bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-service teachers’ engagement through small group tutorial learning strategy in accounting
Authors: Jabulisile Ngwenya , Nomsa Zaly
Published: November 2024

Teaching in the 21st century involves encouraging creativity and active engagement of students in the learning process. This requires using student-centred approaches for tertiary students to improve their learning experiences and help develop 21st-century skills. Hence, small group learning has become a significant priority in preparing and equipping accounting students with the creative, collaborative, problem-solving skills and academic competencies required in the workplace. This article employed a qualitative case study research approach within the interpretive paradigm to understand how pre-service Accounting teachers learn through a small group tutorial strategy. Twenty pre-service Accounting teachers were purposively selected from a population of first-year pre-service Accounting teachers. Data were obtained through semi-structured individual telephonic and WhatsApp-based focus group interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis method. What emerged from the findings is that participants acknowledged the role of small group tutorials in creating a supportive social environment that allowed opportunities for enhancing learning of procedural processes and problem-solving skills. Most pre-service teachers were inspired to express themselves and share more freely without being ridiculed. Engagement in small group tutorials led to positive interdependence and interaction while developing self-confidence and interpersonal skills. Diversity in members created spaces for students to share different viewpoints on analytical approaches to solving Accounting problems.
Examining exclusionary impact of blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chidarikire Munyaradzi , Chidarikire Jane Nyokanhete
Published: November 2024

This qualitative research paper examines the exclusionary impact of Blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools in Zimbabwe. By identifying the challenges faced by these learners, such as the tragic loss of life due to falling into Blair toilets´ pits, the study underscores the urgent need to address this issue. The Social Model of Disability provides a theoretical framework that can be used to understand and analyse the exclusionary impact of Blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools in Zimbabwe. The study involved fifteen participants who were purposively selected based on criteria such as gender and personal experiences. Data was collected through focus group discussions and analysed using content thematic analysis. The study found that the exclusion of learners with disabilities from learning environments is due to the lack of accessible Blair toilets. Consequently, some learners with disabilities are forced to drop out of school due to the inaccessible nature of the toilets, which hampers their ability to attend classes regularly. Based on this finding, the article recommends that the government and other stakeholders should work together to construct Blair toilets that are accessible and user-friendly for learners with disabilities. This may involve building flush toilets and utilizing resources such as bricks and solar-powered boreholes to ensure an adequate water supply.
A shift in epistemological beliefs and practices during the Covid-19 pandemic: curriculum recovery plan implementation
Authors: Mabaso Mbali , Naidoo Devika
Published: November 2024

Research on epistemological beliefs has been a prominent focal area of study across the globe. Perry, who did the earliest research on this topic, defined epistemological beliefs as an individual's assumptions about the nature of knowledge, its boundaries, its accuracy, and its acquisition and emphasised its relevance in classroom practices. Business Studies literature on epistemological beliefs is scarce, particularly in South Africa. Given the current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the government has implemented a curriculum recovery plan (CRP) that prioritises the restoration of learning lost in the 2020 academic year. The primary objective was to investigate participants' epistemological beliefs and practices in relation to the Business Studies CRP. The data was obtained from 13 purposively selected participants through the methods of document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. The findings of this study indicated that the crisis conditions did shift participants' epistemological beliefs and practices. The participants accepted to remove topics that were redundant and deterrent to future careers. The teachers' pedagogical practices experienced transformation, with the implementation of novel teaching methodologies. The findings also suggest that the study participants learned to construct and use creative assessment methods like baseline activities to identify learning gaps and interactive quizzes to test knowledge acquisition.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Urban Muslim Youth towards Modernity and Globalization
Authors: Fitryansyah Muhammad Andryan , Sofiyati
Published: November 2024

This research examines the perceptions and attitudes of urban Muslim youth in Indonesia towards modernity and globalization. Urban Muslim youth navigate the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world while striving to maintain their religious and cultural identities. This study aims to explore the factors influencing their perceptions, including religiosity, family dynamics, education, economic conditions, and technological advancements. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research highlights how these factors interplay to shape the worldview and behaviors of young Muslims in urban settings. The findings reveal that while some urban Muslim youth embrace modernity and globalization, seeing them as opportunities for technological advancement and improved quality of life, others perceive them as threats to their traditional values and religious identity. The study underscores the importance of understanding these perceptions to address the social and religious development of urban Muslim communities. By providing insights into the attitudes of urban Muslim youth, this research contributes to the broader discourse on religious and cultural identities amidst the forces of modernity and globalization.
When Do Visual Category Representations Emerge in Infants’ Brains?
Authors: Yan Xiaoqian , Tung Sarah , Fascendini Bella , Chen Yulan Diana , Norcia Anthony M , Grill-Spector Kalanit
Published: November 2024

Organizing the continuous stream of visual input into categories like places or faces is important for everyday function and social interactions. However, it is unknown when neural representations of these and other visual categories emerge. Here we used steady state evoked potential electroencephalography to measure cortical responses in infants at 3-4 months, 4-6 months, 6-8 months, and 12-15 months, when they viewed controlled, gray-level images of faces, limbs, corridors, characters, and cars. We found that distinct responses to these categories emerge at different ages. Reliable brain responses to faces emerge first, at 4-6 months, followed by limbs and places around 6-8 months. Between 6-15 months response patterns become more distinct, such that a classifier can decode what an infant is looking at from their brain responses. These findings have important implications for assessing typical and atypical cortical development as they not only suggest that category representations are learned, but also that representations of categories that may have innate substrates emerge at different times during infancy.
Mapping HIV-1 RNA Structure, Homodimers, Long-Range Interactions and persistent domains by HiCapR
Authors: Zhang Yan , Han Jingwan , Xie Dejian , Shen Wenlong , Li Ping , Lau Jian You , Li Jingyun , Li Lin , Kudla Grzegorz , Zhao Zhihu
Published: November 2024

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) persists as a leading global health issue. A significant gap in knowledge exists in our understanding of long-range interactions within the HIV-1 RNA genome. To bridge this gap, we introduce HiCapR, incorporating a psoralen crosslinking RNA proximity ligation and post-library hybridization for capturing HIV RNA-RNA interactions.Leveraging HiCapR, we confirm the presence of stem structures in the key regions, such as the 5’-untranslated region(5’-UTR) and Rev Response Element (RRE) stems, and dimer sites in 5’-UTR region, which is responsible for HIV packaging. Importantly, we reveal multiple previously unknown homodimers along the HIV genome, which may have important implications for viral RNA splicing and packaging processes. Also, we uncover a wealth of unprecedented long-range interactions, particularly within the 5’-UTR of infected cells.Intriguingly, our findings indicate a pronounced reduction in long-range RNA-RNA interactions, signifying a transition from a state of abundant interactions, hence a relative loose state within infected cells to a condensed structure within virions. Concurrently, we have demonstrated the presence of stable genomic domains within virions that are instrumental in the dimerization process. These domains are preserved throughout the packaging process.Our findings shed light on the functional significance of RNA organization, including stable and persistent genomic domains, homodimerization, and long-range RNA-RNA interactions, in the splicing, packaging as well as assembly of HIV.
Integrator complex subunit 12 knockout overcomes a transcriptional block to HIV latency reversal
Authors: Gray Carley N , Ashokkumar Manickam , Janssens Derek H , Kirchherr Jennifer , Allard Brigitte , Hsieh Emily , Hafer Terry L , Archin Nancie M , Browne Edward P , Emerman Michael
Published: November 2024

The latent HIV reservoir is a major barrier to HIV cure. Combining latency reversal agents (LRAs) with differing mechanisms of action such as AZD5582, a non-canonical NF-kB activator, and I-BET151, a bromodomain inhibitor is appealing towards inducing HIV-1 reactivation. However, even this LRA combination needs improvement as it is inefficient at activating proviruses in cells from people living with HIV (PLWH). We performed a CRISPR screen in conjunction with AZD5582 & I-BET151 and identified a member of the Integrator complex as a target to improve this LRA combination, specifically Integrator complex subunit 12 (INTS12). Integrator functions as a genome-wide attenuator of transcription that acts on elongation through its RNA cleavage and phosphatase modules. Knockout of INTS12 improved latency reactivation at the transcriptional level and is more specific to the HIV-1 provirus than AZD5582 & I-BET151 treatment alone. We found that INTS12 is present on chromatin at the promoter of HIV and therefore its effect on HIV may be direct. Additionally, we observed more RNAPII in the gene body of HIV only with the combination of INTS12 knockout with AZD5582 & I-BET151, indicating that INTS12 induces a transcriptional elongation block to viral reactivation. Moreover, knockout of INTS12 increased HIV-1 reactivation in CD4 T cells from virally suppressed PLWH
ex vivo
. We also detected viral RNA in the supernatant from CD4 T cells of all three virally suppressed PLWH tested upon INTS12 knockout suggesting that INTS12 prevents full-length HIV RNA production in primary T cells.
The actomyosin system is essential for the integrity of the endosomal system in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Link Fabian , Jung Sisco , Malzer Xenia , Zierhut Felix , Konle Antonia , Borges Alyssa , Batters Christopher , Weiland Monika , Poellmann Mara , Nguyen An Binh , Kullmann Johannes , Veigel Claudia , Engstler Markus , Morriswood Brooke
Published: November 2024

The actin cytoskeleton is a ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic cells, yet its complexity varies across different taxa. In the parasitic protist Trypanosoma brucei, a rudimentary actomyosin system consisting of one actin gene and two myosin genes has been retained despite significant investment in the microtubule cytoskeleton. The functions of this highly simplified actomyosin system remain unclear, but appear to centre on the endomembrane system. Here, advanced light and electron microscopy imaging techniques, together with biochemical and biophysical assays, were used to explore the relationship between the actomyosin and endomembrane systems. The class I myosin (TbMyo1) had a large cytosolic pool and its ability to translocate actin filaments in vitro was shown here for the first time. TbMyo1 exhibited strong association with the endosomal system and was additionally found on glycosomes. At the endosomal membranes, TbMyo1 colocalised with markers for early and late endosomes (TbRab5A and TbRab7, respectively), but not with the marker associated with recycling endosomes (TbRab11). Actin and myosin were simultaneously visualised for the first time in trypanosomes using an anti-actin chromobody. Disruption of the actomyosin system using the actin-depolymerising drug latrunculin A resulted in a delocalisation of both the actin chromobody signal and an endosomal marker, and was accompanied by a specific loss of endosomal structure. This suggests that the actomyosin system is required for maintaining endosomal integrity in T. brucei.
Emergence of alternative stable states in gene exchange communities
Authors: Hong Juken , Xue Wenzhi , Wang Teng
Published: November 2024

Microbial communities living in the same environment often display multiple alternative stable states, each characterized by a unique composition of species. Understanding the origin and determinants of microbiome multistability has broad implications in environments, human health and microbiome engineering. However, despite its conceptual importance, how multistability emerges in complex communities remains largely unknown. Here, we focused on the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), one important aspect mostly overlooked in previous theories, on the stability landscape of competing microbial populations. Combining theoretical derivation and numerical simulations, we demonstrated that in many scenarios increasing gene transfer rate could promote the emergence of many alternative stable states in complex microbiota. In metacommunities composed of multiple local patches, such multistability enabled by HGT allows the regional coexistence of diverse microbes which would otherwise outcompete each other. We further discussed the effects of different complicating factors on the role of HGT in mediating microbiome stability. Our results provide key insights for the predictive control and engineering of complex microbiota.
Factors influencing attitudes toward end-of-life care among Korean emergency room nurses: a descriptive survey study
Authors: Park Jeong-Eun , Kim Hye-Jin
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study explored the relationships of emergency room nurses’ perceptions of a good death, sense of calling, empathy competence, and end-of-life care stress with attitudes toward end-of-life care. It also identified the factors influencing attitudes toward end-of-life care.Methods: Data collection was conducted from September 1 to September 27, 2023 among emergency room nurses from general hospitals in Korea. A total of 248 nurses were included in the final analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS Win 26.0 program.Results: The study found positive correlations between attitudes toward end-of-life care and perceptions of a good death (r = .48, p < .001), sense of calling (r = .33, p < .001), and empathy competence (r = .24, p < .001). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between end-of-life care stress and attitudes toward end-of-life care (r = -.44, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that an experience of a family member`s death, perceptions of a good death, a sense of calling, and end-of-life care stress were factors that significantly influenced attitudes toward end-of-life care among the emergency room nurses.Conclusion: In order to foster positive end-of-life care attitudes among emergency room nurses, it is essential to provide education on perceptions of a good death. Systematic education can effectively alleviate end-of-life care stress and help nurses better support this important aspect of practice.
Estimation and prediction of water conservation in the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River Basin based on InVEST-PLUS model
Authors: Niu Pengtao , Wang Zhan , Wang Jing , Cao Yi , Peng Peihao
Published: November 2024

With the gradual prominence of global water shortage and other problems, evaluating and predicting the impact of land use change on regional water conservation function is of great reference significance for carrying out national spatial planning and environmental protection, and realizing land intelligent management. We first analyzed 8,416 remote sensing images in the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River Basin (URHRB) by GEE platform and obtained the land use and land cover (LULC) results of fours periods. Through our field investigation, the accuracy of remote sensing image interpretation is obviously higher than that of other comprehensive LULC classification results. Then, through the coupling of InVEST-PLUS model, not only the results of URHRB water conservation from 1990 to 2020 were calculated and the accuracy was assessed, but also the LULC results and water conservation of URHRB under different development scenarios in 2030 were predicted. The results showed as follows: From 1990 to 2020, the forest area of URHRB increased by 7152.23 km2, while the area of cropland, shrub and grassland decreased by 3220.35 km2, 1414.72 km2 and 3385.39 km2, respectively. The InVEST model reliably quantifies the water yield and water conservation of URHRB. In the past 30 years, the total amount of water-saving in China has shown a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. From the perspective of vegetation types, URHRB forest land is the main body of water conservation, with an average annual water conservation depth of 653.87 mm and an average annual water conservation of 472.10×108 m3. Under the ecological protection scenario of the URHRB in 2030, the maximum water conservation in the basin is 574.92×108 m3, but compared with the water conservation in 2010, there is still a gap of 116.28×108 m3. Therefore, through the visualization analysis of the LULC changes of URHRB and water conservation function, it is found that the land and resources department should pay attention to the LULC changes of water sources and adjust the territorial spatial planning in time to cope with the huge water conservation gap in the future.
Assessment of Oral Hygiene Status by Intergroup Comparison of Three Different Brushing Techniques in Visually Impaired Children aged 6-12 years: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Gupta Anil , Garg Shalini , Dogra Shikha , Jainer Sakshi , . Lata
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Visually impaired children require a specialised form of dental health education that facilitates the learning process for brushing their teeth correctly using effective techniques. The Braille method is a conventional means of education for children with visual impairments. In contrast, the Audio Tactile Performance (ATP) technique is a uniquely developed method for educating these children and has proven to be effective. Aim: To evaluate the oral hygiene status by comparing the Braille and ATP techniques with the Fones method, as well as ATP with the Modified Bass technique of tooth brushing using a conventional dentifrice in visually impaired children, and to assess its impact on the children’s daily routines. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted by the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, involving 300 blind school children aged 6-12 years from New Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India over a period of 18 months from November 2018 to February 2020. The Oral Hygiene Index-simplified (OHI-S) scores were recorded pre- and post-operatively among three groups: Group 1 (conventional Braille method), group 2 (ATP technique with the Fones method), and group 3 (ATP with the Modified Bass method). The data were analysed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Intergroup comparisons of oral hygiene status were performed using the Post-hoc Bonferroni correction. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study participants comprised 283 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 8.58±1.297 years (Mean±SD). When comparing the three groups, the OHI-S scores at baseline and one month post-examination were found to be statistically insignificant (p-value >0.05). However, at the 6, 9, and 12-month marks, the mean differences between group 1 (Braille) and group 3 (ATP + Modified Bass) and between group 2 (ATP + Fones) and group 1 (Braille) were statistically significant (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Groups 2 and 3 demonstrated comparable and superior results in reducing the mean plaque scores at the 12- month follow-up compared to baseline when assessed against group 1, indicating the higher efficacy of the ATP technique over Braille instructions. This study also revealed that group 3 had slightly superior results compared to group 2, although this difference was statistically insignificant. The ATP technique proved to be more effective than Braille instruction in raising awareness of oral health education.
New organosulfur compounds derived by dithioketalization of hydroxyacetone and its tosylate derivative - mechanistic considerations
Authors:   ICN Polfa Rzeszów S.A. in group of Bausch Health Companies Inc, Przemysłowa 2, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland, Leja Dawid T. , Guńka Piotr A. ,   Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland, Florjan Wiktoria ,   Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland, Erdem Esra ,   Student ERASMUS+ KA131, Mersin University, Institute of Science, Çiftlikköy Campus Yenişehir/MERSİN, Türkiye, Groszek Grażyna ,   Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the results of studies on the products of hydroxyacetone and hydroxyacetone tosylate dithioketalization with ethane-1,2-dithiol and propane-1,3-dithiol. The process was carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, argon, or in the air atmosphere and with a variable excess of one of the substrates, here the dithiol reagent. The structure elucidation and the reaction mechanism for the formation of the isolated products have been discussed. Structure products were confirmed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The structure of one of the main products, 1,2-bis((2-methyl-1,4-dithian-2-yl)thio)ethane, was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It was obtained with yield up to 62%. The studied dithioketalization process of selected ketones allows for the efficient synthesis of 2-methyl-1,3-dithiolan-2-yl)methanol, (2-methyl-1,3-dithian-2-yl)methanol and 3-((2-methyl-1,4-dithiepan-2-yl)thio)propane-1-thiol with yields of 63%, 66% and 50% respectively. Furthermore, we disclose an alternative synthesis of 5-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-dithiine, a synthetically useful building block.
Effectiveness of Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy in Reversing the Liver Histological Changes in Patients Presenting Symptomatically and Asymptomatically with Type I & IV Choledochal Cyst
Authors: Mohanta Dayal Chandra , Hossain AKM Zahid , Mojumder Md. Rezaul Karim , Arifuzzaman ASM , Hossain Mahabub , Barman Dizen Chandra , Rahman Md. Shahinur
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Choledochal cyst, a cystic dilatation of biliary tree, is a congenital abnormality of unknown etiology. Excision of cyst & biliary reconstruction is the mainstay of treatment. Most patients (80%) with choledochal cyst are detected after clinical manifestations. Majority is symptomatic patient and others are asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients have consequential impact on liver histology and function. These changes of liver histology may be reversible or irreversible depending in the degree and length of insult. This study attempt to identify whether symptomatic patients show more irreversible changes than asymptomatic choledochal cyst patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the reversibility and irreversibility of the liver histological changes in patients presenting symptomatically and asymptomatically.
Methods: It is a prospective analytic study. Study period was from January 2017 to August 2018, done in Pediatric Surgery department of BSMMU & DMCH. This included 31 patients with choledochal cyst. They are divided in symptomatic patient and asymptomatic patient. Excision of the cyst with roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and intra-operative liver biopsy was taken and liver biopsy was repeated after six months of surgery. Both the liver biopsies were compared & observe histologically in terms of reversibility and irreversibility in patients presenting symptomatically and asymptomatically.
Results: Thirty-one patients were included. Among them symptomatic patients were 22 and asymptomatic patients were 09. In both group pathological changes were observed in all the patients pre-excisionally and post-excisionally. In symptomatic patient significant histological changes were seen pre-excisionally. Nineteen were reversible group and threehad irreversible group. But in asymptomatic group all nine patients were reversible. Postexcisionally there was significant regression in reversible group both in symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients. But post-excisionally irreversible group did not showreversibility even after successful roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.
Conclusions: Liver histology shows various degree of changes in all choledochal cyst patients whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic patient demonstrates more irreversible changes than asymptomatic patients. Majority of the pathological changes of the liver in early stage are reversible after roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. There is no short term liver architectural improvement of the patients with choledochal cyst evenafter successful roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy who pre-excisional had irreversible changes.
A Review of Plastic Threat to Environment
Authors: Islam Farjana , Khan Ruhul A.
Published: November 2024

Due to low weight, great strength, and wide range of applications the invention of plastic has generally been viewed as a blessing for modern living. The world purchases around one million plastic bottles every minute and uses one billion plastic bags every hour. Bangladesh is also witnessing a surge in plastic production employed in our RMG sector, the healthcare industry, and the automobile industry. The amount of plastic pollution in Bangladesh has received very little attention over the years. Plastics are blamed for significant contamination of the air, soil, and water bodies because of their low biodegradability, excessive use, and pervasive mishandling. As a result, plastics are now found in every environmental compartment threatening biodiversity and human health as well. This manuscript discusses plastic pollution as a global environmental issue, offering an in-depth analysis of its effects on soil, water bodies, the atmosphere, and ecosystems. It also emphasizes the consequences for human health, the environment, and the economy, particularly focusing on Bangladesh. Enforcing strict regulations on plastic production and usage is the only way to mitigate its harmful environmental impacts.
Efficacy of Plant Extracts to Prolong Shelf Life: A Study on Neem and Turmeric in Preservation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruits
Authors: Palei Suvalaxmi , Badu Meenakshi , Kabi Mandakini , Mohanty Ankita , Tripathy Seema , Singh Anupama , Kherawat Bhagwat Singh , Kesawat Mahipal Singh
Published: November 2024

Natural products chemists, microbiologists, and ethnobotanists, are actively investigating plant-derived compounds and natural fungicide alternatives from around the world to improve post-harvest management of vegetables and fruits, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Although 25 to 50% of modern medicines are originate from plants, not a single one currently utilized as anti-microbials. Conventional farmers have historically used plants to prevent and treat infections, and Western medicine is now aiming to replicate these effective practices. Plants comprise a diverse secondary metabolite such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids, which demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of turmeric and neem plant extracts in extending the mango fruits shelf life (cv. Gulab Khas) under two different storage environments: cold storage and ambient temperature. The fruits were subjected to four different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of each plant extract and stored in perforated polyethylene bags. They were then stored under the specified conditions of cold and ambient storage. The combination of neem leaf extract treatment with cold storage yielded promising results. Our results showed that 20% neem leaf extract treatment in cold storage effectively inhibited pathogens, preventing any spoilage. This combination also demonstrated minimal physiological weight loss (6.2%), low spoilage rates, and maximum ascorbic acid content (28.5 mg per 100 g of pulp). Additionally, it exhibited minimal acidity (0.12%), maximum total soluble solids (20.1ºB), and the highest levels of total sugars (12.50%), reducing sugars (3.5%), and non-reducing sugars (8.55%). The organoleptic score was also notably high at 7.3 out of 10. The repressive influence of neem leaf extract is attributed owing to the active compound azadirachtin. This study emphasizes the capability of neem leaf extract as an efficient and natural alternative for extending the shelf life of mango fruits during storage. Therefore, the successful application of neem extract provides a promising avenue for future research and practical implementation in post-harvest technology.
Topographic Variation and Suburbanization Currents: A Comparative Analysis of the South Western and the North Eastern Fringes of Dschang, Cameroon
Authors: Essone Nkumbesone Makoley , Ngwaimbi Chah Roland
Published: November 2024

Suburbanization is a facet of the development and extension of cities characterized by growth poles and suburban zones at the detriment of the Central Business District which gradually becomes depopulated. While significant evidence on the human triggers of this process exists, the role played by physical factors has seemingly received less attention in the literature. To close the research gap, this paper uses the case of Dschang to analyse the patterns of topographic differences as a precursor of variations in suburbanization. Using the northern and southern borders of the city, relief data was collected through a combination of satellite imagery and field georeferencing. For georeferencing, GPS (Garmin 65) was used to generate topographic data while landsat imagery 2022 was used to generate data on land use/land cover. In addition, data on the differential trends of suburbanisation in the northern and southern borders were gathered through field observations. Altitude, slope gradient and land uses were among the quantitative data collected while the perceptiom that influence the growth of suburbia represented qualitative data. The results of the qualitative and quantitative data analyses showed that the truncated relief in the south western part characterized by the escarpment is a strong impediment to suburbanization due to limited technology. This has contributed to a truncated suburbanization and a high risk of environmental hazards as some urban dwellers continue to settle in rugged and non-constructible zones toward the south western part of Dschang. In addition, the relatively gentle relief to the north-east has favoured suburbanization leading to the multiplication of suburban zones characterized by the leap-frog of unban activities. It was also established that the southern western part is characterized by sparse settlements and rangelands while the north-eastern fringe is dominated by growth poles which continue to leap-frog north-eastward. The study recommends the provision of utilities, a stringent planning and control of land use in the suburban to avoid future anarchy.
Accessibility And Clarity In Public Communication: The Relationship Between TRE-MG And Its Citizen Stakeholders Through The Website
Authors: Santos Lucas Valdir Queiróz Dos , Dias Gilmara Aparecida De Freitas , Santos Ailana Fernanda Silva Dutra , Júnior Agnaldo Gonçalves Reis , Oliveira Ramon Alves De , Timotio João Guilherme Magalhaes
Published: November 2024

Background: In the administration field, organizations, whether private or public, need to maintain relationships with their stakeholder groups through communication. Among the various channels available today, a website serves as a strategic option, functioning both as a communication tool and a self-service platform for users. Within this context, it is necessary to investigate the perception of citizen stakeholders regarding the Regional Electoral Court of Minas Gerais – Brazil (TRE-MG) service portal. Materials and Methods: This study uses a quantitative approach, utilizing a web survey with a snowball sampling strategy. Although the research universe is unknown, the goal is to gather 200 responses. From the results, it was found that, out of 215 participants, 175 (81.4%) were satisfied with using the site to access electoral services, 176 (81.9%) were pleased with the website experience, 174 (81%) found the site easy to use, and 154 (71.6%) intend to use the site again. Based on the results and the information gathered through the literature review, it is understood that TRE-MG offers an adequate website as a communication channel for providing information and services to its stakeholders. Results: In this sense, understanding how communication is conducted by TRE-MG through its website, based on citizen perception and satisfaction, can help the institution improve its practices, leading to more effective communication and service provision. This could improve information clarity, strengthen citizen education on the electoral process, and help prevent misinformation, thus supporting the organization’s ongoing improvement.
Comparative Analysis Of Psychological Variables In Recreational And District-Level Cricket Players In Karnataka
Authors: . Nagesh , Krishnan Ananthu G
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The study aimed to compare achievement motivation and competitive anxiety between recreational and district-level cricket players in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 cricket players, aged 20-30 years, were selected for the study (30 from recreational level and 30 from district level). The Achievement Motivation and Sport Competition Anxiety Inventories were administered individually to all participants. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Descriptive statistics and an independent t-test were applied at a 0.05 level of significance to compare achievement motivation and competitive anxiety between the two groups. Results: The mean and standard deviation for achievement motivation in recreational level players were 33 and 2.70, respectively, while for district-level players, they were 33.43 and 2.70. The t-value for achievement motivation was 0.6212, with a p-value of 0.5369, indicating no significant difference between the two groups. Similarly, no significant difference was found in competitive anxiety between recreational and district-level cricket players. Conclusion: The study found no significant difference in achievement motivation or competitive anxiety between recreational and district-level cricket players in Karnataka
Solar Energy Triggered Clean Water Harvesting from Humid Air Existing above Sea Surface Enabled by a Hydrogel with Ultrahigh Hygroscopicity
Authors: Nandakumar Dilip Krishna , Zhang Yaoxin , Ravi Sai Kishore , Guo Na , Zhang Chun , Tan Swee Ching
Published: January 2019

Water scarcity is a ubiquitous problem with its magnitude expected to rise in the near future, and efforts to seek alternative water sources are on the rise. Harvesting water from air has intrigued enormous research interest among many groups with Scientific American listing this technology as the second most impactful technology that can bring about a massive change in people's lives. Though desalination offers a huge prospect in mitigating water crisis, its practicality is limited by exorbitant energy requirement. Alternatively, the air above sea water is moisture rich, with the quantity of vapor increasing at the rate of 0.41 kg m−2. Herein, a method to sustainably harvest water from this moisture rich zone is demonstrated by employing a nanoporous superhygroscopic hydrogel, which is capable of absorbing water from highly humid atmospheres by over 420% (highest) of its own weight. The desorption process from the hydrogel, occurring at 55 °C (lowest), is triggered by natural sunlight (A.M 1.5) thereby ensuing an external energy‐less water harvesting approach. The hydrogel exhibits excellent stability even after 1000 absorption/desorption cycles. Through multiple absorption/desorption cycles, it is possible to harvest over 10 L water per kg of hydrogel daily.
Band Alignment of MoTe2/MoS2 Nanocomposite Films for Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Performance
Authors: Quan Chenjing , Lu Chunhui , He Chuan , Xu Xiang , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhao Qiyi , Xu Xinlong
Published: January 2019

Band alignment is a key issue for the optoelectronics based on 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) heterostructures. Herein, band alignment of MoTe2/MoS2 mixed heterostructure is measured with high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The MoTe2/MoS2 heterostructure belongs to type‐II heterostructure with the conduction band offset of 0.46 eV and the valence band offset of 0.9 eV. The stronger saturable absorption is observed in MoTe2/MoS2 heterostructure film compared with that of pure MoTe2 and MoS2 nanofilms at the same condition. An energy‐level model combined with Runge–Kutta algorithm is used to understand the enhancement mechanism. It is found that the interlayer transition from MoTe2/MoS2 heterojunction plays an important role in the nonlinear optical enhancement. Meanwhile, band structure of MoTe2/MoS2 heterostructure is calculated by the first principles. The contributions of the MoTe2 and MoS2 to the heterojunction are almost equal and the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum exist in MoTe2 and MoS2 separately. This structure can form the interlayer carriers easily. The results suggest that the band alignment of TMDs paves the way for the type‐II heterostructure for enhanced nonlinear response in the development of optical modulator, ultrafast laser mode lockers, saturable absorbers, and optical switches.
Emerging Nano‐/Microapproaches for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Mi Yu , Hagan C. Tilden , Vincent Benjamin G. , Wang Andrew Z.
Published: January 2019

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved remarkable clinical efficacy through recent advances such as chimeric antigen receptor‐T cell (CAR‐T) therapy, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, and neoantigen vaccines. However, application of immunotherapy in a clinical setting has been limited by low durable response rates and immune‐related adverse events. The rapid development of nano‐/microtechnologies in the past decade provides potential strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy. Advances of nano‐/microparticles such as virus‐like size, high surface to volume ratio, and modifiable surfaces for precise targeting of specific cell types can be exploited in the design of cancer vaccines and delivery of immunomodulators. Here, the emerging nano‐/microapproaches in the field of cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive or indirect immunotherapies are summarized. How nano‐/microparticles improve the efficacy of these therapies, relevant immunological mechanisms, and how nano‐/microparticle methods are able to accelerate the clinical translation of cancer immunotherapy are explored.
Vier Boratome, vier positive Ladungen und vier Gerüstelektronen: ein fluoreszierendes σ‐aromatisches Tetraboran(4)
Authors: Widera Anna , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2019

Die Reaktion eines Ditriflato‐Diborans mit den Lewis‐Säuren AlCl3 oder GaCl3 führt zur Abspaltung beider Triflat‐Substituenten und zur Dimerisierung des resultierenden Diboran‐Dikations unter Bildung eines σ‐aromatischen, tetrakationischen Tetraborans mit einem planaren, rhomboiden B4‐Gerüst. Die Verbindung weist vier σ‐Gerüstelektronen auf, die an zwei (3c,2e)‐Bindungen beteiligt sind, und ist das erste stabile, vierfach basenstabilisierte [B4H4]4+‐Analogon. Das Produkt lässt sich aus der Reaktionsmischung in Form von hellorangenen, fluoreszierenden Kristallen isolieren. Weitere Untersuchungen zeigen, dass das neue Tetraboran(4) durch die Gitterenergie im Festkörper stabilisiert wird. Es weist eine ausgesprochen hohe Elektronenaffinität auf und ist in Lösung nur nach einer Ein‐Elektronen‐Reduktion zum Radikalkation stabil.
Synthesis, CYP 450 evaluation, and docking simulation of novel 4‐aminopyridine and coumarin derivatives
Authors: Ghalehshahi Hajar G. , Balalaie Saeed , Sohbati Hamid R. , Azizian Homa , Alavijeh Mohammad S.
Published: January 2019

Four series of novel compounds based on 4‐aminopyridine, glatiramer acetate, pyrone, and coumarin backbones were sufficiently synthesized and identified by spectroscopic methods. CYP enzyme inhibition assays of five predominate human P450 isozymes indicate that all compounds, except for 4‐hydrazide pyridine 1c, seem to be less toxic than 4‐aminopyridine. Further investigation of the compounds using molecular docking experiments revealed different, the same, or stronger binding modes for most of the synthesized compounds, with both polar and hydrophobic interactions with the 1WDA and 1J95 receptors compared to benzoyl l‐arginine amide and 4‐aminopyridine, respectively. These results introduce the synthesized compounds as K+ channel blockers that could be considered for in vivo CNS disease studies.
From zero to one: A perspective on citing
Authors: Huang Yong , Bu Yi , Ding Ying , Lu Wei
Published: January 2019

This article investigates the lengths of time that publications with different numbers of citations take to receive their first citation (the beginning stage), and then compares the lengths of time to receive two or more citations after receiving the first citation (the accumulative stage) in the field of computer science. We find that in the beginning stage, that is, from zero to one citation, high‐, medium‐, and low‐cited publications do not obviously exhibit different lengths of time. However, in the accumulative stage, that is, from one to
N citations, highly cited publications begin to receive citations much more rapidly than medium‐ and low‐cited publications. Moreover, as
N increases, the difference in receiving new citations among high‐, medium‐, and low‐cited publications increases quite significantly.
In‐situ Platinum Plasmon Resonance Effect Prompt Titanium Dioxide Nanocube Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Shan , Qiao Panzhe , Fu Yunqi , Li Fuxiang , Xiao Xudong , Zhao Chen , Feng Qingmao , Jiang Baojiang
Published: January 2019

Herein, Pt‐decorated TiO2 nanocube hierarchy structure (Pt‐TNCB) was fabricated by a facile solvothermal synthesis and in‐situ photodeposition strategy. The Pt‐TNCB exhibits an excellent solar‐driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (337.84 μmol h−1), which is about 37 times higher than that of TNCB (9.19 μmol h−1). Interestingly, its photocatalytic property is still superior to TNCB with post modification Pt (1 wt %) (208.11 μmol h−1). The introduction of Pt efficiently extends the photoresponse of the composite material from UV to visible light region, simultaneously boosting their solar‐driven photocatalytic performance, which attribute to the porous structure, the sub size TNCB, the SPR effect of Pt NPs and strong interaction of two components. In fact, Pt NPs can enhance collective oscillations on delocalized electrons, which is conducive to capture electrons and hinder the recombination of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs, leading to the longer lifetime of photogenerated charges. The fabrication of Pt‐TNCB photocatalyst with SPR effect may provide a promising method to improve visible‐light photocatalytic activities for traditional photocatalysts.
How effective is LENA in detecting speech vocalizations and language produced by children and adolescents with ASD in different contexts?
Authors: Jones Rebecca M. , Plesa Skwerer Daniela , Pawar Rahul , Hamo Amarelle , Carberry Caroline , Ajodan Eliana L. , Caulley Desmond , Silverman Melanie R. , McAdoo Shannon , Meyer Steven , Yoder Anne , Clements Mark , Lord Catherine , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: January 2019

The LENA system was designed and validated to provide information about the language environment in children 0 to 4 years of age and its use has been expanded to populations with a number of communication profiles. Its utility in children 5 years of age and older is not yet known. The present study used acoustic data from two samples of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to evaluate the reliability of LENA automated analyses for detecting speech utterances in older, school age children, and adolescents with ASD, in clinic and home environments. Participants between 5 and 18 years old who were minimally verbal (study 1) or had a range of verbal abilities (study 2) completed standardized assessments in the clinic (study 1 and 2) and in the home (study 2) while speech was recorded from a LENA device. We compared LENA segment labels with manual ground truth coding by human transcribers using two different methods. We found that the automated LENA algorithms were not successful (<50% reliable) in detecting vocalizations from older children and adolescents with ASD, and that the proportion of speaker misclassifications by the automated system increased significantly with the target‐child's age. The findings in children and adolescents with ASD suggest possibly misleading results when expanding the use of LENA beyond the age ranges for which it was developed and highlight the need to develop novel automated methods that are more appropriate for older children. Autism Research 2019, 12: 628–635. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Current commercially available speech detection algorithms (LENA system) were previously validated in toddlers and children up to 48 months of age, and it is not known whether they are reliable in older children and adolescents. Our data suggest that LENA does not adequately capture speech in school age children and adolescents with autism and highlights the need to develop new automated methods for older children.