS transistors, and ambipolar transistors. This work proposes a novel approach to preparing CMOS electrical components, as well as a new working mode for transistors, that are both simple and efficient.
A Multifunctional Electrolyte Additive With Solvation Structure Regulation and Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Manipulation Enabling High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries in Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Lan Xiwei , Yang Shanshan , Meng Tao , Zhang Chaosheng , Hu Xianluo
Published: March 2023

Improving the tolerance of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) to extreme temperatures and climates worldwide is vital to their global uptake. However, LIBs call for more strict requirements for the key components when operated in a wide temperature range, especially synchronously desirable interfacial kinetics and thermal stability. Here, a novel multifunctional electrolyte additive,N‐tert‐butyl‐2‐thiophenesulfonamide (NTSA), to fabricate stable LIBs under wide‐temperature conditions, is reported. The Li‐ion solvation structure in the electrolyte is regulated and involves less coordinated solvents (particularly fluoroethylene carbonate), leading to superior Li+transportation. The effective NTSA additive is preferentially decomposed to form a uniform electrode/electrolyte interface with abundant multiphase inorganic LiF, Li3N, and LiS species simultaneously on the cathode and anode surface. The resulting inorganic‐rich interface can not only boost the interfacial Li‐ion transfer kinetics at low temperatures but also protect the active material and enhance the thermal stability of the interface and LIB devices at high temperatures. By adopting the NTSA‐containing electrolyte, LiCoO2||ω‐Li3V2O5LIBs can be stably cycled in a wide temperature range between −30 °C and 80 °C, delivering a high capacity of ≈100.1 mAh g−1(0.2 A g−1) at −20 °C and high capacity retention of 94.5% after 200 cycles (0.5 A g−1) at 55 °C.
Potassium losses in runoff from cotton production fields
Authors: Daniels Mike B. , Fryer Matthew S. , Fernandes Samuel B. , Slaton Nathan A. , Sharpley Andrew N. , Webb Pearl , Riley Lee , Burke James , Berry Lawrence G. , Roberts Trenton , Robertson Bill
Published: March 2023

Potassium (K) loss in runoff represents a potential financial concern since fertilizer‐K is routinely applied to sustain optimal crop K nutrition and yield potential. Our research objectives were to quantify and characterize the soluble‐K loss in runoff from fields used for continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production while determining if the time of the year (growing season vs. nongrowing season), type of hydrological event (irrigation vs. rainfall), and cover crops influence K loss in runoff. Field‐scale, edge‐of‐field monitoring of runoff water and its soluble‐K concentration was performed on 10 site years in southeastern Arkansas across three production seasons. The mean K loss in surface runoff per event was 0.98 kg ha−1 across all sites and events (n = 304). The relationship between loss of K mass to runoff volume was positive and significantly correlated (p < 0.0001) when both variables were transformed by the natural logarithm. K loss during the growing season was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the cotton growing season whereas K loss resulting from runoff events generated by either irrigation or rainfall was not significant. Additionally, losses from fields with cover crops were significantly larger (p < −0.05) than from fields without covers. Cumulative annual‐K loss, between annual fertilizer‐K applications, averaged 32.2 kg K ha−1 across all site years representing a significant economic loss to replace the lost K with fertilizer. This study illustrates the increased risk of K losses on poorly drained soils in the Southeastern United States. Runoff‐K loss represents a significant amount of K that requires additional research on how to mitigate these losses.
Strong conservatism of floral morphology during the rapid diversification of the genus Helianthemum
Authors: Martín‐Hernanz Sara , Albaladejo Rafael G. , Lavergne Sébastien , Rubio Encarnación , Marín‐Rodulfo Macarena , Arroyo Juan , Aparicio Abelardo
Published: March 2023

Premise

Divergence of floral morphology and breeding systems are often expected to be linked to angiosperm diversification and environmental niche divergence. However, available evidence for such relationships is not generalizable due to different taxonomic, geographical and time scales. The Palearctic genus Helianthemum shows the highest diversity of the family Cistaceae in terms of breeding systems, floral traits, and environmental conditions as a result of three recent evolutionary radiations since the Late Miocene. Here, we investigated the tempo and mode of evolution of floral morphology in the genus and its link with species diversification and environmental niche divergence.

Methods

We quantified 18 floral traits from 83 taxa and applied phylogenetic comparative methods using a robust phylogenetic framework based on genotyping‐by‐sequencing data.

Results

We found three different floral morphologies, putatively related to three different breeding systems: type I, characterized by small flowers without herkogamy and low pollen to ovule ratio; type II, represented by large flowers with approach herkogamy and intermediate pollen to ovule ratio; and type III, featured by small flowers with reverse herkogamy and the highest pollen to ovule ratio. Each morphology has been highly conserved across each radiation and has evolved independently of species diversification and ecological niche divergence.

Conclusions

The combined results of trait, niche, and species diversification ultimately recovered a pattern of potentially non‐adaptive radiations in Helianthemum and highlight the idea that evolutionary radiations can be decoupled from floral morphology evolution even in lineages that diversified in heterogeneous environments as the Mediterranean Basin.
Bacterial colonization differences between central compartment atopic disease and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Rom Darren , Sit Andrea , Alvarado Raquel , Earls Peter , Rimmer Janet , Campbell Raewyn , Kalish Larry , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: March 2023

Key Points

Culturable bacterial colonization is similar between type 2 CRS phenotypes

Staphylococcus aureus coinfection is similar between eosinophilic CRS and CCAD

Patients with CCAD were younger, consistent with current knowledge of the disease
Integral brain health: Cerebral/mental/social provisional definitions
Authors: Hachinski Vladimir
Published: March 2023

Brain health matters to everyone, we all need to know what it is. The digital age, the knowledge‐based society, and expanding virtual worlds require greater cognitive capacity and mental and social resilience to function and to contribute; and yet there are no agreed definitions for brain, mental, or social health. Moreover, no definition encompasses all three or recognizes their integrated, interactive nature. Such a definition would: Help integrate relevant facts lingering behind specialized definitions and jargons. Promote a more holistic approach to patients. Create synergies among disciplines. The new definition would come in three versions: A lay, a scientific, and a customized one depending on the purpose, for example, research, education, policy, and so forth. Buttressed by evolving evidence integrated and update through a Brainpedia, they would focus attention on the greatest investment that individuals and society can make: Integral brain health: Cerebral/mental/social, in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.