bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Microfibril Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Biodegradable Composites
Authors: Boroujeni Fatemeh Mahdiyeh , Fioravanti Gabriella , Kander Ronald
Published: November 2023

The pursuit of an environmentally sustainable manufacturing process advocates for the substitution of harmful reagents for less damaging and recyclable solutions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using cellulose microfibrils synthesized via different hydrolysis reactions as reinforcing agents in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at varying con-centrations. The investigation explores the morphology, thermal properties, and chemi-cal behavior of the cellulose particles.
The cellulose microfibrils (CMF) produced using citric acid exhibited the highest yield and aspect ratio. Notably, particles from organic acids demonstrated greater thermal stability, with oxalic acid-derived particles displaying the maximum thermal degrada-tion temperature. Subsequently, cast films of PVA reinforced with the cellulose microfibrils underwent comprehensive analyses, including Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal degradation temperature (Td), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile strength tests.
The thermal behavior of cast films experienced notable changes with the addition of cellulose particles, evidenced by increased melting and crystallinity temperatures, along with a rise in the degree of crystallinity. The incorporation of cellulose particles led to a substantial improvement in mechanical properties. Films containing CMF dis-played higher Young’s modulus, and the sample incorporating 5% CMF derived from citric acid exhibited the most significant increase in modulus.
Sensitivity of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Thereof Differentiated Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells towards Selected Nephrotoxins
Authors: Mboni-Johnston Isaac Musong , Kouidrat Nazih Mohamed Zakari , Hirsch Cornelia , Weber Andreas Georg , Meißner Alexander , Adjaye James , Schupp Nicole
Published: November 2023

Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) are constantly exposed to potentially toxic metabolites and xenobiotics. The regenerative potential of the kidney enables the replacement of damaged cells either via the differentiation of stem cells or the regain of proliferative properties of the PTEC. Nevertheless, it is known that renal function declines, suggesting that the deteriorated cells are not replaced by fully functional cells. To understand the possible causes of this loss of kidney cell function, it would be beneficial to understand the role of toxins during the regeneration process. Therefore, we investigated the sensitivity and function of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), hiPSC differentiating, and hiPSC differentiated into proximal tubular epithelial-like cells (PTELC) to known nephrotoxins. hiPSC were differentiated into PTELC, exhibiting a similar morphology to PTEC, expressing prototypical PTEC markers and performing albumin endocytosis. When treated with two nephrotoxins, hiPSC and differentiating hiPSC were more sensitive to cisplatin than differentiated PTELC, whereas all stages were equally sensitive to cyclosporin A. Both toxins also had an inhibitory effect on albumin uptake. Our results suggest a high sensitivity of differentiating cells towards toxins, which could have an unfavorable effect on regenerative processes. To study this, our model of hiPSC differentiating into PTELC appears suitable.
Theoretical Spectra of Lanthanides for Kilonovae Events: Ho I-III, Er I-IV, Tm I-V, Yb I-VI, Lu I-VII
Authors: Nahar Sultana N.
Published: November 2023

The broad emission bump in the electromagnetic spectra observed
following the detection of gravitational waves created during the
kilonova event of merger of two neutron stars in August 2017, GW170817,
has been linked to the heavy elements of lanthanides (Z=57-71), and a
new understanding of creation of heavy elements in the r-process. The
initial spectral emission bump has a wavelength range of 3000 - 7000
\AA, thus covering the region of ultraviolet (UV) to optical (O)
wavelengths, and is similar to those seen for lanthanides. Most
lanthanides have large number of
closely lying energy levels which introduce extensive sets of
radiative transitions which often form broad region of lines of significant
strength.
The current study explores these broad features through
photoabsorption spectroscopy of 25 lanthanides ions, Ho I-III, Er I-IV,
Tm I-V, Yb I-VI and Lu I-VII. With excitations only to a few orbitals
up beyond the ground configurations, we find most of these ions cover
large number of bound levels with open $4f$ orbital and produce
tens to about hundred thousands lines that may form one or multiple
broad features in X-ray to UV, O, and infrared (IR) regions. Spectrum
of each of 25 ions is presented indicating presence, shape and
wavelength region of the features. Accuracy of
atomic data to interpret the merger spectra has been a outstanding
problem. The present study aims at providing improved atomic data
for energies and transition parameters obtained using relativistic
Breit-Pauli approximation implemented in the atomic structure
code SUPERSTRUCTURE. The present data have been benchmarked with
available experimental data for energies and transition parameters.
The study finds that number of ions
under the present study are possible contributors of the emission
bump of GW170817. All atomic data will be made available online at
NORAD-Atomic-Data database.
In-Vitro Activity of N, N-diethyldithiocarbamate against Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum Isolated from Women with Infections of the Urogenital Tract
Authors: Biernat-Sudolska Małgorzata , Rojek-Zakrzewska Danuta , Drożdż Kamil , Bilska-Wilkosz Anna
Published: November 2023

Ureaplasma species (Ureaplasma spp.) are commonly found as commensals in the human urogenital tracts , but their overgrowth can lead to infection in the urogenital tract and at distal sites. Treatment of Ureaplasma spp. infections is difficult. The lack of a cell wall confers resistance to all β-lactam and glycopeptide antibiotics whereas the lack of de novo synthesis of folic acid makes them resistant to sulfonamides and diaminopyrimidines. Thus, there is a need to search for new drugs effective against these bacteria.
In the presented studies, the effect of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) at a concentration of 2 µg/ml, 20 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml on the growth and survival of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum was tested. Our results indicated that all DDC concentrations used showed both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against both tested strains
In brief, for the first time we showed the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of DDC against Ureplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. Based on literature data, we conclude that this DDC activity is related to the inhibition of urease activity, which is an indispensable enzyme for these bacteria. Further research is needed and the results obtained in the present study should be verified in in vivo models of infection.
Analysis of the Spatial Position and Anatomical Characteristics Related to Impacted Third Molars Using Map-Reading Strategy on CBCT Scans
Authors: Lima Djalma Maciel de , Estrela Cyntia Rodrigues de Araújo , Bernardes Cristiane Martins Rodrigues , Estrela Lucas Rodrigues de Araújo , Bueno Mike Reis , Estrela Carlos
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: This study evaluated the spatial position and anatomical characteristics related to impacted third molars by map-reading strategy using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). (2) Methods: To determine the positioning of impacted third molars on CBCT it was used Winter's and Pell & Gregory's classifications, and the presence of external root resorption in mandibular second molars were based on Herman´s classification. The relationship between the mandibular third molar root apex and the mandibular canal was also analyzed. Fisher’s exact test was used to comparative statistical analysis. The significance level considered was 5%. (3) Results: The results showed that according to Winter's classification, 48.06 % of impacted teeth were in the mesioangular position. Using Pell & Gregory's classification, 43.22% of the impacted molars were in the position B and C, and 54.2% of the teeth were class II. 69.7% of teeth showed an absence of contact between the root apex and the mandibular canal and there was no occurrence of external root resorption in the distal of second molar in 88.7%. (4) Conclusions: The map-reading strategy using CBCT scans for anatomical positions and characteristics of impacted third molars increases professional confidence and establishes a parameter of quality and safety in the surgical procedure for the patient.
OGG1 as an Epigenetic Reader Affects NFκB: What This Means for Cancer
Authors: Vlahopoulos Spiros Angelou , Pan Lang , Varisli Lokman , Dancik Garrett M. , Karantanos Theodoros , Boldogh Istvan
Published: November 2023

8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which was initially identified as the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the DNA base excision repair pathway, is now known also as a modulator of gene expression. What is important for cancer, is that OGG1 acts as a modulator of NFκB-driven gene expression. Specifically, oxidant stress in the cell transiently halts the enzymatic activity of substrate-bound OGG1. The stalled OGG1 facilitates DNA binding of transactivators, including NFκB, to their cognate sites to enable expression of cytokines and chemokines, with ensuing recruitment of inflammatory cells. Recently, we highlighted chief aspects of OGG1 involvement in regulation of gene expression, which have a significance in lung cancer development. However, OGG1 has also been implicated in the molecular underpinning of acute myeloid leukemia. In general, the capacity of cancer cells to adapt to oxidative stress depends on molecular systems such as the interface of OGG1 with NFκB, which bestows a cancer cell with the molecular mechanism of transformation of its microenvironment to enable adaptation and survival of malignant clones.
Relationships between Serum Biomarkers among Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Bangladeshi Fishing Communities: A Model Study
Authors: Tufael Mr , kar Auditi , Upadhye Vijay Jagdish , Dutta Amith , Sunny Atiqur Rahman , Sattar Abdus , Ali Md. Eunus , Akter Julakha , Bari Kaniz Fatima , Salam Md. Tahsin , Banik Palash Chandra , Hussain Md. Anower
Published: November 2023

The study explored the correlation between serum biomarkers and hepatocellular carcinoma detection in various fishing groups, utilizing a descriptive and experimental approach in Bangladesh. The study identified fishers often consume tobacco, polluted drinking water, and lack sufficient sunlight, all of which are extremely detrimental to their health. Fishermen who mostly fish at night and spend little time on the water during the daytime hours do not get enough sunlight, nor do they get enough vitamin D. An increased risk of liver cancer was found to be directly and strongly correlated with insufficient serum levels of vitamin D. In addition, a negligent lifestyle, a lack of awareness about hepatitis, and inadequate nutritional assistance have significantly increased their risk. Our results contribute to the information on HCC assessment and evaluation by clarifying the relevance of serum vitamin D, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), creatinine (Cr), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) in distinguishing between categories and sexes. According to the study, the combination of AFP, Vitamin-D, and Cr (AFP+Vit-D+Cr) has a high predictive value, which improves diagnosis and offers a reliable instrument for identifying liver cancer.
Short-Term Solar Irradiance Prediction with a Hybrid Ensemble Model using EUMETSAT Satellite Images
Authors: Thaker Jayesh , Höller Robert , Kapasi Mufaddal
Published: November 2023

Accurate short-term solar irradiance forecasting is crucial for the efficient operation of solar energy driven photovoltaic (PV) power plants. In this research, we introduce a novel hybrid ensemble forecasting model that amalgamates the strengths of machine learning tree-based models and deep learning neuron-based models. The hybrid ensemble model integrates the interpretability of tree-based models with the capacity of neuron-based models to capture complex temporal dependencies within solar irradiance data. Furthermore, stacking and voting ensemble strategies are employed to harness the collective strengths of these models, significantly enhancing prediction accuracy. This integrated methodology is enhanced by incorporating pixels from satellite images provided by the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). These pixels are converted into structured data arrays and employed as exogenous inputs in the algorithm. The primary objective of this study is to improve the accuracy of short-term solar irradiance predictions, spanning a forecast horizon up to 6 hours ahead. The incorporation of EUMETSAT satellite image pixels data enables the model to extract valuable spatial and temporal information, thus enhancing the overall forecasting precision. This research also includes detailed analysis of the derivation of GHI using satellite images. The study was carried out and the models tested across three distinct locations in Austria. A detailed comparative analysis was carried out for traditional Satellite (SAT) and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models with hybrid models. Our findings demonstrate a higher skill score for all of the approaches compared to smart persistent model and consistently highlight the superiority of the hybrid ensemble model for short-term prediction window of 1 to 6 hours. This research underscores the potential for enhanced accuracy of the hybrid approach to advance short-term solar irradiance forecasting, emphasizing its effectiveness at understanding the intricate interplay of the meteorological variables affecting solar energy generation worldwide. The results of this investigation carry noteworthy implications for advancing solar energy systems, thereby supporting the sustainable integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid.
Моделирование распространения видеоимпульсных сигналов георадара в литосфере Земли
Authors: Суворова Зоя Викторовна , Suvorova Zoya Viktorovna , Мингалев Игорь Викторович , Mingalev Igor' Viktorovich , Мингалев Олег Викторович , Mingalev Oleg Viktorovich , Ахметов О И , Akhmetov O I , Волкомирская Людмила Борисовна , Volkomirskaya Lyudmila Borisovna , Гулевич Оксана Александровна , Gulevich Oksana Aleksandrovna , Резников Александр Евгеньевич , Reznikov Aleksandr Evgen'evich
Published: November 2023

Представлены результаты моделирования прохождения негармонических сигналов от расположенной на поверхности Земли антенны через верхний слой литосферы и отражения этих сигналов от различных неоднородностей в литосфере в случае, когда на антенну подается видеоимпульсный сигнал специальной формы. Используемая в работе модель основана на явной схеме численного интегрирования уравнений Максвелла. В этой схеме электрическое и магнитное поля вычисляются в одни и те же моменты времени в одинаковых узлах пространственной сетки, а также используется расщепление по пространственным направлениям и физическим процессам. В работе изучается, какую информацию о характере неоднородности литосферы можно извлечь из формы отраженного сигнала. Также исследуется влияние параметров видеоимпульсного сигнала на амплитуду и форму отраженных от типичных неоднородностей литосферы сигналов. Показано, что некоторые типы неоднородностей можно определить по форме отраженного сигнала.
Utilization of Wasted Cooking Oil and Essential Oil of Sweet Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis) as Aromatherapy Candles
Authors: Ramadhani Aida Nur , Malik Arnanda Fadillah , Fitriana Wina Rahma
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Utilizations of waste cooking oil can be projected to be candles. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel, considering the large amount of this abandoned waste, also can be utilized as essential oil. This research was conducted to examine the production of aromatherapy candles by purifying the wasted cooking oil and adding the sweet orange peel essential oil. Steam distillation method was used to extract essential oils by determining the effect of raw material conditions on the yield obtained. The essential oils obtained from fresh peel was 1.87% of yield with 94.37% limonene, while dry one was 2.16% yield with 94.67% limonene by GC-MS analysis. Adsorption method by activated carbon was carried out to purify the wasted cooking oil as candle materials, varied by 7%, 10%, and 13% mass of activated carbon. The addition of the highest mass of activated carbon gave the lowest absorbance and indicated that the purified oil was the brightest. Utilization of refined wasted oil was mixed with stearin and sweet orange peel essential oil of 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight as aromatherapy candle product. Characteristics of candle was investigated by analyzing the melting point, burning time, organoleptic, and preference test for respondents and resulted that all characters meet Indonesian National Standard. Purification of wasted cooking oil varied by activated carbon mass influenced the color of the candles. The addition of essential oils influenced the smell, melting point and burning time of candle, the essential oil addition makes lower melting point and faster burning time.

Keywords:

Aromatherapy Candles, Sweet Orange Peel Essential Oil, Wasted Cooking Oil
PURPOSE AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF GRANULAR MEDIA FOR VIBRATION FINISHING AND GRINDING PROCESSING
Authors: Mitsyk Аndrii , Fedorovich Vladimir , Ostroverkh Yevgeniy
Published: November 2023

The purpose and characteristics of granular working media used in vibration processing operations are given. It is indicated that the purpose of granular media is their contact interaction with the processed part surface under conditions of various energy parameters. This interaction is accompanied by elastic-plastic deformation, micro-cutting, adhesion and mechanic-chemical processes. Indicators of technological and operational properties for various types of granular media are given, including the intensity of material removal from the processed surface, cutting ability, wear resistance and achieved surface roughness. The physical and technological parameters of granular media have been established, including deformability, hardness during finishing and hardening operations and surface roughness of the media granules. The influence of the parameters of processing media granules on the productivity of vibration treatment has been determined. It is shown that such parameters are the binding of the granules material, its wear resistance, grain material, granulation and the shape of individual granules. It is noted that the choice of granule sizes depends on two main factors such as: the necessity to obtain a given roughness and high productivity of vibration operations. It was revealed that to ensure high surface cleanliness, the use of small granules of the medium is required, but to obtain high productivity, the use of large granules is required. Approximate dependencies have been determined that relate the size and weight of granules of the processing medium and the processed parts. It is indicated that the best results in achieving high quality of the processed surface and sufficient productivity are provided by granular media with a shape close to a sphere. It is noted that granules in the form of cones, pyramids, prisms and other forms are used for the successful processing of hard-to-reach places in the form of small holes, straight and sharp angles in the interface of the surface of parts, niches or pockets. Such granules are specially manufactured from a mixture of grinding powders of various grain sizes and an inorganic binder based on clays. The features of the physical and technological parameters of processing media are given.
Efficacy of Ginger and Neem Plant Extracts against Nematode Parasites in Local Chickens: A Comparative Study
Authors: Hussein Rasha Shamil , Mahmoud Omaima Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

This research, conducted from May 2022 to February 2023, aimed to assess the effectiveness of alcoholic and aqueous extracts from Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Azadirachta indica (neem) plants against nematode parasites in local chickens within Salah al-Din, Iraq. A total of 360 chicken fecal samples were collected from various areas and examined using light microscopy, identifying Tichostrongylus tenius and Subulura brumpti as the prevalent nematode species. The study revealed that the 100% concentration of alcoholic neem extract exhibited the highest efficacy, eliminating worms within hours compared to the control group. Ginger extracts also demonstrated effectiveness, with the 100% concentration displaying rapid worm elimination. The results suggest the potential use of these plant extracts as natural remedies for nematode infestations in poultry, addressing critical health and economic concerns in the industry.
Highlights : 

Alcoholic neem extract at 100% concentration showed rapid efficacy against nematode parasites.
Ginger extracts also demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating parasites.
Potential for using plant extracts as natural remedies in poultry farming.

Keywords : Nematode parasites, Ginger extract, Neem extract, Poultry health, Natural remedies
E- Module Statistics Integrated with Tajweed Science on Surah Al-Kahf
Authors: Nurmitasari Nurmitasari , Khasanah Binti Anisaul , Astuti Robia , Purnamasari Wiwin , Nurmutoharoh Nurmutoharoh , Syahaputra Tegar Ilham
Published: November 2023

The online learning process that occurred during the pandemic had a positive impact on teachers and students who had to adapt to technology and students were also trained to learn independently. This condition provides a great opportunity to develop interactive e-modules for learning, including mathematics learning. Pringsewu Muhammadiyah Middle School is a school that prioritizes Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah (AIK). The integration of AIK in mathematics learning is very suitable for this school. The knowledge of recitation contained in Surah Al-Kahf is presented and analyzed in the statistical knowledge contained in the e-module, which is a form of integration of AIK in mathematics. The aim of this research is to produce an integrated statistical e-module on Tajwid science in Surah Al-Kahf that is feasible and effective and it is hoped that this e-module can also teach Tajwid science to students. This type of research is development research which refers to the 4-D development model, namely Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate. The data collection instrument used was an expert assessment sheet for e-modules which included material experts, learning media and communication, curriculum design, AIK and users (teachers); student activity observation sheet; student response questionnaires and learning outcomes tests. The results of this research are that the integrated e-module of recitation science in Surah Al-Kahf is considered feasible based on expert assessments and is considered effective based on indicators of student activity, student responses, and student learning outcomes, with the percentage of active students being 100%, the percentage of positive responses students amounted to 96% and the percentage of students who obtained learning outcomes above the KKM was 96%. It is also hoped that the results of this research can be used as reference material for further research to develop similar products with different materials.
Socialization of The Determination of Cost of Sales In Corn Brownies Small Businesses
Authors: Yuanis Yuanis , Wasito Wasito
Published: November 2023

The service has been carried out in the PKK Women's Group, the residents of Turi Hamlet, Turirejo Village, Kedamean District, Gresik Regency. The service is carried out for 1 month starting from August to September 2017. The aim is to help PKK residents of Dusun Turi especially women in determining the Cost of Goods Sold in Entrepreneurship so that they can calculate all the costs that have been used while running the business and also for know how much the amount of profit and loss during running the business. Small and medium enterprises (UKM) are businesses that start from family or home businesses. By making corn brownies as SMEs, they can earn their own income by utilizing farmers' crops such as corn which can be processed into food, namely corn brownies. By making corn brownies as SMEs, this dedication tries to help PKK residents of Turi Hamlet, especially mothers, in determining the cost of sales that can be applied to corn brownies UKM
Productivity Performance of the Village Government in Population Administration Services
Authors: Royan Muhammad , Mursyidah Lailatul
Published: November 2023

As in Law Number 6 of 2014 it seeks to restore the concept, and form of the Village as it came from, the Village or called by another name, is a legal community unit that has the authority to regulate and manage the interests of the local community based on their origins and customs. local customs that are recognized in the national government system and are located in the Regency Area. Villages can be formed, deleted, and/or merged with due regard to their origin at the initiative of the community with the approval of the Regency Government and DPRD. Substantively this Village Law implies an effort to empower village government officials and also village communities. The Village Government or in the form of another name such as the Marga Government, its existence is in direct contact with the community, as the spearhead of the leading government. The implementation of village autonomy which is characterized by good service can provide satisfaction for people in need because it is fast, easy, precise and at an affordable cost, therefore implementation in the field must be supported by the factors involved in implementing the policy on the village. The officer's perception of his work depends on the level of intrinsic and extrinsic outcomes and how the worker/employee views the outcome and reflects his attitude towards his job. Mental attitude is a mental condition that encourages a person to try to achieve maximum work potential. The performance of the Tawang Rejeni village government has not been good enough in productivity, this can be seen from the mental attitude and behavior of village officials in managing certificates to the community.
The Role of Village Governments in Reducing the Risk of Flood Disaster Through Disaster Preparedness Villages
Authors: Anggraini Kurnia Dwi , Agustina Isna Fitria
Published: November 2023

This study aims to identify and describe the role of the village government in reducing flood risk through the Disaster Alert Village in Kademangan Village, Mojoagung Jombang. The type of research is descriptive qualitative research. Data collection techniques using observation techniques, interviews, and documentation. The technique of determining the informant uses a purpose sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using data reduction techniques, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the role of the Kademangan village government in reducing flood risk through the Disaster Alert Village, namely: the government's role as a regulator by making regulations to reduce flood risk in Kademangan village by forming an organization Disaster Alert Village. The government's role as a dynamizer is a driving force to move the community to participate in overcoming problems or obstacles that occur by realizing the success of the goals to be achieved. The role of the government as a facilitator is to provide facilities for communities affected by floods.
Tourist Destination Management - As A Tool for the Formation of Competitive Advantages of the Region
Authors: Komilovich Hamidov Saidjon
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the tourist destination as an element of the tourist system. Approaches to the definition of a tourist destination are considered. The features of the tourist destination as a tool for the formation of competitive advantages of the region are revealed.
Maximizing Learning During Covid-19: Boosting Teachers' Competence with Office 365
Authors: Cahyono Bambang , Kurniawan Dydik , Wahyuningsih Tri
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to improve teachers' competence and the implementation of Office 365 in learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used in this study was Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. The participants of the study were 90 teachers from all levels of education in Indonesia, who were trained by three lecturers from FKIP Mulawarman University and one teacher from SMP IT Madina. The results showed an increase in the participants' competence in using Office 365 to support learning in schools during the pandemic. Office 365 was found to be a viable alternative to support the teaching and learning process in schools. The implication of this study is that Office 365 can be used as a tool to facilitate the learning process during the pandemic, and training programs can be developed to improve teachers' competence in using this technology.

Highlights

Office 365 can be used as an alternative tool for supporting the learning process during the pandemic.

The training program improved teachers' competence in utilizing Office 365 for learning purposes.

The study involved 90 teachers from all levels of education in Indonesia.

The training program was carried out through Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation methods.
Enhancing Vocabulary in 4th Grade Students through Crossword Puzzles: A Quantitative Experimental Study
Authors: Dinata Nur Takdiriyah , Hikmah Khizanatul
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to assess the impact of crossword puzzle media (TTS) on vocabulary enhancement among 4th grade students at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo. Employing a one-group pretest-posttest design, data was collected through observation, test questions, and documentation. The sample consisted of 28 students from class 4 al-farobi. The findings revealed a substantial increase in students' vocabulary, with pre-test and post-test averages of 60.71 and 82.50, respectively. The paired sample t-test confirmed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of crossword puzzles (TTS) on vocabulary enhancement. This study underscores the efficacy of utilizing crossword puzzles as an effective pedagogical tool for augmenting student vocabulary.
Highlight:

The study demonstrates the positive impact of crossword puzzle media (TTS) on enhancing vocabulary in 4th grade students.
Employing a one-group pretest-posttest design, data was collected through varied methods including observation, test questions, and documentation.
Significant improvement in students' vocabulary scores, supported by the paired sample t-test (p < 0.05), emphasizes the effectiveness of crossword puzzles (TTS) as a valuable pedagogical tool.

Keyword: Crossword Puzzles, Vocabulary Enhancement, 4th Grade Students, Educational Media, Pedagogical Tool
The Maturation of the Spirit. On Some Philosophical Origins of M.M. Prishvin’s Ecological Thinking
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kozyrev Alexey P.
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the origins of Prishvin’s worldview, and the emphasis is on the period of his participation in the St. Petersburg Religious and Philosophical Society, when the writer actively communicated with the circle of D.S. Me­rezhkovsky, posing the question of the secular and religious foundations of his world perception, and distancing himself from both the popular faith and intel­lectual attempts to adapt the church to the needs intellectual conscience. A hy­pothesis is put forward about the possible influence on Prishvin of the ideas of Vladimir Solov’ev, received and transmitted by S.N. Bulgakov, an active par­ticipant in the Moscow Religious and Philosophical Society, which is confirmed by the facts of attention to Bulgakov, with whom Prishvin studied together at the Yelets Gymnasium for some time. The appeal to Solov’ev, Tyutchev and Dosto­evsky, the desire to see in nature not only its night life and the mirror of the hu­man soul, but also a kind of living you with whom a person enters into a dia­logue – all these thoughts will be reflected in Prishvin’s subsequent work. Referring both to Prishvin’s works of art and to the texts of his diaries, one can try to form the foundations for modern ecological thinking, which will take into account the value aspects and approaches to nature characteristic of religiously oriented ethics. Prishvin notes in his later diaries that “age spirituality” is being formed in him, which speaks of the need to form human consciousness in rela­tion to nature not in the spirit of pragmatic exploitation, but in the spirit of re­sponsible dialogue.
Philosophical Anthropology at the Institute of Philosophy: 20s–80s of the 20th Century
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kiseleva Marina S.
Published: November 2023

The article traces the connection between the formation of philosophical anthro­pology as an independent field of knowledge in the 20th century and the synthe­sis of human sciences in the space of interdisciplinarity. The philosophical an­thropology in the USSR is considered at different stages of development from 1920s to 1980s. In the 1920s, the Institute of Scientific Philosophy, headed by G.G. Shpet (1921–1923), supported interdisciplinary projects for the study of human consciousness, the methodology of history, psychology and pedagogy, etc. It’s a person as an acting and understanding subject who became the center of research. For a long time, the philosophical problems of human being did not have their own area of institutionalization at the Institute of Philosophy and were included in other areas of philosophical knowledge: the theory of knowledge, aesthetics, ethics, the history of philosophy, sociocultural research, etc., while being under the pressure of Soviet ideology. The author considers the projects of 1960s and 1970s combined the activity concept of consciousness with psy­chological and pedagogical practices, the idea of a “unified science of man” for­mulated in the 70s. Since the mid 1970s–1980s study of the concepts of Western philosophical anthropology of the 20th century also contributed to the expansion of research problems. The author comes to the conclusion that by the beginning of the 1990s at the Institute of Philosophy the need for substantive independence of human philosophy as a scientific direction in the context of interdisciplinarity was realized.
The Problem of Epistemic Disagreement in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion Part II
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Karpov Kirill V.
Published: November 2023

In this article I focus on the problem of religious disagreement – whether one should loose one’s confidence in his or her religious beliefs in the face of signi­ficant disagreement on certain religious issues. The article consists of two large parts. In the first, I describe the main categories of the epistemology of disagree­ment in the focus of religious disagreement (first-order and higher-level signific­ance of evidences in disagreement, fundamental and superficial disagreements, and describe the conciliatory approach to the problem within which the problem of religious disagreement is usually stated). In the second part I describe three contemporary projects of philosophical theology (Richard Swinburne’s, Alvin Plantinga’s, and William Alston’s) and analyse how they respond to the problem of religious disagreement. I show that in the case of religious disagreement one cannot successfully apply the conciliatory approach, which says that religious person should reduce his or her confidence in the truth of the religious beliefs he or she holds. I draw this conclusion relying on two intuitions: 1) we may distin­guish between internal (within one belief system, hypothesis, theory) and ex­ternal (collisions of belief systems, hypotheses, theories with other, competing belief systems, hypotheses and theories) epistemic disagreements; 2) epistemic disagreements is normal for some human intellectual activities, and rather their absence is abnormal and can sometimes lead to undesirable consequences.
Mystical and Magical Traditions in Russian Culture
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Zhirtueva Natalia S. , Kozlov Mikhail N. ,   Sevastopol State University
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the features of the formation and develop­ment of the magical and mystical traditions in Russian culture, from the era of Ancient Rus’ to the present. In the culture of Ancient Russia the dominant was the magical consciousness, generated by the belief in the man’s ability to influ­ence the material world with the help of certain rituals. The penetration of mysti­cism in the form of Orthodox hesychasm as the doctrine of the “deification” of man began with the adoption of Christianity. Hesychasm becomes the moral core of Russian culture thanks to the efforts of the holy ascetics, who affirm the values of love and national unity. Mysticism, being a set of practices aimed at re­structuring consciousness, requires hard work and efforts from a person. The do­mestic mystical tradition in the 19th and 20th centuries was supplanted by West­ern European mysticism, occultism and magic. Magic is always practical, utilitarian and aimed at achieving specific human needs. The consciousness of a modern person remains basically magical.
Sensorium Dei
Authors:   S.I. Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Aksenov Guennady P.
Published: November 2023

The problem of space in philosophy is as old as the problem of time. It comes down to an alternative: whether the three-dimensional volume of the surrounding space exists by itself, as Newton argued, or is associated with the bodies filling it (Leibniz). In the history of philosophy, the dispute between them is qualified as the opposition of the substantial and relational concepts of time and space. It is rarely mentioned, however, that Newton’s “in itself” meant the divine establish­ment of time and space. Euler got rid of the religious solution to the problem of space, who accepted the material universe as a source of formation of a three-dimensional volume. Thus, in mechanics, which began to be called classical, the Newtonian version was replaced by the relativistic one. This is how everyone interpreted the theory of relativity, including the author himself. But in fact, in its depth, Einstein’s solution returned Newton’s version to science, Henri Bergson convincingly argued, only in place of the Newtonian Creator one should put liv­ing nature as a source of universal time and absolute space. Bergson understood life as a new kind of movement, not reducible to mechanics. Bergson’s theoreti­cal positions have been scientifically proven by Vladimir Vernadsky in the con­cept of the proper state of the space of living matter, as well as by biophysicist Erwin Bauer in the principle of non-equilibrium of living systems. The internal energy of living organisms allows them to do work due to entropy. Newton’s conjecture about the sensorium of God turned out to be fruitful.
Embodied reading. The problem of environment in analytical anthropology by Valery Podoroga
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Testov Dmitry F.
Published: November 2023

The article explores the theme of environment in Valeriy Podoroga’s analytical anthropo­logy, offering an enactivist reading of his “The Metaphysics of Landscape”. The analyti­cal strategy of “The Metaphysics of Landscape” is contrasted with that of later works such as “Mimesis” and “Anthropograms”. Whereas in the later works the analytical tech­niques are set by a variety of optical concepts, metaphors and images, thus representing a strategy of “exclusionary observation”, in “The Metaphysics of Landscape” the analysis follows rather the movement of observer’s body included in the environment and aims at the reconstruction of an integrated, sensorimotor, yet imaginary experience. Three frag­ments of Podoroga’s text, reconstructing imaginary bodies and landscapes embedded in the works of Kirkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, are interpreted as three different ways of coupling body and environment, generating three different models of bodily-environmental experience. Finding the correspondence of the fragments of the descrip­tion of this experience to some key points of enactivist epistemology and aesthetics, the author shows that the enactivist approach makes it possible to formalize those tech­niques of analysis that allow us to discover the rules of dependence between some im­plicit modus of writing and the bodily experience of reading.
Divine Atemporal-Temporal Relations: Does Open Theism Have a Better Option?
Authors:   Vrije Universiteit, Antombikums Aku Stephen
Published: November 2023

Open theists argue that God’s relationship to time, as conceived in classical theism, is erroneous. They explicate that it is contradictory for an atemporal being to act in a temporal universe, including experiencing its temporal successions. Contrary to the atemporalists, redemptive history has shown that God interacts with humans in time. This relational nature of God nullifies the classical notion of God as timelessly eternal. Therefore, it lacks a philosophical and theological basis. Because God is in time, He does not know all future contingencies and, therefore, changes. This study examines open theism’s appropriation of the A and B theories of time to the divine-human relationship. The study argues that divine temporality does not solve the tension of divine-human relationships, especially in relation to the future. Further, historical divine temporality does not negate the fact of divine atemporality. It mainly stems from God’s choice to create temporal creatures and His relationship with them. Furthermore, if it is not logically and metaphysically contradictory for an omnipresent being to act in space, then it follows that an atemporal being can act in time. Whether time is understood from the metric or psychological point of view, it does not transcend God, and therefore, the limitation it places on human creatures with respect to the future does not apply to God. Lastly, although a few philosophers reject the notion of eternity as timelessly eternal, the doctrine has a philosophical and theological basis in the Scripture.
Philosophical Theology as a Practice. William Alston’s Approach
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Karpov Kirill Vitalyevich
Published: November 2023

In this article I explain William Alston’s doxastic approach. Alston’s idea is that Christian mystical perceptual doxastic practice can be considered as a distinct cognitive domain. To realize this idea, Alston introduces the notion of doxastic practice and shifts the discussion from the problem of epistemological justification of particular beliefs to the problem of proving the reliability of doxastic practices. He compares the Christian mystical perceptual doxastic practice with the doxastic practice of sense perception finding much in common between them. Most importantly, however, is that it is impossible to prove the reliability of practices without committing the so-called error of the epistemic circle. Against his approach, Alston formulates an objection from religious pluralism and quite successfully solves it. However, it seems to me that this objection can be reformulated – I argue that a situation in which several contradictory practices exist simultaneously reduces markedly the epistemic probability that the beliefs generated by each practice will turn out to be true. I conclude the paper by arguing that philosophical theology, understood as practice, can more successfully deal with a reformulated version of the problem of religious pluralism in that it can more successfully show the coherence of new concepts with background beliefs, both that which is engaged by philosophical theology and that which extend beyond it and constitute the common knowledge of the cognizing subject.
Review of the Round Table – Presentation of the collective monograph “From Comparative to Intercultural Philosophy”
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Rubets Maria V.
Published: November 2023

On March 21, 2023, at the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of Oriental Philosophies held an online interuniversity round table dedicated to the presentation of the collective monograph “From Comparative to Intercultural Phi­losophy” published in the academic series “Comparative Philosophy” at the end of 2022. The broadcast was attended by 22 participants, among whom there were the authors of the articles included in the book, as well as Russian and foreign colleagues, scientists and university professors. There were 6 keynote speakers and 2 invited guests. The meet­ing discussed the monograph, its strengths and weaknesses, relevance, prospects, possible directions for further research, expectations, as well as how it is possible to use the results of this work in teaching.
Review of the book “Civilization mission of Siberia: from technogenic-consumer to spiritual-ecological strategy of global and regional development: monograph” (group of authors; ed. by A.V. Ivanov). Barnaul: Noviy format, 2022. 368 p.
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ugrin Ivan M.
Published: November 2023

In the review of the collective monograph “The Civilizational Mission of Siberia: from a Technogenic-Consumerist to a Spiritual-Ecological Strategy for Global and Regional De­velopment” (edited by A.A. Ivanov), the main idea of the book was analyzed for its ratio­nal justification, the content of the main sections of the book was revealed, and the strengths and weaknesses of the used methodology were considered. This mono­graph represents a comprehensive scientific study devoted to issues of strategic develop­ment of Siberia in the context of the more general problem of global development. The au­thors proceed from the position of the necessity to replace the globalist model of a techno­genic-consumerist civilization with a model of a spiritual-ecological (noospheric) civiliza­tion. Such a view is very interesting and allows for unexpected conclusions.
The supply of vegetarian and completely plant-based meal options in Belgian hospitals
Authors: Mertens Evelien , Deriemaeker Peter , Peeters Tom , Beneden Katrien Van
Published: November 2023

Background
Both the increase in food demand and planetary boundaries underline the need to increase plant-based protein consumption, as the current diet of the Flemish population is unsustainable.
Methods
As hospitals are a difficult setting to change, the supply of (partly) plant-based meal options in Belgian Dutch-speaking hospitals was mapped using an online questionnaire, with response options according to: frequency of supply or (no) offer.
Results
This study shows that in the 45 Belgian Dutch-speaking participating hospitals the supply of (partly) plant-based options is limited and that it’s only to a low extend correlated to the type of hospital.
Conclusions
It can be concluded that the supply of (partly) plant-based meal options is still limited in Belgian Dutch-speaking hospitals. Belgian hospitals should investigate the possibility to offer more healthy plant-based meal options in line with (inter)national guidelines.