Series Of Films Research Articles

Nonconjugated Polyurethane Derivatives with Aggregation-Induced Luminochromism for Multicolor and White Photoluminescent Films.

A simple and effective strategy to obtain solid-state multicolor emitting materials is a particularly attractive topic. Nonconventional/nonconjugated polymers are receiving widespread attention because of their advantages of rich structural diversity, low cost, and good processability. However, it is difficult to control the molecular conformation or to obtain the crystal structure of amorphous molecules, which means it is a challenge to obtain nontraditional polymeric materials with multicolor emission. In this work, a polyurethane derivative (PUH) with red-shifted emission was synthesized by a simple one-pot polymerization reaction. By exploiting the aggregation-induced luminochromism of PUH, a series of plastic films with tunable emission from blue to orange, and white-light emission, was obtained by doping different amounts of PUH into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), thereby changing the aggregation degree of PUH. This work demonstrates the excellent promise of polyurethane derivatives for the simple fabrication of large-scale flexible luminescent films.

Cilla Whatcott—Producer and Executive Director of the Real Immunity Film Series, Educator and Expert in the Field of Homeoprophylaxis, Crossed the Threshold on February 13, 2024

Cilla Whatcott—Producer and Executive Director of the Real Immunity Film Series, Educator and Expert in the Field of Homeoprophylaxis, Crossed the Threshold on February 13, 2024

Magnetic anisotropy of L1[formula omitted] FeNi (001), (010), and (111) ultrathin films: A first-principles study

In previous experiments, L10 FeNi thin films with different surfaces, including (001), (110), and (111), were produced and studied. Each surface defines a different alignment of the crystallographic tetragonal axis with respect to the film’s plane, resulting in different magnetic anisotropies. In this study, we use density functional theory calculations to examine three series of L10 FeNi films with surfaces (001), (010), and (111), and with thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 3 nm (from 4 to 16 atomic monolayers). Our results show that films (001) have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, while (010) favor in-plane magnetization, with a clear preference for the tetragonal axis [001]. We proposed calling this type of in-plane anisotropy fixed in-plane. A film with a surface (111) and a thickness of four atomic monolayers has a magnetization easy axis almost perpendicular to the plane of the film. As the thickness of the (111) film increases, the direction of magnetization rotates towards a tetragonal axis [001], positioned at an angle of about 45° to the plane of the film. Furthermore, the most significant changes in spin and orbital magnetic moments occur at a depth of about three near-surface atomic monolayers. Ultrathin L10 FeNi films with varying magnetic anisotropies may find applications in spintronic devices.

Fully renewable oxygen barrier films of scCO2-processed thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blends

Abstract Excellent oxygen barrier films were prepared by blending very small loadings (<1 wt%) of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), erythritol (ET) or xylitol (XT) in thermoplastic starch (TPS), and/or processing with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) assistance. The minimum oxygen transmission rates (OTR) and all free-volume-hole characteristic (FVH) values of each scCO2-processed TPS/sugar alcohol film series are somewhat smaller than those of corresponding TPS/sugar alcohol film series without scCO2-assistance, and decrease with the decrease in sugar alcohol’s molecular weight. The minimum OTR values acquired for scCO2-processed TPS/DHA and TPS/ET blown films are only 3.6 and 4.3 cm3/m2·day·atm, respectively, which meet the demand of high oxygen barrier films having OTR ≦5 cm3/m2·day·atm. The longitudinal or transversal tensile strengths acquired for each scCO2-processed TPS/sugar alcohol series films are ∼30 % to ∼40 % higher than those of the TPS blown films. Dynamic mechanical relaxations of each TPS/sugar alcohol or scCO2-processed TPS/sugar alcohol film series reveal that the sugar alcohols are compatible with TPS, as their sugar alcohol contents are ≤ the corresponding compatibility values. The decreased OTR and FVH values acquired for TPS/sugar alcohol or scCO2-processed TPS/sugar alcohol films are most likely due to them being scCO2-processed or incorporated with smaller molecular weight of sugar alcohols.

Light-induced multilevel resistive switching in cesium-doped lead-free halide double perovskite memory device

A series of (CH3NH3)2-xCsxAgBiBr6 films (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were fabricated on ITO/glass substrates through the sol-gel method. 15 % Cs doping (x=0.3) was the optimal condition for enhancing the film quality and achieving nonvolatile bipolar resistive switching (BRS) performance in the devices. The on/off ratio in the (CH3NH3)1.7Cs0.3AgBiBr6 (Cs-MAABB-3)-based RS device reached 7.7×104, high and low resistance states were maintained for over 104 s. Under different light intensities with a wavelength of 430 nm, six distinct resistance states were recorded at −0.3 V in the Au/Cs-MAABB-3/ITO/glass device. These multilevel states remained after 5000 s and 650 cycles, indicating the excellent retention and endurance of multilevel RS memory in the Au/Cs-MAABB-3/ITO/glass device. The RS behavior in this device followed the trap-controlled space charge-limited current and conductive filament models. Cs-doping increased the concentration of intrinsic vacancies appropriately, leading to a more prominent RS effect. With varying intensities of illumination, the change of Schottky-like barrier at the Au/Cs-MAABB-3 interface, modulated by the photo-induced carriers, affected the multilevel resistance states in the device. The excellent multilevel RS performance was observed for the first time in the Cs-MAABB-3-based device. It presents broad possibilities for improving high-density memory in lead-free halide double perovskite-based devices.

Preparation of polyimide films with ultralow dielectric loss at high frequency by reducing intermolecular friction

Due to the rapid development of high frequency and high rate communication technology, polyimide (PI) films with ultra-low dielectric loss (Df) at high frequency, excellent thermal and mechanical properties are urgently needed. A series of PI films with ultra-low Df were prepared by introducing different mesogen units. Among them, one novel PI film with biphenyl liquid-crystal-like units (BAHQ-TFMB) achieve a recorded low Df of 0.00169 (10 GHz) which surpasses previous studies on pure PI bulk films. Importantly, the high degree of collinearity of the friction work (Wf) and Df of PI films (Pearson's r = 0.992) was confirmed, which indicate that Wf among PI macromolecules plays an important role in determining Df of PI films. To reveal underlying reason for reducing the Wf and Df of PI films, the contribution of the degree of orientation and crystallinity of PI films with or without liquid-crystal-like structures were comparative studied. Through a two-dimensional orientation determinant, it is found that increasing the crystallinity of liquid-crystal-like PI films is the main contribution to reducing Wf and corresponding Df of PI films while the orientation of PI films seems to have weak effect. Moreover, BAHQ-TFMB PI film exhibits excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strengths is 145.5 ± 12.0 MPa and Young's moduli is 4.76 ± 0.28 GPa.

Exploring the Development of Soft Science Fiction Films in the Chinese Film Market: Taking Dune 2 as an Example

Following the cessation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese film industry has experienced a resurgence, leading to fresh prospects for the Chinese science fiction film market. On March 8, 2024, the Chinese mainland will host the release of Dune 2, which has garnered significant popularity in the Chinese science fiction cinema market. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the popularity of the Dune series of movies in the Chinese film market persists. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential influence of the Dune series of movies on the Chinese science fiction film industry. This article provided an in-depth examination of the film "Dune 2" as a specific example. This analysis utilized the distinctive attributes of the "Dune 2" film series, as well as the commercial performance and value demonstrated in the Chinese film market. It combined fundamental business theory and cinematic art knowledge to conduct a thorough examination and observation. The study yields three key outcomes: the successful adaptation of movies based on popular intellectual properties, achieved by appropriately innovating the original IP; the advancement in filming technology, which propels the growth of science fiction movies by establishing a dedicated technology park for the film industry; the influence of film music on the coherence of movie narratives, through the creation of music that aligns with the unique style of each film. This study aimed to investigate the attributes of the Chinese science fiction film market and offers recommendations for the advancement of Chinese science fiction films.

Digital Hybrid Technology and Literary Fantasy of Today's Cinema: A Case Study of Jumanji

This study examines how state-of-the-art cinematic techniques, such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), visual effects, and the integration of digital characters with real-world environments, are used to achieve a seamless blend of fantasy and reality in the "Jumanji" film series (1995, 2005, 2017, 2019). The research investigates bringing the "Jumanji" game to life and how these technologies materialize the fantasy elements of the original game within the real world. It explores crafting a fantastical narrative, i.e., how they establish a captivating and immersive space adventure experience in "Zathura." This study suggests that contemporary fans of "Jumanji" have a distinct perception of the film because they enjoy the mix of immersive fantasy and a sense of real-world connection.

Intelligent Food Packaging: Quaternary Ammonium Chitosan/Gelatin Blended Films Enriched with Blueberry Anthocyanin-Derived Cyanidin for Shrimp and Milk Freshness Monitoring.

Blueberry anthocyanin-derived cyanidin (BAC) was used to prepare a series of responsive food freshness packaging films by compounding it with quaternary chitosan (QC) and gelatin (G). The fundamental properties, pH sensitivity, and functional attributes of the films were examined. The BAC solutions exhibited notable variations in color (from red to pink to violet) under different pH conditions. The incorporation of BAC resulted in improved UV-vis shielding capabilities but compromised the mechanical strength of the films (with tensile strength values from 85.02 to 44.89 MPa, elongation at break from 13.08% to 3.6%, and water vapor transmission rates from 5.24 × 10-9 to 7.80 × 10-9 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1). The QC-G-BAC films, containing 5-15 wt% BAC, exhibited noticeable color changes in acidic/ammonia environments within a short timeframe, easily discernible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the inclusion of BAC significantly enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The addition of 5-15 wt% BAC to QC-G-BAC films could be employed for assessing the freshness of fresh shrimp (from red to dark red) and pasteurized milk (from red to dark earthy yellow). Among them, the total color difference (ΔE) of QC-G-BAC5 film was significantly correlated with the pH, acidity, and total colony count of pasteurized milk (R = 0.846, -0.930, -0.908, respectively). This new concept in smart packaging offers a straightforward and user-friendly freshness indicator.

Coomans plot classification of lard in the ink blends and ink extracts from printed packaging films using lard Fourier transform infrared spectral profile and multivariate analysis

Lard in blends of commercial gravure ink (ranging from 0.5 to 20%) and ink extracts from eleven commercially printed packaging films for foodstuffs was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR spectral bands at 4000 ‒ 650 cm-1 associated with the lard fingerprint were acquired and used to classify the lard and its blends using partial least squares (PLS) regression and discriminant analysis (DA). Commercial gravure inks (also used for preparing calibration curve samples), blends of lard ranging from 0.5 to 20% in gravure inks, and commercially printed food packaging films were tested. Linear correlation of predicted and actual values of lard were determined using PLS calibration and validation models. They produced a high coefficient of determination (R2 ) of 0.943, a low root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 1.674, as well as a high R2 = 0.999 and a low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.233, respectively. The PLS calibration was verified employing a leave-oneout cross-validation, while DA was used to classify a series of lard standard, lard-added ink, and commercial food packaging films. The Coomans plot classification of the lardadded ink and commercial food packaging films illustrated that the food packaging samples were plotted in the right and left hemispheres in the lard-added ink class. This result also demonstrated that FTIR coupled with chemometric PLS predicted the lard content in the printing inks with high overall accuracy, as indicated by a low mean difference (MD) value of 0.577 and a low standard deviation of difference (SDD) value of 0.599. The DA allowed the ink packaging samples that potentially contained lard to be distinguished from those without lard. Sample 7 (commercially printed food packaging ink) exhibits the highest possibility of containing lard.

Measurement of the depth-dependent local dynamics in thin polymer films through rejuvenation of ultrastable glasses

The depth dependence of structural relaxation dynamics is a key part of understanding thin glassy films. Despite this importance and decades of research, a method to provide this information has proved elusive. We measure the isothermal rejuvenation of stable glass films of poly(styrene), and demonstrate that the propagation of the front responsible for the transformation to a supercooled-liquid state serves as a highly localized probe of the local dynamics of the supercooled liquid. We use this connection to probe the depth-dependent relaxation rate with nanometric precision for a series of polystyrene films over a range of temperatures near the bulk glass transition temperature. The analysis shows the spatial extent of enhanced surface mobility and reveals the existence of an unexpected large dynamical length scale in the system. The results are compared with the cooperative-string model for glassy dynamics. The data reveals that the film-thickness dependence of whole film properties arises mainly from the volume fraction of the near-surface region. While the dynamics farthest from the free surface shows the expected bulk-like temperature dependence, the dynamics in the near-surface region shows very little dependence on temperature. This technique can be used in a broad range of thin film materials to gain previously unattainable information about localized structural relaxation.

Demonstration of the Optical Isotropy of TiO2 Thin Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films prepared by the sol-gel technique have been shown to be optically isotropic and, unlike the films obtained by competitive methods, do not exhibit measurable birefringence. A series of submicrometer-thin titanium dioxide films were prepared using the sol-gel technique and then thermally annealed at different temperatures. The samples were analyzed by spectroscopic ellipsometry using the Mueller matrix formalism, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The conversion of amorphous titanium dioxide to polycrystalline anatase occurred at 400 °C or higher. Crystallites of a few percent of the film thickness were observed. Nevertheless, the crystallization process did not trigger the appearance of birefringence. These observations demonstrate that high-quality planar optical waveguides can be successfully fabricated on flexible substrates, in particular those composed of efficient polymers that can withstand the aforementioned temperatures.

Emerging 2D Ferromagnetism in Graphenized GdAlSi.

2D magnets are expected to give new insights into the fundamentals of magnetism, host novel quantum phases, and foster development of ultra-compact spintronics. However, the scarcity of 2D magnets often makes a bottleneck in the research efforts, prompting the search for new magnetic systems and synthetic routes. Here, an unconventional approach is adopted to the problem, graphenization - stabilization of layered honeycomb materials in the 2D limit. Tetragonal GdAlSi, stable in the bulk, in ultrathin films gives way to its layered counterpart - graphene-like anionic AlSi layers coupled to Gd cations. A series of inch-scale films of layered GdAlSi on silicon is synthesized, down to a single monolayer, by molecular beam epitaxy. Graphenization induces an easy-plane ferromagnetic order in GdAlSi. The magnetism is controlled by low magnetic fields, revealing its 2D nature. Remarkably, it exhibits a non-monotonic evolution with the number of monolayers. The results provide a fresh platform for research on 2D magnets by design.

PDLC flexible films with multiple fluorescence and voltage modulated modes and intelligent coding for applications in anti-counterfeiting and transparent displays

Currently, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) exhibits great potential in anti-counterfeiting and display device applications, but they still have serious disadvantages of poor stability, small voltage-variable color range, low recognition rate, long response time and single-color variation. In this work, the developed novel multiple modulated anti-counterfeiting modes that combined red, yellow and green fluorescent colors and voltages by using the modification strategy of PDLC. A series of anti-counterfeiting PDLC films with multicolor-modulated decoding modes were prepared by introducing fluorescent materials with different emission wavelengths into PDLC. In order to further enhance anti-counterfeiting ability, the model of the dynamic change of micrometer-sized pixel points under different voltages was developed, which greatly increased the difficulty for PDLC being counterfeited. For display application, our developed PDLC-based flexible electronic papers with single- and multi-pattern displays exhibited dynamic change of patterns that could be intelligently adjusted. Noteworthily, the electronic paper had a fast response time (11.6 ms) and high contrast ratio (234.06). Furthermore, the prepared flexible electronic paper served as a billboard for supermarkets that could dynamically regulate real-time prices. In short, the developed PDLC flexible films with multiple anti-counterfeiting and coding modes will have great promising in anti-counterfeiting and display device applications in real life.

Enhanced cation ordering, electron-spin-phonon interactions and Fano resonance in half-metallic Sr2FeMoO6 thin films

We report the presence of electron-spin-phonon interactions in half-metallic ferromagnetic Sr2FeMoO6 (SFMO) double perovskite thin films using temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. A series of SFMO thin films have been prepared on LaAlO3 (001) single-crystal substrate using the Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. These depositions have been made in different gas-conditions such as in vacuum, and under nitrogen and oxygen gas pressures. At room temperature, Raman spectra manifest a Fano feature which indicates the presence of electron-phonon coupling in the films. The electron-phonon coupling strength further changes with a change in deposition conditions. Magnetization results show that the SFMO film grown in vacuum has the highest saturation magnetization which suggests better cation ordering as compared to the other films. For enhanced understanding, Raman spectra were recorded at varied temperatures and the data were analyzed by theoretical model fittings. A parameter quantifying temperature-dependent anharmonic nature of phonons has been derived using Balkanski model fits. This parameter shows a drastic deviation in the vicinity of Curie temperatures, manifesting a spin-phonon coupling in SFMO films. We further show that the spin-phonon coupling strengthens with improved Fe–Mo ordering. Any experimental observation of spin-phonon coupling has not been reported for SFMO systems till date. The magnetization data corroborate well with these observations made by Raman measurements. Our results of Raman spectroscopy, magnetization and resistivity collectively suggest that the SFMO films exhibit electron-spin-phonon interactions, which are influenced by the cation ordering. We also devised out the method of relating the anharmonic nature of Raman modes with the degree of Fe–Mo ordering and spin-phonon coupling in double-perovskite materials.

The moderating role of e‐word of mouth in the relationships between destination source credibility, awareness, attachment, travel motivation, and travel intention: A case study of Vietnamese film tourism

AbstractBy adopting stimulus‐organism‐response theory, this study aims to investigate the role of destination source credibility, destination awareness, destination attachment, travel motivation, and e‐word of mouth (e‐WOM) in shaping audiences' travel intentions to visit locations depicted in movies or film series. A quantitative survey is conducted with 523 Vietnamese tourists, collecting their opinions on movie/film destinations. The findings highlight the significant influence of destination source credibility and travel motivation on destination attachment, further impacting travel intention. Additionally, the study reveals the effects of destination awareness, motivation, and attachment on travel intention. Notably, e‐WOM moderates the relationships between destination source credibility, travel intention, and destination attachment and travel intention. The study provides theoretical and practical implications, offering insights and suggestions for future research in the field.

Films based on TEMPO-oxidized chitosan nanoparticles: Obtaining and potential application as wound dressings

A series of novel films based on TEMPO-oxidized chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to ascertain the chemical structure of TEMPO-oxidized chitosan. The surface morphology of the TEMPO-oxidized chitosan nanoparticles was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The physicochemical (area density, thickness, iodine sorption, roughness), functional (moisture sorption, liquid absorption capacity, weight loss upon contact with the liquid, and water vapor transmission rate), antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of films based on TEMPO-oxidized chitosan nanoparticles were also investigated. The physicochemical properties of the films varied widely: area density ranged from 77.83 ± 0.06 to184.46 ± 0.05 mg/cm2, thickness varied between 80.5 ± 1.6 and 200.5 ± 1.6 μm, iodine sorption spanned from 333.7 ± 2.1 to166.4 ± 2.2 mg I2/g, and roughness ranged from 4.1 ± 0.2 to 5.6 ± 0.3 nm. Similarly, the functional properties also varied significantly: moisture sorption ranged from 4.76 ± 0.03 to 9.62 ± 0.11 %, liquid absorption capacity was between 129.04 ± 0.24 and 159.33 ± 0.73 % after 24 h, weight loss upon contact with the liquid varied between 31.06 ± 0.35 and 45.88 ± 0.58 % after 24 h and water vapor transmission rate ranged from 1220.10 ± 2.91to1407.77 ± 5.22 g/m2 day. Despite the wide variations in physicochemical and functional properties, all films showed maximum bacterial reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, although they exhibited low antioxidant activity. The results suggest that the films could be effectively utilized as antibacterial wound dressings.

The electrical properties of nitrogen-doped vanadium dioxide thin films grown by magnetron sputtering

Abstract Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes a reversible semiconductor-metal phase transition near 68°C, and the optical and electrical properties could be changed in femtoseconds. These unique characteristics meet the electro-optic switch applications. In this work, to improve the intrinsic characteristics of VO2, a series of nitrogen-doped vanadium dioxide thin films were prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering. Moreover, the effects of different nitrogen flow rates on the microstructure, surface morphology, electrical properties and phase transition properties of the samples were investigated. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), four-point probe system, and Hall effect et al. Sheet resistance variation at room temperature and high temperatures indicates remarkable semiconductor-metal transition characteristics. According to results of Hall effect measurement, when nitrogen flow rate is less than 1 sccm, the samples exhibits p-type semiconductor characteristics. However, while nitrogen flow rate reaches 1 sccm, n-type semiconductor characteristics appear. What’s more, Carrier mobility reaches a maximum at a nitrogen to oxygen flow ratio of 0.3. The results reveal that the samples have a great potential on electro-optic switching applications.

Depiction of Oppression of the LGBTQ+ Community in the Dialogues of the Youtube Film Series “Sakristan”

“Sakristan” is a 20-minute film series with eight episodes directed by Darryl Yap; it shows that love goes beyond religion and gender. The research analyzed if there are sources of inaccurate portrayals that may have harmful repercussions such as hatred, oppression, and stereotypes toward the LGBTQ+ community. The study employed a qualitative content analysis method wherein the researchers observed the film’s mise-en-scene in relation to its dialogues to better understand how ‘Sakristan” portrayed the LGBTQ+ community. By utilizing Burke’s (1945) Pentadic Analysis, Green and Brock’s (2000, as cited in Green et al., 2004) Narrative Transportation Theory, and Queer Theory, results show that there is a pervasive presence of stereotyping and mockery as prominent ideologies within the series, the portrayal of oppression through the mise-en-scene of Sakristan (2020) varied across different scenes, and negative implications constructed various forms of oppression that were evident in the whole series which were powerlessness, exploitation, violence, and marginalization. Within the context of globalization and expanding reach of media, cinematic productions possess the capacity to transcend geographic and cultural limitations, diffusing LGBTQ+ identities to a global audience. Furthermore, this serves as a reference to develop a deeper understanding toward the community and how society can promote inclusivity worldwide. This also allows the media to know their potential to exert influence on international perceptions and attitudes toward queer individuals.

Reimagining Scholars and Eunuchs: Nationalism, Masculinities, and Historicism in King Hu’s Martial Arts Films

ABSTRACT The historicist and cultural-essentialist filmmaker King Hu set most of his martial arts films in the Ming dynasty, a turbulent but legendary period in Chinese history. This article examines two archetypes in Hu’s films, namely the righteous Confucian scholar-xia and the politically powerful eunuch, who engage in contestations of masculinity within ideal cinematic spaces (jianghu, milieu). These settings and character designs profoundly influenced the martial arts genre. Hu’s cinematography embodied a field for negotiating Chinese masculinities that deviate somewhat from Euro-American theorising about gender binarism and masculinity. By tracing the historical and cultural origins of the scholar and eunuch archetypes, and scrutinising their cultural identities, power structures, gender negotiations, and distinctive notions of nationhood, this article illustrates that Hu’s works parodied and critiqued the problematic authoritarianism of the James Bond film series, despite the prevalence of Bond-esque Western ‘heroes’ in Hong Kong popular culture during the Cold War. He idealised the politically marginalised scholars, critically appraised the hegemonic and transgender eunuchs, and constructed unconventional and resolute swordswomen, and thereby re-articulated the gender and power systems of wen and wu, yin and yang, to revive Chinese cultural traditions and allegorise the sociopolitical landscape.