bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Students’ Poor Mathematics Performance in Ghana: Are there Contributing Factors?
Authors: Fokuo Mary Osei , Lassong Binandam Stephen , Kwasi Sarfo Frempong 
Published: July 2022

Background: Evidence suggests mathematics is a field of learning that drives the global educational curriculum. Mathematics is viewed as interlinked to the technological and scientific knowledge pool. Mathematics is taught as a core subject in senior high school in Ghana to boast the students’ abilities in solving problems. However, there is limited evidence on factors influencing poor mathematics performance by Ghanaian Senior High School students.
Aim: This paper investigates the factors which contribute to poor mathematics performance and attempts to give a feasible policy direction to improve performance and scale-up mathematic scare in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
Method: A quantitative survey approach was used to conduct the study. Four hundred and Forty (440) senior high school students were sampled from form one to form three in Kumasi Metropolis. The sample size comprised 240 girls and 200 boys. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the results of the study.
Results: Findings from the study reveals that poor mathematics performance is attributed to three causes (i.) Lack of coverage of mathematics curriculum content, (ii). Lack of interest in mathematics, and (iii). the belief that they cannot understand mathematics.
Conclusion: We recommend the syllabus should be revised by integrating and focusing on topics that build the mathematical know-how to solve real-life problem/issue counters.
Visão do Setor Supermercadista em Relação aos Produtos com Registro da Indicação de Procedência dos Vales da Uva Goethe
Authors: Coan Arthur , Vieira Adriana Carvalho Pinto , Schneider Michele Domingos , Zilli Julio Cesar 
Published: July 2022

Os Vales da Uva Goethe são uma região produtora de Uva e Vinho localizada no Sul de Santa Catarina, compreendendo oito municípios. Em 2012, essa produção conquistou o registro de Indicação de Procedência Vales da Uva Goethe. Diante do exposto, o presente estudo objetivou identificar a visão do setor supermercadista em relação aos vinhos produzidos com o registro de Indicação de Procedência dos Vales da Uva Goethe na cidade de Criciúma – SC. Metodologicamente, esta pesquisa caracterizou-se como descritiva quanto aos fins e de campo quanto aos meios de investigação. A população-alvo foi delimitada pelos supermercados da cidade de Criciúma – SC, caracterizadas pelos sommeliers ou responsáveis pela compra de vinhos do estabelecimento. Verificou-se que os sommeliers sabem o que é Indicação Geográfica, ao contrário dos consumidores. Os vinhos e espumantes dos Vales da Uva Goethe são comercializados em 50% dos supermercados. Apesar de o consumo de vinhos nacionais crescer, o consumidor tem preferência pelos importados, principalmente os chilenos.
Using theoretical models to explore dispersal variation and fragmentation in urban environments
Authors: Gorton Amanda J. , Shaw Allison K. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCities are fundamentally changing the environment that plants inhabit, most notably through habitat fragmentation. Urban plant habitat patches are separated by impervious surfaces like buildings and roads and may vary from small, isolated green spaces to large green spaces like parks. Understanding the consequences of this urban fragmentation on seed dispersal is essential to both maintain urban biodiversity and mitigate the spread of unwanted weeds or invasive species but we currently lack enough empirical data to draw generalities. Theoretical reasoning (via both verbal and mathematical models) is well positioned to contribute to this knowledge gap in dispersal by providing useful predictions when empirical data are lacking. Variation in dispersal can easily be captured by models by incorporating different dispersal kernel shapes, and multiple habitat configurations can be examined. Urban environments are rarely considered by mathematical models, and our literature review indicates that most models that include dispersal variation via a dispersal kernel use only one or two shapes, suggesting a gap in the theoretical literature as well. We present a proof‐of‐concept model of fragmentation in an urban environment illustrating how varying habitat width can lead to different outcomes depending on the dispersal kernel. We also provide some thoughts for future directions on the application of mathematical models in urban areas.
Ensemble predictions are essential for accurate bird migration forecasts for conservation and flight safety
Authors: Kranstauber Bart , Bouten Willem , van Gasteren Hans , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Accurate predictions of the abundance of migrating birds are important to avoid aerial conflicts of birds, for example, with aviation or wind power installations.
Here we develop a predictive model, using bird migration intensity extracted from operational weather data. We compare baseline phenological models to models incorporating both local and remote weather conditions using an ensemble approach. Single models are compared to ensemble models (average prediction of top 10 models). The models were evaluated by omitting single years from our 10‐year dataset.
In general, we find that wind conditions, in addition to seasonal and diurnal dynamics, are key for accurate predictions. The spring and fall migratory seasons differ, both with respect to the selected environmental variables and the contribution of the environmental model compared to the phenological model. In fall, the accumulation of migrants due to strong headwinds is an important predictor of migration.
Because of the lower daily variation in migration intensity in spring, the phenological model performs better compared to fall. In fall, weather conditions contribute more to accurate predictions of migration intensity than in spring.
Overall, the ensemble approach produces more accurate predictions outperforming specific environmental models. We therefore recommend that ensemble models be used in operational settings such as flight planning to reduce bird aircraft collisions during intense bird migration.
Competitive game motivation and trait aggression among Chinese adolescent players of Glory of the King: The mediating role of avatar identification and game aggression
Authors: Chen Shuai , Yi Zhenshuo , Wang Xu , Luo Yali , Liu Yanling 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that competitive video gaming is associated with aggression; however, little is known about the relationship between personal competitive factors and aggression. Thus, we used structural equation modeling to examine the association between competitive game motivation and trait aggression, as well as the potential mediating roles of avatar identification and game aggression, among 1584 (59.66% male; Mage = 14.58 years, SD = 1.49, range = 12–19) Chinese adolescent players of Glory of the King. The results showed that the direct effect of competitive game motivation on trait aggression was statistically significant, as were the indirect effects of competitive motivation—via both avatar identification and game aggression—on the three indicators of aggressive behavioral tendencies in everyday life. These results support the General Aggression Model, suggesting that competitive motivation is a personal factor predicting trait aggression. It contributes to our understanding of the roles of competition in video gamers' real‐life aggressive behavior from an individual perspective.
An introduction to key performance indicators for medical physicists
Authors: DiCostanzo Dominic J. , Kumaraswamy Lalith K. , Shuman Jillian , Pavord Daniel C. , Hu Yanle , Jordan David W. , Waite‐Jones Christopher , Hsu Annie 
Published: July 2022

AbstractQualified medical physicists (QMPs) are in a unique position to influence the creation and application of key performance indicators (KPIs) across diverse practices in health care. Developing KPIs requires the involvement of stakeholders in the area of interest. Fundamentally, KPIs should provide actionable information for the stakeholders using or viewing them. During development, it is important to strongly consider the underlying data collection for the KPI, making it automatic whenever possible. Once the KPI has been validated, it is important to setup a review cycle and be prepared to adjust the underlying data or action levels if the KPI is not performing as intended. Examples of specific KPIs for QMPs of common scopes of practice are provided to act as models to aid in implementation. KPIs are a useful tool for QMPs, regardless of the scope of practice or practice environment, to enhance the safety and quality of care being delivered.
Y‐Shaped Pyrene‐Based Aggregation‐Induced Emission Blue Emitters for High‐Performance OLED Devices
Authors: Zeng Jin , Qiu Nuoling , Zhang Jianyu , Wang Xiaohui , Redshaw Carl , Feng Xing , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe proposed concept of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) has offered an efficient strategy to design high‐performance luminescent materials. Herein, three blue emitters containing a pyrene core decorated with either triphenylamine or tetraphenylethylene units are presented. The designed compoundsPy‐TPAandPy‐2TPEare AIE or active materials with blue emission from 464 to 478 nm in the solid state, whereasPy‐2TPAis not. Moreover, the enhanced thermal stability of compoundsPy‐TPAandPy‐2TPEallows for their utilization as emitter layers for the fabrication of blue organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices. The devices exhibit excellent electroluminescence emission with maximum λmax emin the range 456–482 nm with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 7.27%, high exciton utilization efficiency (77.3%), and low turn‐on voltage (≤3.1 V), as well as low‐efficiency roll‐off. Theoretical calculations reveal that the high exciton utilization efficiency (ƞr) originates from the triplet excitons at T2to the lowest single excited (S1) state via a reverse intersystem crossing process following the principle of the “hot exciton” mechanism. This article not only provides powerful evidence revealing the advantages of pyrene‐based AIEgens for OLED applications, but also offers a new approach for designing pyrene‐based “hot exciton” materials for next‐generation OLEDs.
Tandem Asymmetric Cycloaromatization/ Intramolecular Pictet‐Spengler‐Type Reaction. An Entry to Polycyclic Pyrroles
Authors: Gaviña Daniel , Escolano Marcos , Rabasa‐Alcañiz Fernando , Díaz‐Oltra Santiago , Sánchez‐Roselló María , del Pozo Carlos 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe asymmetric synthesis of tetracyclic pyrroles bearing a tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter has been accomplished through a one‐pot sequence that comprises a cross metathesis reaction followed by a tandem cycloisomerization/ intramolecular Pictet‐Spengler‐type reaction. This sequence took place on conveniently functionalized chiral amino acids to render the final products in good overall yields and diastereoselectivities up to 20:1. Those pyrrole‐containing scaffolds are present in a variety of biologically relevant compounds.magnified image
Mechanochemical Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazoles via a [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azinium‐N‐Imines and Nitriles
Authors: Zhu Baofu , Li Wen , Chen Haixin , Wu Minjian , Hu Jijing , Cao Hua , Liu Xiang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe report here a mechanochemical Cu‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of azinium‐N‐imines with nitriles under solventless grinding conditions. Various 1,2,4‐triazolos derivatives were obtained in 51–80% yields. The developed protocol offers advantages in functional‐group compatibility, scalability, no use of solvents, shorter reaction time, and without external heating. In addition, heterocyclic N‐imines such as quinolinium and isoquinolinium salts are also suitable substrates, resulting in the production of 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoline and 1,2,4‐triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives under mechanochemical conditions.magnified image
Investigation of Defects in Cs2SnI6‐Based Double Perovskite Solar Cells Via SCAPS‐1D
Authors: Porwal Shivam , Paul Mrittika , Dixit Himanshu , Mishra Snehangshu , Singh Trilok 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEffective conversion of solar photons into electrical power through the development of smart and eco‐friendly materials is one of the most extensively researched methods for generating renewable energy. In this work, an inorganic lead‐free double perovskite Cs2SnI6material is employed as an active layer for solar cell applications, together with GO (graphene oxide) as electron transport layer (ETL) and Cu2O as hole transport layer (HTL). In order to find the most efficient photovoltaic device, a detailed theoretical study using the SCAPS‐1D simulation program is conducted. The device performance is monitored and analyzed by considering various HTLs, doping density in active layer, light intensity, ETL thickness, operating temperature, parasitic resistances, and the role of defects on device performance. The optimized device displays a power conversion efficiency of 23.64% with excellent photovoltaic characteristics. This theoretical study reveals that Cs2SnI6can be a promising choice for solar cell applications as a lead‐free double perovskite material.
Blue Phosphorescence and Hyperluminescence Generated from Imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2‐ylidene‐Based Iridium(III) Phosphors
Authors: Yang Xilin , Zhou Xiuwen , Zhang Ye‐Xin , Li Deli , Li Chensen , You Caifa , Chou Tai‐Che , Su Shi‐Jian , Chou Pi‐Tai , Chi Yun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFour isomeric, homoleptic iridium(III) metal complexes bearing 5‐(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2‐ylidene and 6‐(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2‐ylidene‐based cyclometalating chelates are successfully synthesized. The meridional isomers can be converted to facial isomers through acid induced isomerization. The m‐isomers display a relatively broadened and red‐shifted emission, while f‐isomers exhibit narrowed blue emission band, together with higher photoluminescent quantum yields and reduced radiative lifetime relative to the mer‐counterparts. Maximum external quantum efficiencies of 13.5% and 22.8% are achieved for the electrophosphorescent devices based on f‐tpb1 and m‐tpb1 as dopant emitter together with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.23) and (0.22, 0.45), respectively. By using f‐tpb1 as the sensitizing phosphor and t‐DABNA as thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) terminal emitter, hyperluminescent OLEDs are successfully fabricated, giving high efficiency of 29.6%, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 30 nm, and CIE coordinates of (0.13, 0.11), confirming the efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process.
Second‐Order Memristor Based on All‐Oxide Multiferroic Tunnel Junction for Biorealistic Emulation of Synapses
Authors: Khanas Anton , Hebert Christian , Becerra Loïc , Portier Xavier , Jedrecy Nathalie 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe brain has the ability to learn and evaluate as it receives and registers information. Signals between neurons are transmitted via synapses whose plasticity is modulated by usage. A bio‐realistic electrical analog is a second‐order memristor, where the short‐term internal dynamics influence the long‐term state. It is achieved here with an all‐oxide multiferroic tunnel junction: La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 / BaTiO3 / La0.7Sr0.3MnO3. Similar to the modulation of synaptic weight by stimuli, multi‐levels of resistance may be encoded by mean of voltage pulses, on long time scale and in correlation with short‐term effects. Neuromimetic learning functions are demonstrated: short and long‐term potentiation/depression, paired‐pulse facilitation/depression, spike‐rate‐ and experience‐dependent plasticity. The threshold frequency of pulse trains at which depression changes into potentiation depends on the previous activity, with a sliding effect as in neurobiology. The voltage pulses induce reversible changes of both dielectric polarization and oxygen vacancies distribution, generating transient trapped/detrapped charges at the two interfaces that govern the dynamic response. The resistance levels are determined by the final cationic ordering (the redox Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio) at the two interfacial layers. The stimulation/relaxation dynamics are close to that in biological counterparts. Such memristors can be used in hardware artificial networks for advanced processing/storage of the information.
Demand response potential of industrial processes considering uncertain short‐term electricity prices
Authors: Germscheid Sonja H. M. , Mitsos Alexander , Dahmen Manuel 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTime‐varying electricity prices on the day‐ahead and intraday market incentivize demand response of industrial processes. In prior work (Schäfer et al. AIChE J. 2020;66:1‐14), we studied the demand response potential with a generalized process model, but neglected the intraday market. Extending our prior investigation, we account for uncertain intraday prices in a mixed‐integer linear stochastic programming‐based scheduling, that is, we minimize expected cost and conditional value‐at‐risk in a bi‐objective optimization. We find that for very broad variations of the generalized process parameters, the conditional value‐at‐risk can be reduced significantly without drastically increasing the expected cost. Furthermore, simultaneously improving multiple process parameter leads to synergetic benefits. Moreover, the savings of three electrolysis processes can be more than doubled by marketing flexibility on the intraday market in addition to the day‐ahead market. Overall, our model allows for a rapid early assessment of the demand response potential considering the two markets.
Work‐function‐induced Interfacial Built‐in Electric Fields in Os‐OsSe2Heterostructures for Active Acidic and Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Chen Ding , Lu Ruihu , Yu Ruohan , Dai Yuhang , Zhao Hongyu , Wu Dulan , Wang Pengyan , Zhu Jiawei , Pu Zonghua , Chen Lei , Yu Jun , Mu Shichun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTheoretical calculations unveil that the formation of Os‐OsSe2heterostructures with neutralized work function (WF) perfectly balances the electronic state between strong (Os) and weak (OsSe2) adsorbents and bidirectionally optimizes the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of Os sites, significantly reducing thermodynamic energy barrier and accelerating kinetics process. Then, heterostructural Os‐OsSe2is constructed for the first time by a molten salt method and confirmed by in‐depth structural characterization. Impressively, due to highly active sites endowed by the charge balance effect, Os‐OsSe2exhibits ultra‐low overpotentials for HER in both acidic (26 mV @ 10 mA cm−2) and alkaline (23 mV @ 10 mA cm−2) media, surpassing commercial Pt catalysts. Moreover, the solar‐to‐hydrogen device assembled with Os‐OsSe2further highlights its potential application prospects. Profoundly, this special heterostructure provides a new model for rational selection of heterocomponents.
Physical properties of oleogels fabricated by the combination of diacylglycerols and monoacylglycerols
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Ma Da , Liu Yingwei , Wang Ying , Qiu Chaoying , Wang Yong 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOleogelation is an efficient way to offer healthy substitutes for trans and saturated fatty acids in processed foods. Multicomponent gels are of particular interest due to the ability to tune gel properties by altering the component proportions. In this study, monoacylglycerol (MAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) are used as gelator blends and the influence of the gelator ratio on the characteristics of oleogels was investigated. The crystallization and melting behavior, solid fat content (SFC), crystal morphology, polymorphism and mechanical properties of the oleogels were characterized. The oleogels with higher gelator level displayed increased oil binding ability and shorter crystal formation time. The oleogels with higher MAG ratio exhibited more fibrillar‐like crystals, and the mixed oleogels with MAG:DAG of 5:5 showed altered crystal morphology with finer crystal size, reduced crystallization enthalpies and solid state possibly due to the increased nucleation seeds promoted by MAG. The oleogels with high MAG level showed lower equilibrium SFC during isothermal crystallization but faster crystallization rate, higher hardness and elasticity. Therefore, by changing the ratio of DAG to MAG, the crystallization profile and rheological properties of oleogels can be tailored. The oleogels can be used as traditional solid fat substitutes to reduce saturated fatty acid content in lipid‐based products.
Improvement of PVDF composite membrane performance by using nanocrystals cellulose from waste pineapple leaf and g‐C3N4
Authors: Li Hongbin , Dai Jiliang , Hu Yue , Zheng Heshan , Ge Xiumin , Guo Yongqiang , Gao Shuzhen , Liu Chao 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHerein, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membranes blended with pineapple leaf nanocrystalline cellulose (PLNC) and g‐C3N4 for ultrafiltration were designed and fabricated via surface segregation during non‐solvent induced phase separation. The incorporation of PLNC and g‐C3N4 endows the PVDF composite membrane with a higher porosity, enhancing the pure water flux of PVDF/g‐C3N4/PLNC membrane by 256.75% compared to the PVDF membrane, while maintaining a higher water flux recoveries of 82.1%. Moreover, surface chemical compositions, surface and cross‐section morphologies, degree of crystallinity were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The mechanical properties of the PVDF composite membranes were also investigated. All the above experimental data showed that the addition of PLNC and g‐C3N4 can greatly improve the performance of the PVDF membrane. The prepared modified membrane has potential application value in the field of wastewater separation and treatment.
New [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐c]quinazoline derivatives as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 inhibitors and apoptosis inducers: Design, synthesis, docking, and antiproliferative evaluation
Authors: Azab Ahmed E. , Alesawy Mohamed S. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Elwan Alaa , Eissa Ibrahim H. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn continuation of our previous efforts in the field of design and synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐2 inhibitors, a new series of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐c]quinazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized as modified analogs of some reported VEGFR‐2 inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were designed to have the essential pharmacophoric features of VEGFR‐2 inhibitors. Antiproliferative activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated against two tumor cell lines (HepG2 and HCT‐116) using sorafenib as a positive control. Compound 10k emerged as the most promising antiproliferative agent with IC50 values of 4.88 and 5.21 µM against HepG2 and HCT‐116 cells, respectively. Also, it showed the highest inhibitory activity against VEGFR‐2 with an IC50 value of 53.81 nM compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 44.34 nM). Cell cycle analysis revealed that compound 10k can arrest HepG2 cells at both the S and G2/M phases. In addition, this compound produced a tenfold increase in apoptotic cells compared to the control. Furthermore, the effect of compound 10k on the expression level of BAX, Bcl‐2, and caspase‐3 was assessed. This compound caused a 3.35‐fold increase in BAX expression levels and a 1.25‐fold reduction in Bcl‐2 expression levels. The BAX/Bcl‐2 ratio was calculated to be 4.57, indicating a promising apoptotic effect. It also showed a significant increase in the level of caspase‐3 (4.12‐fold) compared to the control cells. In silico docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, and toxicity studies were performed for the synthesized compounds to investigate their binding patterns against the proposed biological target (VEGFR‐2) and to assess the drug‐likeness characters.