bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting The Choice Of Payment Method In Modern Retail Shops
Authors: Maya Nur Annisaa  , Nuryasman MN  , Ira Geraldina
Published: December 2023

Digitalization affects almost all areas of life, including payment methods. Now, there are many different payment methods. However, on the other hand, Indonesia's financial inclusion level still needs to catch up compared to neighboring countries. This study aims to determine the factors influencing the choice of payment method at minimarkets in Bekasi City by using transaction value, income, education, awareness ease of use, and awareness of risk as independent variables. Research data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 400 respondents. The sampling method used a convenient regional random sample selection technique. Data collection found that electronic wallets are the most used payment method. Using the PLS-SEM method, the results found that transaction value, income, education, awareness ease of use, and awareness of risk have positive and significant impacts in increasing the likelihood of consumer’s behavior in choosing an electronic payment method.
Growth and total photosynthetic pigment responses of five accessions of Zea mays L. grown under waterlogging stress
Authors: Okon Okon Godwin , Akpan Ekomobong Etinam , Archibong Augustine Effiong , Nyong Imikan Anyieokpon
Published: December 2023

The effect of waterlogging on the growth of five accessions of Zea mays was investigated. The growth parameters, evaluated from 2 WAP (Weeks after planting) included: leaf area, number of nodes, total photosynthetic pigment (TPP) as well as plant height. Results revealed that TZM-4 (7.00±0.296 cm) showed a higher growth under waterlogging stress as observed in shoot length, whilst TZM-5 recorded the lowest growth with (4.83±0.17 cm). Results for the estimation of the total photosynthetic pigment; TZM-4 was observed to have retained a high value (28.23±8.63 mg/kg), while TZM-1 showed the lowest value (15.33±3.23 mg/kg) after 4WAP. For the number of nodes, TZM-1 recorded a high value (4.67±4.67), while TZM-5 had the lowest value (2.33±1.20). By observation, TZM-5 showed a better overall waterlogging tolerance which could be attributed to the development of adventitious roots which aided aeration. Hence, waterlogging stress had negative effects on the growth and TPP of Z. mays. However, TZM-5 showed promising advantage under waterlogging condition while TZM-3 showed poor tolerance in growth rate which makes it a non-favorable choice for planting in waterlogged soil. Thus, this research provides a promising insight for breeders and plant scientists to capitalize on for the breeding of this very important economic crop for sustainable agriculture and food security in a world threatened by climate change.
Model Klasifikasi berbasis Ekspresi Gen Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) pada Wanita Bukan Perokok Menggunakan Metode Ensemble
Authors: Azizah Kholishoh Nur , Kurniawan Isman , Nhita Fhira
Published: December 2023

Kanker paru-paru adalah penyebab utama kematian terkait kanker di seluruh dunia dan membawa dampak sosial ekonomi yang signifikan bagi pasien, keluarga, dan masyarakat secara keseluruhan. Dalam diagnosis kanker, klasifikasi berbagai jenis tumor sangat penting. Prediksi akurat dari berbagai jenis tumor memungkinkan untuk pengobatan yang lebih baik dan meminimalkan toksisitas pada pasien. Untuk menganalisis masalah klasifikasi kanker menggunakan data ekspresi gen, untuk pemilihan fitur dan model prediksi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memprediksi NSCLC dengan menerapkan metode ensemble pada data microarray. Penulis menggunakan tiga metode ensemble untuk memprediksi NSCLC, yaitu Random Forest, Adaptive Boosting (AB), dan Extreme Gradient Boosting (XG). Seleksi fitur dilakukan menggunakan variance threshold dan parameter chi-square kemudian dilanjutkan dengan membangun model prediksi menggunakan ensemble. Hasil validasi model terbaik berdasarkan yang terdiagnosis kanker yaitu model AB dengan 10 fitur, XG dengan 10 fitur, dan XG dengan 20 fitur yang menghasilkan nilai accuracy, recall, dan f1-score yang sama berturut-turut yaitu 0.93, 1.00, dan 0.93.
Rancang bangun Skema Autentikasi Biometric Palm Vein sebagai Faktor E-Payment pada Kasus Vending Machine
Authors: Prayitno Muhammad Ramadhan , Sukarno Parman , Pahlevi Rizka Reza
Published: December 2023

E-Payment merupakan sistem pembayaran elektronik yang menggunakan fasilitas internet sebagai sarana perantara. Pesatnya perkembangan jaman membuat penggunaan mesin untuk menggantikan peran manusia juga meningkat, salah satu contohnya adalah mesin penjual otomatis (vending machine). Pada salah satu penelitian mengenai sistem e-payment pada vending machine memperkenalkan metode pembayaran dengan smart card untuk menangani permasalahan pada sistem pembayaran yang masih menggunakan uang kertas dan koin. Penelitian selanjutnya pada topik yang sama memperkenalkan metode pembayaran biometric fingerprint untuk mengatasi masalah keamanan sistem dalam penelitian sebelumnya. Autentikasi biometric fingerprint masih memiliki beberapa masalah keamanan, salah satunya kemungkinan terduplikasi karena akan meninggalkan jejak cetakan laten pada perangkatnya. Dalam penelitian ini, dibangun sistem pengenalan palm vein menggunakan opencv untuk mengolah gambar dan algoritma CNN untuk mendapatkan hasil autentikasi. Dataset yang digunakan untuk membangun training model diambil sendiri dengan perangkat yang dibangun. Dataset terdiri dari 2 kelas (R dan M) yang masing-masing berjumlah 100 buah dengan proses pengambilan berbeda-beda, seperti tingkat cahaya dan sudut pengambilan gambar. Dari model yang dibangun, akurasi yang didapatkan adalah 78% dengan nilai recall 96%.
Analisis Performa GetX dan BLoC State Management Library Pada Flutter untuk Perangkat Lunak Berbasis Android
Authors: Abdillah Mgs. M. Fakhri , Sardi Indra Lukmana , Hadikusuma Aristyo
Published: December 2023

Perkembangan perangkat lunak berbasis android sangatlah cepat, framework untuk mengembangkan perangkat lunak berbasis android pun banyak bermunculan, salah satunya Flutter. Flutter terdiri dari beberapa komponen user interface yang disebut dengan widget. Informasi terkait pembangunan ataupun perubahan widget disebut dengan state. Para pengembang menyadari bahwa diperlukan suatu cara untuk mengelola state yang disebut dengan state management. Pada Flutter terdapat berbagai state management, beberapa state management yang paling banyak disukai para pengembang antara lain GetX dan BLoC. Pengimplementasian state management yang berbeda dapat mempengaruhi performa perangkat lunak, maka dari itu dilakukan pengujian terhadap kedua state management tersebut menggunakan metode performance testing. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa GetX memiliki cpu usage 11% dan memory usage 111.6333 mb lebih rendah daripada BLoC, namun memiliki energy consumption yang sama. Hal ini dikarenakan perbedaan cara dalam mengelola state.
Complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Allanblackia gabonensis (guttiferae) aqueous extract
Authors: Vouffo Edwige Ymele Chiogo , Vouffo Bertin , Vouffo EriK Donfack , Temdie Romeo Joel Guemmogne , Akono Edouard Nantia , Azebaze Anatole Guy Blaise , Dongmo Alain Bertrand , Dimo Theophile
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Allanblackia gabonensis (Guttiferae) stem bark extract is generally used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for its beneficial activities as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive. However, the claimed chronic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have not yet been largely elucidated scientifically. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of A. gabonensis stem bark aqueous extract on Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of CFA (0.1 mL) into the right hind paw of each rat. Pain relieving effects were measured in the treated animals using an analgesiometer and antioxidant activity determined by measuring oxidative stress parameters. In addition, the hematological index, serum nitric oxide (NO), and transaminase activities were evaluated in the experimental animals.

Results:

A. gabonensis significantly protected animals against pain from day 15 to 18 and decreased (P < 0.01) the paw edema from day 12 to the end of the experimentation (day 22). The number of white blood cells increased while the NO levels in serum and organs decreased in CFA animals as compared to the control group. An increase in serum transaminases was observed in the CFA group. A. gabonensis at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly increased (36.36%) glutathione levels in the spleen in comparison with the CFA group. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.01) of liver and cardiac catalase in animals receiving extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg.

Conclusion:

Our findings revealed the anti-arthritic and antioxidant potential of A. gabonensis and, thus, validate its traditional claim.
Anchoring Flap Suture Technique to Repair a Wound With Exposed Bone After Hip Disarticulation: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Shi Zhiyuan , Zhang Ming , Wang Xingtong , Zhu Minhui , Ye Xiangbo
Published: December 2023

Background. In specific clinical scenarios characterized by poor tissue conditions surrounding a wound, achieving stable flap fixation with standard sutures can be challenging. The anchoring flap suture technique, which is commonly used for soft tissue-to-bone attachment in cases of injury, may be an alternative and effective approach. Case Report. This report describes the successful application of the anchoring flap suture technique to repair a wound with exposed bone in a 39-year-old female patient. She presented with a 7% TBSA wound of the left trunk following hip disarticulation. After 4 operations, a wound with exposed iliac bone remained. Given the compromised condition of the tissues surrounding the exposed bone, the authors opted to anchor a local flap directly to the exposed bone. Steady flap fixation was achieved using the anchoring flap suture method, resulting in complete healing of that wound. Remarkably, no short- or long-term complications associated with the flap were observed. Three months after hospital discharge, the patient regained mobility, walking on 1 leg with the assistance of a 4-legged walker. Conclusion. The anchoring flap suture technique seems to be a reliable and effective treatment option, particularly in cases in which inadequate soft tissue precludes the use of traditional flap fixation using standard sutures.
Consensus Recommendations for Optimizing the Use of Intact Fish Skin Graft in the Management of Acute and Chronic Lower Extremity Wounds
Authors: Tickner Anthony , Aviles Frank , Kirsner Robert , Lullove Eric , Main Leah , Suski Mark , Wahab Naz , Lantis II John
Published: December 2023

Background. Since 2017, the clinical use of IFSG has increased substantially in the United States, with some use in Europe and Asia as well. However, scant consensus data have been published on such use. Objective. The authors sought to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical use of IFSG in the management of acute and chronic LEWs. Methods. A panel of 8 expert clinicians in the United States used a 2-cycle NFG process to develop consensus statements based on their own clinical practice and the literature. At their initial meeting in October 2021, panel members discussed the management of DFUs, VLUs, atypical LEWs, and traumatic LEWs in their practices. Consensus statements were drafted, voted on, and rated by relative importance. At the second meeting in October 2022, the panel discussed the initial survey results; a second survey was conducted, and panel members revised the recommendations and indicated the relative importance of each in the final report. A systematic literature review of English-language articles published from January 2016 through November 2022 was conducted as well, using the search terms: “fish skin,” “piscine graft,” “fish tissue,” “intact fish skin graft,” “Cod skin,” “Omega 3 fatty acid graft.” Results. Forty-three statements were generated and grouped into 5 sections comprising general recommendations for LEWs and recommendations specific to DFUs, VLUs, atypical LEWs, and traumatic LEWs. The primary general recommendation is the need to determine wound etiology based on clinical evaluation and reviewing related test results. For DFUs and VLUs, the main recommendations are to adhere to first-line therapy (ie, standard of care, follow conventional guidelines [multilayer compression therapy], offloading, and assessment of wound perfusion) before introducing IFSG. Conclusions. Publications on and clinical experience in the use of IFSGs have increased substantially in the past several years. The 43 consensus recommendations are meant to guide physicians in the optimal use of IFSG in the management of acute and chronic LEWs.
EC-QCL IR spectroscopy for the analysis of protein unfolding served with a topping of MCR-ALS or MCR-ALS-PLSR for the baseline-intolerant
Authors: Vijayakumar Shilpa , Schwaighofer Andreas , Ramer Georg , Lendl Bernhard
Published: December 2023

Background: High spectral power density provided by advances in external cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCL) have enabled increased transmission path lengths in mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy for more sensitive measurement of proteins in aqueous solutions. These extended path lengths also facilitate flow through measurements by avoiding congestion of the flow cell by protein aggregates. Despite the advantages presented by laser-based mid-IR spectroscopy of proteins, extraction of secondary structure information from spectra, especially in the presence of complex multi-component matrices with overlapping spectral features, remains an impediment that requires fine tuning of evaluation algorithms (e.g., band fitting, interpretation of second derivative spectra etc.). Results: In this work, the use of multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) for the analysis of a chemical de- and renaturation experiment has been demonstrated, since this technique offers the second-order advantage of extracting spectral signatures and concentration profiles even in the presence of unknown, uncalibrated constituents. Furthermore, we exhibit a partial least squares regression (PLSR) based subtraction of matrix component spectra prior to MCR-ALS as a method to obtain secondary structure information even in the absence of reference spectra. These approaches are showcased using the online reaction monitoring of the titration of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) in water against the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and octaethylene glyol monododecyl ether (C12E8), using a commercially available laser-based IR spectrometer. Results for the automated PLSR correction plus MCR-ALS approach compare favorably to an MCR-ALS standalone approach using initial estimates as well as analysis of secondary structure using data processed with a manual baseline correction. Significance: The herein described chemometric approach suggests a way to simplify the challenge of handling complex matrices in protein structure analysis by isolating the background from the protein contributions, prior to analysis via other soft-modelling techniques. Consequently, the findings of this study indicate the suitability of online reaction monitoring through mid-IR spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques as a potential tool in downstream quality control and process automation.
Lightening Copper: Unleashing Radical Reactivity of Diazo Arylidene Succinimides to Enable One Step Synthesis of PMDI Core
Authors: Meher Kajal B. , Laha Debasish , Dharpure Pankaj D. , Bhat Dr. Ramakrishna G.
Published: December 2023

Visible light promoted direct and convenient synthesis of pyromellitic diimides (PMDI) starting from vinyl diazo arylidene succinimides via copper catalysis has been achieved in one step. This novel and convenient transformation involves an unusual formation of carbon radicals directly from diazo arylidene succinimides instead of the traditional reactive carbene intermediate. This unprecedented and efficient copper-catalyzed chemoselective radical cyclization proceeds through the proton transfer (PT) followed by the electron transfer (ET) process. Notably, the choice of NaSCN along with the copper catalyst plays a pivotal role in this overall photoinduced transformation. Additionally, we have synthesized a known PMDI molecule in a single step, which displayed prominent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. The protocol has been further extended for direct access to unsymmetrically substituted PMDI from two different diazo arylidene succinimides. A detailed controlled experiment, UV-visible spectroscopic as well as EPR studies have been performed to gain mechanistic insights into the reaction pathway.
2,2´-Tethered Binaphthyl-Embedded One-Handed Helical Ladder Polymers: Impact of the Tether Length on Helical Geometry and Chiroptical Property
Authors: Ikai Tomoyuki , Mishima Namiki , Matsumoto Takehiro , Miyoshi Sayaka , Oki Kosuke , Yashima Eiji
Published: December 2023

Synthetic breakthroughs diversify the molecules and polymers available to chemists. We now report the first successful synthesis of a series of optically-pure 2,2´-tethered binaphthyl-embedded helical ladder polymers based on quantitative and chemoselective ladderization by the modified alkyne benzannulations using the 4-alkoxy-2,6-dimethylphenylethynyl group as the alkyne source, inaccessible by the conventional approach lacking the 2,6-dimethyl substituents. Due to the defect-free helix formation, the circular dichroism signal increased by more than 6 times the previously reported value. The resulting helical secondary structure can be fine-tuned by controlling the binaphthyl dihedral angle in the repeating unit with variations in the 2,2´-alkylenedioxy tethering groups by one carbon atom at a time. The optimization of the helical ladder structures led to a strong circularly polarized luminescence with a high fluorescence quantum yield (28%) and luminescence dissymmetry factor (2.6 × 10–3).
Redox-Neutral Multicatalytic Cerium Photoredox-Enabled Cleavage of O–H Bearing Substrates
Authors: Barriault Louis , Morris Avery
Published: December 2023

The need for synthetic methodologies capable of rapidly altering molecular structure are in high demand. Most existing methods to modify scaffolds rely on net exothermicity to drive the desired transformation. We sought to develop a general strategy for the cleavage of C–C bonds beta to hydroxyl groups independent of inherent substrate strain. To this end we have applied a multicatalytic cerium photoredox-based system capable of activating O–H bonds in lactols to deliver formate esters. The same system is also capable of effecting hydrodecarboxylation and hydrodecarbonylation reactions. Initial mechanistic probes demonstrate atomic chlorine (Cl•) is generated under the reaction conditions, but substrate activation through cerium-alkoxides or -carboxylates cannot be ruled out.
Ultrafast Charge Transfer Cascade in a Mixed-Dimensionality Nanoscale Trilayer
Authors: Myers Alexis R. , Li Zhaodong , Gish Melissa , Earley Justin , Johnson Justin , Hermosilla-Palacios M. Alejandra , Blackburn Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

Innovation in optoelectronic semiconductor devices is driven by a fundamental understanding of how to move charges and/or excitons (electron-hole pairs) in specified directions for doing useful work, e.g. for making fuels or electricity. The diverse and tunable electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and one-dimensional (1D) semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) make them good quantum confined model systems for fundamental studies on charge and exciton transfer across heterointerfaces. Here we demonstrate a mixed-dimensionality 2D/1D/2D MoS2/SWCNT/WSe2 hetero-trilayer that enables ultrafast photoinduced exciton dissociation, followed by charge diffusion and slow recombination. Importantly, the hetero-trilayer serves to double charge carrier yield relative to a MoS2/SWCNT hetero-bilayer, and also demonstrates the ability of the separated charges to overcome inter-layer exciton binding energies to diffuse from one TMDC/SWCNT interface to the other 2D/1D interface, resulting in coulombically unbound charges. Interestingly, the hetero-trilayer also appears to enable ef- ficient hole transfer from SWCNTs to WSe2, which is not observed in the identically prepared WSe2/SWCNT heterobilayer, suggesting that new dynamic pathways may be opened up by increasing the complexity of nanoscale heterostructures. Our work suggests "mixed-dimensionality" TMDC/SWCNT based hetero-trilayers as both inter- esting model systems for mechanistic studies of carrier dynamics at nanoscale heteroin- terfaces, and for potential applications in advanced optoelectronic systems.
Direct Synthesis of Partially Ethoxylated Branched Polyethylenimine from Ethanolamine
Authors: Brodie Claire , Goodfellow Alister , Owen Aniekan , Bühl Michael , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2023

We report here a new method to make a branched and partially ethoxylated polyethyleneimine derivative directly from ethanolamine. The polymerization reaction is catalysed by a pincer complex of Earth-abundant metal, manganese, and produces water as the only byproduct. Industrial processes to produce polyethyleneimines involve the transformation of ethanolamine to a highly toxic chemical, aziridine, by an energy-intensive/waste-generating process followed by the ring-opening polymerization of aziridine. Through bypassing the need to produce a highly toxic feedstock, the reported method herein is greener than the current state-of-the-art. We propose that the polymerization process follows a hydrogen borrowing pathway that involves (a) dehydrogenation of ethanolamine to form 2-aminoacetaldehyde, (b) dehydrative coupling of 2-aminoacetaldehyde with ethanolamine to form an imine derivative, and (c) subsequent hydrogenation of imine derivative to form alkylated amines.
Non-equilibrium Trajectory Sampling (NETS) method for generating free-energy landscapes and steady-state distributions
Authors: Ansah-Antwi Akwasi Nana Prempeh , Amorim Valenca Pedro H. , Farshad Mohsen , Whitmer Jonathan K.
Published: December 2023

This study presents a novel method for constructing free-energy profiles and steady-state distributions from either equilibrium or non-equilibrium trajectories along a defined reaction coordinate. The method works by tracking the final states of a swarm of short simulations launched from different initial conditions with no prior knowledge of the free energy landscape. Subsequently, this trajectory information is used to build a transition matrix whose primary eigenvector captures the steady-state occupation probability for each value of the reaction coordinate, yielding the free energy profile in equilibrium. This innovative method holds potential for many new materials and engineering applications where it is desired to know the free energy of rate-limiting configurations as may be relevant for transport processes (in, e.g. battery electrolytes and nano-filtration membranes), complexation (in, e.g., self-assembly and ligand-binding interactions) or in tuning properties such as adsorption. We illustrate the effectiveness of the method by capturing the free energy associated with a one-dimensional barrier potential modeling a separation membrane, and the particle distribution associated with thermophoresis under a temperature gradient. Further extensions and applications of the method are also discussed.
Copper/BINOL-Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Functionalization towards Planar Chiral Ferrocenes Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhuo-Zhuo , Yao Qi-Jun , Zhou Gang , Yue Qiang , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: December 2023

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective C–H activation proceeds through inner-sphere mechanism remains a huge challenge. Herein, a copper-catalyzed enantioselective C−H alkynylation with terminal alkynes assisted by 8-aminoquinoline using readily available (S)-BINOL as chiral ligand was disclosed. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions with a catalytic amount of copper salt, providing a range of chiral ferrocenes in good yields and enantioselectivities (0 oC, up to 77% yield and 94% ee). The alteration of stoichiometric chemical oxidant with renewable electricity is also feasible at ambient temperature, demonstrating the robustness of this copper/BINOL catalysis. Notably, this is the first enantioselective cupraelectro-catalyzed C-H activation reaction. Gram-scale synthesis, versatile transformations, and application of the resulting oxazoline-olefin ligand in asymmetric synthesis also highlight the utility of the protocols.
An integrated ROS booster: Hydrogen sulfide-donating nanoclusters designed for multi-mode breast cancer treatment
Authors: Wang Zixin , Ge Yuxuan , Liu Jiaqi , Shi Peiyunfeng , Xue Ruiyang , Hao Bin , Wang Yin
Published: December 2023

Nanomaterial-assisted chemodynamic cancer therapy has received considerable attention in recent years. It outperforms other modalities for its unique pattern of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via the non-exogenous stimulant. However, the treatment outcome is limited by the insufficient content of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Herein, a biodegradable H2S-releasing MnS@HA-DOX nanocluster (MnS@HA-DOX NC) was constructed by in situ biomineralization from hyaluronic acid, to amplify ROS cascade and boost Mn2+-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The acid-responsive NCs could quickly degrade after internalization into endo/lysosomes, releasing Mn2+, H2S gas, and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The Fenton-like reaction catalyzed by Mn2+ was amplified by both H2S and DOX, producing a mass of cytotoxic ·OH radicals. Through the combined action of gas therapy (GT), CDT, and chemotherapy, oxidative stress would be synergistically amplified, inducing irreversible DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, eventually resulting in cancer cell apoptosis.
Experimental Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectra of Methyl Thiocyanate in Water and Organic Solvents
Authors: Shirley Joseph , Baiz Carlos
Published: December 2023

Thiocyanates, nitriles, and azides represent a versatile set of vibrational probes to measure structure and dynamics in biological systems. The probes are minimally perturbative, the nitrile stretching mode appears in an otherwise uncongested spectral region, and the spectra report on the local environment around the probe. Nitrile frequencies and lineshapes, however, are difficult to interpret, and theoretical models that connect local environments with vibrational frequencies are often necessary. However, the development of both more accurate and intuitive models remains a challenge for the community. The present work provides an experimentally consistent collection of experimental measurements, including IR absorption and ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectra, to serve as a benchmark in the development of future models. Specifically, we catalog spectra of the nitrile stretching mode of methyl thiocyanate (MeSCN) in fourteen different solvents including non-polar, polar, and protic solvents. Absorption spectra indicate that π interactions may be responsible for observed lineshape differences between aromatic and aliphatic alcohols. We also demonstrate that a recent Kamlet-Taft formulation describes the center frequency MeSCN. Further, we report cryogenic infrared spectra that may lead to insights into the peak asymmetry in aprotic solvents. 2D IR spectra measured in protic solvents serve to connect hydrogen bonding to static inhomogeneity. We expect that these insights, along with the publicly available dataset, will be useful to continue advancing future models capable of quantitatively describing the relation between local environments, lineshapes, and dynamics in nitrile probes.
Harnessing the Unique Reactivity of an Exceedingly Low-Coordinate Platinum(0)-Germylene System for E–H (E = H, N, O) Bond Activation and Catalytic Hydrodehalogenation Reactions
Authors: Bajo Sonia , Soto Enrique , Fernandez-Buenestado Marta , López-Serrano Joaquin , Campos Jesus
Published: December 2023

Pairing transition metals and heavier tetrylenes (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) holds great potential for cooperative bond activation and catalysis. In this work, we investigate the reactivity of an exceptionally low-coordinate Pt(0)/Ge(II) system that emerges from the reaction between the monoligated platinum(0) precursor [(PMe2ArDipp2)Pt(olefin)] with Power’s germylene dimer [ArDipp2GeCl]2 (where ArDipp2 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2)). The resulting complex revealed a unique ability for cooperative bond activation. Stoichiometric reactions with dihydrogen, water, and ammonia unveil the formation of Pt(II)-germyl compounds, characterized by distinct isomeric forms, whose flexibility derives from the particularly low-coordination. Its catalytic potential is explored in the hydrodehalogenation of aliphatic halides under dihydrogen atmosphere, demonstrating promising conversions even for inert alkyl halides.
Purely axial-chiral amine-base Bronsted-acid organocatalyst prototypes
Authors: Honegger Philipp , Abraham Michael
Published: December 2023

Binaphthyl-based compounds are widely used as efficient organocatalysts in a plethora of asymmetric organic reactions. Typically, those asymmetric organocatalysts are center-chiral or combined axial-chiral and center-chiral. Here, we describe the efficient (up to 91% yield) synthesis of purely axial-chiral binaphthoazepines usable as precursors for the build up of a novel ligand library. In particular thiourea 11 resembles a known successful organocatalyst, but of a reduced molecular complexity.
Direct Synthesis of CuPd Icosahedra Supercrystals studied by in situ X-ray Scattering
Authors: Derelli Davide , Frank Kilian , Grote Lukas , Mancini Federica , Dippel Ann-Christin , Gutowski Olof , Nickel Bert , Koziej Dorota
Published: December 2023

Nanocrystal self-assembly into supercrystals provides a versatile platform for creating novel materials and devices with tailored properties. While common self-assembly strategies imply the use of purified nanoparticles after synthesis, conversion of chemical precursors directly into nanocrystals and then supercrystals in simple procedures has been rarely reported. Here we study the nucleation and growth of CuPd icosahedra and their consecutive assembly into extended closed-packed face-centered cubic (fcc) supercrystals. To this end, we simultaneously and in situ measure X-ray total scattering with pair-distribution function analysis (TS-PDF) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We find that the supercrystals formation is preceded by an intermediate dense phase of nanocrystals displaying short-range order (SRO). We further show that the organization of oleic acid/oleylamine surfactants into lamellar structures likely drives the emergence of the SRO phase and later of the supercrystals by creating an excluded volume to particle diffusion. The supercrystal formation as well as their disassembly are triggered by temperature. Our study demonstrates that depletion effects can be crucial in the direct synthesis of supercrystals. We also provide a general approach to investigate novel preparation routes of supercrystals in situ and across several length scales via X-ray scattering.
The new changes. Education and today's world.
Authors: Chumaceiro Hernandez Ana Cecilia
Published: December 2023

The changes brought about by the COVID19 pandemic have been significant, affecting all areas of life as we know it. The efforts to adapt are varied and important; in the case of education, these changes are more profound and complex. Historically, education has had to adapt to constant and changing demands for its very reason for being, to educate to meet the needs of the environment; today, a global environment that seeks comprehensive and skilled individuals for the world and in this way achieve a positive impact on society.

Latin America has approximately 156 million students (United Nations, 2021; ECLAC, 2020) and 68 million affected educators (Aleman Vilca, Alarcon Saravia, Monzon Alvarez & Pastor Xespe, 2021) during and post-pandemic, which widens the inequality gap for access to education. Clearly the world was not prepared for such a global health situation and the solution in the case of education was to migrate towards virtual, distance and remote face-to-face education; deteriorating interpersonal relationships (Moya et al., 2020) and the psycho-pedagogical care of the training process (Argandoña Mendoza et al., 2020).

The use of digital platforms to which not everyone had or has access and/or knowledge in their use, made things even more difficult, hindering the effective educational inclusion that must be achieved (Quintana and Vida de León, 2022), bringing varied consequences such as: increase in forced school dropout; stress, depression and anxiety; learning depends on adults at home; use of multiple digital platforms; others (Gómez-Gómez, Hijón-Neira, Santacruz-Valencia and Pérez-Marín, 2022).
Estudio de caso de la vulnerabilidad social en estudiantes de una escuela secundaria en México a partir de la pandemia por Covid-19
Authors: Mena Muñoz Alina
Published: December 2023

La pandemia de Covid-19 trajo cambios en aspectos políticos, económicos, sociales y culturales. En el aspecto educativo se reinterpretó la forma tradicional de aprender y enseñar, así como la interacción entre docentes y estudiantes a distancia y en línea, en la cual los estudiantes presentaron dificultades en su proceso educativo; para dimensionar y comprender las problemáticas que tuvieron durante la educación en línea, se llevó a cabo una recolección de información de diferentes revistas científicas para dar cuenta de lo ocurrido, y se realizó un estudio de caso en una escuela secundaria de Tlaltepango, San Pablo del Monte, Tlaxcala, México; donde se aplicó la técnica de encuesta con enfoque cuantitativo no probabilística, que mostró la realidad que vivieron los estudiantes en su proceso educativo, algunas de las situaciones vividas fueron no contar con servicio a la red, falta de conocimientos y habilidades digitales, carencias económicas en el hogar, falta de tiempo para aprender a utilizar las TIC, entre otras; llevándolos a una exclusión y desigualdad social generando vulnerabilidad en los hogares.
Gamificación, una estrategia didáctica para mejorar la lectura inferencial en una institución educativa de Casanare Colombia
Authors: Montes Miranda Alexander , Barrios Valderrama Dannis Shirley , Parra Palacios Mercedes
Published: December 2023

Este artículo muestra los resultados de una investigación elaborada con el objetivo de fortalecer el nivel de lectura inferencial que tienen los estudiantes haciendo uso de la gamificación en una institución educativa del municipio de Orocué. Para esto, se llevó a cabo el enfoque metodológico mixto con el modelo basado en diseño, donde participaron 25 estudiantes del grado sexto de dicha institución. A partir de un análisis estadístico con la prueba paramétrica T-Student se logró evidenciar diferencias significativas entre las medias de los test de comprensión lectora inferencial inicial y el final, el cual se hizo posterior a la implementación de la propuesta gamificada con un balance positivo en las respuestas de los estudiantes, lo que da cuenta de su importante valor en los procesos de aprendizaje en tanto dinamiza las prácticas pedagógicas y los ambientes educativos para la enseñanza de la lectura.
Investigation of the effect of using web 2.0 supported plickers assessment method in mathematics course on students attitudes and motivations towards the course
Authors: Ebru Kose , Tuğba Yanpar Yelken
Published: December 2023

In the 21st century's rapidly changing and evolving world, the teaching methods used and the techniques used to evaluate these educational and training activities are evolving towards a continuous change and innovation. Research has shown that teachers who are considered to be best in their field have indepth knowledge of various curriculum theories and the models used and are able to choose the best combination of the right school, students, curriculum, course activity, teaching and assessment method (Drijvers et al., 2010). It is shown that it needs continuous innovation to keep up with the pace of the changing world (Beycioğlu & Aslan, 2010). This research aims to reveal the effect of using plickers, one of the process-oriented formative web 2.0 supported assessment methods, instead of result-oriented assessment methods in mathematics teaching on students course attitudes and course motivation. For this purpose, an application was carried out with the students of a state Anatolian High School 10th grade in Mersin province (10 A branch was determined as the experiment group and 10 B branch was determined as the control group. (10 A and 10 B were coded as nicknames). In the application, the mathematics course attitude scale, mathematics course motivation scale and the interview form prepared by the researchers were used as data collection tools. In the study, the quasiexperimental research method pretest and posttest and control group design was used. In the research, easily accessible sampling method (Büyüköztürk, 2008) one of the purposeful sampling methods was used. Out of 64 participant students, 32 students(from the A branch) were selected as the experimental group and the remaining 32 students (from the B branch) were selected as the control group. Data collection tools were applied to these selected students in accordance with their groups. As a result of the eight-week implementation, a significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest mean scores of the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group. In addition, in line with the ideas expressed by the students both in the open-ended questions and in the interviews, they stated that they found the exam system more fair and egalitarian as well as the different digital-based assessment methods entertaining.
For pluralism in scientific method
Authors: Ashton John
Published: December 2023

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Mad on Radium: New Zealand in the Atomic Age
Authors: Petrey Allen
Published: December 2023

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2012 NZAS Councillors honoured
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2023

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The New Zealand Association of Scientists Awards for 2012
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2023

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Editorial Committee Report 2012
Authors: Campbell Hamish
Published: December 2023

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The road to Durban and beyond: The progress of international climate change negotiations
Authors: Macey Adrian
Published: December 2023

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New initiatives in science teaching a welcome step
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2023

​​The Government has just announced two initiatives to improve science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) teaching in New Zealand schools. The New Zealand Association of Scientists applauds this move and echoes Minister Joyce’s statement that ‘Boosting the skills and achievement of our young people in maths and science are essential for their future careers and for New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity’. Dr Nicola Gaston, President of NZAS, said, ‘More broadly, there is a need to boost understanding of science among teachers, students, and across the whole adult population as well, as it is the nature of scientific knowledge to develop beyond what any of us once learnt at school’.There is an obvious and urgent need to advance science and technological literacy in New Zealand. Only recently, the head of Orion Healthcare described the huge shortage of technologically able workers in this country. ‘High-tech industry requires highly trained people, and the production of this capability should be recognised as a key goal of our science system’, said Dr Gaston.Recent reports detailing a fall-off in year-8 student abilities in science and writing underlines the urgent need for improvement. Dr Gaston also commented, ‘Fragmentation and uncertainty have become endemic in New Zealand science. Our government needs to recognise that their policy decisions play a role in shaping the attractiveness of a career in science. We would hope that these new education initiatives are a step towards telling our brightest young students that there are careers besides the professions of medicine and engineering, and that a science degree is the best training for the jobs of the future’.The New Zealand Association of Scientists (www.scientists.org.nz) is a nationwide association of practising research scientists spanning the universities, technical institutes, Crown research institutes, government departments, industry, museums, other science institutions, and independent researchers.
The Zealandia Drowning Debate: Did New Zealand sink beneath the waves?
Authors: Berridge Mike
Published: December 2023

​This is a very readable and thoroughly thought-provoking short review of the Zealandia Drowning Debate from the perspective of a geologist with interests in palaeontology. Few readers will be able to resist being drawn into this debate about our geological and biological heritage.
Why understanding national culture is necessary in order to understand innovation performance
Authors: Smale Tony
Published: December 2023

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Short on grant money? Five tips for crowdfunding success
Authors: Verhoeven Deb , Astheimer Lee
Published: December 2023

Reproduced with permission from The Conversation 19 September 2013
Victoria University engineering students crowned 2013 autonomous robot champions
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2023

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Unnatural Selection: Why the Geeks will inherit the Earth
Authors: Gaston Nicola
Published: December 2023

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Research on invasive pests and diseases in New Zealand and the law
Authors: Teulon David , Wilson Boyd , Holton A , Ridley G
Published: December 2023

​Two New Zealand statutes have important implications for research with organisms not previously found in New Zealand and either incidentally or illegally introduced. The Biosecurity Act 1993 and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 define the legal framework and allowable activities for ‘unwanted’ and ‘new’ organisms, respectively. Aspects of these Acts that are relevant to research activities possible with plant pest and disease organisms after their discovery, in particular those organisms requiring rapid development of management strategies and tools, are summarised. The need for accurate, detailed and accessible lists of ‘unwanted’ and ‘new’ organisms, and the need for the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Environmental Protection Authority to respond rapidly when the status of these organisms needs to be changed is highlighted. Consideration should be given to making the legislation concerning ‘new’ organisms more applicable to incidentally or illegally introduced organisms.
Early copies of New Zealand Science Review now available online
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2023

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An energy-driven geologist
Authors: McNamara David
Published: December 2023

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Robert Martin (Robin) Williams CB, CBE
Authors: LAP
Published: December 2023

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Achieving ‘step changes’ in science and innovation: Towards ‘Pasteur’s paddock’?
Authors: Baisden Troy
Published: December 2023

​The Request for Proposals for New Zealand’s National Science Challenges (NSCs) emphasises that successful proposals should ‘represent a significant step change in undertaking research and delivering impact’ (MBIE 2014). How can a ‘step change’ be achieved within NSCs where new funding is small compared to realigned funding? In a video released on 4 February 2014, the Minister for Science and Innovation suggests an expectation that ‘additionality’ will play a key role, with ‘collaborative’ and ‘multidisciplinary’ endeavour as important compo-nents of these ‘mission-led’ Challenges (Joyce 2014). This brief communication reviews and describes a timely synthesis of two important components of the science and innovation literature relevant to the ‘step change’ and ‘additionality’ expectations in NSCs.
Can you teach innovation and entrepreneurship? A new postgraduate programme
Authors: McGrath Kathryn
Published: December 2023

​Every generation has the potential to say that things were differ-ent when they were young; that life was perhaps more simple, straightforward, sure. Equally they might reflect that when they were young it was a time of great change with increased complexity and uncertainty. Considering employment over the past one hundred years, it is evident that with each generation there have been significantly more job choices. In line with this has been the expansion in the diversity of skills and knowledge required in order to take up these employment opportunities and to deliver to the evolving needs of our global society. With choice and opportunity comes uncertainty. How do we deal with uncertainty and the ambiguity it brings with it and ensure that each of us is able to make the most of the opportunities at hand? Mitigation of uncertainty through a reduction of choice, though seemingly initially attractive, does not reflect well the changes that are constantly occurring in any environment or sector of interest. Preparing people to deal with uncertainty, to assess it, understand it and work with it, will ensure that the uncertainty is turned to benefit rather than being a latent barrier to our progress. In doing so, we will expand the proportion of society who will make use of and receive benefit from the consideration of risk and reward.
Disease associations between honeybees and bumblebees as a threat to wild pollinators
Authors: Fürst M , McMahon D , Osborne J , Paxton R , Brown M
Published: December 2023

​Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a risk to human welfare, both directly and indirectly, by affecting managed livestock and wildlife that provide valuable resources and ecosystem services, such as the pollination of crops. Honeybees (Apis mellifera), the prevailing managed insect crop pollinator, suffer from a range of emerging and exotic high-impact pathogens, and population maintenance requires active management by beekeepers to control them. Wild pollinators such as bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are in global decline, one cause of which may be pathogen spillover from managed pollinators like honeybees or commercial colonies of bumblebees. Here we use a combination of infection experiments and landscape-scale field data to show that honeybee EIDs are indeed widespread infectious agents within the pollinator assemblage. The prevalence of deformed wing virus (DWV) and the exotic parasite Nosema ceranae in honeybees and bumblebees is linked; as honeybees have higher DWV prevalence, and sympatric bumblebees and honeybees are infected by the same DWV strains, Apis is the likely source of at least one major EID in wild pollinators. Lessons learned from vertebrates highlight the need for increased pathogen control in managed bee species to maintain wild pollinators, as declines in native pollinators may be caused by interspecies pathogen transmission originating from managed pollinators.Nature 506: 364–366 (19 February 2014)
Explaining uncertainty: a scientist’s perspective
Authors: Baldwin Ken
Published: December 2023

​This piece was first published in Advance, the public policy quarterly magazine of Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University, Canberra ACT: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/research/content/advance.php