bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Peer Relationship Scale for Adolescents: a validity and reliability study
Authors: Aydoğdu Fatih
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure adolescents’ peer relationships.

Material and methods

The research was carried out with 543 adolescents aged 11-18 studying in secondary schools and high schools. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct validity of the scale. Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, a structure consisting of four sub-dimensions and 29 items was obtained. The sub-dimensions of the scale are named as intimacy, popularity, trust, and insightfulness.

Results

As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, the model fit indices were found to have a good fit. Significant relationships were found with the Peer Support Scale and the Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale during the analysis of the scale’s criterion validity. Cronbach’s α internal consistency, split half reliability, and the test-retest method were used to assess the reliability of the scale. Cronbach’s α internal consistency coefficient for the total score was found to be .93, the split-half reliability was .85, and the test-retest reliability value was .82.

Conclusions

It can be inferred that the scale, which was developed based on the results obtained from validity and reliability studies, is a measurement tool that can be used in studies involving adolescents studying at the level of secondary and high school.
Komunikasi Bukan Lisan: Simbol sebagai Medium Pemakluman dalam Adat Persandingan Masyarakat Melayu
Authors: Salleh Norhuda
Published: October 2021

AbstrakSimbol antara medium yang digunakan dalam perlakuan komunikasi bukan lisan bagi interaksi antara penyampai dan penerima pesan. Latar belakang sosial, pengalaman dan budaya antara faktor penting bagi memastikan maklumat yang disalurkan difahami oleh kedua-dua pihak. Adat persandingan merupakan acara kemuncak dalam pelaksanaan adat perkahwinan masyarakat Melayu secara keseluruhannya. Fokus kajian menganalisis simbol dan makna yang digunakan dalam adat persandingan masyarakat Melayu di Sekinchan, Selangor. Input kajian diperoleh melalui pemerhatian turut serta dan temu bual mendalam bersama informan utama, iaitu Mak Andam dan pengamal adat. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil kajian menunjukkan simbol objek yang digunakan dalam pelaksanaan adat persandingan terdiri daripada inai, beras kunyit, air mayar, bunga rampai, pulut semangat, bunga telur, kompang, bunga manggar dan pelamin. Pemaknaan yang diberikan oleh masyarakat semasa pelaksanaan adat bersanding memberi pengertian, kesucian, kesuburan, pengharapan, penerimaan dan pemakluman.

Kata kunci: Komunikasi bukan lisan; simbol; pemaknaan; adat persandingan.
PHÁT TRIỂN ĐỘI NGŨ CÁN BỘ QUẢN LÝ TRƯỜNG TIỂU HỌC THEO CHUẨN HIỆU TRƯỞNG Ở THÀNH PHỐ CAO BẰNG, TỈNH CAO BẰNG
Authors: La Việt Hùng
Published: October 2021

Chuẩn Hiệu trưởng mới ban hành đòi hỏi hoạt động phát triển đội ngũ cán bộ quản lý phải dựa theo Chuẩn nhằm nâng cao chất lượng đội ngũ CBQL; Kết quả khảo sát cho thấy hoạt động phát triển đội ngũ CBQL trường tiểu học thành phố Cao Bằng, tỉnh Cao Bằng đã đạt được những kết quả nhất định, tuy nhiên còn bất cập ở một số nội dung cần khắc phục ở các nội dung: Đánh giá cán bộ quản lý theo Chuẩn Hiệu trưởng, quy hoạch, đào tạo, bồi dưỡng cán bộ; bổ nhiệm, luân chuyển và thực hiện các chế độ chính sách tạo động lực để cán bộ quản lý phát triển
GCI30: a global dataset of 30 m cropping intensity using multisource remote sensing imagery
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wu Bingfang , Zeng Hongwei , He Guojin , Liu Chong , Tao Shiqi , Zhang Qi , Nabil Mohsen , Tian Fuyou , Bofana José , Beyene Awetahegn Niguse , Elnashar Abdelrazek , Yan Nana , Wang Zhengdong , Liu Yiliang
Published: October 2021

Abstract. The global distribution of cropping intensity (CI) is
essential to our understanding of agricultural land use management on Earth.
Optical remote sensing has revolutionized our ability to map CI over large
areas in a repeated and cost-efficient manner. Previous studies have mainly
focused on investigating the spatiotemporal patterns of CI ranging from
regions to the entire globe with the use of coarse-resolution data, which
are inadequate for characterizing farming practices within heterogeneous
landscapes. To fill this knowledge gap, in this study, we utilized multiple
satellite data to develop a global, spatially continuous CI map dataset at
30 m resolution (GCI30). Accuracy assessments indicated that GCI30 exhibited
high agreement with visually interpreted validation samples and in situ
observations from the PhenoCam network. We carried out both statistical and
spatial comparisons of GCI30 with six existing global CI estimates. Based on
GCI30, we estimated that the global average annual CI during 2016–2018 was
1.05, which is close to the mean (1.09) and median (1.07) CI values of the
existing six global CI estimates, although the spatial resolution and
temporal coverage vary significantly among products. A spatial comparison
with two satellite-based land surface phenology products further suggested
that GCI30 was not only capable of capturing the overall pattern of global
CI but also provided many spatial details. GCI30 indicated that single
cropping was the primary agricultural system on Earth, accounting for
81.57 % (12.28×106 km2) of the world's cropland extent.
Multiple-cropping systems, on the other hand, were commonly observed in
South America and Asia. We found large variations across countries and
agroecological zones, reflecting the joint control of natural and
anthropogenic drivers on regulating cropping practices. As the first global-coverage, fine-resolution CI product, GCI30 is expected to fill the data gap
for promoting sustainable agriculture by depicting worldwide diversity of
agricultural land use intensity. The GCI30 dataset is available on Harvard
Dataverse: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/86M4PO (Zhang et al., 2020).
An Evaluation of Staff Attitudes towards the HIV and AIDS Workplace Programme at the Baphalali Swaziland Red Cross Society
Authors: Jele Elliot , Cassim Nadeem , Karodia Anis Mahomed
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation of staff attitudes towards the HIV and AIDS workplace programme at the BSRCS. Four research objectives were to establish staff attitudes towards the HIV and AIDS workplace prevention, treatment, care, support, monitoring and evaluation programmes. The problems associated with the impact of HIV/AIDS in the world of work of BSRCS, as a non-profit making organisation, were loss in break-even margins, and employees’ mortality and absenteeism. Both parties accumulate an increase in costs structures.
An Evaluation of the Business Practices of Entrepreneurs of UMkhanyakude District Municipality
Authors: Khumalo – Mbonambi Makhosi , Inderpal Lee - Ann , Karodia Anis Mahomed
Published: October 2021

Unemployment and poverty in South Africa still pose a great challenge. While the country is suffering from the effects of unemployment and poverty, certain areas such as Umkhanyakude District Municipality are more affected than other areas of South Africa. The citizens of Umkhanyakude District Municipality have over the years attempted various means of creating wealth such as starting their own businesses. Their attempts are not always a success as they lack crucial skills of operating successful businesses.
PERFORMANCE AMBIGUITY AND FLEXIBILITY IN BUYER-SUPPLIER RELATIONS
Authors: Chao Emmanuel , Kato Mushumbusi Paul
Published: October 2021

Performance ambiguity (performance evaluation problem) has been mainly used as a predictor in most studies related to supplier-buyer relations. This study however shifts this focus by using it as an outcome variable. Performance ambiguity has been conceived as a concept under behavioral uncertainty, which brings a challenging task in separating the two. Performance ambiguity being an ex-post variable and the fact that opportunism is a hidden aspect in this construct makes it of an interest to understand. Findings reflect a significant role of flexibility on performance evaluation problem and suggest the focus on flexibility to be handled with care to extent it does not escalate the performance evaluation problem.
The Effect of LEGO Manipulative Use on Student Performance in the Mathematical Skills of the 2nd Grade: Parents 'and Students' Views
Authors: KAZEZ GÜNEŞ Habibe , GENÇ Zülfü
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the use of the activity-based LEGO MoretoMath manipulative (concrete and virtual materials) affects students’ problem solving, fluency, understanding and reasoning skills during math lessons. A case study was conducted as an after-school project with seven second grade students were included in the study group (four boys and three girls). Data collection tools included interview protocols, observation forms, and student worksheets. Data were collected from students and their parents to ensure validity in the study. Finally, data were analyzed descriptively. Findings revealed that students performance was above 85%. Solving questions with both software and physical materials made the learning process easy. Students socialized, sharing opinions and solutions. Parents reported that using this educational tool enhanced students’ creativity while learning abstract concepts and provided opportunities for regular communication and cooperative group work in class. As a result, students learned alternative ways to solve problems, enhancing their problem solving skills and math fluency. Constructing physical models with LEGO materials and MathBuilder software also made it easier for them to understand abstract concepts. The suggestions presented through this study are important and pave the way to using both hands-on materials and 3D software for abstract concepts teaching in the classroom.
Feeding Appliance for an Infant with Cleft Palate:
A Case Report
Authors: Hela Hilal Ahmad , Nazir Shazana , Qazi Mehvash
Published: October 2021

The cleft palate is a ‘‘congenital defect of the middle third of the face that occurs when an oro-nasal communication is present between the palate and the base of the nose. Single genes, chromosomal disorders or environmental factors may cause clefts. The other possible causes are hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, infections, radiation during pregnancy, alcohol or cigarette consumption, the ingestion of other teratogenic substances by the mother, and heredity. Immediate problems to be addressed in a new born with this defect would be to aid in suckling and swallowing other problems associated later would be difficulty in speech, altered appearance, many dental problems and psychological problems. Feeding plate (obturator) rehabilitates the oro-nasal gap and helps in feeding and in reduction of airway problems, frequent infections and regurgitations. This paper presents a case report of an infant with cleft palate (Veau II) in whom a feeding plate was delivered, with a simple impression method, which helped the infant feed and restores the proper weight required for cleft palate reconstructive surgery in future.

Keywords: Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Infant, Obturator
TO THE QUESTION OF LEGAL RESTRICTION OF FREEDOM IN VIRTUAL REALITY
Authors: Nikitina E.V. , Volkova D.A.
Published: October 2021

The steady development of information technology immerses masses of people in the virtual world. The impersonal virtual reality created by the Internet space gives a person a feeling of complete freedom, not limited by social norms and rules. The idea of absolute impunity in the virtual world leads to negative consequences that turn into real administrative misdemeanors and criminal offenses. As an example, the authors consider Internet calls for unauthorized rallies in defense of Alexei Navalny, which took place in Russia in january 2021 (the calls were distributed through the applications TikTok, Instagram, VKontakte, Telegram). The involvement of minors in various «death groups», primarily in the «Blue Whale» suicidal «game», which is implemented on the social network «Vkontakte» is also analyzed.

The problem of human behavior in the virtual world is considered in the article through the prism of the relationship between law and freedom and the peculiarities of their implementation through modern network resources in a new digital system of relations. The authors argue that the virtual space, like the real world, is in dire need of strict legal regulation. The absence of legal restrictions on freedom on the Internet by the state can lead to tragic consequences.
Implicancia del rol del contador gubernamental contra la corrupción
Authors: Valencia Gutiérrez Adolfo
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo busca determinar la implicancia del rol del contador gubernamental contra la corrupción. Para ello, se analiza el marco normativo referente a la Ley N° 27815 del Código de Ética de la Función Pública y su reglamento, desde un método descriptivo documental que intenta conocer las situaciones, costumbres y actitudes predominantes a través de la descripción exacta de las actividades, objetos, procesos y personas relacionadas al campo contable. Además, busca establecer un análisis de los diferentes fenómenos que se presentan en el mismo contexto utilizando diferentes tipos de documentos del área a investigar. Bajo este método, se intenta exponer que el rol del contador gubernamental frente a la corrupción generalizada en todos los estamentos nacionales parte de un intento de cambio actitudinal, en la medida en que el contador público gubernamental no solo debe conocer sobre los contextos de corrupción, sino aplicar una actitud de rechazo ante los mismos dentro del ejercicio de su labor profesional para crear valor público.
Reintegro del impuesto general a las ventas (IGV) por destrucción de activos fijos en el desarrollo de operaciones
Authors: Delgado Cornejo Fiorella Margaret
Published: October 2021

El IGV es un impuesto cuya capacidad contributiva pretende afectar a los consumidores finales de bienes y servicios; sin embargo, existen requisitos sustanciales y formales cuyos incumplimientos ocasionan que la empresa no pueda ejercer el derecho al crédito fiscal o que deba reintegrarlo. De este modo, se ve obligada a destruir sus edificaciones (bienes del activo fijo) como parte de un plan de mejora, así como a considerar la construcción de nuevas edificaciones, la reubicación de instalaciones por necesidades de la operación, entre otros. Bajo este contexto, el objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar qué contingencias tributarias respecto del IGV producen estas operaciones. Para ello, se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptivo y analítico, sobre la base del análisis del artículo 22 de la Ley del Impuesto General a las Ventas (LIR). A partir de este, se encontró que la norma excluye expresamente la obligación de reintegro a cuatro supuestos, entre los que tampoco se precisa sobre el caso que se planteó previamente. Así, se concluye que es necesario un pronunciamiento por parte de la Administración Tributaria respecto de estas operaciones, ya que, a pesar de que no se encuentren en una de las exclusiones, se justifican en razones directamente vinculadas a otras operaciones, y, en muchos casos, al tratarse de activos que se encuentran totalmente depreciados, no deberían generar la pérdida ni el reintegro del crédito fiscal.
Simulasi Dan Pembelajaran Hukum Berlalu Lintas Berbasis Teknologi Informasi Dan Komunikasi (TIK)
Authors: Sunandar Hery , Limbong Riswan
Published: October 2021

ABSTRAK

Penggunaan kendaraan menyebabkan kerugian materi bahkan kehilangan nyawa akibat semakin banyaknya para pengguna jalan raya dan kendaraan bermotor tidak begitu mengerti dan paham makna dari rambu-rambu lalulintas dan selalu mengatasnamakan kepentingan sesaat yaitu harus cepat sampai dan tiba di tujuan yakni tempat bekerja.

Dengan adanya sistem simulasi dan pembelajaran ini, diharapkan dapat membantu masyarakat untuk dapat dengan mudah belajar dan memahami segala aturan yang sesuai dengan Hukum dan Undang-undang berlalu lintas di Negara Indoensia yaitu : UU Lalu Lintas Nomor 22 Tahun 2009 sehingga kerugian materil dan jiwa bisa berkurang karena sistem ini juga dilengkapi dengan sanksi-sanksi dari setiap pelanggaran.

Luaran penelitian ini adalah aplikasi pembelajaran dan simulasi tentang hukum berlalu lintas bagi para pengguna jalan raya, serta akan menghasilkan karya tulis ilmiah dalam bentuk jurnal publikasi pada jurnal nasional tidak terakreditasi, sehingga pengguna jalan dan kendaraan bermotor mendapat informasi yang cepat, tepat dan akurat, dan dapat mengurangi kecelakaan dan pelanggaran kendaraaan bermotor di jalan raya.
A Review of Interactional Competence Assessment in the Saudi EFL Context
Authors: AlQahtani Najla Abdulrahman
Published: October 2021

Interactional competence (IC) lies at the heart of the communicative skills an EFL learner is supposed to master. This paper investigates the meanings, assessment methods, and implications of IC in a second/foreign language setting and particularly in the Saudi context. The first part charts a theoretical background to the study of language from the early debate of the notions of competence and performance, through the evolution of communicative competence and the emergence of the term interactional competence. The second part of the paper outlines how IC has been described in the literature from multiple perspectives; interactional patterns, resources and strategies, IC authenticity, raters’ interpretations of IC and finally how the term was used in the Saudi context. However, it was aimed through this paper to draw an advantageous picture that provides a comprehensive understanding to how the term interactional competence has been taken up in the field of second/foreign language assessment. Needless to say, IC assessment is still an under-researched field in Saudi Arabia, and needs further efforts from the teachers, researchers and policy makers to provide thorough insights into assessing and employing interactional skills in the Saudi EFL classrooms.
Evaluation of a lateral-flow nanoparticle fluorescence assay for TB infection diagnosis
Authors: Stieber F. , Howard J. , Manissero D. , Boyle J. , Ndunda N. , Love J. , Yang M. , Schumacher A. , Uchiyama R. , Parsons S. , Miller C. , Douwes H. , Mielens Z. , Laing T. , Nikolayevskyy V.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Programmatic management of TB infection is a critical component of the WHO End TB Strategy. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) overcome some limitations of the tuberculin skin test, but implementation of IGRA testing in low-resource settings is challenging.METHODS:
In this feasibility study, we evaluated performance of a novel digital lateral-flow assay, the QIAreach® QuantiFERON® TB (QIAreach-QFT) test, against the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay. A population with a mix of risk factors for TB
infection (111 donors) were sampled over multiple days. A total of 207 individual blood samples were tested according to the manufacturer´s instructions.RESULTS: The overall percentage agreement was 95.6% (two-sided 95% CI 91.8–98), with a positive percentage agreement
(i.e., sensitivity) of 100% (95% CI 94.7–100) and a negative percentage agreement (i.e., specificity) of 95.6% (95% CI 90.6–98.4). All QFT-Plus positive specimens with TB1-Nil and TB2-Nil values less than 1 IU/ml tested positive on QIAreach-QFT.CONCLUSIONS: QIAreach
QFT is a deployable, accurate testing solution for decentralised testing. It has the potential to overcome key hurdles for TB infection screening in high-burden settings thus helping to achieve the WHO End TB programme goals.
ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE
Authors: Porvazník Jan
Published: October 2021

The article refers to the assessment of managerial competence level. The aim of the article is to show that assessment of managerial competence is conditioned by many factors, it proceeds in different ways and brings, depending on the implementation, different results. The article uses selected fragments of research carried out by the author in Slovakia in the period from 1999, updated until today. The article points out the relevance of evaluated and evaluated competences referring to holistic aspects of this evaluation.
THE ELDERLY PEOPLE TOWARDS INNOVATIVE MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN THE AREA OF HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE LIGHT OF OWN RESEARCH
Authors: Wrukowska Daria Emilia
Published: October 2021

Looking at innovations from the perspective of customer value, more and more enterprises treat the elderly as a factor of their success, despite the fact that the literature on the subject confirms that most innovations are rejected by consumers2. Aging of societies opens up new opportunities and chances to develop innovative enterprises in which managers are aware of the potential of older people and their new social roles. Thanks to the fact the managers can be effectively realized their innovative strategies in the process of building a silver economy. Due to that there is a need to understand the driving forces of innovation against adoption innovation, this article is an attempt to define the attitudes of older people towards innovation in the area of health mobile applications. The research conducted by the author concerns the resistance of older consumers to use mobile applications in the area of health promotion.
Common Diagnostic Challenges and Pitfalls in Genitourinary Organs, With Emphasis on Immunohistochemical and Molecular Updates
Authors: Jia Liwei , Deng Fang-ming , Kong Max X. , Wu Chin-Lee , Yang Ximing J.
Published: October 2021

Context.—

Lesions in the genitourinary (GU) organs, both benign and malignant, can demonstrate overlapping morphology, and practicing surgical pathologists should be aware of these potential pitfalls and consider a broad differential diagnosis for each specific type of lesion involving the GU organs. The following summary of the contents presented at the 6th Annual Chinese American Pathologists Association (CAPA) Diagnostic Course (October 10–11, 2020), supplemented with relevant literature review, exemplifies the common diagnostic challenges and pitfalls for mass lesions of the GU system of adults, including adrenal gland, with emphasis on immunohistochemical and molecular updates when relevant.

Objective.—

To describe the common mass lesions in the GU system of adults, including adrenal gland, with emphasis on the diagnostic challenges and pitfalls that may arise in the pathologic assessment, and to highlight immunohistochemical workups and emerging molecular findings when relevant.

Data Sources.—

The contents presented at the course and literature search comprise our data sources.

Conclusions.—

The diagnostic challenges and pitfalls that arise in the pathologic assessment of the mass lesions in the GU system of adults, including adrenal gland, are common. We summarize the contents presented at the course, supplemented with relevant literature review, and hope to provide a diagnostic framework to evaluate these lesions in routine clinical practice.
Keloid-like dermatofibroma
Authors: El Gaitibi Fatima Azzahra , Hamich Soumaya
Published: October 2021

Dermatofibroma is a common benign skin tumor, mainly occurring in young to middle-aged females. It is frequently localized in the lower extremities. A typical dermatofibroma usually presents itself as a single firm papule or nodule, of variable color, bluish, brownish, or pinkish. Its clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features usually allow easy diagnosis [1]. However, it is possible to observe some variations of these typical features. Keloid-like dermatofibroma is one of these atypical presentations rarely reported in the literature [2]. A 40-year-old patient with no previous medical history presented to our dermatology department with a lumbosacral lesion evolving for several months. A physical examination revealed a firm, well-demarcated, asymptomatic erythematous nodule, 5 × 12 mm in size, localized in the lumbosacral area (Fig. 1). The patient denied any trauma preceding the onset of the lesion. There was no personal or familial history of keloidal scars. A dermoscopic examination revealed erythema, telangiectatic vessels, a shiny white streak, and a brownish-yellow pigmentation (Fig. 2). A biopsy was performed. A histological examination revealed an atrophic epidermis. The dermis contained a fibroblastic proliferation of low cell density haphazardly arranged, located on a fibromatous background (Figs. 3 and 4). Dermatofibroma with a keloidal presentation was the diagnosis.
Synergistic Influence of Bio-Fertilizers, Growth Regulator and Micronutrients on Yield and Economics of Sapota cv. Kalipatti
Authors: Modi P. K. , Patel A. P. , Patel A. R. , Patel A. N. , Ahir T. R. , Bisane K. D. , Naik B. M.
Published: October 2021

An experiment laid down to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers, growth regulator gibbralic acid (GA3) and micronutrients on yield and yield attributes of Sapota cv. Kalipatti at Fruit Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Gandevi, Gujarat. The treatments of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e.100 kg FYM and 1000:500:500 g/plant NPK along with application of biofertilizers (Azospirillum + PSB), growth regulator (GA3) and micronutrients. The pooled results of  75% RDF + biofertilizers- Azospirillum + PSB @ 40 ml/tree + GA3 @ 50 ppm + Grade 4 (micronutrient @ 0.5%) were exhibited significantly higher number of fruit (2815.45), yield (20.61 t/ha)along with net return (Rs. 3,03,951/ha) and Benefit Cost Ratio (2.81). The said application enhanced fruit yield up to 43.41% over control comprising RDF only. However, significantly higher fruit weight (81.34 g) was recorded in application of 100% RDF + biofertilizers- Azospirillum + PSB @ 40ml/tree + GA3 @ 50 ppm + Grade-4 (micronutrient @ 0.5%).
Retail Format Usage: Pre-COVID-19 Benchmark Data, Pandemic Practice, and Emergent Influence
Authors: L. Stewart Barbara , Goodson Carole , Miertschin Susan
Published: October 2021

Background: COVID-19 brought revolutionary change in consumer retail format behavior. Pre-pandemic, multiple retail formats were available, and consumers showed evidence of preference for particular formats. Then, the disruptions caused by store closures and stay-at-home mandates altered consumer behavior substantially.

Aims of the Study: The purpose of this work is to report the results of research on consumer preferences for retail formats as a benchmark for examination of changes in consumer usage of retail formats wrought by COVID-19 and projection of emergent post-pandemic behaviors. Pre-COVID-19, variety in retail formats proliferated. 

Methodology Employed: Survey methodology captured preferences, practices, and recommendations related to use of retail formats. Research questions included: a) Which retail formats do consumers prefer? b) Which digital tools do consumers use to make purchases? c) Does delivery mode and/or product type influence retail format preference? d) Does retail format influence impulse purchasing behavior? e) Do consumers mix retail formats when making product purchases? and f) What will be the implications of COVID-19 for retail format preference?

Results: Consumers reported differences in preferences for online, in-store, catalogue, and phone retail formats. Product type influenced consumer retail format preferences. Retail format influenced impulse purchase behaviors. Consumers used smart phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, email, discussion boards, social media, and social networks as purchasing tools.

Conclusions: This study investigated pre-pandemic consumer preferences and usage variables related to retail format. It provides benchmarks for examination of changes resultant from the massive retail disruptions of mandatory store closures and stay-at-home mandates. It further provides a framework for projections of emergent, post-pandemic behaviors.

Recommendations: The authors recommend further investigation of consumer retail format use during and subsequent to the height of the pandemic. Comparison of consumer usage pre- and post-pandemic can provide valuable input to retail planning.
Small RNAs in epigenetic inheritance: from mechanisms to trait transmission
Authors: Cecere Germano
Published: October 2021

Inherited information is transmitted to progeny primarily by the genome through the gametes. However, in recent years, epigenetic inheritance has been demonstrated in several organisms, including animals. Although it is clear that certain post‐translational histone modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs regulate epigenetic inheritance, the molecular mechanisms responsible for epigenetic inheritance are incompletely understood. This review focuses on the role of small RNAs in transmitting epigenetic information across generations in animals. Examples of documented cases of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance are discussed, from the silencing of transgenes to the inheritance of complex traits, such as fertility, stress responses, infections, and behavior. Experimental evidence supporting the idea that small RNAs are epigenetic molecules capable of transmitting traits across generations is highlighted, focusing on the mechanisms by which small RNAs achieve such a function. Just as the role of small RNAs in epigenetic processes is redefining the concept of inheritance, so too our understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms that govern epigenetic inheritance in animals is radically changing.
Twenty years of tallgrass prairie restoration in northern Illinois, USA
Authors: Bach Elizabeth M. , Kleiman Bill P.
Published: October 2021

Ecosystem restoration projects need to measure progress toward project goals and deliver desired outcomes.

This study examines longitudinal plant community data collected from permanent transects at the Nachusa Grasslands preserve in northern Illinois, USA. Managers established permanent transects for repeated plant community monitoring beginning in the mid‐1990s.

Native plant communities, including rare species, have persisted, or improved with management over two decades.

Planted prairies have lower proportions of native species than native prairies but have generally maintained native‐dominated communities and in some cases, increased presence of native species.

Savannas have shown a distinct transition from shrub‐dense communities to herbaceous understories dominated with native species.

Restoration efforts at Nachusa Grasslands have been successful at sustaining unique native plant communities through management practices like prescribed fire, brush removal and aggressive invasive species control. As a disturbance‐dependent ecosystem that has developed with human management over millennia, tallgrass prairie and savanna can thrive through restoration and active management.
Slip‐Stacked J‐Aggregate Materials for Organic Solar Cells and Photodetectors
Authors: Kim Jin Hong , Schembri Tim , Bialas David , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2021

Dye–dye interactions affect the optical and electronic properties in organic semiconductor films of light harvesting and detecting optoelectronic applications. This review elaborates how to tailor these properties of organic semiconductors for organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs). While these devices rely on similar materials, the demands for their optical properties are rather different, the former requiring a broad absorption spectrum spanning from the UV over visible up to the near‐infrared region and the latter an ultra‐narrow absorption spectrum at a specific, targeted wavelength. In order to design organic semiconductors satisfying these demands, fundamental insights on the relationship of optical properties are provided depending on molecular packing arrangement and the resultant electronic coupling thereof. Based on recent advancements in the theoretical understanding of intermolecular interactions between slip‐stacked dyes, distinguishing classical J‐aggregates with predominant long‐range Coulomb coupling from charge transfer (CT)‐mediated or ‐coupled J‐aggregates, whose red‐shifts are primarily governed by short‐range orbital interactions, is suggested. Within this framework, the relationship between aggregate structure and functional properties of representative classes of dye aggregates is analyzed for the most advanced OSCs and wavelength‐selective OPDs, providing important insights into the rational design of thin‐film optoelectronic materials.
Electrochromic Fabric Displays from a Robust, Open‐Air Fabrication Technique
Authors: Sinha Sneh , Daniels Robert , Yassin Omer , Baczkowski Matthew , Tefferi Mattewos , Deshmukh Ajinkya , Cao Yang , Sotzing Gregory
Published: October 2021

Current wearable technology is often bulky and restrictive to fluid movement. This work details a single‐layer, hydrophobic, printed electrochromic textile that switches wirelessly from red to blue with a switching speed ≈30 s. Using a hole‐through fabrication method, the flexible devices offer aesthetics to the display by concealing all electronic connections on their backsides while maintaining their “fabric” feel. First, an all organic electrochromic planar textile device is fabricated by screen printing commercially available poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) onto finished poly (ethylene therephthalate) (PET) synthetic leather. A copolymer of 3,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy) thiophene and 3,4 dimethoxythiophene is then spray coated onto the printed PEDOT:PSS electrodes and the resulting device switched between red and blue at −1 and 2 V, respectively. A device is made to be hydrophobic by spray coating with a commercially available fabric protector. The electrochromic devices show promise for flexible display applications in any textile‐based markets, such as adaptive camouflage.
Control over Light Emission in Low‐Refractive‐Index Artificial Materials Inspired by Reciprocal Design
Authors: Maiwald Lukas , Sommer Timo , Sidorenko Mikhail S. , Yafyasov Ruslan R. , Mustafa Meraj E. , Schulz Marvin , Rybin Mikhail V. , Eich Manfred , Petrov Alexander Yu.
Published: October 2021

Reciprocal space engineering allows tailoring the scattering response of media with a low refractive‐index contrast. Here it is shown that a quasiperiodic leveled‐wave structure with well‐defined reciprocal space and random real space distribution can be engineered to open a complete photonic bandgap (CPBG) for any refractive‐index contrast. For these structures, an analytical estimation is derived, which predicts that there is an optimal number of Bragg peaks for any refractive‐index contrast. A finite 2D or 3D CPBG is expected at this optimal number even for an arbitrarily small refractive‐index contrast. Results of numerical simulations of dipole emission in 2D and 3D structures support the estimations. In 3D simulations, an emission suppression of almost 10 dB is demonstrated with a refractive index down to 1.38. The 3D structures are realized by additive manufacturing on millimeter scale for a material with a refractive index of n ≈ 1.59. Measurements confirm a strong suppression of microwave transmission in the expected frequency range.
High‐Stability Patterned CsPbIxBr3−x Thin Films with Tunable Crystal Size Prepared by Solid‐Phase Reaction
Authors: Jin Xuan , Song Shixin , Liu Zhe , Wang Hong , Wang Bao , Guan Jie , Zhang Hao , Xu Qingyu
Published: October 2021

Downsides such as pollution, stability, and cost limit the further optoelectronic applications of cesium lead halide inorganic perovskite thin films, prepared using traditional liquid‐phase and vapor‐phase reactions. This study investigates the preparation of inorganic perovskite CsPbIxBr3−x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) thin films based on a solid‐phase reaction. Two solid‐phase precursor thin films, with an appropriate thickness ratio, are deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and subsequently react under high temperature, without any by‐products or gas volatilization. Relying on lower structural destruction from solution evaporation, and a reduced intermolecular distance of PLD‐prepared solid‐phase precursors, the inorganic perovskite photodetectors based on a solid‐phase reaction demonstrate enhanced stability under ultrahigh humidity (90–95%). By altering the thickness of the two precursors, the crystal size of the inorganic perovskite thin films can be adjusted within the range from 40 to 150 nm. Reusable metallic masks can be applied on the PLD‐prepared precursors to prepare high‐precision inorganic perovskite arrays (9.6 µm). The results demonstrate the significance of a solid‐phase reaction method in the commercial application of inorganic perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Large‐Scale, Panchromatic Structural Color Manipulation via Thermal Trimming
Authors: Guo Tingbiao , Liu Zhenchao , Jin Yi , Wang Nan , Zhang Zhi , He Sailing
Published: October 2021

Structural color allows for a vibrant pigment‐free coloration for many potential applications. But now, it is still hindered in practice with crucial issues including complicated fabrication, defective and static appearance. Post‐trimming is proposed for defect‐free and controllable color manipulation after fabrication, which is significant for structural color in practical applications. Till now, most present post‐trimming methods are inhibited due to limited trimming range. Here, a simple and practical strategy supporting wafer‐scale and panchromatic structural color post‐trimming is proposed. By simply controlling a thermal oxidation process, the proposed device can be tuned precisely from red to blue covering the whole visible region. Moreover, a “burn to read” and “burn after reading” structural color is also demonstrated for the first time. Partial thermal oxidation can reveal the encoded information (i.e., “burn to read”) and complete oxidation will erase the encoded information (i.e., “burn after reading”) owing to a transition from a broadband Salisbury screen‐like cavity to a Gires‐Tournois‐like cavity. The trimming technology is further expanded by using an ns‐pulsed laser and on a flexible substrate, which implies this simple and reliable technology may promote the advancement and applications of structural color in security imaging, anti‐counterfeiting, color display, and printing.
Unusual Red Light Emission from Nonmetallic Cu2Te Microdisk for Laser and SERS Applications
Authors: Li Qiuguo , Rao Hao , Ma Xinzhou , Mei Haijuan , Zhao Zhengting , Gong Weiping , Camposeo Andrea , Pisignano Dario , Yang Xianguang
Published: October 2021

Physical characteristics of Cu2Te are poorly investigated due to limited Te sources available and unclear atomic positions of crystal structure. Herein, hexagonal Cu2Te microdisks are successfully prepared via chemical vapor deposition procedure using GaTe as Te source. The epitaxial growth mechanism of the Cu2Te hexagonal structures with the orthorhombic phase is rationalized by proposed layer‐over‐layer growth model. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of Cu2Te microdisks shows a new red emission band in addition to usual infrared light emission due to Cu deficiency. Single Cu2Te microdisk operates as an optical microcavity supporting whispering gallery modes for red lasing around 627.5 nm. This Cu2Te microdisk microcavity exhibits a high quality factor of 1568 and a low lasing threshold of 125 kW cm−2 at room temperature. Meanwhile, Cu2Te microdisks have been exhibited as an ideal platform for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) eliminating drawbacks of noble metal substrates with detection limitation to nanomolar level and an enhancement factor of ≈1.95 × 105. Hexagonal Cu2Te microdisks turn out to be an efficient microcavity for red lasing and low‐cost nonmetallic SERS substrates, opening potential applications in photonics and biological detection of aromatic molecules.
Ultrasensitive and Self‐Powered Terahertz Detection Driven by Nodal‐Line Dirac Fermions and Van der Waals Architecture
Authors: Zhang Libo , Dong Zhuo , Wang Lin , Hu Yibin , Guo Cheng , Guo Lei , Chen Yulu , Han Li , Zhang Kaixuan , Tian Shijian , Yao Chenyu , Chen Zhiqingzi , Cai Miao , Jiang Mengjie , Xing Huaizhong , Yu Xianbin , Chen Xiaoshuang , Zhang Kai , Lu Wei
Published: October 2021

Terahertz detection has been highly sought to open a range of cutting‐edge applications in biomedical, high‐speed communications, astronomy, security screening, and military surveillance. Nonetheless, these ideal prospects are hindered by the difficulties in photodetection featuring self‐powered operation at room temperature. Here, this challenge is addressed for the first time by synthesizing the high‐quality ZrGeSe with extraordinary quantum properties of Dirac nodal‐line semimetal. Benefiting from its high mobility and gapless nature, a metal‐ZrGeSe‐metal photodetector with broken mirror symmetry allows for a high‐efficiency photoelectric conversion assisted by the photo‐thermoelectric effect. The designed architecture features ultrahigh sensitivity, excellent ambient stability, and an efficient rectified signal even above 0.26 THz. Maximum responsivity larger than 0.11 A W−1, response time of 8.3 µs, noise equivalent power (NEP) less than 0.15 nW Hz−1/2, and demonstrative imaging application are all achieved. The superb performances with a lower dark current and NEP less than 15 pW Hz−1/2 are validated through integrating the van der Waals heterostructure. These results open up an appealing perspective to explore the nontrivial topology of Dirac nodal‐line semimetal by devising the peculiar device geometry that allows for a novel roadmap to address targeted terahertz application requirements.
Implantable Organic Artificial Synapses Exhibiting Crossover between Depressive and Facilitative Plasticity Response
Authors: Calandra Sebastianella Gioacchino , Di Lauro Michele , Murgia Mauro , Bianchi Michele , Carli Stefano , Zoli Michele , Fadiga Luciano , Biscarini Fabio
Published: October 2021

Organic neuromorphic devices mimic signal processing features of biological synapses, with short‐term plasticity, STP, modulated by the frequency of the input voltage pulses. Here, an artificial synapse, made of intracortical microelectrodes, is demonstrated that exhibits either depressive or facilitative STP. The crossover between the two STP regimes is controlled by the frequency of the input voltage. STP features are described with an equivalent circuit where an inductance component is introduced in parallel with the RC circuit associated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT/PSS)||electrolyte interface. The proposed RLC circuit explains the physical origin of the observed STP and its two timescales in terms of charge build up in PEDOT/PSS.
Determinants of infant mortality and representation in bioarchaeological samples: A review
Authors: McFadden Clare , Muir Brianna , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: October 2021

In bioarchaeological contexts, a complex relationship exists between infant representation in the age‐at‐death distribution, gestational and young child mortality rates, and the total fertility rate. The representation of infants in a skeletal sample may be influenced by a range of social, biological, and archaeological factors. To better understand the interactions between representation, fertility, and mortality, this study evaluates the relationship between infant‐juvenile age‐at‐death proportions, fertility rates, and a range of gestational and early childhood mortality measures. The statistical component of this study found the correlation between fertility rates and infant‐juvenile proportions was stronger than with any mortality rate variable of interest. This suggests that the proportion of infants in a mortuary sample is a stronger indicator of fertility than it is of infant‐juvenile mortality. Social, biological, and archaeological variables potentially influencing infant representation in skeletal samples are discussed and a strongly contextualized and holistic approach to infant and juvenile mortality is recommended.
Hypervalent Iodine‐Mediated Late‐Stage Peptide and Protein Functionalization
Authors: Allouche Emmanuelle M. D. , Grinhagena Elija , Waser Jerome
Published: October 2021

Hypervalent iodine compounds are powerful reagents for the development of novel transformations. As they exhibit low toxicity, high functional group tolerance, and stability in biocompatible media, they have been used for the functionalization of biomolecules. Herein, we report recent advances up to June 2021 in peptide and protein modification using hypervalent iodine reagents. Their use as group transfer or oxidizing reagents is discussed in this Minireview, including methods targeting polar, aromatic, or aliphatic amino acids and peptide termini.
Kinetics of the production of alkyl esters by transesterification of soybean oil
Authors: de L. e Silva Benjamim Henrique , de Sena Gusmão Amanda , Pedroza da Silva Suzana , V. Faria Rui P. , E. Rodrigues Alírio , P. Schuler Alexandre Ricardo , Moraes de Abreu Cesar A.
Published: October 2021

Biodiesel was produced by transesterification from soybean oil using methanol (methanolysis) and ethanol (ethanolysis) under conditions including NaOH/alcohol 0.50% wt, molar ratio alcohol:oil = 6:1, 600 rpm, 333 K. The evolution of biodiesel and glycerol esters concentrations were obtained by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, respectively, as a basis for the evaluation of the kinetics of the process. A mathematical model was developed to represent the batch transesterification operations, referring to a mechanism including reactive acylglycerols and intermediates, esters, and glycerol. Considering the importance of the composition of fatty esters in biodiesel, their evolution during processing was quantified. The specific reaction rates for methanolysis and ethanolysis were 0.245 and 0.275 min−1, respectively. The concentration evolution of each fatty ester of the biodiesel was predicted by the solutions of the model equations, based on specific reaction rate constants quantified in the orders of magnitude k = 0.225–0.245 min−1 for methanolysis, and k = 0.225–0.275 min−1 for ethanolysis. Selectivity and yield values of the fatty esters were calculated: it was found Si = 23.5%–25.6% and Ri = 66.3%–89.1% for methanolysis and Si = 21.8%–26.7% and Ri = 74.1%–90.6% for ethanolysis. Based on the model, predictions of the kinetic behavior of acylglycerols reactants (triacylglycerois) and intermediates (monacylglycerois, diacylglycerois) were established.
Porphyrin cross‐linked conjugated polymer nanoparticles‐based photosensitizer for antimicrobial and anticancer photodynamic therapies
Authors: Duah Ishmeal Kwaku , Khaligh Aisan , Koç Ahmet , Başaran Duygu Deniz Akolpoğlu , Tuncel Dönüs
Published: October 2021

We report here the synthesis and characterization of a water dispersible conjugated polymer nanoparticle‐based photosensitizer and its application in the antibacterial and anticancer phototherapies. Nanoparticles (CPPN) were synthesized in one‐pot by nanoprecipitation method, in which a hydrophobic azide functionalized, red‐emitting thiophene‐benzothiodiazole based conjugated polymer (CP‐AZ) was cross‐linked with a hydrophilic, propargylamine functionalized porphyrin (TPP‐4AL) through cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CB6‐AAC) reaction. CPPN demonstrated high stability in aqueous medium for more than a month without any visible aggregation and appeared to be a good photosensitizer with high light‐triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability. Consequently, CPPN displayed photo‐induced biocidal activity against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, E. coli) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis, B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus) bacteria. When bacteria suspension was incubated with CPPN (20 μg ml−1) and irradiated with white light (22 mW cm−2) for 10 min, more than 3.5‐log reduction in colony‐forming units (CFUs) was recorded for the three model bacteria. CPPN demonstrated minimal dark cytotoxicity against the bacteria. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of CPPN on mammalian cell was studied using MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. The results demonstrated that CPPN is non‐toxic to mammalian cells in the dark even at a high concentration of 112.5 μg ml−1 and this feature makes CPPN an ideal photosensitizer.