bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Didactic and methodological principles of teaching writing skills to high school students
Authors: Зубайраева М.У. , Исраилова Л.Ю.
Published: March 2024

В данной работе представлен анализ дидактических и методических подходов к формированию навыков письменной речи у учащихся 9-11 классов средней общеобразовательной школы. Цель исследования заключалась в выявлении эффективных методик и приемов обучения данным навыкам с учетом особенностей данной возрастной группы. Материалы и методы. В рамках исследования был проведен анализ научной литературы по проблеме, а также мониторинговые испытания у 193 учащихся 9-11 классов двух средних школ г. Грозный с целью оценки уровня сформированности навыков письменной речи. В ходе мониторинга учащимся было предложено выполнить ряд письменных заданий различных жанров. Результаты. В результате исследования были выделены основные трудности, которые испытывают старшеклассники при написании текстов. Были проанализированы возможности применения интерактивных методов и заданий творческого характера для эффективного формирования данных навыков на уроках английского языка. В ходе работы были уточнены основные этапы становления навыков письменной коммуникации в подростковом возрасте. Выделены компоненты речи, требующие отработки на протяжении всего среднего образования. Показано, что систематическое применение интерактивных методов способствует наиболее эффективному овладению данными навыками.

This paper presents an analysis of didactic and methodological approaches to the formation of writing skills among students in grades 9-11 of secondary school. The purpose of the study was to identify effective methods and techniques for teaching these skills, taking into account the characteristics of this age group. Materials and methods. As part of the study, an analysis of the scientific literature on the problem was conducted, as well as monitoring tests in 193 students in grades 9-11 of two secondary schools in Grozny in order to assess the level of formation of writing skills. During the monitoring, students were asked to complete a number of written tasks of various genres. Results. As a result of the study, the main difficulties that high school students experience when writing texts were highlighted. The possibilities of using interactive methods and creative tasks for the effective formation of these skills in English lessons were analyzed. In the course of the work, the main stages of the formation of written communication skills in adolescence were clarified. The components of speech that require working out throughout secondary education are highlighted. It is shown that the systematic application of interactive methods contributes to the most effective mastery of these skills.
Modern approaches to learning English as a second language in higher education in Russia
Authors: Амирхажиев Н.У. , Усманов Т.И.
Published: March 2024

В настоящее время наблюдается тенденция к активизации изучения английского языка в российском высшем образовании с применением современных подходов, интегрирующих инновационные методики обучения. Цель данной статьи заключается в рассмотрении некоторых распространенных подходов к обучению английскому языку на уровне высшего образования, а также оценке их эффективности. В исследовании были проанализированы основные методики обучения английскому языку в 15 ведущих университетах ЮФО. Было выявлено, что наиболее популярными подходами являются интерактивное обучение с использованием мультимедийных технологий и заданий, способствующих формированию навыков коммуникации, а также развитию когнитивных способностей студентов. Результаты исследования показали, что применение современных методик, таких как кейс-метод, проектный метод и развивающее обучение, способствует большей мотивации студентов и лучшему усвоению иноязычных навыков в сравнении с традиционными подходами. Выводы исследования могут быть интересны преподавателям, разрабатывающим инновационные образовательные программы по изучению английского языка. Полученные результаты позволяют констатировать в целом позитивную динамику развития методического обеспечения преподавания иностранных языков в российской системе высшего образования. Дальнейшие исследования будут способствовать ее совершенствованию в русле лучших мировых практик.

Currently, there is a tendency to intensify the study of English in Russian higher education using modern approaches that integrate innovative teaching methods. The purpose of this article is to examine some common approaches to teaching English at the higher education level, and to evaluate their effectiveness. The study analyzed the main methods of teaching English at 15 leading universities in Russia. It was found that the most popular approaches are interactive learning using multimedia technologies and tasks that contribute to the formation of communication skills, as well as the development of students' cognitive abilities. The results of the study showed that the use of modern methods, such as the case method, project method and developmental learning, contributes to greater motivation of students and better acquisition of foreign language skills in comparison with traditional approaches. The findings of the study may be of interest to teachers developing innovative educational programs for learning English. The results obtained allow us to state a generally positive dynamics in the development of methodological support for teaching foreign languages in the Russian higher education system. Further research will contribute to its improvement in line with the best world practices.
Criteria for assessing the quality and effectiveness of education in distance learning conditions
Authors: Усманов Т.И. , Исраилова Л.Ю.
Published: March 2024

В последние годы наблюдается интенсивное развитие дистанционных технологий в сфере высшего образования. Переход на данную форму обучения стал особенно массовым в период пандемии COVID-19 в 2020-2021 учебных годах. Это существенным образом повлияло на организацию учебного процесса в российских вузах. С одной стороны, дистанционные технологии расширили доступ к получению качественного образования, позволив адаптироваться к сложившейся ситуации. С другой стороны, возник ряд проблем, связанных с оценкой эффективности и качества дистанционного обучения. В настоящее время имеет место активная трансформация сферы образования под влиянием цифровизации. Одним из ключевых направлений ее развития является переход на дистанционную форму обучения. Данная статья посвящена исследованию критериев оценки качества и эффективности образования в российских вузах в условиях дистанционного обучения. Рассмотрены такие показатели как уровень усвоения знаний студентами, измеряемый с помощью тестирования; степень удовлетворённости качеством обучения преподавателей и студентов на основе анкетирования; число студентов, освоивших образовательную программу в срок. Приведены результаты опроса 203 преподавателей и 458 студентов российских вузов. Показано, что для объективной оценки качества образования в условиях дистанционного формата необходим комплексный подход, включающий как количественные, так и качественные параметры.

In recent years, there has been an intensive development of distance technologies in the field of higher education. The transition to this form of education became especially widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020-2021 academic years. This significantly influenced the organization of the educational process in Russian universities. On the one hand, distance technologies have expanded access to quality education, allowing people to adapt to the current situation. On the other hand, a number of problems have arisen related to assessing the effectiveness and quality of distance learning. Currently, there is an active transformation of the education sector under the influence of digitalization. One of the key directions of its development is the transition to distance learning. This article is devoted to the study of criteria for assessing the quality and effectiveness of education in Russian universities in the context of distance learning. The following indicators are considered: the level of knowledge acquisition by students, measured through testing; degree of satisfaction with the quality of teaching of teachers and students based on a survey; the number of students who completed the educational program on time. The results of a survey of 203 teachers and 458 students of Russian universities are presented. It is shown that for an objective assessment of the quality of education in a distance format, an integrated approach is required, including both quantitative and qualitative parameters.
Use of Image Media in Learning to Introduce the Concept of Number in Children 5-6 Years Old at Kindergarten
Authors: Nene Lusila , Miranda Dian , Amalia Annisa
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine the use of media images in learning to introduce the concept of numbers to children aged 5-6 years at Bruder Nusa Indah Kindergarten in Pontianak. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. The data source for this study was a teacher and group B2 children at the Bruder Nusa Indah Kindergarten. This research technique is observation using observation sheets, direct interview techniques using interview sheets and documentaries using documentation tools. Data analysis in this study is data collection, data reduction, presentation and conclusion/verification based on the results of the research that has been done. It is found that: 1). Planning to use image media in introducing the concept of numbers to children aged 5-6 years at Bruder Nusa Indah Kindergarten is carried out by determining a theme for the learning program to facilitate the process and become a guideline for the implementation of learning, from the predetermined theme it is made into RPPM, RPPH, tools and instructional Media. 2). The implementation of the use of media images in introducing the concept of numbers to children aged 5-6 years at Bruder Nusa Indah Kindergarten has been carried out by the teacher well during the research. The teacher carried out learning through three activities, namely initial activities, core activities, and closing activities, in accordance with what was planned. In implementing the learning, the teacher uses the singing method and the question-and-answer method and gives assignments in the form of children's worksheets and portfolios the implementation of learning using picture media in introducing the concept of numbers to children. 3). Evaluation of learning outcomes in introducing the concept of numbers to children aged 5-6 years at Bruder Nusa Indah Kindergarten is an action or a process of implementing learning to determine the value of children's learning success after going through the learning process. The teacher also directly observes the learning process by assessing children's work. Keywords: Image Media, The Concept of Numbers, Kindergarten
Pemetaan Daya Dukung Lahan Permukiman di Wilayah Kecamatan Mijen, Kota Semarang
Authors: Sarwono Muhammad Reza Daffauzan , Utama Raditya Arinanda , Kuswati Fitri Yunda , Az-Zahra Sheeny , Fauziyyah Istiqomah Ifnan , Haris Amnan , Jabbar Abdul , Fariz Trida Ridho
Published: March 2024

Kecamatan Mijen merupakan salah satu kecamatan yang berada pada wilayah Hulu Sub DAS Beringin dengan luas kawasan yang tidak begitu luas sebesar , namun pertumbuhan penduduk yang terjadi begitu pesat. Pertumbuhan penduduk tersebut menyebabkan terjadinya perubahan guna lahan pada kawasan tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji mengenai daya dukung lahan permukiman di wilayah Kecamatan Mijen berdasarkan Perda Kota Semarang Nomor 5 Tahun 2021 tentang RTRW Kota Semarang 2011-2031. Studi ini menerapkan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis. Analisis data menggunakan teknik overlay, skoring, dan analisis DDPm. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan teknik dokumentasi yang didapatkan dari data sekunder. Hasil studi didapatkan tingkat daya dukung permukiman di Kecamatan Mijen tergolong baik dengan kelurahan yang memiliki hasil DDPm terendah adalah Kelurahan Jatisari sebesar 6,75. Berdasarkan Perda Kota Semarang Nomor 5 Tahun 2021 tentang RTRW Kota Semarang 2011-2031, Kecamatan mijen masuk dalam klasifikasi Bagian Wilayah Kota IX sebagai paru-paru kota. Dalam mewujudkan fungsinya Kecamatan Mijen menentukan koefisien dasar bangunan dan pembangunan serta melaksanakan pengelolaan perkotaan untuk melindungi kawasan lindung dan meningkatkan kawasan resapan air untuk melindungi kawasan di bawahnya agar terhindar dari bencana rob dan banjir.
System analysis in preventive anti-crisis management of textile industry enterprises’ turnover assets
Authors: Narkevich L. V. , Tereliansky P. V.
Published: March 2024

The article presents the developed information and analytical platform for working capital management according to the methodology of a systematic approach, considering the specifics of textile production and modern requirements of preventive crisis management. The project is presented, and an effective algorithm for preventive crisis management of working capital is adapted on the basis of an information and analytical environment using progressive analysis techniques. The author’s approach is presented to the regulation of the analytical information formation in the designated block of anti-crisis management, integrated into the analytical environment of the enterprise through the interrelations and interdependencies of quantitative and qualitative parameters of the use efficiency of working capital. The anti-crisis management project of organization working capital on the basis of a systematic approach allowed to identify the disproportions of individual parameters of the efficiency of working capital management, typical financial problems associated with a high level of operational, including production and financial cycles, which together poses a real threat to the sustainable development of the enterprise (innovation, investment, market and financial stability of development). In addition, due to this project, it became possible to develop a set of interrelated measures to improve the efficiency of working capital management in the format of optimization tasks in the stocks’ regulation of raw materials, finished products, accounts receivable. The results of the analytical study indicate the need to use innovative approaches to managing the turnover of working capital in the production and financial cycles with access to high-margin design solutions for the sustainable development of the enterprise.
Formation of China’s Capital Market
Authors: Mikhaylov A. Yu.
Published: March 2024

The article presents an in-depth analysis of the formation and development of the capital market (stocks and bonds segment) in China. The factors determining the valuation of shares that are in circulation are highlighted. While the first factor identifies an assessment based on the company’s financial statements, the second factor considers current market conditions and investor sentiment. Examining historical data, it is interesting to note that from 2000 to 2006, the total market capitalization of stocks remained stable and amounted to a substantial 4 trillion yuan. However, in 2007 There was a significant shift when the market capitalization grew significantly and reached as much as 30 trillion yuan. This sudden growth can be explained by various reasons, such as increased investor confidence, favorable economic conditions and the introduction of progressive financial regulation. In addition, it is important to note that in the same year, the Shanghai Composite index (a key indicator of the Chinese stock market) reached an unprecedented value of 6,123.04 points. This indicator demonstrated the stability and potential of the Chinese capital market, and attracted both domestic and international investors. Thus, the analysis presented in the article reveals the intricacies of the Chinese capital market and the mechanisms of its assessment. This analysis establishes the importance of both book value and market value in determining the valuation of outstanding shares. In addition, historical trends have highlighted the resilience and vulnerability of the market to external shocks, as evidenced by significant fluctuations in market capitalization. In general, this study helps to understand the Chinese capital market and its evolution over time.
Knowledge management and innovation in healthcare
Authors: Masyuk N. N. , Kulikova O. M. , Usacheva E. V. , Veremchuk N. S.
Published: March 2024

In order to increase the effectiveness of medical care and adapt to Industry 4.0 technologies, it becomes necessary to determine the current directions of healthcare development. The study purpose is to identify trends and development patterns of innovative technologies in the field of healthcare using data mining methods. The research methodology is based on the methods’ application of information messages’ text analysis. The data set was formed by parsing publications from Google RSS feeds and PubMed database for the period 2018–2022. To analyze the generated data sets, a dynamic modification of the BERTopic natural language processing model and the Bibliometrix library were used. To assess the differences in the structure of publications in the annual section, the Wilcoxon T-test was applied. The data sets contain 10,307 informational messages from leading publishers and 4,673 scientific publications. Four most relevant areas of research for the healthcare sector have been identified: 1) adaptive management in the field of healthcare; 2) information technologies in healthcare; 3) resource provision of medical organizations; 4) medical care for diseases. The most actively developing direction is related to the use of information technology. The number of publications on this issue in 2022 increased by 137.42% compared to 2020. The main areas of research are the development of medical CRM systems, the use of information technologies both for the development of tools for combating pandemics, and for methods of quality management and lean manufacturing. The study results can be used to improve the quality of medical care to the population of Russia.
Tools for internationalisation and increasing institutional trust to authorities in the international contingent environment of domestic universities in the transformation conditions of the digital environment
Authors: Bondarenko V. V. , Kuznetsova E. V.
Published: March 2024

The article describes methodological provisions on the tools’ use for internationalizing the activities of Russian universities and on increasing institutional trust among the international contingent in the context of global digitalization. The authors provide a detailed description of the digital environment use to achieve the goals of promoting Russian education on the world market and activating “soft power”. The article identifies problems in the field of universities’ digital IT infrastructure that create certain difficulties for the implementation of education in a digital environment and negatively affect the competitiveness of Russian education. The study presents methodological approaches both for preventing the possibility of the possible emergence of a sociocultural gap and intercultural dissonance, and for transmitting the presentation of the basic traditional Russian cultural humanitarian values and attitudes among foreign students, as well as for social partnership cooperation with regional authorities of the region. The developed tools in the field of forming friendly relations with foreign partners will become an element of the management system that will promote the Russian education system in international markets, form a positive image of the state and increase the level of trust in the institution of public authority. The described approaches and the practice of using the developed tools to increase institutional trust, which have been tested in the branch network of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, will form an adaptive approach to solving problems in a non-linear reality.
Digital literacy impact on the subjective well-being of the region young population
Authors: Shikhgafizov P. Sh. , Konischeva E. V. , Kotlyarov S. A.
Published: March 2024

Digital literacy is a crucial component of professional and life competence in the modern world and an important condition for the subjective well-being of a modern person. The components of digital literacy are numerous and reflect various aspects: from technical skills to the organisation of knowledge transfer, as well as communication. The younger generation acquires skills in using digital interaction content almost from preschool age. In this regard, it becomes important for future adults to assess the impact of their digital literacy level on subjective well-being, as well as on awareness of its application and improvement possibilities. The article provides analysis of a sociological study results aimed at identifying the impact of digital literacy on the subjective well-being of young people. The empirical base includes the results of an online survey conducted on the territory of Kursk and the Kursk region in October-November 2023. The sample totaled 450 respondents. Understanding young people’s ideas about digital literacy and its impact on subjective well-being will make it possible to more specifically define the necessary measures to enhance digital training, promptly meet individual or group requests when organising studying process and improving competence in the field of digital technologies.
Benchmarking ML in ADMET predictions: the practical impact of feature representations in ligand-based models
Authors: Kamuntavičius Gintautas , Paquet Tanya , Bastas Orestis , Norvaišas Povilas , Tal Roy
Published: March 2024

This study, focusing on predicting Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicology (ADMET) properties, addresses the key challenges of ML models trained using ligand-based representations. We propose a structured approach to data feature selection, taking a step beyond the conventional practice of combining different representations without systematic reasoning. Additionally, we enhance model evaluation methods by integrating cross-validation with statistical hypothesis testing, adding a layer of reliability to the model assessments. Our final evaluations include a practical scenario, where models trained on one source of data are evaluated on a different one. This approach aims to bolster the reliability of ADMET predictions, providing more dependable and informative model evaluations.
F-doped carbon/Co3O4 composite catalyst for alkaline oxygen evolution
Authors: Gao Mengjie , Wang Zhaodi , Liu Weiruo , Zhai Yunpu
Published: March 2024

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a sustainable way to produce hydrogen energy. However, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode always has sluggish kinetics and low energy conversion efficiency, which is the major bottleneck for water splitting. In this paper, the electronic structure of the Co3O4/carbon composites was regulated by anion doping. The F-doped carbon substrate is compounded with ZIF-67, and the active component Co3O4 is encapsulated in the skeleton formed by ZIF-67. The prepared hybrid nanocomposite catalyst F-Co3O4@NF has excellent OER performance. It requires an overpotential of only 172 mV with the current density of 50 mA cm-2, and the Tafel slope is 88 mV dec-1. It can maintain good stability after 24 hours of continuous operation, and the catalytic activity exceeds most of the similar series of catalysts. The characterization show that F doping can affect the catalytic activity in the form of adjusting the electronic structure and lifting d band center. These structural changes effectively optimize the adsorption/desorption capacity of the composite catalyst for hydrogen and oxygen intermediates in the catalytic process, thereby improving the catalytic activity for alkaline oxygen evolution.
Engineering a Photoenzyme to Use Red Light
Authors: Carceller Jose , Jayee Bhumika , Page Claire , Oblinsky Daniel , Chintala Nithin , Mondragón-Solórzano Gustavo , Cao Jingzhe , Alassad Zayed , Zhang Zheyu , White Nathaniel , Scholes Gregory , Dong Sijia , Hyster Todd
Published: March 2024

Photoenzymatic catalysis is an emerging platform for asymmetric synthesis. In most of these reactions, the protein templates a charge transfer complex between the cofactor and substrate, which absorbs in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, we report the engineering of a photoenzymatic ‘ene’-reductase to utilize red light (620 nm) for a radical cyclization reaction. Mechanistic studies indicate that red light ac-tivity is achieved by introducing a broadly absorbing shoulder off the previously identified cyan absorption feature. Molecular dynamics simulations, docking, and excited-state calculations suggest that red light absorption is a 𝜋→ 𝜋* transition from flavin to the substrate, while the cyan feature is the red-shift of the flavin 𝜋→ 𝜋* transition, which occurs upon substrate binding. Differences in the excitation event help to disfavor alkylation of the flavin cofactor, a pathway for catalyst decomposition observed with cyan light but not red.
Permutation Symmetry in Spin Adapted Many-Body Wave Functions
Authors: Song Maru , Alavi Ali , Li Manni Giovanni
Published: March 2024

In the domain of exchange-coupled PNTM clusters, local emergent symmetries exist which can be exploited to greatly increase the sparsity of the CI eigensolutions of such systems. Sparsity of the CI secular problem is revealed by exploring the site permutation space within spin-adapted many-body bases, and highly compressed wave functions may arise by finding optimal site orderings. However, the factorial cost of searching through the permutation space remains a bottleneck for clusters with a large number of metal centers. In this work, we explore ways to reduce the factorial scaling, by combining permutation and point group symmetry arguments, and using commutation relations between cumulative partial spin and the Hamiltonian operators. Certain site orderings lead to commuting operators, from which more sparse wave functions arise. Two graphical strategies will be discussed, one to rapidly evaluate the commutators of interest, and one in the form of a tree search algorithm to predict how many and which distinct site permutations are to be analyzed, eliminating redundancies in the permutation space. Particularly interesting is the case of the singlet spin states for which an additional reversal symmetry can be utilized to further reduce the distinct site permutations.
Purifying hydrogen from dilute hydrogen-natural gas mixtures using HT-PEM electrochemical hydrogen pumps
Authors: Arunagiri Karthik , Turssline John M. , Arges Christopher G.
Published: March 2024

Reducing the cost of hydrogen transport is an important priority for proliferation of clean hydrogen to decarbonize various sectors of industry and heavy-duty vehicle transportation. Pipeline transport of gases is the lowest cost delivery method for gases over long distances, but there are only a few pipeline networks dedicated to hydrogen. It is possible to alleviate clean hydrogen transportation costs by delivering it via existing natural gas pipeline infrastructures. This strategy, however, necessitates dilution of hydrogen by blending it with natural gas as the hydrogen can embrittle existing pipeline materials. An electrochemical hydrogen pump (EHP) is a separation platform capable of de-blending hydrogen from natural gas mixtures at end use locations because many applications require purified hydrogen. In this work, we deploy high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) EHPs to purify hydrogen from dilute hydrogen-natural gas mixtures (i.e., 5 to 20 vol% hydrogen). The HT-PEM EHP uses an ion-pair HT-PEM with perfluorosulfonic acid-phosphonic acid ionomer blends as electrode binders. Interestingly, we observe that activation overpotentials govern HT-PEM EHP polarization when feeding dilute hydrogen mixtures. We ascribe this observation to interfacial mass transfer resistance of hydrogen through the ionomer binder to the electrocatalyst surface resulting in a lower surface concentration of hydrogen and a lower exchange current density. Pressurizing the anode to 1.76 barabs ameliorates the interfacial mass transfer resistance and enabled us to achieve an EHP limiting current of 1.4 A cm-2 with a 10 vol% of hydrogen in natural gas feed. This configuration also pressurized the hydrogen at the cathode to 2.51 barabs. The HT-PEM EHP showed a small degradation rate, 44 µV h-1, during a 100-hour durability test purifying 10 vol% hydrogen-natural gas feed mixtures to 99.3 vol% hydrogen.
Fine structural analysis of non-thermal degummed fibroin fibers reveals its superior mechanical capabilities
Authors: Eliaz Dror , Kellersztein Israel , Elvino Miali Marco , Benyamin Doron , Brookstein Ori , Daraio Chiara , Wagner Hanoch Daniel , Raviv Uri , Shimanovich Ulyana
Published: March 2024

Bombyx mori silk fibroin fibers constitute a class of protein building blocks capable of func-tionalization and reprocessing into various material formats. The properties of these fibers are typically affected by the intense thermal treatments needed to remove the sericin gum coating layer. Additionally, their mechanical characteristics are often misinterpreted by assuming the asymmetrical cross-sectional area is a perfect circle. The thermal treatments impact not only the mechanics of the degummed fibroin fibers but also the structural configuration of the re-solubilized protein, thereby limiting the performance of the resulting silk-based materials. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a non-thermal surface treatment that removes the sericin gum layer while preserving the molecular structure of the fibroin protein, and con-sequently, maintaining the hierarchical integrity of the exposed fibroin microfiber. The precise determination of the initial cross-sectional area of the asymmetrical silk fibers led to a com-prehensive analysis of their mechanical properties. Our findings indicate that the newly de-veloped surface treatment raised the Young’s modulus and tensile strength by increasing the extent of the fibers’ crystallinity by approximately 40% and 50%, respectively, without com-promising their strain. Furthermore, we have shown that this treatment facilitated the produc-tion of high-purity soluble silk protein with rheological and self-assembly characteristics com-parable to those of native silk feedstock, initially stored in the animal’s silk gland. The devel-oped approaches benefits both the development of silk-based materials with tailored proper-ties and the proper mechanical characterization of asymmetrical fibrous biological materials made of natural building blocks.
Pretreatment Methods for Accelerated PFAS Degradation in Wastewater
Authors: Rao Dandan , Liu Jinyong
Published: March 2024

This study explored different pretreatment methods to enhance photochemical degradation of PFAS in still-bottom (SB) brine. The brine contained concentrated natural organic matter and inorganic salts, which severely inhibited PFAS destruction by prevailing technologies. Pretreatment methods evaluated included flocculation, Fenton oxidation, and Soxhlet extraction. Soxhlet extraction works by repeatedly passing a small volume of solvent through the solid from drying the SB, resulting in efficient extraction of most PFAS. The extract reduced 73% of organic content and 84-98% of inorganic salts in the original SB. The redissolved extract in water (equivalent to 10x dilution of the original SB) yielded 100% PFAS removal and 80% defluorination within 24 hours by UV/sulfite/iodide treatment. In comparison, only 20% defluorination was achieved in 10x diluted SB without pretreatment, 56% with Fenton pretreatment, and 24% with flocculation pretreatment. These findings underscore the importance of removing co-existing components in challenging water matrices to enable efficient PFAS destruction.
The role of organic cations in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in aprotic solvents
Authors: McGregor Jon-Marc , Bender Jay , Petersen Amanda , Canada Louise , Rossmeisl Jan , Brennecke Joan , Resasco Joaquin
Published: March 2024

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is sensitive to the microenvironment surrounding catalytic active sites. Although the impact of changing electrolyte composition on CO2 reduction kinetics in aqueous electrolytes has been studied intensively, less is known about the influence of the electrochemical environment in non-aqueous solvents. Here, we present data demonstrating that organic alkyl ammonium cations influence catalytic performance in non-aqueous media and describe a physical model that rationalizes these observations. Using results from a combination of kinetic, spectroscopic, and computational techniques, we argue that the interfacial electric field present at the catalyst surface is sensitive to the molecular identity of the organic cation in the aprotic electrolyte. This is true irrespective of solvent, electrolyte ionic strength, or the supporting electrolyte counter anion. Our results suggest that changes in the interfacial field can be attributed to differences in the cation-electrode distance. Changes in the electric field strength are consequential to CO2R to CO as they modify the energetics of the kinetically relevant CO2 activation step.
Burrow morphology of three species of fiddler crab (Uca) along the coast of Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Naureen Aziz , Saher Noor Us
Published: March 2024

Burrowing by crabs is an important component of their functional role in mangrove biotopes. The Fiddler crab (Uca) is one of the more conspicuous burrowing organisms in the mangrove areas of Pakistan. To evaluate interspecific differences in burrowing behaviour between three species of Uca (U. annulipes, U. chlorophthalmus and U. sindensis), we compared vegetation cover, sediment composition and burrow morphology by using plaster of Paris casts. Five burrow morphology characters were measured (burrow number, depth, length, volume, and diameter of the burrow openings). Nearly all the morphological characters of the burrows differed significantly between species. The burrow morphology variations were correlated with the tidal level (distance from the water mark during low tide), porosity, percent organic matter, vegetation cover and structure of the sediments. The species-specific differences in the burrows cautions against generalizing regarding the functional role of fiddler crabs along the coast of Pakistan.
An easy, cheap computerized method to assess two-dimensional trajectory parameters
Authors: Cammaerts Marie-Claire , Morel Frederic , Martino Fabian , Warzée Nadine
Published: March 2024

Short notes don’t have an abstract.
Peluang Indonesia sebagai Ketua ASEAN Tahun 2023 dalam Mempromosikan Penggunaan Local Currency Settlement dan QR Code Lintas Batas terkait Transaksi Perdagangan di Asia Tenggara
Authors: Fernando Jason , Turnip Ezra Yora
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan bahwa Indonesia berperan penting dalam mempromosikan penggunaan Local Currency Settlement dan QR Code Lintas Batas selama memegang posisi keketuaan ASEAN tahun 2023. Local Currency Settlement berfungsi untuk melakukan penyelesaian transaksi bilateral antara negara dalam satu kawasan Asia Tenggara dengan menggunakan mata uang masing-masing negara tersebut. Kehadiran LCS dilatarbelakangi oleh inflasi global yang begitu tinggi akibat tensi geopolitik dan naiknya suku bunga dolar AS, sehingga situasi tersebut menjadi kesempatan bagi negara-negara anggota ASEAN untuk menggunakan mata uang lokal. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis efisiensi LCS sebagai metode transaksi perdagangan kawasan Asia Tenggara dalam memperkuat integrasi ekonomi dan mengurangi ketergantungan terhadap Dolar AS. Bahkan LCS ini sebagai instrumen utama yang berdampak untuk memperkuat stabilitas mata uang di negara-negara Asia Tenggara itu sendiri, semakin mempermudah kegiatan ekspor-impor satu sama lain, dan terciptanya kemudahan pada proses masuknya arus modal asing di kawasan tersebut. Disamping itu, Indonesia juga memegang tanggung jawab lebih dalam menangani kendala promosi maupun penggunaan QR Code Lintas Batas sebagai teknologi yang akan mempermudah transaksi mata uang lokal bagi ASEAN, yang diharapkan dapat terlaksana dengan baik melalui sistem dan strategi yang telah dirancang. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif analisis, serta teori integrasi ekonomi kawasan menurut Van Niekerk terkait peranan Indonesia dalam mempromosikan efisiensi LCS dan QR Code Lintas Batas di ASEAN. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa Indonesia mengajak setiap anggota ASEAN untuk penggunaan LCS ini, karena akan menciptakan kondisi yang sesuai dengan tema KTT ASEAN tahun 2023, dimana Asia Tenggara berpotensi menjadi area episentrum pertumbuhan ekonomi kawasan sejak saat ini hingga masa mendatang.

Kata Kunci: ASEAN, ekonomi digital, Indonesia, Local Currency Settlement, QR Code lintas batas
SEGMENTASI PASAR PRODUK KUE KERING TRADISIONAL PADA HOME INDUSTRI CUCURU DI KABUPATEN BANTAENG
Authors: Halim Hasriliandi
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the market segmentation of traditional pastries at the Cucuru Home Industry. This research was conducted at the Cucuru Home Industry in Bissappu District, Bantaeng Regency. The location determination was carried out by purposive sampling with the consideration that the Cucuru Home Industry had been established since 2001 with a very large number of consumers. This research was conducted in February-April 2022. This study used a case study research technique with qualitative descriptive research methods. The basis that can be used in conducting market segmentation is the main variables used in market segmentation based on Kotler's thinking, namely Geographic, Demographic, Psychographic, and Behavioral. The results of this study indicate that traditional pastries made at the Cucuru Home Industry can be reached by many levels of society, including the location where the pastries are marketed and the prices offered to consumers. The choice of traditional pastry products at the Cucuru Home Industry is generally a special snack for those who have more daily activities outside the home. In addition, traditional pastries at the Cucuru Home Industry are being hunted by many consumers because they are mandatory food in every traditional event and wedding held in the area. So this situation greatly affects consumer interest in buying. In addition, many consumers of Home Industry Cucuru from Makassar City and surrounding communities who passed through Bantaeng Regency during the holidays and finally decided to choose this location as a place to buy souvenirs to bring to relatives at home. The income of the urban community, which tends to be high, also determines their consumption patterns, including their decision to buy traditional pastries from the Cucuru Home Industry. Even some of the consumers have become regular consumers since the last 20 years.
Temporal trends of transport-related injuries on New Zealand roads
Authors: Isles Siobhan , Kean Michael , Dipnall Joanna , Beck Ben
Published: March 2024

aim: This observational study aimed to investigate temporal trends in transport-related injuries in New Zealand by mode of transport and explore whether specific population groups and localities have a relatively higher incidence of injury. These trends provide insight into changes in injury patterns from road trauma. methods: A retrospective study of hospitalised road trauma in New Zealand was conducted between 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2021. Data were obtained from the National Minimum Dataset of hospital admissions, and the New Zealand Trauma Registry (NZTR). Road trauma was identified using ICD-10 coding, and major trauma using Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) coding. Analysis included road trauma by mode, ethnicity, rurality and population rates. Statistical analysis included Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis to account for the impact of COVID-19 on road trauma. results: Over the 4-year period there were 20,607 incidents of transport-related injury that resulted in admission to a New Zealand hospital. Of these, 14.5% (2,992) involved injuries that were classified as major trauma. Car occupants accounted for 62% of hospitalisations, followed by motorcyclists (23%), pedestrians (9%) and pedal cyclists (4%). Temporal trends showed no reduction in injuries from cars, pedal cyclists and pedestrian injuries, but an increase in motorcycling injuries. Māori had an age-standardised incidence rate almost 3.5 times higher than the rate for Asian peoples. conclusion: The increases in motorcycling injuries and no changes in pedestrian and cycling injuries, as well as demographic variation, highlight the need to focus on vulnerable road users. Effective and targeted initiatives on vulnerable road users will support objectives to reduce deaths and serious injury on New Zealand roads. Enhanced exposure data is needed for vulnerable road users to account for mobility changes over time. Linked data across population-based datasets is an important asset that enhances our understanding of road traffic injuries and allows evidence-based countermeasures to be developed.
Performance of a fast-track pathway for giant cell arteritis in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: van Dantzig Philippa , White Douglas , Kurz Jason , Ming Caroline , Kamalaksha Sujatha , Quincey Vicki
Published: March 2024

aims: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary vasculitis in adults over 50 years of age. To facilitate early diagnosis and reduce harms from corticosteroids and temporal artery biopsies, fast-track pathways have been established. We review the benefits of the fast-track pathway set up in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. methods: Patients were collected prospectively as part of the fast-track pathway from 2014 to 2022. Their records were then reviewed retrospectively to collect data on clinical features, investigations and treatment. results: There were 648 individual patients over the study period who had a colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) of the temporal arteries. There were 17 true positive CDUS, giving a sensitivity of 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3–15.5%) and specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.1–100%). Patients with GCA and a positive scan had significantly fewer steroids than those with GCA and a negative scan (p=0.0037). There were 376 patients discharged after a CDUS who did not have a diagnosis of GCA, resulting in reduced corticosteroid and temporal artery biopsy exposure. conclusions: This is a real-life study that reflects the benefits of fast-track pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand to patients and healthcare systems. It also shows the effect of corticosteroids on positive CDUS, an important consideration when setting up an fast-track pathway.
The Aotearoa New Zealand doctor shortage: current context and strategies for retention
Authors: Hitchon Eva , Eggleston Kate , Mulder Roger , Porter Richard , Douglas Katie
Published: March 2024

The international migration of health professionals has been an ongoing issue with the medical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. There are many reasons why New Zealand-trained doctors choose to leave. Often it has been to gain overseas experience, with many eventually returning to New Zealand; however, this has now changed, with increasing numbers not returning. Little has been done to combat this developing problem, amidst an increasingly competitive global market for health professionals. There is public and political concern about the current shortage and uneven distribution of doctors, particularly because this has fostered unsustainable working conditions, which diminishes the provision of safe healthcare in this country. This article examines the context behind the migration of New Zealand-trained doctors and proposes several strategies for retention as potential solutions to the underlying problem.
Exploring the Feasibility of Applying Deep Learning for the Early Prediction of Arthritis
Authors: Chen Jiaxuan , Kong Xiangxuan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases. Early detection of arthritis and its progression can facilitate early intervention measures, lowering disease severity in patients. As electronic health records (EHR) become more accessible, this study assesses whether general health information and arthritis-related questionnaires can be used in arthritis diagnosis, without the involvement of costly imaging methods. Therefore, we created deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) models to explore the feasibility of combining EHR and modern computational tools to diagnose arthritis. Methods: A total of 782 arthritis patients and 4014 control patients were identified from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) – a ten-year-long observational study that included patient EHR in five time points. Six hundred variables were filtered by random forest classifier followed by manual filtering. Data were split properly to training, testing and validation set, and the training set was balanced. Sequential, nonsequential DL models, and five independent DL models for each time points were used. The accuracy, positive prevalence value (PPV), negative prevalence value (NPV), and area under curve (AUC), were assessed and compared with four classical ML models. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) summary analysis was also conducted. Results: Sequential and non-sequential deep learning models showed accuracies of ~ 0.97, and the four classical machine learning approaches showed accuracies of above 0.9. High positive and negative predicted values (> 0.90) for all of the models suggested the potential clinical applicability of the model, while the SHAP analysis demonstrated its interpretability. Discussion: We tested various models and showed the ability to use machine learning methods for early diagnosis of arthritis with EHR. The models can be used as a screening tool to select susceptible patients for confirmatory tests such as X-ray and MRI. Identification of early disease states could facilitate protective measures that slow disease progression.
Research on the Correlation Between rs2110385 Polymorphisms of the Visfatin Gene and Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Rong , Ma Wei-guo , Yin Xiao-hong , Li Ya
Published: March 2024

Objective: To investigate the association between rs2110385 polymorphisms of the visfatin gene and the risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: 172 Han subjects were selected from Xi’an Shaanxi Province；140 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 32 normal controls (NC) were selected from our hospital. Patients with diabetes were divided into a non-DR group (T2DM) (n = 69) and a nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy Group (DR) (n =71) after dilated fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography. rs2110385/Alu Ⅰ genotypes were detected by standardized polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and the differences in the detection rates of different genotypes in the above populations were compared. Results: 1) The visfatin level in the DR Group was significantly higher than that in the NC and T2DM groups (P < 0.05). 2) The frequency of GG genotype and G allele of rs2110385 in the DR Group were higher than those in the T2DM and NC groups (80.3, 69.6, 50.0, 86.6, 79, 65.6, P < 0.05). 3) There were significant differences in allele frequency and genotype frequency distribution of rs2110385 between the DR Group and the NC group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Visfatin increased in the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy group and could be a potential indicator for the clinical prediction of DR. The G allele of the rs2110385 polymorphic site may be related to the risk of DR.