bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape structure of the Middle Lena valley
Authors: Zakharov М. I. , Cherosov М. М. , Gadal S. , Troeva Е. I.
Published: March 2024

In this article we present the results of landscape structure study in the Middle Lena valley (Erkeni, Ensieli and Tuimaada), made using GIS mapping based on Sentinel 2 satellite images and ASTER GDEM datasets. Alas complexes and croplands were identified using K-means image segmentation with different initial numbers. Three machine learning algorithms were tested for pixel-based land cover classification. The best result was achieved with the Support Vector Machine classifier. The mapping revealed the landscape structure of 20 spatial units, which were organized into groups of upland, alas, slope, valley and floodplain landscapes. The contrasting landscape structure of the Middle Lena valley was revealed. The northern Ensieli valley is characterized by the predominance of forest larch-pine landscapes, alas complexes mostly dry with steppe meadows are widespread in the watershed. The slopes are dominated by larch forests with patches of birch. The central Tuimaada valley is the most anthropogenically transformed, here steppe meadows and anthropogenic steppes dominate. The plateau part is mainly forested with croplands. The southern valley of the Erkeni is characterized by the smallest area of the valley part dominated by steppe meadows, the slopes of the main bank of the southern and south-eastern exposition are covered with xerophytic meadows. The landscape structure of valleys, floodplain and plakor parts largely determines the specifics of agricultural land use of the local population. The results obtained can be used for further research into the response of permafrost landscapes of the Middle Lena valleys to increased anthropogenic pressure in the context of climate change.
Carbon Farming in the Kaliningrad Region
Authors:   Kaliningrad Research Institute of Agriculture, A Branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Forage Production and Agroecology, Russia, AG Krasnoperov , VA Zarudnyy ,   Kaliningrad Research Institute of Agriculture, A Branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Forage Production and Agroecology, Russia, VE Chernitsyna ,   Kaliningrad Research Institute of Agriculture, A Branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Forage Production and Agroecology, Russia, MA Pyatakov ,   Kaliningrad Research Institute of Agriculture, A Branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Forage Production and Agroecology, Russia
Published: March 2024

Carbon farming in the Kaliningrad region is based on the following principles: - Multi-field crop rotations with saturation of annual and perennial legumes and cereals; - Minimizing the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides using biological preparations based on rhizosphere nitrogen-fixing microorganisms of complex action; - Use in crop rotations of mixed legume-grass crops of different species composition and different sowing dates as predecessors and green manure for the main crops; - Mixed legume-cereal crops of different species composition can perform a protective function for subsequent main crops in the crop rotation against pathogenic microorganisms and invertebrate pests; - Mixed legume-cereal crops of summer sowing are the most economically and ecologically justified and suppliers of leguminous fodder and green fodder balanced in terms of zootechnical indicators in the late autumn period; - Mixed legume-cereal crops are considered as biological ameliorants and the main sources of stable humus;
Pre-Extension Demonstration of Improved Bread Wheat Technologies at Highlands of Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors:   Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Bore Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, Kebede Basha , Bobo Tekle ,   Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Bore Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, Korji Dembi ,   Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Bore Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia
Published: March 2024

Increment of human population with the depletion of natural resources is challenging agriculture-based economy of developing countries. Hence, it is mandatory to find possible solutions to feed the increasing population. Ethiopian government has a vision the motto of food self-sufficiency by wheat production. for surplus production breeders have released many bread wheat varieties for different agroecologies. Therefore, released variety must be extended to the end users. This activity was proposed to evaluate bread wheat varieties at highlands of Guji zone. Three districts were selected based their wheat production potential. Sinja, Wane and Sanate bread wheat varieties were demonstrated on 10mx10m of 21 farmers’ land. Training and mini field day was organized for bread wheat promotion in selected districts. Descriptive statistics and cost-benefit analysis were used to analysis the data. The result showed that highest yield of 28.71qt/ha was harvested from Sanate followed by Wane (26.29 qt/ha) and Sinja (23 qt/ha) varieties. Production of Sanate, Wane and Sinja in highlands of Guji zone could generate 55489 birr/ha, 61263 birr/ha and 49846 birr/ha, respectively. Regardless of higher yield of Sanate experimental farmers preferred Wane variety as its color attract the market demand. Farmers witnessed the higher yield, good return and acceptance of Wane variety. Hence, Wane variety should be disseminated in highlands of Guji zone through pre scaling up and large scale production.
Some Results From the Sociological Survey of Neurosurgeons on Neurosurgical Care Problems in Mongolia
Authors:   Neurohospital “Bayarmed”, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, T Enkhbayar , EA Finchenko ,   Federal State Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Mongolia, MA Sadovoy ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Russia, B Battur ,   Central Military Hospital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, AR Gilyazev ,   National Research University, Health Care Administration and Economics, Mongolia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Up to date, no scientific research has been undertaken in Mongolia highlighting problems of neurosurgical care from the perspective of providers of medical services – neurosurgeons. Objective: To identify the key problems and priority areas for optimizing neurosurgical care in Mongolia from the perspective of providers of medical services – neurosurgeons. Methods of Research: Sociological, statistical methods. Results: According to neurosurgeons, key problems of organization of neurosurgical care in Mongolia are as follows: depletion of stocks of instruments and equipment, insufficient educational base for the training of qualified specialists, and monopoly position of neurosurgical departments. Priority areas of optimization of neurosurgical care are improvement of neurosurgical care organization, including its centralization and structural reorganization, as well as staffing and resource provision. Conclusions: 1. The results of the study revealed that 13.8% of neurosurgeons in Mongolia rated neurosurgical care organization as unsatisfactory and 15.7% of respondents rated organization of the work of neurosurgical (surgical) departments as unsatisfactory. 2. More than a quarter of respondents (27.5%) rated the quality of tools in the operating room as unsatisfactory, while most respondents (80.4%) noted the lack of tools in the operating room. 3. According to 64.7% of neurosurgeons, neurosurgical (surgical) departments need major repairs and 25.5% of respondents noted that cosmetic repairs of departments’ are needed. 4. The key problems in the organization of neurosurgical care in Mongolia are shortage of tools and equipment, insufficient educational base for the training of qualified specialists, and the monopoly position of neurosurgical departments. 5. Priority areas of optimization of neurosurgical care, according to neurosurgeons, are improving of neurosurgical care organization, including its centralization and structural reorganization, as well as staffing and resource provision.
Massive Obstruction of the Spinal Canal and Progressive Cervical Myelopathy due to Osseous Hypertrophy of a Facet Joint: A Case Report
Authors:   Klinikum Bremerhaven-Reinkenheide, Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Göttingen, Germany, C Bayrak , S Müller ,   Klinikum Bremerhaven-Reinkenheide, Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Göttingen, Germany, W Back ,   PaDMoL (Institute of Pathology), Bremerhaven, Germany, C Scheller ,   Klinikum Bremerhaven-Reinkenheide, Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Göttingen, Germany
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is one of the most common causes of cervical spinal cord dysfunction. Case Report: A 65-year-old patient was admitted with slowly-progressing myelopathic symptoms. Imaging studies indicated a massive lesion, which was thought to be a primary bone tumor. Resection at Segment C4 was performed, and histopathology showed hypertrophic facet joint. Discussion: Age-related degenerative changes and adaptation mechanisms result in hypertrophy of the joint and synovial cyst formation. In our case, it was enormous, and could be easily mistaken for a tumorous process. Conclusion: Such extensive hypertrophic changes are rarely addressed in the literature and should be considered as differential diagnosis.
New approach to determining the economic efficiency of investments in mineral resources deposits development
Authors: Serov V. M. , Tikhonov Yu. P.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the study is to develop methodological support for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development, including investments in coal deposits development. Specific features of the content of these projects implementation process have been considered both in terms of investment result and its components, and in terms of composition and investment structure, which affect the methodology used and the corresponding methods of efficiency indicators calculation. The author’s approach and specific formulas for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development have been outlined and substantiated. The projects are based on the use of newly created value indicator such as internal income of enterprises and organizations as a result of investment and investment activity. In its economic content it corresponds to the country’s internal national income indicator, which is the financial basis for the functioning and existence of the state. The formulas for calculating the indicators of economic efficiency of investments and capital investments in development and exploitation of mineral deposits of specific investors without considering the costs of production and social infrastructure have been given.
Dynamics of socially oriented non-profit organizations development as providers of socially important services in the regions of the Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation
Authors: Artamonova A. S.
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the dynamics of socially oriented non-profit organizations (hereinafter – SONPOs) development in the context of their role in the social service system transformation. The study is based on the data of departmental statistics for 2018–2022 for the Northwestern Federal District regions using the comparative analysis methods. The analysis revealed that in all selected federal subjects the benchmarks for the non-state providers share in the total number of social service providers have been achieved. Among them, the SONPOs share ranges from 13 to 86 %. The assessment of the SONPOs development rates for all types of socially important services contained in the official statistical information has shown that, while their number is practically unchanged, the increase in the financial support volume leads to an increase in their consumers’ number. The most noticeable expansion of the target audience is observed in the field of culture and cinematography, but in general, there is a noticeable differentiation of regions in terms of the increase rate in the socially important services volume in various spheres. The identified discrepancies in various departmental registers of SONPOs are related to their inability to adapt to new conditions and may indicate the failure to overcome barriers that prevent these organizations from participating in providing social services commissioned by the state.
Russian entrepreneurship in the formation of charitable activities: Yesterday, today, tomorrow
Authors: Shatalova N. A.
Published: March 2024

The article studies issues of Russian entrepreneurs’ philanthropic activities in retrospect. The author touches upon the historical contribution of entrepreneurs both as economic entities and as a social passionary force in Russian culture, education, and social protection development. Modern Russian entrepreneurs have different prerequisites for charitable activities based on the influence of corporate culture and corporate values. The social structure and the content of economic relations in Russia have been in the dynamics of change, but such a phenomenon as charity has not lost its significance. Charity acts as a form of entrepreneurs’ social responsibility to society. Charity in the pre-revolutionary period and at the present stage was influenced by various factors and historical circumstances. The study of this subject area involves the use of historiographical method and the study of biographies of prominent philanthropists. This allows us to understand more accurately the cause-and-effect relationships that condition the emergence and development of philanthropic practices. The results of the study show the lack of continuity between patrons of art in pre-revolutionary Russia and modern entrepreneurs, which is due to the difference in socio-cultural context. Analyzing the experience of charity is important for understanding the role of entrepreneurs in charitable activities functioning.
Possibilities of using econometrical methods in studying of interregional interactions of migration in transportation
Authors: Bychkova A. A.
Published: March 2024

Thе article presents a set of methodological approaches to forecasting the spatial heterogeneity of transportation migration flows in Russia. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodological basis for forecasting the migration flows spatial heterogeneity. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the presentation and systematization of methodological approaches specific to studying socio-economic factors affecting migration flows considering spatial heterogeneity in the context of the Russia. The study has potential practical value for developing effective migration policies and strategies of spatial development in the country. The study uses general scientific methods of cognition and system-structural analysis and theoretical research method. In the course of the work, a literature review was conducted and forecasting methods applicable in studying migration flows in the ratio of transport accessibility, which are based on the real data analysis, have been analyzed. The results of the study showed that it is possible to study migration flows by spatial autocorrelation methods, and the main explanation of this process is socio-economic factors. Regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between migration flows and such factors as income level, development of transportation infrastructure, accessibility, education and other factors calculated in absolute units. The Moran index application to the migration flows analysis is a scientifically new method that allows us to study the migration spatial aspects in more depth and to identify their characteristics and interrelationships at a new level. The methods base obtained can be useful for calculations and further informed decision-making aimed at reducing spatial inequalities and stimulating sustainable spatial development.
H-Tunneling Exhibiting Unexpectedly Small Primary Kinetic Isotope Effects
Authors: Roque José P. L. , Nunes Cláudio M. , Schreiner Peter R. , Fausto Rui
Published: March 2024

Probing quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) in chemical reactions is crucial to understanding and developing new transformations. Primary H/D kinetic isotopic effects (KIEs) beyond the semiclassical maximum values of 7‒10 (at room temperature) are commonly used to assess substantial QMT contributions in one-step hydrogen transfer reactions, because of the much greater QMT probability of protium vs. deuterium. Nevertheless, we report here the discovery of a reaction model occurring exclusively by H-atom QMT with residual primary H/D KIEs. A 2-hydroxyphenylnitrene, generated in N2 matrix, was found to isomerize to an imino ketone via sequential (domino) QMT involving anti to syn OH-rotamerization (the rate determining step) and [1,4]-H shift reactions. These sequential QMT transformations were also observed in the OD deuterated sample, and unexpected primary H/D KIEs between 3 and 4 were measured at 3 to 20 K. Analogous residual primary H/D KIEs were found in the anti to syn OH-rotamerization QMT of 2-cyanophenol in a N2 matrix. Evidence strongly indicates that these intriguing isotope insensitive QMT reactivities arise due to the solvation effects of the N2 matrix medium, putatively through coupling with the moving H/D tunneling particle. Should a similar scenario be extrapolated to conventional solution conditions, then QMT may have been overlooked in many chemical reactions.
X-band single chip integrated pulsed electron spin resonance microsystem
Authors: Farsi Reza , Sahin Solmaz Nergiz , Boero Giovanni
Published: March 2024

We report on the design and characterization of a single chip integrated pulsed ESR detector operating at 9.1 GHz. The microsystem consists of an excitation microcoil, a detection microcoil, a low noise microwave preamplifier, a mixer, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. The chip area is about 0.7 mm^2. To exemplify its possible applications, we report the results of single pulse, Raby nutation, Hahn echo, two echoes, Carr-Purcell, and inversion recovery echo experiments performed on 0.02 and 0.05 nL samples of α,γ-bisdiphenylene-β-phenylallyl (BDPA) and 1% BDPA in polystyrene (BDPA:PS) at room temperature. The measured spin sensitivity is about 7x10^7 spins/Hz^(1/2) on a sensitive volume of about 0.1 nL. The microsystem power consumption is less than 100 mW, the RF input bandwidth is 8.8 to 9.8 GHz, the IF output bandwidth is DC to 350 MHz, and the deadtime is less than 30 ns.
CO2 and Temperature Induced Switching of a Flexible Metal-Organic Framework with Surface-Mounted Nanoparticles
Authors: Berger Jan , Terruzzi Stephanie , Bunzen Hana , Marelli Marcello , Braglia Luca , Fischer Roland A. , Colombo Valentina , Kieslich Gregor
Published: March 2024

The stimuli responsiveness of a material defines its potential application. Within the class of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) the subclass of flexible MOFs (flexMOFs) has attracted great attention, showing large structural flexibility as a response to external stimuli such as guest adsorption, temperature, and pressure. Derived hybrid composites like nanoparticle (NP) loaded flexible MOFs, which stand to potentially combine advantageous properties of both are yet largely unexplored. Here we report the synthesis of flexible MOFs with surface mounted nanoparticles, e. g. NP@Zn2(BME-bdc)2dabco composites (NP = Pt and SiO2 nanoparticles, BME-bdc2- = 2,5-bismethoxyethoxy-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), studying the impact of nanoparticles on the stimulus-responsiveness of a flexible MOF. We show that CO2 physisorption triggered flexibility of the MOF is fully retained and reversible for all NP@flexMOF composites. Additionally, we observe that NPs stabilize the large pore state of the MOF, slightly increasing and shifting the switching pressure window. This effect is also observed during temperature-induced switching but Pt@flexMOF composites partially lose long-range order during the reversion to their narrow pore state, while attached SiO2 NPs allow for a fully reversible transition. These findings suggest that the total exerted material strain triggering the switching is heavily dependent on NP size and the applied stimulus and that guest-induced switchability can be fully realized in NP@flexMOF hybrid materials.
Structure-based Design of CBP/EP300 Degraders: When Coopera-tivity Overcomes Affinity
Authors: Cheng-Sanchez Ivan , Gosselé Katherine , Palaferri Leonardo , Laul Eleen , Riccabella Gionata , Bedi Rajiv , Li Yaozong , Müller Anna , Caflisch Amedeo , Nevado Cristina
Published: March 2024

Here we present the development of dCE-2, a structurally novel PROTAC targeting the CREB-binding protein (CBP) and E1A-associated protein (EP300) – two homologous multidomain enzymes crucial for enhancer-mediated transcription. The design of dCE-2 was based on the crystal structure of an in-house bromodomain (BRD) inhibitor featuring as acetyl-lysine mimic a 3-methyl cinnoline discovered by high-throughput fragment docking. Our study shows that, despite its modest binding affinity to CBP/EP300-BRD, dCE-2 remarkable protein degradation activity stems from its excellent cooperativity, which we demonstrate by the characterisation of its ternary complex formation both in vitro and in cellulo. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that in aqueous solvent this active degrader populates both folded and extended conformations which are likely to promote cell permeabil-ity and ternary complex formation, respectively.
A Triazolium-Based Fluorophore Intercalated in Layered Double Hydroxides: from Simple Syntheses to Bright Solid-State Luminescence
Authors: Zerbib Guillaume , Roux Amélie , Salat Laurène , Cisnetti Federico , Boyer Damien , Chadeyron Geneviève , Leroux Fabrice
Published: March 2024

This study presents the intercalation into Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) of two sulfonated organic molecules featuring the mesoionic triazolium scaffold. These sulfonated fluorophores exhibited excellent solubility in aqueous basic solutions, facilitating their compatibility with the synthesis of LDHs through coprecipitation methods. We applied the size-matching interlayer space (SMIS) approach by substituting a portion of a mono- or dianionic surfactant used in LDHs preparation by the sulfonated fluorophore, we aimed to match the size of the luminescent interleaved guest effectively. Our investigation focused on two anion spacers: the classic monoanionic dodecyl sulfate (DS) and the dianionic phenylene dipropionate (PPA). Our results indicated that the latter spacer allowed a more efficient insertion of the fluorescent guest. Thermal resistance analysis underscored the robustness of the final hybrid materials, suggesting a promising design strategy for luminescent materials when applied in diverse applications.
Oxygen-dependent interactions between the ruthenium cage and the photoreleased inhibitor in NAMPT-targeted photoactivated chemotherapy
Authors: Abyar Selda , Huang Lujiao , Husiev Yurii , Bretin Ludovic , Chau Bobby , Ramu Vadde , Wildeman Jaap , Belfor Kimberley , Wijaya Lukas , Noord V.E.van der , Harms Amy C , A. Siegler Maxime , E.Le Dévédec Sylvia , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: March 2024

Photoactivated chemotherapy agents show a promising ability to kill cancer cells under the action of light, including those in chronic hypoxic conditions. Those compounds form a new branch of physically targeted anticancer agents with potentially lower systemic side effects for patients. On the other hand, very few information exists on the intracellular interactions between the photoreleased ruthenium cage and the photoreleased antitcancer inhibitor. In this work, we report a biological study of the photoactivated chemotherapy compound Ru-STF31 in the glioblastoma cancer cell line U87MG. Ru-STF31 targets nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an enzyme overexpressed in glioblastoma. Ru-STF31 is activated by red-light irradiation, which breaks a bond between the ruthenium-based caging group and the NAMPT inhibitor STF31, thereby releasing two photoproducts: the ruthenium cage and the cytotoxic inhibitor STF31. Ru-STF31 showed significantly higher solubility in water and anticancer efficacy compared with the free inhibitor STF-31. It also significantly decreased intracellular NAD+ levels not only in normoxic (21% O2) but also in hypoxic (1% O2) U87MG cells. Strikingly, NAD+ depletion by red light activation of Ru-STF31 in hypoxic U87MG cells could not be rescued by the addition of extracellular NAD+. Our data suggest an active role of the ruthenium photocage released by light activation.
Porous molecular crystals derived from cofacial porphyrin/phthalocyanine heterodimers.
Authors: Stamos Nikolaos-Angelos , Kerrigan Shannah , Stiven Alexander , Nichol Gary , Buzz Grazia , Burt Luke , Moggach Stephen , Turner Gemma , McKeown Neil
Published: March 2024

Porphyrin-based porous materials are of growing interest as heterogeneous catalysts especially for reactions that are of importance to sustainability. Here we demonstrate that porous molecular crystals can be prepared by the simple co-crystallisation of tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) with octa(2’,6’-di-iso-propylphenoxy)phthalocyanine and its metal complexes [(dipPhO)8PcM; M = H2, Al-OH, Ti=O, Mn-Cl, Fe-Cl, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga-Cl, Ag, In-Cl or Au-Cl]. This process is facilitated by the efficient formation of the supramolecular heterodimer between TPP and (dipPhO)8PcM, which is driven by the complementary symmetry and shape of the two macrocycles. The (dipPhO)8PcM component direct the crystal structure to form Phthalocyanine Nanoporous Crystals (PNCs) of similar structure to those formed by (dipPhO)8PcM alone. The incorporation of TPP appears to partially stabilise the PNCs towards the removal of included solvent and for cocrystals containing (dipPhO)8PcCo stability can be enhanced further by the in-situ addition of 4,4-bipyridyl to act as a “molecular wall tie”. These stabilised PNC/TPP cocrystals have a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (SABET) of 454 m2 g-1 and a micropore volume (Vmp) of 0.22 ml g-1. The reactivity of both macrocycles within the PNC/TPP co-crystals are demonstrated by in-situ metal insertion.
ChIMES Carbon 2.0: A Transferable Machine-Learned Interatomic Model Harnessing Multifidelity Training Data
Authors: Lindsey Rebecca , Bastea Sorin , Hamel Sebastien , Lyu Yanjun , Goldman Nir , Lordi Vincenzo
Published: March 2024

We present a new parameterization of the ChIMES physics informed machine- learned interatomic model for simulating carbon under conditions ranging from 300 K and 0 GPa to 10,000 K and 100 GPa, along with a new multi-fidelity active learning strategy. The resulting model shows significant improvement in accuracy and temperature/pressure transferability relative to the original ChIMES carbon model developed in 2017, and can serve as a foundation for future transfer-learned ChIMES parameter sets. Model applications to carbon melting point prediction, shockwave-driven con- version of graphite to diamond, and thermal conversion of nanodiamond to graphitic nanoonion are provided. Ultimately, we find our new model to be robust, accurate, and well-suited for modeling evolution in carbon systems under extreme conditions.
Structure Sensitivity and Catalyst Restructuring for CO2 Electro-reduction on Copper
Authors: Cheng Dongfang , Nguyen Khanh-Ly C. , Sumaria Vaidish , Wei Ziyang , Zhang Zisheng , Gee Winston , Li Yichen , Morales-Guio Carlos G. , Heyde Markus , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz , Alexandrova Anastassia N. , Sautet Philippe
Published: March 2024

Cu is the most promising metal catalyst for CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) to multi-carbon products, but the structure sensitivity of the reaction and the stability versus restructuring of the catalyst surface under reaction conditions are still controversial. Here, atomic scale simulations of surface energies and reaction pathway kinetics supported by experimental evidence unveil that CO2RR does not take place on perfect planar Cu(111) and Cu(100) surfaces but rather on steps or kinks defects, and that these planar surfaces tend to restructure in reaction conditions to the active stepped surfaces. By combining basin hopping global sampling and grand canonical density functional theory, we show that the extremely low CO coverage on (111) and (100) surfaces, originating from sluggish CO2 conversion and unfavorable CO binding, limits the ability of these surfaces to reduce CO2 to multi-carbon products. Steps and kinks at surfaces, despite the lack of decrease in C-C coupling barriers on these sites, exhibit a significant increase in activity arising from beneficial CO2 activation and higher CO coverage. Notably, the square motifs adjacent to defects, not the defects themselves, are the active sites for CO2RR via synergistic effect. In addition, the strong binding of CO on defective sites acts as a thermodynamic driving force for the restructuring of planar surfaces to active stepped terminations under reactive conditions. We evaluate these mechanisms against experiments of CO2RR on UHV-prepared ultraclean Cu surfaces. Overall, our findings highlight the structural sensitivity in steering CO2RR and elucidate the origin of in situ restructuring of Cu catalysts during the reaction. We furthermore feature that the active sites for CO2RR are created under reaction conditions.
State-Owned Entities in an African Emerging Market Context: The Role of Entrepreneurial Intensity and Capabilities in Performance
Authors: Urban Boris , Mgwenya John
Published: March 2024

Research in public sector entrepreneurship is proliferating which indicates that it is viable for organisations operating within a government regulatory regime, such as in state-owned entities (SOEs). This study examined the extent to which entrepreneurial intensity and entrepreneurial capabilities influence the performance of SOEs, while moderating effects of the external environment on this relationship were analysed from an African emerging market perspective. Primary data was collected via a structured questionnaire from SOEs operating in South Africa. After checking for instrument validity and reliability, findings based on moderated regression analyses show that the degree and frequency of entrepreneurial events, as well as human capabilities, can predict improved performance. The originality and contribution of this study is highlighted in appreciating the role that entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities have on improving SOEs’ public responsiveness and financial performance in an emerging market context.
The Dynamic Impact of Renewable Energy Consumption on Economic Growth in Zimbabwe: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla
Published: March 2024

Motivated by the study country’s active involvement in the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and the positive strides it has made domestically in increasing renewable energy in its energy mix, on the one hand, and the need to find out whether renewable energy consumption can also assist in reviving the economy, on the other hand, this study empirically examines the dynamic impact of renewable energy consumption on economic growth in Zimbabwe. Using annual time-series data from 1990 to 2019, and the autoregressive distributed lag approach, the results of the study show that in Zimbabwe, renewable energy consumption has apositive impact on economic growth, both in the short and long run. Increasing the usage of renewable energy increases the growth of the economy in the country of study. These results imply that Zimbabwe can achieve two goals using one strategy – increasing renewable energy consumption to decrease the negative impact climate change and greenhouse gas emission have on the environment and the economy, and increasing economic growth. Policy makers in Zimbabwe are, therefore, recommended to supportincreased use of renewable energy over alternative energy sources, as this would have positive implications on the economy, both in the short and long term.
Insidious Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Leverage of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in India
Authors: Joo Bashir Ahmad , Mir Simtiha Ishaq
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive cascading effect on the entire tourism and hospitality sector, acting as a demand shock, affecting not only customary travellers but also wiping out any transient demand. The upside of these difficult circumstances is that they can be used to test the sector’s resilience. In this context, this paper analyses the deleveraging risk that industry players in India face by employing a qualitative response model, ‘Logit’. The study concludes that the deleveraging risk that sector players face depends upon the amount of debt and leverage ratios, both during the pre-and post-pandemic period. However, the influence of otherfinancial indicators on deleveraging has been different in terms of its intensity and bi-directional impact. Moreover, during COVID-19 deleveraging tendencies were noticed only in 204 firms, compared to 242 firms before COVID-19, discrediting the forced deleveraging as predicted in the literature.
Progress in The Application of Nursing Care Based on ERAS Concept after Thoracolumbar Fracture Surgery
Authors: Zhu Ruigang , Cui Limiao , Zhou Rui
Published: March 2024

Thoracic spine fracture is a common orthopedic injury that is usually caused by external forces acting directly on or transmitted to the thoracic spine through other parts of the spine. Thoracic spine fractures can be divided into two types: stable and unstable. An unstable fracture means that the relationship between the vertebral bodies is no longer stable, which may cause serious consequences such as spinal compression, nerve root compression, or spinal cord injury. Surgical treatment is often needed for patients with unstable fractures, nerve root compression, or spinal cord injury to restore stability and function to the thoracic spine. The probability of complications after thoracolumbar fracture surgery is high, which affects the outcome of surgical treatment. To improve postoperative rehabilitation outcomes, this article analyzed the value of nursing care based on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept for patients undergoing thoracolumbar fracture surgery.
Impact of Teachers' Emotional Intelligence in Large Classes
Authors: Nisa Mehr Un , Fatima Zarish , Zulfiqar Shiza
Published: March 2024

Purpose: People with emotional intelligence are more cheerful than others because it helps them to understand their feelings and allows them to live more freely and amicably. In this study, teachers' participation in large classrooms in government secondary schools was predicted using emotional intelligence. Design/Methodology/Approach: It is a quantitative strategy that made use of co relational research. In Multan, Pakistan, four tehsils are used to select 300 secondary school teachers using stratified random sampling. The secondary school teachers' responses to a closed-ended questionnaire were employed as the data source. The majority of secondary school instructors were found to have average levels of emotional intelligence and successfully engage students in large classrooms, according to the survey, which indicated that teachers' emotional intelligence levels were average. Findings: Teachers were surveyed regarding to their emotional involvement in large classrooms with the school community, their coworkers, and the students, as well as their level of emotion in interactions with the students and the impact of their emotional involvement on student achievement. It was discovered that teachers had a moderate amount of attachment to the culture of the school, their coworkers, and the students Implications/Originality/Value: Teachers participated actively in the classroom as a result of these traits.  Government should hire more teachers who have high emotional intelligence since it improves their ability to engage the students in class rooms.
Examining the Factors Affecting Customer’s Brand Switching in Telecom Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Idrees Muhammad Abdullah , Arman Aashi , Akhtar Saima , Hussain Salman
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This research aims to understand the factors influencing brand switching in the telecommunication sector of Pakistan. The study focuses on mobile number portability (MNP) as a means of switching between networks and examines the impact of various factors such as service quality, price, promotion, trust, and product offerings on consumer behavior. The telecommunication industry in Pakistan is highly competitive, with companies vying for customer loyalty and satisfaction through attractive packages and offers. The study seeks to identify the aspects that lead customers to switch from one brand to another.

Approach: The research employs a qualitative approach and highlights the need for quantitative research to test the identified variables' impact on brand switching. The study's objectives are to determine the influence of service quality, price, promotion, trust, and product offerings on brand switching.

Findings: Regression and Correlation analysis were conducted and the hypothesis examined the combined effect of service quality, price, trust, promotion, and product offering on brand switching, and it was found to be supported.

Implications: The research is significant for telecommunication service providers in retaining customers and increasing profitability by understanding and addressing the factors influencing brand switching.
Why do Anti-corruption Agencies Fail in Pakistan? A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Khan Saleh Nawaz , Alim Wajid , Ghaffar Abdul , Sohail Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Pakistan's consistently poor ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) highlights the urgent need to address the pervasive corruption problem in the country. This study aims to explore the reason behind the failure of anti-corruption agencies in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach: This study has adopted a phenomenological research design. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with government officials working in anti-corruption agencies. NVivo 20 software was used to analyze the data.

Findings: The study identified three main themes; Political influence, legislation, and lack of capacity building. The finding indicates victimization, job insecurity, weak prosecution, self-beneficiary reforms by lawmakers, and lack of resources are the major reasons behind the failure of anti-corruption agencies in Pakistan.

Practical implications: The study provides implications for policymakers, regulators, and anti-corruption agencies to formulate effective policies and regulations to combat corruption.

Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this study is the first that explores the reasons behind the failure of anti-corruption agencies from the perspective of anti-corruption agencies.
Disaggregated Components of Public Debt and Economic Growth of Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Imran , Akram Muhammad , Khan Chakar , Shah Syed Rizwan Ali
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study analyze the impact of the disaggregated components of Public debt and its servicing on the economic growth of Pakistan. More specifically, the domestic debt components are Floating Debt, Unfunded Debt and Permanent Debt, and external debt components are Multilateral Debt, Paris Club Debt, and Bilateral Debt.

Approach and Methodology

The data has been collected from 1976 to 2021 from World Bank Indicators and Statistics department of SBP and Pakistan Economic Survey Reports. ARDL model is employed on the Karagol Model (2002).  

Findings

The finding as; the floating, unfunded multilateral, bilateral  debt’s component and debt servicing impact negatively on the economic growth of Pakistan except Paris Club debt and Permanent debt.

Policy Recommendations            

The recommendation of using Permanent Debt among domestic debt components and Paris Club Debt as of external debt components despite using other components of public debt
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour and Psychological Contract: The Moderating Role of Ethical Leadership
Authors: Javed Aroosa , Zaheer Nida , Arif Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The psychological contract is commonly cited in studies as a precursor to organizational citizenship behavior. While studies in the past have overlooked various forms of psychological contract i.e., relational, transactional, balanced, and transitional This study aims to investigate the effect of various types of psychological contracts on the organizational citizenship behavior.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses survey method for data collection. The data were collected from employees of electrical sector in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In total 400 responses were processed for data analysis. Structural equation modelling technique was used to test hypotheses.

Findings: the data providing support for the hypothesis used in the study. And it was found that greater levels of organizational citizenship behavior are influenced by both relational and balanced contracts while the transactional and transitional dimensions of psychological contract reduced organizational citizenship behavior.  In addition, it also confirmed ethical leadership provides boundary conditions between the influence of psychological contract and organization citizenship behavior.

Implications/Originality/Value: The outcome is consistent with several earlier studies on psychological contracts and their connection to OCB. The study offers managers a useful understanding of the psychology of employees toward various psychological contract dimensions and how much these elements influence employees' organizational citizenship behavior.
Factors Affecting Primary School Teacher’s Job Satisfaction an Investigation of Motivating Factors of Teaching Staff in District Dadu
Authors: Soomro Akash Aziz , Abro Muhammad Moinuddin Qazi , Pitafi Adnan
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the level of job satisfaction among government primary school teacher in district Dadu. The quantitative method was Applied to carry out this study. Data was gathered via Survey questionnaire based on five-point Likert scale. The population of the study Comprised of government primary school teachers, the 58 schools were chosen for this study from taluka Johi and Dadu of District Dadu. 343 PSTs were selected.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Data collection instruments included ‘Teachers’ job satisfaction related questions. Data was analyzed in SPSS software version 25, and the descriptive test and independent T-test were conducted.

Findings:, according to the first objective, PSTs are not satisfied with PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES and SALARY, while to achieve the second objective the independent variables were examined through independent sample T-test with gender group and According to the Significant value of 0.006 (<0.05) the job satisfaction varies from Male to Female in terms of Promotional Opportunities and working environment with significant value of 0.013.

Implications/Originality/Value: so it was concluded that the primary school teachers are not satisfied with Salary and Promotional Opportunities and satisfied with Fringe Benefits while neutral in terms of Recognition and Administration Support.
Implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Small and Micro Enterprises’ Productivity in Mankweng Township
Authors: Selelo Mohale Ernest , Khwela Michael Nkosinathi
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The hegemony of SMEs in Mankweng Township has sparked the interest of researchers who aim to align them with the 4IR. The purpose of this study is to examine and provide constructive criticism on how the 4IR affects the productivity of SMEs. The argument is that SMEs in Mankweng Township are technologically lagging, resulting in low productivity. The research encompasses both positive and negative impacts of the 4IR on SMEs' productivity. The prevalence of SMEs in the area can be attributed to growth centres like the University of Limpopo, Mankweng Hospital, and Paledi Mall. These institutions attract students and employees, sustaining the local economy. Nonetheless, most SMEs in the Township are traditional and lack sophisticated technology. They are mainly located in South Africa's townships and rural regions, where they are easily accessible to the local communities. The growth of the 4IR has compelled these SMEs to adapt their conventional business practices to align with the rapidly changing technology.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a quantitative approach to accomplish its objectives.

Findings: The research findings demonstrate that some SMEs are currently underperforming, experiencing a decline in customers due to limited financial resources, human resources and a lack of advanced technology amongst others.

Implications/Originality/Value: To address this issue, the study suggests that various stakeholders, including individuals, the private sector, and the government, should actively collaborate and provide concerted efforts and resources to support the growth and development of SMEs.
Awareness and Attitude of University Academic Staff towards Sustainable Development Goals in Oyo State, Nigeria: A Gender and Education-Based Analysis
Authors: Olugbade Damola , Muhammed Kolawole Abdulrahman , Afolayan Ayodeji Fisayo
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This research aimed to examine the level of awareness and attitude of university academics towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Oyo State, Nigeria, considering gender and education as influencing factors.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 academic staff members from selected universities in Oyo State, using convenience sampling. This study employed a semi-structured questionnaire to measure the awareness level and attitude towards SDGs. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were performed using SPSS version 20.0.
Findings: The study found a satisfactory but average level of awareness towards SDGs among academic staff. Male staff showed slightly higher awareness than females, although the difference was not significant. The attitude towards SDGs was also satisfactory, with male staff displaying a more positive attitude. Higher education levels, such as doctorate degrees, correlated with higher awareness and more positive attitudes towards SDGs.
Implications/Originality/Value: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance awareness and attitude towards SDGs among university academic staff in Oyo State, Nigeria. Strategies should focus on addressing gender disparities and providing educational programs that cater to diverse academic backgrounds. By leveraging the findings, universities can develop initiatives to promote SDG awareness and cultivate a more positive attitude among academic staff. Furthermore, the study provides a foundation for future research to investigate the factors influencing awareness and attitude towards SDGs among academic staff in different regions and countries.