bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicative Competencies and Pre-Service Teaching Performance: Basis for Communication Skills Enhancement
Authors: Dela Cruz Lilian
Published: May 2022

With the current demand standard for teachers equipped with the 21st-century skill of communicative competence, teacher education institutions like the DalubhasaanngLunsodng San Pablo (DLSP) have continuously searched for ways and means to fortify the communication skills development of their students and to hone them into well-prepared and well-equipped future teachers. The pre-service teaching internship is an avenue to establish the readiness of the student-teacher in an educational environment. This paper assessed the extent of association between the level of communicative competencies and pre-service teaching performance of the DLSP student teachers for the academic year 2017-2018. More specifically, it showed the profile of the pre-service teachers: the majority are aged 21-25, females, taking BEED-General Curriculum. The pre-service teachers are found to have an above-average level of communicative competencies in reading, listening, and writing but only an average level of communicative competencies in speaking. There is a significant difference among speaking, reading, and writing competencies when grouped according to major or area of specialization. There is a weak correlation between communicative competencies of listening, reading, and writing, and student teaching performance, while there is a moderate correlation between speaking competencies and student teaching performance. To get a more conclusive correlation between competencies and performance, it is recommended for the institution to include communicative competencies as one of the specific parameters in evaluating pre-service teaching performance. This study found a need to enhance the communicative competencies, especially in speaking and writing that an integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing (LSRW) program.
Peace Education and the Promotion of Peace-building Initiatives through Health Care Programs in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao
Authors: Baquial Elvira
Published: May 2022

For several years now, there has been a growing global consciousness on the close connection between health and peace. This study aimed to describe peace education and determine the promotion of peace-building initiatives through healthcare programs in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. The study utilized the descriptive research design and correlation method using survey, interview, and Focus Group Discussion, to 250 survey respondents, eight informants, and 16 FGD participants from conflict-affected areas of Maguindanao and North Cotabato. Data were analyzed and interpreted using mean and multiple regression methods. The study found out that the delivery of the health care programs, the performance of the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare providers, and the use of peace mechanisms were moderately extensive. That peace education has significantly contributed to the promotion of peace-building initiatives in conflict-affected areas. However, the health care programs and health to peace mechanisms strongly influence peace education. The study concludes that health care programs have been delivered well, although there is still a need for improvement in terms of the performance of the roles and responsibilities of the health care providers. The use of peace mechanisms still needs to be intensified.
Issues and Challenges on the Mental Health Services of a Selected Municipality in Metro Manila: A Case Study
Authors: Billote William Jo Se , Ponce Ryan
Published: May 2022

Mental health problem is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It makes up one-third of the world population. With the increasing number of individuals with mental health problems and difficulties worldwide, countries such as the Philippines are still in the process of addressing the issue of providing quality mental health care services. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the existing mental health services offered in a selected Municipality in Metro Manila, Philippines. Moreover, this sought to increase knowledge and awareness about mental health services to help solve the issues and challenges identified in this study. The study employed an initial semi-structured interview that can lead to a case study, which is a qualitative research design. The study was conducted in one of the City Health Offices in Metro Manila. Insufficient budget, lack of trained professionals and mental health workers, lack of mental health system framework, not fully implemented mental health law and lack of collaboration and integration were the problems identified in providing quality mental health services. Although the Philippine government exerts effort on filling the gaps in providing treatment and care to those individuals with mental health difficulties, access to mental health institutions in the Philippines favors those near the National Capital Region.
On Assessing Public Leadership as Basis for Public Service Enhancement
Authors: Basilan Romel
Published: May 2022

The descriptive quantitative research explored the different dimensions of public leadership in relation to organizational productivity to analyze the service rendered by the Provincial Government of Batangas, Philippines. This focused on the assessment of innovation in terms of inputs, processes, and outcomes with respect to the demographic profile of the locale. With this assessment of innovation, the paper withheld that innovation is significantly affected, and the results vary in terms of age, sex, educational attainment, and years in service of the government employees. Expressively, dimensions of public leadership bestowed relationship to give innovative public service. It also deliberately manifested that in consideration of the profiling of the employees, the government can maximize the human resources to optimal innovation, creativity, and skills, which leads to employees’ effectiveness, creative ideation, and implementation of best practices. This paper strongly agreed that productivity in the workplace is inevitable. In the end, this paper would propose an enhancement program that might help to hoist productivity and innovation among Batangas employees and administrative personnel.
Effectiveness of Ficus benjamina “Vaditi” and Artocarpus treculianus Elm. “Tipuho” Sap Extracts as Non-Chemical Rodent Trap
Authors: Billote William Jo Se , Alcantara Paul , Cadid Dean Eduard , Delos Reyes Keenen Ivory , Entela Aira Marie , Gabotero Maria Angelica , Ponce Ryan
Published: May 2022

Pests are organisms that can cause economic damage or become threats to the health of humans and domestic animals. Rodents are pests and are considered to be essential reservoirs of numerous diseases that infect humans, domestic animals, and other wildlife species. Because of the threats, they have on humans and the environment, there is a need to employ an effective method to control rodent infestations that are inexpensive and non-chemical. The purpose of this study is to create a non-chemical and eco-friendly rodent trap from the sap extracts of Ficus benjamina and Artocarpus trecalianus Elm. Two different samples of rodent traps were prepared. The samples were tested in an area infested by rats within 24 hours. The sample sap extracts in both the controlled and experimental groups were observed within the first 0 to 8 hours and within the remaining time (9 to 24 hours). This procedure was replicated five times in both groups. Descriptive statistics and t-Test were then used to analyze and compare the data. Based on the study, the non-chemical rodent trap, mainly the decocted sap extracts from Ficus benjamina and Artocarpus treculianus Elm. mixed with pure honey extract were found to be a capable alternative rodent trap.
Las juventudes trabajadoras en el comercio minorista tradicional: gestión, control y resistencias
Authors: Favieri Francisco Nicolás
Published: May 2022

La flexibilización de las condiciones de trabajo y contratación junto con la aparición de nuevas formas de control y gestión del proceso de trabajo han contribuido a la aparición de nuevas formas de empleo, siendo el sector de servicios y en particular el comercio minorista uno de los que más diversificaciones han presentado en los últimos años. En San Juan, Argentina gran parte de la juventud trabajadora consigue empleos en el comercio, donde además de constituirse como el grupo poblacional que más dificultades tiene para ingresar y permanecer en el mercado de laboral se vinculan a la actividad en condiciones precarias de trabajo. Las estrategias y acciones por parte de los trabajadores y las trabajadoras para revertir esas situaciones parecen ser insuficientes, atribuyendo especialmente a las juventudes una posición de pasividad, inactividad y sumisión. A partir de un estudio de caso, este artículo se propone analizar la dinámica del trabajo en el comercio minorista tradicional, caracterizando las formas de gestión y control del trabajo, las expresiones de conflicto laboral y las resistencias emprendidas por jóvenes trabajadores y trabajadoras del Gran San Juan (Argentina) sobre el supuesto de que sostienen una lucha permanente para mejorar sus condiciones de trabajo y que en sus expresiones se configuran nuevas formas de resistencia. Entre los hallazgos se destaca que las juventudes trabajadoras despliegan diversas estrategias y acciones de resistencia reconfigurando la expresión del conflicto en el trabajo aunque no logran mejorar sus condiciones de empleo.
The Short-term Effect of Aerobics on Depressive Symptoms toward Healthy People
Authors: Yamamoto Noriko , Sato Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Aims: To clarify whether short-term aerobics can ameliorate depressive symptoms.

Study Design:  Open trial without comparison.

Place and Duration of Study: Aerobics exercise course was held on Saga Newspaper Culture Center, Saga, Japan. Duration of this study was three months between April 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010.

Methodology: Eleven healthy people who participated in the aerobics exercise, of which 5 were men and 6 were women. The age range is 25 to 75 years (mean 49.2 ± SD 14.3). In the aerobic exercise program, one session (90 minutes) was composed of brief meeting (10 minutes), warm-up exercises (5 minutes), the primary exercises (low impact and high impact, 30-35 minutes), stretch (10 minutes), muscle training (25 minutes), and cooling down (5 minutes). The two outcome measures, Zung's Self Depression Scale (SDS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were assessed at baseline and three months.

Results: At baseline, mean ± SD for SDS and BDI were 35.5 ± 8.8 and 5.6 ± 9.7, and 31.9 ± 5.8 and 2.2 ± 3.5 at the three month follow up. There was only significant improvement in SDS (SDS, z = -2.014), p = 0.044; BDI, z = -0.294, p = 0.294).

Conclusion: Aerobic exercise program seems to decline depressive symptoms among healthy people. In particular, this effect may be reflected in SDS not in BDI among Japanese people.
The Contribution of Community Forestry on Livelihood Improvement and Environmental Protection in Cameroon
Authors: Enukwa Ettagbor Hans , Ngang Fru Denis , Jany Waffo Noumsi Patrick
Published: May 2022

The sustainable management of community forests in Cameroon is a success story for the achievement of Community-Based natural Resources Management (CBNRM). This approach empowers local communities to take the lead on natural resources management, giving them a sense of responsibility and ownership. This study was carried out in three community forest (Woteva, Bakingili and Bimbia-Bonadikombo community forests) in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The aim of this research was to verify the contribution of community forestry to the wellbeing of the local population, and how it enhances the conservation of biodiversity. In this study, 135 (45.8%) of the 295 respondents were from Bimbia-Bonadikombo, 109 (36.9%) from Bakingili and 51 (17.3%) from Woteva. From this total, 155 (52.5%) were female and the rest (140 or 47.5%) were male. 89.4% of the population use the forests for fuelwood collection, 25.7% for timber exploitation, 40% for farming, and 41.3% for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) harvesting. Interestingly, only 17.9% of the respondents reported an increase in community members income under community forestry, 53.9% perceived no change especially as not everyone in the community is committed to community forestry. However, an improved adoption of sustainable exploitation practices was noted, and this can be explained by the numerous sensitization and training workshops and field demonstration carried out by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife through the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources-Southwest (PSMNR-SW), as well as Mount Cameroon prunus africana Association (MOCAP).
Influence of Potassium, Secondary (Mg) and Micronutrients (Zn & B) on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Bt -Cotton
Authors: Swetha D. , Laxminarayana P. , Vidyasagar G. E. CH. , Reddy S. Narender , Sharma Harish Kumar
Published: May 2022

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of potassium fertilization (K @0, K @60 and K @ 90 kg ha-1) and secondary (Magnesium) and micro nutrients (Zinc and Boron) on growth and yield parameters and yield of cotton hybrid Bt (MRC 7201 BGII) at Hyderabad, India during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three main treatments and eight sub treatments and replicated thrice. Among the potassium levels, K @ 90 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (76.86, 106.13 cm), number of seeds per boll (30.3, 30.9), seed cotton yield (1941, 2591 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (1967, 2755 kg ha-1) during 2015 and 2016. Among secondary (Magnesium) and micro nutrients (Zinc and Boron), Mg1%Zn0.5%B0.1% recorded highest plant height (74.65, 102.80 cm), dry weight (221.39, 243.54 g), number of seeds per boll (29.27, 29.87), seed cotton yield (1941, 2591 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (1967, 2755 kg ha-1) during 2015 and 2016.
Economic Analysis of Marigold Flower in Research Farm of IGKV Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Raj Jeet , Sinha Jitendra , Kumar Nilesh , Jangre Nilima
Published: May 2022

In floriculture, marigold is one of India's most important commercially grown flower crops, which ranked third in number after Roses and Chrysanthemum. The present experiment was carried out during the winter season of the year 2019-2020 & 2020-2021 in the laboratory field of the Dept. of SWE, SVCAET &RS, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.) India. To study the economical analysis of Marigold crop cultivation with major constraints, three kinds of growing media was used like Cocopeat, soil and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) in three  different growing containers viz:  Reusable flour bags, conventional grow bags and plastic bottles with all the same growing conditions. In marigold crop production shows that the Reuseable Flour Bag (RFB) produced 13.65 MT flower, followed by plastic bottle (PB) 13.18 MT and Conventional Grow Bag (CGB) 13.03 MT in the same way the net benefit was calculated as highest as 296997.89 /ha in RFB, 249095.86 /ha in plastic bottle and 131078.79 /ha in RFB. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be highest in plastic bottles as 2.093, followed by 1.847 in RFB and 1.277 in CGB.
Electromyographic Findings in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Patients
Authors: Bullo Naeemullah , Shaikh Junaid Ahmed , Afzal Munir , Kumar Suneel , Fatima Meraj , Kumar Dileep
Published: May 2022

Objective: To determine electromyographic findings in Guillain-barré syndrome patients.

Setting and Duration Study: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Neuromedicine departments of tertiary care Hospital JPMC, from1st February 2020 to 30th July 2021.

Materials and Methods: GBS was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in 1990. All patients gave consent to and underwent electromyographic assessment with a Keypoint evoked muscle potential equipment at admission and 2, 3, and 6 months post disease onset. The records of the patients were anonymized and deidentified before analysis.

Results: The Age range in this study was from 13 to 70 years with a mean age of 36.58±16.0 years. 63% of patients were of male gender and 37% of patients were female. The frequency of Electromyographic findings were acute demyelinating polyneuropathy in 73% of cases, acute sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy 14% of cases, acute motor xonal polyneuropathy 12% of cases and acute sensory polyneuropathy 1% case.

Conclusion: The electromyography plays a role to diagnose GBS but along with this NCV and CSF analysis are also helpful in diagnosis and prognosis prediction.
Associations of Multidomain Interventions With Improvements in Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Salzman Talia , Sarquis-Adamson Yanina , Son Surim , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Fraser Sarah
Published: May 2022

Importance

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have the highest risk of progressing to dementia. Evidence suggests that nonpharmacological, single-domain interventions can prevent or delay progressive declines, but it is unclear whether greater cognitive benefits arise from multidomain interventions.

Objective

To determine whether multidomain interventions, composed of 2 or more interventions, are associated with greater improvements in cognition among older adults with MCI than a single intervention on its own.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, AgeLine, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched from database inception to December 20, 2021.

Study Selection

Included studies contained (1) an MCI diagnosis; (2) nonpharmacological, multidomain interventions that were compared with a single active control; (3) older adults aged 65 years and older; and (4) randomized clinical trials.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were screened and extracted by 3 independent reviewers. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate effect sizes from the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CIs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Postintervention cognitive test scores in 7 cognitive domains were compared between single-domain and multidomain groups. Exposure to the intervention was analyzed.

Results

A total of 28 studies published between 2011 and 2021, including 2711 older adults with MCI, reported greater effect sizes in the multidomain group for global cognition (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.59; P < .001), executive function (SMD, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.36; P = .01), memory (SMD, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.45; P < .001), and verbal fluency (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49; P = .001). The Mini-Mental State Examination (SMD, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.64; P < .001), category verbal fluency test (SMD, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.56; P = .002), Trail Making Test–B (SMD, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.13-0.80; P = .007), and Wechsler Memory Scale–Logical Memory I (SMD, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.15-0.80; P < .001) and II (SMD, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-0.45; P < .001) favored the multidomain group. Exposure to the intervention varied between studies: the mean (SD) duration was 71.3 (36.0) minutes for 19.8 (14.6) weeks with sessions taking place 2.5 (1.1) times per week, and all interventions lasted less than 1 year.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, short-term multidomain interventions (<1 year) were associated with improvements in global cognition, executive function, memory, and verbal fluency compared with single interventions in older adults with MCI.
Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery Scale among shift-work nurses
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinya , Sato Miho , Sumi Naomi , Ito Yoichi M , Winwood Peter C , Yano Rika
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Shift-work nurses are at a higher risk of inadequate recovery from fatigue and developing maladaptive fatigue with significant health consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor fatigue and recovery levels with a reliable scale. We investigated psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale (OFER-J) for shift-work nurses.

Methods

Japanese shift-work nurses responded to self-administered questionnaires at baseline (n = 942) and one month later (n = 334). The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted to verify the structural validity and the correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to test the construct and discriminative validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated to assess reliability.

Results

The CFA showed high correlations between the factors and whilst the goodness-of-fit of the three-factor model was suboptimal, it was in an acceptable range. Most modifications included the error covariance of the Acute Fatigue (AF) and Intershift Recovery (IR) items. The EFA showed that Chronic Fatigue (CF) and AF were not clearly separated, indicating that the two AF items dropped out. Construct and discriminative validity were also well indicated. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.75–0.85. Only CF showed sufficient reproductivity (ICC = 0.74). The SDC for CF, AF, and IR was 14.0, 17.1, and 18.7, respectively.

Conclusions

The validity and reliability of the OFER-J were verified as acceptable for shift-work nurses. The OFER-J could contribute to a data-based approach to fatigue management in nursing management practice.
Phospho‐specific plasma p‐tau181 assay detects clinical as well as asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: De Meyer Steffi , Vanbrabant Jeroen , Schaeverbeke Jolien M. , Reinartz Mariska , Luckett Emma S. , Dupont Patrick , Van Laere Koen , Stoops Erik , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Poesen Koen , Vandenberghe Rik
Published: May 2022

Objective

Plasma phosphorylated‐tau‐181 (p‐tau181) reliably detects clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as asymptomatic amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology, but is consistently quantified with assays using antibody AT270, which cross‐reacts with p‐tau175. This study investigates two novel phospho‐specific assays for plasma p‐tau181 and p‐tau231 in clinical and asymptomatic AD.

Methods

Plasma p‐tau species were quantified with Simoa in 44 AD patients, 40 spouse controls and an independent cohort of 151 cognitively unimpaired (CU) elderly who underwent Aβ‐PET. Simoa plasma Aβ42 measurements were available in a CU subset (N = 69). Receiver operating characteristics and Aβ‐PET associations were used to evaluate biomarker validity.

Results

The novel plasma p‐tau181 and p‐tau231 assays did not show cross‐reactivity. Plasma p‐tau181 accurately detected clinical AD (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.00) as well as asymptomatic Aβ pathology (AUC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.92), while plasma p‐tau231 did not (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.85 and 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.71, respectively). Plasma p‐tau181, but not p‐tau231, detected asymptomatic Aβ pathology more accurately than age, sex and APOE combined (AUC = 0.64). In asymptomatic elderly, correlations between plasma p‐tau181 and Aβ pathology were observed throughout the cerebral cortex (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.0001), with focal associations within AD‐vulnerable regions, particularly the precuneus. The plasma Aβ42/p‐tau181 ratio did not reflect asymptomatic Aβ pathology better than p‐tau181 alone.

Interpretation

The novel plasma p‐tau181 assay is an accurate tool to detect clinical as well as asymptomatic AD and provides a phospho‐specific alternative to currently employed immunoassays.
High‐Temperature‐Resistant, Mechanically Stable FeCrNiAl/Al2O3 Thermally Sprayed Thick Ceramic Coatings for Stealth Applications over X‐Band
Authors: Ilyushchanka Aliaksandr Ph. , Baray Sergey G. , Letsko Andrey I. , Talako Tatyana L. , Manoila Yauheni D. , Janu Yojana , Chauhan Virendra. S. , Patra Manoj K. , Saini Lokesh
Published: May 2022

To avoid radar detection during tactical operations, engine exhaust zones of aircrafts are difficult to treat with rubber/resin‐based stealth coatings, due to their thermal and mechanical instability at high temperature (>1000 °C). Further, monolithic fabrication of thick ceramic coatings without any crack/rupture and stability of functional fillers at such high temperatures is an additional challenge in the development. To overcome these difficulties, for the first time, FeCrNiAl/Al2O3 thick ceramic composite coatings are developed with excellent radar/microwave (MW) absorbing capability and good mechanical strength on the titanium alloy substrate using an in‐house developed gas flame‐spraying apparatus, without any cracks or deformations. The 50 wt% FeCrNiAl/Al2O3 ceramic coating is found to have excellent reflection loss (RL) >−20 dB (99% MW absorption) over X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) frequencies with capability of tuning the absorption frequency at different thicknesses, while maintaining the RL values. This coating has tensile strength of more than 23 MPa, which may be advantageous for prolonged use on aircraft surfaces.
Enabling Renewable Energy Technologies in Harsh Climates with Ultra‐Efficient Electro‐Thermal Desnowing, Defrosting, and Deicing
Authors: Li Longnan , Khodakarami Siavash , Yan Xiao , Fazle Rabbi Kazi , Gunay Ahmet Alperen , Stillwell Andrew , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: May 2022

The rapid anthropomorphic emission of greenhouse gases is contributing to global climate change, resulting in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, including unexpected snow, frost, and ice accretion in warmer regions that typically do not encounter these conditions. Adverse weather events create challenges for energy systems such as wind turbines and photovoltaics. To maintain energy efficiently and operational fidelity, snow, frost, and ice need to be removed efficiently and rapidly. State‐of‐the‐art removal methods are energy‐intensive (energy density > 30 J cm−2) and slow (>1 min). Here, pulsed Joule heating is developed on transparent self‐cleaning interfaces, demonstrating interfacial desnowing, defrosting, and deicing with energy efficiency (energy density < 10 J cm−2) and rapidity (≈1 s) beyond what is currently available. The transparency and self‐cleaning are tailored to remove both snow and dust while ensuring minimal interference with optical light absorption. It is experimentally demonstrated a multi‐functional coating material on a commercial photovoltaic cell, demonstrating efficient energy generation recovery and rapid ice/snow removal with minimal energy consumption. Through the elimination of accretion, this technology can potentially widen the applicability of photovoltaics and wind technologies to globally promising locations, potentially further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change.
Promoting Ex‐Solution from Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Mediated Oxide Scaffolds for Highly Active and Robust Catalysts
Authors: Park Seyeon , Oh DongHwan , Ahn Jaewan , Kim Jun Kyu , Kim Dong‐Ha , Kim Seunghyun , Park Chungseong , Jung WooChul , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: May 2022

Ex‐solution catalysts, in which a host oxide is decorated with confined metallic nanoparticles, have exhibited breakthrough activity in various catalytic reactions. However, catalysts prepared by conventional ex‐solution processes are limited by the low surface area of host oxides, the limited solubility of dopants, and the incomplete conversion of doped cations into metal catalysts. Here, the design of the host oxide structure is reconceptualized using a metal–organic framework (MOF) as an oxide precursor that can absorb a large quantity of ions while also promoting ex‐solution at low temperatures (400–500 °C). The MOF‐derived metal oxide host can readily incorporate metal cations, from which catalytic nanoparticles can be uniformly ex‐solved owing to the short diffusion length in the nano‐sized oxides. The distinct ex‐solution behaviors of Pt, Pd, and Rh, and their bimetallic combinations are investigated. The MOF‐driven mesoporous ZnO particles functionalized with PdPt catalysts ex‐solved at 500 °C show benchmark‐level of acetone oxidation activity as well as acetone‐sensing characteristics by accelerating both oxygen chemisorption and acetone dissociation. Their findings provide a new route for the preparation of highly active catalysts by engineering the architecture and composition of the host oxide to facilitate the ex‐solution process rationally.
PEDOT: PSS‐Based Microfluidic‐Spun Microfibers for Tunable Release of Acetaminophen via Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Fang Ying , Qiao Na , Deng Heli , Ren Meng , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Desuo , Lin Hong , Chen Yuyue , Yong Ken Tye , Xiong Jiaqing
Published: May 2022

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is effective in alleviating patient's pain and reduces frequent administration. Realizing tunable drug release on fibers/fabrics is important for constructing TDDS platform with good skin affinity and long‐term comfortability. Herein, a conductive fiber consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/sodium alginate/ acetaminophen/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (PVP/SA/AAP/PEDOT: PSS, PSAP) is fabricated by core‐shell microfluidic spinning technology for the controllable release of AAP, a typical pain reliever. Incorporation of conductive fillers endows fibers with microcracks that are responsive to electrical stimulation for promoting drug diffusion and release. The release rate of AAP in simulated body fluid can be improved from 70.81% to 92.07% under electric stimulation, demonstrating a regulable release process enabled by tunable fiber conductivity and applied voltage (0–1.5 V). The drug release kinetic model reveals Fickian diffusion dominates the release process of AAP that generates local concentration difference in the microcracked PSAP fiber with electrical stimulation. This work proposes an accurate fabrication strategy of fibers‐based TDDS that is promising for wearable biomedical electronics and self‐powered on‐demand drug delivery systems.
Deep‐Learning Enabled Multicolor Meta‐Holography
Authors: Ma Dina , Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Geng Guangzhou , Cheng Hua , Li Junjie , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: May 2022

Multicolor holography, which can store and reconstruct wavefront information of optical waves at multiple wavelength channels, is demonstrated as a powerful platform for colorful image display. Recently, interleaved and segmented metasurfaces have emerged as appealing alternatives to realize the multicolor holography. However, the crosstalk among different wavelength channels can severely lower their performance. How to obtain the nanostructures with on‐demand resonance wavelength, bandwidth, and phase delay is the key to overcome this challenge. Here, a hybrid framework composed of a neural network and an evolutionary strategy is proposed to implement the inverse design of nanostructures with desired resonance wavelength, bandwidth, and phase delay. With the proposed hybrid framework, the crosstalk between different wavelength channels can be eliminated by precisely controlling the resonance wavelength and the bandwidth of every nanostructure. As a proof of concept, a multicolor meta‐holography for linear polarized light is experimentally and theoretically validated. The proposed hybrid framework provides a powerful platform for the design of metasurfaces for multi‐frequency optical manipulation and multiplexing.
True FRET‐Based Sensing of pH via Separation of FRET and Photon Reabsorption
Authors: Corbella Bagot Conrad , Rappeport Eric , Das Ananda , Ba Tis Taleb , Park Wounjhang
Published: May 2022

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based devices have been extensively researched as potential biosensors due to their highly localized responsivity. In particular, dye‐conjugated upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are among the most promising FRET‐based sensor candidates. UCNPs have a multi‐modal emission profile that allows for ratiometric sensing, and by conjugating a biosensitive dye to their surface, this profile can be used to measure localized variations in biological parameters. However, the complex nature of the UCNP energy profile as well as reabsorption of emitted photons must be taken into account in order to properly sense the target parameters. To the authors’ knowledge, no proposed UCNP‐based sensor has accurately taken care of these intricacies. In this article, the authors account for these complexities by creating a FRET‐based sensor that measures pH. This sensor utilizes Thulium (Tm3+)‐doped UCNPs and the fluorescent dye fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). It is first demonstrated that photon reabsorption is a serious issue for the 475 nm Tm3+ emission, thereby limiting its use in FRET‐based sensing. It is then shown that by taking the ratio of the 646 and 800 nm emissions rather than the more popular 475 nm one, it is possible to measure pH exclusively through FRET.
Metal‐Free C−H Functionalization via Diaryliodonium Salts with a Chemically Robust Dummy Ligand
Authors: Chen Yixuan , Gu Yuefei , Meng Huan , Shao Qianzhen , Xu Zhenchuang , Bao Wenjing , Gu Yucheng , Xue Xiao‐Song , Zhao Yanchuan
Published: May 2022

A two‐step strategy for the transition‐metal‐free C−H functionalization of arenes using unsymmetrical iodonium salts as versatile synthetic linchpins is presented. The key to the success of this strategy is the identification of the 3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐isoxazolyl (DMIX) group as a superior dummy ligand, which enables not only site‐selective C−H functionalization to afford unsymmetrical iodonium salts, but also highly selective aryl transfer during the subsequent metal‐free coupling reaction. Both electron‐rich and moderately electron‐deficient arenes can be converted into the iodonium salts through C−H functionalization, allowing for diverse structural elaboration by metal‐free C−N, C−C, C−S, and C−O coupling.
Siliconoid Expansion by a Single Germanium Atom through Isolated Intermediates
Authors: Poitiers Nadine E. , Huch Volker , Morgenstern Bernd , Zimmer Michael , Scheschkewitz David
Published: May 2022

The growth of (semi‐)metal clusters is pivotal for nucleation processes in gaseous and condensed phases. We now report the isolation of intermediates during the expansion of a stable unsaturated silicon cluster (siliconoid) by a single germanium atom through a sequence of substitution, rearrangement and reduction. The reaction of ligato‐lithiated hexasilabenzpolarene LiSi6Tip5 (1Li⋅(thf)2, Tip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl) with GeCl2⋅NHC (NHC=1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) initially yields the product with exohedral germanium(II) functionality, which then inserts into an Si−Si bond of the Si6 scaffold. The concomitant transfer of the chloro functionality from germanium to an adjacent silicon preserves the electron‐precise nature of the formed endohedral germylene. Full incorporation of the germanium heteroatom to the Si6Ge cluster core is finally achieved either by reduction under loss of the coordinating NHC or directly by reaction of 1Li⋅(thf)2 with GeCl2⋅1,4‐dioxane.
Copper complex/polyoxometalate‐based tunable multi‐color film for energy storage
Authors: Chu Dongxue , Qu Xiaoshu , Zhang Shangfei , Zhang Jianrong , Liu Zefeng , Zhou Lili , Yang Yanyan
Published: May 2022

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are considered as an attractive option for electrochromic energy storage (EES) system due to their unique electrochemical feature. Herein, a composite film NW/P2W17/Cu (phen)2 based on Dawson‐type monolacunary POMs K10P2W17O61 (abbreviated as P2W17) and copper complex [CuII (phen)2](NO3)2 (abbreviated as Cu (phen)2) formed on TiO2 nanowire (abbreviated as NW) array substrate was fabricated by hydrothermal process and layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly combination method. This rational designed film NW/P2W17/Cu (phen)2 exhibits excellent tunable multicolor electrochromic behavior and improved pseudocapacitive performance with large optical modulation (43.7% at 600 nm), fast switching time (tc = 2.9 s, tb = 9.5 s), and high volumetric capacitance (228.0 F cm−3 at 0.3 mA cm−2). In the process of charge and discharge, the composite film can realize the transformation from light green to orange, green, and finally to blue‐green color, successfully achieve the bridge between electrochromic behavior and energy storage, and monitor the level of stored energy by color change. This work showed great potential of POMs‐based electrode materials for integrated electrochromism and energy storage applications.
Assessing Water Use in WaterSense‐Labeled Homes and Quantifying the Savings
Authors: Schein Jonah , Bickmore Toby , Sovocool Kent
Published: May 2022

Key Takeaways

After the local Water Smart Homes program ended in 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency began the WaterSense‐labeled homes Version 2.0 program, launched as a pilot.

The study evaluated indoor and outdoor metered water use of 160 WaterSense‐labeled homes in the Las Vegas metropolitan region.

Metered data show that WaterSense‐labeled homes used a median of 44,000 gpy and exceeded their water savings goal.
Digitalisierung von Bestandsbauwerken mit KI
Authors: Reiterer Alexander , Merkle Dominik , Schmitt Annette
Published: May 2022

Der Zustand eines Bauwerks ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er sich mit zunehmendem Alter immer schneller verschlechtert. Eine vorbeugende Maßnahme gegen die Alterung ist umso erfolgreicher, je früher sie ergriffen wird. Um die Nutzung komplexer Bauwerke zu verlängern, sind umfassende Informationen zu einem möglichst frühen Zeitpunkt erforderlich. Auf dem Weg zu einer vorausschauenden Instandhaltung ist Grundlagenforschung zu den Methoden der Erfassung, Zusammenführung und Auswertung aller Geometrie‐, Material‐, Spannungs‐ und Alterungsdaten erforderlich. Die Digitalisierung im Sinne der Erzeugung eines Digitalen Zwillings erhält in diesem Zusammenhang eine völlig neue Bedeutung. Sie ermöglicht die Zusammenführung und Echtzeitauswertung aller für Betrieb und Instandhaltung erforderlichen Daten. Die Bauwirtschaft steht hier jedoch vor besonderen Herausforderungen. Bauwerke, insbesondere in der Verkehrsinfrastruktur, sind einzigartige Objekte. Sie zeichnen sich durch enorme Dimensionen aus und haben eine wesentlich längere Lebensdauer als andere technische Anlagen. Die Veränderungen im Sinne einer Zustandsverschlechterung sind sehr gering und daher kaum messbar. Die Basis eines umfassenden Zustandsmonitorings ist eine umfassende und komplette digitale Repräsentation des Bauwerks. Dies bedeutet eine Abbildung der kompletten äußeren und inneren Struktur in einer digitalen Form, inkl. Informationen zu Materialien, Schadstellen etc. Daraus lässt sich die Forschungsfrage ableiten, ob sich eine solche Abbildung effizient umsetzen lässt und in welcher Form und mit welchen Methoden dies möglich ist. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick, wie die Umsetzung auch für komplexe Objekte gelingt und wie das generierte Modell mit semantischer Information angereichert werden kann.
Use of one‐to‐one psychotherapeutic interventions for people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantages: An evaluation of two regional pilot projects
Authors: Dowding Kerry , Murphy David , Everitt Grant , Tickle Anna
Published: May 2022

Background

People with “severe and multiple disadvantages” (SMD) experience a combination of homelessness, mental health difficulties, alcohol or substance misuse and offending. Despite frequent and cyclical traumatic experiences being commonplace, people who experience SMD are often excluded from appropriate psychotherapeutic support.

Methods

Two pilot projects which aimed to work psychologically with people accessing SMD‐specific services were evaluated using a quantitative quasi‐experimental design.

Findings

Those receiving psychotherapeutic support were more likely to engage in positive developmental contact with external support services, and less likely to require reactive, negative contacts. They were also more likely to stay engaged with the programme’s internal support services for longer than those not receiving psychotherapeutic support.

Implications for practice

The findings are particularly noteworthy for future commissioning practices, as they indicate that the benefits of such interventions could be quantifiable for the wider support system.

Conclusions

This research adds to a growing body of evidence that psychotherapeutic interventions can improve outcomes for people who experience SMD.
Anti‐Inflammatory Lignans from the Roots of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum and Their Mechanism of Action
Authors: Thanh Le Thi , Tuan Ha Manh , Han Kang‐Hyun , Kim Yong‐Bum , Ah Kim Jeong , Sun Min Byung
Published: May 2022

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum F. Maekawa (Aristolochiaceae) root extract led to the isolation and characterization of one new ferulic acid glucose ester (1) and nine known lignans (2‐10). Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectra. The anti‐inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds were investigated via their inhibition against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Among them, compound 7 ((1R,2S,5R,6R)‐5′‐O‐methylpluviatilol) showed the most effective inhibitory activity against NO production and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein in an exceedingly dose‐dependent manner. In addition, further study revealed that the mechanism of anti‐inflammatory activity of the most active lignan (7) might be associated with the inhibition of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) phosphorylation.
Quantifying Escherichia coli contamination in milling equipment during lab‐scale milling operations
Authors: Rivera Jared , Pulivarthi Manoj K. , Shivaprasad DP , Phebus Randall , Aldrich Charles G. , Siliveru Kaliramesh
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Cross‐contamination of foodborne pathogens from equipment to food is a food safety concern. The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of Escherichia coli contamination in mill equipment after milling inoculated and noninoculated wheat in single milling run.

Findings

Mill equipment used for milling inoculated kernels contained substantial amounts of E. coli. The hoppers, feeders, rollers, and break system sifter surfaces had higher E. coli counts compared to other surfaces sampled (2.0–3.6 log CFU/100 cm2). Surfaces from the break system of the mill had higher counts in general compared to the sizing/reduction system. The majority of equipment surfaces had nonquantifiable E. coli counts after milling noninoculated kernels indicating cross‐contamination of E. coli from contaminated equipment to mill fractions.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that E. coli could easily transfer from wheat kernels into milling equipment and vice‐versa. This demonstrates that mill equipment is a viable route for E. coli contamination during milling and that cleaning and sanitation practices could be focused on the surfaces mentioned in this study to reduce cross‐contamination risk.

Significance and Novelty

The findings from this study could help determine surfaces where microbial contamination could accumulate, which could improve mill cleaning and sanitation practices.
1‐(Azidomethyl)‐5H‐Tetrazole: A Powerful New Ligand for Highly Energetic Coordination Compounds
Authors: Kofen Moritz , Lommel Marcus , Wurzenberger Maximilian H. H. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: May 2022

Highly energetic 1‐(azidomethyl)‐5H‐tetrazole (AzMT, 3) has been synthesized and characterized. This completes the series of 1‐(azidoalkyl)‐5H‐tetrazoles represented by 1‐(azidoethyl)‐5H‐tetrazole (AET) and 1‐(azidopropyl)‐5H‐tetrazole (APT). AzMT was thoroughly analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 14N, 15N) NMR measurements. Several energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) of 3d metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) and silver in combination with anions such as (per)chlorate, mono‐ and dihydroxy‐trinitrophenolate were prepared, giving insight into the coordination behavior of AzMT as a ligand. The synthesized ECCs were also analyzed by X‐ray diffraction experiments, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Differential thermal analysis for all compounds was conducted, and the sensitivity towards external stimuli (impact, friction, and ESD) was measured. Due to the high enthalpy of formation of AzMT (+654.5 kJ mol−1), some of the resulting coordination compounds are extremely sensitive, yet are able to undergo deflagration‐to‐detonation transition (DDT) and initiate pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Therefore, they are to be ranked as primary explosives.
Decongestive treatment adjustments in heart failure patients remotely monitored with a multiparametric implantable defibrillators algorithm
Authors: Guerra Federico , D'Onofrio Antonio , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Manzo Michele , Santini Luca , Giubilato Giovanna , La Greca Carmelo , Petracci Barbara , Stronati Giulia , Bianchi Valter , Martino Annamaria , Franculli Fabio , Compagnucci Paolo , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Dello Russo Antonio
Published: May 2022

Aims

HeartLogic algorithm combines data from multiple implantable defibrillators (ICD)‐based sensors to predict impending heart failure (HF) decompensation. A treatment protocol to manage algorithm alerts is not yet known, although decongestive treatment adjustments are the most frequent alert‐triggered actions reported in clinical practice. We describe the implementation of HeartLogic for remote monitoring of HF patients, and we evaluate the approach to diuretic dosing and timing of the intervention in patients with device alerts.

Methods

The algorithm was activated in 229 ICD patients at eight centers. The median follow‐up was 17 months (25th–75th percentile: 11–24). Remote data reviews and patient phone contacts were undertaken at the time of HeartLogic alerts, to assess the patient's status and to prevent HF worsening. We analyzed alert‐triggered augmented HF treatments, consisting of isolated increases in diuretics dosage.

Results

We reported 242 alerts (0.8 alerts/patient‐year) in 123 patients, 137 (56%) alerts triggered clinical actions to treat HF. The HeartLogic index decreased after the 56 actions consisting of diuretics increase. Specifically, alerts resolved more quickly when the increases in dosing of diuretics were early rather than late: 28 days versus 62 days, p < .001. The need of hospitalization for further treatments to resolve the alert condition was associated with higher HeartLogic index values on the day of the diuretics increase (odds ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20, p = .013) and with late interventions (odds ratio: 5.11, 95% CI: 1.09–24.48, p = .041). No complications were reported after drug adjustments.

Conclusions

Decongestive treatment adjustments triggered by alerts seem safe and effective. The early use of decongestive treatment and the use of high doses of diuretics seem to be associated with more favorable outcomes.