bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheological properties of graphene oxide/polyamide 6 composites
Authors: Liao Haoran , Yu Tao , Li Yan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, graphene oxide (GO)/polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites with different graphene content (0.03–0.5 wt%) were prepared via in situ polymerization of GO and ε‐caprolactam. The linear and nonlinear rheological properties and thixotropy of GO/PA6 nanocomposites are investigated using steady state, dynamic, and transient rheological method with a Haake plate rotary rheometer. Cox/Merz rules and Cross model were used to fit the shear rate sweep and dynamic frequency sweep data, and a wider range(10−2–104 s−1) of flow curve was obtained. The results show the PA6 and GO/PA6 melts are shear thinning fluid without yield stress, and have thixotropy.Highlights
Dynamic, steady, and transient rheological tests were performed.
Cox/Merz rules and Cross model were used to fit the data.
A wider range(10−2–104 s−1) of flow curve was obtained.
Modification of nonwoven polymer materials for increasing of their filtration and antibacterial properties
Authors: Avdeeva Ekaterina , Petkevich Anna , Mikhalko Alexey , Shumskaya Alena , Sychik Sergey , Dudchik Natalia , Anisovich Marina , Yarmolenko Maxim , Halinouski Nikalai , Rogachev Alexander , Agabekov Vladimir 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were used to modify the polypropylene nonwoven material by the methods of “wet chemistry” and low‐energy electron beam deposition (EBD). The influence of nonwoven material modification on the morphology, chemical composition, filtration, and antibacterial properties was established. The modified material has antibacterial activity against the gram‐positive strain Staphylococcus aureus and against gram‐negative strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (suppression of bacterial growth for materials with OCT was 100%, with ZnO—70%). PTFE application to Aquaspun leads to a significant increase in the contact angle (from 141.3° to 152.7°) and air filtration efficiency (from 78.3% to 83.4%), which provides the barrier properties of the material. It was established that the material obtained using low‐energy EBD demonstrated a more pronounced antimicrobial potential against the tested strains of St. aureus.Highlights
The influence of polypropylene nonwoven materials surface modification methods is systematically investigated.
Low‐energy electron beam deposition increases antibacterial and filtration properties of nonwoven materials.
Surface modification methods increase barrier properties of polypropylene nonwoven materials.
The dimensions of expansive learning in the workplace: A multicase study from activity theory
Authors: Yu Wenhao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLearning in the workplace is among the most important forms of lifelong learning. This is because the workplace provides an authentic context for meaningful learning. Expansive learning, proposed by Engeström, focuses on learners as a community, the transformation of culture, and the creation of a new theoretical concept. Expansive learning eventually leads to a transformation in collective expertise. The primary aim of the study was to examine the dimensions of expansive learning and their relationships in the workplace. The cases selected were three Chinese consulting firms that focus on professional learning or talent training and development. I used multiple methods for data collection (e.g., semistructured interviews, observation, and document analysis). The successive analytical induction procedure was based on the constant comparison principle of grounded theory, and the four dimensions of expansive learning (distribution, collectiveness, routine, and expansiveness) emerged and were scrutinized. Based on the principle of activity theory, I constructed and integrated an interactive dynamic process model of expansive learning with its related dimensions.
Transformation and regeneration of DNA polymerase Θ mutant rice plants
Authors: Nishizawa‐Yokoi Ayako , Gelvin Stanton B. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAgrobacterium T‐DNA integration into the plant genome is essential for the process of transgenesis and is widely used for genome engineering. The importance of the non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) protein DNA polymerase Θ, encoded by the PolQ gene, for T‐DNA integration is controversial, with some groups claiming it is essential whereas others claim T‐DNA integration in Arabidopsis and rice polQ mutant plant tissue. Because of pleiotropic effects of PolQ loss on plant development, scientists have previously had difficulty regenerating transgenic polQ mutant plants. We describe a protocol for regenerating transgenic polQ mutant rice plants using a sequential transformation method. This protocol may be applicable to other plant species.
Carbon nanotube reinforced biobased poly(urethane urea) covalent adaptable network composite
Authors: Xie Dong‐Mei , Li Yi‐Dong , Zeng Jian‐Bing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA solvent‐free approach was developed to incorporate carbon nanotube (CNT) into castor oil derived poly(urethane urea) (PPU) covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic piperidine‐urea bonds to fabricate CNT reinforced PPU composites. The approach includes two steps i.e., pre‐polymerization of castor with isophorone diisocyanate in flask and subsequent chain‐extension with 1,3‐bis(4‐piperidinyl)propane (PIP) in the presence of CNT in an internal mixer. The effect on CNT content of the morphology, mechanical property, stress relaxation, and reprocessability of the PPU/CNT composites was investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that CNT dispersed well in the PPU networks due to the applied strong shear force which facilitated the dispersion of CNT in the PPU matrix before cross‐linking. The well‐dispersed CNT reinforced the mechanical properties of PPU significantly and the Young's modulus (E) of the composites were enhanced significantly when the content of CNT was ≥6 wt% due to the formation of CNT network in the PPU matrix. When the content of CNT was 10 wt%, the E of PPU‐10%CNT was 927.59 ± 149.05 MPa, which was improved by ~60% compared to PPU. The reprocessability of the PPU network was remained although the stress relaxation rate was reduced with incorporation and increasing content of CNT. In addition, the PPU/CNT composites could be degraded chemically to recycle CNT through reaction of the dynamic piperidine‐urea bonds with additional PIP.
Temporal and spatial variations of propagule deposition in the riparian zones of mountain rivers
Authors: Flores‐Galicia Nihaib , Trejo Irma 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough dispersal is important for riparian plants, few studies have evaluated the variations of species richness and composition of propagules deposited by different dispersal mechanisms. In the present study, we evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in the diversity of propagules deposited by hydrochory and by other types of dispersal along mountain rivers. We sampled the propagules deposited in the riparian zone on a distance gradient with respect to the site of origin of the rivers in two seasons. We found no differences in the number of propagules between seasons. In the rainy season, we observed a greater number of species deposited by hydrochory, while for other types of dispersal there was a greater number of species in the dry season. Differences in composition were observed for hydrochory but not for other types of dispersal. There were no changes in the number of propagules deposited along the river by hydrochory, while for other types of dispersal an increase was observed in the dry season. A lower number of species deposited by hydrochory along the river was observed during the rainy season. Finally, we observed that turnover increases for other types of dispersal in the dry season but not for hydrochory. The results underline the importance of types of dispersal other than hydrochory in the contribution of propagules dispersed and the temporal and spatial particularities of the hydrochory in mountain rivers.
Sustainable economic development in OECD countries: Does energy security matter?
Authors: Zakari Abdulrasheed , Oluwaseyi Musibau Hammed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGiven its versatility, energy security's importance to economic growth cannot be overstated. Existing empirical research has not, however, taken into account the significance of energy security in achieving sustainable economic and financial development. The objective of this study is to provide an empirical response to the question, “How can we exploit energy potentials without compromising the sustainable development agenda?”. Our research indicates that energy security enhances economic and financial sustainability. However, the influence varies between quantiles. Initially, energy security inhibited sustainable economic development; this may have been due to excessive reliance on fossil fuel as a source of energy generation; however, the energy transition to renewable energy mitigated this negative impact, thereby fostering sustainable economic development. Likewise, energy security promotes long‐term sustainable financial development. Energy security is the heart of sustainable economic and financial development hence, the need for diversification of energy sources by promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies became necessary. Encourage investments in solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and other renewable sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts.
Ecological challenges on small tourist islands: A case from Chinese rural island
Authors: Zhang Jie , Dou Shiquan , Liu Jiangyi , Chen Yue 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe expansion of the global tourism market has accelerated the development of small tourist islands. The rapid growth of tourist scale and activity intensity poses a potential threat to the fragile ecosystems of small islands. This article focuses on the ecological stresses small tourism islands face in their development. Compared with similar studies, we found a more flexible way to measure ecological stress of current activities. We show a framework for ecological stress assessment on small rural islands and illustrate it with Weizhou Island, China. It reveals a new approach to combining ecological footprint, geographic data, and visitor activity data. This combination enables a spatial linkage between biophysical and social surveys. To verify the validity of the assessment framework, we assessed the spatial distribution of ecosystem loss on the island using habitat quality. A multi‐scale geographically weighted model describes the spatial correlation between ecological stress and habitat quality. Real‐world application cases were used to test the usability and practical use of the policy assessment framework. We provide methodological and application‐based contributions to support the sustainable development of small tourist islands. Overall, the assessment framework offers a reliable solution for systematically collecting, analyzing, and reporting ecological stresses faced by small tourist islands.
The evaluation of men introduced in midwifery in the United Kingdom: A gender perspective
Authors: Sannomiya Masana , Morie Kento , Kubota Anna , Kanai‐Pak Masako 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo explore the role of pilot tests in developing gender policies, this study investigates their use of policy‐making for the introduction of male midwives in the United Kingdom. A literature review was performed, and data that contradicted the statements of researchers studying male midwives or male midwives who had participated in the pilots were excluded. Any uncertainties were clarified through consultation with nursing and midwifery associations. The United Kingdom's Midwives Act 1902 initially restricted midwifery to women. However, the Sex Discrimination Act 1973 debates led to the consideration of introducing male midwives. While professional associations resisted, public bodies supported it, on the condition that it guaranteed women's right to select the gender of their attendant midwives. The government decided to conduct pilots to assess the acceptability of male midwives and the financial implications of having chaperones with male midwives. Despite pressure from the European Commission, the decision to permit male midwives across the United Kingdom, made in 1984, was withheld until the results of the pilots were available. However, substantive gender equality issues, such as the working conditions for male midwives, remain largely unexplored. To ensure gender inclusivity in midwifery, scientific pilot tests focusing on both formative and substantive equality are recommended.
Multi‐Functional Applications of H‐Glass Embedded with Stable Plasmonic Gold Nanoislands
Authors: Gangareddy Jagannath , Rudra Pratyasha , Chirumamilla Manohar , Ganisetti Sudheer , Kasimuthumaniyan Subramanian , Sahoo Sourav , Jayanthi K. , Rathod Jagannath , Soma Venugopal Rao , Das Subrata , Gosvami Nitya Nand , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Pedersen Kjeld , Mondal Swastik , Ghosh Srabanti , Allu Amarnath R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMetal nanoparticles (MNPs) are synthesized using various techniques on diverse substrates that significantly impact their properties. However, among the substrate materials investigated, the major challenge is the stability of MNPs due to their poor adhesion to the substrate. Herein, it is demonstrated how a newly developed H‐glass can concurrently stabilize plasmonic gold nanoislands (GNIs) and offer multifunctional applications. The GNIs on the H‐glass are synthesized using a simple yet, robust thermal dewetting process. The H‐glass embedded with GNIs demonstrates versatility in its applications, such as i) acting as a room temperature chemiresistive gas sensor (70% response for NO2 gas); ii) serving as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the identifications of Nile blue (dye) and picric acid (explosive) analytes down to nanomolar concentrations with enhancement factors of 4.8 × 106 and 6.1 × 105, respectively; and iii) functioning as a nonlinear optical saturable absorber with a saturation intensity of 18.36 × 1015 W m−2 at 600 nm, and the performance characteristics are on par with those of materials reported in the existing literature. This work establishes a facile strategy to develop advanced materials by depositing metal nanoislands on glass for various functional applications.
Proton is Essential or Not: A Fresh Look on Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage of PANI Composites
Authors: Yu Hongyuan , Long Yu , Chen Derong , Dong Ximan , Ye Xiaolin , Zhang Yibo , Li Fangbing , Xu Yue , Tao Ying , Yang Quan‐Hong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractProtonation has been considered essential for the pseudocapacitive energy storage of polyaniline (PANI) for years, as proton doping in PANI chains not only activates electron transport pathways, but also promotes the proceeding of redox reactions. Rarely has the ability for PANI of storing energy without protonation been investigated, and it remains uncertain whether PANI has pseudocapacitive charge storage properties in an alkaline electrolyte. Here, this work first demonstrates the pseudocapacitive energy storage for PANI without protonation using a PANI/graphene composite as a model material in an alkaline electrolyte. Using in situ Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements, this work determines the formation of −N= group over potential on a PANI chain and demonstrates the direct contribution of OH− in the nonprotonation type of oxidation reactions. This work finds that the PANI/graphene composite in an alkaline electrolyte has excellent cycling stability with a wider operation voltage of 1 V as well as a slightly higher specific capacitance than that in an acidic electrolyte. The findings provide a new perspective on pseudocapacitive energy storage of PANI‐based composites, which will influence the selection of electrolytes for PANI materials and expand their application in energy storage fields.
Reshaping Covalent Nanowires by Exploiting an Unexpected Plasticity Mediated by Deformation Twinning
Authors: Vlassov Sergei , Oras Sven , Trausa Annamarija , Tiirats Tauno , Butanovs Edgars , Polyakov Boris , Zadin Veronika , Kyritsakis Andreas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNanowires (NWs) are among the most studied nanostructures as they have numerous promising applications thanks to their various unique properties. Furthermore, the properties of NWs can be tailored during synthesis by introducing structural defects such as nano‐twins, periodic polytypes, and kinks, i.e., abrupt changes in their axial direction. Here, this work reports for the first time the postsynthesis formation of such defects, achieved by exploiting a peculiar plasticity that may occur in nanosized covalent materials. Specifically, in this work the authors found that single‐crystal CuO NWs can form double kinks when subjected to external mechanical loading. Both the microscopy and atomistic modeling suggest that deformation‐induced twinning along the plane is the mechanism behind this effect. In a single case the authors are able to unkink a NW back to its initial straight profile, indicating the possibility of reversible plasticity in CuO NWs, which is supported by the atomistic simulations. The phenomenon reported here provides novel insights into the mechanisms of plastic deformation in covalent NWs and offers potential avenues for developing techniques to customize the shape of NWs postsynthesis and introduce new functionalities.
Guard Cell‐Inspired Ion Channels: Harnessing the Photomechanical Effect via Supramolecular Assembly of Cross‐Linked Azobenzene/Polymers
Authors: Chen Yi‐Fan , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Lin Pei‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Chun , Lee Min‐Jie , Lee Lin‐Ruei , Zheng Sheng , Lin Yu‐Liang , Huang Yen‐Lin , Chen Jiun‐Tai 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStimuli‐responsive ion nanochannels have attracted considerable attention in various fields because of their remote controllability of ionic transportation. For photoresponsive ion nanochannels, however, achieving precise regulation of ion conductivity is still challenging, primarily due to the difficulty of programmable structural changes in confined environments. Moreover, the relationship between noncontact photo‐stimulation in nanoscale and light‐induced ion conductivity has not been well understood. In this work, a versatile design for fabricating guard cell‐inspired photoswitchable ion channels is presented by infiltrating azobenzene‐cross‐linked polymer (AAZO‐PDAC) into nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. The azobenzene‐cross‐linked polymer is formed by azobenzene chromophore (AAZO)‐cross‐linked poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) with electrostatic interactions. Under UV irradiation, the trans‐AAZO isomerizes to the cis‐AAZO, causing the volume compression of the polymer network, whereas, in darkness, the cis‐AAZO reverts to the trans‐AAZO, leading to the recovery of the structure. Consequently, the resultant nanopore sizes can be manipulated by the photomechanical effect of the AAZO‐PDAC polymers. By adding ionic liquids, the ion conductivity of the light‐driven ion nanochannels can be controlled with good repeatability and fast responses (within seconds) in multiple cycles. The ion channels have promising potential in the applications of biomimetic materials, sensors, and biomedical sciences.
Efficient Flexible Fabric‐Based Top‐Emitting Polymer Light‐Emitting Devices for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Wang Yeyang , Chen Yujie , Zhao Jiaxuan , Wang Yawei , An Jingxi , Lu Yanan , Chen Yuehua , Lai Wenyong , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLow‐cost fabric‐based top‐emitting polymer light‐emitting devices (Fa‐TPLEDs) have aroused increasing attention due to their remarkable potential applications in wearable displays. However, it is still challenging to realize efficient all‐solution‐processed devices from bottom electrodes to top electrodes with large‐scale fabrication. Here, a smooth reflective Ag cathode integrated on fabric by one‐step silver mirror reaction and a composite transparent anode of polydimethylsiloxane/silver nanowires/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) via a water‐assisted peeling method are presented, both of which possess excellent optoelectrical properties and robust mechanical flexibility. The Fa‐TPLEDs are constructed by spin‐coating functional layers on the bottom reflective cathodes and laminating the top transparent anodes. The Fa‐TPLEDs show a current efficiency of 16.3 cd A−1, an external quantum efficiency of 4.9% and angle‐independent electroluminescence spectra. In addition, the Fa‐TPLEDs possess excellent mechanical stability, maintaining a current efficiency of 14.3 cd A−1 after 200 bending cycles at a radius of 4 mm. The results demonstrate that the integration of solution‐processed reflective cathodes and transparent anodes sheds light on a new avenue to construct low‐cost and efficient fabric‐based devices, showing great potential applications in emerging smart flexible/wearable electronics.
Spatiotemporally Programmed Disassembly of Multifunctional Integrated DNAzyme Nanoplatfrom for Amplified Intracellular MicroRNA Imaging
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Yu Shanshan , Shang Jinhua , He Shizhen , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Fuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe sensing performance of DNAzymes in live cells is tremendously hampered by the inefficient and inhomogeneous delivery of DNAzyme probes and their incontrollable off‐site activation, originating from their susceptibility to nuclease digestion. This requires the development of a more compact and robust DNAzyme‐delivering system with site‐specific DNAzyme activation property. Herein, a highly compact and robust Zn@DDz nanoplatform is constructed by integrating the unimolecular microRNA‐responsive DNA‐cleaving DNAzyme (DDz) probe with the requisite DNAzyme Zn2+‐ion cofactors, and the amplified intracellular imaging of microRNA via the spatiotemporally programmed disassembly of Zn@DDz nanoparticles is achieved. The multifunctional Zn@DDz nanoplatform is simply composed of a structurally blocked self‐hydrolysis DDz probe and the inorganic Zn2+‐ion bridge, with high loading capacity, and can effectively deliver the initially catalytic inert DDz probe and Zn2+ into living cells with enhanced stabilities. Upon their entry into the acidic microenvironment of living cells, the self‐sufficient Zn@DDz nanoparticle is disassembled to release DDz probe and simultaneously supply Zn2+‐ion cofactors. Then, endogenous microRNA‐21 catalyzes the reconfiguration and activation of DDz for generating the amplified readout signal with multiply guaranteed imaging performance. Thus, this work paves an effective way for promoting DNAzyme‐based biosensing systems in living cells, and shows great promise in clinical diagnosis.