bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging Stereotypes Is Not Enough: A Dialogue with Roma Art
Authors: Tremlett Annabel
Published: December 2023

Public representations of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller people still tend to homogenise and typecast ‘the Gypsies’ with visual representations a mainstay of racist tropes. Whilst academics have worked to challenge stereotypes through deconstructing age-old tropes, pointing out their historical fallacies and inherent (often hidden) modes of practice and persuasion, visuality has often been glossed over. Furthermore, academic work has not yet changed the ideological system that still racialises and excludes ‘Gypsies’. This article considers what we might learn from a focus on the visual, considering the increasing visibility of artists and activists from various Roma heritages who produce evocative images of their reactions to, and experiences of, damaging stereotypes. Using visuality as a lens, and focusing on Roma artistic and activist production, i.e. looking at what happens when Roma people become the image-maker, this article brings new insights into the ways of challenging stereotypes. Three preliminary observations are drawn from contemporary Roma Art and activism that can form a paradigm shift from old modes of deconstructing. Rather than solely deconstructing misrepresentations, contemporary art and activism take up familiar tropes associated with ‘the Gypsies’ and transforms them. Rather than just challenging through deconstructing, the artists and activists denaturalise age-old misrepresentations by unsettling the supposed stability and fixity of those stereotypes.
Music Between Work and Leisure: The Case of a Collective from Fortaleza, Brazil
Authors: Menezes Pedro
Published: December 2023

Lado B is a collective of musicians from Fortaleza, Brazil, that holds monthly festivals in a public cultural center. Aiming at some self-sufficiency, Lado B organizes its festivals according to a kind of adiabatic circuit, which works as follows: at a given festival, each member of the collective is in charge of a function that is necessary for the realization of that particular event. At each new festival, each member of the group performs a task different from the role played at the previous festival; that is to say, members alternate themselves in the many roles as the festivals go on, until each individual has gone through each duty at a given festival. Once everyone has done everything, the cycle restarts. Music is not the main activity of any of those artists, so they all need to keep a day job. This situation creates a divergence on Lado B: while some see the collective as a second job, others face it as a leisure activity. In other words, one segment creates a relation of continuity between life and art, submitting music to the logic of routine, and the other faction establishes a rupture between life and art, as if culture was the ordinary world upside down. Based on interviews with members of Lado B, I ask: is music a job or a leisure activity? I intend to inscribe this question within the broader debate about the relationship between life and art, everyday life and culture, routine and spirit, asceticism and pleasure, functionalism and rebellion, pragmatism and madness. Thus, in a broad sense, I question: what is the relation between life and art? Are they irreconcilable or interdependent? Equal or opposed? Do they struggle against or reinforce each other?
Belonging and Otherness in Postmigrant Society: Experiences of Young Women of Turkish Background in Germany
Authors: Gümüş Mantu Pınar
Published: December 2023

The social position of women of Turkish background has often been questioned on the basis of the dominant societal perception imaging them as being isolated in the domestic sphere, oppressed by traditional, cultural, and patriarchal norms, and thus unable to integrate into the broader German society. Although the younger-generation women, born and/or raised in Germany as children of Turkish migrant workers, to a great extent actively participate in public life via education and the job market, at a discursive and social-relational level they are still often perceived and categorized as the non-German and the non-European Other. This paper takes a closer look at the gendered and racialized experiences of young women of Turkish origin by paying special attention to how othering relates to belonging in the postmigrant social context in Germany. On the basis of ethnographic field data collected via in-depth and expert interviews, it intends to engage in a critical-reflexive discussion from the perspective of a social group that has long been imagined as dwelling at the margins of society. Drawing upon recent discussions on the culturalization of migration (and integration) issues, the paper traces the current articulations of the culturalized perceptions of ‘the Turkish woman’ through the reflections of young women of Turkish origin, and discusses belonging in light of their experiences of exclusion and otherness. Taking a critical approach to studying the concept of integration as a discursive historical process, the paper suggests that the self-positionings of the research participants have been substantially affected by the mainstream integration-centered discourse and its interfaces with othering. However, young women’s active and subversive ways of dealing with these exclusionary discourses and practices point to a rather critical view of belonging, articulated through a stated consciousness of the past and present context, and claims for recognition in postmigrant Germany.
Shakespeare and Social Theory: The Play of Great Ideas
Authors: Miles Philip
Published: December 2023

Review of the book "Shakespeare and Social Theory: The Play of Great Ideas" by Bradd Shore.
Herbal remedies as a potential alternative therapy for arthritis
Authors: Trivedi Disha , Roja Riya Jayapal , Künnemann Eva
Published: December 2023

The use of natural compounds has been significant for human health since centuries. However, only with molecular techniques and cell biology experiments, the function of these interactions can be shown and their therapeutic use in medicine be proven. In this review, we show the pathology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, a disease condition affecting millions of people worldwide and we describe herbal materials that are used for arthritis treatment. In detail, we describe how different plant substances, that is, curcumin and several ingredients of rosehip, can interact with cartilage compounds and reduce the inflammatory reaction by specifically interacting with cellular pathways. Arthritis forms a vicious cycle, where upon overuse of a joint or an autoimmune reaction inflammation and pain occur. These are marked by specific molecular patterns and immunological pathways that lead to chondrolysis and destruction of cartilage. Natural plant substances can influence these pathways and help to break out of the vicious cycle and to find a way for stopping the disease or even to regenerate and heal injured cartilage. In conclusion, rosehip, curcumin and other natural remedies are effective treatments and combinations are possible. Bioavailability of the substances is important and can be increased with specific enhancers. We also discuss that targeting pain only without treating cartilage degeneration can lead to unnoticed further irreparable decay and advice to treat pain and joint health at once. Additionally, regular movement of the joints is necessary for natural compounds to act in the human body and provide wellness.
The Influence Of The Principal's Leadership And School Culture On The Job Satisfaction Of Private High School Teachers
Authors: Rahman Dimas Auzan , Unifah Rosyidi  , Fakhrudin Arbah
Published: December 2023

Based on basic education data (DAPODIK) at the high school level in Bekasi Regency in the Odd Semester of the 2022/2023 Academic Year, the number of students of 44 public high schools in Bekasi Regency reached 45,043 students. This means that as many as 77.85% of students attend public high schools. While the number of students attending private high schools is only around 12,811 students (22.15%). As a result, as many as 60 private high schools were declared unhealthy/unhealthy, due to a shortage of students. If this continues, it is likely that in the following year, many private high schools in Bekasi Regency will close because they do not get students. Of course, this must be overcome with a strategy to improve the quality of schools, one of which is to improve the performance of private high school teachers through job satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the principal's leadership and school culture on the job satisfaction of private high school teachers in Bakasi District. This study used a quantitative approach with an explanatory method with a population of all private high school teachers in Bekasi Regency totaling 848 people. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using path analysis. The results of the pathway analysis showed that there was a positive influence of the principal's leadership on teacher job satisfaction. The percentage of influence contribution is 37.5%. This means that the magnitude of the influence of the principal leadership variable (X1) on teacher job satisfaction (Y) is 37.5%. The results of the pathway analysis show that there is a positive influence of school culture on teacher job satisfaction. The percentage of influence contribution is 43.7%. This means that the magnitude of the influence of school culture variables (X2) on teacher job satisfaction (Y) is 43.7%.
The Influence Of The Think Pair Share Learning Model On Communication Ability, Problem Solving And Science Learning Outcomes Of Class V Students
Authors: Hukmiah Fadhilah , Babo Rosleny , Idawati
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the application of the Think Pair Share learning model on communication skills, problem solving abilities and learning outcomes of students of class V MIN 4 Selayar Islands. This type of research is a pretest-posttest control group design. The number of samples in this study were 30 people, consisting of 15 people in the experimental class and 15 people in the control class. The data collection method used is the learning achievement test to measure learning outcomes, observation to measure communication and problem solving abilities, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical approach, imperential analysis and hypothesis testing. The research results obtained were 1) students' communication skills were 0.009 <0.05, which means H1 was accepted and H0 was rejected, that is, there was an effect of the application of the Think pair share learning model on students' communication skills. 2) students' problem-solving ability is 0.021 <0.05, which means that H1 is accepted and H0 is rejected, that is, there is an effect of applying the Think Pair Share learning model to students' problem-solving abilities. 3) student learning outcomes are 0.001 <0.05, which means H1 is accepted and H0 is rejected, that is, there is an influence of the application of the Think pair share learning model on social studies learning outcomes for students of MIN 4 Selayar Islands.
Problematics Of Implementing Administration For Primary School Class Teachers
Authors: Wicaksono Andri , Al Ma'ruf Ali Imron , Rahmawati Fitri Puji
Published: December 2023

In carrying out learning activities in class, a teacher is obliged to carry out learning administration. Learning administration equipment is very much needed for classroom learning. The implementation of teacher administration has become a polemic in schools. Teachers still experience problems in completing administration and carrying out administrative filling. This research aims to describe the problems of implementing class teacher administration at SD Negeri 1 Jatiroto. This research uses a case study perspective with a qualitative approach. This research uses data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation and documentation. After the data acquisition process is complete, the data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation, and data verification or drawing conclusions. Testing the validity of the data uses triangulation techniques, namely source triangulation, technique triangulation, and time triangulation. The results of the research show that class teachers have not carried out their administrative duties well because there are still several administrative tasks that have not been completed, such as determining KKM, improvement questions, enrichment questions and question grids. Apart from that, class teachers experience several obstacles in implementing class teacher administration, namely limited time, lack of effective archiving media, forgetfulness in archiving. Thus, to meet administrative needs and overcome obstacles to implementing administration, a more efficient form of administration is needed.
AI Smart Contract: Point Conversion Platform For The Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka Program Based On Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Susanto Teguh Trianung Djoko , Jamil Soraya Nuron , Reynita Stevani , Faadhilah Zaahidah , Listyasari Winda Dewi
Published: December 2023

The Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture opens up great opportunities for universities to create graduates who are competent and competitive. The MBKM program gives students the right to take part in learning outside the department or university with the equivalent or conversion of credits. However, the Director General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research, Technology and Higher Education, highlighted that there are still many universities that have not provided proper grade conversion rights to students (Kemendikbud, 2022). The Kastrat BEM FMIPA UNEJ team found that 93.7% of students who had taken MBKM were worried because they had to retake credits that had not been converted (Kastrat BEM FMIPA UNEJ, 2022). Through SWOT analysis, this research provides an idea solution in the form of an Artificial Intelligence-based Smart Contract as a value conversion platform for the MBKM program to make it easier for departments to convert student grades according to their needs and core competencies.
Application Of Flashcard Media In Learning To Read Of Second Grade Students
Authors: Valentina Riesta Monic , Sukartono
Published: December 2023

This research focuses on the application of flashcard media in the beginning reading learning of grade 2 students at SDN 02 Brujul. The study uses interviews, observation, and documentation to gather data from five grade 2 teachers and students. The research identifies learning planning activities such as selecting learning methods, preparing media, and teaching materials. The application of flashcard media involves learning letters in series I, II, and III. Factors inhibiting the application of flashcard media include family factors, while supporting factors include teacher, student, and infrastructure factors. To address these factors, diligent practice at home and coordination with parents regarding child development can be implemented. The study highlights the importance of considering both supporting and inhibiting factors in the application of flashcard media in early reading learning.
The Application of Eco-Edutainment-Based Quantum Teaching Model to the Learning Outcome of Non-formal Education Study Programme Students
Authors: Sofino  , Gusti Ririn , Pradikto Bayu
Published: December 2023

Based on the results of monitoring and evaluation of lectures in the Nonformal Education Study Programme, it is found that students experience learning difficulties which have an impact on learning outcomes that are not optimal in the student's creative work course, which is one of the core practical courses of the study programme. This research aims to improve learning in student creative work courses by using the eco-edutainment-based quantum teaching model to improve student learning outcomes. This research was conducted on 3rd-semester students in the 2022/2023 academic year using quantitative methods with a quasi-experimental design, pretest-posttest with Non-equivalent Control Group Design. The population of this study were 30 experimental class students (semester 3A) and 30 control class students (semester 3B). The research was conducted in the Nonformal Education Study Programme and Joint Lecture Building 3 FKIP Bengkulu University laboratory. The results showed that applying the eco-edutainment-based quantum teaching model could improve student learning outcomes by 79.83%, or the experimental class experienced an effective increase, while the control class was only 58.51% or experienced a sufficient increase. So, applying quantum teaching models based on eco-edutainment can improve student learning outcomes.
Propagation and domains of the invariant ion-acoustic solitons in the plasmas
Authors: Saberian E.
Published: December 2023

Recently, the invariant formalism of the ion-acoustic waves in the astrophysical plasmas has been introduced in terms of the invariant kappa index κ0, the zero dimensionality kappa index. In this paper, the propagation and allowed domains of the invariant ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) are studied by considering the advanced aspects of the kappa distribution formalism. Our formalism is developed in terms of the polytropic (adiabatic) index associated with the kappa distributed electrons, γe, and a well-defined and extended Mach number Mγ e (the fractional wave speed to the generalized ion-sound speed), where they are employed for analysis of the allowed domains of the solitary waves and shocks in the plasma. We have used Sagdeev’s methodology for deriving the energy-integral equation of the IASWs, which describes the formation of the possible potential wells (pseudo-potentials) for trapping the arbitrary amplitude solitons (pseudo-particles). The analysis of the Mach number domains is developed by extracting (ϕ, Mγ e) domains for the possibility of the solitary wave solutions in the plasma. Moreover, the Mach number domain is examined in terms of the variation γe, then the relevant (γe, Mγ e) domains are presented. The formalism of this study is presented in two cases. At first, the general aspects of the problem is presented by considering Ti ≪ Te (the cold ion plasma limit), then the formalism is extended to a warm plasma with finite-temperature ions.
The dually flat structure of binary choice models
Authors: Tanaka Hisatoshi
Published: December 2023

In this study, we consider parametric binary choice models from the perspective of information geometry. The set of models is a dually flat manifold with dual connections, which are naturally derived from the Fisher information metric. Under the dual connections, the canonical divergence and the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence of the binary choice model coincide if and only if the model is a logit model.
A Recent Case Study of Portal Cavern Design
Authors: Chin J. , Shut D. , Wang N. , Wu P.
Published: December 2023

A new dual-two lanes tunnel of about 3.8 kilometers long was constructed in Kowloon East in Hong Kong recently. It forms part of a major strategic road network to provide an express connectivity and improve the traffic condition between Kowloon East and Kowloon West. Two portal caverns, which are at the east end of the tunnels, are the first and largest of its kind with slender pillar constructed in highly fractured volcanic rock. A competent and optimised temporary cavern support design was required with the consideration of the pillar stability and construction logistics prior to the permanent support in place. A number of design reviews were carried out to suit the highly constrained construction sequence as the excavation works of the rock-cut slopes and the caverns were carried out concurrently. Some challenges that the project team had to deal with were installation of waterproof membrane and cast-in-situ reinforced concrete (RC) permanent lining for the crown that requires propping of steel shutter. Such challenges call for a cost saving design (CSD) with the use of sprayed waterproofing membrane and fibre reinforced sprayed concrete (FRSC) lining as the permanent support system for the portal caverns. This paper discusses the optimisation of the temporary support design, the CSD for the permanent cavern support faced by the construction works, and the design methodology of both the temporary and permanent cavern support with the details of the application of the sprayed waterproofing membrane.
Digitalization, Modularisation and Sensors Application of a Deep Excavation Project in Urban District of Hong Kong
Authors: Toh Gavin SH , Latter John , Wan Alan WL
Published: December 2023

The redevelopment of the Excelsior Hotel site included a 3-level basement that required excavation up to 17m. The design of the temporary works consisted of contiguous pipe piles braced by five layers of lateral support to provide stability to the pipe pile wall cofferdam, efficient groundwater cut-off and to control ground movement impact to the adjacent ground and buildings. The adjacent buildings comprised the World Trade Centre, five residential dwellings built in the 1960s, and an existing link bridge structure that required to be supported within the excavation area. This paper will discuss the collaborative and digital approaches in the design and planning of the method and sequence of the work, modularization of the shoring system, and the use of scanning and sensor monitoring devices – that will showcase and promote modern construction for Hong Kong deep excavation work. The collaborative and digital approach streamline the construction work process by first building in the virtual work before the real world. The buildability, safety, and quality of the actual implementation are greatly improved.
A Technical Overview of Contract No. 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island: Jacked Box Tunnels under AEL
Authors: Tsaparas Ilias , Cook R.B. , Venetz Ch. , Lee G. , Chiang K CK , Wu V YN , Leung Tommy KY
Published: December 2023

The provision of the new Automated People Mover (APM) tunnel connecting the expanded Terminal 2 (T2) with the Third Runway Concourse (TRC) and the new Baggage Handling System (BHS) tunnel, are key works being provided as part of the expansion of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a Three-Runway System (3RS).The alignment of the tunnels crosses under the operational Airport Express Line (AEL) and was constructed using Jack Box tunnelling techniques. This paper presents some of the technical solutions developed for the box jacking works. Two 30m long portions of the APM and BHS tunnels were jacked as continuous precast reinforced concrete boxes under the AEL embankment within a ground improved grout block. A horizontal pipe pile canopy positioned above the tunnels was constructed using micro TBM methods to allow ground movement control and enhance face stability. The two boxes were jacked forward off a jacking slab using hydraulic jacks positioned at the rear of the boxes. An additional innovative strand jacking system was employed in combination with the canopy piles as an anti-drag system, which also supplemented the slab jacks thrust. The thrust forces on the post-tensioned prestressed jacking slab were restrained by a combination of rock friction and inclined temporary ground anchors. The two boxes were safely jacked to their final position in July 2022 without disrupting MTRC AEL operations.
Monitoring of Flexible Barrier for Slope Safety Against Potential Rockfall using IoT Sensors
Authors: Tim CHUK T. Y , Ringo SZE W. H , Mike FUNG S. H , Simon NG P. H , Frankie YEUNG H. W
Published: December 2023

Flexible barrier is one of the widely used geotechnical features to mitigate/minimize open hillslope landslide (OHL) hazards affecting roads/existing development for natural terrain. While routine maintenance of flexible barrier may identify early signs of minor rockfall/landslide through visual inspection of any accumulation of rock/soil at toe, the actual happening of such event and/or the duration cannot be assessed/determined which may cause time lag for any necessary follow-up actions. This can be overcome through the fixing of IoT sensors to flexible barrier posts with a non-destructive metal "mounting clamp" to measure the movement with data then transfer to a cloud platform for analytical process. Data is presented in an easy-to-understand heat map format showing the movement patterns of the entire flexible barrier system. This method helps to detect any large movements of the barriers. In time, through learning the movement patterns especially during adverse weather conditions, can provide valuable reference to Geotechnical/Civil engineers. The use of smart technology in this manner represents a significant advancement in supervision and monitoring techniques for flexible barrier.
BIM Application in Geotechnical Works for Master planning and Construction Monitoring
Authors: Choy Penny KC , Tse Terrence YK , Wong Ricky HT
Published: December 2023

Implementation of geotechnical data to Building Information Modelling (BIM) can improve the master planning of building development and facilitate monitoring of site construction. At the early stage of design development, application of BIM embedding the site geology, building master layout and associated engineering design elements (i.e., foundations and ELS works, etc.) helps the illustration of different options of building massing, especially for a development with significant geotechnical content (i.e., hillside site, near MTRC tunnel). It can be studied quickly to come up with the most cost-efficient scheme of building plan and information including a balance of optimum choice of volume of soil/rock excavation, extent of formation works, amount of material input, etc. BIM can also help engineers to review the construction sequence for complex geotechnical work including phasing of different kinds of works such as pile foundation construction, site formation and ELS works. Nowadays, creation of the 4D (and 5D) modelling allows the programme to be optimized (and construction cost forecast) and facilitates better understanding of the construction sequence. Simulation for construction method in geotechnical works is developed to allow the construction method to be rehearsed virtually so that the engineers and workers can understand it more before execution. This paper discusses the aforesaid BIM applications in geotechnical works for different building projects including institutional developments. The use of BIM results in better design communication within the design team, as well as with the owners and other stakeholders.
Effects of Curing Temperature and Stress on the Mechanical Behaviour of Cemented Hong Kong Marine Clay
Authors: Jiao K.F. , Zhou C.
Published: December 2023

Deep cement mixing (DCM) is an important method for treating soft clay. In the field, cemented soils are usually subjected to various temperatures and stresses during the curing process. The influence of curing conditions, including the curing temperature and stress, on the mechanical behaviour of cemented soil has not been well understood. In this study, the effects of cement content, curing temperature and curing stress on the strength of cemented soil were studied by unconfined compression tests. Hong Kong marine clay with an initial water content of 65% was used. Cemented specimens were prepared at different temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C), vertical stresses (0 kPa, 300 kPa) and with various cement contents (15%, 25%, 35%). Specimens were tested after 28 days of curing under constant temperature and pressure conditions. This paper will present and analyses the influence of cement content, curing temperature and stress on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and secant Young’s modulus E50.
Adoption of New and Green Construction Materials in the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme
Authors: Chris C.W , Chan  , Ip Rex L.Y. , Leung Jackie C.K. , Luk Terry K.F.
Published: December 2023

As technology advances, the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department has endeavoured to take every opportunity to improve our geotechnical standards and services through technical development and innovation. It is also our policy to seek continuous improvement in the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme, our long-term rolling programme in reducing systematically the landslide risks of man-made slopes and natural hillsides affecting existing facilities. One of the key areas of technical development is the adoption of new and green construction materials for use in the design and construction of our landslip prevention and mitigation works. This paper summarises our work on the technical development and application of self compacting backfill material and ground granulated blastfurnace slag grout mixes as part of our contribution in shaping a safe, green and sustainable city.
Design and Construction for the First Semi-Cavern Building in Hong Kong – A Case Study in Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel
Authors: Chan Clayton Y. K. , Siu Billy W. L. , To Franklin K. L.
Published: December 2023

The Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO-LTT) has been commissioned since December 2022, which is a new truck road linking Tseung Kwan O and Kowloon urban area, with about 2.2 km long rock tunnels. This tunnel connects the Cross Bay Link in the east, and the Trunk Road T2 in the west, forming the integrated part of future Route 6, servicing the second tunnel for TKO residents to Kowloon with shortened travelling time. At the TKO Portal, two large-span caverns were designed and constructed to accommodate a semi-cavern tunnel ventilation buildings. This idea was proposed to reduce the surface footprint of ventilation building by placing its significant portion into the caverns. With this innovative semi-cavern building scheme, the slope cutting and stabilization works have been minimised, the disposal of excavated materials and tree felling have been reduced, it also improves the visual impact of the ventilation building and enhanced the construction programme. With portion of ventilation building inside the caverns, it could provide stable environment for E&M equipment with regard to weather protection, steady temperature and humidity. The challenges in terms of geology, hydrogeology and geotechnical engineering have been overcome successfully throughout the project implementation. This innovative engineering solution also provided significant benefits to the project in terms of cost effectiveness, sustainability and energy efficient aspects in the construction and operation stages of the project. This semi-cavern building scheme is a perfect example that the industry is utilising underground space and promoting rock cavern development in Hong Kong. This paper presents a successful case study for the rock semi-cavern works in TKO-LTT from the planning, detailed design to construction stages.
Evaluation of the Performance of GGBS Concrete used in Civil and Geotechnical Works
Authors: KWOK Jack Y. , LEUNG Jackie C.K.
Published: December 2023

The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) such as Pulverised Fly Ash (PFA) and Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS) has been proven effective in reducing the total carbon emission of the concrete production process by lowering the use of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The general specifications published by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have allowed the use of PFA as SCM in concrete production for public work projects in the past three decades. From 2012 onwards, the use of GGBS as SCM has also been permitted. In recent years, the local electricity companies have been reducing their reliance on coal-fired plants for electricity generation. The local supply of PFA has been declining and is expected to deplete by the 2030s. Through the management of the concrete mix ID database, the Public Works Central Laboratory (PWCL) noted the trend of using GGBS concrete in public works contracts has been on the rise in the past two years. The PWCL has recently conducted an in-house technical study on the performance of GGBS concrete mixes recently adopted in public works contracts. Based on the original concrete mix formulas and sources of materials, fresh concrete batches were made in laboratory environment. Furthermore, additional concrete test cubes were obtained from available on-going public works construction sites adopting GGBS concrete. Various performance aspects of the concrete mixes, such as the early strength development and shrinkage properties were evaluated. PWCL has also obtained the results of the recent “Low Carbon Concrete Trophy Competition 2022” initiated by the Standing Committee on Concrete Technology and organised by HKIE for comparison purposes. In view of the improved quality of GGBS available in the market in the past few years, PWCL is also planning to conduct a further study on the performance of GGBS concrete, focusing on the recent technological advancement in this area, and the feasibility of achieving higher replacement levels, higher grade strengths with the use of locally available raw materials. This paper summarises our current work on evaluation of the performance of GGBS concrete used in recent public works contracts with the aim of facilitating the industry’s consideration for wider adoption of GGBS concrete in civil and geotechnical engineering works.
Tourism Village Development as An Effort to Improve Community Welfare in Sodong Village
Authors: Sari Varya Puspita , Sania Fatikhatus , Hidayatullah Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Sodong Village is located in the highlands of Batang Regency. The area around Sodong has many unique cultures and traditions. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a tourist village by holding activities to support tourism potential, where these activities will emphasize the elements of experience and interaction between tourists and the local community; for this reason, the existence of potential development in the village is used for the welfare of the Sodong people. The research location was in the highlands, specifically in Sodong Village, Wonotunggal sub-district, Kab. Stem. The research method used is descriptive analytics. The descriptive method is a method that has the function of explaining general things about an object. The stages carried out were observation, interviews, documentation, and data collection. The results of the study illustrate that the development of the potential of the Sodong tourism village can prosper the community, namely by implementing the 4A components (Attraction, amenities, Ancillary, and Accessibility). Therefore, the people of Sodong can prevent and reduce the emphasis on the rate of urbanization by opening up jobs from tourism development activities.
Community of Women Enterpreneurs: The Role of Competitive Advantage in Improving Marketing Performance
Authors: Santoso Aprih , Chamami M. Rikza
Published: December 2023

The research aims to empirically analyze the influence of digital marketing on marketing performance with product competitive advantage as a mediating variable in the community of women creative industry entrepreneurs in Pedurungan District, Semarang City. The research sample used was 117 people obtained using the census method sampling technique. Data collection was carried out by survey using a questionnaire. The relationship model between variables will be analyzed using path analysis through the SPSS version 26 program. Based on the test results, the results show that digital marketing has a significant and positive effect on marketing performance and competitive advantage as a mediating variable capable of mediating the influence of digital marketing on marketing performance in the community of industrial women entrepreneurs. creative in Pedurungan District, Semarang City.
The Role of Coastal Women’s Empowerment in Achieving The Success of SDGs: A Study on The Kebaya Group, Bekasi
Authors: Aditya Rahadiyand , Ediyono Suryo , Sugihardjo Sugihardjo
Published: December 2023

Land conversion has occurred in the coastal area of Kampung Beting, Pantai Bahagia Village, Bekasi Regency. What used to be a mangrove plantation has transformed into spaces for fish and shrimp ponds. This phenomenon took place from 2001 to the early 2010s. The promise of lucrative income led the community to compete in changing land use without considering the potential consequences. After 2011, the community gradually began to feel the negative impacts of this land conversion. To this day, the entire area that was once used for ponds has turned into the sea, causing the community to lose their livelihoods. Furthermore, not only have they lost their livelihoods, but they have also been confronted with land degradation, which threatens their sustainability. This study examines how coastal women's empowerment activities can contribute to sustainable development. The research employs a phenomenological approach, and data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that Coastal Women's Empowerment Contributes to Sustainable Goals in Climate Change Mitigation, Gender Equality, and Poverty Alleviation. In climate change mitigation activities, there are two key activities: 1) the development of women's behavior in efforts to improve and rehabilitate critical lands, and 2) women's involvement in the maintenance of mangrove trees. In gender equality activities, there is one main activity: 1) active participation of women in productive economic activities, allowing coastal women in Pantai Bahagia Village to have regular activities beyond their domestic responsibilities. The focus of poverty alleviation activities is 2) increasing income by utilizing non-timber mangrove products for food processing and crafts.
Joint effects of thermal diffusion and diffusion thermo on MHD three dimensional nanofluid flow towards a stretching sheet
Authors: Murali G. , Deepa G. , V Nirmala Kasturi , Poornakantha T.
Published: December 2023

This communication reports the joint effects of Thermal Diffusion and Diffusion Thermo on viscous and incompressible three-dimensional nanofluid flow towards a stretching sheet in connection to the influence of a magnetic field. In this study, nanofluid model is employed for the effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Following that, similarity variables are chosen to turn the dimensional nonlinear system into dimensionless expressions and the resultant transformed equations are solved numerically using Finite Element method. Special emphasis has been given to the parameters of physical interest. These findings are visually presented through graphical representations, providing a clear and insightful understanding involved in this flow scenario. In addition, the final results are examined in light of past research and it is determined that they meet the convergence standards to an exceedingly satisfactory degree. The study’s findings are beneficial for many technical and commercial endeavours.
Methods for Extracting Immune-Response Modulating Agents of Plant Origin
Authors: Kozlova Oksana , Velichkovich Natalia , Faskhutdinova Elizaveta , Neverova Olga , Petrov Andrey
Published: December 2023

Numerous adverse factors may violate the human immune system and trigger various diseases. Immune-response modulating agents, or immunomodulators, help the immune system to function properly. Biologically active substances extracted from medicinal plants are especially promising in this respect. The article reviews traditional and novel methods for extracting biologically active immune-response modulating agents from plant raw materials.

The review covered articles published in English and Russian in 2019–2023 and indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.

Extraction efficiency depends on such factors as solvent, temperature, and particle size, but the method is the most important one. Traditional extraction methods include percolation, maceration, Soxhlet extraction, heat reflux extraction, and decoction. However, they are solvent-consuming and expensive. Modern extraction methods rely on carbon dioxide, microwave treatment, ultrasonic processing, and pressure. They proved quite efficient in extracting biologically active substances from ginseng (Panax ginseng). Carbon dioxide, or supercritical, extraction was able to isolate polyphenol quercetin from quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga) and other biologically active substances from alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Maceration with methanol was applied to meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) while Soxhlet extraction proved especially effective with smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), moorland spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), and greater butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha).

Both traditional and novel extraction methods find their application in medicine and food science, where they yield plant extracts of biologically active immune-response modulating agents.
Effect of the Slowest Heating Zone Movement on Thermophysical Kinetics in Food Systems
Authors: Kondratenko Vladimir , Posokina Natalia , Zakharova Anna , Korolev Aleksei , Pokudina Galina
Published: December 2023

The slowest heating zone tends to move about in food systems with convective and predominantly convective heat transfer. If the thermocouple follows the movement, the process lethality differs from the value precalculated for a fixed thermocouple location. Hence, the heat treatment modes depend on the movement of the slowest heating zone, which should be taken into account before planning food system processes. This research aimed at identifying a statistically significant difference between lethality for fixed and moving slowest heating zones in various food systems.

The study involved four homophasic and heterophasic model food systems. Food System 1 was heterophase, with a dispersed phase not involved in convection and a liquid dispersion medium of aqueous solution with 1.5% sucrose and 1.5% NaCl. Food System 2 was heterophase, with a dispersed phase not involved in convection and a liquid dispersion medium of 11% aqueous sucrose solution. Food System 3 was represented by homophase reconstituted clarified baby-food apple juice with 11.2% soluble solids. Food System 4 was a heterophase model system, represented by reconstituted baby-food apple juice with pulp and 11.2% soluble solids with a dispersed phase involved in convection. The temperature changes were monitored using the E-ValPro multichannel system and the SSA-TS model temperature sensors. The temperature sensors were fixed inside the jar with the food system.

Food System 1 showed no significant differences in lethality. Other model systems had sterilization temperature intervals when the difference in lethality was statistically significant. However, this difference was very small for Food Systems 2 and 3. The largest difference belonged to Food System 4, where the dispersed phase was involved in the convective flow.

In this research, a statistically significant difference in lethality for fixed and moving slowest heating zones occurred only in heterophase food systems with convective and predominantly convective heat exchange, where the dispersed phase was involved in the convection flow. This fact must be taken into account when identifying heat treatment modes for such food systems.
Antibiotic Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae in Microbiomes Associated with Poultry Farming
Authors: Krivonogova Anna , Donnik Irina , Isaeva Albina , Loginov Egor , Petropavlovskiy Maxim , Bespamyatnykh Elisey
Published: December 2023

Antibiotics have long been overused for non-therapeutic purposes. As a result, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Proteus in avian microbiomes have become reservoirs for genetic determinants of resistance, thus spreading resistance to antibiotics and contaminating raw materials and finished products. The food industry is looking for alternative means to preserve health and maintain high productivity of commercial poultry, e.g., probiotics, phytobiotics, organic acids, etc. The research featured the effect of antibiotics and phytobiotics on enteropathogenic bacteria in the microbiomes of broiler chicken.

Escherichia coli bacteria were cultivated in vitro in subthreshold concentrations on nutrient media with antibiotics for 37 days to study the effect of low doses of antibiotics on the sensitivity of isolates. The study involved microbiocenoses of broiler chicken that received avilamycin A and a phytobiotic based on Brassica juncea, Linum usitatissimum, and Nigella sativa L. A set of experiments covered the species composition of opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae, the phenotypic sensitivity to antibiotics, and the genetic determinants of resistance, as well as the antimicrobial potential of phytobiotics.

E. coli developed no resistance for 37 days when the antibiotic dose remained below minimal inhibitory. Opportunistic gram-negative Enterobacterales predominated in all litter samples. E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis accounted for more than 30% of all isolated strains. Avilamycin A and the phytobiotic affected the coccal microflora but had no effect on the genus-species composition of Enterobacteriaceae. Litter samples from both experimental and control groups demonstrated K. pneumoniae with severe phenotypic resistance to ciprofloxacin, as well as blaDHA genes. In broiler farming, maintenance and circulation of resistance agents depends on litter microbiota. In this research, the chicken that received the phytobiotic showed the lowest level of resistance to ciprofloxacin while the groups that received avilamycin A had the highest resistance results.

During a broiler’s life span, bacteria with no active resistance determinants in their genome remained sensitive to antibiotics, even though the contact with the latter was constant. Phytobiotics showed good prospects for broiler farming as food additive that could reduce and eventually eliminate the intake of antibiotics.
Chemical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure and Multicomponent Sucrose Solutions
Authors: Tuzhilkin Vyacheslav , Petrov Sergey , Podgornova Nadezda
Published: December 2023

To select an optimal mode of evaporation and crystallization, sugar producers need comprehensive databases of chemical and thermodynamic properties of sucrose solutions. This article introduces refined experimental estimates of the chemical and thermodynamic properties of pure and technical multicomponent sucrose solutions.

The study involved a modernized ebulliometer with two circulation tubes that measured the true boiling points of concentrated and supersaturated homogeneous solutions, as well as heterogeneous crystallizing systems. The boiling points of pure and multicomponent sucrose solutions were observed for the following variables: 5–93% dry solids, 60–100% purity, 20–100 kPa.

In this study, the sucrose solutions did not obey Raoult’s laws for ideal mixtures, while the Ramsay-Young’s equation and Dühring’s rule were approximate. The thermodynamic properties of these solutions fit in the Lewis theory of activity. The study yielded a new thermodynamic equation for the boiling point in pure and technical multicomponent sucrose solutions. The authors revealed the correlation between the constants of Ramsay-Young and Dühring and the concentration and supersaturation of sucrose solutions, as well as the change in the entropy of these solutions. The error of estimate was 2–3%. The supersaturation coefficient was measured by the ratio of the boiling points of the solution and water.

The authors used differential and relative ebulliometric criteria to develop some practical methods for monitoring and controlling the process of isobaric evaporative crystallization. The new method can improve the commercial mass sucrose crystallization from boiling solutions.