bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ação e caracterização química de óleos essenciais no manejo da antracnose do maracujá
Authors: Aquino César Fernandes , Sales Nilza de Lima Pereira , Soares Eriksen Patric Silva , Martins Ernane Ronie
Published: February 2013

Objetivou-se avaliar dois métodos de inoculação de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides em maracujá, testar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados, o efeito fungitóxico e a composição química dos óleos essenciais das espécies medicinais alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides Cham.), capim-santo [Cymbopogon citratus (D. C.) Stapf.], alfavaca-cravo (Ocimum gratissimum L.), no controle da antracnose [Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.)], associado ao estádio de maturação de frutos de maracujazeiro-amarelo. Avaliaram-se três experimentos, onde se testou a patogenicidade de seis isolados do fungo em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições, outro com o mesmo delineamento em esquema fatorial 2x2 (suspensão de conídios e disco de micélio) e frutos (verdes e maduros), com seis repetições. No tratamento com frutos, utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5x3+1, sendo cinco concentrações (0; 2; 4; 6 e 8µL mL-1) e três espécies medicinais, mais o tebuconazol, com cinco repetições. Fez-se a caracterização química dos óleos por cromatografia gasosa, com espectrometria de massas. Todos os isolados foram patogênicos. Os frutos maduros apresentaram maior diâmetro das lesões, quando inoculados com suspensão de conídios. O óleo de C. citratus proporcionou o menor diâmetro das lesões nos frutos, até a concentração de 6 µL mL-1. Na concentração de 8 µL mL-1, todos os óleos inibiram o desenvolvimento do fungo. O timol (30,24%), o citral (77,74%) e o eugenol (92,89%) foram componentes majoritários em L. sidoides, C. citratus e O. gratissimum, respectivamente.
Etiologia do declínio de mangostanzeiros no sul da Bahia
Authors: Paim Eduardo César Araújo , Silveira Arlete José da , Bezerra José Luiz , Luz Edna Dora Martins Newman , Sacramento Célio Kersul do
Published: February 2013

O declínio do mangostanzeiro (Garcinia mangostana L.) no litoral sul do Estado da Bahia é hoje o principal problema da cultura, sendo caracterizado por sintomas de murcha, amarelecimento, seca e queda de folhas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo acompanhar a evolução da sintomatologia da doença, isolar e identificar os potenciais patógenos causadores do declínio do mangostanzeiro. A doença começa com a necrose das radículas, a qual atinge as raízes secundárias, primárias e progride até à base do tronco que desenvolve lesões necróticas extensas. Os sintomas secundários são clorose, murcha e queda das folhas. Das amostras de tecidos lesionados de plantas doentes levadas ao laboratório, foram isolados e identificados os seguintes fungos: Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Lasiodiplodia parva, Mycoleptodiscus sp., Rhizopus sp., Stilbella sp., Trichoderma spp. e Aspergillus sp. Apenas L. theobromae e L. parva foram patogênicas a fragmentos de raízes e caules de mangostanzeiros in vitro e a mudas de mangostanzeiros em casa de vegetação, sendo o isolado da primeira espécie o mais virulento. A taxonomia do gênero Lasiodiplodia e algumas condições que influenciam no desenvolvimento da doença no campo foram analisadas.
Caracterização fenológica, frutificação efetiva e produção de maçãs 'Eva' em clima semiárido no nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Lopes Paulo Roberto Coelho , Oliveira Inez Vilar De Morais , Silva-Matos Raissa Rachel Salustriano da , Cavalcante Ítalo Herbert Lucena
Published: February 2013

O presente experimento foi conduzido de agosto de 2008 a dezembro de 2009,com o objetivo de caracterizar os estádios fenológicos, frutificação e produção de frutos de macieiras 'Eva', cultivadas em clima semiárido no Nordeste do Brasil. Dados fenológicos foram determinados em observações diárias, do estádio de gema dormente ao amadurecimento de frutas. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: i) a frutificação efetiva; ii) o número de frutos por planta; iii) a produção de frutos por planta (kg); e iv) o rendimento de frutos (t/ha). Sob condições de trópico semiárido, o ciclo vegetativo da maciera cv. 'Eva' foi concluído em 136 (2008) e 128 dias (2009). É possível obter produção de maçãs sob condições tropicais semiáridas. Estudos e mais alguns anos de avaliação são necessários para gerar um sistema de produção de maçã sob condições semiáridas.
Questionário de Bem-Estar no Trabalho: estrutura e propriedades psicométricas
Authors: Goulart Patrícia Martins , Ribas Blanch Josep Maria , Sahagún Miguel Angel , Bobsin Tamara Sarate
Published: February 2013

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a estrutura e as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Questionário de Bem-Estar no Trabalho. Essa ferramenta foi projetada para uma medição particularmente sensível aos aspectos psicossociais do bem-estar no trabalho, bem como à natureza bipolar dessa experiência de bem-estar. O questionário foi aplicado a uma amostra constituída por 101 docentes de uma instituição comunitária de ensino superior no sul catarinense. A análise fatorial mostra dois fatores independentes no Questionário Bem-Estar no Trabalho, o primeiro considerando três escalas de bem-estar psicossocial (afetos, competências e expectativas), e o segundo levando em conta três escalas de efeitos colaterais (somatização, desgaste e alienação). As escalas mostraram uma alta consistência interna, com alfas de Cronbach de 95, 95, 97, 88, 93 e 80, respectivamente. O Questionário Bem-Estar no Trabalho reproduz fielmente a estrutura do modelo teórico assumido e reúne as propriedades técnicas necessárias para avaliar o bem-estar no trabalho em ambientes universitários.
Adaptação transcultural da Dementia Management Strategies Scale ao português brasileiro
Authors: Cruz Marília da Nova , Hamdan Amer Cavalheiro , Fonseca Rochele Paz
Published: February 2013

O presente estudo tem por objetivo apresentar a adaptação transcultural da Dementia Management Strategies Scale ao português brasileiro. Essa escala foi desenvolvida para verificar a frequência do uso de três tipos de estratégias de gerenciamento da demência, utilizadas por familiares cuidadores de idosos: crítica, gerenciamento ativo e encorajamento. Participaram do processo de adaptação 3 tradutores, 100 juízes não especialistas, 5 juízes especialistas e 15 cuidadores. Os procedimentos utilizados foram duas traduções independentes, elaboração de uma versão síntese das duas traduções, avaliação do instrumento pelos juízes e, por fim, a condução de estudo piloto com 15 cuidadores de idosos com demência do tipo Alzheimer. Após as adaptações realizadas em todas as etapas do processo de adaptação transcultural, constatou-se equivalência satisfatória entre as versões.
Interação mãe-bebê com deficiência visual: estilos comunicativos e episódios interativos
Authors: Medeiros Carolina Silva de , Salomão Nádia Maria Ribeiro
Published: February 2013

Este estudo objetivou analisar a interação mãe-bebê com deficiência visual, por meio dos estilos de fala materna, dos comportamentos não verbais maternos e infantis e dos episódios interativos. Participaram da pesquisa três díades, sendo os bebês deficientes visuais, na faixa etária dos seis aos trezes meses de vida. Foi utilizada uma câmera de vídeo para apreender as interações entre as díades, em uma situação de brinquedo livre. Para cada díade foram realizadas três filmagens, cada uma com duração de vinte minutos. Os resultados sugerem que as interações entre as mães e os bebês deficientes visuais acontecem, principalmente, através da coordenação da fala com a ação gestual, na qual o toque e os movimentos corporais são utilizados com a função de facilitar a comunicação. Estudos que investigam a interação mãe-bebê com desenvolvimento atípico são relevantes, pois respondem a questões teóricas sobre o desenvolvimento e possibilitam estruturar intervenções.
Noites tropicais: o Brasil e a nova era da não proliferação e do desarmamento nucleares (2003-2010)
Authors: Jesus Diego Santos Vieira de
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é examinar as posições defendidas pelo Brasil durante a administração Lula (2003-2010) quanto à não proliferação, ao desarmamento e aos usos pacíficos da energia nuclear. O argumento central aponta que o Brasil consolidava aspirações presentes em momentos anteriores e desejava colocar-se como interlocutor entre os estados nuclearmente e não nuclearmente armados, a fim de reforçar sua posição como um solucionador de disputas e beneficiar-se em termos de uma maior participação nos fóruns internacionais, em particular da ampliação de sua atuação no desenvolvimento de regras e normas que limitassem ações unilaterais de grandes potências e preservassem a flexibilidade para a articulação dos interesses de estados emergentes. O Brasil almejava pressionar os estados nuclearmente armados para que cumprissem suas obrigações de desarmamento, enquanto procurava preservar a autonomia para desenvolver atividades nucleares pacíficas. Na primeira seção, são examinados o desenvolvimento do programa nuclear brasileiro e a posição do Estado quanto a regimes internacionais nas áreas de não proliferação e desarmamento nucleares. Nas seções seguintes, é investigada a posição da administração Lula quanto à não proliferação e aos usos pacíficos da energia nuclear e, a seguir, ao desarmamento nuclear. Dentre as conclusões atingidas, cabe destacar que, ao mesmo tempo em que o Brasil viabilizou o diálogo com as potências do Norte e garantiu estabilidade e segurança regionais, ele operou como catalisador das demandas de estados em instituições nas quais buscavam ampliar oportunidades de voz.
O tribunal de contas da união, controle horizontal de agências reguladoras e impacto sobre usuários dos serviços
Authors: Menezes Monique
Published: February 2013

A reforma regulatória da década de 1990 apresentou profundas transformações nas relações entre as instituições brasileiras. Com a criação das agências reguladoras, uma nova governança regulatória foi estabelecida no país, com a delegação de poderes a entes autônomos para a regulação de setores fundamentais para os cidadãos. Com a inclusão de novos atores no ambiente regulatório - empresas nacionais e internacionais, novos usuários, investidores etc. -, fazem-se necessários mecanismos de transparência e prestação de contas. Com base nessas transformações, examino o papel do Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) como instituição de accountability horizontal no controle das agências reguladoras. A análise é realizada a partir da coleta dos acórdãos da Corte de Contas, utilizando tanto pesquisa documental quanto entrevistas qualitativas com atores institucionais envolvidos nesse campo de estudo. Argumento que a atuação do TCU aumenta a legitimidade de ação das agências autônomas, na medida em que torna o processo de tomada de decisão mais transparente e democrático. Do ponto de vista do usuário, concluo que o poder de sanção do TCU tem contribuído para equilibrar a relação entre usuários e concessionárias, tendo em vista o aumento da representação das reivindicações dos cidadãos na arena regulatória. O artigo está dividido em quatro seções. Na primeira seção, a seguir, apresento a inserção do Tribunal de Contas da União no atual arranjo regulatório brasileiro e as hipóteses do artigo. Em seguida, na segunda seção, realizo uma discussão sobre os principais argumentos da literatura de delegação de poderes e accountability horizontal. Na terceira seção, há uma apresentação do desenho de pesquisa e do método utilizado neste estudo. Por fim, na quarta seção, faço uma análise de discurso de três acórdãos selecionados para este artigo com o objetivo de testar as hipóteses apresentadas na primeira seção.
Democracia deliberativa e orçamento público: experiências de participação em Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Recife e Curitiba
Authors: Horochovski Rodrigo Rossi , Clemente Augusto Junior
Published: February 2013

O artigo compara instituições participativas orçamentárias de quatro cidades brasileiras: Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Recife e Curitiba. As três primeiras contam com orçamentos participativos e, a última, com audiências públicas para apresentação de propostas à Lei de Diretrizes Orçamentárias (LDO) e à Lei Orçamentária Anual (LOA). O objetivo é analisar em que medida as instituições investigadas têm maior ou menor proximidade com os pressupostos normativos da teoria da democracia deliberativa, pelos quais a legitimidade dos processos e decisões políticas resulta de deliberações públicas, livres e com igualdade de condições de participação dos concernidos. Na pesquisa empírica, consideramos as seguintes dimensões de variáveis: (i) desenho institucional: arcabouço institucional e funcionamento, condições de participação, discussão e deliberação; (ii) contexto: grau de associativismo civil de cada cidade e conformação dos grupos políticos que implantaram os esquemas participativos; (iii) política: alcance da representação e participação social e (iv) accountability: transparência e responsividade potencializadas por esses espaços públicos, diante da sociedade civil. Entre os principais achados, constatamos que a proximidade dos pressupostos da democracia deliberativa é maior nas experiências construídas a partir das bases da sociedade civil e implantadas por grupos políticos com objetivo declarado de aumentar a participação social na deliberação pública. A prevalência de uma burocracia técnica na condução do processo participativo age em sentido oposto.
Desempenho dos diferentes modelos institucionais de prestação dos serviços públicos de abastecimento de água: uma avaliação comparativa no conjunto dos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Heller Pedro Gasparini Barbosa , Nascimento Nilo de Oliveira , Heller Léo , Mingoti Sueli Aparecida
Published: February 2013

Este artigo desenvolve uma avaliação comparativa entre os modelos de prestação de serviços públicos de abastecimento de água vigentes no País. De forma bastante abrangente, o estudo compara os serviços de praticamente todos os municípios brasileiros, por meio da aplicação de métodos estatísticos de variância não paramétrica. Nessa avaliação, os serviços foram agrupados a partir da seguinte classificação: prestados sob a forma de administração direta; prestados sob a forma de administração indireta (autarquias municipais); empresas privadas; e modelos regionais. O ano base do estudo foi 2008, tendo sido empregados dados secundários obtidos a partir da Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico. Foi criado um conjunto de indicadores de desempenho, referente aos aspectos operacionais e gerenciais dos serviços. Os resultados indicam diferenças significativas entre os modelos avaliados.
Reconhecimento de fala em escolares de 7 a 10 anos de dois distintos níveis socioeconômico-culturais
Authors: Becker Karine Thaís , Costa Maristela Julio , Lessa Alexandre Hundertmarck
Published: February 2013

OBJETIVO: pesquisar e comparar o reconhecimento de fala em escolares de 7 a 10 anos de diferentes níveis socioeconômico-culturais, por meio de teste que utiliza sentenças como estímulo apresentadas no silêncio e com ruído competitivo. MÉTODO: 51 crianças, de 7 anos a 10 anos e 11 meses, foram avaliadas e divididas em dois grupos de acordo com o nível socioeconômico-cultural. Assim, o Grupo 1 (G1) - nível médio-alto - ficou constituído por 23 crianças e o Grupo 2 (nível médio-baixo) por 28. Procedimentos realizados: anamnese, meatoscopia, obtenção dos limiares auditivos, das medidas de imitância acústica e dos Limiares de Reconhecimento de Sentenças no Silêncio (LRSS) e no Ruído (LRSR), expresso na relação sinal-ruído (S/R). Para a obtenção dos LRSS e LRSR foi utilizado o teste Listas de Sentenças em Português - LSP (Costa, 1998). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as orelhas direita e esquerda para as variáveis analisadas em ambos os grupos, dessa forma os resultados foram agrupados e analisados conjuntamente. A média obtida para os LRSS no G1 foi de 9,3 dB NA e no G2 de 10,7 dB NA. A média da relação S/R no G1 foi de -5,9 dB NA e no G2 de -1,7 dB NA. A análise estatística verificou diferença significante entre os grupos apenas para a relação S/R. CONCLUSÕES: quando a tarefa exigiu maiores demandas do processamento auditivo (ruído competitivo), as crianças com nível médio-baixo demonstraram desempenho reduzido, em comparação com crianças de nível médio-alto.
The Mediating Effect of Hostility Toward Women on the Relationship Between Childhood Emotional Abuse and Sexual Violence Perpetration
Authors: Vivolo-Kantor Alana M. , DeGue Sarah , DiLillo David , Cuadra Lorraine E.
Published: February 2013

Some evidence suggests that childhood emotional abuse (CEA) may serve as a risk factor for sexual violence (SV) perpetration; however, little is known about the mechanisms by which CEA may influence SV. This study examined the relationship between CEA and SV by assessing the mediating role of hostility toward women (HTW) in a sample of adjudicated adult males (N = 360). Approximately 1 in 5 participants was classified as sexually violent based on self-reported behavior and/or criminal records. Results indicated that CEA significantly predicted HTW and SV, and HTW significantly predicted SV. As hypothesized, the relationship between CEA and SV was no longer significant after controlling for HTW, supporting the role of HTW as a mediator between CEA and SV. Efforts that aim to prevent CEA or that address early aggressive attitudes or behavior toward women may have a positive impact on preventing or reducing SV.
Anger, Coping, and Quality of Life in Female Cancer Patients
Authors: Barinková Karolina , Mesároová Margita
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among anger, coping, and quality of life (QoL) in female cancer patients. We asked 144 female cancer patients with either a malignant or a benign diagnosis to complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS; McNair, Lorr, & Droppleman,
1971), the Brief COPE questionnaire (Carver, 1997), and the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS; Avis et al., 2005) questionnaire. The total score indicating a low level of anger was significantly negatively associated with adaptive cognitive strategies and significantly positively
associated with maladaptive coping strategies. Correlation analysis showed that there was a relationship between QoL factors and low anger scores. This knowledge may be incorporated in psychological intervention in the form of recognition and understanding of anger in cancer patients.
How Does Paternalistic Style Leadership Relate to Team Cohesiveness in Soccer Coaching?
Authors: Chen Chao-Chien
Published: February 2013

I examined the relationship between a soccer coach using a paternalistic style of leadership and the cohesiveness of the team. I found that the biggest group of soccer players in higher education in Taiwan are male, approximately 19 years old, forward players, and interested in participating
in Division 1 of the University Soccer League. These players trained with a coach for 2 to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. Team performance differed under a soccer coach according to whether the paternalistic leadership style was benevolent, virtuous, or authoritarian. There was a significant
correlation between soccer coaches who had a paternalistic style of leadership and team cohesiveness.
Contingencies of Self-Worth Moderate the Effect of Specific Self-Esteem on Self-Liking Or Self-Competence
Authors: Geng Liuna , Jiang Tao
Published: February 2013

In this study we examined whether or not contingencies of self-worth (CSW) moderated the effect of specific self-esteem on self-liking or self-competence. Chinese university students (N = 210) completed the Chinese version of the Contingencies of Self-worth Scale (Crocker, Luhtanen,
Cooper, & Bouvrette, 2003; translated into Chinese by Cheng & Kwan, 2008), the Chinese version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965; translated into Chinese by Wang, Wang, & Ma, 1999), and our own adaptation for this study of the Self-attribution Questionnaire (Pelham
& Swann, 1989) to assess self-liking, self-competence, global self-esteem, 6 domains of CSW consisting of others' approval, appearance, academic competence, competition, family support, and virtue, and specific self-esteem in these same 6 domains. Results showed that CSW did not have a
moderating effect on the relationship between specific self-esteem and global self-esteem in the 6 domains. However, when we classified self-esteem into 2 distinct categories of self-liking and self-competence, we found that there were moderator effects of CSW between specific self-esteem
and either self-liking or self-competence in 3 of the 6 domains. The different moderator effects in the 6 domains are discussed.
Relation between Audit Effort and Financial Report Misstatements: Evidence from Quarterly and Annual Restatements
Authors: Lobo Gerald J. , Zhao Yuping
Published: February 2013

We identify two research design issues that explain the inconsistency between the theoretically predicted negative relation between audit effort and misstatements (measured using restatements) and empirical findings. First, auditor risk adjustment behavior induces an upward bias in the association between audit effort and restatements. Second, the theoretical prediction applies only to audited financial reports (i.e., annual reports) and not to unaudited reports (i.e., interim quarterly reports). Comingling restatements of audited with unaudited reports introduces an additional upward bias in the association between audit effort and restatements. After correcting for these two sources of bias, we find a robust negative association between audit effort and annual report restatements.

JEL Classification: M49.

Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources.
Prospect of Indigenous Plant Extracts in Tea Pest Management
Authors: Mamun MSA , Ahmed M
Published: February 2013

Tea is a popular beverage made from the leaves of evergreen shrub or tree Camellia sinensis, under the family Theaceae. Tea plant is subjected to the attack of insects, mites, nematodes and some plant pathogenic diseases. Tea production is greatly hindered due to these maladies. About 10-15% crop loss occurred by these pests per annum. In severe cases, it would be 100%. To combat these problems different groups of pesticides have been used in the tea fields since 1960. As tea is a consumable commodity, the effect of residue of pesticides in made tea is harmful to human health. In this context, biopesticides are being considered as environmentally safe, selective, biodegradable, economical and renewable alternatives for use in IPM programmes. Biopesticides are natural plant products and may be grown by the planters with minimum cost and extracted by indigenous methods. Biopesticides are secondary metabolites, which include alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and minor secondary chemicals. It is estimated that as many as 2121 plant species have been reported to posses pest control properties. Botanicals like neem, ghora-neem, mahogoni, karanja, adathoda, sweet flag, tobacco, derris, annona, smart weed, bar weed, datura, calotropis, bidens, lantana, chrysanthemum, artemisia, marigold, clerodendrum, wild sunflower and many others may be grown by planters with minimum expense and extracted by indigenous methods. These botanical materials can be used as an alternative to chemical pesticides. These botanical extracts will help in controlling major pests of tea such as Helopeltis, red spider mite, aphids, thrips, jassid, flushworm, termites, nematodes etc. The present note reviews the information of most widely available indigenous plants that may be used for the control of insect pests of tea as a component of IPM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v1i1-2.13924 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 1 (1&2): 16-23, December, 2011
Development of Efficient Callus Initiation of Malta (Citrus sinensis) Through Tissue Culture
Authors: Azim Fazle , Rahman MM , Prodhan Shamsul H , Sikdar Saif U , Zobayer Nayem , Ashrafuzzaman M
Published: February 2013

The effects of different hormonal concentration on shoot formation and callus induction were studied on BARI Malta-1 (Citrus sinensis). Seeds containing seed coat and without seed coat was treated by Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 6-benzyl adenine (BA) and Kinetin (KIN). Removal of seed coat showed an early response for shoot formation. The highest (70%) shoot formation was obtained from seeds without seed coat treated with MS basal media + BA 1.0 mg/l while KIN showed no response for shoot formation in any supplemented concentration. However, in case of callus induction internodes and apical shoot tips were used as explants and 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) was used as callus inducing hormone. MS basal media supplemented with 2, 4-D, 2.0 mg/l showed highest (68%) callus induction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v1i1-2.13935 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 1 (1&2): 64-68, December, 2011
Analyzing needs for designing a specific English language course for medical students in Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Liza
Published: February 2013

ESP (English for Specific Purposes) ensures designing courses to meet learners needs. Two vital devices of determining the needs are target needs and learning needs. The term target needs refers to what learners need to do in the target situation. It consists of three components- necessities, lacks, and wants. Learning needs are what learners need to do in order to learn. In designing an English course for the medical students, the research has focused on target needs and learning needs along with necessities, lacks, and wants. The medical students are really motivated by their subject specific texts. Most of the students suffer from the lack of adequate vocabulary. Their knowledge in the major areas of English grammar such as tense system, concept of voice, the syntax etc. is not sufficient. Their lack of the knowledge of the language is one of the prime reasons for their not being able to speak and write correctly and smoothly. A specific English language course can solve the problems by bridging their area related knowledge with their English language proficiency. Stamford Journal of English; Volume 6; Page 249-260 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v6i0.13917
The Role that Affective States Play in Tertiary Level Second Language Classrooms in Bangladesh: A Private University Scenario
Authors: Urmee Soniya Irfat
Published: February 2013

Since Communicative Language Teaching has been introduced in the English classrooms of Bangladesh, we have experienced many changes. As Communicative Approach is supposed to create environment to lessen anxiety and other affective states of learners to a considerable extent, we naturally expected to find students free of the influence of these affective states in tertiary level classrooms. But the real fact is, still a large number of tertiary level second language learners in Bangladesh react to the learning situations in different affective ways. The influence of these affective states on learners' ability to concentrate on learning is immense.  This article intends to analyze the multifaceted and complex nature of learners' affective states in tertiary level second language classrooms in a private university of Bangladesh and the effects these have on learners' ability to capture input and produce output or performance. 60 major and non-major English students were selected from a leading private university of Dhaka, who had completed a questionnaire, consisting of 25 questions. The study shows that, affective states play a very strong role in L2 classrooms and most students identify the need to be stress-free and secure before they concentrate on their learning activities. The study also reveals that, speaking and listening are the skills mostly affected by the influence of affective states. Finally, this paper endeavours to offer some recommendations which I found useful in this context, to lessen or eliminate the harmful influence of learners' affective states on their second language learning.  In my paper, I have taken into consideration the students dealing with the four major skills, namely, reading, writing, speaking and listening, as these are the most practiced skills in tertiary level classrooms in Bangladesh. My recommendations 316   will cover practices to be undertaken by both teachers and students, to eliminate or lessen the harmful influence of affective states on learners' concentration level and performance. Stamford Journal of English; Volume 6; Page 315-331 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v6i0.13920
Nuts and Bolts of Conducting Feasibility Studies
Authors: Tickle-Degnen Linda
Published: February 2013

Many factors can affect the successful implementation and validity of intervention studies. A primary purpose of feasibility and pilot studies is to assess the potential for successful implementation of the proposed main intervention studies and to reduce threats to the validity of these studies. This article describes a typology to guide the aims of feasibility and pilot studies designed to support the development of randomized controlled trials and provides an example of the studies underlying the development of one rehabilitation trial. The purpose of most feasibility and pilot studies should be to describe information and evidence related to the successful implementation and validity of a planned main trial. Null hypothesis significance testing is not appropriate for these studies unless the sample size is properly powered. The primary tests of the intervention effectiveness hypotheses should occur in the main study, not in the studies that are serving as feasibility or pilot studies.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Triggered Carbon Dots‐Based Biomimetic Nanotheranostic Agents for Atherosclerosis Management
Authors: Duan Xinmei , Yang Xu , Mou Nianlian , Cao Yu , He Zhigui , Zhu Li , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Kun , Qu Kai , Qin Xian , Chen Qiao , Luo Yang , Wu Wei
Published: July 2024

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammation vascular disease, with its ongoing progression can lead to the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Traditional drug therapy is limited by poor drug delivery, insufficient drug accumulation, and notable toxic side effects. In addition, the failure to receive an early AS diagnosis is primarily responsible for the delayed treatment, which subsequently contributes to the high frequency of life‐threatening cardiovascular events. In this work, a macrophage membranes (MM)‐camouflaged reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive nanotheranostic platform (LC‐MM) is constructed to improve AS target diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Thanks to the strong antioxidant properties of carbon dots (CDs), CDs as drug carriers for lovastatin aimed to synergistically treat AS by reducing ROS accumulation and suppressing inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo are employed. The active functions of MM coupled with the ROS‐responsiveness of LC nanoplatform are expected to enhance the efficacy of nanotherapy, particularly to reduce lipid deposition, macrophage infiltration, necrotic core size, collagen content, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress accumulation. Moreover, the near‐infrared emission properties inherited from CDs facilitated precise fluorescence (FL) imaging for AS plaques. Thus, the biomimetic nanotheranostic agent LC‐MM represented a powerful platform for safe and effective AS management.
Hybrid 3D Printing of a Nature‐Inspired Flexible Self‐Adhesive Biopatch for Multi‐Biosignal Sensing
Authors: Alsharif Aljawharah A. , Syed Abdul Momin , Li Xiaole , Alsharif Nouf A. , Lubineau Gilles , El‐Atab Nazek
Published: July 2024

Bioinspired skin adhesives are promising alternatives to traditional glue‐based skin patches for use in various skin‐attachable devices. However, the typical nano‐/microfabrication of these bioinspired microstructures provides limited manufacturing freedom over their performance, constraining their versatility and customization for widespread use. In this study, a hybrid 3D printing approach for fabricating a permeable skin patch is developed with adhesive miniaturized octopus‐like suckers (AMOS) for biosignal monitoring. The design and geometrical influences are investigated on the adhesion strength under different skin conditions (i.e., dry, wet, and hairy), permeability, and durability as well as proposed a biocompatible, stretchable, highly permeable, reusable, and conformable biopatch. Unlike commercially available biopatches that use chemical adhesives, the adhesion strength of an AMOS patch is customizable, does not cause skin irritation, and is comfortable for the wearer when worn for extended durations. The biopatch is tested in electromyogram, electrooculogram, and electrocardiogram signal measurement during a hand‐cycling experiment over extended durations that confirms its potential in extreme sport events. In addition to biosignal monitoring, 3D‐printed AMOS patches have broad applicability across various skin‐interfacing devices, including glucose and sweat monitoring, drug delivery, and wound healing. This approach offers a promising and highly customizable manufacturing solution for unlocking next‐generation skin‐attachable technologies.
Record‐Breaking Efficient and Mechanically‐Robust Ambient‐Air‐Processed Carbon‐Based Flexible Perovskite Photovoltaics Through Effective and Benign‐to‐Plastics Green‐Antisolvent Quenching
Authors: Chalkias Dimitris A. , Nikolakopoulou Archontoula , Kontaxis Lykourgos C. , Kalarakis Alexandros N. , Stathatos Elias
Published: July 2024

Lightweight and bendy plastic‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered strong emerging rivals to the rigid heavy‐block photovoltaics made of conventional crystalline‐silicon. To further increase the competitiveness of these devices, the research community is nowadays searching for compatible, effective and scalable strategies to achieve efficiencies of >20%, while their development using lower‐cost and greener materials is also increasingly investigated. From the precursor solutions and prenucleation state of perovskites to the fully crystallized materials, this disclosure provides key findings that benefit fundamental understanding for streamlining antisolvent quenching methods toward the development of high‐performance and stable flexible‐plastic PSCs under ambient atmospheric conditions. Evidencing the importance of the concurrent consideration of a series of antisolvent physical properties for a group of primary and secondary monohydric alcohols, a breakthrough achievement is attained. Mirror‐like, pinhole‐free, monolayered vertically‐aligned (high‐aspect‐ratio) grained and mechanically‐robust ambient‐air‐processed perovskite structures are developed using 2‐butanol as a non‐toxic and benign‐to‐plastics (evidenced by nano‐mechanics) antisolvent alternative to the reference chlorobenzene. To this end, a new literature record of 20.09% for scalable carbon‐based flexible PSCs is achieved (power‐to‐weight performance 1.05 Wg−1, at 190 gm−2), also demonstrating highly‐robust unencapsulated devices under the ISOS‐D‐1 protocol conditions (T85 >1000 h) and bending fatigue (T80(5‐mm‐radius) >5000 bending cycles).
2D PtRhPb Mesoporous Nanosheets with Surface‐Clean Active Sites for Complete Ethanol Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Fan Dongping , Yao Huiqin , Sun Lizhi , Lv Hao , Liu Ben
Published: July 2024

The development of active and selective metal electrocatalysts for complete ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) into desired C1 products is extremely promising for practical application of direct ethanol fuel cells. Despite some encouraging achievements, their activity and selectivity remain unsatisfactory. In this work, it is reported that 2D PtRhPb mesoporous nanosheets (MNSs) with anisotropic structure and surface‐clean metal site perform perfectly for complete EOR electrocatalysis in both three‐electrode and two‐electrode systems. Different to the traditional routes, a selective etching strategy is developed to produce surface‐clean mesopores while retaining parent anisotropy quasi‐single‐crystalline structure without the mesopore‐forming surfactants. This method also allows the general synthesis of surface‐clean mesoporous metals with other compositions and structures. When being performed for alkaline EOR electrocatalysis, the best PtRhPb MNSs deliver remarkably high activity (7.8 A mg−1) and superior C1 product selectivity (70% of Faradaic efficiency), both of which are much better than reported electrocatalysts. High performance is assigned to multiple structural and compositional synergies that not only stabilized key OHads intermediate by surface‐clean mesopores but also separated the chemisorption of two carbons in ethanol by adjacent Pt and Rh sites, which facilitate the oxidation cleavage of stable C─C bond for complete EOR electrocatalysis.
Ag2GeS3: A Diamond‐Like Chalcogenide as an IR Nonlinear Optical Material with Outstanding Second‐Harmonic Generation Response
Authors: Chen Hong , Ran Mao‐Yin , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Wu Xin‐Tao , Lin Hua
Published: July 2024

Diamond‐like (DL) metal chalcogenides have attracted significant attention in recent years because of their complex structural compositions and exceptional nonlinear optical (NLO) capabilities in the infrared (IR) range. Despite notable advancements in this field, there is still a lack of systematic research on high‐performance and simply composed IR‐NLO chalcogenides with DL structures. In this study, the insightful structural characteristics and IR‐NLO properties of a ternary Ag‐based chalcogenide Ag2GeS3 are investigated for the first time at both experimental and theoretical levels. The compound belongs to the non‐centrosymmetric Cmc21 space group (No.36) and displays a 3D DL structure comprising highly oriented [AgS4] and [GeS4] tetrahedra. Due to its distinct structure, the compound may produce significant second harmonic generation (SHG) response (5.6 × AgGaS2 at 2050 nm), the biggest value reported among Ag‐based IR‐NLO chalcogenides to date, and phase matchability in the IR range with a calculated birefringence of Δn = 0.09 at 2050 nm. According to theoretical calculations, the combined impacts of the distorted [AgS4] and [GeS4] NLO‐active motifs inside the 3D DL framework provide the SHG tensor d24 of Ag2GeS3 at 51.9 pm V−1 at 2050 nm. The prospective uses of Ag2GeS3 in the field of IR‐NLO are highlighted in this work.
Strategically Developed Strong Red‐Emitting Oxyfluoride Nanophosphors for Next‐Generation Lighting Applications
Authors: Abraham Malini , Thejas K. K. , Kunti Arup K. , Amador‐Mendez Nuño , Hernandez Roberto , Duras J. , Nishanth K. G. , Sahoo Sushanta Kumar , Tchernycheva Maria , Das Subrata
Published: July 2024

Red‐emitting nanophosphors have a multirole in improvising the next‐generation bulk/micro/nano‐level lighting devices, particularly in refining white light quality and device performance. Nonetheless, it is difficult to synthesize nanosized phosphors with good yield and paralleled high absorption efficiency both in UV and blue regions, which is critical for modern lighting. Herein, new Mg14Ge4.99+σO24‐x+δFx: Mn4+ red nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm are designed to improve not only the luminescence but also the blue light absorption. This approach has validated the applicability of red‐emitting nanophosphors into flexible UV and blue nitride nanowire light‐emitting‐diodes (LEDs), and commercial bulk LEDs, for the first time, with boosted intensity and color superiority for a variety of lighting utilizations. For these phosphor LEDs (pc‐LEDs), optimized red nanophosphor with an external quantum efficiency of ≈44.5%, color purity of ≈100%, and thermal stability of ≈72% at 150 °C is used. The optimized nanophosphor is combined with a flexible UV‐AlGaN/GaN nanowire LED and a blue‐InGaN/GaN‐LED. The resultant devices show promising red electroluminescence without any degradation at elevated currents. Finally, several unfamiliar LED packaging is designed with yellow and red phosphors implemented on 2 sets of double LED units to reach CRI > 85. The re‐premeditated LED packages are useful for high‐definition lighting.
The Multifunctional Purposes of Ultrasound in 3D Models
Authors: Vighetto Veronica , Pascucci Elia , Savino Giorgia , Rosso Giada , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Conte Marzia , Dumontel Bianca , Balboni Alice , Mesiano Giulia , Masoero Alessandro , Cauda Valentina
Published: July 2024

Ultrasound (US), is gaining considerable interest as therapy and diagnostic tool, being safe, deep‐tissue penetrating, and enabling variegate interventions. Although some US applications have already reached the clinical practice, innovative interventions combining them to microbubbles, nanoparticles, scaffolds and novel imaging techniques have to face complex clinical translation. Here US technologies are illustrated in 3D cell structures: as in‐vitro systems at different levels of complexity, 3D models can fairly recapitulate human tissue complexity, while reducing interventions on animals. First drug delivery is described as mediated by microbubbles or nanoparticles to 3D spheroids, organ‐on‐chip, microfluidic‐embedded 3D‐cell structures, and cell‐seeded scaffolds, showing the important US role in achieving barriers penetration and highly localized delivery. Then, the assembly of cells in 3D structures thanks to US is highlighted, showing prominent examples of how finely tuning acoustic standing waves can guide the organization and aggregation of cells in 3D. Finally, an outlook of conventional echographic techniques up to the most innovative quantitative US imaging is reviewed, focusing on new imaging options for 3D structures. These intriguing fields of research are discussed related to their actual challenges and opportunities, level of complexity of 3D models, and ability to propose a valid tool toward clinical translation.
Terminal‐Matched Topological Photonic Substrate‐Integrated Waveguides and Antennas for Microwave Systems
Authors: Xu Zhixia , Sun Xiaonan , Wu Haotian , Xiong Zengxu , Zhou Xue , Yu Haoxi , Yin Xiaoxing , Sievenpiper Daniel F. , Cui Tie Jun
Published: July 2024

In engineered photonic lattices, topological photonic (TP) modes present a promising avenue for designing waveguides with suppressed backscattering. However, the integration of the TP modes in electromagnetic systems has faced longstanding challenges. The primary obstacle is the insufficient development of high‐efficiency coupling technologies between the TP modes and the conventional transmission modes. This dilemma leads to significant scattering at waveguide terminals when attempting to connect the TP waveguides with other waveguides. In this study, a topological photonic substrate‐integrated waveguide (TPSIW) is proposed that can seamlessly integrate into traditional microstrip line systems. It successfully addresses the matching problem and demonstrates efficient coupling of both even and odd TP modes with the quasi‐transverse electromagnetic modes of microstrip lines, resulting in minimal energy losses. In addition, topological leaky states are introduced through designed slots on the TPSIW top surface. These slots enable the creation of TP leaky‐wave antennas with beam steering capabilities. A wireless link based on TPSIWs are further established that enables the transmission of distinct signals toward different directions. This work is an important step toward the integration of TP modes in microwave systems, unlocking the possibilities for the development of high‐performance wireless devices.
From Chalcogen Bonding to S–π Interactions in Hybrid Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Luo Weifan , Kim SunJu , Lempesis Nikolaos , Merten Lena , Kneschaurek Ekaterina , Dankl Mathias , Carnevali Virginia , Agosta Lorenzo , Slama Vladislav , VanOrman Zachary , Siczek Miłosz , Bury Wojciech , Gallant Benjamin , Kubicki Dominik J. , Zalibera Michal , Piveteau Laura , Deconinck Marielle , Guerrero‐León L. Andrés , Frei Aaron T. , Gaina Patricia A. , Carteau Eva , Zimmermann Paul , Hinderhofer Alexander , Schreiber Frank , Moser Jacques‐E. , Vaynzof Yana , Feldmann Sascha , Seo Ji‐Youn , Rothlisberger Ursula , Milić Jovana V.
Published: July 2024

The stability of hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskite semiconductors remains a significant obstacle to their application in photovoltaics. To this end, the use of low‐dimensional (LD) perovskites, which incorporate hydrophobic organic moieties, provides an effective strategy to improve their stability, yet often at the expense of their performance. To address this limitation, supramolecular engineering of noncovalent interactions between organic and inorganic components has shown potential by relying on hydrogen bonding and conventional van der Waals interactions. Here, the capacity to access novel LD perovskite structures that uniquely assemble through unorthodox S‐mediated interactions is explored by incorporating benzothiadiazole‐based moieties. The formation of S‐mediated LD structures is demonstrated, including one‐dimensional (1D) and layered two‐dimensional (2D) perovskite phases assembled via chalcogen bonding and S–π interactions. This involved a combination of techniques, such as single crystal and thin film X‐ray diffraction, as well as solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory calculations, and optoelectronic characterization, revealing superior conductivities of S‐mediated LD perovskites. The resulting materials are applied in n‐i‐p and p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells, demonstrating enhancements in performance and operational stability that reveal a versatile supramolecular strategy in photovoltaics.
Clustering Bimetallic M–N–C Catalyst: A Synergistic Approach to Advancing Sulfur Conversion Kinetics for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Xingbo , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Jiayi , Liu Jiabing , Li Shibin , Liu Xin , Jin Mingliang , Zhao Lingzhi , Li Gaoran , Wang Xin
Published: July 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries stand out as a promising candidate for future energy storage, characterized by their notable energy density and affordability. However, the impediments raised by polysulfide shuttling and sluggish reaction kinetics pose substantial challenges to the widespread implementation of this technology. Herein, a unique Fe–Co bimetallic single‐atom‐cluster catalyst (FeCo‐SACC) for Li–S batteries are developed. The synergistic integration of single atoms and clusters guarantees not only a commendable specific catalytic activity but also a high metal loading of up to 25 wt%. Meanwhile, the intermetallic interactions regulate the electronic structure, enabling higher sulfur affinity and faster conversion kinetics. The unique 3D‐ordered mesoporous (3DOM) carbon architecture further affords conducive sulfur accommodation, efficient active site exposure, and facile ion/mass transfer. As a result, facile and stable sulfur electrochemistry is realized, contributing to excellent cyclability over 1000 cycles and rate capability up to 5 C. Decent cell performances can still be achievable under practical criteria, e.g., high sulfur loading of 15 mg cm−2, lean electrolyte of 4.6 µL mg−1, and 1.91‐Ah pouch configuration. This work establishes a novel paradigm for the development of advanced sulfur electrocatalysts and high‐performance Li–S batteries.