bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Proteinuria and its Predisposing Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.
Authors:   , Munyaga John Edward , Serunjogi David 
Published: December 2020

Background: Proteinuria refers to a condition where more than trace amounts of proteins are found in normal urine. Proteinuria is a defining dysfunction of pre-eclampsia Proteinuria is one of the cardinal indications of pre-eclampsia, a common and severe complication in pregnancy. Also, there are several factors responsible for its occurrence among pregnant women. The study aimed to establish the occurrence of proteinuria among pregnant women and to establish the predisposing factors of proteinuria among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in St. Francis Hospital Nsambya. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study where qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Participants’ urine samples were taken off and analysed macroscopically, protein detection using uristics, and 25% SSA and then microscopic examination done once they had consented. Results: Out of 96 participants, the occurrence of proteinuria was 9.4% (p = 0.094) and it was increasing with the increase in the age of the pregnant women. The predisposing factors to proteinuria in pregnancy were urinary tract infections (88.9%) (p = 0.889), hypertension (11.1%) (p = 0.111) and gestation age. Conclusion and recommendation: Clients who receive antenatal care services in St. Francis Hospital Nsambya antenatal clinic should routinely be screened for proteinuria. Wider research about proteinuria among pregnant women should be done to establish a more nationalistic occurrence. Health education should emphasize the importance of pregnant women reporting urinary tract infections after being empowered with its signs and symptoms even without pain. This is because urinary tract infections can lead to complications in pregnancy and could become fatal.
OPTIMISATION OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR BASED ON BARE GOLD ELECTRODE FOR DETECTION OF ALUMINIUM ION
Authors: Ringgit Gilbert , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman , Saallah Suryani , Mohamad Lal Mohammad Tamrin 
Published: December 2020

In this work, an electrochemical method for detection of trace amount of aluminium (Al3+), a heavy metal ion, based on a bare gold electrode (AuE) was developed. Current responses of the AuE under various type of electrolytes, redox indicators, pH, scan rate and accumulation time were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) method to obtain the optimum conditions for Al3+ detection. The sensing properties of the AuE towards the target ion with different concentrations were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. From the CV results, the optimalconditions for the detection of Al3+ were Tris-HCl buffer (0.1 M, pH 2) supported by 5 mM Prussian blue with scan rate and accumulation time respectively of 100 mVs−1 and 15 s. Under the optimum conditions, the DPV method was detected with different concentrations of aluminium ion ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 ppm resulted in a good linear regression r² = 0.9806. This result suggests that the optimisation of the basic parameters in electrochemical detection using AuE is crucial before further modification of the Au-electrode to improve the sensitivity and selectivity especially for the low concentration of ion detection. The developed method has a great potential for rapid detection of heavy metal ion (Al3+) in drinking water samples.
Diffusion of Innovation: Adoption of Learning Management System Technology in Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Khan Rashid , Dania Akash , Osman Dialdin , Gettins Dexter 
Published: December 2020

The market for the next-generation learning management system (LMS) for higher education is poised to grow by the US $3.04 billion during 2020-2024 (MarketWatch, 2020), creating technological opportunities in the higher education learning landscape particularly due to growth in remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. This rapid growth necessitates an urgent need to integrate technology with the instructional design in academic programs at the Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) globally. The existing literature on the LMS suggests a considerable resistance among the instructor group towards technology adoption in pedagogic strategy. LMS has been in existence for almost two decades, however, they have not been leveraged to their full potential. An understanding of the nature of technology adoption among instructor group is even more pronounced for the HEIs of emerging market economies (EMEs). An efficient and technology-inspired educational construct will boost the overall competitiveness of the EME's in their respective population skill development and attracting foreign investments for industrial growth. Moreover, given the lessons learned from the epidemiological uncertainties, such as most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, educators should be prepared to utilize LMS to their full potential. The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers and motivators in LMS adoption among emerging market economy HEIs and to propose a technology adoption model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (V. Venkatesh et. al., 2012). The results of this study suggest implementing a dynamic feedback mechanism of technology adoption by instructors, and the need for HEIs to articulate strategic plan goals that focus on faculty professional development in the use of technology to build confidence among instructor group to enable the adoption of technology for instruction.
Differentiation of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma from solid malignant pulmonary nodules by radiomic analysis on multiphasic CT
Authors: Ni Xiao‐Qiong , Yin Hong‐kun , Fan Guo‐hua , Shi Dai , Xu Liang , Jin Dan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the diagnostic value and feasibility of radiomics‐based texture analysis in differentiating pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) from solid malignant pulmonary nodules (SMPN) on single‐ and three‐phase computed tomography (CT) images.Materials and MethodsA total of 25 PSP patients and 35 SMPN patients with pathologically confirmed results were retrospectively included in this study. For each patient, the tumor regions were manually labeled in images acquired at the noncontrast phase (NCP), arterial phase (AP), and venous phase (VP). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to select the most useful predictive features extracted from the CT images. The predictive models that discriminate PSP from SMPN based on single‐phase CT images (NCP, AP, and VP) or three‐phase CT images (Combined model) were developed and validated through fivefold cross‐validation using a logistic regression classifier. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The predictive performance was also compared between the Combined model and human readers.ResultsFour, five, and five features were selected from NCP, AP, and VP CT images for the development of radiomic models, respectively. The NCP, AP, and VP models exhibited areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.748 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.620–0.852), 0.749 (95% CI, 0.620–0.852), and 0.790 (95% CI, 0.665–0.884) in the validation dataset, respectively. The Combined model based on three‐phase CT images outperformed the NCP, AP, and VP models (all p < 0.05), yielding an AUC of 0.882 (95% CI, 0.773–0.951) in the validation dataset. The Combined model displayed noninferior performance compared to two senior radiologists; however, it outperformed two junior radiologists (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe Combined model based on radiomic features extracted from three‐phase CT images achieved radiologist‐level performance and could be used as promising noninvasive tool to differentiate PSP from SMPN.
DNA Transformations for Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Ahn So Yeon , Liu Jin , Vellampatti Srivithya , Wu Yuzhou , Um Soong Ho 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDue to its unique physical and chemical characteristics, DNA, which is known only as genetic information, has been identified and utilized as a new material at an astonishing rate. The role of DNA has increased dramatically with the advent of various DNA derivatives such as DNA–RNA, DNA–metal hybrids, and PNA, which can be organized into 2D or 3D structures by exploiting their complementary recognition. Due to its intrinsic biocompatibility, self‐assembly, tunable immunogenicity, structural programmability, long stability, and electron‐rich nature, DNA has generated major interest in electronic and catalytic applications. Based on its advantages, DNA and its derivatives are utilized in several fields where the traditional methodologies are ineffective. Here, the present challenges and opportunities of DNA transformations are demonstrated, especially in biomedical applications that include diagnosis and therapy. Natural DNAs previously utilized and transformed into patterns are not found in nature due to lack of multiplexing, resulting in low sensitivity and high error frequency in multi‐targeted therapeutics. More recently, new platforms have advanced the diagnostic ability and therapeutic efficacy of DNA in biomedicine. There is confidence that DNA will play a strong role in next‐generation clinical technology and can be used in multifaceted applications.
Doping and Design of Flexible Transparent Electrodes for High‐Performance Flexible Organic Solar Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Fan Xi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSubstantial effort has been devoted to both chemical doping and design of flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) for flexible organic solar cells (OSCs) in the past decade. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), graphene, metal nanostructures, metal oxide/ultrathin metal/metal oxide, Mxene, and their hybrid electrodes emerge to be the most promising flexible conducting materials over indium tin oxide. The FTE fabrications play a critical role in flexible OSCs. This feature review article summarizes the current status on the researches of the FTEs including various approaches and strategies to boost the conductivity, work function, mechanical flexibility, wettability, etc, which directly affect the performances of the flexible OSCs. The most cutting edge progresses on both FTEs and flexible OSCs are highlighted along the line. Advantages and plausible issues are pointed out. Perspectives are provided that can advance the developments of the flexible OSCs. This review raises the awareness for the importance of developing plenty of FTEs and reveals their critical role in flexible OSCs.
Mesopore to Macropore Transformation of Metal–Organic Framework for Drug Delivery in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Yin Yi , Yang Jingjing , Pan Yongchun , Gao Yanfeng , Huang Liangyu , Luan Xiaowei , Lin Zhengfan , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi , Song Yujun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing autoimmune disease that is characterized by segmental intestinal inflammation. There is an urgent need for more efficient inflammation‐targeting strategies to improve therapeutic effect and reduce systemic drug exposure. Herein, an oxidation‐responsive metal–organic framework material (Ce‐MOF@PSS) is reported that preferentially adheres to inflamed intestine via enema. The overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) at inflammatory sites induces transformation of Ce‐MOF@PSS from mesopore to macropore with local drug release. In experimental colitis, the Ce‐MOF@PSS delivery system exhibits excellent inflammation‐targeting efficacy and superior therapeutic effect over free drug on suppressing inflammation and repairing intestinal barrier function. Accordingly, by targeting intestinal inflammation, increasing local drug concentrations, scavenging ROS, reducing systemic exposure, and exhibiting excellent safety profiles, it is considered that the Ce‐MOF drug delivery platform can be intensively developed as a translational nanomedicine for the management of IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
Strategy of Enhancing the Volumetric Energy Density for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Ya‐Tao , Liu Sheng , Li Guo‐Ran , Gao Xue‐Ping 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries hold the promise of the next generation energy storage system beyond state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Despite the attractive gravimetric energy density (WG), the volumetric energy density (WV) still remains a great challenge for the practical application, based on the primary requirement of Small and Light for Li–S batteries. This review highlights the importance of cathode density, sulfur content, electroactivity in achieving high energy densities. In the first part, key factors are analyzed in a model on negative/positive ratio, cathode design, and electrolyte/sulfur ratio, orientated toward energy densities of 700 Wh L−1/500 Wh kg−1. Subsequently, recent progresses on enhancing WV for coin/pouch cells are reviewed primarily on cathode. Especially, the “Three High One Low” (THOL) (high sulfur fraction, high sulfur loading, high density host, and low electrolyte quantity) is proposed as a feasible strategy for achieving high WV, taking high WG into consideration simultaneously. Meanwhile, host materials with desired catalytic activity should be paid more attention for fabricating high performance cathode. In the last part, key engineering technologies on manipulating the cathode porosity/density are discussed, including calendering and dry electrode coating. Finally, a future outlook is provided for enhancing both WV and WG of the Li–S batteries.
Ratiometric Luminescent Thermometry with Excellent Sensitivity over a Broad Temperature Range Utilizing Thermally‐Assisted and Multiphoton Upconversion in Triply‐Doped La2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Nd3+
Authors: Gao Guojun , Busko Dmitry , Katumo Ngei , Joseph Reetu , Madirov Eduard , Turshatov Andrey , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA ratiometric optical thermometer based on triply‐doped La2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Nd3+ microcrystals is reported with a relative sensitivity above 1% K−1 in the entire range from 300–700 K, and is between 1.8–0.7% K−1 over the range 290–833 K. The 825 nm upconversion (UC) emission from the Nd3+ 4F5/2 level relies on thermally‐assisted energy transfer from Yb3+; thus, unusually, the near‐infrared emission increases with increasing temperature in the relevant range. More typically, the two‐photon 660 nm UC from Er3+ 4F9/2 level decreases in intensity with increasing temperature due to increasing non‐radiative rates. The variation of fluorescent intensity ratio between these emissions is amplified by their opposite responses to temperature change leading to excellent sensitivity. Concurrently, the different pathways for the temperature response in the two emitting ions enable the high sensitivity to be maintained over an atypically broad temperature range. The wide separation in wavelength means that a standard silicon‐based monochrome camera with broad (inexpensive) band pass filters is sufficient to use this phosphor for thermography. The concept of combining thermally‐activated UC with classical Stokes‐shifted emission is demonstrated to provide combined features of excellent and broad‐range sensitivity plus excellent repeatability. Materials based on this concept are very promising for optical thermometry.
Matrix‐Free Hyperfluorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Carbene–Metal–Amides
Authors: Cho Hwan‐Hee , Romanov Alexander S. , Bochmann Manfred , Greenham Neil C. , Credgington Dan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA wide‐gap host matrix is a major obstacle detrimentally influencing the performance of hyperfluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes since it substantially increases driving voltage. Moreover, these hyperfluorescent devices typically require at least three components in their emitting layer, which is unfavorable for mass production. To tackle the issue, hyperfluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes are reported based on a two‐component emissive system of carbene–metal–amide donors and conventional fluorescent acceptors. A significant reduction of the driving voltage versus three‐component hyperfluorescent devices at practical brightness (1000 cd m–2) is demonstrated, leading to a doubling of power conversion efficiency for some composites. From an analysis of thin‐film photophysics, it is shown that operational efficiency is limited by Dexter energy transfer between donors and acceptors, which may be reduced by tert‐butyl steric substituents, providing new targets for molecular design. While reducing driving voltage, matrix‐free hyperfluorescent devices also achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 16.5%.
External Solvent‐Free Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Softwood Lignin to Aromatics over Carbon–ZrO2 Supported Ni/MoS2 Catalysts
Authors: Mukundan Swathi , Chowdari Ramesh Kumar , Beltramini Jorge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis work aims to convert black liquor‐ derived softwood lignin into industrially vital aromatic compounds by catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), without the use of external solvent. Lignin melts serve as the solvent itself under HDO conditions. Activated carbon supported NiMoS2 catalysts are prepared by a water/oil micro–emulsion method and the required support acidity is tailored by addition of ZrO2 (10–50%) to the support. The maximum deoxygenation of 82.2% is observed along with a monomer yield of 69.1% in 3 h reaction time, when 10% ZrO2 is added to the carbon support. The yield of monomers is distributed in the following order: alkyl phenolics (23.1%) > guaiacolics (18.1%) > aromatic hydrocarbons (17.5%) > alkanes (10.5%). Interestingly, aromatic hydrocarbons yield increases with increase in time. The catalyst is found to be stable, without any significant loss in the activity and product selectivity when tested for up to five reaction cycles.
Deep Proton Insertion Assisted by Oxygen Vacancies for Long‐Term Memory in VO2 Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Oh Chadol , Kim Inseo , Park Jaeseoung , Park Yunkyu , Choi Minseok , Son Junwoo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractReversible phase transformation of correlated oxides by field‐driven ionic process present opportunity to efficiently transduce between ionic transfer and electrical currents in insertion‐based reconfigurable transistors. However, the switching rate of insertion transistors is fundamentally limited by the slow rate of ionic insertion into the lattices of correlated oxides. Here, it is demonstrated that preformed oxygen vacancies in VO2−δ lattices strongly accelerate proton insertion by low gate voltage in synaptic transistors. As the degree of oxygen deficiency δ increases in VO2−δ transistors, the steepness of phase transformation and transconductance increase during the voltage sweep at the expense of the channel current modulation. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the accelerated of H+ kinetics in the VO2−δ lattice occurs because immobile oxygen vacancies reduce the energy barrier to H+ migration. In an electronic synapse, this facile H+ migration in VO2−δ lattices renders “inscribed” memory by positioning the H+ neurotransmitter far from the electrolyte/VO2−δ interface. This discovery suggests a strategy to improve the learning and memory processes of artificial synaptic devices by controlling the density of intrinsic defects in the lattice framework to achieve efficient ion exchange.
Gate‐Controlled Field Emission Current from MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Pelella Aniello , Grillo Alessandro , Urban Francesca , Giubileo Filippo , Passacantando Maurizio , Pollmann Erik , Sleziona Stephan , Schleberger Marika , Di Bartolomeo Antonio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMonolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets, obtained via chemical vapor deposition onto SiO2/Si substrates, are exploited to fabricate field‐effect transistors with n‐type conduction, high on/off ratio, steep subthreshold slope, and good mobility. The transistor channel conductance increases with the reducing air pressure due to oxygen and water desorption. Local field emission measurements from the edges of the MoS2 nanosheets are performed in high vacuum using a tip‐shaped anode. It is demonstrated that the voltage applied to the Si substrate back‐gate modulates the field emission current. Such a finding, that it is attributed to gate‐bias lowering of the MoS2 electron affinity, enables a new field‐effect transistor based on field emission.
Fluorinated Carbonate Electrolyte with Superior Oxidative Stability Enables Long‐Term Cycle Stability of Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 Cathodes in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Shuilin , Su Bizhe , Ni Kun , Pan Fei , Wang Changlai , Zhang Kaili , Yu Denis Y. W. , Zhu Yanwu , Zhang Wenjun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLayered transition metal oxides are promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries applicable for low‐cost energy storage systems. However, their cycle stability needs to be substantially improved to meet the requirements of practical applications. Specifically, the issues related to electrolyte stability and the formation of an unstable cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) remain unsolved. Herein, it is shown that an electrolyte with high fluorine content may induce a robust fluorinated CEI on Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode, a representative transitional metal oxide, which can efficiently passivate its surface and suppress continuous electrolyte decomposition during cycling. As a result, the cells deliver a remarkably improved rate capability and cycle stability. Density functional simulations further validate the superior stability of fluorinated electrolyte on cathodes with low highest occupied molecule orbital energy and high dissociation energy barriers. This finding demonstrates the favorable role of fluorinated electrolytes for improving the long‐term cycle stability of Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode toward grid‐scale applications.
Recent Progress in Understanding Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wu Haiping , Jia Hao , Wang Chongmin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLithium metal batteries (LMBs) are one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal anodes plays a significant role in influencing the Li deposition morphology and the cycle life of LMBs. However, a thorough understanding on the mechanisms of SEI formation and evolution is still inadequate. In this review, the progress in understanding structures, properties, and influencing factors of SEI, as well as efficient strategies of tailoring SEI are focused upon. First, the compositions, models, and recent progress in characterizing atomic structures of SEI are summarized. Second, the properties of SEI, including electronic conduction, ionic conduction, stability, and mechanical properties are elucidated. Structures and properties of SEI are greatly affected by multiple factors, thus interactions between these factors and SEI are systematically discussed. Correlations of SEI with Li deposition morphology, rate capability, and cycle life are further summarized. Moreover, efficient strategies of tailoring SEI with desired properties, including in situ SEI and ex situ SEI, are also reviewed. Finally, future directions, including in‐operando techniques, multi‐modality approaches for characterization of SEI, and artificial intelligence assisted understanding of correlations between electrolyte components and SEI properties are proposed.