bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SESAM-assisted Kerr-lens mode-locked Cr:ZnS laser
Authors: Kowalczyk Maciej , Davydenko Ivan , Sotor Jaroslaw
Published: August 2024

Mode-locking in Cr:ZnS/Se lasers typically relies on Kerr-lensing (KLM) or semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). The former allows generation of shorter pulses, but, unlike the latter, does not support self-starting mode-locking. Here, we combine the advantages of these two techniques and demonstrate the SESAM-assisted KLM Cr:ZnS laser. Our self-starting oscillator generates up to 1 W of average power with 54 fs pulses at a central wavelength of 2360 nm. We identify a general limitation for further pulse shortening in SESAM mode-locked Cr:ZnS/Se lasers, which is related to the finite operation bandwidth of the semiconductor absorbers. In our experiment, we fully exploit the potential of commercially available GaSb SESAMs and fill their entire reflection bands. Furthermore, we compare the performance of a SESAM-assisted KLM laser with a pure KLM oscillator producing broadband, yet not self-starting, 33 fs pulses with 780 mW power. We also show that the choice of saturable absorbers has a negligible impact on the laser intensity noise, which is exceptionally low with sub-0.005 % integrated noise.
Improve the Hunger Games search algorithm to optimize the GoogleNet model
Authors: Li Yanqiu , Qu Shizheng , Liu Huan
Published: August 2024

The setting of parameter values will directly affect the performance of the neural network, and the manual parameter tuning speed is slow, and it is difficult to find the optimal combination of parameters. Based on this, this paper applies the improved Hunger Games search algorithm to find the optimal value of neural network parameters adaptively, and proposes an ATHGS-GoogleNet model. Firstly, adaptive weights and chaos mapping were integrated into the hunger search algorithm to construct a new algorithm, ATHGS. Secondly, the improved ATHGS algorithm was used to optimize the parameters of GoogleNet to construct a new model, ATHGS-GoogleNet. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm ATHGS and the model ATHGS-GoogleNet, a comparative experiment was set up. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm ATHGS shows the best optimization performance in the three engineering experimental designs, and the accuracy of the proposed model ATHGS-GoogleNet reaches 98.1%, the sensitivity reaches 100%, and the precision reaches 99.5%.
Neurocognitive effects of 3 mA prefrontal electrical stimulation in schizophrenia: A randomized sham-controlled tDCS-fMRI study protocol
Authors: Hallajian Amir-Homayun , Sharifi Kiomars , Rostami Reza , Saeed Fahimeh , Mokarian Rajabi Shirin , Zangenehnia Negin , Amini Zahra , Askari Zahra , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2024

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is characterized by cognitive deficits that are linked to prefrontal cortex dysfunction. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise for improving cognition, the effects of intensified 3mA tDCS protocols on brain physiology are unknown. This project aims to elucidate the neurophysiological and cognitive effects of an intensified prefrontal tDCS protocol in SCZ.

Methods

The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, 2-arm parallel-group, sham-controlled, trial. Forty-eight participants with SCZ and cognitive impairment (measured via a set of executive functions tests) will be randomly allocated to receive either a single session of active (n = 24) or sham (n = 24) tDCS (20-min, 3-mA). The anodal and cathodal electrodes are positioned over the left and right DLPFC respectively. The stimulation occurs concurrently with the working memory task, which is initiated precisely 5 minutes after the onset of tDCS. Structural and resting-state (rs-fMRI) scans are conducted immediately before and after both active and sham tDCS using a 3 Tesla scanner (Siemens Prisma model) equipped with a 64-channel head coil. The primary outcome will be changes in brain activation (measures vis BOLD response) and working memory performance (accuracy, reaction time).

Discussion

The results of this study are helpful in optimizing tDCS protocols in SCZ and inform us of neurocognitive mechanisms underlying 3 mA stimulation. This study will additionally provide initial safety and efficacy data on a 3 mA tDCS protocol to support larger clinical trials. Positive results could lead to rapid and broader testing of a promising tool for debilitating symptoms that affect the majority of patients with SCZ. The results will be made available through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
Performance evaluation of nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion and low viscosity used in diesel engines
Authors: Kuang Xin , Yang Xiping , Bian Hua , Kuang Rong , Hu Nanrong , Li Shengyong
Published: August 2024

The basic tribological experiments have reported that nano-graphene lubricating oil has excellent anti-friction and anti-wear properties, which has been widely concerned. However, the real anti-friction effect of nano-graphene lubricating oil and its impact on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance remain to be proved. This has seriously hindered the popularization and application of nano-graphene lubricating oil in the engine field. In this paper, nano-graphene powder was chemically grafted to prepare nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion stability. The influence of nano-graphene on physicochemical properties of lubricating oil was studied, and the influence of nano-graphene on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance was explored. The results show that after modification, the dispersion of nano-graphene in lubricating oil is improved. Compared with pure lubricating oil, the addition of nano-graphene makes the kinematic viscosity of lubricating oil slightly lower, and has little effect on the density, flash point, pour point and total acid value of lubricating oil. The reversed towing torque of nano-graphene lubricating oil is reduced by 1.82–5.53%, indicating that the friction loss decreases. The specific fuel consumption of the engine is reduced, which indicates that the fuel economic performance is improved. Engine HC+NOX, CH4, CO2 emissions do not change much, but particulate matter (PM) emissions increase by 8.85%. The quantity concentration of nuclear particles, accumulated particles and total particles of nano-graphene lubricating oil are significantly higher than that of pure lubricating oil. And the increase of the quantity concentration of accumulated particles is more obvious than that of nuclear particles, and the larger the load, the more obvious this phenomenon. In order to apply nano-graphene lubricating oil to the engine, it is also necessary to further study its impact on the post-processing system, adjust the control strategy of the post-processing system and then test and calibrate.
Do restoration strategies in mangroves recover microbial diversity? A case study in the Yucatan peninsula
Authors: Esguerra-Rodríguez Daniel , De León-Lorenzana Arit , Teutli Claudia , Prieto-Davó Alejandra , García-Maldonado José Q. , Herrera-Silveira Jorge , Falcón Luisa I.
Published: August 2024

Mangrove forests are fundamental coastal ecosystems for the variety of services they provide, including green-house gas regulation, coastal protection and home to a great biodiversity. Mexico is the fourth country with the largest extension of mangroves of which 60% occurs in the Yucatan Peninsula. Understanding the microbial component of mangrove forests is necessary for their critical roles in biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem health, function and restoration initiatives. Here we study the relation between the microbial community from sediments and the restoration process of mangrove forests, comparing conserved, degraded and restored mangroves along the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Results showed that although each sampling site had a differentiated microbial composition, the taxa belonged predominantly to Proteobacteria (13.2–23.6%), Desulfobacterota (7.6–8.3%) and Chloroflexi (9–15.7%) phyla, and these were similar between rainy and dry seasons. Conserved mangroves showed significantly higher diversity than degraded ones, and restored mangroves recovered their microbial diversity from the degraded state (Dunn test p-value Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted = 0.0034 and 0.0071 respectively). The structure of sediment microbial β-diversity responded significantly to the mangrove conservation status and physicochemical parameters (organic carbon content, redox potential, and salinity). Taxa within Chloroflexota, Desulfobacterota and Thermoplasmatota showed significantly higher abundance in degraded mangrove samples compared to conserved ones. This study can help set a baseline that includes the microbial component in health assessment and restoration strategies of mangrove forests.
Circum-Mediterranean influence in the Y-chromosome lineages associated with prostate cancer in Mexican men: A Converso heritage founder effect?
Authors: Álvarez-Topete Esmeralda , Torres-Sánchez Luisa E. , Hernández-Tobías Esther A. , Véliz David , Hernández-Pérez Jesús G. , de Lourdes López-González Ma. , Meraz-Ríos Marco Antonio , Gómez Rocío
Published: August 2024

Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasia amongst men worldwide. Hereditary susceptibility and ancestral heritage are well-established risk factors that explain the disparity trends across different ethnicities, populations, and regions even within the same country. The Y-chromosome has been considered a prototype biomarker for male health. African, European, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic ancestries exhibit the highest incidences of such neoplasia; Asians have the lowest rates. Nonetheless, the contribution of ancestry patterns has been scarcely explored among Latino males. The Mexican population has an extremely diverse genetic architecture where all the aforementioned ancestral backgrounds converge. Trans-ethnic research could illuminate the aetiology of prostate cancer, involving the migratory patterns, founder effects, and the ethnic contributions to its disparate incidence rates. The contribution of the ancestral heritage to prostate cancer risk were explored through a case-control study (152 cases and 372 controls) study in Mexican Mestizo males. Seventeen microsatellites were used to trace back the ancestral heritage using two Bayesian predictor methods. The lineage R1a seems to contribute to prostate cancer (ORadjusted:8.04, 95%CI:1.41–45.80) development, whereas E1b1a/E1b1b and GHIJ contributed to well-differentiated (Gleason ≤ 7), and late-onset prostate cancer. Meta-analyses reinforced our findings. The mentioned lineages exhibited a connection with the Middle Eastern and North African populations that enriched the patrilineal diversity to the southeast region of the Iberian Peninsula. This ancestral legacy arrived at the New World with the Spanish and Sephardim migrations. Our findings reinforced the contribution of family history and ethnic background to prostate cancer risk, although should be confirmed using a large sample size. Nonetheless, given its complex aetiology, in addition to the genetic component, the lifestyle and xenobiotic exposition could also influence the obtained results.
Introducing effective genes in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients using SHAP values based on the mRNA expression data
Authors: Vahed Sepideh Zununi , Khatibi Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan , Saadat Yalda Rahbar , Emdadi Manijeh , Khodaei Bahareh , Alishani Mohammad Matin , Boostani Farnaz , Dizaj Solmaz Maleki , Pirmoradi Saeed
Published: August 2024

Objective

Breast cancer, a global concern predominantly impacting women, poses a significant threat when not identified early. While survival rates for breast cancer patients are typically favorable, the emergence of regional metastases markedly diminishes survival prospects. Detecting metastases and comprehending their molecular underpinnings are crucial for tailoring effective treatments and improving patient survival outcomes.

Methods

Various artificial intelligence methods and techniques were employed in this study to achieve accurate outcomes. Initially, the data was organized and underwent hold-out cross-validation, data cleaning, and normalization. Subsequently, feature selection was conducted using ANOVA and binary Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). During the analysis phase, the discriminative power of the selected features was evaluated using machine learning classification algorithms. Finally, the selected features were considered, and the SHAP algorithm was utilized to identify the most significant features for enhancing the decoding of dominant molecular mechanisms in lymph node metastases.

Results

In this study, five main steps were followed for the analysis of mRNA expression data: reading, preprocessing, feature selection, classification, and SHAP algorithm. The RF classifier utilized the candidate mRNAs to differentiate between negative and positive categories with an accuracy of 61% and an AUC of 0.6. During the SHAP process, intriguing relationships between the selected mRNAs and positive/negative lymph node status were discovered. The results indicate that GDF5, BAHCC1, LCN2, FGF14-AS2, and IDH2 are among the top five most impactful mRNAs based on their SHAP values.

Conclusion

The prominent identified mRNAs including GDF5, BAHCC1, LCN2, FGF14-AS2, and IDH2, are implicated in lymph node metastasis. This study holds promise in elucidating a thorough insight into key candidate genes that could significantly impact the early detection and tailored therapeutic strategies for lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer.
Handheld dynamometry: Validity and reliability of measuring hip joint rate of torque development and peak torque
Authors: McNabb Katherine , Sánchez María B. , Selfe James , Reeves Neil D. , Callaghan Michael
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Measuring rate of torque development (RTD) and peak torque (PT) for hip muscle performance presents challenges in clinical practice. This study investigated the construct validity of a handheld dynamometer (HHD) versus an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD), and intra-rater repeated reliability for RTD and PT and their relationship in hip joint movements.

Methods

Thirty healthy individuals (mean age = 30 ± 8 years, 13 males) underwent two test sessions in a single day. RTD (0–50, 0–100, 0–150, 0-200ms) and PT normalised to body mass in maximal voluntary isometric contractions were measured using a HHD and an IKD in hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation.

Results

For validity between the devices, RTD0-50 exhibited the largest significant systematic bias in all hip movements (3.41–11.99 Nm·s-1 kg-1) and widest limits-of-agreement, while RTD0-200 had the lowest bias (-1.33–3.99 Nm·s-1 kg-1) and narrowest limits-of-agreement. For PT, agreement between dynamometers was observed for hip flexion (0.08 Nm·kg-1), abduction (-0.09 Nm·kg-1), internal (-0.01 Nm·kg-1), and external rotation (0.05 Nm·kg-1). For reliability, intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) ranged from moderate to good in RTD0-50 and RTD0-100 (0.5–0.88), and good to excellent in RTD0-150 and RTD0-200 (0.87–0.95) in all movements. The HHD displayed excellent intra-rater, relative reliability values (ICC2,1) in all movements (0.85–0.95). Pearson’s correlation revealed good linear correlation between PT and RTD0-150 and RTD0-200 in all movements (r = .7 to .87, p = < .001).

Conclusion

Validity analysis demonstrated significant systematic bias and lack of agreement in RTD measures between the HHD and IKD. However, the HHD displays excellent to moderate intra-rater, relative reliability for RTD and PT measures in hip movements. Clinicians may use the HHD for hip muscle PT assessment but note, late phase RTD measures are more reliable, valid, and relate to PT than early phase RTD. Additionally, the correlation between RTD and PT at various time epochs was examined to better understand the relationship between these measures.
Comparing the effects of infant maternal and sibling separation on adolescent behavior in rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: McClafferty Shane R. , Paniagua-Ugarte Claudia , Hannabass Zoe M. , Jackson Pamela A. , Hayes Dayna M.
Published: August 2024

Maternal separation in early life has been observed to have lasting, detrimental effects that impair personal and social development and can persist into adulthood. Maternal separation during infancy can be most detrimental during adolescence, leading to long-term adverse effects on development and social behavior. This research study compared the effects of sibling and maternal separation in infancy on anxiety, sociability, or memory later in adolescence (postnatal day, PND, 50–58) in male and female Long-Evans Rats (Rattus norvegicus). Rat pups were semi-randomly assigned into eight conditions for daily isolation (PND 1–14). The groups were separated by the duration of isolation between 15 minutes (control group) or 180 minutes (experimental group) and the sex of the rat. They were also separated by comfort conditions with the dam present in an adjoining cage versus not present and siblings present or not present during isolation. The result was a 2 (15-min vs. 180-min) x 2 (dam vs. no dam) x 2 (single vs. grouped) x 2 (male vs. female) design. Once pups had reached adolescence (PND 50), researchers tested for differences in anxiety, activity, and social behavior using elevated plus-maze, open field habituation, a three-chamber social interaction, and a social discrimination task. Results indicate that longer isolation was more stressful and caused lower body weight. The female rats showed more anxious behavior in the open field but only if they were in the shorter isolation group. Social interaction showed that the rats isolated with the dam had different effects of isolation. In males, shorter isolation with the dam increased sociability but decreased sociability in females. These complicated findings may be due to the effects of inoculation, which describes how moderate stress combined with comfort may produce adaptation or immunity to stress and affect males and females differently.
A hop testing alternative for functional performance following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Ripic Zachary , Letter Michael , Schoenwether Brandon , Kaplan Lee D. , Baraga Michael G. , Costello II Joseph P. , Eskenazi Jordan , Dennison Molly , Best Thomas M. , Signorile Joseph F. , Eltoukhy Moataz
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this work was to provide a simple method to determine reactive strength during the 6-meter timed hop test (6mTH) and evaluate its association with isokinetic peak torque in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Twenty-nine ACLR patients who were at least four months from surgery were included in this analysis. Participants were brought into the laboratory on one occasion to complete functional testing. Quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic testing was completed bilaterally at 60, 180, and 300 deg∙s-1, using extension peak torque from each speed as the outcome measure. The 6mTH was completed bilaterally using a marker-based motion capture system, and reactive strength ratio (RSR) was calculated from the vertical velocity of the pelvis during the test. An adjustment in RSR was made using the velocity of the 6mTH test to account for different strategies employed across participants. Repeated measures correlations were used to determine associations among isokinetic and hop testing variables. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to determine differences in isokinetic and hop testing variables between operated and non-operated legs and across male and female participants. Moderate positive associations were found between RSR (and adjusted RSR) and isokinetic peak torque at all speeds (r = .527 to .577). Mean comparisons showed significant main effects for leg and sex. Patients showed significant deficits in their operated versus non-operated legs in all isokinetic and hop testing variables, yet only isokinetic peak torque and timed hop time showed significant differences across male and female groups. Preliminary results are promising but further development is needed to validate other accessible technologies available to calculate reactive strength during functional testing after ACLR. Pending these developments, the effects of movement strategies, demographics, and levels of participation on RSR can then be explored to translate this simple method to clinical environments.
Entomological inferences highlight the risk of Leishmania transmission in the urban area of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Michelli Santos , Picelli Amanda Maria , Pereira de França Kamila , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi , Andrade Filho José Dilermando , Julião Genimar Rebouças , Dutra-Rêgo Felipe , Medeiros Jansen Fernandes de
Published: August 2024

Entomological investigations were conducted for the first time in urban forest remnants of Porto Velho, state of Rondônia, Brazil, to explore the transmission dynamics of Leishmania. Sand fly collections were carried out at ten sites, encompassing both canopy and ground strata, from October to December 2021. A total of 1,671 sand flies were collected, representing 42 species within 12 genera. Nyssomyia Antunesi (n = 384) and Psychodopygus davisi (n = 111) were the most abundant species. Molecular analyses targeting the V7V8 region (18S gene) unveiled the presence of sequences 100% identical to Leishmania infantum in females of Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (1), Nyssomyia Antunesi complex (6), Nyssomyia umbratilis (1), Nyssomyia sp. (1), Psychodopygus ayrozai (1), Ps. davisi (3), Psychodopygus paraensis (1), and Sciopemyia sordellii (1). Sequences 100% similar to Trypanosoma minasense were found in two samples of the Nyssomyia Antunesi complex, and two samples of Sc. sordellii presented 100% identity to a Trypanosoma sp. strain, previously identified in this same sand fly in Rondônia. Sequencing of Cytb fragment suggested Homo sapiens, Dasypus novemcinctus and Tamandua tetradactyla as the blood source for distinct sand flies. The identification of sequences similar to L. infantum in sand flies collected in urban forest fragments is noteworthy, correlating with the recent local and regional occurrence of autochthonous cases of human visceral leishmaniasis. However, further studies are imperative to ascertain the presence of hosts/reservoirs and evaluate the risk of L. infantum transmission to humans.
Netflix’ Spain: Critical Perspectives, Jorge González Del Pozo and Xosé Pereira Boán (eds) (2024)
Authors: Meir Christopher
Published: August 2024

Review of: Netflix’ Spain: Critical Perspectives, Jorge González Del Pozo and Xosé Pereira Boán (eds) (2024)

London: Routledge, 258 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03255-777-9, h/bk, £135

ISBN 978-1-03255-737-3, p/bk, £35.99

ISBN 978-1-00343-218-0, e-book, £26.99
Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Examples Non Examples untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa di SMP Negeri 1 Sindang Kabupaten Indramayu
Authors: Surahmi Surahmi
Published: August 2024

This study aims to implement examples non examples learning on the material of excellence and limitations between spaces and the role of economic actors. The subjects of the study were grade VIII.A students at SMP Negeri 1 Sindang, Indramayu Regency. This study used an action research method that was carried out in two cycles. Data is collected through observation, documentation, and tests. Data analysis techniques use qualitative descriptive methods. The results showed that learning examples non examples can improve student learning outcomes with an average score of 81.71 in cycle II. The examples non examples learning model also increases students' critical power to analyze, describe, and conclude something contained in the examples given to learn and master the concepts of the material being presented.
Pengembangan Kurikulum Operasional Sekolah Jenjang MI/SD Pasca Covid-19
Authors: Alfani Moch. Farich , Sukiman Sukiman , Sholikin Sholikin
Published: August 2024

The problem of educators in the 4.0 era in making breakthroughs in the creation of innovative learning material delivery, especially after COVID-19, requires innovative solutions in teaching and learning activities in elementary schools. The curriculum developed is expected to be able to provide a pleasant learning atmosphere and educational goals will be easily achieved according to the situation and conditions in the educational unit. This study aims to analyze the operational curriculum of MI/SD schools as a reference to develop components of post-COVID-19 operational curriculum development. This research uses library research method. The results showed that the development of the operational curriculum for MI/SD schools after COVID-19 can be carried out with various principles, paying attention to the preparation references, and the preparation process.
Pengembangan Alat Evaluasi Menggunakan Aplikasi Ujon pada Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di MTs
Authors: Purnawati Lilik , Nugrahani Farida , Sudiyana Benedictus
Published: August 2024

This research aims to develop an evaluation tool using the Ujon application in Indonesian learning in MTs. This research uses the Research and Development (R&D) method with a development research model from Borg and Gall. Research instruments use tests and questionnaires. The results showed that the evaluation tool product using the Ujon application in the form of HOTS multiple-choice questions was 23 valid questions. The validation of media experts showed a final percentage score of 93% with very valid criteria while material experts a final presentation score of 94.66% with very feasible criteria. The evaluation tool that was tested on a large scale using the Ujon application showed a final presentation score of 83.1% with practical criteria, student responses based on the percentage questionnaire of 87.13% including very interesting criteria and responses from teachers to the evaluation tool that was tested 100% including very practical criteria. In conclusion, the evaluation tool developed using the Ujon application is declared very feasible, valid, and practical to use in learning evaluation and interesting for students.
Penerapan Metode Peta Konsep untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Bahasa Indonesia Materi Jenis-Jenis Paragraf pada Siswa di MI Muhammadiyah Grubug, Kulon Progo
Authors: Suprapmi Suprapmi
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify improvements in student achievement through the application of the concept map method to subjects Indonesian Paragraph Types material. This study is class action research conducted in two cycles. The subjects of the study were grade VI students at MI Muhammadiyah Grubug. Research data includes learning achievement taken from giving test questions in each cycle, the results of interviews with students to provide input on the course of the research process. The results showed that the application of the concept map method can improve student achievement. In cycle I, the student achievement index was at the highest score of 82, and the lowest score of 69, increasing quite significantly in cycle II with the highest score of 92, and the lowest score of 72. The classical completeness criterion also increased significantly by 72% in cycle I to 100% in cycle II. The concept map method can be applied to students for Indonesian subjects.
Efektivitas Penggunaan Media Pembelajaran POSFIVA dalam Meningkatkan Minat Belajar dan Hasil Belajar Siswa
Authors: Rahmawati Farida
Published: August 2024

This research is a pre-experimental study, which aims to determine the application of POSFIVA learning media to improve student interest and learning outcomes. This study used The Static Group Comparison Design model method by forming one group for experiments and one control group. The results showed data on student learning interest in the use of POSFIVA learning media amounted to 66.53% of students gave a very positive response and 33.47 students gave a positive response, with an average score of 89.88. Student learning interest in the use of POSFIVA learning media includes several indicators, namely: (1) interest, (2) pleasure, (3) attention, (4) participation, (5) curiosity. The use of POSFIVA learning media can increase student interest and learning outcomes.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Guru dalam Mengembangkan RPP 1 Lembar Melalui Supervisi Akademik Kelompok Teknik Workshop di MTs Negeri 3 Bantul
Authors: Muhari Sugeng
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the improvement of teacher competence in developing a 1-sheet Learning Implementation Plan (RPP) through academic supervision of workshop techniques. This study used school action research with two cycles. The subjects of the study were subject teachers at MTs Negeri 3 Bantul, totalling 28 people. Research instruments in the form of workshop assessment sheets and 1-sheet RPP supervision / assessment sheets. The results showed that in cycle I an average score of 74 was obtained in the good category, increasing quite significantly in cycle II with an average value of 90 in the very good category. The application of academic supervision of workshop techniques can improve the competence of subject teachers in developing RPP 1 sheet. This research has special implications for madrasah heads and madrasah supervisors to implement academic supervision of workshop techniques so that teacher competence can further develop.
Jigsaw Learning: Peningkatan Sikap dan Prestasi Belajar Siswa pada Materi Differensial di MA Ali Maksum
Authors: Tusilah Tusilah
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the improvement of learning attitudes and achievement on differential material with a Jigsaw type cooperative learning model. This study uses classroom action research methods carried out in two cycles including planning, implementation, observation, and reflection activities. The subject of the study was a student of class XI IPS C Madrasah Aliyah Ali Maksum Yogyakarta. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation, interviews, tests, questionnaires, and documentation. Data analysis using qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The results showed that students' attitudes and achievement in mathematics learning increased after the application of the Jigsaw type cooperative learning model. The percentage of increase in student learning attitudes in cycle I and cycle II were 4.84%. In cycle I, aspects of learning attitudes were obtained on average by 66.14% to 69.34% in cycle II. Meanwhile, student achievement increased by 7.80% from 72.56% in cycle I to 76.5% in cycle II.
Peningkatan Kemampuan Cipta dan Baca Puisi melalui Metode Demonstrasi di MAN 2 Kota Cirebon
Authors: Masyfu’ah Atin
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the application of demonstration methods to Indonesian learning in improving the ability to create and read poetry. This research is an action research, conducted in two cycles including planning, implementation, observation, and reflection activities. The subject of the study was students of class XII IPS-2 MAN 2 Cirebon City consisting of 28 students. The results showed that the average score of learning outcomes in the first cycle was 73 with a learning completion of 71%. In cycle II, it obtained a score of 81 with a learning completion of 97%. The results of the observations of students and teachers showed a significant improvement. In cycle I, the performance of teachers and student activities is quite good, and in cycle II it is categorized as very good. The application of demonstration methods can improve students' ability to create and read poetry, it can also increase student participation and activity in learning. The demonstration method can be recommended to the teacher Indonesian to be applied in the learning process.
CORRUPTION AND THE REALISATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: SOUTH SUDAN AND THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION LLICIT BUSINESS FORUMS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SURVEY CORRUPTION AND THE REALISATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: THE CASE OF SOUTH SUDAN AND THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Authors: Paito Atel Ongee
Published: August 2024

The South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission denounced corruption as something which hinders sustainable education. The debate on the relationship between corruption and human rights thus continues. In South Sudan, like many parts of the world, public and private sector leaders have illegally allocated resources for education and related projects, to personal gain.
LOVELL FERNANDEZ MEMORIAL LECTURE: THE GLOBAL SHADOW ECONOMY 23 FEBRUARY 2023
Authors: PIETH MARK
Published: August 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends and colleagues, it is a great honour for me to deliver this Lovell D. Fernandez Memorial Lecture. Lovell is alive in our memory. We remember him as an inspired teacher and as a warm-hearted person.
WITNESS PROTECTION IN ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING CASES: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Makhubele Ethel , Albertus Chesné ,   University of the Western Cape
Published: August 2024

In recent years money laundering has become a global phenomenon which plagues the economies of many states. The methods of laundering money have equally evolved alongside advanced technologies, the proliferation of migration and the realities of instant communications. The complexity of laundering money has often made the detection, investigation and prosecution of these crimes challenging and at times, impossible. To boot, the perpetrators of money laundering are usually powerful and dangerous persons who will do anything to avoid the loss of their illegally obtained wealth and to escape the justice system. Witnesses are often vital to investigating and prosecuting cases which involve money laundering. They are, however, at great risk of being harmed and even killed for giving evidence against the powerful perpetrators. There is thus a pressing need for witness in money laundering cases to be afforded protection by the state. The failure to afford effective protection to witnesses have major implications not only for the criminal justice system, but also for witnesses, their families and communities. This article argues that given these facts, there is a need for comprehensive and effective witness protection in cases involving money laundering. The article sketches the existing international legal framework aimed at protecting witnesses and analysis the relevant laws. It furthermore , places the spotlight on some of the main institutions which ought to afford protection to witnesses. It reaches findings and makes recommendations for the improved protection of witnesses in money laundering cases.
Culture machines
Authors: Jones Rodney H.
Published: August 2024

This paper discusses the way the concept of culture is discursively constructed by large language models that are trained on massive collections of cultural artefacts and designed to produce probabilistic representations of culture based on this training data. It makes the argument that, no matter how ‘diverse’ their training data is, large language models will always be prone to stereotyping and oversimplification because of the mathematical models that underpin their operations. Efforts to build ‘guardrails’ into systems to reduce their tendency to stereotype can often result in the opposite problem, with issues around culture and ethnicity being ‘invisiblised’. To illustrate this, examples are provided of the stereotypical linguistic styles and cultural attitudes models produce when asked to portray different kinds of ‘persona’. The tendency of large language models to gravitate towards cultural and linguistic generalities is contrasted with trends in intercultural communication towards more fluid, socially situated understandings of interculturality, and implications for the future of cultural representation are discussed.
Plattformnutzung durch Solo-Selbstständige
Authors: Depperschmidt Rina , Matton Heleen , Pongratz Hans , Probst Pia
Published: August 2024

Plattformarbeit ist für Solo-Selbstständige zu einem wichtigen Erwerbszugang geworden. Dieser Zusammenhang wurde noch wenig untersucht, obwohl der Forschungsstand für beide Erwerbsformen ähnliche Bedingungen ausweist. Mittels einer qualitativen Befragung haben wir die Plattformerfahrungen von 20 Solo-Selbstständigen aus drei Berufsfeldern in vergleichender Perspektive analysiert: Yoga-Lehrer*innen, Sprachlehrer*innen und Creator*innen von Inhalten für die sozialen Medien. Trotz verschiedener Formen der Nutzung von Plattformdiensten sind die Resultate ähnlich: Für kleinere Zusatzeinnahmen ist beträchtlicher Aufwand erforderlich, aber Tools und Informationsangebote der Plattformen machen Arbeitserleichterungen möglich. Die Solo-Selbstständigen erleben viele der aus der Plattformforschung bekannten Abhängigkeiten und verschärften Konkurrenzbedingungen auf Online-Märkten. Nur für wenige Creator*innen führt Plattformarbeit aus einer prekären Selbstständigkeit heraus. Der Beitrag plädiert dafür, die beiden Forschungsfelder stärker zu verbinden und mit institutionellen Absicherungen des solo-selbstständigen Erwerbs auch die Bedingungen von Plattformarbeit zu verbessern.
Designing an ultra-wideband directional antipodal Vivaldi antenna with U-slots for biomedical applications using an optimized attention network
Authors: Borkar Nishant Madhukar , Parlewar Pallavi Keshavrao
Published: August 2024

This research introduces a compact Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antipodal Vivaldi antenna with a U-slot tailored for biomedical applications. Utilizing an elliptical tapered patch variation on a 50*32 mm2 substrate achieves its compact design. Parameter optimization, employing the Multi-Layer Stacked Shallow Attention Neural Network (MLSSANN) with Adaptive Gannet Optimization Algorithm (AGOA), ensures accurate predictions and efficient exploration of the design space. Performance analysis includes metrics like gain, directivity, reflection coefficients, return loss and radiation efficiency. The U-slot variant exhibits higher gain peaking at 24.5 GHz (10 dB) compared to the standard variant peaking near 37 GHz (13.7 dB). The U-slot antenna also shows improved directivity and return loss, with a 13.89 % enhancement in return loss at 3.7 GHz. Moreover, the addition of the slot shifts the lower cut-off frequency from 1,580 MHz to 740 MHz, reducing the antenna size by 41 % while maintaining acceptable radiation characteristics.
Heterogeneous Volatility Information Content for the Realized GARCH Modeling and Forecasting Volatility
Authors: Xu Wen , Aschakulporn Pakorn , Zhang Jin E.
Published: August 2024

As the demand for accuracy in volatility modeling and forecasting increases, the literature tends to incorporate different volatility measures with heterogeneous information content to construct the hybrid volatility model. This study focuses on one of the popular hybrid volatility models: the Realized Generalized Autoregressive Heteroskedasticity (Realized GARCH) and embeds various volatility measures, including the CBOE VIX, VIX1D, Realized Volatility, and Daily Range to examine their heterogeneous impact on the conditional volatility estimation and forecasting. To evaluate the impact of the volatility measures, we first construct a volatility response function. This involves calculating the difference in one-step-ahead conditional volatility forecasts that incorporate information from both return and volatility measures against the forecasts based on return innovations only. Subsequently, the variance share is calculated to evaluate its role in explaining future variations in the Realized GARCH. Our results show that among these four volatility measures, VIX is the most informative volatility. Although VIX1D is overemphasized by the literature, its significance in volatility forecasting remains substantial, confirming that risk-neutral volatility measures are generally more informative than physical measures. Finally, we also find that incorporating multiple risk-neutral volatility measures does not improve forecasting performance compared to using a single measure due to overlapping information.
Identifikation von Veränderungstreibern in der Fabrikumwelt
Authors: Kaucher Christian , Erlach Klaus , Bauernhansl Thomas
Published: August 2024

The transformability of factories is an essential design field for future-proof factory planning. In order to shape the ability to change in a targeted manner, corresponding planning approaches provide for an assessment of potential adaptation requirements. These are triggered by so-called change drivers. This article structures the factory environment into relevant areas of influence and supports factory planners in systematically identifying change drivers. To this, the factory environment is first subdivided into three spheres, each of which can be systematically structured into areas of influence.
Alte Werkzeugmaterialien im neuen Kleid
Authors: Petersen Hilke , Dias Nelson Filipe Lopes , Breidenstein Bernd , Tillmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

The most important cutting materials for machining are carbides. Tungsten and cobalt are required for their production, but these are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and sometimes under ethically questionable conditions. Therefore, increasing efforts are being made to expand the range of cutting materials. The basic suitability of natural rocks for cutting tools in less demanding processes has already been demonstrated. The possibility of their PVD coating is discussed below.
Fertigung funktional gradierter Materialien auf porösen Metallen durch Laserauftragschweißen
Authors: Platz Jacques , Steiner-Stark Johanna , Kirsch Benjamin , Aurich Jan C.
Published: August 2024

Novel hybrid porous materials enable the local variation of component properties to meet individual application requirements. To realize complex component geometries, laser directed energy deposition can be used as an additive manufacturing process to produce multifunctional high-performance components made of hybrid porous materials. This work presents results from the manufacturing of functionally graded materials from the stainless steels 316 L (austenitic) and 17-4 PH (martensitic) for this purpose. A grading strategy with a 50 % 316 L and 50 % 17-4 PH interlayer was successfully manufactured and characterized in terms of relative density and microhardness.
Empirische Ergebnisse zum Einsatz von Assistenzsystemen in der Montage
Authors: König Mathias , Winkler Herwig
Published: August 2024

As part of the survey, data was collected from 158 study participants in order to gain an overview of the importance of the technologies used in assembly and the objectives pursued with their use. The results of the survey indicate that assistance systems are considered important by the respondents and will be part of the original equipment in new assembly areas in the future. Technologies that are already established include the provision of digital assembly instructions via a screen and pick-by-light, which are linked to the relevant experience. In addition to these technologies, human-robot collaboration (HRC) and the provision of visual information by means of projection or data glasses, possibly supported by augmented reality, will also become established in the future. At present and in the future, the main objectives will be to reduce work errors, increase productivity, reduce the training time for new employees, and cut assembly costs.
Greybox-Modelle in der Zerspanung
Authors: Berndt Maximilian , Schmidt Hagen , Müller Lars , Kerscher Eberhard , Seewig Jörg , Kirsch Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Compared to uncoated tools, coated tools offer a longer tool life. However, it is difficult to predict the wear of coated tools using only empirical methods. The combination of deterministic whitebox models and data-driven blackbox models to greybox models can enable a prediction of the wear condition. Therefore, this article presents a concept for the application of greybox models for wear prediction.
Kostenbewertung des Laser-Pulver-Auftragsschmelzens
Authors: Hagemann Simon , Mattes Alexander , Weber Marc-André
Published: August 2024

Using an additively manufactured demonstrator, this article discusses the influence of production-related challenges of laser powder deposition melting on the manufacturing costs of the component. In particular, the effort required to determine a suitable manufacturing strategy must be considered in the cost calculation, as this accounts for a substantial proportion of the manufacturing costs. Neglecting this effort in the calculation can lead to considerable economic loss.
Additiv gefertigter Leichtbau für Schienenfahrzeuge
Authors: Braun Thomas , Behrend Otto , Schwandt Alexander , Barnick Nicolas , Elliesen Uriel , Pavel Daniel , Uhlmann Eckart
Published: August 2024

Due to economic and ecological requirements, lightweight construction strategies for rail vehicles are becoming increasingly important. The development of a combined process chain of additive manufacturing processes addresses the production of topologyoptimized structures. Using AI-monitored robotics, the reinforcement of large train segments is realized. The additive processes used and technological development results are described.
As Possíveis alfabetizações (entre Universidade e Escola) pela visão dos docentes
Authors: Thomé de Andrade Ludmila
Published: August 2024

Apresento em linhas gerais os resultados de uma pesquisa-formação que teve por objetivo a exploração de possibilidades e o enfrentamento de impossibilidades do diálogo Universidade-Escola. Tomo como fundamentação teórica a abordagem discursiva bakhtiniana, considerando que as interlocuções acontecidas no campo da pesquisa formação, destacadas como eventos de pesquisa, podem se tornar, numa dimensão discursiva macro, acontecimentos discursivos, intervenientes na formação discursiva em plena constituição. O investimento metodológico foi a experimentação de estratégias didáticas de formação continuada junto a professores alfabetizadores, num processo contínuo, de longo termo, em que prevaleceu o objetivo de fazer os professores escreverem sobre suas práticas, de modo a publicar seus textos em espaços destinados a pares professores. Aqui elenco os achados de pesquisa, os relatos, buscando enquadrá-los na dimensão histórica de uma formação discursiva que está se fortalecendo na trama de enunciações que se vêm produzindo.
Aprendizes de inglês como segunda língua, nível baixo-intermediário, melhoram leitura com uso de estratégia de estrutura textual
Authors: Beatriz Areas da Luz Fontes Ana , Pigatto Renata , Finger Ingrid , Mangie Kristina
Published: August 2024

Este estudo investigou a eficiência de uma versão mais curta do treinamento Text Structure Strategy (TSS) (Meyer, Young & Bartlett, 1989) com um grupo de aprendizes de inglês como segunda língua, e um grupo de falantes nativos de inglês. No Experimento 1, aprendizes de inglês de proficiência média-baixa receberam uma sessão de 2 horas de treinamento com o TSS em português ou em inglês. Era esperado que o grupo que recebeu treinamento em Português demonstrasse maior ganho nas medidas de recordação do texto.  Resultados do Experimento 1 evidenciaram que os aprendizes de inglês treinados em português recordaram um pouco mais da estrutura do texto depois do treinamento. Quanto à qualidade do que foi recordado, no entanto, houve um aumento significativo para os aprendizes treinados em português. No Experimento 2, falantes nativos de inglês receberam o mesmo treinamento  de 2 horas em inglês. Era esperado uma melhora para ambas medidas de recordação de texto para este grupo. No entanto, não houve nenhuma melhora com o treinamento. Os resultados dos dois experimentos são discutidos em relação a demais possíveis diferenças entre os grupos.