bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on a Focused Acoustic Vortex that Can Be Used to Capture Tiny Underwater Objects
Authors: Li Zhengbao , Hu Gehao , Wang Qingdong , Du Libin
Published: October 2024

The energy of a focused acoustic field is quite concentrated, and the ability of an acoustic vortex formed by a concave focusing transducer array to capture objects in a flowing medium remains to be investigated. In this paper, the focused pressure distributions generated by an acoustic lens and a concave focused transducer array are firstly simulated, and the analyzed results show that the focusing effect of the latter is significantly better than that of the former. The acoustic gradient force and orbital angular momentum density distributions of the focused transducer array were investigated. A focused acoustic vortex tiny object capture system was built by simulating the hydrothermal column that forms in the seafloor hydrothermal zone. It was discovered that the forces affecting microorganisms and other small objects primarily consist of acoustic gradient force, viscous force, and additional mass force. The non-destructive capture of tiny seafloor objects was accomplished by adjusting the focused acoustic vortex’s propagation direction and the transducer array’s emitted power, thereby enabling more potential applications in ocean equipment.
Critical State Analysis for Iron Ore Tailings with a Fine-Grained Interlayer: Effects of Layering Thickness and Dip Angle
Authors: Ji Xu , Xu Qiang , Ren Kaiyi , Wei Lanting , Wang Wensong
Published: October 2024

The formation of layering during the sedimentation process of tailings makes it of great significance to investigate tailings and to analyze their susceptibility to flow liquefaction. In this study, homogeneous iron ore tailings (IOTs) specimens were reconstituted with pure coarser grains and pure finer grains sampled from a typical tailings storage facility. Additionally, an improved sample preparation method was developed to create heterogeneous IOTs samples containing a fine-grained interlayer with different thicknesses and dip angles using the above two materials. A series of standard drained and undrained triaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the effects of the presence of a layered structure and its geometry on the stress–strain responses, and the properties of the IOTs under the critical state soil mechanics framework, which has been widely adopted in the analysis of liquefaction in mine tailings. The results showed that for the two homogeneous specimens, unique critical state lines (CSLs) can be identified, but they have different degrees of curvature in the e-ln p′ plane, causing a decrease in the susceptibility to liquefaction with increasing fines content. With increasing fine-grained interlayer thickness (FGLT) within 0–40 mm, the critical state friction angle (φcs) decreased steadily, while the CSLs in the e-ln p′ plane translated upward. This may be because the morphology of the microstructure within the fine-grained interlayer restricted the compression of the intergranular pores. With increasing fine-grained interlayer dip angle (FGLA) within the range 0–30°, φcs decreased until a discontinuity occurred at a dip angle of 15°, while the CSLs in the e-ln p′ plane rotated clockwise through a pivot point. Different FGLAs could change the contact area between the different layers and the axial distribution of the fine-grained interlayer and thus may further contribute to the rotation of the CSLs.
Multi-Approaches for Flash Flooding Hazard Assessment of Rabigh Area, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia: Insights from Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah
Published: October 2024

Flash flood hazard assessment is a critical component of disaster risk management, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme rainfall and climatic events. This study focuses on evaluating the flash flood susceptibility of the Rabigh area, located along the Red Sea coast in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia. Using advanced GIS tools and a spatial multi-criteria analysis approach, the research integrates a variety of datasets, including remotely sensed satellite data, the SRTM Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and topographic indices. The main goal was to produce detailed flood susceptibility maps based on the morphometric characteristics of the region’s drainage basins. These basins were delineated and assessed for their flood vulnerability using three distinct modeling techniques, each highlighting different aspects of flood behavior. The results show that the northern basin (Dulaidila) and the central basins (Rabigh, Algud, and Al Nuaibeaa) exhibit the highest flood risk, with significant susceptibility also observed in the southern basins (Ofoq and Saabar). Other basins in the region display moderate susceptibility levels. A key aspect of this analysis was the overlay of the integrated flood susceptibility map with the Topographic Position Index (TPI), a crucial topographic indicator, which helped refine the understanding of flood-prone areas by linking basin morphometry with in-situ topographic features. This study’s comprehensive approach offers valuable insights that can be applied to other coastal regions where hydrological and climatic data are scarce, contributing to more effective flood risk mitigation and strategic planning.
Influence of Different Valve Openings on the Structural Dynamic Characteristics of a Multistage Pump
Authors: Li Guidong , Xia Yinling , Mao Jieyun , Zhao Danhua , Meng Qi
Published: October 2024

In order to study the influence of regulating valve openings on the dynamic characteristics of the rotor structure of a multistage pump during the transient startup process, a seven-stage pump was selected as the research object. The transient startup of the pump was jointly simulated using Flowmaster and CFX, and the deformation law of the rotor under different valve openings with time was investigated through Workbench. The results showed that the deformation trends of the impellers at each stage were similar under different valve openings during transient startup, and regulating the valve opening had little significant impact on the stability of the rotor structure. The maximum deformation of the pump shaft occurred at the contact surface between the intermediate impeller and the pump shaft under different valve openings. As the valve opening increased, the maximum deformation of the pump shaft decreased slightly. This study reveals the structural characteristics of the multistage pump during the transient startup process under different valve openings, which is of great importance for improving the safety and reliability of multistage pumps during emergency operations.
On the issue of morbidity among children in the Nizhny Novgorod region caused by nutritional factors
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education ", Sheyykhova S. Sh. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University",   of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Rakhmanov R. S. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Privolzhsky Research Medical University" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Maksimenko E. O. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Privolzhsky Research Medical University" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Published: October 2024

Diseases of children and adolescents, potentially caused by nutrition, are an urgent medical problem. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and primary incidence of nutrition–related diseases in the children's population of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The data of the official statistics of the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Russian Federation for 2012-2022 are analyzed. An increase in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus among children and adolescents was revealed, characteristic both for the studied region and for the country as a whole, which indicates the possibility of the influence of general facts, including those related to nutrition. The increase in the prevalence (by 6.7%) and primary incidence of anemia among adolescents (by 3.6%) of the Nizhny Novgorod region revealed in 2012-2022 may be a consequence of negative changes in nutrition and socio-hygienic well-being of the region's population. In order to establish the connection of the identified trends with the nutritional factor, in-depth cahoric studies are necessary.
DESIGNING TECHNOLOGIES AND FORMS OF ORGANIZATION OF TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF EXTRACURRICULAR EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PEDAGOGICAL HERITAGE OF A. MAKARENKO
Authors: LEBEDYK L.
Published: October 2024

The problems of designing technologies and forms of organization of training for future teachers of extracurricular education institutions are analyzed through the prism of A. Makarenko's pedagogical heritage. The conditions for designing interactive lectures (lecture with planned errors, lecture-dispute, problem lecture), independent work, conferences, and business games are considered.
It was concluded that the search for effective technologies and forms of training of future teachers of out-of-school education institutions in the conditions of the master's degree is impossible without referring to the pedagogical heritage of A. Makarenko and the modern requirements of the New Ukrainian School. Among the prospects for further research, the need to clarify the essence of designing technologies, forms, content, methods of training future teachers of extracurricular education institutions is indicated, the solution of which will make it possible to consider in the context of the pedagogical heritage of A. Makarenko the components of the training of teachers of extracurricular education institutions in the conditions of the master’s degree, to identify patterns and mechanisms of this process.
TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE THINKING IN ART CLASSES IN GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: SULAIEVA N.
Published: October 2024

The article highlights the actual issue of training students majoring in art and pedagogical specialties of institutions of higher pedagogical education to develop the creative thinking of students of general secondary education institutions. Attention is focused on the definition of the category «creative thinking» and the main approaches to the formation of future teachers of art disciplines are characterized by the competence to develop students’ creative thinking in art classes.
It is emphasized that the preparation of students for work on the development of their creative thinking takes place based on formal and non-formal art education received by students of art specialties.
The prescribing of opioids for chronic noncancer pain in the menopausal and postmenopausal population: a drug utilisation study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tillyer Emma , Jani Yogini , Wei Li , Brauer Ruth
Published: October 2024

Background

Opioid use for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is consistently higher in menopausal/postmenopausal women than in younger women or men, elevating their risk of opioid-related adverse health outcomes. Since pain severity increases with hormonal changes accompanying menopause, these women should be a focus of opioid stewardship efforts.

Aim

To examine opioid prescribing trends for CNCP in menopausal/postmenopausal women diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition.

Design & setting

Population-based drug utilisation study using IQVIA Medical Research Data UK.

Method

Annual opioid prescribing incidence, prevalence, and average duration of use were calculated for a cohort of women aged 50-79 with musculoskeletal conditions newly diagnosed between 2010-2021. Specific results were stratified by age, pain indication, and Townsend score.

Results

From 2010 to 2021, incident prescribing rates of opioids increased in women aged 50-54 (161.4 [95% CI 149.7-174.0] per 1000 PYAR in 2010 to 239.6 [95% CI 211.7-271.2] per 1000 PYAR in 2021); these women discontinued opioid use faster (~1 year) than older age groups (~2 years). Overall, opioid prescribing prevalence decreased from 23% in 2010 to 14% in 2021, and average opioid use duration decreased from 3 years to 1 year (2010 - post-2017) in women aged 50-79.

Conclusion

The overall observed decrease in prevalence and average duration of opioid use is encouraging. Incident prescriptions are rising in women aged 50-54 and those with fibromyalgia while remaining steady in women aged 55-79. Understanding the impact of menopause/post-menopause on opioid use trends is important for effective opioid stewardship.
Aplicación del Método Pilates en el desbalance postural del personal administrativo-docente universitario
Authors: Viteri Campoverde Lida Denisse , Medina Roldan Ariana Graciela , Sierra Nieto Victor
Published: October 2024

El desbalance postural se genera en varias estructuras óseas cuando un lado del cuerpo presenta mayor tensegridad en un grupo muscular y, al mismo tiempo, mayor elasticidad en su contraparte. Objetivo: Identificar los resultados de la aplicación del método Pilates en el personal administrativo-docente con desbalance postural de la Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil. Materiales y métodos: Se basa en un diseño Cuasi experimentales Pre test, con dos grupos de trabajo de selección no aleatoria. Resultados: Se evidenciaron mejoras estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05), en todos los ángulos de desbalance postural y fuerza isométrica del core, excepto en AVH/I (°), AHE/D (°) y AHE/I (°). Así mismo en la medición final/basal del grupo de 16 sesiones, se evidenciaron mejoras estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05), en todos los ángulos de fuerza isométrica del core, y desbalance postural, excepto en CF/D (°), AVH/I (°), AHE/D (°), AHE/I (°) y LL/D (°). Conclusión: La aplicación del método Pilates tiene un impacto positivo en la alineación postural en mujeres de 30 a 65 años, con un programa de 12 y 16 sesiones.
Prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares durante el COVID-19
Authors: Zambrano Hernández Hetzabeth Noelia , Diez Chávez Andrea Pierina , Abril Mera Tania María , De La Torre Ortega Layla Yenebi
Published: October 2024

El COVID-19 puede provocar diversas complicaciones cardiovasculares, incluyendo daño miocárdico, miocarditis, arritmias, y trombosis. El objetivo de este artículo fue determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares durante el COVID-19 en adultos en el Hospital General Guasmo Sur. Se enmarca dentro del enfoque cuantitativo, el paradigma es positivista y método descriptivo; el diseño utilizado fue el no experimental de corte transversal. La población estudiada incluyó un total de 137 pacientes con problemas cardiacos; Para la recolección de dotas se utilizó la encuesta y el cuestionario. El procesamiento de los datos se realizó mediante el programa de Excel SPSS 21. Los resultados fueron que, el sobrepeso afecta a los pacientes, lo que indica una alta prevalencia. En comparación el tabaquismo y la obesidad. Se concluye que, el análisis de los factores de riesgo asociados a las ECV revela que la hipertensión arterial (HTA) es el principal indicador, con una mayor prevalencia en hombres.
Interactive whiteboards: a key tool for inclusive education
Authors: Bakhmat Nataliia , Artimonova Tetiana , Malyshevska Iryna , Nakhaieva Yaryna , Koshuk Oleksandr
Published: October 2024

The article examines the conditions for the successful implementation of inclusive education in the educational environment, elucidates the issue of influence on the development of education seekers, and highlights the main reasons that cause difficulties in working with children with special educational problems. The essential properties of the concept of "interactive whiteboard" are shown, the educational potential and advantages of the interactive whiteboard are revealed, and the necessity of using interactive whiteboards in an inclusive educational environment is proven. The Smart Notebook software for interactive whiteboards is analyzed, and the possibilities of use by teachers in an inclusive educational environment are shown. The most effective online resources and programs for interactive whiteboards for creating new products on the respective platforms are highlighted. The interaction principles between teachers and children with special educational needs are described. During the study, the effectiveness of the formation of professional readiness of future specialists to use an interactive whiteboard for work in an inclusive educational environment was checked experimentally. We see the existing advantages in the experimental group over the control group after the experiment, which indicates the effectiveness of the implemented pedagogical system.
Razonamiento ético en el contexto educativo caracterizado por la tecnología
Authors: Arcila Franceschi María Cristina , Medina Elsy
Published: October 2024

El objetivo de este estudio se centró en analizar el concepto ético en el contexto educativo. La metodología abordada fue el método hermenéutico por su interés particular en la interpretación de textos. La entrevista a profundidad fue la técnica indagatoria que permitió el análisis del corpus lingüístico identificado. El sendero investigativo resultó en el diseño de la investigación entendido como el qué, es decir, la exploración de constructos tanto en docentes y en estudiantes. Por su parte, el cómo investigar se realizó a través de la relación establecida con los informantes. Dado el análisis e interpretación se definieron las categorías de educar según el escenario tecnológico y la necesidad de promover la integridad académica como elemento en el que el razonamiento ético se convierte en un conocimiento previo. Entre los resultados relevantes destacan: el concepto e importancia del razonamiento ético, nueve aspectos para crear ambientes favorables, seis pasos para el tratamiento de la información en una propuesta sustentada en los modelos derivados de la conducta ética y un ejemplo práctico. Se concluye que el razonamiento ético puede generar óptimas experiencias de aprendizaje y contribuir efectivamente en la producción de escritos propios que hayan recibido la ayuda de la inteligencia artificial.
The healing power of stories: How to create therapeutic fairy tales for children and adults
Authors: Ruban Larysa , Didenko Iryna , Oliinyk Iryna , Petrovsky Mykola , Seminikhyna Nataliia
Published: October 2024

The article examines the potential application of fairy-tale therapy by educators, specialists in the socionomic sphere, and parents to provide psychological and educational support to children. The article aims to reveal various aspects of therapeutic fairy tale writing aimed at an individual’s psychological and pedagogical assistance. To achieve the research objectives, several theoretical methods were utilized: content analysis of both Ukrainian and foreign scholarly works to identify effective methods for crafting therapeutic fairy tales; a typological approach to delineate strategies for developing storytelling skills for therapeutic purposes; the method of translating theoretical concepts into the practice of composing original therapeutic fairy tales; and the examination, analysis, and synthesis of specialized psychological and pedagogical literature. It is emphasized that therapeutic fairy tales help to correct a child’s behaviour, and some psychological deviations reveal creativity and instil moral values. In addition, therapeutic fairy tales heal the soul and touch the most important human senses. It was concluded that the uniqueness of telling therapeutic fairy tales as a method of practical psychology and pedagogy is that it has no age restrictions and, secondly, it can be applied to people who develop "normally" and people with special needs.
Combination of pozzolan and sawdust as biofilter for textile wastewater treatment
Authors: Mulyati Sri Slamet , Hasan Nia Yuniarti , Kamaludin Ade , Irianto Redi Yudha , Aripin Salma
Published: October 2024

Background: Inappropriate management of textile wastewater results in environmental pollution. To counter this, biofilters or biofilm systems serve as alternatives. Biofilters work like a filter, with a media stack that aids in the filtration process. In this study, pozzolan and sawdust were used as media. The present study aimed to identify the difference in average color content, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and chromium of textile wastewater after passing through a single biofilter versus a combination biofilter. Methods: This study employs a post-test with a control design experimental research design. The research population is the total textile wastewater produced by the X industry located in Cimahi city, Indonesia. The grab sampling technique was employed to collect 30 L of textile wastewater for each treatment using both the single biofilter (composed solely of sawdust) and the combination biofilter (mixture of sawdust and pozzolan). Results: There are significant differences in color, COD, and chromium content averages between single and combined biofilter treatments, supported by P values of 0.012, 0.004, and 0.010. The single biofilter exhibited higher percentage reductions in color and chromium (14.25% and 90.83%, respectively) compared to the combination biofilter. In contrast, the combination biofilter achieved a remarkable COD reduction of up to 79.45%compared to the single biofilter. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the single biofilter had a higher capacity to remove color and chromium compared to the combination biofilter. Meanwhile, the combination biofilter was found to be more effective in removing COD compared to the single biofilter.
The risk of gastrointestinal cancer and nitrate intake due to vegetable consumption: A case-control study in Minab, Iran
Authors: Khaksar Mahdi , Alipour Vali , Rahmanian Omid , Soltani Naeme
Published: October 2024

Background: Nitrate (NO3 ) is a necessary element for plant growth, but its excessive use in agricultural products causes different health problems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between NO3 concentrations in vegetables and the prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in Minab city, Iran. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 60 people with cancer as the case group and 120 healthy people as the control group in Minab city. Data were collected through a questionnaire and measuring NO3 concentration levels in vegetables. All samples were examined for NO3 by reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) method. Results: The concentration levels of NO3 in all vegetables ranged from 15.08 (onion) to 1143.55 mg/kg (spinach). There was no significant difference between the concentrations of NO3 in all vegetables among the different regions. The most common cancer in the case group was stomach cancer (61.7%). There was a significant difference between the amount of daily intake of NO3 , through different vegetables, and the prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer between the case and control groups (P<0.05). The results showed that increasing the consumption of vegetables increases the chance of getting gastrointestinal cancer (OR: 5.72; P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, there is a significant relationship between the NO3 concentration in vegetables and the prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in the studied areas. It is highly recommended to closely monitor the cultivation, fertilization, and spray process of agricultural products, and frequent monitoring of NO3 levels in fruits and vegetables.
Investigating the pathological changes and activity of antioxidant enzymes in testicular tissue of male Wistar rats exposed to welding fumes
Authors: Janghorban Mina , Rismanchian Masoud , Mohammadalipour Adel , Hashemnia Mohammad , Karimi Zeverdegani Sara
Published: October 2024

Background: Welding is an extensively utilized industrial technique, which involves the fusion of fumes containing various heavy metals. To protect exposed workers, it is crucial to investigate the subsequent adverse effects. This study aimed to carry out the welding process within a regulated welding chamber and examine the effects of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as antioxidant enzymes and pathological damage on rat testicular tissue. Methods: Male adult Wistar rats (n=7/experiment group) were exposed to an average concentration of (44.48 mg/m3 ) welding fumes (WFs) for 30 min/d×8 days through shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). The control group (n=7) was in similar conditions without direct exposure to WFs. Results: The metal composition of WFs was found to contain iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). Among these metals, Fe had the highest average concentration (12.06 mg/m3 ), while Cu displayed the lowest one (0.019 mg/m3 ). The majority of the produced particles were found within the micron size range (0.25 to 0.5 μm). The mean activity of GPX and SOD was determined 15.16777 (mU/mg protein) and 81.955 (U/mg protein) in the exposed group, respectively. In the microscopic examination of testis tissue, some complications were observed. Conclusion: Oxidative damage occurred in the testicular tissue of experimental rats by decreasing the mean activity of antioxidant enzymes. Besides, the exposed group showed reduced sperm quality and quantity indexes.
Congo red dye adsorption on dry green pea husk: Effects of process parameters and modeling approaches
Authors: Elsherif Khaled Muftah , Alkherraz Abdulfattah Mohammed , Edwards Howell , Abdulsalam Mutawia Basma Younus
Published: October 2024

Background: Congo red (CR), a harmful dye present in water, requires effective removal methods. This study investigated the utilization of dry green pea husk (DGPH) and its charcoal (CGPH) as economical and eco-friendly adsorbents. Methods: Various factors, including contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, and temperature, were investigated to assess their impact on the adsorption process. Also, different models (isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics) were compared to describe the adsorption phenomenon. Results: Equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 30 minutes for both adsorbents. The optimum pH for CR removal was determined to be 2. The adsorption capacity decreased by increasing the adsorbent dosage, whereas it increased by increasing the initial dye concentration. The Langmuir isotherm model demonstrated the best fit for DGPH, while the Freundlich model exhibited the best fit for CGPH. The pseudo-second-order model displayed a superior fit for both adsorbents. To assess the spontaneity and feasibility of the adsorption process, thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy were computed. The results indicated that the adsorption of CR on DGPH was endothermic and favorable at lower temperatures, whereas the adsorption on CGPH was exothermic and favorable at higher temperatures. The negative values of Gibbs free energy for the CGPH adsorbent confirmed the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. Conclusion: The study establishes that green pea husk and its charcoal are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for the removal of CR from water.
Investigation of heavy metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, and arsenic) in vegetables irrigated with synthetic effluent and well water: Risk assessment of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity
Authors: Parmoozeh Zeinab , Mostafaii Gholamreza Reza , Rabbani Davarkhah , Akbari Hossein , Salem Atieh , Miranzadeh Mohammad Bagher
Published: October 2024

Background: The growing use of treated wastewater in farming has raised concerns about the potential impacts on public health. Methods: This study assessed the levels of the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in plants watered in greenhouse settings using both well water and synthetic wastewater. Synthetic wastewater with As at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/L, Pb at 1, 3, and 5 mg/L, and Cd at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/L, as well as well water were used to irrigate radish, coriander, and grass. In the end, 144 vegetable samples were gathered, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations in the samples. Risk assessment for consumers was determined based on the measured levels of heavy metals in the vegetables. Results: Even though the concentrations of heavy metals in the wastewater were within the limits for irrigation, the risk assessment showed that consumption of vegetables irrigated with treatment wastewater could pose risks to individuals’ health. The maximum concentration of Pb in radish leaves was observed at the Pb concentration of 5 mg/L, and the maximum concentration of As in cress irrigated with As effluent at the As concentration of 0.02 mg/L. Conclusion: The consumption of vegetables containing Pb can pose a significant non-carcinogenic risk to consumers. However, well water may also be dangerous in the long run. Therefore, it is important to ensure about food safety when using treated wastewater for irrigation.
Innovative biofiltration materials for H2S removal from biogas
Authors: Mohammadi Kamyab , Vaiskunaite Rasa , Zagorskis Alvydas
Published: October 2024

Background: Following an extensive examination of various biofiltration packing materials within a typical bioreactor (a biofilter) is aiming to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) in the raw biogas. Methods: Both biochar (pre- and post-pyrolysis at 400, 500, and 600 °C) and cellular concrete (CLC) waste, representing organic and inorganic packing materials, respectively, displayed remarkable removal efficiency (RE) performance under dynamic conditions. Nevertheless, the physical and chemical properties of these packing materials play a crucial role in absorbing and trapping H2 S for further filtration from the raw biogas. Key evaluations encompass chemical compositions, porosity, and specific surface area, aligning with contemporary research methodologies (e.g., XRF, Walkley-black, Kjeldahl, BET, T-plot), as analyzed in this study. Results: Subsequently, the modification of these physicochemical properties aimed to demonstrate continued interactions of iron (III) oxide (Fe2 O3 ) with H2 S for chemical modification of CLC waste, and enhance the specific surface area of biochar from 12, 22, and 24 m2 /g to 235, 433, 475 m2 /g, and for porosity from 0.01, 0.42, and 0.025 cm3 /g to 0.096, 4, 0.24 cm3 /g, respectively, for physical modification of biochar samples after pyrolysis at 400, 500, and 600 °C. Conclusion: In the end, improving the possibility of getting better RE from a laboratory-scale biofilter is possible by modification of the most effective physical (adding KOH to biochar and increasing porosity by 9 times, specific surface area by 19 times) and chemical (adding Fe2 O3 to CLC waste) properties of the environment-friendly packing materials.
Towards AI-assisted Board Game-based Learning: Assessing LLMs in Game Personalisation
Authors: Tinterri Andrea , Pelizzari Federica , Vignoli Giordano , Palladino Francesco , Di Padova Marilena
Published: October 2024

Board games are used in different educational settings to promote acquisition of disciplinary content, soft skills, foster engagement towards learning content, and sustain motivation. However, designing and conducting effective educational activities with board games requires instructional design skills, knowledge of games, as well as the ability to align the player's internal goals with the learning objectives. Board game-based learning (bGBL) design includes choosing appropriate games and personalising them to better fit with the educational setting and the students' individual needs. This complexity, coupled with a general lack of teacher familiarity with games and game culture, is likely a reason for the relatively low use of board games in formal instructional settings such as schools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been used in education, but the recent diffusion of user-friendly tools for large language models (LLM) opens a new range of possibilities to assist teachers and educators in instructional design: This includes the design and implementation of bGBL. In a preliminary study, we explored the ability of a well-known chatbot, ChatGPT, to select board games and suggest modifications to better align with the classroom context and personal student needs. However, this study was limited to a sample learning unit and was based on a posteriori evaluation by experts. In this contribution, we develop a new testing protocol to assess the reliability, effectiveness, and context sensitivity of several LLMs to adapt given board games to different classroom scenarios. The methodology features blind comparison of AI and human experts. The results suggest that general-purpose AI tools such as Copilot, Claude, and ChatGPT can provide quality and context-sensitive board game modification suggestions, to the point of slightly overperforming human experts in aligning personalisation suggestions to instructional goals. This study represents a first foray in the use of general Artificial Intelligence to assist the modding, or personalisation, of board game-based learning activities and, despite its limitations as a pilot experiment, might pave the way for successful integration of assistive technologies in game-based learning and facilitating its integration in the school curriculum.
Utilizing a Digital Escape Room to Improve Students’ Grasp and Understanding of Qualitative Research Methods
Authors: Dr Slyman Souad
Published: October 2024

Utilizing the potential in game mechanisms for learning purposes is not new. This version of gaming for learning is about developing a Digital Escape Room (DER) revolving around a specific subject: qualitative research methods. Qualitative research methods have proved to be a difficult topic for many UG and PG students. It is thus important to develop tasks that will enable these students to obtain a deep learning experience. The significance of this project lies in that both qualitative and quantitative research methods seem to be difficult to learn for students. It seems to be a curriculum that the students need to invest more time learning than they expect and are willing to spend. Hence, seeking to utilize the potential that lies in immersive gaming. One of the aims of this project is to investigate if and how the DER approach will suit the step-by-step approach that is often used in qualitative research methods courses. Will this approach of solving puzzle-by-puzzle, and then combining answers in order to unlock the next level enable an emergence of more understandings of what the qualitative research is about? In this theoretical paper (work-in-progress), we will look at the DER literature and describe how the different components of the DER will contribute to pedagogical support regarding learning outcomes.  In this next phase of this project, we are planning to develop our DER based on the current literature and previous evaluations of DERs, we will also conduct more semi-structure interviews, and further investigation is underway.
A Serious Game for the Digital Transformation of Organizations
Authors: Luuk Collou  , Guido Bruinsma
Published: October 2024

To aid human resource management professionals design a configuration of human resource management practices that facilitates the employee behaviour needed for the digital transformation, a serious game was created. The serious game challenges human resource management professionals to combine and design human resource management practices that align to the organizational strategy and optimize employee digital transformation behaviour over multiple simulated years. In this paper, the underlying rationale, design, and outcomes of the first test rounds of the game are presented. Organizational change shaped by the diffusion of technology is labelled the digital transformation (Hanelt et al., 2021). Employees can accelerate or slow down the digital transformation. Hence, organizations are looking to facilitate digital transformation enhancing employee behaviours: adaptive performance and proactive agility behaviour (Collou and Bruinsma, 2022). Aligned human resource management configurations (i.e., combination of human resource management practices such as recruitment, selection, and job design) can shape that employee behaviour (Gratton and Truss, 2003; Delery and Doty, 1996). Designing such a human resource management configuration however is challenging. There are many human resource management practices that need to be designed over multiple years and effects on employee behaviour vary. Serious games are well suited tools to enhance understanding of challenges such as strategic human resource management design. They allow professionals to experiment with choices and gauge the outcomes of their selection without the need to test these decisions in real life. Prior work (Collou and Bruinsma, 2022, 2019) illustrated that a serious game can aid human resource management professionals in their quest to design human resource management configurations that align to the organizational strategy. In the current game an additional challenge was added: shaping digital transformation behaviour. Tested in multiple rounds the game shows great promise for professionals and students to experiment with human resource management configuration design. First evaluations illustrate that responders are positive in terms of their learning experience. Balancing the need to align the human resource management configuration and affecting the employee behaviour simultaneously has proven to be challenging for players of the game. Future steps are focused on this balance and empirically validating the serious game.
Design of a Conversational Adventure app to Promote Argumentation in Science
Authors: María del Mar López-Fernández  , María José Cano-Iglesias  , Antonio Joaquín Franco-Mariscal
Published: October 2024

Currently, the use of energy has become a socio-scientific issue characterized by its complexity, controversy, and direct impact on society, where science and technology play a crucial role. Such open-ended problems, without definitive answers, require active citizen participation in making informed decisions, respecting the values and rights of all individuals in society. In this context, schools must assume a social commitment. With the aim of promoting argumentation skills in science education regarding socio-scientific issues, a research project focused on the creation of video games is being carried out. This work presents the design of the conversational adventure ‘Energy Island’, conceived as a mobile application intended to enhance these skills. This video game transports participants to a fictional island, where they encounter various scenarios, such as a school, a town hall, a scientific research center, a market, a bank, and a recycling point. In each scenario, players must solve different challenges through interaction with various characters. These challenges range from actions for water conservation to decisions about building a nuclear power plant, recycling components of a photovoltaic panel, or finding a cure for respiratory problems derived from pollution. The ultimate goal of the game is for participants to make an informed decision about the most suitable energy source for the island, considering options such as wind, solar, nuclear, hydroelectric, biomass, or natural gas energy. In an initial testing phase, the video game was implemented with preservice secondary teachers at the University of Malaga (Spain) to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the application. These participants completed a satisfaction and usability questionnaire, evaluating aspects such as ease of gameplay, potential drawbacks, need for prior explanations, complexity, motivation, accessibility, and encountered difficulties, using a 5-point Likert scale (from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree"). The application was generally well-received by the participants, who found it easy to use and did not perceive significant performance issues. However, it is suggested to provide additional resources to improve the user experience and maximize pedagogical use.
Kanuni Babanın Evlilik Birliği İçinde Doğan Çocuk İçin Yaptığı Masrafları Biyolojik Babadan İsteme Hakkı ve Kapsamı
Authors: Gülen Erdoğan İsmahan
Published: October 2024

Soybağı bir kimsenin anası ve babası arasındaki kan bağını ifade etmektedir. Çocuk ile baba arasındaki bu bağ kural olarak evlilik ile kurulmaktadır. Ancak söz konusu bu bağ mutlak değildir. Evlilik birliği içinde doğan çocuğun babası kanuni babadır. Çocuk evlilik birliği içinde doğmuş olsa da genetik baba başka biri olabilir. Bu durum ikircikli bir hal yaratmaktadır. Fakat daha sonra dava yolu ile biyolojik baba tespit edilerek, çocuğun gerçek babası ile soybağı kurulması mümkündür. Çocuğun doğumundan başlayarak, biyolojik babanın tespit edilmesine kadar geçen sürede çocuğun bakım, eğitim ve koruma giderlerini kanuni baba karşılamaktadır. Aslında biyolojik baba tarafından karşılanması gereken masraflar, kanuni baba tarafından nafaka yükümlülüğünü yerine getirme ve kendi görevi olduğu bilinci ile üstlenilmiştir. Bu durum kanuni baba ile biyolojik babayı karşı karşıya getirmektedir. Kanuni baba yaptığı masrafları biyolojik babadan talep edebilir mi? Talebinin muhtevası ne olabilir, her türlü masrafın talebi mümkün müdür? Bu çalışmamızda Türk ve Alman hukuku kaynaklarından yararlanarak bu sorulara cevap arayacağız.
Reducing Carbon Footprint of Pop-Art Chair Designs By Ecodesign Strategies
Authors: Uludüz Çağrı , Sipahi Serkan , Kulözü Neslihan
Published: October 2024

Reducing the footprint of industrial pieces since the design stage is a modern concern of practitioners and scholars. In the context of industrial design, the ecodesign approach aims at minimizing environmental impact from the early stages of the product lifecycle. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widely used methodology to evaluate environmental impacts, relying on the cradle-to-grave metaphor. The purpose of this article is to identify how and to what extent LCA can reduce the carbon footprints of products in the early stage, the design. The research method is the multiple case study. The research object is a set of nine pop-art chairs. The CCaLC software supported the study. The study reviewed the original designs aiming at reducing carbon footprints by relying on eco-design strategies. The findings show that expressive reduction can be achieved, even by preserving vintage features, aesthetic values, and usefulness. The study concludes that is possible, owing to eco-design strategies, to significantly reduce the carbon footprints of design products without jeopardizing performance.
PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI E-KINERJA SEBAGAI INSTRUMEN PENINGKATAN SASARAN KINERJA PEGAWAI PADA BADAN KEPEGAWAIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN SDM KOTA KENDARI
Authors: Karmini  , Andi Syaiful Zainal  , Andi Awaluddin Maruf
Published: October 2024

This study aims to evaluate the use of the E-Kinerja application as an instrument for improving Employee Performance Targets (SKP) at the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Agency (BKPSDM) of Kendari City. The methodology employed is qualitative, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and observations of the application usage process. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, specifically, employees actively involved in the E-Kinerja application. The results indicate that the application enhances the effectiveness of performance assessment, with both leadership and employees experiencing benefits in terms of accuracy, transparency, and ease of data access. However, challenges such as technical issues and the need for ongoing training for employees persist. Additionally, other important indicators such as timely reporting, data transparency, accuracy in assessment, and employee satisfaction were identified as contributing factors to the effectiveness of the system. Recommendations include improving technological infrastructure, providing continuous training, and developing strategies to enhance the balance between quantitative and qualitative assessments. These steps are expected to further improve accountability and bureaucratic efficiency at BKPSDM Kendari City.
Low-temperature thermopower and phonon-drag effect in the quasi-one-dimensional cobaltate Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7
Authors: Komatsu Asuka , Sato Yoshiki J. , Yoshida Shogo , Okazaki Ryuji , Kurihara Ryosuke , Yaguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

The quasi-one-dimensional cobaltate Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7 exhibits a high thermoelectric performance characterized by the large thermopower and high electrical conductivity above room temperature, while the low-temperature transport properties have been less investigated so far. Here, we systematically measure the thermopower of single-crystalline Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7 samples at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of the thermopower near room temperature is similar to that of other thermoelectric cobaltates, such as layered cobaltates, but exhibits a sample-dependent prominent peak structure near T = 40 K. We evaluate the sample dependence of the carrier density and the mobility and find that the saturation effect of phonon drag is essential for the observed peak structure in the thermopower. The enhanced thermopower utilizing a phonon-drag effect in the present material may be crucial for low-temperature thermoelectrics.
Partnership Between Universities in Japan and South Africa
Authors: Wolhuter Charl C , Mashau Takalani M , Maki Takayoshi
Published: October 2024

Cross-border partnerships are increasingly important for higher education in the twenty-first century. While virtually all universities in the world, in their pursuit of internationalisation, strive to enter into partnerships with universities abroad, there is no synthesis of literature on the many case studies on such partnerships or the various models of international partnership to guide such activities. The purpose of this book is to fill this lacuna and to serve as a frame for the chapters and discussions in the rest of the volume.
Comparative and International Education as Fields of Scholarship in South Africa and Japan and the Scope for Collaboration Between the Two Countries
Authors: Yamada Shoko , Wolhuter CC
Published: October 2024

The study of the internationalisation of higher education, and therefore of partnership between universities of any two countries, falls squarely within the scholarly field of Comparative and International Education. Moreover, in a project of partnership between universities from two countries, scholars in the field of Comparative and International Education can both add and gain significant value. It is therefore apt that the final chapter in this volume investigates the scope for collaboration between Japanese and South African scholars of Comparative and International Education.
DÜNYA ƏDƏBİYYATINDA BASATIN TƏPƏGÖZÜ ÖLDÜRDÜYÜ BOYUN MÜQAYİSƏLİ TƏHLİLİ
Authors:   AEM ( Azerbaijan Science Center ), Cavadova Rəna
Published: October 2024

Abstract «Kitabi-Dede Gorgud» is a monumental literary monument, a verbal treasure-house «Oguznom», of all mankind. For 1,300 years now, an inexhaustible artistic and aesthetic source of poetic energy has fueled our literature. The poetic language of Dastanov is rich in artistic forms of expression. In this epic, proverbs and sayings, idiomatic expressions, are used with particular skill. In «Kitabi-Dede Gorgud» behind every word spoken there is a former memory of our ancestors «Oguz»