First principles study of reactions in alucone growth: the role of the organic precursor

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials are a unique class of materials with properties driven by the organic and inorganic components, making them useful for flexible devices. Molecular layer deposition (MLD) offers novel pathways for the fabrication of such hybrids by using inorganic metal precursors and the vast range of organic molecules with tunable properties. To investigate and understand the mechanism of growth a combination of theoretical and experimental data is needed. In this contribution, we present a first principles investigation of the molecular mechanism of the growth of hybrid organic−inorganic thin films of aluminium alkoxides, known as “alucones” grown by MLD. We explore the interactions between precursors by analyzing the MLD reaction products of the alumina surface terminated with Al(CH3) groups after the trimethyl aluminium pulse; this yields monomethyl-Al2O3 (Al-CH3-Al2O3) and dimethyl- Al2O3 (Al(CH3)2- Al2O3) terminated surfaces. The organic precursors are ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG) and tetraethylene glycol (FEG). A detailed comparison with alucones grown with ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol (GL) precursors is presented to assist the interpretation of experimental findings regarding the differences in the hybrid films grown by EG and GL. The results show that Al-O formation with release of methane is favorable for all precursors. EG and GL can lie flat and create so-called double reactions through the reaction of the two terminal hydroxyl groups with the surface fragments. This phenomenon removes active hydroxyl sites for EG. However, for GL the third hydroxyl group is available and growth can proceed. This analysis shows the origin of differences in thickness of alucones found for EG and GL

Numerical Behavior of Extended End-Plate Bolted Connection under Monotonic Loading

Extended end-plate connections, which act as joints providing resistance against moments between beams and columns, are commonly categorized as semi-rigid or partial-strength connections. The reason for their extensive application in steel frame constructions lies in their straightforward design, their ability to be reproduced easily, and the convenience they offer in the fabrication process. This research used the ABAQUS FE software to construct a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) with the main objective of exploring how different geometric parameters impact the behavior of the extended end-plate bolted connection, which functions as a semi-rigid, partial-strength beam-to-column connection. Accurately determining the moment-rotation relationship and connection stiffness is of utmost importance for semi-rigid connections. The developed FEM models incorporate various factors such as geometric and material non-linearities, bolt pretension force, as well as contact and sliding between the connection elements. To establish the credibility of the numerical outcomes, the developed FEM model was meticulously calibrated and verified against experimental data obtained from previous studies available in the literature. Subsequently, using the validated finite element model, a parametric investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of distinct geometric parameters, namely the thickness of the end plate and column web stiffeners. This numerical model facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the extended end-plate bolted connection, encompassing critical aspects such as the moment-rotation curve and failure mode. The results demonstrated that the analyzed finite element model aligns well with experimental findings and that the use of column stiffeners is inevitable in the joint, as well as a moderated thickness of the end plate. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2023-04-02-04 Full Text: PD

En kvalitativ studie av hur arbetsterapeuter arbetar med personer som har mild kognitiv svikt

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) är ett syndrom som kan leda till demens och som kostar samhället stora summor varje år. Det finns många studier om vad MCI är, men få studier finns som fångat upp arbetsterapeuters tankar och funderingar med att arbeta med denna patientgrupp. Syftet med studien var att se hur arbetsterapeuter arbetar med patienter med mild kognitiv svikt [MCI]. En kvalitativ ansats användes för att få fram arbetsterapeuters erfarenheter av att arbeta med MCI. Datainsamlingen genomfördes med semistrukturerade intervjuer av sju stycken yrkesverksamma arbetsterapeuter på kliniker inom Region Skåne. Datan analyserades med hjälp av en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Majoriteten av arbetsterapeuterna arbetade enligt arbetsprocessen OTIPM för att strukturera sitt arbete. De vanligaste bedömningsinstrumenten för bedömning av MCI var AMPS och MMSE. Mer effektiva bedömningsinstrument eftersöktes. Brist på tid och resurser att leta efter nya instrument saknades för bibehålla god kompetens samt tillmötesgå de riktlinjer som ställts ifrån Förbundet Sveriges Arbetsterapeuter [FSA]. Vidare studier kring arbetsterapeutiska interventioner med evidens om effektiva instrument vore därför nödvändigt för att stärka arbetsterapeutprofessionen och bidra till att upptäcka denna patientgrupp i ett så tidigt skede som möjligt för att kunna sätta in rätt insatser

Standard Energy Audit In The Residential Buildings - A Case Study In A Residential Apartment In Street New Kalabria\u27\u27 In Pristina

In an energy audit, the main goal is to achieve energy savings, identify opportunities for savings, the measures for saving energy efficient, prepared the report on energy saving measures. The energy auditis aimed adequate knowledge on the current state of energy consumption in buildings and identify opportunities in energy consumption and cost effective reporting of results. The data to be analyzed are: energy bills (electricity, fuel) for the audit period, for the last three years (and/or next year), building plans and studies and its energy installations electromechanical characteristics building/structure and operation of the apparatus/equipment basic climate data for the period in which the auditis being done. This paper will present an analysis of the overall energy audit standard for residential dwellings in Pristina

Quality of prison life, violence and mental health in Dubrava prison.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between the quality of prison life and mental health among prisoners and the occurrence of violence. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In total, 203 prisoners from Dubrava Correctional Center in Kosovo participated. Data on background characteristics of the prisoners, quality of prison life, mental health symptoms and exposure to physical, psychological and sexual violence were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using general linear models (GLM) and manual backwards model search with step-wise exclusion. FINDINGS: The GLM analysis showed a significant negative association between anxiety symptom load (-1.4), physical violence (-1.5) and psychological violence (-1.9), and quality of prison life. Furthermore, it appeared that prisoners rating of quality of life (QoL) increased with time among prisoners not exposed to violence, while this was not seen among prisoners exposed to violence. Finally, there was an inverse association between the dimensions of respect, fairness, humanity and good staff/prisoner relations, and the proportion of prisoners exposed to violence. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: An environment with higher levels of respect, fairness, humanity and good relations between staff and prisoners was associated with lower levels of violence. Hence, a prison that focuses on promoting QoL and good mental health among prisoners will show lower levels of violence, thereby making the prison a more tolerable place for the prisoners and a better working environment for prison staff.Dignit

Pojavnost aflatoksina M1 u uzorcima jogurta pronađenima na tržištu u Kosovu tijekom proljeća 2023.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a toxic byproduct of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) produced by Aspergillus fungi, is a carcinogenic mycotoxin that can contaminate various agricultural commodities. It can be transferred from AFB1-contaminated feed to milk and dairy products, including yogurt, posing a potential health risk to consumers. In spring 2023, a total of 74 yogurt samples were collected from the largest food suppliers in Kosovo for analysis, including samples produced in Kosovo and seven other countries: Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, and Germany. A rapid and sensitive analytical method, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was used for the analysis. The results of the study highlight discernible differences in the maximum tolerable levels of AFM1 between the countries. More specifically, yogurt samples from Slovenia and Germany had lower levels than those from other countries. Additionally, the median levels of AFM1 in samples from Slovenia and Germany were significantly lower. The mean concentrations of AFM1 in yogurt samples from Kosovo and other countries were 0.071 μg/kg and 0.080 μg/kg, respectively. Out of all samples, 66 (89%) exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 0.05 μg/kg. Among the exporting countries, Albania had the highest median AFM1 level of 0.085 μg/kg and the highest maximum level of 0.195 μg/kg. Slovenia had the lowest median AFM1 level, while Germany had the lowest maximum AFM1 level. All samples from Albania, Greece, and Bosnia and Herzegovina exceeded the maximum tolerable limit. High prevalence was also observed in samples from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. Considering the average daily consumption of about 250 grams of yogurt, and the total median value of Aflatoxin M1 concentration (0.071 μg/kg), the estimated daily intake was calculated to be 0.017 μg. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and enforcing regulatory limits to ensure yogurt safety and to protect public health. Efforts should be focused on mitigating AFM1 contamination and implementing measures to minimise its presence in dairy products, especially in regions where levels exceed the established limits.Aflatoksin M1 (AFM1), toksični nusproizvod aflatoksina B1 (AFB1) kojeg proizvode gljivice Aspergillus kancerogeni je mikotoksin koji može kontaminirati različite poljoprivredne proizvode. Može se prenijeti iz hrane za životinje kontaminirane s AFB1 na mlijeko i mliječne proizvode, uključujući jogurt, predstavljajući potencijalni rizik po zdravlje potrošača. U proljeće 2023. godine prikupljeno je ukupno 74 uzoraka jogurta od najvećih dobavljača hrane na Kosovu za analizu, uključujući uzorke proizvedene na Kosovu i u sedam drugih zemalja: Albaniji, Sjevernoj Makedoniji, Bosni i Hercegovini, Sloveniji, Grčkoj, Italiji i Njemačkoj. Za analizu je rabljena brza i osjetljiva analitička metoda, Enzimski povezani imunosorbentni test (ELISA). Rezultati studije ukazuju da nalazi ove studije naglašavaju zamjetne razlike u maksimalno dopuštenim razinama AFM1 između različitih zemalja. Točnije, u uzorcima jogurta iz Slovenije i Njemačke zamijećene su niže razine od onih iz drugih zemalja. Uz to, srednje razine AFM1 u uzorcima iz Slovenije i Njemačke bile su značajno niže. Srednje koncentracije AFM1 u uzorcima jogurta s Kosova i iz drugih zemalja bile su 0,071 μg/kg, odnosno 0,080 μg/kg. Od svih uzoraka, 66 (89 %) prekoračilo je maksimalno dopušteno ograničenje od 0,05 μg/kg. Od zemalja izvoznica, Albanija je imala najveću srednju razinu AFM1 od 0,085 μg/kg i najveću maksimalnu razinu od 0,195 μg/kg. Slovenija je imala najnižu srednju razinu AFM1, a Njemačka najnižu maksimalnu razinu AFM1. Svi uzorci iz Albanije, Grčke i Bosne i Hercegovine prekoračili su maksimalnu dopuštenu razinu. Visoka prevalencija zamijećena je i u uzorcima s Kosova, iz Sjeverne Makedonije i Slovenije. Razmatrajući prosječnu dnevnu konzumaciju od jedne čašice od oko 250 g jogurta i ukupnu srednju vrijednost koncentracije aflatoksina M1 (0,071 μg/kg), izračunat je procijenjeni dnevni unos od 17,75 μg. Ovi nalazi naglašavaju važnost nadziranja i provođenja regulatornih ograničenja kako bi se osigurala sigurnost jogurta i zaštitilo javno zdravlje. Potrebno je uložiti napore za smanjenje kontaminacije AFM1 i provedbu mjera za smanjenje njegove prisutnosti u mliječnim proizvodima, posebice u regijama gdje razine prekoračuju utvrđena ograničenja

A carbene stabilized precursor for the spatial atomic layer deposition of copper thin films

This paper demonstrates a carbene stabilized precursor [Cu(tBuNHC)(hmds)] with suitable volatility, reactivity and thermal stability, that enables the spatial plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (APP-ALD) of copper thin films at atmospheric pressure. The resulting conductive and pure copper layers were thoroughly analysed and a comparison of precursor and process with the previously reported silver analogue [Ag(tBuNHC)(hmds)] revealed interesting similarities and notable differences in precursor chemistry and growth characteristics. This first report of APP-ALD grown copper layers is an important starting point for high throughput, low-cost manufacturing of copper films for nano- and optoelectronic devices

Molecular layer deposition of "magnesicone", a magnesium-based hybrid material

Molecular layer deposition (MLD) offers the deposition of ultrathin and conformal organic or hybrid films which have a wide range of applications. However, some critical potential applications require a very specific set of properties. For application as desiccant layers in water barrier films, for example, the films need to exhibit water uptake and swelling and be overcoatable. For application as a backbone for a solid composite electrolyte for lithium ions on the other hand, the films need to be stable against lithium and need to be transformable from a hybrid MLD film to a porous metal oxide film. Magnesium-based MLD films, called "magnesicone", are promising on both these aspects, and thus, an MLD process is developed using Mg(MeCp)(2) as a metal source and ethylene glycol (EG) or glycerol (GL) as organic reactants. Saturated growth could be achieved at 2 to 3 angstrom/cycle in a wide temperature window from 100 to 250 degrees C. The resulting magnesicone films react with ambient air and exhibit water uptake, which is in the case of the GL-based films associated with swelling (up to 10%) and in the case of EG-based magnesicone with Mg(CO)(3) formation, and are overcoatable with an ALD of Al2O3. Furthermore, by carefully tuning the annealing rate, the EG-grown films can be made porous at 350 degrees C. Hence, these functional tests demonstrate the potential of magnesicone films as reactive barrier layers and as the porous backbone of lithium ion composite solid electrolytes, making it a promising material for future applications

Drivers of joint cropland management strategies in agri-food cooperatives

[EN] In several Spanish regions, collective action through production and marketing cooperatives has traditionally concentrated the food supply of small and medium-sized farms. However, many cooperatives are threatened by the risk of abandonment of members' cropland, which reduces their sourcing capacity. In this context, joint cropland management initiatives have become a useful form of social and organizational innovation. This research's contribution is twofold: it examines the relevance of some drivers of this organizational innovation, and it determines the cooperative characteristics or combinations of characteristics that can sufficiently explain the adoption of a joint cropland management strategy. Some cooperatives' features have been a priori identified as related to the achievement of joint cropland initiatives: economic size, social innovation, innovative behavior, and collaborative orientation. The study is mainly based on data from a cooperatives survey, and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) methodology has been used. The analysis has been completed by surveying cooperatives' managers about their opinions on a joint cropland management strategy's main advantages and drivers. Results indicate that social and economic innovation, size, and propensity to cooperate with other cooperatives are key factors that help create a cooperative profile capable of tackling the challenge of land abandonment and the consequent loss of production.Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain, European Regional Development Fund, European Commission. Project "Strengthening innovation policy in the agri-food sector" (RTI2018-093791-B-C22).Piñeiro, V.; Martinez Gomez, VD.; Melia-Marti, E.; García Alvarez-Coque, JM. (2021). Drivers of joint cropland management strategies in agri-food cooperatives. Journal of Rural Studies. 84:162-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.04.003S1621738

Homoerotic Codes in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Although Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) is considered to be one of the best known homoerotic novels ever written, the novel does not contain any explicit statements of homoeroticism which leaves the novel to be more of a suggestive work of such a theme. The aim of this essay is to examine some of the different codes used by Wilde to show a homoerotic theme in The Picture of Dorian Gray. By codes I mean indications consciously or unconsciously inserted by the author towards a homoerotic theme. The focus will be placed on major codes, such as aestheticism, Hellenism, secrecy and shame and effeminacy