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Interactions between humans and smart products (i.e. digital components integrated in physical Internet of Things devices) are becoming more complex and less visible. Yet designers lack tools to capture these interactions and incorporate them into their design. In this paper we present the Human-Computer-Context Interaction (HCCI) tool that helps the designer to consider the different interactions of the user early in the conceptualisation phase, in order to eventually improve the user experience for smart products. This tool introduces 5 relevant interaction levels to be considered, when defining the context-of-use. In this paper we assess the use of the tool by means of a design challenge with a total of 34 industrial design students, given the task to design a smart kitchen concept. The tool was evaluated by a mixed method approach. Results show that the tool was evaluated as useful and usable during the early concept phase of the design of smart products. Unsupported concepts typically envisioned a single user interacting with one object through explicit interactions. Hence, tool-supported designs were more holistic and better captured interactions with other objects, users, content and services. From this we conclude that the tool can help to detect possible pitfalls of design selections. The tool is aimed to be used in a new product development process by HCI researchers, designers, and developers and is technology independent. Based on observations and participant feedback, we reflect on the strengths and limitations of this tool.

Abstract A 7‐month‐old male French bulldog was referred for abnormal mentation and gait. Physical examination revealed a dome shaped calvarium and persistent bregmatic fontanelle. Neurological examination revealed proprioceptive ataxia, pelvic limb paraparesis and strabismus with moderate ventriculomegaly, thinning of the cerebral parenchyma, and widened cerebral sulci on magnetic resonance imaging. Masses were identified in the region of the thyroid, which appeared heterogeneous and hyperintense in T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted compared with the adjacent muscle signal masses were identified. Radiological diagnosis was hydrocephalus “ex vacuo” and goiter. Blood test revealed abnormally low total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and normal thyrotropin concentration. A diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was confirmed by positive genetic test for thyroid peroxidase mutation. Thyroxine supplementation treatment rapidly improved clinical signs.

Experimental structural data for bis(terpyridine)iron(II) and a series of related iron(II) complexes, featuring either substituted terpyridine or tris-azinyl analogues of terpyridine, are presented and analyzed in terms of the Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) from the average experimental data for each specific complex. The experimental structural data are then juxtaposed with density functional theory (DFT) calculated data obtained using various combinations of DFT functionals and basis sets, with and without the inclusion of Grimme D3 empirical dispersion correction. These diverse computational approaches yield optimized geometries that are subsequently compared against the available experimental structural data to assess their accuracy. The aim is to identify a reliable DFT method for determining the geometries of bis(terpyridine)iron(II) and its related complexes.

The present research work reports the preparation of Hyphaene thebaica derived-biochar (HTBC) and its applicability as eco-friendly and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of methyl orange (MO) dye. The main physicochemical characteristics of HTBC including its morphology, crystallinity and chemical function groups were determined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that HTBC adsorbent was found to be constituted by heterogeneous surface with mesoporous having a surface area of 33.38 m2/g and pore diameter of 23.53 nm, and carboxylic and amine functional groups. Adsorption experiments were conducted using batch mode, by varying key adsorption parameters such as contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dosage and concentration. Adsorption isotherm modelling revealed that the Langmuir model (higher R2 and lower χ2) provided a better fit for MO adsorption onto HTBC, while the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Under optimized conditions (pH 2, HTBC dose of 0.03 g, initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L, 313 K, 270 rpm), the maximum Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity for MO adsorption onto HTBC was found to be 264.922 mg/g. According the thermodynamic parameters, it can be deduced that MO adsorption on HTBC was exothermic and spontaneous. Adsorption mechanism can be attributed to various interactions, including electrostatic attraction, H-bonding, and π-π interaction. In light of these findings, biochar from Hyphaene thebaica shells can be considered a cost-effective and biodegradable adsorbent with significant potential for the treatment of water contaminated with anionic dyes.

Abstract Recent biological surveys of ancient inselbergs in southern Malawi and northern Mozambique have led to the discovery and description of many species new to science, and overlapping centres of endemism across multiple taxa. Combining these endemic taxa with data on geology and climate, we propose the ‘South East Africa Montane Archipelago’ (SEAMA) as a distinct ecoregion of global biological importance. The ecoregion encompasses 30 granitic inselbergs reaching > 1000 m above sea level, hosting the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, as well as biologically unique montane grasslands. Endemic taxa include 127 plants, 45 vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and 45 invertebrate species (butterflies, freshwater crabs), and two endemic genera of plants and reptiles. Existing dated phylogenies of endemic animal lineages suggests this endemism arose from divergence events coinciding with repeated isolation of these mountains from the pan-African forests, together with the mountains’ great age and relative climatic stability. Since 2000, the SEAMA has lost 18% of its primary humid forest cover (up to 43% in some sites)—one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa. Urgently rectifying this situation, while addressing the resource needs of local communities, is a global priority for biodiversity conservation.

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate whether the content of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) messages predicts communication outcomes in South African nonprofit organisations (NPOs). The study found a positive association between CSR message content and CSR communication outcomes. Additionally, CSR message content in nonprofit organisations is positively linked to their CSR communication outcomes. Furthermore, support for community-related activities positively impacts CSR communication outcomes, thereby explaining the correlation between CSR message content and communication effectiveness. The study lays the groundwork for non-profit organisations seeking optimisation of their CSR messaging to achieve a wider socio-economic impact on the public at large. These results underscore the importance for nonprofit organisations to strategically develop CSR messages that highlight their support for community-related activities. By emphasising such content in their communication efforts, organisations can enhance their CSR communication outcomes, potentially fostering stronger relationships with stakeholders and garnering increased support for their initiatives.

Abstract Background The need for rehabilitation in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) is rapidly increasing as more people are living longer with chronic diseases. Primary health care (PHC) is ideally placed to provide the spectrum of care required to meet most of the complex and evolving population's health needs locally. This study aimed to describe the patient journeys of adults attending primary care in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to understand the factors that affected their access to primary care rehabilitation services (or the lack thereof) and obtain suggestions on how rehabilitation may be enhanced at primary care. Methods A maximum variation sampling approach was used to purposefully select persons with varied chronic health conditions and demographic characteristics to gain diverse perspectives regarding their rehabilitation needs and ways in which the current rehabilitation services at primary care may be enhanced. Data were collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews between March and June 2022 which were electronically recorded. Inductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was done and coded in Atlas.ti.22®. Results Twenty-five adult patients participated in the study. The patients had different experiences at their local PHC facilities that affected their access to rehabilitation at primary care. The study found that most patients were not able to access rehabilitation at primary care. There were several personal and contextual factors that resulted in the patients having a low perceived need to receive rehabilitation that potentially lowered patients' demand for and utilization of rehabilitation at primary care. Patients suggested increasing rehabilitation workforce at primary care, improving availability of assistive devices, increasing their knowledge regarding rehabilitation, and facilitating socio-economic integration into their communities. Conclusions Patients attending primary care are not guaranteed access to rehabilitation by virtue of having entered the PHC system. It is important to consider the patient perspectives regarding their health needs and suggestions for enhancing care.

Abstract In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated the recommendations for micronutrient deficiency correction in hospitalised under‐5 children with complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This study aimed to describe the micronutrient deficiency correction practices in relation to WHO 2013 recommendations. Data from medical records of under‐5 children admitted for SAM management at two hospitals in South Africa and three tertiary hospitals in Ghana were extracted. Micronutrient correction practices were compared to the WHO 2013 recommendations by considering the dosage, timing of micronutrient supplementation (vitamin A, iron and folic acid) and therapeutic feeds administered. In total, 723 medical records were included. Nearly half (48.3%) of the children received at least one of the studied micronutrients as a supplement. Vitamin A was supplemented in 27.4% of the children, while iron and folic acid were supplemented in 9.5% and 34.9%, respectively. Among the children who received vitamin A, 60.1% received the first dose on Day 1 of admission. Also, 46.4% of the iron‐supplemented children received iron within the first week of admission. Vitamin A, iron and folic acid were administered within the dose range of 100,000–180,000 IU, 3.1–7.7 mg per kg per day, and 3–5 mg per day, respectively. Additionally, 71.7% of the children reportedly received therapeutic feeds that met WHO recommendations. The micronutrient deficiency correction practices regarding dose and timing differed from the 2013 WHO guidelines. Qualitative studies investigating the reasons for the disparities are recommended.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a type of solar cell that has an ABX3 structure and have found applications in photoluminescence, sensors and actuators, ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices, semiconductors, and supercapacitors. Despite being cheaper and easier to fabricate than the silicon-based solar cells, their use has been hampered by the accompanying surface defects leading to thermal and moisture instability and reduced photovoltaic performances. Bidentate ligands have been reported to improve the photovoltaic properties of perovskites by increasing the short-circuit current density (Jsc), the open-circuit voltage (Voc), the fill factor (FF), the power conversion efficiency (PCE), and the hysteresis. Passivation of some PSCs has led to certified efficiencies of 26.4% and 33.7% in a single and heterojunction materials, respectively. In addition to the improved photovoltaic performances, bidentate ligand-derived perovskites have been reported to improve operational stability wherein the perovskite retained above 99% of its earliest power conversion efficiency even after 5000 h of constant heating at 80 °C, humidity of 60%, or illumination of 3.0 W. Beside passivation using bidentate ligands, the use of impurities for doping and interface optimization has also been linked to improved perovskite performance. However, with doping, there is an introduction of more uncoordinated metal ions at the perovskite surface during surface optimization. The nicotinimidamide, N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate and the isobutylhydrazine were the most outstanding bidentate ligands used for the passivation of perovskite, showing power conversion efficiency of 25.30, 24.52, and 24.25% respectively. We also observed that the replacement of MA in MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite reported by Mas-Montoya with FA, giving FAPbI3 (formamidinium lead iodide) perovskite reported by Liu's, group, led to improvement in the efficiency from 16.20 to 24.52% using N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate for passivation. This review x-rayed the role of bidentate ligands in the surface passivation of perovskite solar cells leading to improved stability and photovoltaic performances.

Abstract First‐time‐in‐human (FTIH) trials are designed to generate information on the safety, tolerability, as well as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile of new drugs. To ensure the safety of participants, these trials need to be conducted at specifically equipped phase I clinical trial units (CTUs). In accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the European Union (EU) regulatory guidelines, one of the aims of the European Regime Accelerator for Tuberculosis (ERA4TB) project is to collaboratively create a feasibility tool, through a partnership between public and private entities, for the validation of CTUs selected to conduct FTIH trials. A feasibility form, encompassing nine sections, was created to gather information on the unit in relation to key attributes of FTIH trials. Collaboratively, industry and academic partners defined the minimal criteria to ensure the adherence of CTUs to the principles of ICH GCP and regulations outlined by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the execution of FTIH trials. Subsequently, all CTUs available for the project were assessed for FTIH trial eligibility. The introduction of the certification procedure through the feasibility tool within ERA4TB resulted in the accreditation of the five academic CTUs, which are now prepared to carry out FTIH trials as part of the Consortium. The developed feasibility tool aims to establish open and widely used minimum requirements for the validation of academic CTUs as FTIH units, marking it as the inaugural tool for CTU validation resulting from the collaboration between industry and academia within the ERA4TB project. The established partnership has enabled an innovative and novel way of working.

Water pollution is responsible for over 1.8 million global death annually. Among the water pollutants are heavy metals including chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, mercury, and lead. Interestingly, some of the heavy metals copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, zinc, and manganese are components of important biological enzymes involved in redox reactions in the body. However, the transitions between the various oxidation states of these essential heavy metals are sources of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. Adsorption has been a well-researched means of removing heavy metal pollutants, nevertheless, there are problems associated with adsorption processes like the generation of sludge ballasting, high quantity of adsorbent due to surface area, and toxicity of spent adsorbent. In this work, the utilization of bidentate ligands for the removal of heavy metals in contaminated water via complexation was examined. Reports have shown that bidentate ligands and popular adsorbents (biochar, activated carbon, charcoal, and cellulose) functionalized with bidentate ligands provided drastically improved heavy metal complexation and adsorptive capacities. Specifically, bidentate ligands such as dithiocarbamate, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, and 1,10-phenanthroline removed 99-100 % of Pb2+ and Hg2+ ions.

The successful nickel catalyzed synthesis of N-(aryl) substituted p-toluene sulphonamides is reported. The intermediate 4-methylbenzenesulphonamide was obtained by the reaction of p-toluenesulphonyl chloride and ammonium hydroxide. Substituted p-toluene sulphonamides were obtained by coupling 4-methylbenzenesulphonamide with readily available aryl halides via Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction. The structures of the compounds were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), proton NMR, carbon-13 NMR and mass spectroscopy. The new compounds were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using agar diffusion technique. Some of the compounds showed improved antimicrobial activity when compared with ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole. The sulphonamides were further screened for antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazide (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potency (FRAP) and ferrous sulphate induced lipid peroxidation. The compounds showed improved antioxidant activity on comparison with ascorbic acid. Specifically, compound 20 was revealed by this study to be a lead antibacterial and antifungal agent whereas compound 17 showed a lead as antioxidant agent. The drug-likeness study indicated that none of the compounds violated Lipinski, Ghose, and Verber rules for drug-able molecules.

Promoting smallholders’ sustainable development in Africa means addressing agronomic and economic factors but also highly relevant social influences shaping farmers’ production and affecting household well-being. Holistic, integrated analyses can help to meet this need, informing more effective policies and interventions for smallholder farming systems. The authors apply a transdisciplinary, quantitative approach to analyzing social impacts in the smallholder context, using milk-producing crop-livestock family farms in central Madagascar as a test case. First, stochastic frontier analysis is leveraged to confirm education as a social indicator linked to production efficiency. Then, linear regression is used for exploratory modeling of children’s educational outcomes. Findings from the Malagasy case emphasize the influence of rural infrastructure, parental education, chronic poverty, family planning, and crop-livestock diversification on children’s educational outcomes among one region’s farming households. Taken together, results suggest that Madagascar’s policymakers should consider comprehensive territorial planning for simultaneously promoting agricultural development and human well-being. This study illustrates how a transdisciplinary approach to social impacts analysis can integrate agronomic, economic, and social dynamics and help anticipate potential outcomes in support of smallholders’ sustainable development.

This review article gives a short overview of the basic principle and criteria to evaluate the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. Experimental measurements such as the short-circuit current density, open-circuit photovoltage, fill factor, energy conversion efficiency, light harvesting energy and band gap, are discussed and formulas to measure them are provided. In addition, density functional theory calculated parameters often used to evaluate dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells are explained and formulated. These include light harvesting energy, oscillator strength, injection driving force, regeneration driving force, driving force for charge recombination, excited state lifetime, the character (e.g. metal based, ligand based, π, π* etc.) and energy of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, natural transition orbitals, band gap and reorganization energy for electron and hole. The relationship between the density functional theory calculated and experimentally measured parameters is explained. An enhanced short-circuit current density and improved performance of dye-sensitized solar cells are anticipated with higher calculated values for light harvesting efficiency, driving force for electron injection and regeneration, and lower calculated values of reorganization energy. Additionally, higher calculated values of the dipole moment of the dye perpendicular to the TiO2 semiconductor surface are expected to enhance the open-circuit photovoltage, consequently contributing to the overall performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. Figures to illustrate the different measurable parameters and selected examples from the literature are provided. These techniques can be employed in subsequent experimental and theoretical studies to validate potential new dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells.

BackgroundWe evaluated Nix-TB trial data (NCT02333799, N = 109) to provide dosing recommendations to potentially minimize linezolid toxicity in patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. .MethodsA pharmacokinetic model and toxicodynamic models for peripheral neuropathy, hemoglobin, and platelets were developed. Simulations compared safety outcomes for daily linezolid of 1200 and 600 mg, with and without dose adjustments for toxicity. Severe neuropathy was based on symptom scores from the Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screen. Severe anemia and thrombocytopenia were defined as ≥ grade 3 adverse events according to the NIAID Division of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Adult Toxicity table.ResultsPredicted concentration-time profiles were a major predictor in all toxicodynamic models. Simulations showed higher percentages of patients with severe neuropathy (median, 19%; 90% confidence interval [CI], 17%-22% vs 5%, 4%-7%) and severe anemia (15%, 12%-17% vs 1%, 0%-2%) between 1200 and 600 mg daily linezolid. No differences in severe thrombocytopenia were observed (median, 10% decrease in hemoglobin level after 4 weeks of treatment would have maximum sensitivity (82%) and specificity (84%) for predicting severe anemia. Reducing the dose from 1200 to 600 mg triggered by this marker may prevent 60% (90% CI, 45%-72%) of severe anemia.ConclusionsSimple neuropathy symptom and hemoglobin monitoring may guide linezolid dosing to avoid toxicities, but prospective testing is needed to confirm the benefit-to-risk ratio.