bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion “bonds” not involving just hydrogen: can it work for F…H?
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

The effects of loading up lots of dispersion attractions (between t-butyl groups) into a compact molecule has the interesting consequence of allowing two “non-bonded” hydrogen atoms to approach to ~1.5Å of each other, thus creating the appearance of a “bond” where one normally would not be found. Can such an effect be injected into other combinations of two atoms, say H and F? Here I briefly explore this notion.
Na2He: a stable compound of helium and sodium at high pressure.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

On February 6th I was alerted to this intriguing article[cite]10.1038/nchem.2716[/cite] by a phone call, made 55 minutes before the article embargo was due to be released. Gizmodo wanted to know if I could provide an (almost)

†

instant

‡

quote. After a few days, this report of a stable compound of helium and sodium still seems impressive to me and I now impart a few more thoughts here.
Exploring the electrophilic directing influence of heteroaromatic rings using crystal structure data mining.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

This is a follow-up to the post on exploring the directing influence of (electron donating) substituents on benzene[cite]10.1021/acs.jchemed.5b00346[/cite] with the focus on heteroaromatic rings such indoles, pyrroles and group 16 analogues (furans, thiophenes etc). The search query is shown above (and is available here[cite]10.14469/hpc/665[/cite]). As before, the distance is compared from an electrophile, modelled as
Can any hypervalence in diazomethanes be amplified?
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

In the previous post, I referred to a recently published review on hypervalency[cite]10.1039/C5SC02076J[/cite] which introduced a very simple way (the valence electron equivalent γ) of quantifying the effect. Diazomethane was cited as one example of a small molecule exhibiting hypervalency (on nitrogen) by this measure.
The provenance of scientific data – establishing an audit trail.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

In an era when alternative facts and fake news afflict us, the provenance of scientific data becomes ever more important. Especially if that data is available as open access and exploitable by others for both valid scientific reasons but potentially also by those with other motives.
Hypervalence and octet-expansion in sulfur hexafluoride.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Following on from discussing octet expansion in species such as SeMe

6

, ClMe

3

and ClMe

5

, I felt impelled to return to SF

6

, often used as an icon for hypervalence.
σ or π nucleophilic reactivity of imines? A mechanistic reality check using substituents.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Previously, a mechanistic twist to the oxidation of imines using peracid had emerged. Time to see how substituents respond to this mechanism. With X = NO

2

100% oxaziridine and no nitrone is obtained experimentally;
Ammonium tetraphenylborate and the mystery of its π-facial hydrogen bonding.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

A few years back, I did a post about the Pirkle reagent[cite]10.1039/c39910000765[/cite] and the unusual π-facial hydrogen bonding structure[cite]10.1039/P29940000703[/cite] it exhibits. For the Pirkle reagent, this bonding manifests as a close contact between the acidic OH hydrogen and the edge of a phenyl ring; the hydrogen bond is off-centre from the middle of the aryl ring.
The history of Alizarin (and madder).
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

The Royal Society of Chemistry historical group (of which I am a member) organises two or three one day meetings a year. Yesterday the October meeting covered (amongst other themes) the fascinating history of madder and its approximately synthetic equivalent alizarin. Here I add a little to the talk given by Alan Dronsfield on the synthesis of alizarin and the impact this had on the entire industry.
Dyotropic Ring Expansion: more mechanistic reality checks.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

I noted in my WATOC conference report a presentation describing the use of calculated reaction barriers (and derived rate constants) as mechanistic reality checks. Computations, it was claimed, have now reached a level of accuracy whereby a barrier calculated as being 6 kcal/mol too high can start ringing mechanistic alarm bells.
Why is the carbonyl IR stretch in an ester higher than in a ketone: crystal structure data mining.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

In this post, I pondered upon the C=O infra-red spectroscopic properties of esters, and showed three possible electronic influences: The red (and blue) arrows imply the C-O bond might shorten and the C=O bond would lengthen; the green the reverse. So time for a search of the crystal structure database as a reality check.
Tetrahedral carbon and cyclohexane.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Following the general recognition of carbon as being tetrahedrally tetravalent in 1869 (Paterno) and 1874 (Van’t Hoff and Le Bell), an early seminal exploitation of this to the conformation of cyclohexane was by Hermann Sachse in 1890.[cite]10.1002/cber.189002301216 [/cite] This was verified when the Braggs in 1913[cite]10.1098/rspa.1913.0084[/cite], followed by an oft-cited article by Mohr in 1918,[cite]10.1002/prac.19180980123[/cite]
A nice example of open data (in London).
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Living in London, travelling using public transport is often the best way to get around. Before setting out on a journey one checks the status of the network. Doing so today I came across this page: our open data from Transport for London.  I learnt that by making TFL travel data openly available, some 11,000 developers (sic!) have registered for access, out of which some 600 travel apps have emerged.
Hypervalent hydrogen?
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

I discussed the molecule the molecule CH3F2- a while back.
Dispersion “bonds”: a new example with an ultra-short H…H distance.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

About 18 months ago, there was much discussion on this blog about a system reported by Bob Pascal and co-workers containing a short H…H contact of ~1.5Å[cite]10.1021/ja407398w[/cite]. In this system, the hydrogens were both attached to Si as Si-H…H-Si and compressed together by rings.
The dark satanic mills (of the industrial revolution?)
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Around the time of the 2012 olympic games, the main site for which was Stratford in east London, I heard a fascinating talk about the “remediation” of the site from the pollution caused by its industrial chemical heritage. Here I visit another, arguably much more famous and indeed older industrial site. The remediation of Stratford involved the removal, cleaning and returning of a vast amount of topsoil, something which was not cheap to do.
How does an OH or NH group approach an aromatic ring to hydrogen bond with its π-face?
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

I previously used data mining of crystal structures to explore the directing influence of substituents on aromatic and heteroaromatic rings. Here I explore, quite literally, a different angle to the hydrogen bonding interactions between a benzene ring and OH or NH groups. I start by defining a benzene ring with a centroid.
Are diazomethanes hypervalent molecules? Probably, but in an unexpected way!
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

A recently published review on hypervalency[cite]10.1039/C5SC02076J[/cite] introduced a very simple way of quantifying the effect. One of the molecules which was suggested to be hypervalent using this method was diazomethane. Here I take a closer look.
Molecule orbitals as indicators of reactivity: bromoallene.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Bromoallene is a pretty simple molecule, with two non-equivalent double bonds. How might it react with an electrophile, say dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) to form an epoxide?[cite]10.1039/C6CC06395K[/cite] Here I explore the difference between two different and very simple approaches to predicting its reactivity. Both approaches rely on the properties of the reactant and use two types of molecule orbitals derived from its electronic wavefunction.
The dipole moments of highly polar molecules: glycine zwitterion.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

The previous posts produced discussion about the dipole moments of highly polar molecules.
Stereoelectronic effects galore: bis(trifluoromethyl)trioxide.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Here is a little molecule that can be said to be pretty electron rich. There are lots of lone pairs present, and not a few electron-deficient σ-bonds. I thought it might be fun to look at the stereoelectronic interactions set up in this little system.
Ritonavir: a look at a famous example of conformational polymorphism.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Here is an inside peek at another one of Derek Lowe’s 250 milestones in chemistry, the polymorphism of

Ritonavir

.[cite]10.1023/A:1011052932607[/cite] The story in a nutshell concerns one of a pharma company’s worst nightmares;
Chemical Bonds at the 21st Century – 2017: the Bond Slam.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

It is always interesting to observe conference experiments taking place. The traditional model involves travelling to a remote venue, staying in a hotel, selecting sessions to attend from a palette of parallel streams and then interweaving chatting to colleagues both old and new over coffee, lunch, dinner or excursions.
Braiding a molecular knot with eight crossings.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

This is one of those posts of a molecule whose very structure is interesting enough to merit a picture and a 3D model. The study[cite]10.1126/science.aal1619[/cite] reports a molecular knot with the remarkable number of eight crossings.
FAIR data ⇌ Raw data.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

FAIR data

is increasingly accepted as a description of what research data should aspire to; **F**indable, **A**ccessible, **I**nter-operable and

R

e-usable, with Context added by rich metadata (and also that it should be Open). But there are two sides to data, one of which is the raw data emerging from say an instrument or software simulations and the other in which some kind of model is applied to produce semi-
Long C-C bonds.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

In an earlier post, I searched for small C-C-C angles, finding one example that was also accompanied by an apparently exceptionally long C-C bond (2.18Å). But this arose from highly unusual bonding giving rise not to a single bond order but one closer to one half! How long can a “normal”

(i.e

single) C-C bond get, a question which has long fascinated chemists. A naive search of the CSD is not as straightforward as it seems.
PIDapalooza 2018: the open festival for persistent identifiers.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

PIDapalooza is a new forum concerned with discussing all things persistent, hence PID. You might wonder what possible interest a chemist might have in such an apparently arcane subject, but think of it in terms of how to find the proverbial needle in a haystack in a time when needles might look all very similar.
How FAIR are the data associated with the 2017 Molecules-of-the-Year?
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

C&EN has again run a vote for the 2017 Molecules of the year. Here I take a look not just at these molecules, but at how FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) the data associated with these molecules actually is. I went about finding out as follows: The article DOI for all seven candidates was linked to the C&EN site.
Silicon drug analogues.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

I don’t normally write about the pharmaceutical industry, but I was intrigued by several posts by Derek Lowe (who does cover this area) on the topic of creating new drugs by deuterating existing ones. Thus he covered the first deuterated drug receiving FDA approval last year, having first reviewed the concept back in 2009. So when someone introduced me to

sila-haloperidol

, I checked to see if Derek had written about it.
Revisiting (and maintaining) a twenty year old web page. Mauveine: The First Industrial Organic Fine-Chemical.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

Almost exactly 20 years ago, I started what can be regarded as the precursor to this blog. As part of a celebration of this anniversary,[cite]10.3390/molecules22040549[/cite] I revisited the page to see whether any of it had withstood the test of time. Here I recount what I discovered. The site itself is at www.ch.ic.ac.uk/motm/perkin.html
The “hydrogen bond”; its early history.
Authors: Rzepa Henry
Published: September 2023

My holiday reading has been Derek Lowe’s excellent Chemistry Book setting out 250 milestones in chemistry, organised by year. An entry for 1920 entitled hydrogen bonding seemed worth exploring in more detail here.
Atvejo vadybininko veiklos motyvacija
Authors: Dragūnienė Sandra , Milkintaitė Laima
Published: September 2023

Case management is increasingly identified as an effective method for solving social challenges and ensuring a child’s wellbeing and positive changes in the family. However, it came to Lithuania quite recently, in 2018. The case manager coordinates assistance to the at-risk family and works in a tea with a social worker and specialists from different institutions. It is noticed that both clients and specialists still do not always understand the specifics of the activities of this specialist. The work is complicated by constantly changing laws, which affects specialists’ emotional well-being, the assessment of the effectiveness of their activities, motivation and satisfaction with the professional activities. It is believed that all over the world and in Lithuania, a significant part of employees, including the field of social work, are not satisfied with their work, have low motivation and experience negative feelings. In Lithuania, there is a lack of research in the field of case management in social work. Therefore, while conducting the study, efforts were made to analyse what motivates and demotivates case managers in their activities. A qualitative study was conducted, and a content analysis was used to analyse the results. The study results show that case managers are most motivated in professional activities by the desire to help families in difficulty realise personal goals. They appreciate obvious positive performance results, satisfaction with professional activities, and wages. Motivation is increased by good professional relations with colleagues; moral support of the line manager and colleagues; absence of routine and monotony in professional activities; monitoring changes in clients’ lives and their gratitude; establishing good relationships and successful cooperation with other specialists; bonuses. Motivation is reduced by the complexity and specifics of professional activities; difficulties in communication and cooperation with clients and other specialists; unmotivated clients who do not accept help; significant changes in legislation; negative information and events; emotional background, and too little awareness of the case manager’s position.
Coaching as a tool for unlocking learning potential
Authors: Brazauskaitė-Zubavičienė Ieva , Pukienė Asta , Saccone Claudia
Published: September 2023

In contemporary European educational contexts, equal access to education and learning opportunities have become one of the main issues. Socio-economic factors and the surrounding environment are widely recognised as the main barriers to changing an individual’s social position in society, while the disparity between educational opportunities and learning outcomes is seen to be growing. This paper aims to address the ongoing challenges and opportunities to break down barriers to upward mobility and promote equal opportunities for all by looking at different intervention approaches, such as coaching and positive role models. International research involving participants from 6 European countries - Lithuania, Italy, Norway, Greece, Romania and the United Kingdom - was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the coaching method and its impact on unlocking learning potential in the educational setting. The research findings suggest that coaching effectively promotes learning and behavioural change in disadvantaged learners.
Research Brief: Creative and Embodied Peacebuilding
Authors: Röders Jonathan , Pauls Evelyn
Published: September 2023

This research brief delves into the transformative potential of creative and embodied peacebuilding methods in (post-)conflict contexts. It highlights the importance of addressing the affective dimension of conflict often overlooked in conventional, dispassionate approaches and showcases how different art forms and sports enable individuals to cope with trauma and manage their emotions while fostering trust and empathy. By embracing these methods, societies can rebuild their social fabric by promoting a shared sense of humanity and challenging divisive legacies. Furthermore, these methods are a way to help decolonise peacebuilding research and practice by incorporating local forms of artistic expression, unveil particularised experiences and embrace community-defined success criteria. The brief offers key points for practitioners to integrate these methods effectively and participatorily, emphasising their potential for healing and growth at both individual and community levels.
THE PERCEPTION OF TEACHERS ON THE USING FLIPPED CLASSROOM APPROACH ON FORMATION ICC COMPETENCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors:   Kazakh Ablaikhan University of International Relations and World Languages, Tazhenbayeva A. , Orynbayeva U. ,   Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov
Published: September 2023

Teaching a foreign language contributes to the development of communicative abilities necessary for effective interpersonal and intercultural communication. The teacher should pay close attention not only to the selection of the most effective pedagogical technologies and methods of teaching a foreign language, but also to the peculiarity of their application, taking into account the ethnic heterogeneity of groups of students. In this case, intercultural communication comes to the fore in the educational process as a basic strategy for understanding the culture of other languages. The process of developing the intercultural communicative competence of students will be more effective if the latest information technologies are actively used. Flipped classroom is one of the suggested technologies. This article examines the perception of teachers on the using flipped classroom approach on formation intercultural-communicative competence among secondary school students. The article describes the results of the survey conducted among secondary school foreign language teachers.
Research on Progress of Forest Fire Monitoring with Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: Zheng Ying , Zhang Gui , Tan Sanqing , Feng Lanbo
Published: September 2023

With satellite remote sensing technology blooming, satellite remote sensing has become a common tool to detect forest fires, and played an important role in forest fire monitoring. This paper sort the research status and progress on satellite remote sensing monitoring for forest fires to provide directions and insights for subsequent research and applications. Through reviewing the literature on satellite remote sensing monitoring for forest fires, we present satellites and sensors for forest fire monitoring, describe forest fire monitoring methods through brightness temperature detection and smoke detection, and summarize current problems of satellite remote sensing monitoring of forest fires. Despite forest fire satellite remote sensing monitoring algorithms are becoming increasingly mature, it is not without problems such as slow migration of cloud detection algorithms, difficulties in unifying spatial and temporal characteristics, and difficulties in detecting small fires and low-temperature fires. Finally, in response to the problems identified, we list some recommendations with a view to providing useful references for future research on forest fire monitoring with satellite remote sensing.
Entropology in the Philosophy of Georges Bataille
Authors: Tuomas Linartas
Published: September 2023

In this article, the notion of entropology introduced by Claude Lévi-Strauss is applied and developed in the context of Georges Bataille’s anthropological philosophy: Bataille’s project is defined as entropological. Four philosophical vectors are chosen for this: the theory of general economy, the concept of decay, the idea of extinction and the notion of inhumanism. The theory of general economy allows us to understand the immanent terrestrial nature of humanity and the negative – entropic – side of the capitalist economy. The concept of decay gives access to the thought of bodily disintegration and decomposition, which is temporality and mortality that split the subject. The idea of extinction speculates on the consequences of humanity’s destructiveness, libidinally charged inertia, and the extreme perspective of entropy’s impact on the planet. The notion of inhumanism suggests a radical rethinking of the human relationship with alienation and exteriority: Bataille’s philosophy is reinterpreted as inhumanist. I conclude that the Lévi-Strauss’s neologism – entropology – can be productively articulated and actualised within the framework of Bataille’s philosophy.
Impact of Muscle Measures on Outcome in Patients Receiving Endocrine Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer: Analysis of ECOG-ACRIN E2112
Authors: Ballinger Tarah J. , Marques Helga S. , Xue Gloria , Hoffman Richard , Gatsonis Constantine , Zhao Fengmin , Miller Kathy D. , Sparano Joseph , Connolly Roisin M.
Published: September 2023

Background: Observational data investigating the relationship between body habitus and outcomes in breast cancer have been variable and inconsistent, largely centered in the curative setting and focused on weight-based metrics. This study evaluated the impact of muscle measures on outcomes in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving endocrine-based therapy. Methods: Baseline CT scans were collected from ECOG-ACRIN E2112, a randomized phase III placebo-controlled study of exemestane with or without entinostat. A CT cross-sectional image at the L3 level was extracted to obtain skeletal muscle mass and attenuation. Low muscle mass (LMM) was defined as skeletal muscle index <41 cm2/m2 and low muscle attenuation (LMA) as muscle density <25 HU or <33 HU if overweight/obese by body mass index (BMI). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models determined the association between LMM or LMA and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Correlations between LMM, LMA, and patient-reported outcomes were determined using 2-sample t tests. Results: Analyzable CT scans and follow-up data were available for 540 of 608 patients. LMM was present in 39% (n=212) of patients and LMA in 56% (n=301). Those with LMA were more likely to have obesity and worse performance status. LMM was not associated with survival (PFS hazard ratio [HR]: 1.13, P=.23; OS HR: 1.05, P=.68), nor was LMA (PFS HR: 1.01, P=.93; OS HR: 1.00, P=.99). BMI was not associated with survival. LMA, but not LMM, was associated with increased frequency of patient-reported muscle aches. Conclusions: Both low muscle mass and density are prevalent in patients with hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer. Muscle measures correlated with obesity and performance status; however, neither muscle mass nor attenuation were associated with prognosis. Further work is needed to refine body composition measurements and select optimal cutoffs with meaningful endpoints in specific breast cancer populations, particularly those living with metastatic disease.
SASTRA LISAN DALAM CERITA RAKYAT SAPTA TIRTA DI KABUPATEN KARANGANYAR (PENDEKATAN FUNGSIONAL)
Authors: Nanda Sedyaningsih Herni
Published: September 2023

Sastra lisan adalah jenis karya sastra yang diakui oleh masyarakat serta disebarkan secara lisan menggunakan bahasa daerah masing-masing. Salah satu contohnya yaitu cerita rakyat Sapta Tirta di Kabupaten Karanganyar yang akan dijadikan objek pada penelitian ini. Penelitian ini berfokus untuk mengkaji fungsi sastra lisan cerita rakyat Sapta Tirta di Kabupaten Karanganyar dengan pendekatan fungsional menurut David Kaplan dan Albert Manners. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menjadikan masyarakat paham akan manfaat atau kegunaan budaya-budaya yang ada dalam cerita rakyat Sapta Tirta melalui fungsi sastra lisan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu deskripsi kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan wawancara, observasi dan analisis dokumen. Hasil penelitian menujukkan bahwa cerita rakyat Sapta Tirta di Kabupaten Karanganyar memiliki fungsi sastra lisan dari pendekatan fungsional menurut David Kaplan dan Albert Manners. Fungsi-fungsi tersebut yaitu fungsi sosial, fungsi religius, fungsi budaya, dan fungsi kelestarian alam. Selain itu, melalui penelitian ini bisa mengetahui sejarah, budaya, serta bagian penting dari Sapta Tirta.
EHL-İ HAKK’IN CEM VE MANEVİ MECLİSLERİ
Authors: DURİNG Jean
Published: September 2023

Bu makale, uzun yıllardır Ehli Hakklar hakkında yapılan çalışmalara dayanmaktadır. Çalışmanın verileri Sahne, Kirmanşah ve Tahran’daki Ehl-i Hakk topluluklarından elde edilmiştir. Özellikle Şah Hayasi ve Ateş Beği hanedanı ve cemine bağlı topluluklardan veri elde edilmiştir. Farklı zamanlarda farklı bölgelerde Ehl-i Hakk’ın farklı hanedanlarına bağlı toplulukların cem ve manevi meclislerine katılınarak gözlem ve görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Yanı sıra kelamların yer aldığı Serencam veya Daftarlardaki bilgilerden de istifade edilmiştir. Cemlerde icra edilen Tanbur ve makamlarına dair Ehl-i Hakk inançlarına yönelik geniş ve etraflıca izahlar hem alandan hem de metinlerden derlenmiştir. Ehl-i Hakklarda Tanbur ve kelamlar; cem ve manevi meclislerinin kuruluşunu sağlayan ilkeleri içlerinde barındırmaktadır. Her bir Tanbur makamı bir tecelli ile yine her bir düzen veya akort da hanedanların zuhuru ile bağlantılıdır. Bu aynı zamanda insanın yeryüzündeki hakikat mertebelerine erişindeki aşamaları anlatır, tanbur ve kelamlar bunun gerçekleşmesinde de yardımcı olduğu gibi, insanın geçtiği mertebeler için de kılavuzluk yapmaktadır.
Rosana Paulino y Adriana Varejão: una crítica visual a la colonialidad del poder
Authors: Bugnone Ana Liza , Capasso Verónica
Published: September 2023

This paper compares and analyzes a corpus of works by Brazilian artists Rosana Paulino and Adriana Varejão, which deal with the violence inflicted upon nature and the body. From a decolonial perspective, it is believed that the selected works criticize racism and nature's destruction as consequences of the European Conquest. These artists use meaningful aspects of Portuguese culture, such as tiles, to show, together with slave ships, body parts and images of nature, the degree of violence that resulted from such process. It is claimed that Paulino and Varejão criticize the colonialism of power by showing the “colonial wound” and its effects. They show the erasure of identities, the creation of stereotypes and the use of bodies and nature as goods to propose a visual criticism over Brazil’s history and present. A qualitative and transdisciplinary approach with visual studies, history and decolonial studies as a basis will be used to describe, analyze and compare the images.

En este trabajo analizamos y comparamos un corpus de obras de las artistas brasileñas Rosana Paulino y Adriana Varejão, cuyos temas son las violencias ejercidas sobre los cuerpos y la naturaleza. Desde una perspectiva decolonial, consideramos que las obras seleccionadas presentan una crítica al racismo y a la devastación de la naturaleza como resultados la conquista europea. Las artistas utilizan elementos significativos de la cultura portuguesa, como los azulejos, para mostrar, junto con “barcos negreros”, partes de cuerpos e imágenes de la naturaleza, el grado de violencia que resultó de dicho proceso. Sostenemos que Paulino y Varejão producen una crítica a la colonialidad del poder, mostrando la “herida colonial” y sus efectos. Las artistas muestran el borramiento de identidades, la producción de estereotipos y la utilización de cuerpos y de la naturaleza como mercancías para proponer una crítica visual a la historia brasileña, aunque también del presente. Utilizamos una metodología cualitativa y transdisciplinaria, con base en los Estudios visuales, la Historia y los Estudios decoloniales, para describir las imágenes, analizarlas y compararlas.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Policies and the Enhancement of Quality Education in Lower and Upper Basic Schools within Region One Education Directorate, The Gambia
Authors:   International Open University 21 Kanifing Mosque Road, The Gambia, Fatajo Ebrima , Barrow Mustapha ,   Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Kanifing, The Gambia
Published: September 2023

This study focused on the importance of School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) policy in enhancing the quality of education in Lower and Upper Basic Schools within Region One Education Directorate of The Gambia. The study utilised a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of policy documents with quantitative data obtained from questionnaires administered to head teachers. The Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and Systems Thinking provide valuable theoretical lenses to analyse the lack of WASH policies. The HRBA emphasises the recognition of WASH as a fundamental human right, while the Systems Thinking approach considers the interconnectedness and complexity of the WASH system. The findings indicated that a significant number of schools in the region lack a WASH policy or rely on general directives, leading to inconsistent approaches and practices in addressing WASH issues. This inconsistency results in inadequate provision of WASH facilities, ineffective hygiene education, and a lack of clear learning objectives for students. The absence of WASH-related guidance in key school management tools and policy documents further exacerbates the challenges. The study highlighted the need for a comprehensive School WASH policy to oversee, regulate, and provide guidance for the implementation of WASH standards in educational institutions. Recommendations included developing and implementing a comprehensive School WASH policy, enhancing the curriculum framework to ensure the coverage of WASH topics, providing clear guidelines and resources, incorporating WASH into policy documents, conducting capacity-building and awareness programmes, and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
An Assessment of Politics in Anti Corruption Initiative in Nigeria
Authors:   Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Awopeju Ayo
Published: September 2023

This paper critically examined the politics of the anti-corruption initiative to consider its influences on the anti-corruption war in Nigeria. Elite Theory was adopted as a framework while qualitative research design was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data made use of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) while secondary data were obtained from textbooks, newspapers, journals, Human Rights Watch and the Acts of the anti-corruption agencies. A total of twelve (12) KIIs were conducted with the scholars of anti-corruption and the officials of the anti-corruption agencies. The categories of people were purposively selected for the study due to their experience in anti-corruption studies in Nigeria. Data were subjected to thematic and content analyses. The study found that apart from witch-hunting political opponents, politicization turned the anti-corruption agencies into tools for forcing leadership change, brought about frequent changes in the leadership of the anti-corruption agencies, for the acquisition of legitimacy, select prosecution of corruption cases, etc. The paper concluded that politics largely determines what the agencies do, the laws they apply, their direction and legal tools. The paper recommended minimal political influence of politics in the anti-corruption initiative in Nigeria.
An Assessment of Stress Management Skills and Teachers’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Benin Metropolis
Authors:   Edo State University, Frederick Ogbeide , Osazee Israel Enabunene ,   Shaka Polytechnic, Egba Campus, Benin City, Edo State
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to determine the level of stress management skills and teachers’ performance in public secondary schools in the Benin metropolis. The dimensions of stress studied included physical stress, mental stress, emotional stress and social stress. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design using a sample of 171 teachers and school administrators randomly drawn from six secondary schools in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria. The secondary schools were selected from the three local government areas that make up Benin City (Egor, Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha). Using a convenient sampling technique, a self-developed instrument titled: Stress Management Skills and Teachers’ Performance (SMSTP) was used to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using simple percentages. Underpinned by the psychological stress theory of Lazarus, the results showed that public secondary school teachers had a high level of stress and that there are no proper stress management techniques for them in the Benin metropolis. The findings equally revealed that stress has a direct relationship with teachers’ productivity that invariably affects students’ academic performance. Consequently, the study recommended that the same attention given to stress management by corporate organizations which are on the increase should be extended to the education industry.
The Role of Forensic Accounting in Bridging the Audit Expectation Gap of Microfinance Banks in Akwa Ibom State
Authors:   Akwa Ibom State University, Emmanuel Ikpe Obongodiong , Etim Uwah Uwem ,   Akwa Ibom State University
Published: September 2023

The audit expectation gap has widened due to the occurrence of undetected high-profile financial statement frauds, highlighting the need for effective measures to address this issue. This study investigated the role of forensic accounting in bridging the expectation gap among stakeholders in microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State. Using a survey research design, primary data were collected from 128 respondents representing a sample size drawn from ten randomly selected microfinance banks in Uyo. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient statistical tool. The findings indicated that incorporating forensic accounting skills significantly mitigates corporate financial fraud by promptly detecting fraudulent patterns that traditional audits may overlook. This highlighted the importance of forensic accounting in addressing the limitations of conventional audit practices. Based on the results, the researcher concluded that forensic accounting practice plays a crucial role in bridging the audit expectation gaps of microfinance banks. To enhance financial reporting quality and stakeholder confidence, it was recommended that microfinance bank directors engage auditors equipped with requisite forensic accounting skills. This proactive approach will enable the early detection and effective mitigation of fraudulent financial reporting, ultimately leading to the production of qualitative financial reports that meet stakeholder expectations.
Crude Oil Exploitation in The Niger Delta and Appointments in Nigeria’s Oil Industry
Authors:   College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State, Etim Akpan Ime
Published: September 2023

The thesis of the study was that though the Niger Delta region is the major producer of oil which is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, the region has been neglected for decades as resources from oil in the region have not translated to commensurate development of infrastructure with its contribution to the national purse. The study made use of secondary data in its methodology which offered an opportunity to gather adequate and useful information for the study. Results from findings show that the federal government of Nigeria derailed the social contract between it and the Niger Delta region. The study discovered that despite the availability of highly educated human resources in the Niger Delta, appointments to positions such as Group Managing Director of the NNPC and Minister of Petroleum Resources have been negatively skewed toward the Region. The paper frowned at the Federal government’s marginalization of the Niger Delta which it observed is the main cause of frustration of the people thereby making them aggressive and antagonistic towards the federal government, concluding that the unending crises in the Delta are due to government insensitivity to the poor conditions of the people. To forestall further crises in the region, the paper recommended among others, the provision of adequate infrastructure in the region, the appointment of indigenes to managerial positions in the oil industry and the floating of a special scholarship scheme for indigent students of the region.
MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR BIOLOGI DENGAN PEMBELAJARAN AKTIF BERBANTUAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DI SMK CANGKRINGAN
Authors: SUGIYONO SUGIYONO
Published: September 2023

Rendahnya motivasi belajar siswa SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan) Cangkringan terhadap Biologi menimbulkan keprihatinan bagi peneliti. Siswa dengan motivasi belajar yang sangat rendah akan langsung berhenti berusaha, setiap kali menghadapi kesulitan belajar atau saat menghadapi ujian. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, tujuan penelitian tindakan kelas ini adalah untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa kelas X APHP SMKN 1 Cangkringan terhadap Biologi dengan melaksanakan pembelajaran aktif yang berbantuan teknologi informasi. Prosedur penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas, yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus, dengan fokus pada pengamatan keaktifan siswa sebelum dan selama proses pembelajaran. Subjek penelitiannya adalah guru mata pelajaran biologi yang bertindak sebagai peneliti dan seluruh siswa kelas X APHP 1 SMKN 1  Cangkringan. Siswa di kelas ini berjumlah 29 siswa, terdiri dari 6 siswa laki-laki dan 23 siswa perempuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan pembelajaran aktif berbantuan teknologi informasi dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa terhadap Biologi, hal ini ditunjukkan dengan tingkat keaktifan siswa pada semua aspek yang diamati mencapai kriteria yang ditetapkan oleh peneliti yaitu 85%.
Adoption of the Agriculture Application by Farmers Using the UTAUT2 Method Focused on Community Behavior and User Experience
Authors: Handoko Putra Yeffry , Warlina Lia , Fatimah Dina , Wantoro  , Septiani Aulia Selfa
Published: September 2023

At the moment, there is a rising penetration of mobile phone use, especially in rural areas, which generates information in the agricultural sector. The advancement of information and technology through mobile phones, particularly smartphones, can help farmers quickly access the most up-to-date information and impact better decision making. Farmers' Adoption of Digital Agricultural Applications Using the UTAUT2 Method with a Focus on User Behavior and Experience in Developing Information Technology Acceptance Policies in the Districts of Lembang and Parongpong, Bandung Regency. According to the findings of this survey, there are 8% male farmers and 14% female farmers. The majority of responses were in the age range of 41-50 years, as much as 44%, and the majority of farming time is less than 10 years, with a proportion of 59%. A person's experience with agricultural applications helps to moderate the behavioral intention variable, which influences the Use Intention variable, and a person's experience with agricultural applications helps him to believe in and take advantage of opportunities to grow his agricultural business.
Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Smart Office Terhadap Keberlangsungan Operasional Perusahaan di Jakarta (Studi Kasus Tenant PT Menara Properti Indonesia Tahun 2021)
Authors: Sari Mayang , Sulistyono Achmad
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the use of Smart Office which consists of two indicators, namely Virtual Office and Serviced Office on the Company's Operational Sustainability which consists of several indicators, including desks, chairs, and private offices; internet connection, and electricity; free printing; free meeting rooms; full pantry; receptionist; cleaning services; and the domicile of the company at the tenants registered with PT Menara Properti Indonesia. This study uses a survey method conducted on all tenants registered at PT Menara Properti Indonesia, both users of Virtual Office and Serviced Office services. The results of this study indicate that there is an influence between the use of smart offices and the company's operational sustainability at the tenants of PT Menara Properti Indonesia.
Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Learning Together untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Mata Pelajaran Matematika
Authors: Nurasiah Nurasiah , Supardi Supardi
Published: September 2023

Mengamati kecenderungan siswa akan sulitnya dan rendahnya minat belajar siswa terhadap mata pelajaran matematika menjadikan nilai hasil evaluasi yang mereka perolepun sangat rendah. Hal ini membuat siswa mengalami kecenderungan belajar dengan sikap yang pasif. Dengan demikian akan berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar dan prestasi belajar yang diperoleh masing-masing siswa pun cenderung rendah. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut diperlukan cara efektif dalam memilih model pembelajaran seperti model pembelajaran Learning Together. Model pembelajaran Learning Together ini merupakan salah satu cara yang mampu melatih siswa untuk dapat mengembangkan disiplin intelektual dan keterampilan berpikir dengan memunculkan pertanyaan-pertanyaan atas dasar rasa ingin tahu mereka sendiri sehingga mereka dapat menemukan jawaban-jawaban dari permasalahan yang mereka hadapi. Dengan demikian perlu dilakukan suatu penelitian untuk meningkatkan prestasi belajar dengan model pembelajaran Learning Together dalam proses pelaksanaan pembelajaran mata pelajaran Matematika di kelas X MIPA 3 di SMA Negeri 2 Cikarang Utara. Instumen yang digunakan yaitu berupa test kognitif yang telah melalui beberapa tahapan seperti judgement, validitas, realibiltas dengan berdasarkan pada tingkat kesukaran dan daya pembeda. Dan sebagai tujuan akhir yaitu hasil yang dicapai dari penelitian ini menunjukan suatu peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa dalam pengetahuan dan keterampilan setelah diterapkannya model pembelajaran Learning Together.

Kata Kunci : Model Pembelajaran Learning Together, Hasil Belajar , Matematika
Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Role Play untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Mata Pelajaran Matematika
Authors: Mulyani Renita Sri , Supardi Supardi
Published: September 2023

Berdasarkan pada rendahnya nilai hasil evaluasi mata pelajaran Matematika perlu dilakukan suatu tinjauan yang seksama agar pembelajaran ini dapat mencapai hasilyang maksimal. Seperti kurangnya model pembelajaran yang digunakan pada saat proses pembelajaran berlangsung,sehingga membuat siswa mengalami kecenderungan belajar yang pasif. Dengan demikian akan berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar dan prestasi belajar yang diperoleh masing-masing siswa. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut diperlukan cara efektif dalam memilih model pembelajaran seperti model pembelajaran Role Plya. Model pembelajaran Role Play ini merupakan salah satu cara agar mampu melatih siswa untuk dapat mengembangkan disiplin intelektual dan keterampilan berpikir dengan memunculkan pertanyaan-pertanyaan atas dasar rasa ingin tahu mereka sendiri sehingga mereka dapat menemukan jawaban-jawaban dari pertanyaan-pertanyaan tersebut. Dengan demikian perlu dilakukan suatu penelitian untuk meningkatkan prestasi belajar dengan model pembelajaran Role Play dalam proses pelaksanaan pembelajaran mata pelajaran Matematika di kelas XI MIPA 2 di SMA Negeri 2 Cikarang Utara. Instumen yang digunakan yaitu berupa test kognitif yang telah melalui beberapa tahapan seperti judgement, validitas, realibiltas dengan berdasarkan pada tingkat kesukaran dan daya pembeda. Dan sebagai tujuan akhir yaitu hasil yang dicapai dari penelitian ini menunjukan suatu peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa dalam pengetahuan dan keterampilan setelah diterapkannya model pembelajaran Role Play.

Kata Kunci : Model Pembelajaran Role Play, Prestasi Belajar , Matematika
Penggunaan Lembar Analisis Materi Pada Metode Diskusi Presentasi dalam Upaya Peningkatan Efektivitas Pembelajaran
Authors: Dewi Leni Lustiawati , Supardi Supardi
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The purpose of using the Material Analysis Sheet in the Discussion Method is to improve the learning achievement of each student in learning activities. This analysis sheet is used to measure how far the student is able to absorb and understand the material during the discussion. Improving the effectiveness of learning, what the author wants to know is on two aspects of the assessment, namely the process aspect and the result aspect. The process aspect is explored in two ways, namely the assessment carried out by the teacher and the assessment by the audience. The assessment carried out by the teacher is addressed to all students regarding the learning process. This assessment uses the Process Assessment Sheet. While the audience assessment is aimed at the presenter group, it is carried out using the Material Evaluation Sheet. The results of the assessment of these two methods are combined and divided into two to get the value of learning effectiveness in the process aspect. Meanwhile, the author can explore aspects of the results by looking at the post-test scores by conducting written tests in the form of multiple choice questions (multiple chois), which are carried out at the end of the lesson. Learning is said to be effective, that is, when it reaches the predetermined targets. In the process aspect, the researcher stated that it was effective if the process assessment had achieved a score of 80% or more. Meanwhile, the outcome aspect is declared effective if students who achieve KKM (posttest score = 70) are at least 70% of the total number of students.
Keywords: Material Analysis Sheet, Discussion Method, Student Achievement
Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar melalui Model Pembelajaran Cooperative Learning Strategies (CLS)
Authors: Widhihastuti Nur , Supardi Supardi
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The selection of the right learning model greatly affects the success in determining the high and low results achieved by students in carrying out learning. However, to be able to have the right learning model, careful observation is needed by looking for the causes behind the difficulty of students learning the given material. The emphasis is on the importance of activities and interactions during the learning process to achieve what is the purpose of teaching. Thus the success of students in the learning process will achieve maximum results. Improve student learning outcomes with the Cooperative Learning Strategy learning model in the process of implementing Biology subject learning in class XII Science 2 at SMA Negeri 2 Cikarang Utara. This model is considered appropriate to be applied to students because it has the principle of responsibility between individuals, interdependence in positive terms, communicative among others, students, doing face-to-face to interact, accustomed to evaluating in carrying out a better process. Achievement in carrying out the learning process using this model gets significant results in improving student learning outcomes. The basis for this achievement is accompanied by data during the model implementation process
KEYWORDS : Cooperative Learning Strategies, Learning Outcomes, Biology