bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Education for sustainable development: Connecting the dots for sustainability
Authors: Gokool-Ramdoo Sushita , Rumjaun Anwar Bhai 
Published: July 2022

Critical pedagogy, practitioner experience and a regulatory perspective are employed to scrutinize the notion of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as it occurs in the literature. They promote understanding of the challenges impeding the completion of unfinished ESD businesses. In response to practitioner-expressed needs, this paper innovatively proposes a Sustainable Development-compliant National Qualifications and Credit Framework (SD-NQCF) as the instrument to finally connect isolated ESD ‘dots’ and scaffold their sustainability.Informed by a systems approach, this framework encourages repositioning educational activities within the UN Agenda 21 to ensure the suffusion of SD principles. ESD becomes the backbone of NQCFs, while critical pedagogy provides the adequate instrument to foster 21st Century sustainability competencies that are embedded into curricula as learning outcomes. The SD-compliant framework resolves tensions between formal, non-formal and informal education. It provides connecting bridges and pathways to sustainably suffusing socio-economic fabrics with SD principles that will shift paradigms.
Interplay between Literacy and Health Services Access: The Case of Elderly Exemption Beneficiaries in Tanzania
Authors: Edward Joshua 
Published: July 2022

Over the last two decades research has indicated an unpleasant experience for the elderly with exemptions. An important question for this paper is whether the unpleasant exempted experience for the elderly in accessing health services is linked to illiteracy. Since illiteracy can affect how services are used and its results, the answer to this paper’s question could affect how health services are accessed and their associated outcomes. Policy implementors are operating without a solid knowledge of this relationship. The study used a mixed methods approach. Purposive random sampling was applied to select 879 elderly and was guided by research assistants in filling in the questionnaires. Also, purposive sampling was used to recruit 23 key informants. Results indicates a significant relationship between illiteracy and selected indicators of health service access: awareness, acceptability and adequacy. This paper argues for more training opportunities through non-formal programs among adults and communication capacity building among health providers based on the results of implementing the elderly exemption policy in Ubungo and Mbarali districts in Tanzania.
Contradictions in Learner Interactions in a Blended-Learning Writing Course in the ODL Context: An Activity Theory Analysis
Authors: Pullenayegem Judy , De Silva K. Radhika M. , Jayatilleke Buddhini, Gayathri 
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on the use of Engeström’s (1987) Activity Theory (AT) framework to gain insights into the contradictions that emerge within the activity system of the online component of an advanced writing skills course, delivered in a blended-learning mode using the Process Approach. Activity theory, with its principle of contradictions, has been used successfully to identify tensions that arise in interactions between and among participates in online environments. The focus of this mixed-method study was to identify challenges participants experienced due to externally imposed conditions when engaging in the online activities. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the online log reports from the Learning Management System (LMS). Contradictions emerged between and among the elements of two activity triangles within the activity system of the online writing course. Implications of these contradictions were noted to take steps to improve the design of the online component of the writing course.
Scaling Smallholder Farmer Empowerment: Lessons from the Lifelong Learning Program in Uganda
Authors: Kalibwani Rebecca , Kakuru Medard , Carr Alexis , Tenywa Moses 
Published: July 2022

An evaluation study of the Lifelong Learning for Farmers (L3F) program was undertaken in two sites; in the central and northern regions of Uganda. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to measure the impact of the program on crop and household income, as well as the empowerment levels of its participants. The two sites had differences not only in geographical location but in historical background and implementation of the program, which may have influenced the livelihood outcomes. Despite these differences, the results of the study confirm the potential of the L3F approach to raise participants’ crop and household income relative to non-L3F counterparts, significantly so for women participants. There is also sufficient evidence to confirm that L3F positively contributes to farmer empowerment, and, subsequently, their livelihood. The paper draws lessons for scaling the empowerment process using the lifelong learning for farmers’ model in Uganda.
Utilization Pattern of Different Agricultural Information Sources and Channels by Paddy Farmers in Telangana
Authors: Yalakonda Ramu , Karthikeyan C. , Balasubramaniam P. , Selvi R. Gangai 
Published: July 2022

Paddy is the major crop in India. It is the second most important crop in the world in terms of cultivation. India's public agricultural information generation, testing, and transmission system are one of the world's largest and most complicated. Information sources and channels play a major role in communicating various farm information to farmers, who are the end-users of information containing various farm technologies, which motivates them to adopt newer technologies. In the Telangana state Khammam district was selected purposefully and two blocks and in each block two villages were selected based on the more cultivation area of paddy. From each village, thirty respondents were selected proportionately and randomly, comprising a total of 120 respondents as a sample. The study revealed that progressive farmers and extension officials of the agricultural department were the most preferred agricultural information sources, whereas result demonstration and television were important channels preferred in the study area.
Management of Major Insect Pests of Tomato using Multiple Resistant Tomato Hybrid Arka Rakshak
Authors: Kumar M. Senthil 
Published: July 2022

An attempt was made to demonstrate multiple resistant tomato hybrid Arka Rakshak for resistance against fruit borer and fungal diseases in field. Crop damage caused by tomato borer, whitefly and thrips borer was measured on the basis of damaged fruits, leaves separately. In order to assess the per cent fruit damage, the damaged fruits on five randomly selected tagged plants were counted as against total available fruits on the observed plants. Evaluation of host plant resistance in tomato using multiple resistant tomato hybrid Arka Rakshak for resistance against major insect pests of tomato were conducted during Kharif season of 2015 - 16 in the 10 farmers field at Karumandurai village of Salem district. The pretreatment count of leaf curl infection /plant was ranged from 5.64 to 6.22. The leaf curl infection in plant ranged from 3.22 to 12.92 per cent, 6.86 to 16.32 per cent and 7.82 to 24.62 per cent in vegetative, flowering and fruiting stage respectively. The yield was worked out baed on the healthy fruits harvested. The economics of multiple resistant tomato hybrid Arka Rakshak, variety sivam and untreated control were computed on the basis of current labour cost, cost of inputs and average market rate of tomato fruits.
Efficacy and Safety of Intracoronary Administration of Tirofiban through Perforated Balloon Technique in Patients with St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: El-Ghlban Ahmed Mosaad , Ashmawy Medhat Mohammed , Kasem Hanan Kamel , Hamdy Ehab Abd-El Wahab , Dras Enas  EL-Sayed 
Published: July 2022

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of intracoronary (IC) versus Intralesional (IL) administration of tirofiban during primary (PCI) in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Patients and Methods: This research involved 95 patients who were randomly assigned to recieve either IC bolus plus maintenance or IL bolus plus maintenance of tirofiban. Both groups were compared for pre and post intervention for cardiac marker, myocardial perfusion, and Major composite adverse cardiac event incidence at 3 months were recorded.
Results: Incidence of major adverse cardiac events was not different between groups, but Post procedure TIMI flow III and MBG III were significant in IL group with p = 0.03*, and 0.022* respectively favoring distal intracoronary strategy. Peak CK-MB values were lower in IL tirofiban group than IC group, 172.79±18.37, 184.58 ± 19.93 respectively with significant (p=0.021). ST segment resolution and 3 months LVEF in IL group were significantly higher in IL group than in IC group (p= 0.016*) respectively.
Conclusion: local intracoronary tirofiban infusion via perforated balloon technique at the time of PPCI was associated with reduced thrombus burden, improved immediate angiographic outcome, and 3-month EF, compared with intracoronary GPI bolus injection via the guiding catheter.
Can Acupuncture be an Adjunct Therapy for Bell’s palsy Post COVID-19? Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy: A Review
Authors: Yepthomi Tokika , Somanadhapai Sangeeth 
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical evidence of acupuncture treatment for Bell’s palsy and analyze its therapeutical options in post COVID-19 Bell’s palsy patients.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted by two independent investigators using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google scholar, LILACS and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and others from 2000 up until 2021, using the following keywords: Bell’s Palsy, covid-19, acupuncture, Mucormycosis, vaccine and steroids. Selection of articles was restricted to full-text articles published in English language only. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the clinical effects of an acupuncture intervention (acupuncture used alone or add on) with no treatment. Accordingly, RCTs fulfilling the criteria were included in the review.
Results: Most of the studies were generally of low methodological quality and only six randomized controlled trials (1076 people) were finally included for the study. In all of the included studies the treatment group or the acupuncture group reported advantageous effects or better outcomes compared to baseline or control group. No adverse events were reported in any of the included studies.
Conclusions: Our review suggest that Acupuncture can be an adjunct or a good alternate therapy for patients with Bell’s palsy post recovery of COVID-19 infection and especially those with the risk of predisposed factor for mucormycosis and other severe health complication. However, the present evidence might not be sufficiently robust against methodological flaws of the included RCTs. Well-designed trials with high methodological qualities are essential to establish a strong conclusion about the efficacy of acupuncture for Bell’s palsy.
Real‐Time Monitoring of the Dehydrogenation Behavior of a Mg2FeH6–MgH2 Composite by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kim Juyoung , Fadonougbo Julien O. , Bae Jee‐Hwan , Cho Min Kyung , Hong Jaeyoung , Cho Young Whan , Roh Jong Wook , Kim Gyeung Ho , Han Jun Hyun , Lee Young‐Su , Cho Jung Young , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Suh Jin‐Yoo , Chun Dong Won 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHerein, real‐time observations of dehydrogenation of a Mg2FeH6–MgH2 composite by means of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with advanced spatial (≈0.8 Å) and temporal (25 frames s−1) resolution are reported. Careful control and systematic variations of the reaction temperature and electron dose rate enable detailed and direct visualization of the characteristic decomposition of Mg2FeH6 into Mg and Fe, which occurs on the nanometer scale under optimal experimental conditions defined to minimize the electron‐beam‐driven Mg oxidation and dehydrogenation that take place in TEM. First, the formation of nanostructured fine Fe clusters in Mg metal and their growth via coalescence during dehydrogenation are verified. Additionally, fine monitoring of the in situ diffraction patterns acquired during decomposition of the composite allows separate evaluations of the desorption kinetics of the two coexisting phases, which confirm the synergetic dehydrogenation of this dual‐phase system. It is envisioned that these findings will provide useful guidelines for reducing the gaps between nanoscale and bulk‐scale research and designing hydrogen sorption conditions to enable efficient operation of a solid‐state hydrogen storage system.
Temporal Control of Trained Immunity via Encapsulated Release of β‐Glucan Improves Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Ajit Jainu , Cassaidy Britteny , Tang Sophia , Solanki Ani , Chen Qing , Shen Jingjing , Esser Kahn Aaron P. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEmerging diseases require generating new vaccines, which can often be time consuming. An alternate method to boost host defense is by inducing nonspecific innate immune memory, called trained immunity, to develop novel prophylactics. Many molecules, most notably β‐glucan, induce trained immunity, but their effects are often short‐lived and uncontrolled. This lack of temporal control limits both the therapeutic ability of training and provides fundamental questions about its nature. To achieve temporal control of trained immunity, controlled release nanoparticles encapsulating only 3.5% of the standard dose of β‐glucan to attain sustained release over a month are engineered. Nanoparticle‐trained mice exhibit prolonged training effects and improve resistance to a B16F10 tumor challenge compared to mice that receive an equivalent amount of free β‐glucan. The duration of trained immunity is further fine tuned by synthesizing nanoparticles composed of different molecular weights to modulate the release kinetics. These results demonstrate that dosing and temporal control can substantially alter the trained response to unanticipated levels. As such, this approach using sustained release platforms might lead to a novel prophylactic strategy for improved disease resistance against a wide variety of diseases.
Heterogenization of Molecular Electrocatalytic Active Sites through Reticular Chemistry
Authors: Kim Minseok , Yi Jaekyung , Park Seong‐Hyeon , Park Sarah S. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe electrochemical conversion of small molecules, such as CO2, O2, and H2O, has received significant attention as a potential engine for sustainable life. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of electrocatalytic materials for such processes. An attractive aspect of utilizing this class of materials as electrocatalysts is that well‐known molecular active sites can be introduced to well‐defined crystalline heterogeneous catalytic systems with high tunability. This review offers strategic insights into recent studies on MOF‐based electrocatalysts by discussing the notable active sites that have been utilized in both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, while highlighting instances where such active sites have been introduced into MOFs. In addition, material design principles enabling the integration of electrochemically active components with the MOF platform are outlined. Viewpoints on the viability of MOFs as an alternative to currently used electrocatalysts are also discussed. Finally, the future direction of MOF‐based electrocatalysis research is established.
One‐Step Synthesis of Arylacetaldehydes from Aryl Aldehydes or Diaryl Ketones via One‐Carbon Extension by Using the System of DMSO/KOH/Zinc
Authors: Nie Zhiwen , Yang Tonglin , Su Miaodong , Luo Weiping , Liu Qiang , Guo Cancheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA one‐step protocol is described for the synthesis of arylacetaldehydes from aryl aldehydes or diaryl ketones by using the system of DMSO/KOH/zinc. In this transformation, DMSO provides a methine fragment that converts the −CHO structure in aryl aldehydes or the −CO− structure in diaryl ketones to the −CH2CHO structure in arylacetaldehydes via a one‐carbon extension. This protocol could also be used to synthesize arylacetaldehyde acetals from aryl aldehydes or diaryl ketones when zinc was replaced by diols. In this protocol, 25 examples of arylacetaldehydes and 26 examples of arylacetaldehyde acetals have been synthesized from aryl aldehydes or diaryl ketones. Based on control experiments and the literature, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed in our work.magnified image
Solid‐State Janus Nanoprecipitation Enables Amorphous‐Like Heat Conduction in Crystalline Mg3Sb2‐Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Shu Rui , Han Zhijia , Elsukova Anna , Zhu Yongbin , Qin Peng , Jiang Feng , Lu Jun , Persson Per O. Å. , Palisaitis Justinas , le Febvrier Arnaud , Zhang Wenqing , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Yu Yuan , Eklund Per , Liu Weishu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSolid‐state precipitation can be used to tailor material properties, ranging from ferromagnets and catalysts to mechanical strengthening and energy storage. Thermoelectric properties can be modified by precipitation to enhance phonon scattering while retaining charge‐carrier transmission. Here, unconventional Janus‐type nanoprecipitates are uncovered in Mg3Sb1.5Bi0.5 formed by side‐by‐side Bi‐ and Ge‐rich appendages, in contrast to separate nanoprecipitate formation. These Janus nanoprecipitates result from local comelting of Bi and Ge during sintering, enabling an amorphous‐like lattice thermal conductivity. A precipitate size effect on phonon scattering is observed due to the balance between alloy‐disorder and nanoprecipitate scattering. The thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit ZT reaches 0.6 near room temperature and 1.6 at 773 K. The Janus nanoprecipitation can be introduced into other materials and may act as a general property‐tailoring mechanism.
Pre‐Lithiated Li2V6O13 Cathode Enables High‐Energy Aluminum‐Ion Battery
Authors: Ju Shunlong , Ye Jikai , Meng Yang , Xia Guanglin , Yu Xuebin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOwing to the low‐cost, safety, and three‐electron redox properties of aluminum, rechargeable aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are emerging as a promising energy storage technology. However, exploring suitable cathode material with both elevated working voltage and high reversible capacity remains a daunting challenge. Herein, under the guidance of density functional theory calculations, V6O13 is proposed as a promising cathode candidate in AIBs for the first time. It is demonstrated that aluminum ions are reversibly stored in V6O13 by intercalation reactions, with a high discharge voltage plateau of ≈1.1 V. Of particular note a pre‐lithiation strategy is employed to further promote the redox kinetics, which endows the pre‐lithiated V6O13 nanobelt (Li–VONB) with improved capacity of 161.6 mAh g−1 and impressive energy density of 177.7 Wh kg−1 after 300 cycles, far higher than other reported oxide cathodes in AIBs. Moreover, the shielding effect of pre‐inserted Li and accelerated diffusion rate are uncovered at the atomic scale. This work develops a novel Li–VONB cathode for high‐energy AIBs, and shows the great potential of pre‐intercalation strategies in the application of AIBs.
Single‐Atom Molybdenum‐N3 Sites for Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 to CO
Authors: Jiang Yiqiang , Sung Yunjin , Choi Changhyeok , Joo Bang Gi , Hong Song , Tan Xinyi , Wu Tai‐Sing , Soo Yun‐Liang , Xiong Pei , Meng‐Jung LI Molly , Hao Leiduan , Jung Yousung , Sun Zhenyu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe design of efficient non‐noble metal catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to fuels and chemicals is desired yet remains a challenge. Herein, we report that single Mo atoms with a MoN3 (pyrrolic) moiety enable remarkable CO2 adsorption and hydrogenation to CO, as predicted by density functional theory studies and evidenced by a high and stable conversion of CO2 reaching about 30.4 % with a CO selectivity of almost 100 % at 500 °C and very low H2 partial pressure. Atomically dispersed MoN3 is calculated to facilitate CO2 activation and reduces CO2 to CO* via the direct dissociation path. Furthermore, the highest transition state energy in CO formation is 0.82 eV, which is substantially lower than that of CH4 formation (2.16 eV) and accounts for the dominant yield of CO. The enhanced catalytic performances of Mo/NC originate from facile CO desorption with the help of dispersed Mo on nitrogen‐doped carbon (Mo/NC), and in the absence of Mo nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst preserves good stability without degradation of CO2 conversion rate even after 68 hours of continuous reaction. This finding provides a promising route for the construction of highly active, selective, and robust single‐atom non‐precious metal catalysts for reverse water–gas shift reaction.
Cytochrome P450BltEnables Versatile Peptide Cyclisation to Generate Histidine‐ and Tyrosine‐Containing Crosslinked Tripeptide Building Blocks
Authors: Zhao Yongwei , Marschall Edward , Treisman Maxine , McKay Alasdair , Padva Leo , Crüsemann Max , Nelson David R. , Steer David L. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Tailhades Julien , Cryle Max J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe report our investigation of the utility of peptide crosslinking cytochrome P450 enzymes from biarylitide biosynthesis to generate a range of cyclic tripeptides from simple synthons. The crosslinked tripeptides produced by this P450 include both tyrosine‐histidine (A−N−B) and tyrosine‐tryptophan (A−O−B) crosslinked tripeptides, the latter a rare example of a phenolic crosslink to an indole moiety. Tripeptides are easily isolated following proteolytic removal of the leader peptide and can incorporate a wide range of amino acids in the residue inside the crosslinked tripeptide. Given the utility of peptide crosslinks in important natural products and the synthetic challenge that these can represent, P450 enzymes have the potential to play roles as important tools in the generation of high‐value cyclic tripeptides for incorporation in synthesis, which can be yet further diversified using selective chemical techniques through specific handles contained within these tripeptides.
A Specialized Polythioamide‐Binding Protein Confers Antibiotic Self‐Resistance in Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Gude Finn , Molloy Evelyn M. , Horch Therese , Dell Maria , Dunbar Kyle L. , Krabbe Jana , Groll Michael , Hertweck Christian 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnderstanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms is central to the development of anti‐infective therapies and genomics‐based drug discovery. Yet, many knowledge gaps remain regarding the resistance strategies employed against novel types of antibiotics from less‐explored producers such as anaerobic bacteria, among them the Clostridia. Through the use of genome editing and functional assays, we found that CtaZ confers self‐resistance against the copper chelator and gyrase inhibitor closthioamide (CTA) in Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum. Bioinformatics, biochemical analyses, and X‐ray crystallography revealed CtaZ as a founding member of a new group of GyrI‐like proteins. CtaZ is unique in binding a polythioamide scaffold in a ligand‐optimized hydrophobic pocket, thereby confining CTA. By genome mining using CtaZ as a handle, we discovered previously overlooked homologs encoded by diverse members of the phylum Firmicutes, including many pathogens. In addition to characterizing both a new role for a GyrI‐like domain in self‐resistance and unprecedented thioamide binding, this work aids in uncovering related drug‐resistance mechanisms.