bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical factors affecting student satisfaction in a distance learning environment
Authors: Lysitsa Evangelia , Mavroeidis Ilias
Published: February 2024

Student satisfaction plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of distance education programmes. This is very important for the instructional design in higher education institutes and for educational decision-making and policy. The main purpose of the present study was to examine some key processes that affect learning in a distance education environment and how these influence student satisfaction. The study was conducted in the Hellenic Open University (HOU) through quantitative research involving students from three postgraduate programmes. The main variables examined were internet self-efficacy, student–student and student–tutor interaction, self-regulated learning skills of students and the satisfaction that they receive from participating in distance-learning courses. The results indicated that relatively high levels of these variables were observed, with the exemption of student–student interaction. The correlation coefficients amongst variables were all positive and statistically significant, but were small to moderate. Regarding the effect of demographic parameters, learner–tutor interaction is influenced by the number of modules completed by students, and satisfaction varies significantly between unemployed students and those who are full-time employees. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed with satisfaction as the dependent variable. Self-regulated learning and student–tutor interaction were identified as the main predictors of student satisfaction.
Case Study of EPS Aggregate Insulation Material Used in Construction Sites
Authors: Bumanis Girts , Bajare Diana
Published: February 2024

Thermal insulation materials used in civil engineering have been developing throughout time. One of the latest thermal insulation used in construction sites with gained popularity is EPS aggregate and mineral binder-based composite. Waste recycling potential, low cost, and ease of installation have brought popularity to the material. This research investigates such material which is formulated by EPS aggregates and pure Portland cement binder thus making EPS aggregate concrete (EAC). Many contractors use such untested and uncertified EAC material due to the low cost of the raw materials. In this research, EAC was taken directly from the construction site. Material physical and mechanical properties are evaluated and compared to commercial counterparts. The drying of the material was investigated, following the practice in the construction sites where upper covering layers are built according to the time schedule ignoring material drying process. Results were compared with commercial EAC. Results indicate that rapid construction schedule with layer-to-layer covering of wet EAC results in dramatically slow drying of such composites, which is one of the main problems for safe use in civil engineering. EAC density from 113 to 169 kg/m3 was measured with an average compressive strength of 49 kPa. The thermal conductivity of the tested EAC was from 0.050 to 0.055 W/(mK).
COMMODIFICATION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF PUNCAK PENULISAN TEMPLE IN SUKAWANA VILLAGE, BANGLI REGENCY
Authors: Wira Darma I Kadek Sudana , Wardi I Nyoman , Suardiana I Wayan
Published: February 2024

Cultural tourism is the largest industry in the world and the fastest-growing sector. This has caused many cultural heritages in the form of temples to be used as tourist attractions, including the Puncak Penulisan Temple in Sukawana Village. As a result of state intervention and capitalism through tourism, it has resulted in the expansion of functions and transformation of cultural values at Puncak Penulisan Temple. Based on the background of this problem, this research aims to (1) analyze the process of commodification Puncak Penulisan Temple, (2) understand the ideology behind the commodification of Puncak Penulisan Temple, and (3) examine the implications of the commodification of Puncak Penulisan Temple. This research was designed using qualitative methods with a critical cultural studies approach. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observations, and literature studies relevant to the research title. Then the collected data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. The theories used to analyze research problems are the theory of genetic structuralism (Pierre Bourdieu). The results of the research show that the practice of commodifying the Cultural Heritage of Puncak Penulisan Temple has gone through a long process. This is caused by changes in habits (habitus) such as open attitudes of the community, changes in thought patterns and economic orientation, as well as the potential of the Sukawana Village community in the form of cultural and natural heritage. The commodification process is society's response to the struggle between globalization and capitalism through tourism with society's cultural values. The ideology behind the commodification of the Puncak Penulisan Temple's cultural heritage is the ideology of capitalism and the ideology of preservation. The commodification of Puncak Penulisan Temple's cultural heritage has implications for cultural, economic, and social aspects that influence the lives of the people of Sukawana Village.

Keywords: commodification, cultural heritage, ideology, Puncak Penulisan Temple
DANCE AS CULTURAL LEDGER: THE VALUE OF DOCUMENTING INDIGENOUS AFRICAN DANCES
Authors: Obeghare Izu Benjamin , De Villiers Alethea
Published: February 2024

This article explores the significance of documenting indigenous African dances, specifically focusing on the Umxhentso dance within the cultural context of Xhosa amagqirha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Historically, Indigenous dances in African societies have served as crucial elements of communal ceremonies, embodying cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and social cohesion. However, colonialism and contemporary globalisation have threatened the preservation of these traditional dance forms. This paper employs a qualitative approach, incorporating interviews with participants and observations and extant literature and data analysis using thematic analysis. The findings underscore the multifaceted role of the Umxhentso dance, highlighting its function as a medium for connecting with ancestors, enhancing divination practices, and reinforcing spiritual potency within the community. Moreover, the article emphasises the value of documenting indigenous dances in combating stereotypes and misconceptions, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting intercultural understanding. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the importance of safeguarding and revitalising indigenous African dances to preserve cultural diversity and identity.

Keywords: Umxhentso dance; Cultural heritage; documenting indigenous dances; African traditional dances; Xhosa culture; Indigenous dance.
THE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF SHIMGLINA CUSTOMARY CONflICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM IN RURAL LAND DISPUTES IN ETHIOPIA
Authors: Shetahun Asmare
Published: February 2024

This study employed qualitative research approach and data were collected using focus group discussion, interviews, and non-participatory observation; and relevant literatures and documents are reviewed. Informants were selected based on purposive and snowball sampling. The total number of informants participated in this study were 201. The data were analyzed through the use of thematic analysis. The findings indicated shimglina customary conflict resolution mechanisms played great role in rural land dispute resolution. People prefer it in terms of time, resource, accessibility, and restoring the broken peaceful relationships. Also, the study revealed, shimglina faced many challenges which hinder its effectiveness in the resolution of land use disputes. Lack of attention to shimglina culture of peace by the government, the intervention of government bodies in the process of dispute resolution, the absence of incentives to Shimageles (elders), the influence globalization are the challenges. The government should give attention to shimglina in rural land disputes for peaceful co-existence and community solidarity. Shimageles (elders) play vital roles which include arbitration, mediation, decision making, peace-making, and permit traditional oath and link the living with God. This study recommends; the government should give attention to shimglina culture of peace in rural land use disputes.

Keywords: Rural Land Dispute, customary Conflict Resolution, Challenges of Customary Conflict Resolution, Peace, Shimglina, Bahir Dar zuria Woreda
„Eine Allianz der evidenzbasiert Entscheidenden gegen Populismus“
Authors:   Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, Hecken Prof. Josef , Hoffmann Prof. Dr. Wolfgang ,   DNVF, Stegmaier Peter ,   Monitor Versorgungsforschung
Published: February 2024

In a double cover interview at the start of 2024 with ‚Monitor Health Services Research‘, Prof Josef Hecken, the impartial chairman of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), and Prof Wolfgang Hoffmann, Chairman of the German Network for Health Services Research (DNVF), discuss the future role, significance and position of health services research, which has now come of age. The more frequently its results are incorporated into far-reaching political decision-making processes - such as the current federal hospital reform - the more headwinds are blowing against it. Health services research must learn to deal with this.
Blaupause für Medikamentenmanagement mit Zusatznutzen
Authors:   Monitor Versorgungsforschung, Stegmaier Peter
Published: February 2024

What connects the selective contractual care offer eLiSa (1) of AOK Nordost and the innovation fund projects AdAM (2), TOP (3), eRIKA (4) of BARMER and AOK Nordost with the DMP requirements guideline for requirements for structured treatment programmes for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and the medication management including medication plan planned with the ePA (5) from 2025? The problem with the latter two: It is not defined how medication management and the medication plan should be implemented. Both the G-BA in its DMP-A guideline (6) and the legislator in the definition of the medication plan (7) leave this completely open. Although the legislator stipulates that dosage and intake instructions should be ‚clearly and comprehensibly documented‘, nothing more than documentation has been specified to date. The situation is different with the AOK Nordost ‚electronic Life Saver‘ (eLiSa for short) and BARMER‘s ‚AdAM‘, which were jointly awarded the first prize for patient safety by the Patient Safety Action Alliance and the first prize of the MSD Health Prize 2023, and the expansion stage planned this year can certainly be regarded as a blueprint for medication management, especially for DMPs and ePAs.
Natürliche Experimente zur Beurteilung der Effektivität von Covid-19-Eindämmungs- maßnahmen
Authors: Wieland Dr. rer. nat. Dipl.-Geogr. Thomas
Published: February 2024

To assess the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in controlling infections during the Covid-19 pandemic, natural experiments are useful. This article introduces the principle of natural experiments and their statistical analysis and, in the first step, discusses their implementation in previous NPI studies. The validity of many studies on the effectiveness of NPIs is limited because, on the one hand, there are often no or only weak control conditions and, on the other hand, because there are problems in the specification of the analysis models. It is often implicitly assumed that only NPIs can slow down the infection process because there are no control variables for any other causes. In the second step, a natural experiment is analyzed about the effectiveness of five measures in the second Corona wave. Switzerland (where these measures were not taken) and neighboring Baden-Württemberg serve as comparison regions. It turns out that the closure of close-contact services causes a reduction in the effective reproduction number, i.e., dampens the wave of infections. However, closing schools and daycare facilities as well as hotels is not effective.
Zunahme von Infektionen der oberen Atemwege nach der Covid-19-Pandemie
Authors:   IQVIA, Kostev Prof. Dr. rer. med. Karel , Plendl Dr. rer. nat. Wolfgang ,   IQVIA, Kluge MS Dipl.-Biol. Sabine ,   IQVIA, Tanislav Prof. Dr. med. Christian ,   Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling Siegen
Published: February 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluated the number of patients with a diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and with antibiotic prescriptions from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) between January 2019 and December 2022. The number of patients with UTRI diagnoses and antibiotic prescriptions per practice and the duration of sick leave per patient were compared over time. A total of 1,403,907 patients from general practices (GP) were included, 48% of whom were female. The number of URTI patients per practice was significantly higher in 2022 than in 2019 (732 vs. 464, 58%, p<0.001) and this was observed for both women (56%, p<0.001) and men (60%, p<0.001). The post-pandemic increase in the number of URTI diagnoses correlated with age and was highest in the age group between 18–30 years (22%, p<0.001) and lowest in older patients >70 years (3%). Both the number of patients per practice on sick leave due to URTI (184 vs. 92) and the average duration of sick leave (+2 days) increased from 2019 to 2022. Our data suggest a dramatic increase in the incidence of URTI among all demographic subgroups in Germany between 2019 and 2022, which was associated with a tremendous impact on socioeconomic variables such as the frequency or duration of sick leave. These data could be of great importance in current pandemic management and the management of future pandemics.
Pfaff: "Ideen reichen nicht, um Erfolg zu haben"
Authors:   Monitor Versorgungsforschung, Stegmaier Peter
Published: February 2024

Two presentations in particular gave rise to heated, sometimes very controversial, but therefore also interesting discussions during the MVF Congress ‚The impact of the pandemic on healthcare‘. The first was the statement by Prof Dieter Köhler, MD, former Medical Director of Kloster Grafschaft Hospital, that uncritical adherence to the S3 guideline ‚Recommendations for inpatient treatment of patients with Covid-19‘ had led to an unnecessarily high number of corona deaths during the pandemic. The second was the presentation by Prof Dr Holger Pfaff, Head of the Institute for Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Cologne, who presented a new approach to how serious decisions can still be made on an uncertain data basis.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REAL-TIME NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF FIGHTER AIRCRAFT ON MULTICORE PROCESSOR
Authors: Fathoni Muhammad Faris , Sutiyo Sutiyo
Published: February 2024

Simulation is a system to imitate the operation of various kinds of real-world facilities or processes for training, behavior study or entertainment purposes. Some implementation of fighter aircraft simulation is done sequentially using FORTRAN and MATLAB / Simulink. On the other hand, a multicore (parallel) computer system has been in the personal computer environment, so the multicore computing paradigm should be considered. Intel Threading Building Blocks (TBB) library need to be utilized in multicore programming. This paper discusses the design and implementation of real-time nonlinear dynamic simulation of fighter aircraft on multicore processor. The aircraft model used in this study is F16 data. Implementation of the simulation code is written in C++ with Intel TBB, OpenGL, Open Scene Graph, and Open Dynamic Engine library. The testing results of non-linear dynamics simulation of fighter aircraft show that the speedup on an Intel Core 2 Duo processor is 1.1776 x for elevator doublet input (short period), while speedup on an Intel i7 is 1.5405 x for rudder doublet input (dutch roll). Key Words: multicore computing, real-time simulation, nonlinear dynamic, fighter aircraft model
Aluminium in dermatology – Inside story of an innocuous metal
Authors: Baskar Murthy Aravind , Palaniappan Vijayasankar , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal
Published: February 2024

Aluminium, the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, was long considered virtually innocuous to humans but has gained importance in the recent past. Aluminium is ubiquitous in the environment, with various sources of exposure like cosmetics, the food industry, occupational industries, the medical field, transport and electronics. Aluminium finds its utility in various aspects of dermatology as an effective haemostatic agent, anti-perspirant and astringent. Aluminium has a pivotal role to play in wound healing, calciphylaxis, photodynamic therapy and vaccine immunotherapy with diagnostic importance in Finn chamber patch testing and confocal microscopy. The metal also finds significance in cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion and as an Nd:YAG laser component. It is important to explore the allergic properties of aluminium, as in contact dermatitis and vaccine granulomas. The controversial role of aluminium in breast cancer and breast cysts also needs to be evaluated by further studies.
Idiopathic Localised Perforating Calcinosis Cutis Over the Bilateral Distal Phalanx of the Middle Finger - A Rare Case Report
Authors: Thirumalaiswamy Aparna , Khade Pandharinath , Gole Prachi Vinayak , Salve Manisha Jayendra , Mahajan Sunanda Arun
Published: February 2024

Calcinosis cutis or cutaneous calcification occurs when calcium is deposited into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is classified into five primary types: Dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, iatrogenic and calciphylaxis. Idiopathic calcinosis cutis is a rare phenomenon that occurs in the absence of a known tissue injury or systemic metabolic defect. The various types of idiopathic calcinosis are idiopathic calcinosis of scrotum/penis/vulva, milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis, subepidermal calcified nodule, tumoural calcinosis, localised calcinosis cutis and calcinosis universalis. It is essential to delineate it from other calcification disorders for further plan of management. We report one such case of idiopathic localised perforating calcinosis cutis, symmetrically over a bilateral distal phalanx of the middle finger in a 72-year-old female.
From Humorous Post to Detailed Quantum-Chemical Study: Isocyanate Synthesis Revisited
Authors: Beletsan Oleg B. , Gordiy Igor , Lunkov Sergey S. , Kalinin Mikhail A. , Alkhimova Larisa E. , Nosach Egor A. , Ilin Egor A. , Bespalov Alexandr V. , Dallakyan Olgert L. , Chamkin Aleksandr A. , Prolomov Ilya V. , Zaripov Radion A. , Pershin Andrey A. , Protsenko Bogdan O. , Rusalev Yury V. , Oganov Ruslan A. , Kovaleva Diana K. , Mironov Vladimir A. , Dotsenko Victor V. , Genaev Alexandr M. , Sharapa Dmitry I. , Tikhonov Denis
Published: February 2024

Isocyanates play an essential role in modern manufacturing processes, especially in polyurethane production. There are numerous synthesis strategies for isocyanates both in industrial and laboratory conditions, which do not prevent searching for alternative highly efficient synthetic protocols. Here, we report a detailed theoretical investigation of the mechanism of sulfur dioxide-catalyzed rearrangement of the phenylnitrile oxide into phenyl isocyanate, which was first reported in 1977. The DLPNO-CCSD(T) method and up-to-date DFT protocols were used to perform a highly accurate quantum-chemical study of the rearrangement mechanism. An overview of various organic and inorganic catalysts has revealed other potential catalysts, such as sulfur trioxide and selenium dioxide. Furthermore, the present study elucidated how substituents in phenylnitrile oxide influence reaction kinetics. This study was performed by a self-organized collaboration of scientists initiated by a humorous post on the VK social network.
Ultrafast dynamics of fluorene initiated by highly intense laser fields
Authors: Garg Diksha , Chopra Pragya , Lee Jason W. L. , Tikhonov Denis , Kumar Sonu , Akcaalan Oender , Allum Felix , Boll Rebecca , Butler Alexander A. , Erk Benjamin , Gougoula Eva , Gruet Sébastien P. , He Lanhai , Heathcote David , Jones Ellen , Kazemi Mehdi M. , Lahl Jan , Lemmens Alexander K. , Liu Zhihao , Loru Donatella , Maclot Sylvain , Mason Robert , Merrick James , Müller Erland , Mullins Terry , Papadopoulou Christina C. , Passow Christopher , Peschel Jasper , Plach Marius , Ramm Daniel , Robertson Patrick , Rompotis Dimitrios , Simao Alcides , Steber Amanda L. , Tajalli Ayhan , Tul-Noor Atia , Vadassery Nidin , Vinklarek Ivo S. , Techert Simone , Küpper Jochen , Rijs Anouk M. , Rolles Daniel , Brouard Mark , Bari Sadia , Eng-Johnsson Per , Vallance Claire , Burt Michael , Manschwetus Bastian , Schnell Melanie
Published: February 2024

We present an investigation of the ultrafast dynamics of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorene initiated by an intense femtosecond near- infrared laser pulse (810 nm) and probed by a weak visible pulse (405 nm). Using a multichannel detection scheme (mass spectra, electron and ion velocity-map imaging), we provide a full disentanglement of the complex dynamics of the vibronically excited parent molecule, its excited ionic states, and fragments. We observed various channels resulting from the strong-field ionization regime. In particular, we observed the formation of the unstable tetracation of fluorene, above-threshold ionization features in the photoelectron spectra, and evidence of ubiquitous secondary fragmentation. We produced a global fit of all observed time-dependent photoelectron and photoion channels. This global fit includes four parent ions extracted from the mass spectra, 15 kinetic-energy-resolved ionic fragments extracted from ion velocity map imaging, and five photoelectron channels obtained from electron velocity map imaging. The fit allowed for the extraction of 60 lifetimes of various metastable photoinduced intermediates.
Insights into the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Thermodynamic Analysis, Structural Characterization, and the Impact of Inhibitors
Authors: Butalewicz Jamie , Sipe Sarah , Juetten Kyle , James Virginia , Meek Thomas , Brodbelt Jennifer
Published: February 2024

The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) is an essential enzyme for coronaviral maturation and is the target of Paxlovid, which is currently the standard-of-care treatment for COVID-19. There remains a need to identify new inhibitors of Mpro as viral resistance to Paxlovid emerges. Here, we report the use of native mass spectrometry coupled with 193-nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) to structurally characterize Mpro and its interactions with potential covalent inhibitors. Melting temperatures and the overall energy landscape were obtained using variable temperature nano-electrospray ionization (vT-nESI), thus providing quantitative evaluation of inhibitor binding on the stability of Mpro. The melting temperature was determined to be approximately 30°C for the dimer and 36°C for the monomer, suggesting an initial thermal dissociation pathway before subsequent unfolding of the monomer species. Thermodynamic parameters extracted from Van’t Hoff plots revealed that the dimeric complexes containing each inhibitor showed enhanced stability through increased melting temperatures as well as overall lower average charge states, giving insight into the basis for potential inhibition mechanisms.
Accurate Electronic and Optical Properties of Organic Doublet Radicals Using Machine Learned Range-Separated Functionals
Authors: Ju Cheng-Wei , Shen Yili , French Ethan , Yi Jun , Bi Hongshan , Tian Aaron , Lin Zhou
Published: February 2024

Luminescent organic semiconducting doublet-spin radicals are unique and emergent optical materials because their fluorescent quantum yields (Φfl) are not compromised by the spin-flipping intersystem crossing (ISC) into a dark high-spin state. The multiconfigurational nature of these radicals challenges their electronic structure calculations in the framework of single-reference density functional theory (DFT) and introduces room for method improvement. In the present study, we extended our earlier development of ML-ωPBE [J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2021, 12, 9516], a range-separated hybrid (RSH) exchange–correlation (XC) functional constructed using the stacked ensemble machine learning (SEML) algorithm, from closed-shell organic semiconducting molecules to doublet-spin organic semiconducting radicals. We assessed its performance for a new test set of 64 doublet-spin radicals from five categories while placing all previously compiled 3,926 closed-shell molecules in the new training set. Interestingly, ML-ωPBE agrees with the first-principles OT-ωPBE functional regarding the prediction of the molecule-dependent range-separation parameter (ω), with a small mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0197 bohr−1 but saves the computational cost by 2.46 orders of magnitude. This result demonstrates an outstanding domain adaptation capacity of ML-ωPBE for diverse organic semiconducting species. To further assess the predictive power of ML-ωPBE in experimental observables, we also applied it to evaluate absorption and fluorescence energies (Eabs and Efl), using linear-response time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) and compared its behavior with nine popular XC functionals. For most radicals, ML-ωPBE reproduces experimental measurements of Eabs and Efl with small MAEs of 0.299 and 0.254 eV, only marginally different from OT-ωPBE. Our work illustrates a successful extension of the SEML framework from closed-shell molecules to doublet-spin radicals and will open the venue for calculating optical properties for organic semiconductors using single-reference TDDFT.
Synthesis and Medicinal Applications of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Based on Caffeine and Other Xanthines
Authors: Petronilho Ana , Francescato Giulia , Leitao Maria Ines , Orsini Giulia
Published: February 2024

Xanthines are purine derivatives predominantly found in plants. Xanthines include compounds such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine and exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties, demonstrating efficacy in treating neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory dysfunctions, and also in cancer. The versatile attributes of these materials render them privileged scaffolds for the development of compounds for various biological applications. Xanthines are N-heterocyclic carbene precursors that combine a pyrimidine and an imidazole ring. Owing to their biological relevance, xanthines have been employed as N-heterocyclic carbenes in the development of metallodrugs for anticancer and antimicrobial purposes. In this conceptual review, we examine key examples of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from caffeine and other xanthines, elucidating their synthetic methods and describing their pertinent medicinal applications.
Triple Nucleophilic Head-to-Tail Cascade Polycyclization of Diazodienals via Combination Catalysis: Direct Access to Cyclopentane Fused Aza-Polycycles with Six-Contiguous Stereocenters
Authors: Chennamsetti Haribabu , Rathore Kuldeep Singh , Chatterjee Saikat , Mandal Pratap Kumar , Katukojvala Sreenivas
Published: February 2024

Reported herein are the bench stable (2E,4E)-diazohexa-2,4-dienals (diazodienals) and their unprecedented polycy-clization with aldimine and arylamines enabled by Rh(II)/Brønsted acid relay catalysis. This scalable and atom-economical reaction provides direct access to the biologically important azatricyclo[6.2.1.04,11]undecane fused polycycles having six contiguous stereocenters. Mechanistic studies revealed that polycyclization proceeds through an unusual triple-nucleophilic cascade initiated by aldimine attack on remote Rh-carbenoid, 6-electrocyclization of aza-trienyl azomethine ylide, stereoselective aza-Michael addition via iminium activation and inverse electron-demand intramolecular aza Diels-Alder reaction. The secondary interactions play a crucial role in the preorganization of reactive intermediates for the pericyclic reactions and hence the overall efficiency of the polycyclization.
Appending polyamines on MOFs as an efficient strategy for selective removal of H2S under humid conditions
Authors: Esser Guillaume , Crits Robin , Barozzino-Consiglio Gabriella , Filinchuk Yaroslav , Hermans Sophie , Steenhaut Timothy
Published: February 2024

Removal of highly toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulphide from gas flows is of paramount importance for the environment and in industrial processes. This contribution reports a simple strategy to obtain materials for efficient hydrogen sulphide removal under humid conditions by functionalization of open-metal sites in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with polyamines.
Direct Synthesis of Silylcyclopentene under Ball Milling Conditions
Authors: Gao Pan , Li Yichen , Zhang Duo , Zhang Guodong , Gao Liuzhou , Chen Feng
Published: February 2024

The development of innovative methods for synthesizing silylcyclopentene compounds is particularly important for enriching and improving the synthetical toolbox of organosilicon compounds. Herein, a facile approach has been developed for the synthesis of silylcyclopentenes promoted by mechanochemically generated organolithium species as silicon nucleophiles under ball milling conditions, avoiding the requirement of large amounts of bulk solvent. This operationally simple method demonstrates good functional group compatibility, which provides a great opportunity for further exploration of the synthetic applications of silylcyclopentenes. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the transient lithiosilole intermediates undergo a stepwise nucleophilic addition process, which governs this mechanic-force-promoted [4+1] cycloaddition reaction.
Completely Solvent-free Synthesis of Double Heterohelicenes and Their Further Ring Fusion Using Mechanochemical Reaction
Authors: Sada Honoka , Sakamaki Daisuke , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Hirose Takashi , Fujiwara Hideki
Published: February 2024

In this study, we developed a simple and efficient method for synthesizing double hetero[5]helicenes composed of two heteroacenes bearing an NH group, such as benzo[b]phenoxazine (BPO) and dibenzo[b,i]phenoxazines (DBPO), using mechanochemical oxidative C–N coupling reactions, allowing the complete solvent-free synthesis from commercially available compounds. Our new synthetic method afforded over 1 g of double hetero[5]helicene, which has a high dissymmetry factor for circularly polarized luminescence (gCPL) of > 1 × 10−2, in a one-pot mechanochemical reaction using BPO as a reactant. In addition, the mechanochemical oxidative coupling also allowed for further fusion reactions of double hetero[5]helicenes, leading to semi- or fully planarized molecules, which have not been previously achieved through solution-phase reactions. We isolated the semi-planarized heterohelicenes 5 and 6 and determined their structures. The enantiomers of 6 exhibited a clear CPL emission with a |gCPL| value of 2 × 10−3. The magnitudes of the transition magnetic dipole moment (TMDM) of 5 and 6 increased from those of 3 and 4. Transition moment density analysis revealed that large TMDM densities appeared on the newly formed C–C bonds, providing a unique molecular design guideline for enhancing the magnitude of the TMDM without expanding the molecular structure.
Silk Composite-based Multifunctional Pellets for Controlled Drug Release toward Advanced Wound Care
Authors: Indrakumar Sushma , Gugulothu Sriram , Joshi Akshat , Dash Tapan , Mishra Vivek , Tandon Bharat , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: February 2024

Chronic wounds pose a significant challenge in clinical settings due to their high risk of infections (by a mixed population of bacterial strains) and persistent inflammation. In this scenario, personalized treatment options are crucial but are limited by the complex fabrication techniques of the existing products. To this end, calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH)-based cement offers rapid fabrication but lacks other essential properties for promoting healing. To overcome this, herein tannic acid (TA) was added to create a multifunctional drug delivery platform. Nonetheless, direct loading of TA led to burst release, rendering it inefficient for long-term applications. Therefore, we aimed to engineer a complex of TA with silk fibroin (SF) to achieve sustained release. In this study, a multifunctional silk/bioceramic composite-based cement was developed, intended for use in point-of-care settings. The cement was cast into pellets for further evaluation. Compared to neat pellets, the composite pellets exhibited a 7.5-fold increase in antioxidant activity and prolonged antibacterial efficacy (up to 13 days). Moreover, the implantation of the pellets showed no hallmarks of local or systemic toxicity in a rodent model. The developed multifunctional composite cement proves to be a promising solution for the personalized treatment of chronic wounds designed for application in point-of-care settings.
Comparative study of rubber band ligation versus surgical excision in the treatment of second-degree haemorrhoids
Authors: D Kishore , Das Debarath , R Lakshmana , Dhas Pravin , N Snigdha , M Malarmannan
Published: February 2024

Our study focused on comparing the efficacy of Rubber Band Ligation (banding), a day-care and cost-effective procedure, with conventional haemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of haemorrhoids. The study included 120 patients diagnosed through proctoscopic examination, with 60 assigned to each group. Patients were randomly selected through simple alternation for banding or haemorrhoidectomy after receiving procedural explanations and providing consent. Banding, utilizing Barron's band applicator and Hemoband suction device under local anaesthesia, demonstrated notable advantages. Comparison parameters included bleeding, pain, prolapse, and overall relief during follow-ups. Banding showed significantly lower bleeding persistence at 4 weeks compared to haemorrhoidectomy (p < 0.001). Prolapse rates were comparable between the two groups (10%). Complete relief was observed in 1.66% of patients in both groups at the first follow-up (p = 0.929). Banding resulted in moderate pain levels compared to haemorrhoidectomy. Hospital stay duration favoured banding, with 71.66% discharged in 1-3 days, while haemorrhoidectomy had longer stays (3-6 days: 26.66%, >6 days: 1.66%). In conclusion, Rubber Band Ligation emerged as a more effective and preferable method for second-degree haemorrhoids, providing better outcomes, reduced bleeding, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Del Estado de bienestar y liberal al Estado innovador. Una discusión teórica
Authors: Velasco Christian Iván Becerril
Published: February 2024

Como parte de una investigación cuyo objetivo es analizar empíricamente la medida en que el Estado mexicano impide la apropiación e innovación social tecnológica y, como consecuencia, la reducción del desempleo, el presente artículo tiene la finalidad de presentar una aproximación teórica sobre el tema. El marco analítico presentado sugiere que problemas sociales actuales como la pobreza y el desempleo tecnológico han forzado la aparición de innovaciones sociales, ya que ni el mercado ni el estado han podido solucionarlos. Concluímos que la reconfiguración del Estado de Bienestar necesita ser hecha a la luz del concepto de innovación social, especialmente en países en vías de desarrollo debido a las condiciones de desigualdad económica y brecha digital que estos presentan.
Las ciencias ambientales como interdisciplinarias y su consiguiente problema: la inconmensurabilidad
Authors: Morales-Jasso Gerardo , Badano Ernesto Iván , Márquez-Mireles Leonardo Ernesto
Published: February 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los efectos de la interdisciplinariedad en las ciencias ambientales desde la filosofía de la ciencia propuesta por Thomas S. Kuhn: las inconmensurabilidades. Para lo cual se retoma si las ciencias ambientales pueden existir multidisciplinariamente y se les caracteriza como de una interdisciplinariedad específica: de tercera cultura (al vincular lo natural y lo social). El resultado de lo anterior sería la existencia de incomnensurabilidades, por lo que se describen sus características y se presentan ejemplos de éstas que son pertinentes para el área. El valor de la investigación radica en que, develada la existencia de las inconmensurabilidades, será más fácil para el científico ambiental identificarlas y encararlas apropiadamente con el fin de abordar y resolver la temática ambiental, no a través de un “lenguaje común”, sino a través de la traducción.
Social responsibility in micro, small and medium enterprises: a bibliometric analysis from 1972 to 2021
Authors: Garduño Realivazquez Karla Alejandra , Camarena José Luis , Wendlandt Amézaga Teodoro Rafael
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of a bibliometric study on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). A descriptive-comparative scope was used to analyze a total of 380 research papers published from 1972 to 2021 in several scientific journals using the following criteria: temporal evolution, journal, authorship, nature, methodologies, and approaches. The results show that the scientific publications increased significantly as of 2009; the Journal of Business Ethics stands out for the most significant number of publications; in addition, the journals’ countries with the highest scientific production were the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Regarding the authorship criterion, Laura J. Spence resulted with the greater number of contributions on the subject. Finally, the predominance of the quantitative methodology and a non-experimental research design in the publications is noteworthy; furthermore, the most recurrent approach studied was the CSR practices in MSMEs.

Keywords: CSR; MSMEs; Systematic Review; Bibliometric Analysis.
Cripping the Story of Overcoming: An Analysis of the Discourses and Practices of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
Authors: Karmiris Maria , Davies Adam
Published: February 2024

This paper applies crip theory (McRuer, 2006, 2018) as well as other key conceptual tools from disabled childhood studies (Runswick-Cole et al., 2018) and disability studies in education (Cousik & Maconochie, 2017) as a tactic intended to question and resist the story of overcoming as it manifests itself within the discourses and practices of self-regulation in early learning classrooms. This paper offers a brief overview of the range of self-regulation strategies enacted within educational settings in Ontario, Canada, that purport to support young children in overcoming themselves on their way to normalcy. This paper also engages in crip theory as a strategy to both question and disrupt the taken for granted assumption that self-regulation entails a return towards or a sustaining of the efficient and productive neoliberal individual in school systems. Finally, this paper considers how we might not only invite but embrace the disruptions that occur when embodied differences refuse to be overcome by demands to self-regulate. Ultimately, a key aim of this paper is to resist how discourses and practices of self-regulation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) establish the overcoming narrative as a means to cure, fix or exclude embodied differences while contemplating the vibrant possibilities embedded within learning with and from disabled childhoods.
Critical Consciousness is an Individual Difference: A Test of Measurement Equivalence in American, Ukrainian, and Iranian Universities
Authors: Murry Adam , Patka Mazna
Published: February 2024

We live in a world in which we are socially, politically, economically, and environmentally connected with other people. Online communication has facilitated people coming together from different parts of the world. In terms of social justice movements, people have come together to share ideas about how they perceive social inequality and how to address it, which is what academics call critical consciousness. While scholars have explored critical consciousness in the American context, whether it operates on a global scale is under-explored. To address this question, we administered the Critical Consciousness Scale (a validated survey) with students from the United States, Iran, and Ukraine. Our findings demonstrate that critical consciousness maintains its factor structure across the entire sample, meaning that students from these three countries share some notions of critical consciousness. However, when comparing national groups, we find that critical consciousness is defined differently by students in different countries. In a practical sense, these findings mean that some aspects of critical consciousness are shared, but there are important differences in how it is perceived and how its components relate to one another. By attempting to understand critical consciousness internationally, this study serves as a cautionary narrative for international solidarity movements organized around the goal of social justice.
Design and analysis of Voltage Difference Transconductance Amplifier (VDTA) at FINFET CMOS technology
Authors: Kishore Nalla , Krishna Motkuri
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a FINFET (Fin Field Effect Transistor)-based Voltage Difference Transconductance Amplifier (VDTA). This paper aims to provide an amplifier that will enable VDTA to achieve its desired characteristics. The circuit proposed for FINFET-based VDTA operates with a bias current order of 150μA and a source voltage of 0.9V. The active element makes the amplitude electronically tuneable with bias current. The designed circuit was implemented in both GPDK 180nm technology and FINFET technology using the Cadence Virtuoso tool. Various factors, including technology node components and the operating voltage provided by FINFET VDTA structures, are compared. A Monte Carlo simulation is conducted for the suggested circuit, which dissipates 187.53μW of power. In comparison to the standard VDTA, it exhibits notably low power dissipation.
Analysis of carbon nanotube for low power nano electronics applications
Authors: Pradeep Singh Yadav , Chinmay Chandrakar , Anil Kumar Sahu
Published: February 2024

In the area of nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes are a notable and remarkable invention. Its structure is much similar to the structure of graphite. CNTs are small in size, light in weight, have good strength, and have good conductivity, making them the building blocks of futuristic new technologies. CNTs have promised to be the catalyst for the next revolution in technology. A broad range of processes are available to produce various types of CNTs, depending on the rolling times of graphite sheets. In this paper, different types of CNTs, their properties, ways of synthesis such as the arc discharge method and chemical vapor deposition, and application have been covered. Outlining their respective advantages and challenges. SWCNTs exhibit high carrier mobilities and tunable bandgaps, making them suitable for transistor devices and interconnects in integrated circuits. DWCNTs offer enhanced mechanical stability and electrical conductivity, catering to applications in flexible electronics and energy storage devices. MWCNTs, though lacking distinct properties of SWCNTs and DWCNTs, find utility in composites, sensors, and biomedical devices due to their ease of synthesis and lower cost.
Efficient logic cell design for ultralow-energy subthreshold operation in wearable biomedical systems
Authors: Divya S.
Published: February 2024

This paper explores efficient logic cell design strategies for ultralow-energy subthreshold operation in wearable biomedical systems. Traditional logic cell design approaches often lead to suboptimal efficiency due to unbalanced Pull-Up (PU) and Pull-Down (PD) networks. Various techniques are examined, including balanced PU/PD network design using body biasing and statistical distribution analysis of drain-source current. Moreover, the reverse channel (RSC) effect is investigated for device optimization. Single-stage gates such as inverters, NAND, and NOR gates are designed with Mentor Graphics tools to minimize power dissipation and area. Multistage gates like XOR and XNOR gates are also optimized for reduced signal propagation delay. A detailed analysis of D-flip-flop designs with varying transistor counts is presented. Power dissipation, delay, rise time, and fall time characteristics are compared for flip-flop configurations comprising 18, 10, and 5 transistors. The results indicate significant energy optimization with the proposed designs, particularly with the 5-transistor configuration, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies in achieving superior energy efficiency and reduced signal noise in biomedical systems.
Baba -Çocuk Etkileşimi: İtiş Kakış Oyun Kalitesi Gözlem Formunun Uyarlama Çalışması (Father- Child Interaction: Adaptation Study of the Rough and Tumble Play Quality Observation Form)
Authors: Başaran Mehmet , Aksoy Ayşe Belgin
Published: February 2024

Babaların çocuklarıyla etkileşiminde oyun önemli bir yere sahiptir. Oyunun diğer türlerine karşın itiş kakış oyunları babaların çocuklarıyla en çok oynadığı oyunlar arasında yer almaktadır. Bu oyunlarda babalar çocuklarıyla eğlenirken çocukların gelişimine de olumlu katkı sağlamaktadır.Dolayısıyla baba ve çocuk etkileşiminin özellikle itiş kakış oyunları aracılığıyla incelenmesi baba çocuk etkileşiminin farklı yönlerini keşfetmek açısından yarar sağlayabilir. Bu bağlamda mevcutaraştırmanın amacı baba çocuk etkileşimini ölçmek için Fletcher, StGeorge ve Freeman (2013) tarafından geliştirilen İtiş Kakış Oyun Kalitesi (İKOK) gözlem formunu Türkçeye uyarlamaktır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 48-73 aylık çocuklar ile bu çocukların babaları oluşturmaktadır. Ölçeğin uyarlanması için yapılan dil geçerliği, kasam geçerliliği ve yapı geçerliği işlemleri formdaki on altı maddenin faktör yüklerinin 0,69 ile -0,90 arasında değiştiğini ve formun tek boyutlu yapısının Cronbach alfa (α) değerinin 0,97 olduğunu göstermiştir. Ek olarak, benzer ölçek geçerliliği için Ebeveyn Çocuk Etkileşimi Gözlem Formu (PİKOLO) kullanılmıştır. Bu bağlamda İKOK ölçeğinden elde edilen ölçümler ile PİKOLO ölçeğinin alt boyutlarından elde edilen ölçümler arasında pozitif ve yüksek düzeyde ilişki bulunmuştur. Elde edilen bu bulgular sonucunda; İtiş Kakış Oyun Kalitesi gözlem formunun geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğu görülmüştür.
Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisi Perspektifinden Duygusal Yemenin Açıklanması (Explanation of Emotional Eating from the Perspective of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Authors: Kamış Şenay , Karaaziz Meryem
Published: February 2024

Duygusal yeme, bazı kişilerin stres, öfke, kaygı, depresif ruh hali ve benzeri olumsuz duygularla baş etmek için yemek yeme şekli olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Bu savunma mekanizması kısa süreli bir etkiye sahiptir ve uzun vadede patolojik sonuçlara yol açabilir. Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisine göre kaçınma stratejileri ve kontrol çabaları, insanı şimdiki andan ve dış gerçeklikten uzaklaştırmakta ve değerlerine uygun davranmasını engellemektedir. Bu terapi çeşidinin tedavi içeriğinde psikolojik esneklik modeli yer almaktadır. Psikolojik esneklik modeli, kabul, anla temas, bilişsel ayrışma, değerler, bağlamsal benlik ve değer odaklı davranışta kararlılık olarak altı bileşeni içerir. KKT'nin, özellikle olumsuz duyguları kabul etme, farkındalığı artırma ve değerleri netleştirme olmak üzere üç ana müdahale kapsamında duygusal yemeyi azaltmak için kullanılabileceği gösterilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisine dayalı duygusal yeme hareketine yönelik çalışmaların gözden geçirilmesidir.