bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of family planning service integration for women in their reproductive age in chronic HIV care clinics in Dessie town, Ethiopia
Authors: Yitagess Wassye , Belachew Ayele
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground: Integrating of family planning (FP) service in chronic HIV care clinics is an appropriate intervention to preventnewborns from acquiring HIV by enabling women who have the desire to prevent pregnancies.Objective: To assess the level of FP service integration in chronic HIV care clinics in Dessie town, Ethiopia.Methodology: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted in 2011 in Dessie town, North East Ethiopia,among 401 HIV positive women in the reproductive age who attended chronic HIV care. Clinics. As well as programdocument review quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaire through clients exit interview method as well asprogram document review. Qualitative information was gathered from nine chronic HIV care providers and program managers.Result: Three hundred ninety three (98%) HIV positive women who attended chronic HIV care had heard about one FPmethods during the course of their care, of which 238 (60.5%) reported receiving counseling about FP. One hundred sixty eight(42.7%) of the respondents reported receiving condoms for FP purpose of which 108 (64.3%) were provided with condoms afterbeing counseled for FP. Among respondents who ever heard about FP, 378 (96.2%) supported the idea of having FP servicesintegrated in the chronic HIV care. Care provider’s work load, level of FP training, lack of space and FP supplies were found toaffect extent of service integration. Only 110 (27.9%) of respondents were provided with FP counseling and services during theirchronic HIV care visits.Conclusion: Although integration is supported by the health policy, and favored by clients and providers alike, the programenvironment and facility capacity (both human and logistics), were serious challenges for the integration of FP counseling andservices in to the chronic HIV care (Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health, 2012,6(1): 14-21).Key Words: Family planning; Integration; FP/HIV service Integration; HIV
Assessment of fertility desire and family planning utilization among people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment, Asella Hospital, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region
Authors: Tadesse Legesse , Belachew Ayele
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground : Individual’s desire to have children and intention to use family planning method varies with demographic, socioeconomic,and health status, including human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).However, concrete data is lacking on fertility desire and which of the factors affect utilization of family planning services.Objective: To assess fertility desire and family planning utilization among People Living with HIV and on antiretroviraltherapy in Asella Hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional facility based study was conducted among 384 people who are living with HIV virus and onantiretroviral treatment. Face to face interview using structured and pre-tested questionnaire and in-depth interview of healthcare providers were carried out.Results: More male than female (AOR= 0.01, 95% CI 0 - 0.25) and individuals who have no or one child than those withtwo or more children (AOR= 115, 95% CI 3868.6) desired for children in the future. Single individuals had less desire thanmarried ones (AOR= 0.01, 95% CI 0 - 0.96). Family planning utilization among people living with HIV was 47.7% beforeknowing their status while current users were 76.5%. Current family planning use was less among currently un married thanmarried, and among those who were on antiretroviral treatment during the last one-two years (AOR= 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 - 0.1)and (AOR= 0.5, 95% CI 0.28 - 0.89) respectively.Conclusion: The desire for children among people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment was high and varies by sex,marital status, and the number of children they already have. Family planning utilization among people on antiretroviraltherapy was high and nearly doubled after they knew their HIV status. Married and those who were on antiretroviral treatmentfor more than two years were more likely to use family planning method. The high fertility desire is a concern for the preventionof mother to child transmission counseling program(Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health , 2012,6(1): 22-29).Key words:- Desire, pregnancy, PLWHA, Asella
Readiness of Health Centers to Provide Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care in Eight Districts of SNNPR, Oromia and Amhara Regions of Ethiopia, 2013
Authors: Getachew Biniam , G.Hiwot Yirgu
Published: August 2024

Background: The results from an Ethiopian national baseline assessment for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care
(EmONC) Performed in 2008 clearly shows poor access and utilization of EmONC services, very low critical life-saving servicesand poor quality of health care services as evidenced by high still birth rates in most regions of the country with the exception of Addis Ababa, Gambella and Somali.
Methods: An institution based cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from March to April 2013 at 48 health
centers in eight districts in Ethiopia. An interviewer administered questionnaire and observation checklist was used to col- lect standardized data from participating health centers that focused specifically on maternal and newborn health services at each of the facilities.
Results: The majority of health centers, 95.8% (46/48) were open to provide labor and delivery service 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. However, only 11.5% (47/410) of health workers in the study catchment area had previously received in- service training in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC). The partograph was not used routinely to monitor labor in 48% (23/48) of the health centers. One fourth (12/48) of health centers had a vacuum extractor and/ or obstetric forceps for assisted delivery, but 3 health centers reported never having used this equipment. One third, 33.3% (16/48) of health centers had manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) sets to provide services related to abortion care. Magne- sium sulphate was available only in 10.4% (5/48) of health centers to treat a laboring mother with convulsions. Conclusions and recommendations: Results suggest that although the majority of the health centers participating in the study provide delivery services, quality of BEmONC services and availability of supplies and equipment were question- able. Most health centers don’t practiced administration of parenteral antibiotics, MVA, assisted vaginal delivery and other essential services. Effort should be made at all health centers across Ethiopia to increase the availability of essential drugs, equipment and supplies for the provision BEmONC service Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health,
2014, Volume 7(1), 11-21).

Key words: Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, Maternal health, Neonatal
ATTITUDES OF HIV-POSITIVE PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARD FAMILY PLANNING AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Addis Nitsuh , Kebede Eskinder
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection of a reproductive age woman has an impact on women’s health, risk of transmission to her family and her fertility decisions. Contraception has a great importance in preventing unintended pregnancy and decrease maternal to child transmission of the virus. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess attitudes of HIV-positive pregnant women towards family planning in selected Public Health institutions of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive pregnant women attending ANC clinics in purposely selected three teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa from April to July 2016. A total of 173 women were participated in the study. Data was collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software. Binary and multiple logistic regression were done to identify the associated factors of intensions to use contraception. A level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: Out of the total 173 respondents, about 87.9% were intended to use contraception after delivery. Unintended pregnancy rate of the current pregnancies was 34.7%. Condom use other than its contraceptive purpose was 27% and 26% before pregnancy and during current pregnancy respectively. Prior history of use of contraception and age of the woman had shown an independent association with intention to use contraception. Conclusion: Every effort should be made to satisfy the good attitude for the contraception so as to minimize unintended pregnancy and pediatric HIV. At all levels knowledge should be transmitted and condom should be available easily and offered. KEY WORDS: Unintended pregnancy, contraception, family planning (Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health 2017;9:25-35)
ORGANIZATION OF WORK ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN BIOLOGY LESSONS
Authors: Əliyeva Mətanət
Published: August 2024

Modern society is facing a particularly acute problem of educating the young generation in ecological culture, love for the motherland, and protection of nature. The introduction of the history component to the study of biology and the implementation of ecological projects are effective directions for the ecological education and upbringing of schoolchildren, and the formation of a new ecological thinking in them. Currently, special attention should be paid to this problem, both in general education and in extracurricular activities.
ADVANTAGES OF APPLYING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Authors: Maçanova Cavahir
Published: August 2024

The project method is a student-oriented method, which implies the need to pay attention to their needs and abilities. This learning method is based on the principles of cooperation and active participation. The use of the project method in teaching a foreign language allows students to use a foreign language as a cognitive tool, a way to express their ideas, to perceive and understand other people's ideas. This is the most efficient way to shift students' attention from form of expression to content and to introduce the surrounding world into knowledge through foreign language, thus expanding the scope of socio-cultural competence.
Applicability of solar desiccant cooling systems in Algerian Sahara: Experimental investigation of flat plate collectors
Authors: Adnane Labed  , Amar Rouag  , Adel Benchabane  , Noureddine Moummi  , Mohammed Zerouali
Published: August 2024

The increasing interest in the development of solar cooling technologies to their various economic and impressive environmental benefits, conducted us to study the feasibility of solar desiccant cooling systems in Algerian Sahara, particularly in the region of Biskra. Thus, we present in this paper, the results of an experimental investigation of solar flat plate collectors (FPCs) to test and estimate their heat regeneration capacity for solid desiccant cooling applications. The applicability of both Pennington and Dunkle cycles taking into account the effects of some parameters such as outdoor humidity and temperature and hot air temperature required to regenerate the desiccant wheel have been studied. From the psychrometric analysis, it was found that the Dunkle cycle is suitable in warm and semiarid climate. In addition, this study has allowed us to show that the temperature achieved by the flat plate solar air heaters in a large band of air flow rate can satisfy the energy needs for the dehumidification in desiccant cooling systems. Hot water produced by the solar water heaters and the stored one are in the operating temperature gap of the system (50-80 °C).
Problematic soil mechanics in the Algerian arid and semi-arid regions: Case of M’sila expansive clays
Authors: Mohamed Khemissa  , Abdelkrim Mahamedi  , Lakhdar Mekki
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a state-of-the art review on the behavior of problematic soils in arid and semi-arid regions in Algeria, where significant damages frequently appear affecting the road infrastructures, roadway systems and various networks and other small civil and industrial constructions. It deals with characterization and treatment experimental studies on some Algerian expansive natural soils, including those conducted on M’sila expansive clays.
Numerical study of geogrid-reinforced segmental earth retaining wall
Authors: Ouassim Rahmouni  , Abdelhak Mabrouki  , Djamel Benmeddour  , Mekki Mellas
Published: August 2024

Geogrid-reinforced soil segmental retaining walls have gained wide popularity because of their ease of installation and quick construction. This paper focuses on the numerical analysis using the FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions), the influence of the inclined blocs on the behavior of geogrid-reinforced soil segmental retaining walls. The results show that the inclination of the segmental blocks influences the shear stress transmitted to the blocks, the lateral displacement, the tensile loads and the strains in the geogrid layers.
Effect of a partial saturation on the hydromechanical response of a clay rock
Authors: Pierre Delage  , Hamza Menaceur  , Malik Belmokhtar  , Jean Talandier
Published: August 2024

The behaviour of claystones and shales ispresently investigated in details in link withtheir potential use as host rock for radioactive waste disposal at great depth. Claystones are verysensitive to changes in water content, with an increase of their mechanical properties withdesaturation under increased suction. Claystones have standard water retention properties butsome effect of hydric damage is observed after a drying-wetting cycle that results in enhancedswelling. The microstructure of the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone tested here is characterized by aclay matrix (50% clay fraction) made up of clay platelets that can be assimilated to bricks. The poresize distribution is well organized around a mean diameter of 32nm that provides an idea of themean thickness of the platelets. A stress release at constant water content results in a swelling anddesaturation due to an internal transfer from free inter-platelets water to linked intra-plateletswater.
Numerical study of seismic earth pressures acting against a vertical retaining wall in frictional soil
Authors: Salah Zerguine  , Djamel Benmeddour  , Abdallah Zatar
Published: August 2024

The seismic earth pressures with presence of water, acting against a vertical retainingwall are often a function of many parameters. In the case of saturated sands, the earthquakecauses failure of the retaining wall resulting by soil liquefaction. The theoretical methods for thecalculation of seismic earth pressures available in literature remain unable to solve the envisagedproblems. In this study the finite element code PLAXIS is used to evaluate the active earth pressureacting against a vertical rigid retaining wall. The soil is modeled by an elasto-plastic model with aMohr-Coulomb yield criterion. In this study, several parameters have been considered in order toevaluate the effect of soil acceleration with transitory flow and hydrostatic groundwater. Theresults have been compared with those obtained by the pseudo-dynamic and pseudo-staticapproaches. The results show the influence of the seismic action on the earth pressures.
Formulation of a composite of date palm wood‐cement
Authors: Farid Touloum  , Akli Younsi  , Abdelhak Kaci  , Adel Benchabane
Published: August 2024

This work reports the results of an experimental study on the incorporation of woodwaste date palm reduced in particles for the manufacture of wood – cement composites. Thesematerials are chipper than the conventional insulator material and environmental friendly. Fivetypes of wood – cement composites with various concentrations of the wood particles, ie. 2, 4, 6, 8and 10% of total volume, were made according to defined protocol and mix design. Their thermaland mechanical properties were measured and compared to other conventional materials. Theobtained results show that the thermal conductivity is positively correlated to the content ofparticles in the mixture. The compressive strength of composites decreases where the content ofparticles increase. However, taking account of the ASTM C 109 / C109‐95 standard, the wood –cement composite contained 10% of wood particles, considered as lightweight concrete, could beused as non‐structural material in construction.
Study of the adaptation of the sand concrete as repair material associated with an ordinary concrete substrate
Authors: Karima Gadri  , Abdelhamid Guettala
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a particular importance is given to the sand concrete as a new repairmaterial. A study is conducted to evaluate its mechanical and physical properties. By targeting thecompactness and workability, three crushed sand concrete series were made from a fixed choiceof the cement content. Once the sand concrete intended for repair is chosen; its characterization isrealized by mechanical and physical tests, namely compression and splitting tensile, measurementof modulus of elasticity and the shrinkage. A repair simulation is applied on half-cylinders ofordinary concrete with two ranges of strength, (BO40) and (BO25). The substrates are preparedwith two surfaces of different textures: roughness (RIG) and surface with drilled holes (PER). Thebond strength and its quality are determined by a splitting tensile test. The result showed asignificant improvement in mechanical strength, a low elastic modulus of 21315 MPa and amoderate shrinkage of 426μm/m after 28 days. Similarly, significant bond strength is recordedbetween sand concrete and ordinary concrete, reflecting a good adhesion with the substrate
Feasibility of solar adsorption air-conditioning in the region of Biskra: Reflection on the government support for electricity bills
Authors: Taouririt Hocine Benfatah , Adel Benchabane  , Amar Rouag  , Adnane Labed
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the feasibility of solar adsorption air conditioning system in the region ofBiskra (Algeria) is studied. The main objective is to give a reflection on the current governmentsupport for electricity bills. A comparison between three air conditioning systems was made bytaking into account economic and environmental constraints: classical mono-split system (A),classical centralized air conditioning chiller (B) and solar adsorption system (C). In the context ofthe current government support for electricity bills, results show that system A is actually thebest choice from the total investment costs, electrical consumption and maintenance point ofview. This is observed even with the gain of the electrical consumption obtained in the case ofsolar adsorption air conditioner (C). From an environmental point of view, the system (C) is moreadvantageous than the classical systems (A) & (B) especially for its use of the solar energy, its lowelectrical consumption, low CO2 emissions and low heat rejected to the outside. It can beconcluded that the current state policy do not encourage the transition to the use of airconditioning systems operate by renewable energies. Thus, the redirection of the current supportfor electricity bills to the support of the investment cost of the solar adsorption air conditioner(C) will make it more competitive in the Algerian market. In this case, system (C) can replace, inthe long-term, the system (A) used actually.
Effect of urban morphology on thermal comfort in outdoor spaces: the case of the red village-El Kantara-Biskra
Authors: Sara Sedira  , Said Mazouz
Published: August 2024

Climate urban design is today a topical issue dealt with in many recent studies. This paper aims to test the influence of urban morphology on external climatic conditions and the urban microclimate by dealing with the quantitative aspects of thermal comfort and the assessment of the thermal environment from an objective point of view. This is based on an on-site investigation based on the correlation between the geometry of the street, its orientation and the evolution of the physical variables (Ta, Tg, HR, Va). The measures were the subject of a campaign carried out in the urban fabric of the Ksar of Dachra El- Hamra (the red village), the first nucleus of the city of El Kantara in the wilaya of Biskra. The objective is to define the most efficient urban geometry in terms of summer thermal comfort by studying the true impacts of urban form on solar control and microclimatic conditions in arid regions. The evaluation of the thermal comfort in these external spaces is carried out by analyzing the calculated physiological temperature (PET) values based on the measured microclimatic parameters. The analysis of the results obtained from the investigation enabled us to demonstrate the considerable effect of the sky view factor, calculated by Rayman Pro 2.1 software, on the thermal fluctuations in the street.
Study of texture and recrystallization in commercial pure copper wire with and without heat treatment
Authors: Lamine Baci  , Zakaria Boumerzoug  , Claude Esnouf
Published: August 2024

Wire drawing is a necessary operation for the production of small diameter electricalwires. During this process, the shaping of the material is performed by a plastic deformationmechanism. The change in the shape of the metal causes the plastic deformation of each grain ofthe crystalline metal. In this work, we have studied a commercial copper wire. In this study, opticalmicroscopy, electron microscopy transmission, Vickers hardness and X-ray diffraction were used.It is found that cold drawn wires are characterized by texture formation and dislocation cellrearrangement. Isothermal treatments were applied on the deformed yarns, which makes itpossible to observe a recrystallization reaction which restores the mechanical properties and theinitial structure.
Numerical study of the bearing capacity of a strip footing on tow layered clay under inclined loading
Authors: Abla Femmam  , Abdelhak Mabrouki  , Mekki Mellas
Published: August 2024

The bearing capacity of a strip footing resting on a homogeneous and isotropic soil hasbeen the subject of numerous theoretical and experimental studies. However, in practice the soilis never homogeneous. It is therefore important to introduce the effect of stratification on thebearing capacity. This paper aims to indicate the modifications that must be made to the bearingcapacity of a rough strip footing resting on two layered clay subjected to inclined load. The finite-difference code Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC) is used to estimate the bearingcapacity factor Nc* as well as the failure envelope and the inclination factors ic, in the case ofinclined loading. The study is carried out considering two layers clays of different shear strengths,where the thickness of the upper clay layer is comparable to the width of a rigid footing. Theresults obtained show clearly that the bearing capacity of a strip footing is generally depends onthe strength ratio of the soil layers (cu1/cu2) and the relative thickness of the top layer (D/B).
Video Pembelajaran Seni Budaya Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Siswa Terhadap Materi Musik di SMP Negeri 7 Sentani
Authors: Atatu Sriyanti
Published: August 2024

Seni budaya merupakan bagian penting dalam kurikulum pendidikan, termasuk di tingkat SMP. Salah satu bagian materi dari seni budaya yang dikenal adalah materi musik, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali pengaruh media pembelajaran berbasis video dalam pembelajaran seni budaya untuk meningkatkan pemahaman terhadap materi musik di SMP Negeri 7 Sentani, serta untuk mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis pengaruh media pembelajaran, khususnya media pembelajaran berbasis video terhadap siswa-siswi pada mata pelajaran seni budaya (materi musik) di SMP Negeri 7 Sentani.
Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif untuk mendapatkan wawasan yang mendalam mengenai peran media pembelajaran berbasis video dalam proses pembelajaran seni budaya (materi musik). Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui observasi sekolah, wawancara dengan siswa, serta analisis terkait kurikulum dan materi pelajaran seni budaya di SMP Negeri 7 Sentani. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa media pembelajaran berbasis video, memiliki dampak positif pada minat belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran seni budaya (materi musik).
Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, didasarkan agar guru seni budaya di SMP Negeri 7 Sentani dapat lebih memperkaya metode pengajaran dengan memanfaatkan media pembelajaran berbasis video untuk meningkatkan minat belajar dan pemahaman siswa terhadap seni budaya. Selain itu, diharapkan pula agar kurikulum lebih mendukung penggunaan media pembelajaran berbasis video dalam pelajaran seni budaya (materi musik), sehingga siswa dapat lebih memahami seni budaya (materi musik).
Pengaruh Musik Tradisional (Suling) Terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa Kelas VIII C Mata Pelajaran Seni Musik di SMP Negeri 5 Sentani
Authors: Johan Tuldjurin Tonci
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis pengaruh musik tradisional, khususnya alat musik Suling trhadap minat belajar siswa kelas VIII C pada mata pelajaran seni budaya (seni musik) di SMP Negeri 5 Sentani.
Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif untuk mendapatkan wawasan yang mendalam mengenai peran musik tradisional dalam proses pembelajaran seni musik. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui observasi kelas, wawancara dengan siswa, serta analisis dokumen terkait kurikulum dan materi pelajaran seni budaya di SMP Negeri 5 Sentani. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh melalui observasi, pembelajaran, dan wawancara menunjukan bahwa musik tradisional, khususnya suling memiliki dampak positif pada minat belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran seni budaya (seni musik).
Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, didasarkan agar guru seni budaya di SMP Negeri 5 Sentani dapat lebih memperkaya metode pengajaran dengan memanfaatkan musik tradisional sebagai salah satu alat musik untuk meningkatkan minat dana pemahaman siswa terhadap seni budaya. Selain itu, diharapkan pula agar kurikulum lebih mendukung integrasi unsur-unsur budaya lokal ke dalam pelajaran seni budaya, sehingga siswa dapat lebih menghargai dan melestarikan warisan budaya tradisional mereka.
Metode Pembelajaran Vokal Pada Paduan Suara Jemaat Gki Ebenhaezer Yonif 751/Raider Sentani di Masa Pandemik Covid-19
Authors: Wouter Fangohoy  , Marlissa Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Paduan Suara adalah sekelompok vokalis yang unggul dalam bidang olah vokal atau suara dan dengan cepat memperluas karyanya dengan memasukkan lagu-lagu religius dan juga lagu-lagu non-religius. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis proses pembelajaran paduan suara di Jemaat GKI Ebenhaezer Yonif 751/R Sentani selama pandemi, serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi proses tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif, yang terdiri dari analisis data faktual dan uraian deskriptif mengenai proses pembelajaran vokal di Paduan Suara GKI Ebenhaezer Yonif 751/R Sentani selama masa pandemi melalui teknik observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi Tutorial, instruksi suara di dalam kelas, dan instruksi suara di dalam sub-kelas semuanya digunakan dalam pembelajaran vokal selama pandemi. Video dan tutorial media WhatsApp memberikan dukungan untuk prosedur ini. Koneksi internet yang handal atau pulsa yang konsisten juga diperlukan untuk memfasilitasi metode pembelajaran ini, dan kemajuan anggota paduan suara dalam menyelesaikan latihan yang telah mereka pelajari secara konsisten dinilai sebagai indikator dari proses pembelajaran ini. Anggota Paduan Suara Ebenhaezer Yonif 751/R terus meningkatkan kemampuan vokal mereka sebagai hasil dari pelatihan online dan mandiri. Namun, penting untuk dicatat bahwa pembelajaran secara offline tidak melibatkan penetapan protokol kesehatan.
LC-TOFMS analysis, in vitro and in silico antioxidant activity on NADPH oxidase, and toxicity assessment of an extract mixture based on Marrubium vulgare L. and Dittrichia viscosa L.
Authors: Mssillou Ibrahim , Agour Abdelkrim , Lefrioui Youssra , Chebaibi Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Plants and their derived compounds constitute a strong basis as potential drug and as novel therapeutic approach for the management of many diseases and illnesses. In this study we explored the chemical composition of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of M. vulgare and D. viscosa and their mixture. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was evaluated using the ABTS assay. Next, we examined the acute toxicity and sub-acute toxicity of the mixture. The molecular docking was conducted to discover the potential of compounds detected on NADPH oxidase. In the extract of D. viscosa the results revealed the presence of 4 compounds P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. In M. vulgare, only 3 compounds were identified: caffeic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid which give the lowest ppm error (-5.67). The mixture of the two plants showed the presence of 2 fatty acids (palmitic acid and stearic acid), caffeic acid and daidzein. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the mixture (IC50=0.13±0.04 mg/mL) has the highest effect in the inhibition of ABTS followed by M. vulgare (IC50=0.143±0.03 mg/mL) and D. viscosa (IC50=0.162±0.05 mg/mL). The results of the acute toxicity showed that for 14 days and even a few hours after the administration of the mixture to the rats did not show any sign of toxicity, for the 2 doses administered (1000 and 2000 mg/kg). During 28 days of the test, no sign of toxicity was observed in the rats treated with the two doses (500 and 800 mg/kg). No significant difference was observed between the control group and the groups treated with the two doses in ALP, UREA, and CREA and a slight elevation of AST was observed in the group treated with the 500 mg/kg dose. Daidzein, myricetin, and vanillic acid were the molecules most active against NADPH oxidase with a glide gscore of -7.13, -6.597, and -6.12 kcal/mol,a glide emodel of  -60.845, -67.752, and -45.821 kcal/mol, and a glide energy -40.807, -47.249, and -27.679 kcal/mol. In conclusion, both plants are effective as antioxidant agents and their mixture showed no sign of toxicity as herbal preparation.
Quality Of E-Ktp Services In The Office Bintaro District District Administrative City Reservation South Jakarta Dki Jakarta Province
Authors: Nurjulizar Muhammad , Irwani Irwani
Published: August 2024

Public service, as outlined by Law no. 25 of 2009 and regional autonomy policies, serves as a cornerstone of governmental functions. This research delves into challenges faced by the Bintaro Village Office in providing Electronic Identity Card (E-KTP) services, employing a qualitative approach. Despite positive E-Government transformations, practical hurdles persist, with the ambiguity surrounding service timelines being a significant issue. The study scrutinizes dimensions such as service attention, facilities, infrastructure, and employee appearance, utilizing a phenomenological approach. The research reveals variations in service attention, emphasizing the need for consistent improvement efforts. Tangible evidence indicates adequate facilities but highlights staff shortages impacting administrative services. While employee appearance demonstrates positive attributes, refinement through training in interpersonal skills is recommended. The comprehensive set of recommendations includes increasing staff, training initiatives, facility maintenance, technology adoption, enhanced communication, periodic community satisfaction measurement, rewards and sanctions, transparent information provision, continuous monitoring, complaint system improvement, increased accountability, and service guidelines update. In conclusion, this research serves as a strategic guide for the Bintaro Subdistrict Office, aiming to enhance service quality, meet community needs, and achieve optimal and sustainable service goals.
Strategy For Developing Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes) Garantung Makmur As A Driving Machine For The Rural Economy In Pulang Pisau District, Central Kalimantan Province
Authors: Pasaribu Muhammad Irvan Yazid Azhar , Afiani Oktavia Luci , Fatmawati Yuli
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) in the development of BUMDes Garantung Makmur. These factors will be used to formulate an appropriate BUMDes development strategy for managing business units in an effort to increase the income of the surrounding community. The formulation of the development strategy for BUMDes Garantung Makmur will use SWOT analysis. The subjects in this research were BUMDes administrators, local government, village organizations, academics and the community in Garantung Village, Pulang Pisau Regency. The research results show that the strengths and opportunities for developing BUMDes Garantung Makmur are more dominant than the weaknesses and threats, so that the strategy that can be applied in developing BUMDes is to make the best use of strengths and opportunities. The research results show that BUMDes Garantung Makmur needs to maximize the development of the hybrid corn agribusiness business unit because it has great opportunities in the agricultural sector and this business unit is quite prospective and can be absorbed by the village.
relationship between critical thinking and student learning independence in mathematics learning in Elementary School
Authors: Tilawatila Wawa , Adinda Dea , Gunawan Ridwan
Published: August 2024

Critical thinking skills are an important foundation for individuals in the modern era. This ability is not only needed at a high level, but also from an early age, including in elementary schools. Unfortunately, its application in elementary schools is still minimal. Assessing the critical thinking skills of 4th grade students in the material of perimeter and area of a square, analyzing its relationship with learning independence, and knowing the level of student understanding of the material. Quantitative research with descriptive and correlational design. A sample of 7 4th grade students was selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and questions. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics. Students' critical thinking skills are still low. There is a significant positive relationship between learning independence and critical thinking skills. Students' level of understanding of the perimeter and area of a square still needs to be improved. Critical thinking skills of 4th grade students in the material of the perimeter and area of a square need to be improved. Efforts to improve students' critical thinking skills need to be made by paying attention to the important role of learning independence. In addition, learning the perimeter and area of a square needs to be designed more effectively to improve students' understanding. These findings provide important implications for educators to: (1) Increase the focus on developing students' critical thinking skills in learning; (2) Integrate aspects of learning independence in learning to support the development of students' critical thinking skills; (3) Design more effective and student-centered learning of the perimeter and area of a square. This research is expected to contribute to the development of mathematics learning in elementary schools, especially in improving students' critical thinking skills and learning independence in square perimeter and area material.
Gāzturbīnu dzinēju veiktspējas uzlabošanas izpēte, optimizējot turbīnas lāpstiņu dzesēšanas kanālu dizainu
Authors:   , Elmenshawy Adham
Published: August 2024

Promocijas darbā autors risina turbīnu lāpstiņu dzesēšanas problēmu gāzturbīnu dzinējos. Turbīnu lāpstiņas ekspluatācijas laikā ir pakļautas ekstremālām temperatūrām un termiskiem spriegumiem, tās ietekmē intensīvs karstums degvielas sadegšanas dēļ dzinēja sadegšanas kamerā, tādēļ ir nepieciešamas efektīvas dzesēšanas metodes, lai novērstu pārkaršanu un uzlabotu termisko noturību. Galvenais šī pētījuma aspekts ir dzesēšanas kanālu dizaina optimizēšana turbīnu lāpstiņās. Kanāli, kuros cirkulē dzesēšanas šķidrums, ir būtiski, lai uzturētu lāpstiņu temperatūru drošās robežās. Pētījumā uzsvērti dizaina apsvērumi, kas ir būtiski efektīvai dzesēšanai – nepieciešamā plūsmas ātruma pielāgošana ar pieņemamiem spiediena kritumiem, kanālu ģeometrijas optimizēšana efektīvai siltuma pārnesei, vienlaikus samazinot profila zudumus. Dzesēšanas kanālu projektēšanas fāzē tiek ņemtas vērā arī turbīnu lāpstiņu materiālu īpašības, tostarp siltumvadītspēja, siltumietilpība un kušanas temperatūra. Darba gaitā veikta plaša CF6 dzinēju, kas uzstādīti B747 lidmašīnās, statistiskā analīze. Pētījumā sniegti detalizēti izplūdes gāzu temperatūras (EGT) robežu un citu dzinēja parametru pārbaudes rezultāti, kā arī ieskats dzinēja darbības pasliktināšanās un veiktspējas zudumā laika gaitā.
Neural Geometry from Mixed Sensorimotor Selectivity for Predictive Sensorimotor Control
Authors: Zhang Yiheng , Chen Yun , Wang Tianwei , Cui He
Published: August 2024

Although recent studies suggest that activity in the motor cortex, in addition to generating motor outputs, receives substantial information regarding sensory inputs, it is unclear how sensory context adjusts the motor commands. Here, we recorded population neural activity in the motor cortex via microelectrode arrays while monkeys performed flexible manual interceptions of moving targets. During this task, which requires predictive sensorimotor control, the activity of most neurons in the motor cortex encoding upcoming movements, was influenced by ongoing target motion. Single-trial neural states at movement onset formed staggered orbital geometries, suggesting that target speed modulates pre-movement activity in an orthogonal manner. This neural geometry was further evaluated with a representational model and a recurrent neural network (RNN) with task-specific input-output mapping. We propose that sensorimotor dynamics can be derived from neuronal mixed sensorimotor selectivity and dynamic interaction between modulations.
Syntaxin-6 delays prion protein fibril formation and prolongs the presence of toxic aggregation intermediates
Authors: Sangar Daljit , Hill Elizabeth , Jack Kezia , Batchelor Mark , Mistry Beenaben , Ribes Juan M , Jackson Graham S , Mead Simon , Bieschke Jan
Published: August 2024

Prions replicate via the autocatalytic conversion of cellular prion protein (PrPC) into fibrillar assemblies of misfolded PrP. While this process has been extensively studied in vivo and in vitro, non-physiological reaction conditions of fibril formation in vitro have precluded the identification and mechanistic analysis of cellular proteins, which may alter PrP self-assembly and prion replication. Here, we have developed a fibril formation assay for recombinant murine and human PrP (23-231) under near-native conditions (NAA) to study the effect of cellular proteins, which may be risk factors or potential therapeutic targets in prion disease. Genetic screening suggests that variants that increase syntaxin-6 expression in the brain (gene: STX6) are risk factors for sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Analysis of the protein in NAA revealed, counterintuitively, that syntaxin-6 is a potent inhibitor of PrP fibril formation. It significantly delayed the lag phase of fibril formation at highly sub-stoichiometric molar ratios. However, when assessing toxicity of different aggregation time points to primary neurons, syntaxin-6 prolonged the presence of neurotoxic PrP species. Electron microscopy and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy revealed that, instead of highly ordered fibrils, in the presence of syntaxin-6 PrP formed less-ordered aggregates containing syntaxin-6. These data strongly suggest that the protein can directly alter the initial phase of PrP self-assembly and, uniquely, can act as an ‘anti-chaperone’, which promotes toxic aggregation intermediates by inhibiting fibril formation.
Predictive learning rules generate a cortical-like replay of probabilistic sensory experiences
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Fukai Tomoki
Published: August 2024

The brain is thought to construct an optimal internal model representing the probabilistic structure of the environment accurately. Evidence suggests that spontaneous brain activity gives such a model by cycling through activity patterns evoked by previous sensory experiences with the experienced probabilities. The brain’s spontaneous activity emerges from internally-driven neural population dynamics. However, how cortical neural networks encode internal models into spontaneous activity is poorly understood. Recent computational and experimental studies suggest that a cortical neuron can implement complex computations, including predictive responses, through soma-dendrite interactions. Here, we show that a recurrent network of spiking neurons subject to the same predictive learning principle provides a novel mechanism to learn the spontaneous replay of probabilistic sensory experiences. In this network, the learning rules minimize probability mismatches between stimulus-evoked and internally driven activities in all excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This learning paradigm generates stimulus-specific cell assemblies that internally remember their activation probabilities using within-assembly recurrent connections. Our model contrasts previous models that encode the statistical structure of sensory experiences into Markovian transition patterns among cell assemblies. We demonstrate that the spontaneous activity of our model well replicates the behavioral biases of monkeys performing perceptual decision making. Our results suggest that interactions between intracellular processes and recurrent network dynamics are more crucial for learning cognitive behaviors than previously thought.
CPT1A mediates radiation sensitivity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Zhenhui , Yu Lu , Zheng Zhihao , Wang Xusheng , Guo Qiqing , Chen Yuchuan , Zhang Yaowei , Zhang Yuqin , Xiao Jianbiao , Chen Keli , Fan Hongying , Ding Yi
Published: August 2024

The prevalence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) are increasing worldwide. Radiation resistance hinders radiotherapy, a standard treatment for advanced CRC, leading to local recurrence and metastasis. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance in CRC is critical to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes. Bioinformatic analysis and tumour tissue examination were conducted to investigate the CPT1A mRNA and protein levels in CRC and their correlation with radiotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, lentiviral overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 lentiviral vectors, along with in vitro and in vivo radiation experiments, were used to explore the effect of CPT1A on radiosensitivity. Additionally, transcriptomic sequencing, molecular biology experiments, and bioinformatic analyses were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CPT1A regulates radiosensitivity. CPT1A was significantly downregulated in CRC and negatively correlated with responsiveness to neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Functional studies suggested that CPT1A mediates radiosensitivity, influencing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and DNA damage response. Transcriptomic and molecular analyses highlighted the involvement of the peroxisomal pathway. Mechanistic exploration revealed that CPT1A downregulates the FOXM1-SOD1/SOD2/CAT axis, moderating cellular ROS levels after irradiation and enhancing radiosensitivity. CPT1A downregulation contributes to radioresistance in CRC by augmenting the FOXM1-mediated antioxidant response. Thus, CPT1A is a potential biomarker of radiosensitivity and a novel target for overcoming radioresistance, offering a future direction to enhance CRC radiotherapy.
Disruption of WSB2-mediated NOXA Degradation Induces Synthetic Lethality to Anti-apoptotic BCL-2 Family Protein Inhibitors
Authors: Jiao Dongyue , Chang Kun , Chen Yingji , Jin Jiamin , Mo Ren , Zhang Yucong , Gao Kun , Xu Yaoting , Wang Lixin , Wang Chenji
Published: August 2024

Anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins are frequently overexpressed in various cancers, contributing to the initiation and development of cancer, as well as intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapy. Although BCL-2 family protein inhibitors, such as Venetoclax, have demonstrated efficacy in hematological neoplasms, their effectiveness as single agents in solid tumors is limited. Identifying alternative molecular targets that can overcome intrinsic resistance to BCL-2 family protein inhibitors is of great clinical importance. Here, we present evidence of strong synthetic lethal interactions between WSB2, a relatively unexplored substrate-binding receptor of the Cullin 5-RBX2-Elongin B/C (CRL5) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and multiple anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Mechanistically, an assembled CRL5
WSB2
E3 ubiquitin ligase complex targets NOXA, a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein, for degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Ablation of WSB2 leads to a remarkable accumulation of NOXA proteins in cultured cell lines and knockout mouse organs. While WSB2 deficiency alone has a minimal effect on spontaneous apoptosis, it renders cancer cells more susceptible to apoptosis when anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins are genetically depleted or pharmacologically inhibited. These findings establish WSB2 as a critical regulator of mitochondrial apoptosis and highlight the dysregulation of the WSB2-NOXA regulatory axis as a contributing factor to apoptosis resistance in cancer cells. Synergistically targeting WSB2 and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins holds promising clinical potential in the treatment of human cancers.
Femora nutrient foramina and aerobic capacity in giant extinct xenarthrans
Authors: Varela Luciano , Tambusso Sebastián , Fariña Richard
Published: August 2024

Nutrient foramina are small openings in the periosteal surface of the mid-shaft region of long bones that traverse the cortical layer and reach the medullary cavity. They are important for the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to bone tissue and are crucial for the repair and remodeling of bones over time. The nutrient foramina in the femur’s diaphysis are related to the energetic needs of the femur and have been shown to be related to the maximum metabolic rate (MMR) of taxa. Here, we investigate the relationship between nutrient foramen size and body mass as a proxy to the aerobic capacity of taxa in living and extinct xenarthrans, including living sloths, anteaters, and armadillos, as well as extinct xenarthrans such as glyptodonts, pampatheres, and ground sloths. Seventy femora were sampled, including 20 from extant taxa and 50 from extinct taxa. We obtained the blood flow rate (Q̇) based on foramina area and performed PGLS and phylogenetic ANCOVA in order to explore differences among mammalian groups. Our results show that, among mammals, taxa commonly associated with lower metabolism like living xenarthrans showed relatively smaller foramina, while the foramina of giant extinct xenarthrans like ground sloths and glyptodonts overlapped with non-xenarthran placentals. Consequently, Q̇ estimations indicated aerobic capacities comparable to other placental giant taxa like elephants or some ungulates. Furthermore, the estimation of the MMR for fossil giant taxa showed similar results, with almost all taxa showing high values except for those for which strong semi-arboreal or fossorial habits have been proposed. Moreover, the results are compatible with the diets predicted for extinct taxa, which indicate a strong consumption of grass similar to ungulates and in contrast to the folivorous or insectivorous diets of extant xenarthrans. The ancestral reconstruction of the MMR values indicated a lack of a common pattern for all xenarthrans, strongly supporting the occurrence of low metabolic rates in extant forms due to their particular dietary preferences and arboreal or fossorial habits. Our results highlight the importance of considering different evidence beyond the phylogenetic position of extinct taxa, especially when extinct forms are exceptionally different from their extant relatives. Future studies evaluating the energetic needs of giant extinct xenarthrans should not assume lower metabolic rates for these extinct animals based solely on their phylogenetic position and the observations on their extant relatives.