bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role that Affective States Play in Tertiary Level Second Language Classrooms in Bangladesh: A Private University Scenario
Authors: Urmee Soniya Irfat 
Published: February 2013

Since Communicative Language Teaching has been introduced in the English classrooms of Bangladesh, we have experienced many changes. As Communicative Approach is supposed to create environment to lessen anxiety and other affective states of learners to a considerable extent, we naturally expected to find students free of the influence of these affective states in tertiary level classrooms. But the real fact is, still a large number of tertiary level second language learners in Bangladesh react to the learning situations in different affective ways. The influence of these affective states on learners' ability to concentrate on learning is immense. This article intends to analyze the multifaceted and complex nature of learners' affective states in tertiary level second language classrooms in a private university of Bangladesh and the effects these have on learners' ability to capture input and produce output or performance. 60 major and non-major English students were selected from a leading private university of Dhaka, who had completed a questionnaire, consisting of 25 questions. The study shows that, affective states play a very strong role in L2 classrooms and most students identify the need to be stress-free and secure before they concentrate on their learning activities. The study also reveals that, speaking and listening are the skills mostly affected by the influence of affective states. Finally, this paper endeavours to offer some recommendations which I found useful in this context, to lessen or eliminate the harmful influence of learners' affective states on their second language learning. In my paper, I have taken into consideration the students dealing with the four major skills, namely, reading, writing, speaking and listening, as these are the most practiced skills in tertiary level classrooms in Bangladesh. My recommendations 316 will cover practices to be undertaken by both teachers and students, to eliminate or lessen the harmful influence of affective states on learners' concentration level and performance. Stamford Journal of English; Volume 6; Page 315-331 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v6i0.13920
Nuts and Bolts of Conducting Feasibility Studies
Authors: Tickle-Degnen Linda 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Many factors can affect the successful implementation and validity of intervention studies. A primary purpose of feasibility and pilot studies is to assess the potential for successful implementation of the proposed main intervention studies and to reduce threats to the validity of these studies. This article describes a typology to guide the aims of feasibility and pilot studies designed to support the development of randomized controlled trials and provides an example of the studies underlying the development of one rehabilitation trial. The purpose of most feasibility and pilot studies should be to describe information and evidence related to the successful implementation and validity of a planned main trial. Null hypothesis significance testing is not appropriate for these studies unless the sample size is properly powered. The primary tests of the intervention effectiveness hypotheses should occur in the main study, not in the studies that are serving as feasibility or pilot studies.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Triggered Carbon Dots‐Based Biomimetic Nanotheranostic Agents for Atherosclerosis Management
Authors: Duan Xinmei , Yang Xu , Mou Nianlian , Cao Yu , He Zhigui , Zhu Li , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Kun , Qu Kai , Qin Xian , Chen Qiao , Luo Yang , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAtherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammation vascular disease, with its ongoing progression can lead to the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Traditional drug therapy is limited by poor drug delivery, insufficient drug accumulation, and notable toxic side effects. In addition, the failure to receive an early AS diagnosis is primarily responsible for the delayed treatment, which subsequently contributes to the high frequency of life‐threatening cardiovascular events. In this work, a macrophage membranes (MM)‐camouflaged reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive nanotheranostic platform (LC‐MM) is constructed to improve AS target diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Thanks to the strong antioxidant properties of carbon dots (CDs), CDs as drug carriers for lovastatin aimed to synergistically treat AS by reducing ROS accumulation and suppressing inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo are employed. The active functions of MM coupled with the ROS‐responsiveness of LC nanoplatform are expected to enhance the efficacy of nanotherapy, particularly to reduce lipid deposition, macrophage infiltration, necrotic core size, collagen content, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress accumulation. Moreover, the near‐infrared emission properties inherited from CDs facilitated precise fluorescence (FL) imaging for AS plaques. Thus, the biomimetic nanotheranostic agent LC‐MM represented a powerful platform for safe and effective AS management.
Hybrid 3D Printing of a Nature‐Inspired Flexible Self‐Adhesive Biopatch for Multi‐Biosignal Sensing
Authors: Alsharif Aljawharah A. , Syed Abdul Momin , Li Xiaole , Alsharif Nouf A. , Lubineau Gilles , El‐Atab Nazek 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBioinspired skin adhesives are promising alternatives to traditional glue‐based skin patches for use in various skin‐attachable devices. However, the typical nano‐/microfabrication of these bioinspired microstructures provides limited manufacturing freedom over their performance, constraining their versatility and customization for widespread use. In this study, a hybrid 3D printing approach for fabricating a permeable skin patch is developed with adhesive miniaturized octopus‐like suckers (AMOS) for biosignal monitoring. The design and geometrical influences are investigated on the adhesion strength under different skin conditions (i.e., dry, wet, and hairy), permeability, and durability as well as proposed a biocompatible, stretchable, highly permeable, reusable, and conformable biopatch. Unlike commercially available biopatches that use chemical adhesives, the adhesion strength of an AMOS patch is customizable, does not cause skin irritation, and is comfortable for the wearer when worn for extended durations. The biopatch is tested in electromyogram, electrooculogram, and electrocardiogram signal measurement during a hand‐cycling experiment over extended durations that confirms its potential in extreme sport events. In addition to biosignal monitoring, 3D‐printed AMOS patches have broad applicability across various skin‐interfacing devices, including glucose and sweat monitoring, drug delivery, and wound healing. This approach offers a promising and highly customizable manufacturing solution for unlocking next‐generation skin‐attachable technologies.
Record‐Breaking Efficient and Mechanically‐Robust Ambient‐Air‐Processed Carbon‐Based Flexible Perovskite Photovoltaics Through Effective and Benign‐to‐Plastics Green‐Antisolvent Quenching
Authors: Chalkias Dimitris A. , Nikolakopoulou Archontoula , Kontaxis Lykourgos C. , Kalarakis Alexandros N. , Stathatos Elias 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLightweight and bendy plastic‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered strong emerging rivals to the rigid heavy‐block photovoltaics made of conventional crystalline‐silicon. To further increase the competitiveness of these devices, the research community is nowadays searching for compatible, effective and scalable strategies to achieve efficiencies of >20%, while their development using lower‐cost and greener materials is also increasingly investigated. From the precursor solutions and prenucleation state of perovskites to the fully crystallized materials, this disclosure provides key findings that benefit fundamental understanding for streamlining antisolvent quenching methods toward the development of high‐performance and stable flexible‐plastic PSCs under ambient atmospheric conditions. Evidencing the importance of the concurrent consideration of a series of antisolvent physical properties for a group of primary and secondary monohydric alcohols, a breakthrough achievement is attained. Mirror‐like, pinhole‐free, monolayered vertically‐aligned (high‐aspect‐ratio) grained and mechanically‐robust ambient‐air‐processed perovskite structures are developed using 2‐butanol as a non‐toxic and benign‐to‐plastics (evidenced by nano‐mechanics) antisolvent alternative to the reference chlorobenzene. To this end, a new literature record of 20.09% for scalable carbon‐based flexible PSCs is achieved (power‐to‐weight performance 1.05 Wg−1, at 190 gm−2), also demonstrating highly‐robust unencapsulated devices under the ISOS‐D‐1 protocol conditions (T85 >1000 h) and bending fatigue (T80(5‐mm‐radius) >5000 bending cycles).
2D PtRhPb Mesoporous Nanosheets with Surface‐Clean Active Sites for Complete Ethanol Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Fan Dongping , Yao Huiqin , Sun Lizhi , Lv Hao , Liu Ben 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe development of active and selective metal electrocatalysts for complete ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) into desired C1 products is extremely promising for practical application of direct ethanol fuel cells. Despite some encouraging achievements, their activity and selectivity remain unsatisfactory. In this work, it is reported that 2D PtRhPb mesoporous nanosheets (MNSs) with anisotropic structure and surface‐clean metal site perform perfectly for complete EOR electrocatalysis in both three‐electrode and two‐electrode systems. Different to the traditional routes, a selective etching strategy is developed to produce surface‐clean mesopores while retaining parent anisotropy quasi‐single‐crystalline structure without the mesopore‐forming surfactants. This method also allows the general synthesis of surface‐clean mesoporous metals with other compositions and structures. When being performed for alkaline EOR electrocatalysis, the best PtRhPb MNSs deliver remarkably high activity (7.8 A mg−1) and superior C1 product selectivity (70% of Faradaic efficiency), both of which are much better than reported electrocatalysts. High performance is assigned to multiple structural and compositional synergies that not only stabilized key OHads intermediate by surface‐clean mesopores but also separated the chemisorption of two carbons in ethanol by adjacent Pt and Rh sites, which facilitate the oxidation cleavage of stable C─C bond for complete EOR electrocatalysis.
Ag2GeS3: A Diamond‐Like Chalcogenide as an IR Nonlinear Optical Material with Outstanding Second‐Harmonic Generation Response
Authors: Chen Hong , Ran Mao‐Yin , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Wu Xin‐Tao , Lin Hua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDiamond‐like (DL) metal chalcogenides have attracted significant attention in recent years because of their complex structural compositions and exceptional nonlinear optical (NLO) capabilities in the infrared (IR) range. Despite notable advancements in this field, there is still a lack of systematic research on high‐performance and simply composed IR‐NLO chalcogenides with DL structures. In this study, the insightful structural characteristics and IR‐NLO properties of a ternary Ag‐based chalcogenide Ag2GeS3 are investigated for the first time at both experimental and theoretical levels. The compound belongs to the non‐centrosymmetric Cmc21 space group (No.36) and displays a 3D DL structure comprising highly oriented [AgS4] and [GeS4] tetrahedra. Due to its distinct structure, the compound may produce significant second harmonic generation (SHG) response (5.6 × AgGaS2 at 2050 nm), the biggest value reported among Ag‐based IR‐NLO chalcogenides to date, and phase matchability in the IR range with a calculated birefringence of Δn = 0.09 at 2050 nm. According to theoretical calculations, the combined impacts of the distorted [AgS4] and [GeS4] NLO‐active motifs inside the 3D DL framework provide the SHG tensor d24 of Ag2GeS3 at 51.9 pm V−1 at 2050 nm. The prospective uses of Ag2GeS3 in the field of IR‐NLO are highlighted in this work.
Strategically Developed Strong Red‐Emitting Oxyfluoride Nanophosphors for Next‐Generation Lighting Applications
Authors: Abraham Malini , Thejas K. K. , Kunti Arup K. , Amador‐Mendez Nuño , Hernandez Roberto , Duras J. , Nishanth K. G. , Sahoo Sushanta Kumar , Tchernycheva Maria , Das Subrata 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRed‐emitting nanophosphors have a multirole in improvising the next‐generation bulk/micro/nano‐level lighting devices, particularly in refining white light quality and device performance. Nonetheless, it is difficult to synthesize nanosized phosphors with good yield and paralleled high absorption efficiency both in UV and blue regions, which is critical for modern lighting. Herein, new Mg14Ge4.99+σO24‐x+δFx: Mn4+ red nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm are designed to improve not only the luminescence but also the blue light absorption. This approach has validated the applicability of red‐emitting nanophosphors into flexible UV and blue nitride nanowire light‐emitting‐diodes (LEDs), and commercial bulk LEDs, for the first time, with boosted intensity and color superiority for a variety of lighting utilizations. For these phosphor LEDs (pc‐LEDs), optimized red nanophosphor with an external quantum efficiency of ≈44.5%, color purity of ≈100%, and thermal stability of ≈72% at 150 °C is used. The optimized nanophosphor is combined with a flexible UV‐AlGaN/GaN nanowire LED and a blue‐InGaN/GaN‐LED. The resultant devices show promising red electroluminescence without any degradation at elevated currents. Finally, several unfamiliar LED packaging is designed with yellow and red phosphors implemented on 2 sets of double LED units to reach CRI > 85. The re‐premeditated LED packages are useful for high‐definition lighting.
The Multifunctional Purposes of Ultrasound in 3D Models
Authors: Vighetto Veronica , Pascucci Elia , Savino Giorgia , Rosso Giada , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Conte Marzia , Dumontel Bianca , Balboni Alice , Mesiano Giulia , Masoero Alessandro , Cauda Valentina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUltrasound (US), is gaining considerable interest as therapy and diagnostic tool, being safe, deep‐tissue penetrating, and enabling variegate interventions. Although some US applications have already reached the clinical practice, innovative interventions combining them to microbubbles, nanoparticles, scaffolds and novel imaging techniques have to face complex clinical translation. Here US technologies are illustrated in 3D cell structures: as in‐vitro systems at different levels of complexity, 3D models can fairly recapitulate human tissue complexity, while reducing interventions on animals. First drug delivery is described as mediated by microbubbles or nanoparticles to 3D spheroids, organ‐on‐chip, microfluidic‐embedded 3D‐cell structures, and cell‐seeded scaffolds, showing the important US role in achieving barriers penetration and highly localized delivery. Then, the assembly of cells in 3D structures thanks to US is highlighted, showing prominent examples of how finely tuning acoustic standing waves can guide the organization and aggregation of cells in 3D. Finally, an outlook of conventional echographic techniques up to the most innovative quantitative US imaging is reviewed, focusing on new imaging options for 3D structures. These intriguing fields of research are discussed related to their actual challenges and opportunities, level of complexity of 3D models, and ability to propose a valid tool toward clinical translation.
Terminal‐Matched Topological Photonic Substrate‐Integrated Waveguides and Antennas for Microwave Systems
Authors: Xu Zhixia , Sun Xiaonan , Wu Haotian , Xiong Zengxu , Zhou Xue , Yu Haoxi , Yin Xiaoxing , Sievenpiper Daniel F. , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn engineered photonic lattices, topological photonic (TP) modes present a promising avenue for designing waveguides with suppressed backscattering. However, the integration of the TP modes in electromagnetic systems has faced longstanding challenges. The primary obstacle is the insufficient development of high‐efficiency coupling technologies between the TP modes and the conventional transmission modes. This dilemma leads to significant scattering at waveguide terminals when attempting to connect the TP waveguides with other waveguides. In this study, a topological photonic substrate‐integrated waveguide (TPSIW) is proposed that can seamlessly integrate into traditional microstrip line systems. It successfully addresses the matching problem and demonstrates efficient coupling of both even and odd TP modes with the quasi‐transverse electromagnetic modes of microstrip lines, resulting in minimal energy losses. In addition, topological leaky states are introduced through designed slots on the TPSIW top surface. These slots enable the creation of TP leaky‐wave antennas with beam steering capabilities. A wireless link based on TPSIWs are further established that enables the transmission of distinct signals toward different directions. This work is an important step toward the integration of TP modes in microwave systems, unlocking the possibilities for the development of high‐performance wireless devices.
From Chalcogen Bonding to S–π Interactions in Hybrid Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Luo Weifan , Kim SunJu , Lempesis Nikolaos , Merten Lena , Kneschaurek Ekaterina , Dankl Mathias , Carnevali Virginia , Agosta Lorenzo , Slama Vladislav , VanOrman Zachary , Siczek Miłosz , Bury Wojciech , Gallant Benjamin , Kubicki Dominik J. , Zalibera Michal , Piveteau Laura , Deconinck Marielle , Guerrero‐León L. Andrés , Frei Aaron T. , Gaina Patricia A. , Carteau Eva , Zimmermann Paul , Hinderhofer Alexander , Schreiber Frank , Moser Jacques‐E. , Vaynzof Yana , Feldmann Sascha , Seo Ji‐Youn , Rothlisberger Ursula , Milić Jovana V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe stability of hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskite semiconductors remains a significant obstacle to their application in photovoltaics. To this end, the use of low‐dimensional (LD) perovskites, which incorporate hydrophobic organic moieties, provides an effective strategy to improve their stability, yet often at the expense of their performance. To address this limitation, supramolecular engineering of noncovalent interactions between organic and inorganic components has shown potential by relying on hydrogen bonding and conventional van der Waals interactions. Here, the capacity to access novel LD perovskite structures that uniquely assemble through unorthodox S‐mediated interactions is explored by incorporating benzothiadiazole‐based moieties. The formation of S‐mediated LD structures is demonstrated, including one‐dimensional (1D) and layered two‐dimensional (2D) perovskite phases assembled via chalcogen bonding and S–π interactions. This involved a combination of techniques, such as single crystal and thin film X‐ray diffraction, as well as solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory calculations, and optoelectronic characterization, revealing superior conductivities of S‐mediated LD perovskites. The resulting materials are applied in n‐i‐p and p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells, demonstrating enhancements in performance and operational stability that reveal a versatile supramolecular strategy in photovoltaics.
Clustering Bimetallic M–N–C Catalyst: A Synergistic Approach to Advancing Sulfur Conversion Kinetics for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Xingbo , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Jiayi , Liu Jiabing , Li Shibin , Liu Xin , Jin Mingliang , Zhao Lingzhi , Li Gaoran , Wang Xin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries stand out as a promising candidate for future energy storage, characterized by their notable energy density and affordability. However, the impediments raised by polysulfide shuttling and sluggish reaction kinetics pose substantial challenges to the widespread implementation of this technology. Herein, a unique Fe–Co bimetallic single‐atom‐cluster catalyst (FeCo‐SACC) for Li–S batteries are developed. The synergistic integration of single atoms and clusters guarantees not only a commendable specific catalytic activity but also a high metal loading of up to 25 wt%. Meanwhile, the intermetallic interactions regulate the electronic structure, enabling higher sulfur affinity and faster conversion kinetics. The unique 3D‐ordered mesoporous (3DOM) carbon architecture further affords conducive sulfur accommodation, efficient active site exposure, and facile ion/mass transfer. As a result, facile and stable sulfur electrochemistry is realized, contributing to excellent cyclability over 1000 cycles and rate capability up to 5 C. Decent cell performances can still be achievable under practical criteria, e.g., high sulfur loading of 15 mg cm−2, lean electrolyte of 4.6 µL mg−1, and 1.91‐Ah pouch configuration. This work establishes a novel paradigm for the development of advanced sulfur electrocatalysts and high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Entropy and Composition Regulations of Air Electrodes Enable Efficient Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions for Reversible Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Zhu Feng , Du Zhiwei , Xu Kang , He Fan , Xu Yangsen , Liao Yuhe , Chen Yu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOne of the urgent challenges for efficient energy storage/conversion devices is the poor electrocatalytic activity and reversible operation capability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of the air electrodes. Recently, tremendous efforts of high‐entropy air electrodes are devoted, yet the performance enhancement is often ascribed to the high‐entropy. Herein, the effects of the increase of configurational entropy and the selection of specifically doped elements are investigated on the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. These results suggest that the selection of doped elements may contribute more to enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and stability of air electrodes when compared with the increase of the configurational entropy. Accordingly, the optimized medium‐entropy Pr1/2Ba1/6Sr1/6Ca1/6CoO3‐δ (PBSCC) electrode shows superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for ORR and OER. A reversible solid oxide cell utilizing PBSCC demonstrates exceptional electrochemical performance, conveying a peak power density of 2.01 W cm−2 in the fuel cell mode and a current density of 1.40 A cm−2 in electrolysis mode (under 50% H2O humidified H2 at 1.3 V) at 750 °C, while maintaining excellent cyclable operation stability for over 115 h.