bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor Learning And Savings Of Adaptive Mediolateral Control During Split-Belt Walking
Authors: Nyangau Norah M. , Bogard Alysha T. , Pollet Aviva K. , Pellegrino Logan M. , Tan Andrew Q.
Published: December 2024

Active control of frontal plane mechanics regulates balance in destabilizing environments, such as during asymmetric split-belt walking. Compared to sagittal plane mechanics, mediolateral (ML) kinematic and kinetic adaptations to split-belt perturbations are not as extensively reported. Moreover, the associated metabolic cost of these adaptations as well as the retention of previously learned ML adaptations upon re-exposure to the same perturbation have not been concurrently examined. We investigated adaptations in step width and peak ML ground reaction forces (GRF) during an initial and subsequent perturbation in order to characterize motor learning and motor savings, respectively. Additionally, we examined the extent to which a neuroplasticity inducing stimulus, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), affected the magnitude of each adaptation. Although we observed bilateral increases in step width during the initial adaptation, only the slow leg significantly reduced step width during the subsequent perturbation. Distinct interlimb differences emerged as only the slow leg modulated ML GRF during the braking phase whereas the fast leg increased ML GRF during the propulsive phase. The AIH group uniquely demonstrated greater motor savings of reduced step width and peak ML GRF strategies during the propulsive phase, suggesting greater retention of prior strategies. Furthermore, we find significant associations between ML kinetic adaptations and reductions in metabolic cost. Together, our findings suggest that unlike the sagittal plane, asymmetrical frontal plane adaptations contribute to ML stability as well as reductions in metabolic cost during split-belt walking. These insights could inform clinical training approaches to improve balance and prevent falls in clinical populations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

We investigated adaptations in step width and mediolateral ground reaction forces during the braking and propulsive phases of split-belt walking across an initial and subsequent perturbation. We observe that the initial learning and savings of unique interlimb frontal plane coordination strategies contribute to stability and are associated with a reduction in metabolic cost.
Fertilization triggers cytosolic functions and P-body recruitment of the RNA-binding protein Mei2 to drive fission yeast zygotic development
Authors: Araoyinbo Ayokunle , Salat-Canela Clàudia , Vještica Aleksandar
Published: December 2024

Compartmentalized regulation of RNAs is emerging as a key driver of developmental transitions, with RNA-binding proteins performing specialized functions in different subcellular compartments. The RNA-binding protein Mei2, which arrests mitotic proliferation and drives zygotic development in fission yeast, was shown to function in the nucleus to trigger meiotic divisions. Here, using compartment-restricted alleles, we report that Mei2 functions in the cytosol to arrest mitotic growth and initiate development. We find that Mei2 is a zygote-specific component of P-bodies that inhibits the translation of tethered mRNAs. Importantly, we show that P-bodies are necessary for Mei2-driven development. Phosphorylation of Mei2 by the inhibitory Pat1 kinase impedes P-body recruitment of both Mei2 and its target RNA. Finally, we establish that Mei2 recruitment to P-bodies and its cytosolic functions, including translational repression of tethered RNAs, depend on the RNA-binding domain of Mei2 that is dispensable for nuclear Mei2 roles. Collectively, our results dissect how distinct pools of an RNA-binding protein control developmental stages and implicate P-bodies as key regulators of gamete-to-zygote transition.
Delineating the Spatial Patterns of Cell Type–Specific Stemness Using a Statistical Deconvolution Model
Authors: Li Eric J. , Li Liang , Li Ziyi
Published: December 2024

Cellular stemness is a cells ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. In spatial transcriptomics (ST), researchers can use gene activity to quantify stemness and the associated spatial locations, allowing for the investigation of cellular profiles in their natural context. However, many ST platforms provide data with low resolution, and each data spot (i.e., spatial location) contains multiple cell types, which hinders the investigation of cell type–specific (CTS) behaviors, such as cell stemness, at different spatial locations. We developed a bivariate kernel-weighted regression method with constrained optimization to estimate CTS stemness as a function of spatial location and developed accompanying visualization tools. Through simulation studies and an application to real breast cancer ST data from the 10x Genomics Visium platform, we demonstrated that our method can accurately estimate CTS stemness and help shed light on the interplay among cell type, tissue structure, and stemness.

Availability and implementation

An R Shiny app implementing the proposed method is available at GitHub (https://github.com/ericli0480/stemness-deconvolution/).

Supplementary information

Available in a separate PDF file
From theory to practice: using diffusion of innovation and learning strategies to overcome technology implementation challenges
Authors: Anand Manish , Singh Nishant
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to look at technology adoption in an enterprise setup and proposes to form an approach based on Roger’s diffusion theory of innovation by aligning the theory to build a learning and development model that can facilitate a smooth, adaptable and successful implementation scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on existing literature in the domain of employees’ training and innovative work behavior. It also extensively reviews how training programs can be adopted and implemented by organizations and development leaders.

Findings

The most significant contribution of this study is to highlight how learning programs can be tailored taking into consideration the age distribution of employees within an organization that drive adoption across the lifecycle of implementation of an innovative technology.

Practical implications

The study will help enterprises create a training program by leveraging the diffusion theory in a realistic world. By identifying the employees as per the categories defined in diffusion theory, enterprises can tailor training needs, identify learning curves and position them across their employees that speeds up the adoption besides creating plans for a more successful implementation.

Originality/value

This study suggests new learning and development strategies that every organization should adopt to sustain in global market and expand the learning opportunities for its employees.
A comparative analysis of instructors’ competencies in teaching 21st century skills in between natural and social science streams of study
Authors: Getahun Amsalu Molla
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine instructors’ pedagogical competencies in teaching 21st century skills in between two streams of study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a mixed-methods research design. The investigation involved collecting data from 322 instructors using a questionnaire and ten participants for interviewees at the selected universities in Ethiopia.

Findings

The results revealed that there were significant differences in the competence of instructors in favor of instructors of natural science. Natural science instructors were relatively more competent in teaching skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, communication and information and communication technology.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have important implications for universities to have empirical evidence. It provides information about the competency difference between the two streams of study so that it addresses issues for policy improvement.

Practical implications

The findings suggested that urgent interventions needed to be undertaken to improve teachers’ 21st century pedagogical competence at the selected universities of Ethiopia.

Social implications

The intervention on the competence of teachers in teaching 21st century skills will have an impact on creating employable graduates. This can fit them into contemporary life and careers.

Originality/value

The paper makes a comparative analysis of the main teaching competencies among teachers of the natural and social sciences. The perspective is interesting, original, and pertinent to contributing knowledge.
Crossing the timescape of the ‘Here and Now’ on Mount Athos
Authors: Paganopoulos Michelangelo
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on how the monks of Mount Athos embody its unique timescape in their presentation of the monastic self in everyday life, as it emerges out of the musicality of the Athonian landscape. The article unfolds the embodied dialectics in play between the experience of messianic time and its spiritual affordances against which one's bodily resilience is sociomaterially tested in and by the ‘Here and Now’, following the metronomic measuring of time and its historical affordances. By comparing two ways of measuring each ‘hour’, the article further investigates the use value given to one's personal time as an experiential means of teaching the ‘techne of time’ for cultivating a monastic ‘self’ within and against a ‘world’ out there. The article draws three overlapping nested temporal cycles in terms of per‐forming the ‘self’ within the organic community and the institution, through which one naturalizes, synchronizes, and interiorizes the horologion with the tempos of everyday life. Finally, it argues that the crossing from the secular to the monastic timescape disrupts the continuity of common life and its expectations, by opening a self‐revelatory time rupture revealing Eternity in every instance of one's paradoxical presence in the present moment in and out of time.
System dynamics and geometric compromise programming: assessing the impact of entrepreneurship wage subsidies on macroeconomic objectives
Authors: Govce (Gövce) Yusuf Ziya , Uygun Ozer (Özer) , Erkan Enes Furkan
Published: December 2024

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in economic development, and wage subsidies for new firms serve as a key instrument to promote it. This study integrates system dynamics with geometric compromise programming to assess the impact of entrepreneurship wage subsidies on four macroeconomic objectives: maximizing the number of new firms, employment, and tax revenue, while minimizing subsidy costs. It is the first study to combine these methodologies, enabling an analysis of the complex interactions between the labor market, the real sector, and government interventions. Key findings reveal that decision variables, such as subsidy parameters, impact utility objectives with a one‐year lag. Increasing the number of benefit variables extends the optimal subsidy period while reducing the subsidy limit. Most study cases show similar effects for workers and tax revenue. The model developed in this study provides valuable decision support for policymakers, offering insights into the macro‐level dynamics of a national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Improving Nursing Students' Learning Outcomes in Neonatal Resuscitation: A Quasi‐Experimental Study Comparing AI‐Assisted Care Plan Learning With Traditional Instruction
Authors: Molu Birsel
Published: December 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based care plan learning strategy with standard training techniques in order to determine how it affects nursing students' learning results in newborn resuscitation.

Methods

Seventy third‐year nursing students from a state university in Türkiye participated in the study. They were split into two groups: the experimental group, which received care plans based on AI, and the control group, which received traditional instruction. The control group underwent traditional training consisting of lectures and skill demonstrations, while the experimental group underwent 4 weeks of training utilising an AI‐based care plan learning approach. Neonatal resuscitation knowledge tests and student information questionnaires were used for pre‐ and post‐test assessments.

Results

When compared to the control group, the AI‐based care plan group demonstrated noticeably greater learning achievement in newborn resuscitation. While the two groups' pre‐test results were comparable, the AI‐based education group's post‐test results were noticeably higher than those of the traditional education group. Furthermore, most of the students had favourable opinions on AI applications and acknowledged their advantages for the nursing field.

Conclusion

The study's conclusions highlight the benefits of incorporating AI technology into nursing education and highlight how it might improve student learning outcomes for vital competencies like newborn resuscitation.
Reassurance for Patients—Essential Not Optional
Authors: Marx Rani
Published: December 2024

Appropriate patient reassurance is an essential feature of clinical practice. My recent experience as a patient, interpreted via my expertise as a health services researcher, led me to insights on ideal and suboptimal reassurance styles in the context of worrisome symptoms. Reassurance is complex: often poorly defined in the scientific literature, rarely rigorously studied, imperfectly understood, and requiring some adaptation to each patient situation. The type and timing of reassurance, balance with additional testing and referrals, paradoxical effects, and myriad patient factors influence reassurance needs and efficacy. My three health problems, occurring in close succession, required numerous consultations, tests, and procedures extending over months. Explicit medically appropriate reassurance notably reduced my concerns and anxiety. Interactions devoid of key reassurance components (acknowledging concerns, contextualising the problem, providing information on risk and next steps and incorporating discussion) exacted an unnecessary psychic toll. The striking differences among my clinicians' approaches illustrate how more thoughtful and salubrious interactions can occur using straightforward existing guidance on best reassurance practices, even without burdensome training, time, or resources.
Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Environmental Health Literacy Scale
Authors: Akgül Gündoğdu Nurcan , Selçuk Tosun Alime , Dağcı Günal Büşra
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study aimed to translate the Environmental Health Literacy Scale (EHLS) into Turkish and assess its construct validity and internal consistency.

Methods

This research employs a methodological design. The research was conducted during the 2022–2023 academic year with a sample of 500 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences. The data were collected via the introductory information form, the EHLS, and the Environmental Awareness Scale of university students. Subsequently, the data were transferred to the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and IBM SPSS AMOS 23 software programs. Upon evaluation of the research data, frequency distributions for categorical variables and descriptive statistics for numerical variables were provided. Content validity was evaluated through the acquisition of expert approval. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed for scale validity, while Cronbach's α, test–retest and parallel form analyses were utilized for reliability.

Results

The content validity index of the scale was determined to be 1.00. The scale is constituted of four discrete scales (general, food, air and water), each comprising three dimensions. In consideration of the fit indices, specifically the χ2/df, GFI, TLI, IFI, CFI, RMSEA and SRMR, it can be concluded that the general, food, air and water scales are deemed acceptable. Cronbach's α coefficients for the scales were found to be 0.70, 0.81, 0.83 and 0.79, respectively. In the parallel form analysis, a statistically significant positive relationship was identified between the scales.

Conclusions

The findings of this research indicate that the scale is a reliable instrument for assessing the environmental health literacy levels of undergraduate students enrolled in health sciences programs. It is anticipated that the scale will contribute to the advancement of environmental health literacy awareness.
Fluid overload trajectories and mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Tripepi Giovanni , Carioni Paola , Mallamaci Francesca , Savoia Matteo , Usvyat Len S , Maddux Franklin W. , Stuard Stefano
Published: December 2024

Background

Fluid overload remains critical in managing patients with end‐stage kidney disease. However, there is limited empirical understanding of fluid overload's impact on mortality. This study analyzes fluid overload trajectories and their association with mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods and patients

This longitudinal study included 9332 incident hemodialysis patients from the EuCliD database, treated in Fresenius Medical Care NephroCare dialysis centers across seven countries between January 2016 and December 2019, with follow‐up until May 2023. Fluid overload was assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy, and patients were grouped based on fluid overload trajectories using group‐based trajectory modeling. Cox regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to investigate the relationship between trajectory groups and mortality.

Results

Four distinct fluid overload trajectories were identified. Patients in the highest trajectory group (8.5% of the cohort) had more frequent background cardiovascular complications, lower BMI and serum albumin, and their adjusted mortality risk was 2.20 times higher than the lowest trajectory. There was a dose–response relationship between trajectories and mortality. The incidence rate of death increased with the degree of fluid overload, from 8.6 deaths per 100 person‐years in the lowest trajectory to 18.6 in the highest.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study highlights the significant risk of chronic fluid overload in hemodialysis patients. Latent trajectory analysis provides novel information into the dynamic nature of fluid overload and its impact on mortality in the hemodialysis population.
IMAGE RECOGNITION FOR BEARING FAULT DETECTION BASED ON CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Mohd Kamal Muhammad Harith , Emar Azami Khairul Amirin
Published: December 2024

Bearing is an essential component for rotary machinery. The bearing serves as a fixture for position and provides stability for rotation. Bearing failure has detrimental effects on production schedules and operations. Consequently, detecting and diagnosing bearing issues in advance ensures the safety and reliability of rotating equipment systems, which will definitely save production costs and time. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of image recognition based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) for machine fault detection. Recent years have seen the development of deep learning-trained artificial intelligence, which aims to reduce human-induced errors and expenses. Initially, we acquire the vibration signals of the bearing from a test rig under four different conditions. We consider four bearing conditions: healthy bearings, inner race defects, outer race defects, and ball bearing defects. Each of the four conditions is recorded in the vibration time-series data, then converted into spectrogram images before feeding it to the CNN model for training. The performance of the CNN model is based on the comparison of two different models, which are Model A and Model B. Model B is developed based on the performance of Model A, where hyperparameter tuning is implemented to improve the performance. The result shows that the proposed model is capable of detecting and classifying the bearing faults up to 99.9% accuracy.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY SECURITY BREACH DETECTION AND MITIGATION SYSTEM
Authors: Yanmida Dele Zacheaus , Lwahas Nandom Adoniram  , Sunday Adukwu Livingstone , Adewumi Oyekola Samuel , Sani Uba Kibiya
Published: December 2024

Security of an arena is crucial as it measures the situation awareness and safety.  Security breaches often lead to chaos and attacks that must be managed. This project addressed the development of an air raid siren system that is capable of alerting the public of impending danger. The necessary theory for establishing the basis for the work and the parameters for constructing the security system were considered. The communication within the security system network is wireless, the various stations were determined to be capable of communicating within a 100m radius. These stations that communicate with each other are the breach detection, base station, Ground Control Unit (GCU), and also, air raid siren sections. The first set of sensors detects the intrusion signal and sends the notification to the GCU and then from the GCU to the air raid siren. In this study, the threat is detected when an intruder breaches the monitored environment, an arena of about 600m as captured by ultrasonic sensors which detect motion within the perimeter of intrusion. This signal is transmitted by the NRF24L01 transmitter to the GCU and finally to the air raid siren as a warning of a breach. The microcontrollers that run the wireless transceivers were programmed to carry out specific tasks. The detection unit uses an ultrasonic sensor which sends and receives sound pulses. The time it takes for this to happen is 294μs with a power consumption of 1.52729W. The GCU takes 0.22729W of power while the air raid siren section takes 8.1729W. The air raid siren was traveled up to a distance of 300m. The results show the system design and implementation are quite reliable and can be mass-produced for the community.
SISAL FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: Cheng Wei Cong , Kua Luo Hong , Nordin Nur Nadzira Afifah , Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf , Md Saad Amir Putra , Abdul Saad Wan Aliff , Chin Vui Sheng Desmond Daniel , Noordin Muhammad Azfar , Dzulkifli Mohd Haziq
Published: December 2024

Sisal fibre is one of lignocellulosic fibre that is widely used as reinforcing material in polymer-based composites. The fibres can be produced from leaf part that traditionally can be used to make twines, ropes, and string. This is due to sisal fibre has high value of tensile strength and Young Modulus besides having ability in high impact strength and low density. Nowadays, sisal fibre can be reinforced with either thermoset or thermoplastic matrix. For thermoplastic composites, it has ability to be recycled due to the thermoplastic materials can be remolded and reshaped. However, lack of study has been established to show the recent progress on mechanical performance of the sisal fibre reinforced polymer composites for structural applications. Hence, this review was expected to analyse the current status, challenge and future perspectives of sisal fibre reinforced polymer composites of structural applications. This review could benefit the manufacturing sector in providing green-based materials without jeopordizing the mechanical performance of the products.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL DISTANCING IN A MOSQUE DURING CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER USING CFD SIMULATION APPROACH
Authors: Rosminahar Siti Najiah , Mat Mohamad Nur Hidayat , Muhammad Hafizudin Adnan  , Wong Ken Yin
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of physical distancing in a mosque during congregational prayer using the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation approach. A three-dimensional (3D) model of a mosque, prayer, and assailant was designed using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Then, a simulation is run using CFD software to simulate the pathogen transmission during the congregation prayer. The simulation is run with the fix of air movement, temperature, and humidity at variable distances, as distancing is the main focus of the study. This is to avoid other factors affecting the results of this study, as what matters the most is the distance among the prayers. The mesh sensitivity study has been done to get a good simulation result that is close to the real world using the numerical computational method. A correct turbulent model is then chosen, and the simulation data obtained were pre validated by the previous literature study. The simulations showed that the pathogen tends to move to the front right side of the mosque. Particles deposition showed that prayer at the front of the assailant received the most percentage of the particles deposition which is the highest 1.3% particles at 3m physical distancing and prayers at the side received least percentage of particles deposition for all physical distancing. The particles also mostly deposited at the ceiling and the mosque's ground. Finally, the result showed that the further distance among the prayers will minimise the virus reproduction number, Ro value during the congregational prayer. The highest value of Ro for without physical distancing is 3 at the interval of 40s to 50s, while the value of Ro for 3m and 4m physical distancing is 0 at the interval of 80s to 100s. This is because the virus cannot be transmitted to many people as the distance between humans increases. The percentage of probability infected prayers is the highest for without physical distancing, which is 26.63% out of total prayers, while at the lowest for 4m physical distancing, which is 14.29% out of all prayers. In conclusion, the pathogen transmission among prayers can be reduced by applying physical distancing as the pathogens are droplet nuclei that are sufficiently small to remain suspended in the air for an extended period and can travel more than 2m distance.
ENHANCING HEAT TRANSFER IN CHANNEL FLOW USING SYNTHETIC JETS
Authors: Azmi H. , Basri M. H. , Ismail N. I. , Pahmi M. A. A. H , Mat S. C. , Othman R.
Published: December 2024

Synthetic jet's effectiveness in flow control, fluid mixing enhancement, and cooling has been established. The current study aims to examine the improvement of fluid blending and heat dissipation rate of two water inlets with varying temperatures in a channel that is disturbed by a synthetic jet at different excitation frequencies. The simulation analysis predicts the temperature distributions and the fully develop the velocity profile along symmetrical plane of the channel with interference of synthetic jet using establish CFD software. The RNG k- ε turbulence model was employed to compute the turbulent flow produced by the synthetic jet. A moving mesh approach was employed to replicate the movement of a synthetic jet diaphragm. The results indicate that the fluid flow behavior in the channel disrupted by the synthetic jet flow. Hence, indicating to an enhance in both the fluid flow velocity and the heat transfer rate. A higher frequency of the actuator enhances fluid mixing and reduces the channel distance required to achieve temperature equilibrium within the channel in comparison to a lower frequency of the actuator.
AN IN-DEPTH ASSESSMENT OF THE EXISTING LEGAL FRAMEWORK REGULATING UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) ACTIVITIES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Fadillah , Aziz Mohd Rozaiman , Mohd Shah Aziurah , Othman Rozaini
Published: December 2024

The rapid growth of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) industry, with significant increases projected for commercial unmanned aircraft, urban air mobility vehicles, cargo delivery drones, inspection drones, and hobby drones, necessitates a comprehensive approach to UAS regulations. While the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has made strides in developing regulations for UAS operations, the current rules, mainly the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2016 are insufficient to address the challenges posed by emerging UAS technologies and their unique operational concepts. Innovations such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), international operations of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), swarm drones, and autonomous UAS operations are outpacing existing regulations. The aim of this study was to identify and address the shortcomings of the current regulatory framework for UAS operations in Malaysia and compared the global renowned regulatory bodies. To achieve these goals, a multi-faceted research methodology was employed. This involved an in-depth analysis of international regulatory frameworks and a comprehensive survey to gather necessary data and insights. In summary, this research presented a comprehensive and transformative approach to UAS operations in Malaysia. The findings and recommendations of this study provided valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and UAS operators in Malaysia and other countries facing similar regulatory challenges.
FABRICATION AND RULA ANALYSIS OF HAND-ARM REHABILITATION TRAINER FOR CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Muhammad Rafaie Mustafa  , Shaipudin Muhammad Shamel , Kataraki Pramodkumar S , Farrahnoor Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects a person’s mobility, muscle tone, and posture, resulting in disability. Individuals with CP often require the assistance of a caregiver to carry out their daily activities. Hence, strengthening their hands through exercise is critical in increasing voluntary control. A hand-arm trainer is a tool that provides assistive training for CP patients during therapy to strengthen their hands. It improves motor skills, particularly in the forearm and wrist areas, because one of the most important functions of the limbs is the ability of the hands to grab and hold objects. This study was conducted to develop a hand-arm trainer for children with CP aged six to twelve years old who have Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level III and IV.  The outstanding design was selected based on the highest score. Using the Pugh Concept Selection Method, Design 2 was chosen because it received the highest-ranking score compared to the other two designs. According to SOLIDWORKS simulation results, the maximum stress for Design 2 is 19.845 x 107 N/m2, while the maximum yield stress is 22.059 x 107 N/m2. The selected raw materials for Design 2 cost approximately RM 49.30 and weigh 5.438 kg. Adjustable height, adjustable resistance, and ease of maintenance are just a few features of the chosen hand-arm trainer in fabricated Design 2. The level of risk of disorder using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was conducted in accordance with the anthropometric dimensions of children under 12 years old. The detailed design of manikin posture is modelled and analysed. A RULA score of 3 was obtained, indicating that the person is working in a posture that could present some risk of injury from their work posture. Therefore, a change in work posture may be necessary to avoid the risk of injury.
DETERMINATION OF STANDARD TIME FOR BISCUIT PACKAGING PROCESSING
Authors: Panjaitan Nismah , Zubair Ahmad Faiz , Sari Devi Yustika , Kembaren Adeliani
Published: December 2024

A firm named PT. XYZ specializes in the production of biscuits, wafers, and chocolate chips. The biscuit production process encompasses several stages, beginning with the collection of raw materials in the warehouse, followed by weighing them according to the recipe, and culminating in packaging and storage in the finished product warehouse. A problem arose during the packaging stage in the first work shift, where production fell short of the target only 200 cartons of biscuits were produced compared to the goal of 250 cartons per shift. To address this issue, standard time calculations will be conducted. The research process involves observing cycle times in the packaging process, testing data adequacy, ensuring data uniformity, identifying rating factors, calculating normal time, identifying allowances, determining standard time, and calculating labor requirements, utilizing a stopwatch to measure the necessary work time accurately. The calculated standard time for secondary packaging is 75.683 seconds, while for tertiary packaging it is 53.409 seconds. Based on these results, it is determined that an additional eighteen workers are needed for secondary packaging, and two more workers are required for tertiary packaging.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR MOTORCYCLIST ERGONOMICS: EVALUATING A NOVEL ARMREST TO REDUCE MUSCLE STRAIN
Authors: Alias Ayuni Nabilah , Udin Nurulain Mustafa , Yaakub Norwahida
Published: December 2024

Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation in Malaysia, widely used for daily activities and work. The well-being of motorcyclists is crucial, especially regarding comfort during prolonged rides. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an armrest prototype in reducing muscle activity, measured by surface electromyography (sEMG), thereby alleviating discomfort. In two sessions (with and without the armrest), 102 participants rode a motorcycle for two hours using a laboratory riding simulator. The simulator projected a road scenery video, simulating daytime riding conditions. EMG signals were recorded to assess muscle activity in the right and left arms, with electrodes attached to the skin. The findings revealed a reduction in sEMG levels for both arms when using the armrest prototype for the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in exertion muscles levels (X2 (63) = 757.76, p<0.001) between the experimental group and the control group during the two-hour riding process. This study demonstrates that the armrest prototype can effectively reduce muscle activity and improve comfort for motorcyclists. By promoting better posture, this innovation could enhance rider safety and health, potentially reducing the risk of accidents.
ASSESSMENT OF TOOL NOSE WEAR USING SCANNED IMAGES OF CUTTING INSERTS
Authors: Lim Teong Yeong , Chiang Ee Pin , Woo Yian Peen
Published: December 2024

The surface quality of final product in machining is governed by many intimately related factors such as tool conditions and machining parameters. Amongst these factors, tool wear is essentially one of the most prominent influences on dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and tool life. Since the measurement of tool wear in manufacturing is still done manually, automated and intelligent measurement of wear are gaining more interest in the perspective of reducing human interference and hence, the accurate assessment of tool condition. This research work proposes a fast and reliable image processing method in measuring the nose wear of cutting inserts. Two image digitization methods were used, which are flatbed scanner (CanoScan5600F) and 3-D metrology system (Alicona InfiniteFocus). A sub-pixel edge detection algorithm was developed in the segmentation of nose area to improve the measurement accuracy. Scanning of tool nose was conducted before and after the machining for the measurement of wear area. Results show that about 5% to 6% of average absolute deviations were obtained from the measurement of nose wear area (Ap)and nose flank wear (VBc(max)) using images from InfiniteFocus and scanner.
INFLUENCE OF VENTILATION PLACEMENT ON THE COOLING EFFICIENCY OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES UNDER FORCED AIRFLOW CONDITIONS
Authors: Pahmi Arif , Basri M. Hisyam , Ismail N.I. , Azmi H. , Che Mat S. , Othman R. , Faris  , Sharudin Hazim
Published: December 2024

In line with a rise in demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) around the globe, LIB thermal management optimization is desirable. Moreover, the temperature rise of LIBs while discharging and charging affects their degradation and thermal runaway. The objective of this study is to investigate cooling performance in LIBs due to battery pack ventilation configuration. In this study, twenty 18650 lithium-ion cells (in 10S2P configuration) were simulated in Altair HyperWorks CFD - AcuSolve. The analysis provides a significant finding for the best thermal management approach by Design 2 with the position of an inlet at the top and outlet at the bottom of the battery pack, indirectly promoting uniform temperature distribution across the pack and avoiding local hot spots. These findings contribute significant insights into the effect of battery ventilation configuration for enhancing lithium-ion cooling performance
THE VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY OF A SINGLE-CYLINDER SPARK-IGNITION ENGINE AS AFFECTED BY AIR INTAKE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Authors: Mat Som A. Hafiz , Basri M. Hisyam , Che Mat S. , Pahmi Arif , Rabilah R. , Azmi H.
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, there are an increasing demand for energy efficiency and emission reduction by the internal combustion engine.  It can be achieved by improving the volumetric efficiency of spark ignition engine. The air intake temperature and humidity give an impact to the volumetric efficiency. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate the impacts of air intake temperature and humidity on the volumetric efficiency of a single cylinder spark ignition engine. This study was facilitated using Altair HyperStudy. It was executed by full factorial design of experiments (DOE).  The effects of engine speed, air intake temperature, and humidity towards the volumetric efficiency was assessed based on one-dimensional engine simulation. The ANOVA analysis showed a positive correlation between engine speed and volumetric efficiency. There is a negative effect found for the air intake temperature. However, a negligible impact of humidity obtained in this study.  The optimal configuration for achieving a maximum volumetric efficiency of 0.97 was identified at 4500 RPM, 26 degrees Celsius, and 68.0% humidity.  It is suggested by the results that while engine speed has a significant impact on volumetric efficiency, temperature and humidity also play important roles in optimizing engine performance. These insights are valuable for designing and operating more efficient and environmentally friendly engines.
Need to “Be Informed” Among Seniors
Authors: Burkovičová Radmila , Hanuš Daniel , Šimik Ondřej
Published: December 2024

The objective of this paper is to present the results of a research aimed at finding out whether seniors feel any need to obtain information at all, from which areasfields, and from which fields on a permanent basis; to evaluate the data obtained in terms of gender and educational level of the respondents. The method used was interviewing, with the questionnaire as a mean. The sample consisted of 112 women and 55 men aged 61-70 years. The data were evaluated using the PAST - PAleontological STatistics program, chi-square goodness‑of‑fit test, sign contingency table scheme and Kramer’s V coefficient. The data obtained from all three research questions, confirmed the HA that there is a difference in the need for information between male and female seniors in the research population in terms of fields, the fields are also different in terms of the educational attainment of the respondents, and there is also a difference in the fields of scientific knowledge from which seniors feel the need to obtain information on a continuous basis.
Optimisation of Pedagogical Effectiveness: The Role of Lifelong Learning in Enhancing Teachers’ Digital and Cultural Competencies
Authors: El-Hmoudová Dagmar , Loudová Irena
Published: December 2024

This study examines the crucial role of lifelong learning in enhancing teachers’ digital and cultural competencies, which are essential for creating an effective educational environment and are newly conceptualised within the upcoming national curriculum framework. The primary objective is to delineate the current level of these competencies among educators and evaluate the transformative impact of lifelong learning on their improvement and practical application in the classroom. The key criterion for assessing the quality of educational institutions (specifically schools) is the active involvement of teachers in their professional development. This includes participation in various educational programmes focused on pedagogical and didactic innovations, implementing new teaching methods, and organisational forms, and developing key competencies. A mixed‑method research design was employed to achieve a comprehensive understanding, integrating quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The research sample comprised 186 teachers from primary schools in the Hradec Králové region. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, followed by statistical techniques and thematic coding analysis. The results reveal significant disparities in teachers’ digital and cultural competencies, underscoring the critical need for targeted professional development initiatives. Quantitative data indicate that many educators lack sufficient proficiency in these areas. At the same time, qualitative findings demonstrate a strong willingness among teachers to engage in professional development activities that address these deficiencies. Furthermore, the study shows that lifelong learning not only enhances teachers’ ability to integrate these competencies into their pedagogical practices but also significantly improves overall educational outcomes. The study’s findings highlight the crucial role of lifelong learning in addressing the evolving demands of modern education, aligning with the educational strategy 2030+ and the newly conceptualised national curriculum framework. Ultimately, this leads to improved student performance and educational equity. The research underscores the significance of lifelong learning for teachers, which is crucial for their long-term professional development and adaptability in a rapidly changing educational environment.
Pedagogical Competences of University Teachers from the Student’s Perspective
Authors: Kremnická Magdaléna , Rovňanová Lenka
Published: December 2024

The study analyses the pedagogical competences of university teachers from the evaluative perspective of university students studying in Slovakia. The main purpose of the research was to find out to what extent the defined professional activities and personal characteristics of university teachers are important for university students. As a research instrument, we chose a non-standardized electronic Questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Quality of the Teaching Process by Students, adopted from Rovňanová (2017), not yet published. The questionnaire was modified into a form that suited our research objectives, namely the Questionnaire for Measuring the Importance of Professional Activities and Personal Characteristics of University Teachers. The research population consisted of 388 respondents, of which 90 were male and 293 were female with a mean age of 23.76. Four respondents did not indicate their gender, and one respondent classified himself as genderfluid. The results of the research showed that the most important professional activity and personal characteristic of a teacher for students is his/her respectful, non-judgmental and non-judgmental behaviour. In terms of all three competency dimensions (Dimension 1: Teacher’s focus on students in socio-cultural context; Dimension 2: Educational process; Dimension 3: Teacher’s self‑development), the educational process dimension was rated highest by the students. At the same time, the study wants to highlight the need for lifelong learning of university teachers not only in research and publication competencies, but equally in improving their pedagogical competences.
A quantitative version of Northcott's theorem on points of bounded height: The function field case
Authors: Thunder Jeffrey Lin
Published: December 2024

Let be a finite algebraic extension of the field of rational functions in one indeterminate over a finite field and let denote an algebraic closure of . For given integers and we count points in projective space with absolute logarithmic height and generating an extension of degree over . Specifically, we derive an asymptotic estimate for the number of such points as when and orders of growth for the number of such points when .
Adaptation of a positive youth development program in the community of Guangaje, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Authors: Espinosa Isabel M , Bahamonde Marisol , Ilaquiche Rodrigo , Wood David Lee
Published: December 2024

This study explores the adaptation of a Positive Youth Development (PYD) programme for the Indigenous Quichua community in Guangaje, Ecuador, which faces chronic poverty and low educational attainment. In May, June 2023 we conducted focus groups with school teachers and indigenous community leaders, parents and middle school, high school and college students. We found a disconnect between students’ aspirations for higher education and adults’ emphasis on practical and vocational training. Findings highlight the need to strengthen youth internal assets and change adult perspectives to foster a supportive environment, empowering youth to be motivated and prioritise the long-term benefits of education beyond immediate economic challenges.
The Chini integrability condition in second order Lovelock gravity
Authors: Ismail Mohammed O. E. , Maharaj Sunil D. , Brassel Byron P.
Published: December 2024

We analyse neutral and charged matter distributions in second order Lovelock gravity, also known as Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity, in arbitrary dimensions for a static, spherically symmetric spacetime. We first transform the charged condition of pressure isotropy, an Abel differential equation of the second kind, into canonical form. We then determine a systematic approach to integrate the condition of pressure isotropy by showing that the canonical form is a Chini differential equation. The Chini invariant, which allows the master differential equation to be separable, is identified. This enables us to find three new general solutions, in implicit form, to the condition of pressure isotropy. We also show that previously obtained exact specific solutions arise as special cases in our general class of models. The Chini invariant does not arise in general relativity; it is a distinguishing feature of Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity.
Higher precision constraints on the tau $$g-2$$ in LHC photon-initiated production: a full account of hadron dissociation and soft survival effects
Authors: Harland-Lang L. A.
Published: December 2024

We present the first calculation of photon-initiated

$$\tau $$

τ

pair production in the presence of non-zero anomalous magnetic (

$$a_\tau $$

a
τ

) and/or electric dipole (

$$d_\tau $$

d
τ

) moments of the

$$\tau $$

τ

lepton that accounts for the non-trivial interplay between these modifications with the soft survival factor and the possibility of dissociation of the hadron (proton or ion) beam. The impact of these is on general grounds not expected to have a uniform dependence on the value of

$$a_\tau , d_\tau $$

a
τ

,

d
τ

, but in all previous analyses this assumption has been made. We have therefore investigated the importance of these effects in the context of photon-initiated

$$\tau $$

τ

pair production in both pp and PbPb collisions. This is in general found to be relatively small, at the percent level in terms of any extracted limits or observations of

$$a_\tau , d_\tau $$

a
τ

,

d
τ

, such that these effects can indeed be safely ignored in existing experimental analyses. However, as the precision of such determinations increases in the future, the relevance of these effects will likewise increase. With this in mind we have made our calculation publicly available in the Monte Carlo generator, including the possibility to simulate this process for varying

$$a_\tau , d_\tau $$

a
τ

,

d
τ

without rerunning.