bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocol’s Attacks as a Reflection of the Western Perception of African Culture and Tradition in Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol by Okot p’Bitek
Authors: IKAPI Fabrice Lié
Published: July 2023

This paper uses postcolonial criticism theory to analyze Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol. It explores how Ocol’s attacks on African culture and tradition can be seen as a reflection of Western perceptions. Through a close reading of the two poems, the paper examines the themes of cultural identity, colonization, and the clash between African and Western values. The analysis considers the ways in which Ocol’s rejection of his own cultural heritage higlights the influence of Western education and values. Ultimately, the paper contends that Okot p’Bitek’s works provide a powerful critique of the ways in which Western perceptions of African culture have contributed to the erosion of traditional values and the marginalization of African voices.
Risk Perception Moderating How Knowledge is Translated into Intentions to Take Preventive Measures against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Authors: Shumye Molla Legesse , Habtamu Wondimu
Published: July 2023

Risk perception is supposed to mediate between knowledge and intention. The study examines whether such a mediation also exists in the context of taking protective measures against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Moreover, the question is raised whether health risk perception might moderate such a mechanism. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Knowledge about NCDs, intention and risk perception were assessed. A sample of 609 individuals was analyzed by hierarchical regression procedures in terms of moderated mediation. Risk perception partially mediated the knowledge-intention relationship, and risk perception components operated as a moderator. The moderator effect was positive, implying that high-risk perception in conjunction with high intention was a prerequisite for preventive measures. Low-risk perception reflects health-specific optimism, which can be a facilitator of health behavior change, in this case, the change in the intention to take preventive measures.
Saving Forests through Sustainable Financing Instruments and Law Enforcement against Financial Backers
Authors: Ndaru Felix Aglen
Published: July 2023

International reports show a correlation between financing and deforestation. Law enforcement has not fully touched financiers and beneficiaries. Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction is a progressive regulation that regulates the punishment of activities to fund forest destruction. Still, the offense is relatively rarely used by law enforcement. This study uses normative legal research methods and case studies. The study aims to dissect the concept of funding forest destruction and explore strategies for implementing sustainable financing. The study results show that the punishment for supporting forest destruction must be done by proving the element of guilt, namely the element of intentionality for individuals and at least culpa lata for corporations. To implement sustainable financing, strategies for financial institutions include strengthening the principal system of recognizing service users, active and continuous monitoring and auditing, and cross-sector collaboration. Financial institutions must also support policies and guidelines related to green financing, anti-money laundering, and anti-deforestation. The challenge of funding forest destruction is the existence of business actors who take refuge in complete permits and the absence of operational definitions in Law Number 18 of 2013. The case study results show that the punishment for funding forest destruction cannot be done partially but must simultaneously ensnare investors, forest destruction actors, and other parties who participate.
Implementasi Kebijakan Penataan Organisasi Sekretariat Daerah Kabupaten Sumedang Provinsi Jawa Barat
Authors: Kurniawan Kalake Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Penataan organisasi perangkat daerah harus sesuai dengan peraturan yang berlaku, karena bertujuan untuk mengembangkan organisasi yang lebih proposional dan transparan sehingga terbentuk organisasi yang efektif dan efisien. Pengamatan ini menggunakan metode kualitatif. Penulis mengumpulkan data dengan menggunakan teknik triangulasi data yaitu observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi sehingga penulis dapat lebih memahami hasil penelitian dengan menguji keabsahan hasilnya. Organisasi Perangkat Daerah di Kabupaten Sumedang saat ini belum sesuai dengan peraturan yang berlaku namun dilihat dari sarana prasarana dan anggaran yang dimiliki maka Kabupaten Sumedang sudah dianggap mampu dan siap untuk mengubah nomenklatur dan unir kerja sesuai dengan peraturan yang belaku. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut, penulis memberikan saran agar Pemerintah Daerah perlu melakukan evaluasi terhadap organisasi dan tata kerja saat ini sehingga mengadakan penataan kembali yang melihat dari ruang lingkup tanggung jawabnya, kemampuan keuangannya dan sumber daya manusianya agar tercapai atau terwujudnya organisasi perangkat daerah yang efektif dan efisien sesuai peraturan yang telah ditetapkan.
Hubungan Timbal Balik dan Faktor PendidikanYayasan Pendidikan Islam Institut Agama Islam Nusantara Batang Hari
Authors: Sukatin Sukatin , Hildinniyah Hildinniyah , Misnawati Misnawati , Salsabila Salsabila , Rindiyani Rindiyani
Published: July 2023

Pendidikan adalah salah satu upaya manusia untuk bisa

menggapai cita-citanya, sebagaimana definisi pendidikan itu

sendiri adalah aktivitas atau usaha manusia untuk menumbuh

kembangkan potensi-potensi bawaan baik jasmani maupun

rohani sesuai dengan nilai-nilai yang ada di dalam masyarakat

dan kebudayaan untuk memperoleh hasil dan potensi. Tujuan

penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pengertian faktor

pendidikan, untuk mengetahui macam-macam faktor pendidikan

dan untuk mengetahui bagaimana hubungan timbal balik antar

faktor pendidikan. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah model

penelitian kualitatif dengan kajian literatur. Hasil penelitian yang

didapat perlu diingat bahwa pendidikan bermaksud melayani

kebutuhan masyarakat dalam arti menambah kemampuan

masyarakat untuk dapat bertahan dan mengembangkan diri

dalam semua aspek kehidupan. Selain itu tanpa adanya hubungan

dengan masyarakat, sekolah tidak dapat berkembang karena

masyarakat juga membantu sekolah dalam mengatasi

permasalahan-permasalahan dalam pendidikan.

Pendidikan adalah salah satu upaya manusia untuk bisa

menggapai cita-citanya, sebagaimana definisi pendidikan itu

sendiri adalah aktivitas atau usaha manusia untuk menumbuh

kembangkan potensi-potensi bawaan baik jasmani maupun

rohani sesuai dengan nilai-nilai yang ada di dalam masyarakat

dan kebudayaan untuk memperoleh hasil dan potensi. Tujuan

penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pengertian faktor

pendidikan, untuk mengetahui macam-macam faktor pendidikan

dan untuk mengetahui bagaimana hubungan timbal balik antar

faktor pendidikan. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah model

penelitian kualitatif dengan kajian literatur. Hasil penelitian yang

didapat perlu diingat bahwa pendidikan bermaksud melayani

kebutuhan masyarakat dalam arti menambah kemampuan

masyarakat untuk dapat bertahan dan mengembangkan diri

dalam semua aspek kehidupan. Selain itu tanpa adanya hubungan

dengan masyarakat, sekolah tidak dapat berkembang karena

masyarakat juga membantu sekolah dalam mengatasi

permasalahan-permasalahan dalam pendidikan
Pendampingan Kegiatan Berbudidaya Ikan Sistem Akuaponik Dengan Penggunaan Pakan Mandiri Di Kampung Baru Palanro
Authors: Buana Basir, Mesalina Tri Hidayani, Mutemainna Karim
Published: July 2023

Kegiatan pemeliharaan ikan konsumsi bagi masyarakat mitra Kampung Baru Palanro belum lama digeluti. Pemeliharaan ikan yang terintegrasi dengan menanam sayur (akuaponik) dilakukan secara sederhana di atas kolam. Namun kegiatan pemeliharaan tersebut belum memberi hasil, ikan dan tanaman tidak bertumbuh dengan baik. Salah satu penyebab adalah belum adanya manajemen pemeliharaan yang baik dan teratur. Disamping itu biaya pakan juga menjadi salah satu hambatan di dalam pemeliharaan. Tujuan pelaksanaan kegiatan adalah untuk melakukan transfer teknologi ilmu pengetahuan berbudidaya ikan dan tanaman secara efektif dan efesien kepada ibu-ibu Kampung Baru Palanro. Tahapan kegiatan yang dilaksanakan sebagai solusi permasalahan, yaitu penyuluhan dan pelatihan berbudidaya sistem akuaponik dan pelatihan pembuatan pakan pellet ikan dengan memanfaatkan bahan lokal. Hasil kegiatan memberikan motivasi kepada masyarakat mitra untuk memanfaatkan pekarangan dengan berbudidaya akuaponik. Pengetahuan masyarakat mitra meningkat dari tidak tahu menjadi tahu berbudidaya system akuaponik, serta dari tidak memiliki pengetahuan dan keterampilan membuat pakan pellet menjadi tahu dan terampil. Hasil budidaya ikan sebelumnya tidak menentu dari 1-3 kg ikan menjadi meningkat 5-10 kg. Kegiatan pemeliharaan ikan sudah berjalan dengan baik dan masyarakat mitra juga sudah dapat membuat pakan secara mandiri.
La trama de la agricultura urbana: trayectoria de vida de un militante local (Rosario, Argentina)
Authors: Lilli Licia Maria
Published: July 2023

Propongo una reflexión sobre sistemas alimentarios sostenibles, a partir de la narrativa biográfica de uno de los principales referentes en el desarrollo de la agricultura urbana en la ciudad de Rosario (Santa Fe, Argentina). Hace más de 34 años que se llevan adelante experiencias agroecológicas urbanas, con el principal objetivo de dar respuesta a los problemas generados en las ciudades por la creciente urbanización, la pobreza y la exclusión. Rosario ha sido merecedora de distinguidos premios internacionales que la ubican como “ciudad verde” referente, a nivel mundial.

Recupero la trayectoria de vida de Antonio Lattuca, poniendo foco en su experiencia de militancia en el proceso de creación de huertas urbanas. Desde la década del 90 fue uno de los impulsores de la institucionalización de dichas estrategias colectivas, al interior del estado municipal, como es el emblemático caso del Programa de Agricultura Urbana.

El presente escrito fue elaborado teniendo como base una entrevista de tipo semi- estructurada en el marco de mis estudios en antropología.
5. del: Om lægelig behandling af kriminelle
Authors: Tofte Finn
Published: July 2023

Intet resumé
Programas de transferência de renda condicionada: uma revisão utilizando métodos bibliométricos
Authors: Angelotti Meira Liziane , Miranda Tabak Benjamin , De Almeida Rubiane , Britto Froner Matheus , Lima da Silva Maria Eduarda
Published: July 2023

As discussões sobre programas de transferência de renda condicionada vêm ganhando espaço desde a década de 1990. A partir de a criação do primeiro programa, o Progresa (México), os estudos buscam analisar de várias formas os efeitos dessas políticas sobre os beneficiários. Esta pesquisa contribui para literatura na medida em que apresenta o estado da arte sobre os programas de CCTs, identificando as tendências e padrões no desenvolvimento do conhecimento nessa área utilizando ferramentas bibliométricas, algo ainda não explorado pela literatura. Os resultados revelam que essa literatura segue em trajetória ascendente, evoluindo junto com o desenvolvimento de novos programas. Descobriu-se que artigos de autoria múltipla e a palavra-chave “pobreza” se sobressaem nessa literatura. Identificaram-se também os artigos, autores e periódicos mais importantes na área e os países líderes nesse campo de pesquisa.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' ATTITUDES ON THE QUALITY OF INFORMATICS TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors: Срдија Зоран , Срдија Горан
Published: July 2023

Pupils and students expect the best possible service from their schools and colleges, as in all other spheres of life: quality and quantity of knowledge, modernity, functionality, decent price and the like. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of the possibilities provided by information technologies, the monitoring of work in schools has not changed significantly in the past 50 years. In the meantime, informatics has become an integral part of other subjects as well, but for now there are no indications that it will become a compulsory subject in lower grades.
The principle of obvious in the teaching the world around us
Authors: Јаковљевић Љубица , Радовић Биљана , Новаковић Анђела
Published: July 2023

Teachers' attention and interest is focused on how to make teaching interesting and obvious, especially when it comes to the younger school age. Of all the didactic principles, the principle of obviousness has the longest tradition in pedagogy, because from the earliest times the emphasis was on observing and presenting subjects and phenomena in teaching. Given the complex structure of educational content, the teaching of the world around us provides a wide opportunity for the use of the obvious. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance and application of the principle of obviousness in the teaching of the world around us. The given research, where the survey questionnaire was used as an instrument, included 31 samples of respondents - primary school teachers, on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Serbia. The results show a high prevalence of the application of the principle of obviousness, among teachers, as well as their positive attitude when it comes to this principle. The prevailing opinion among all teachers is that this principle is interesting and useful for students in their work, where they adopt teaching contents in an easier and faster way, and better memory, which is also long-term.
How effective and selective is traditional Red Fox snaring?
Authors: Duarte Jesús , Farfán Miguel A. , Fa J. E. , Vargas J. Mario
Published: July 2023

We followed a red fox culling campaign that employed traditional cable snares to control numbers in a hunting estate in the Serranía de Ronda (Andalusia, southern Spain). We assessed abundance and presence of carnivore species within the area where fox culling took place by means of faecal counts within regularly walked paths. Twenty animals of four different taxa were snared during 238 nights in 36 locations. Through interviews with informed locals we established there were eight carnivore species present in the study area. Capture efficiency was 1.52 foxes per 1,000 trap-nights; the ISO-selectivity was 65% and the negative specific selectivity 50%. Despite daily checks of snares, there was a very high mortality (>80%) of target and non-target species. Moreover, a large proportion of the animals were caught by the neck. Our results suggest that this traditional method (snares without stops) of predator control should not be used.
Evaluation of sugarcane promising clones based on the morphophysiological traits developed from fuzz
Authors: Saleem Bilal , Uzair Muhammad , Noman Muhammad , Attia Kotb A. , Zhang Muqing , Alwahaibi Mona S. , Zahra Nageen , Naeem Muhammad Kashif , Mohammed Arif A. , Fiaz Sajid , Kimiko Itoh , Khan Muhammad Ramzan
Published: July 2023

Sugarcane is one of the critical commercial crops and principal sources of ethanol and sugar worldwide. Unfavorable conditions and poor seed setting rates hinder variety development in sugarcane. Countries like Pakistan directly import fuzz (true seed) and other propagation material from the USA, China, Brazil, etc. In this study, we imported fuzz from China, developed 29 genotypes germinating in the glasshouse, and evaluated at field conditions along with two local checks (CPF-251 and HSF-240). Morphophysiological data were recorded, including plant height (PH), cane length (CL), internodal length (IL), tiller number (TN), brix percentage (B), cane diameter (CD), chlorophyll a (Chl. a), chlorophyll b (Chl. b), and total chlorophyll (T. Chl). Results showed highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among the sugarcane accessions for all the studied traits. High broad-sense heritability (81.89% to 99.91%) was recorded for all the studied parameters. Genetic Advance (GA) ranges from 4.6% to 65.32%. The highest GA was observed for PH (65.32%), followed by CL (63.28%). Chlorophyll leaching assay was also performed at different time points (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 min). All the genotypes showed the same leaching trend at all times, and better performing genotypes showed less leaching compared to poor performing, indicating the high amount of cutin and wax on the leaf surface. Correlation analysis showed that PH, CL, IL, and TN had significant associations. Principal components analysis (PCA) further confirms these results. Based on PCA and correlation results, PH, CL, IL, and TN can be utilized as a selection criterion for sugarcane improvement. Genotypes such as NS-4a, NS-5, NS-6, NS-8, NS-9, and NS-15 are recommended for future breeding programs related to sugarcane variety development.
Development of a Scale to Measure the Attitude towards Innovation Use in Rice Farming
Authors: Vivek S. , Bonny Binoo P.
Published: July 2023

This study elucidates the entire methodology adopted for the development of a scale to measure farmers’ attitude towards innovation use (AIU) in rice farming. To measure the attitude of farmers towards innovation use in rice farming, a comprehensive list of 30 statements was developed by thoroughly reviewing the literature available and modifying some items from pre-existing scales. The items for this Likert-type scale were developed following the criteria put forward by Edwards and Kilpatrick (1948). These items were subjected to a thorough sorting process in consultation with domain experts and 19 statements were finally selected for the measuring instrument to be developed.  These items were sent to judges for expert content evaluation. Based on the content validity index score for items and modified Kappa statistic, 15 statements were finally selected to constitute the proposed scale. The internal consistency check using Chronbach’s alpha was used to ensure the reliability of the proposed scale, and a value of 0.88 was obtained, indicating higher reliability. The standardized scale has practical applicability in measuring the attitude of farmers towards innovation use in rice farming.
Synergistic Influence of Banana Pseudo Stem Fibre and Synthetic Fibre on Mechanical, Thermal Stability and Tribological Properties of Epoxy-Based Composites
Authors: Ajide O. O.
Published: July 2023

The use of Synthetic Fibres (SF) as reinforcement for development of Epoxy-based Composites (EC) is well reported. Aside the fact that SF reinforced EC suffer failure under low stress, SF are harmful and sparse, thus limiting local synthesis of the composite for fabrication of structural components. The foregoing necessitates the search for sustainable agro-based alternatives such as Banana Pseudo Stem Fibre (BPSF). Therefore, attempt was made to study the use of BPSF as partial or wholly alternative to SF in EC. The synergistic influence of BPSF and SF on mechanical, thermal stability and tribological characteristics of EC was examined. The SF used in this study were Kevlar (KK), glass (GG) and carbon (CC). Hand lay-up lamination method was used to develop unhybridised and hybridised epoxy composites. The unhybridised epoxy composite reinforced with BPSF was denoted as BBBB (control). The hybrid of BPSF with KK, GG and CC were designated as BBKK, BBGG, and BBCC, respectively. Mechanical, thermal stability and wear tests were carried out according to ASTM standards. Microstructure evolution was examined with SEM NIXRN (Model 541). The BBCC exhibited higher tensile strength and compressive strength (159.11, 65.21 MPa) when compared to BBGG (141.11, 58.21 MPa), BBKK (144.27, 55.51 MPa), and BBBB (109.38, 52.77 MPa), respectively. The improved hardness in the hybridised samples, BBCC (109.25 BHN), BBKK (89.77 BHN), and BBGG (82.23 BHN), were attributed to the filling of BPSF pores with synthetic reinforcements, when compared to the unhybridised BBBB (78.12 BHN). The BBCC demonstrated highest thermal stability, with a mass residue of 18.00 %. The sample also demonstrated the lowest wear under the tested loads. The microstructures revealed a finely dispersed fibres and better adherence in the matrix as compared to others. The hybridised samples demonstrated better properties compared to the unhybridised. The BBCC, a combination of 2-layer configuration of BPSF and CC exhibited the best mechanical, thermal stability and tribological characteristics. In future research endeavours, an investigation on the synergistic impact of other agro-based natural fibres and synthetic fibres at different configuration of layers on the properties of epoxy-based composites is proposed.
Progressive Generalized Skin Laxity in a Young Woman
Authors: Xia Zenan , Yang Yuyan , Liu Zhifei
Published: July 2023

A Chinese woman in her late 20s presented with a 20-year history of progressive skin laxity. What is your diagnosis?
Postdischarge Caregiver Burden Among Family Caregivers of Older Trauma Patients
Authors: Tabata-Kelly Masami , Ruan Mengyuan , Dey Tanujit , Sheu Christina , Kerr Emma , Kaafarani Haytham , Ornstein Katherine A. , Kelley Amy , Gray Tamryn F. , Salim Ali , Joseph Bellal , Cooper Zara
Published: July 2023

Importance

Caregiver burden, characterized by psychological distress and physical morbidity, affects more than 50 million family caregivers of older adults in the United States. Risk factors for caregiver burden among caregivers of older trauma patients have not been well characterized.

Objective

To characterize postdischarge caregiver burden among caregivers of older trauma patients and identify targets that can inform interventions to improve their experience.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study used a repeated cross-sectional design. Participants were family caregivers for adults 65 years or older with traumatic injury who were discharged from 1 of 2 level I trauma centers. Telephone interviews were conducted at 1 month and 3 months postdischarge with family caregivers (identified by the patient as family or friends who provided unpaid care). Admissions occurred between December 2019 and May 2021, and data were analyzed from June 2021 to May 2022.

Exposure

Hospital admission for geriatric trauma.

Main Outcome and Measures

High caregiver burden was defined by a score of 17 or higher on the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview. Caregiver self-efficacy and preparedness for caregiving were assessed via the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy and Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, respectively. Associations between caregiver self-efficacy, preparedness for caregiving, and caregiver burden were tested via mixed-effect logistic regression.

Results

There were 154 family caregivers enrolled in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 60.6 (13.0) years (range, 18-92 years), 108 of 154 were female (70.6%). The proportion of caregivers experiencing high burden (Zarit Burden Interview score ≥17) was unchanged over time (1 month, 38 caregivers [30.9%]; 3 months, 37 caregivers [31.4%]). Participants with lower caregiver self-efficacy and preparedness for caregiving were more likely to experience greater caregiver burden (odds ratio [OR], 7.79; 95% CI, 2.54-23.82; P < .001; and OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 1.86-17.88; P = .003, respectively).

Conclusion and Relevance

This study found that nearly a third of family caregivers of older trauma patients experience high caregiver burden up to 3 months after the patients’ discharge. Targeted interventions to increase caregiver self-efficacy and preparedness may reduce caregiver burden in geriatric trauma.
Just as I expected? Hindsight bias for the outcome of a national referendum is moderated by outcome valence and surprise
Authors: Greene Ciara M. , Levine Linda J. , Loftus Elizabeth F. , Murphy Gillian
Published: July 2023

When people learn that an event has occurred, they often report that they expected it all along. The present study explored this “hindsight bias” for the outcome of a national referendum on abortion. Participants rated the probability of the referendum passing one week before polling day, and then recalled their original estimates one week and one year post‐referendum. The magnitude and direction of bias was predicted by voting choice: People on the losing side exhibited a classic hindsight bias, and remembered believing the outcome to be roughly 16% more likely than they originally reported. In contrast, people on the winning side exhibited a weak reversal of the typical bias. Hindsight bias was moderated by feelings of surprise in both groups. This study suggests that individuals on the losing side of political campaigns may be especially likely to misremember their prior expectations if the outcome is disappointing but not unexpected.
Unraveling the Missing Link of Bio‐Electrical Stimulation from Body‐Mediated Energy Transfer
Authors: Jung Sungwon , Yong Hyungseok , Lee Milae , Kim Banseok , Kang Tae‐Yun , Jang Hun Soo , Choi Woo Jin , Kim Dongchang , Choi Moonhyun , Bang Geul , Hwang Heeyoun , Choi Sung‐Hwan , Hong Jinkee , Lee Sangmin
Published: July 2023

As the technologies for treating diseases are attracting continuous attention, physical therapy methods, particularly electrical stimulation (ES), have been widely investigated owing to their high effectiveness. As ES essentially requires an external power source, various efforts are being devoted to achieving the application of ES to the human body using nanogenerators. Various studies have verified the effect of ES by applying the same output generated by the device to in vitro and in vivo bio‐electrical stimulation. However, it is unknown whether the electrical output generated by the device can be transmitted equally in the cell unit, and this is considered a common missing link in bio‐electrical stimulation research. Herein, the missing link between electrical devices and in vitro bio‐electrical stimulations is unraveled by the ex vivo, 2D simulation, and in vitro study of body‐mediated energy transfer (BmET) models. In addition, BmET‐based ES is applied to pre‐osteoblasts, and the increased cellular functions are verified.
Broadband Photodetectors and Imagers in Stretchable Electronics Packaging
Authors: Araki Teppei , Li Kou , Suzuki Daichi , Abe Takaaki , Kawabata Rei , Uemura Takafumi , Izumi Shintaro , Tsuruta Shuichi , Terasaki Nao , Kawano Yukio , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

The integration of flexible electronics with optics can help realize a powerful tool that facilitates the creation of a smart society wherein internal evaluations can be easily performed nondestructively from the surface of various objects that is used or encountered in daily lives. Here, organic‐material‐based stretchable optical sensors and imagers that possess both bending capability and rubber‐like elasticity are reviewed. The latest trends in nondestructive evaluation equipment that enable simple on‐site evaluations of health conditions and abnormalities are discussed without subjecting the targeted living bodies and various objects to mechanical stress. Real‐time performance under real‐life conditions is becoming increasingly important for creating smart societies interwoven with optical technologies. In particular, the terahertz (THz)‐wave region offers a substance‐ and state‐specific fingerprint spectrum that enables instantaneous analyses. However, to make THz sensors accessible, the following issues must be addressed: broadband and high‐sensitivity at room temperature, stretchability to follow the surface movements of targets, and digital transformation compatibility. The materials, electronics packaging, and remote imaging systems used to overcome these issues are discussed in detail. Ultimately, stretchable optical sensors and imagers with highly sensitive and broadband THz sensors can facilitate the multifaceted on‐site evaluation of solids, liquids, and gases.
Opportunities and Challenges in Applying Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy in Organic Mechanochemistry
Authors: Silva Igor d'Anciães Almeida , Bartalucci Ettore , Bolm Carsten , Wiegand Thomas
Published: July 2023

In recent years it is shown that mechanochemical strategies can be beneficial in directed conversions of organic compounds. Finding new reactions proved difficult, and due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of mechanochemical reaction events, respective efforts have mostly remained empirical. Spectroscopic techniques are crucial in shedding light on these questions. In this overview, the opportunities and challenges of solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in the field of organic mechanochemistry are discussed. After a brief discussion of the basics of high‐resolution solid‐state NMR under magic‐angle spinning (MAS) conditions, seven opportunities for solid‐state NMR in the field of organic mechanochemistry are presented, ranging from ex situ approaches to structurally elucidated reaction products obtained by milling to the potential and limitations of in situ solid‐state NMR approaches. Particular strengths of solid‐state NMR, for instance in differentiating polymorphs, in NMR‐crystallographic structure‐determination protocols, or in detecting weak noncovalent interactions in molecular‐recognition events employing proton‐detected solid‐state NMR experiments at fast MAS frequencies, are discussed.
Templated Total Synthesis of Cu(I)‐Methanobactin OB3b**
Authors: Cupioli Emilia , Gaigne Frédéric J. M. , Sachse Anna , Buday Philipp , Weigand Wolfgang , Liebing Phil , Arndt Hans‐Dieter
Published: July 2023

Methanobactin OB3b (Mbn‐OB3b) is a unique natural product with stunning affinity for copper ions (Ka≈Cu(I) 1034). Here, we report the first total synthesis of Cu(I)‐bound methanobactin OB3b featuring as key transformations a cyclodehydration‐thioacylation sequence, to generate the conjugated heterocyclic systems, and a copper‐templated cyclization, to complete the caged structure of the very sensitive target compound.
Cyclodextrin‐supported Co(OH)2 Clusters as Electrocatalysts for Efficient and Selective H2O2 Synthesis
Authors: Qi Defeng , Xu Jie , Zhou Yitong , Zhang Hao , Shi Jianqiao , He Kun , Yuan Yifei , Luo Jun , Wang Shun , Wang Yong
Published: July 2023

Co‐based material catalysts have shown attractive application prospects in the 2 e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, for the industrial synthesis of H2O2, there is still lack of Co‐based catalysts with high production yield rate. Here, novel cyclodextrin‐supported Co(OH)2 cluster catalysts were prepared via a mild and facile method. The catalyst exhibited remarkable H2O2 selectivity (94.2 % ~ 98.2 %), good stability (99 % activity retention after 35 h), and ultra‐high H2O2 production yield rate (5.58 mol gcatalyst−1 h−1 in the H‐type electrolytic cell), demonstrating its promising industrial application potential. Density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the cyclodextrin‐mediated Co(OH)2 electronic structure optimizes the adsorption of OOH* intermediates and significantly enhances the activation energy barrier for dissociation, leading to the high reactivity and selectivity for the 2 e− ORR. This work offers a valuable and practical strategy to design Co‐based electrocatalysts for H2O2 production.
Nukleophiler Angriff am Pentaarsaferrocen [Cp*Fe(η5‐As5)] – Der Weg zu größeren Polyarsenid‐Liganden
Authors: Reichl Stephan , Riesinger Christoph , Scheer Manfred
Published: July 2023

Durch die Reaktion von [Cp*Fe(η5‐As5)] (I) (Cp*=C5Me5) mit Hauptgruppenelement‐Nukleophilen werden einzigartige funktionalisierte Produkte mit η4‐koordinierten Polyarsenid‐(Asn)‐Einheiten (n=5, 6, 20) erhalten. Mit kohlenstoffbasierten Nukleophilen wie beispielsweise MeLi oder KBn (Bn=CH2Ph) sind die anionischen organo‐substituierten Polyarsenidkomplexe [Li(2.2.2‐Kryptand)][Cp*Fe(η4‐As5Me)] (1 a) und [K(2.2.2‐Kryptand)][Cp*Fe{η4‐As5(CH2Ph)}] (1 b) zugänglich. Die Verwendung von KAsPh2 führt zu einer selektiven und kontrollierten Erweiterung der As5‐Einheit und unter Bildung der monoanionischen Verbindung [K(2.2.2‐Kryptand][Cp*Fe(η4‐As6Ph2)] (2). Wird I mit [M]As(SiMe3)2 (M=Li ⋅ THF; K) zur Reaktion gebracht, kommt es zur Bildung der größten bekannten anionischen Polyarsenid‐Einheit in [M′(2.2.2‐Kryptand)]2[(Cp*Fe)4{μ5‐η4:η4:η3:η3:η1:η1‐As20}] (3)(M′=Li (3 a), K (3 b)).
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrophosphination of Cyclopropenes under Lanthanocene Catalysis
Authors: Lin Xiaobin , An Kun , Zhuo Qingde , Nishiura Masayoshi , Cong Xuefeng , Hou Zhaomin
Published: July 2023

The asymmetric hydrophosphination of cyclopropenes with phosphines is of much interest and importance, but has remained hardly explored to date probably because of the lack of suitable catalysts. We report here the diastereo‐ and enantioselective hydrophosphination of 3,3‐disubstituted cyclopropenes with phosphines by a chiral lanthanocene catalyst bearing theC2‐symmetric 5,6‐dioxy‐4,7‐trans‐dialkyl‐substituted tetrahydroindenyl ligands. This protocol offers a selective and efficient route for the synthesis of a new family of chiral phosphinocyclopropane derivatives, featuring 100 % atom efficiency, good diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and no need for a directing group.
Supercritical CO2‐assisted formation of metal–organic framework‐loaded porous polystyrene membranes for dye removal
Authors: Matsuyama Kiyoshi , Kawahara Yuka , Shoji Ayano , Kato Takafumi , Okuyama Tetsuya
Published: July 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are efficient adsorbents for the removal of hazardous materials. An MOF based on 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC), Cu3(BTC)2, is prepared via phase separation using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a nonsolvent for the polymer solution. The prepared MOF is then loaded onto microporous polystyrene membranes. To evaluate the performance of Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes for pollutant removal from water, they are tested for the separation of methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. Prior to the preparation of the Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes, Cu3(BTC)2 is activated with scCO2. After the activation with scCO2, the internal surface area of Cu3(BTC)2 and its MB adsorption increase. A toluene solution of polystyrene containing Cu3(BTC)2 particles is prepared, and scCO2 is introduced to induce the phase separation of the polymer solution. A Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membrane is obtained without the collapse of the structure after the release of the CO2 pressure. MB can be readily and rapidly removed from aqueous solutions using Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes. The removal efficiencies for aqueous MB solution were high, and removal efficiencies reached 92.8%.
Effect of addition of triallyl isocyanurate and post‐ultraviolet irradiation on the selected properties of composites of poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate) and nano‐sized calcium carbonate
Authors: Zhang Haitao
Published: July 2023

Composites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and nano‐sized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), glycidyl methacrylate and benzophenone (BP) were prepared by using a double screw extruder and blown into films by extrusion blow molding. After exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light at 10, 20, and 40 J/cm2 of irradiation doses, the selected performances of the irradiated films were investigated. UV irradiation increased the tensile performances but had little effect on the thermal behaviors. Scanning electron microscope revealed that UV irradiation enhanced the connection between the two phases of PLA and PBS. The improvement in tensile properties was attributed to the formation of crosslinking during UV irradiation in the presence of TAIC and BP and the enhancement of the interface bonding between the two. However, excessive exposure reduced the elongation at break and fracture energy, attributed to the molecular chain breakage at high doses. On the other hand, the tensile performances improved and the light transmission decreased with increasing the TAIC content up to 2.5 phr after UV exposure at the same irradiation dose. UV irradiation was revealed to be a simple and effective technique to improve the tensile performances of LA/PBS/CaCO3 films with bicontinuous phases.
Novel functionalized isocyanate groups polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes/epoxy composites with advanced thermal and moisture resistance properties
Authors: Wu Zhiwen , Lu Junhan , Jiang Mingquan , Chen Yi , Mai Jun , Lin Ruifen , Wang Hui , Zhang Jikang
Published: July 2023

The rapid development of the electronic packaging industry has necessitated the production of epoxy resin insulation materials with high heat resistance and low water absorption. In this study a new cross‐linking composite composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized with isocyanate groups and epoxy resin (EP) containing phenolic hydroxyl groups. By employing an isocyanate‐hydroxyl process, the cage structure of Ph7POSS with isocyanate functionalization (MP) can be suspended on EP, leading to a significant improvement in the thermal and moisture resistance of the MP/EP composite. Our DSC and TGA studies revealed that the addition of 3% MP to the epoxy resin increased the glass transition temperature by 27.1°C and raised the initial thermal breakdown temperature to 334.5°C. We also utilized a novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique to continuously monitor the moisture resistance of the composite, and our results showed that the composite absorbed only 0.03% of water. Moreover, the porosity and cross‐linking of the POSS molecules further restricted the movement of the polymer chains, thereby reducing the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composite. Consequently, the MP‐modified epoxy composites exhibit excellent properties, which suggest promising applications in the field of electronic packaging.
Planning for Service Line Material Identification and Lead Service Line Replacement Costs
Authors: Kutzing Sandra , Murray Nestor , Sayre Ariel , Gawlik Emory
Published: July 2023

Key Takeaways

A utility survey was performed to gather cost data and information on identification and verification methods.

In compiling a service line inventory, water utilities need to account for using multiple verification methods at some locations to improve accuracy.

Costs vary significantly between verification methods for developing accurate service line inventories and should be accounted for in a water system's planning efforts.

The costs for lead service line replacements are estimated to be higher than originally reported when accounting for auxiliary costs to utilities.
Adaptive Planning: A Resilience Model for Communities
Authors: Duncan Rachel , Hunter Steve , Christoff Tyler , Rehring John , Courtney Beorn
Published: July 2023

Key Takeaways

For many communities across the United States, shifting trends in climate and other environmental conditions are threatening water supplies.

The pressure is on water providers to adapt—to explore alternative supply sources and develop resilience strategies for the long term.

Aspen, Colo., enhanced the reliability of its water supply and closed the gap between supply and demand with integrated water planning.

Aspen created and evaluated several options for its 50‐year adaptive plan, considering climate impacts on supply and demand as well as other potential threats.
Kentucky Water and Wastewater Workforce Survey
Authors: Ormsbee Lindell , Koyagi Emily Raine , McNeil Donna , Shelley James A. , Lucas Valerie A.
Published: July 2023

Key Takeaways

Kentucky, like other states, faces growing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified water operators.

A recent survey of managers and operators from Kentucky water utilities identified weaknesses in the areas of pay, benefits, training, employee appreciation, COVID, and job satisfaction.

The recommendations generated by this survey apply not only to water utilities in Kentucky but possibly to the water industry as a whole.
Outcomes and treatment failure after open or robotic ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries
Authors: Rossanese Marta , Giannarini Gianluca , Scalia Riccardo , Macchione Luciano , Crestani Alessandro , Simonato Alchiede , Ficarra Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the aetiology, perioperative outcomes and treatment failure of contemporary patients undergoing open or robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries at two academic centres 07/2013 and 06/2022. A variety of open or robot‐assisted procedures were performed, including uretero‐cystoneostomy, Boari bladder flap, uretero‐ureterostomy, ileal replacement and pyelo‐ureteroplasty. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon with extensive experience in open and robot‐assisted surgery and preference‐based management. Outcome measures were aetiology, estimated blood loss, length of stay, postoperative complications and treatment failure, defined as upper tract obstruction requiring permanent urinary drainage. We also planned a subgroup analysis comparing the outcomes between open and robot‐assisted procedures.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients were included. Most injuries were consequent to endourological procedures (44%). The most frequently performed procedures were uretero‐cystoneostomy (49.2%) and Boari bladder flap (32.2%). Forty (67.8%) were open, and 19 (32.2%) were robot‐assisted procedures. Major postoperative complications were recorded in seven (11.9%) patients. After a median follow‐up of 42 months (interquartile range 12–24), treatment failure was observed in seven (11.9%) cases. Robot‐assisted versus open procedures were associated with decreased estimated blood loss (p = 0.01), length of stay (p < 0.001) and treatment failure (0/19 vs. 7/36, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In our series of iatrogenic ureteral lesions requiring reconstructive surgery, endourological procedures were the most frequent cause. Major postoperative complications were infrequent, and treatment failure rate was low. The robot‐assisted approach was associated with improved perioperative outcomes and lower failure rate compared with open.
mCIT app for teaching and learning the estimation and automatic control of DC motors
Authors: Sánchez Antonio Concha , Thenozhi Suresh , Lara Paulina Poblano , Jiménez‐Betancourt Ramón O. , Gadi Suresh K.
Published: July 2023

Topics of automatic control, parameter identification, and state estimation of a direct current (DC) motor are widely included in undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. Traditionally, theoretical classes are accompanied by simulation or experimental laboratory sessions. The simulation techniques usually do not consider essential dynamic behaviors exhibited by physical systems, such as friction and saturation. Meanwhile, the DC servomechanism, computing device, and associated software used for the experiments are usually expensive. These situations may be avoided through mobile learning by using a low‐cost and portable platform controlled by a mobile device. This article proposes a free Android application called Control and Identification Toolbox for motors (mCIT) and a low‐cost portable platform designed to perform real‐time experiments on DC servomechanisms. The portable platform comprises a mobile device with the mCIT app, a DC servomechanism, and an Arduino‐based data acquisition system. The mobile device, which can be a smartphone, performs the computational and user interface tasks. The effectiveness of the mCIT app and platform are evaluated in online, hybrid, and face‐to‐face courses. The results indicate that the proposed mobile technique improves the teaching and learning experience of automatic control and system estimation topics.
Struggling to manage: A constructivist grounded theory of hoarding behaviours
Authors: Ruby‐Granger Victoria , Wilde David , Seymour‐Smith Sarah , Zysk Eva
Published: July 2023

Hoarding behaviours can cause numerous problems including health risks, family conflict, and removal of children and pets from the home. Hoarding research typically adopts a cognitive‐behavioural framework and uses quantitative methods; we aimed to further understand the development of hoarding behaviour from a qualitative perspective. Constructivist grounded theory methods were employed across two phases of data collection via semi‐structured interviews with participants identifying as exhibiting hoarding behaviours. Provisional categories were developed in phase one; further data analysis in phase two helped to establish our grounded theory. The theoretical core is a struggle to manage possessions and life, including life transitions such as moving to a new home and starting or finishing university. ‘Struggling to manage’ incorporates emotional struggles with possessions and the impacts of personal trauma and overwhelming life events. A further category, ‘Trying to overcome hoarding’ incorporates participants' efforts to manage and overcome their hoarding. Findings highlight the importance of viewing hoarding in a holistic context.
Primary (congenital) occipital encephalomeningocele in a newborn born to a mother despite folic acid supplementation
Authors: Paudel Binod , Yadav Gopal K.
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

The etiology of neural tube defects is multifactorial, with a wide interplay of genetic and environmental factors. However, periconceptional folic acid should be supplemented in antenatal care.

We described a case of neural tube defects (NTDs), specifically occipital encephalomeningocele, in a child born to a mother who received folic acid supplementation. A wide interplay of genetic and environmental factors exists in its causation. Although folic acid confers advantage, the relationship with the causation of NTDs still remains unclear.
COVID‐19 infection and Leser–Trelat sign: Is there an association?
Authors: Handjani Farhad , Radanfar Roya , Sepaskhah Mozhdeh , Dehdari Ebrahimi Niloofar
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

The etiology of the Leser–Trélat sign is still unknown, it is likely that viral infections like COVID‐19 can be associated with eruptive seborrheic keratosis, although the exact pathogenesis is still not clear, but this phenomenon can be due to TNF‐alpha and TGF‐alpha and immunosuppression condition as well as in COVID‐19 infection.

Seborrheic keratosis is a typical benign skin lesion that is almost always seen in elderly populations. The sudden increase in size or an increase in the number of these lesions is called Leser–Trelat sign, this sign is suggesting as a paraneoplastic appearance of internal malignancy. But, Leser–Trelat sign is also described in some nonmalignant conditions, for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection and human papillomavirus infection. Herein, we describe a patient with Leser–Trelat sign after recovery from COVID‐19 infection with no evidence of internal malignancy. This case was partially presented as a poster in the 102nd Annual Congress of British Association of Dermatologists in Glasgow, Scotland from July 5 2022 to July 7 2022. British Journal of Dermatology, 187, 2022 and 35. The patient signed written informed consent to permit the publication of the case report without identifying data and to use the photography for publication. The researchers committed to maintaining patient confidentiality. Institutional ethics committee approved the case report (ethics code: IR.sums.med.rec.1400.384).