bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aktywności rekreacyjne realizowane na reprezentacyjnych placach Szczecina
Authors: Sochacka Eliza , Rzeszotarska-Pałka Magdalena , Kryvoruchko Olha
Published: March 2024

Atrakcyjność rekreacyjna wraz z integracyjnością są, obok reprezentacyjności, podstawowymi i wymaganymi cechami miejskich przestrzeni publicznych. Celem pracy jest zbadanie występowania określonych typów aktywności rekreacyjnych na reprezentacyjnych placach Szczecina. Ponadto w ramach badań dokonano analizy struktury wiekowej użytkowników oraz sposobu realizacji aktywności (w grupach czy też indywidualnie). Badania przeprowadzono w obrębie sześciu placów zlokalizowanych w reprezentacyjnej strefie Szczecina, w jego ścisłym centrum i jednocześnie przy głównych osiach urbanistycznych miasta. W badaniu zastosowano metodę wielokrotnych obserwacji bezpośrednich oraz studia historyczne, ikonograficzne i terenowe. Zaobserwowano różnice zarówno w nasyceniu i zróżnicowaniu typów aktywności na poszczególnych placach, jak również w strukturze wiekowej użytkowników i sposobie ich gromadzenia. Wyniki badań wskazują, iż zarówno lokalizacja placu, jak i jego powiązanie z siecią przestrzeni publicznych, a także forma zagospodarowania stanowią czynniki modulujące występowanie określonych typów aktywności rekreacyjnych i wpływają na integracyjność przestrzeni publicznej.
Editor-in-Chief: Introduction to the Black Theatre Review, Environmentalism
Authors: Green Omiyẹmi (Artisia)
Published: March 2024

the Black Theatre Review takes up the theme of environmentalism for Vol. 2.2. The contributors to this issue and some of the agents they cover through their work offer readers several considerations for why theatre as a medium is an important mode through which to explore this theme, namely its power to raise awareness about environmental issues, spark dialogue and encourage audiences to act within their communities.
Quality of Aleppo Pine Seedlings Produced in Two Nurseries in Algeria; an Assessment of Morphological Characteristics and Quality Indices
Authors: Ghalem Amina , Zaidi Hachemi
Published: March 2024

Objective: This article aims to assess the quality of Aleppo pine seedlings produced in two forest nurseries in Algeria and the impact of the cultural practices adopted in each nursery on seedlings growth.
 
Theoretical Framework: Since 1962, significant investments have been made annually in reforestation programs for agricultural and forest degraded area, but the results are far from satisfactory. The success of these programs depends mainly on nursery practices and plants morphological and physiological quality.
 
Method: follow-up of Aleppo pine seedlings growth (height, and collar diameter) every 10 days over seven months. Seedling quality was conducted through visual observations of defects and calculation of quality indices (H/D, S/R, DQI, V).
 
Results and Conclusion: The study reveals a highly significant difference in growth and quality between the plants from the two nurseries. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirms the substantial influence of cultural practices on seedling growth. However, the majority of plants from both nurseries fill to meet quality standards, primarily attributed to traditional practices
 
Implications of the Research: The results of this study may explain the high failure rates of plantations observed in the field, not only for Aleppo pine but also for other autochthonous forest species. They also highlighted the greater importance of prioritizing the nursery phase before initiating any reforestation program.
 
Originality/Value: This study explores the importance of adapting technical itinerary according to the specific characteristics of each plant for enhanced production. It introduces several quality indices for evaluating seedling quality in Algerian nurseries for the first time. Additionally, it is the first study to assess the quality of Aleppo pine, the first species produced in Algerian forest nurseries.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL CERITA KPK DAN FPB
Authors: Hanifah Nur , Ramadhan Muhammad Gilang , Riswari Lovika Ardana
Published: March 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa kelas 4 SDN 5 Honggosoco dalam menyelesaikan soal cerita KPK dan FPB. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data berupa lembar wawancara dan observasi, sedangkan instrumen penelitian ini menggunakan metode tes, dimana berupa dua soal penalaran berbasis soal cerita KPK dan FPB yang dipergunakan untuk mengetahui kemampuan siswa kelas 4 SD 5 Honggosoco dalam kemampuan penalaran matematis. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian bahwa diperoleh hasil dengan keriteria tinggi 7 siswa, keriteria sedang 8 siswa dan keriteria rendah 5 siswa. Dengan adanya data tersebut dapat diketahui bahwa kemampuan siswa di SDN 5 Honggosoco dalam menjawab penalaran soal cerita KPK dan FPB sudah cukup baik, mengingat jumlah kriteria rendah lebih sedikit dari jumlah kriteria sedang dan tinggi
Optimizing Brand Image in Food Industry through Innovative Packaging and Labeling: Case Study of Chocojoy in Cameroon
Authors: Yepndo Yepndo Auriol Gabin
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted in Cameroon, specifically targeting consumers of Chocojoy products, and aimed to investigate variables such as packaging color, material, label, and shape that may influence consumer purchasing behavior. A questionnaire containing a series of systematically structured questions was distributed to the respondents so that the researcher could obtain the necessary information from the respondents. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered to study respondents and 325 responses were received. We used the Cochrane formula to determine the sample size from the total population. Chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that there is a relationship between packaging color, packaging material, packaging labeling, and purchasing behavior. Packaging recommends that manufacturers should regularly assess how consumers respond to their product packaging to make their products more competitive in the marketplace.
The Status Quo of Hybrid Education at Moroccan Universities: The Case of Engineering Classes
Authors: Tounssi Ahmed  , Youcef Hdouch
Published: March 2024

The pandemic has undoubtedly forced educational systems across the world to change face-to-face education practices forever. On the other hand, it has also forced online education system practices among Moroccan higher education institutions. With the spread of COVID-19 all over, the Moroccan education system circumstances did not allow face-to-face education, nor did it allow online education as a solution. As a matter of fact, hybrid learning remains the best-proposed alternative, as suggested in the literature. The present paper's main objectives were to investigate higher education English learners' attitudes towards hybrid education and examine the efficacy of hybrid education among higher education learners. After using a qualitative method, a questionnaire of 24 Likert Scale items delivered on Google Forum, and an interview of 18 learners, the findings suggested that Moroccan higher education learners showed that hybrid education does not support the majority of participants' learning process. However, hybrid learning was, to an extent, a successful experience for a number of other participants. The unsatisfying quality of the internet remains an issue to be sorted out in the future, and laziness in attending online morning classes was also evidence of why hybrid learning remained challenging. Learners favoured face-to-face classroom-based instructions over blended learning regardless of the advantages of the latter. A great portion of the population favoured face-to-face rather than online learning. The learners also got confused using the hybrid model. Last, it was evidence that the learners preferred the face-to-face model as their best model to use in many cases.
Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity of Erlangea tomentosa (Oliv. & Hiern) S. Moore (Asteraceae) Methanol Leaf Extract in Experimental Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Mboneye Anselme , Onchweri Albert Nyanchoka , Neeza Timothy , Odoma Saidi
Published: March 2024

Erlangea tomentosa (Oliv. & Hiern) S. Moore's leaves, which are in the Asteraceae family, were tested for acute and subacute toxicity in experimental Wistar rats.  Lorke’s (bi-phasic) method was used to evaluate the acute toxicity profile of the plant extract. In phase 2, twelve rats of both sexes were administered a maximum dosage of 5000 mg/kg of extract. Observations of toxicity signs were made and recorded for 2 hours consecutively, for 24 hours intermittently, as well as for the next 14 days. For the subacute study, rats were orally administered water and plant extract daily for 28 days. Toxicological effects were recorded daily, and body weights were documented weekly. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological tests as well as relative organ weights were evaluated at the conclusion of the study. In phase 2 of the acute toxicity study, it was found that the plant extract was toxic at doses of 1600, 3100, and 5000 mg/kg, with only one death at the highest dose. In the subacute toxicity study, animals that were administered 800 mg/kg of extract for 28 days showed symptoms of toxicity. The weight of the kidneys increased; urea and ALT levels increased; as well as total protein and albumin levels decreased compared to the control group. At the same dose, histopathology examination revealed alterations of the liver and kidneys, while hematopoietic cells were significantly disrupted compared to the control animals. Based on the findings, the methanol-extracted leaves of E. tomentosa showed a moderate level of acute toxicity. The administration of the extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg was safe, but 800 mg/kg was toxic. This caused damage to their livers and kidneys. This led to an increase in ALT and ALP, changes in blood parameters like Hb, RBC, and PLT, as well as the development of inflammatory cells.
Türkiye’de Finansal Dolarizasyonun Belirleyicileri ve Borsa ile İlişkisi
Authors: Özbek Gökhan Berk
Published: March 2024

Dolarizasyon olgusu özellikle gelişmekte olan ülke ekonomileri için dikkatle ele alınması gereken bir süreçtir. Bu sürecin belirleyicilerinin ve etkilerinin doğru bir şekilde saptanması, olumsuz sonuçlarının bertaraf edilmesi bakımından önem arz etmektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışma iki yönlü bir araştırma modeline sahiptir. İlk aşamada enflasyon ve ulusal para birimindeki değer değişimlerinin Türkiye’deki finansal dolarizasyon süreci üzerindeki etkisi incelenmiştir. Bu incelemenin gerçekleştirilmesine yönelik, tüketici fiyat endeksi ve reel efektif döviz kuru ile finansal dolarizasyonun alt unsurları olan mevduat dolarizasyonu ve kredi dolarizasyonu arasında ARDL modeli kurulmuştur. İkinci aşamada ise finansal dolarizasyonun BIST Sınai ve BIST Banka endeksleri ile olan ilişkisi incelenmiş, bu amaçla Toda-Yamamoto metodu kullanılmıştır. Araştırma 07-2013 ile 06-2023 dönemleri arasındaki 120 gözlemi içeren aylık veri seti kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda tüketici fiyat endeksi ve reel efektif döviz kuru ile mevduat dolarizasyonu arasında uzun dönemli koentegre bir ilişki bulgulanmıştır. İlişkinin yönü ise negatiftir. Ayrıca finansal dolarizasyondan BIST Sınai endeksine yönelik bir nedensellik ilişkisi saptanmıştır. Bu bulgular dolarizasyon sürecinin belirleyicileri olarak düşünülen faktörlerin, dolarizasyon üzerindeki etkisini net bir şekilde ortaya koymanın yanı sıra tasarruf sahiplerine dolarizasyon dönemlerinde özellikle sanayi şirketlerine yapılacak yatırımın önemli bir alternatif olabileceğine dair kanıtlar sunmaktadır.
Sürdürülebilirlik İlkeleri Uyum Çerçevesi Bağlamında Üç Boyutlu Raporlamanın İşletme Performansına Etkisi
Authors: Peker Ali Aykut
Published: March 2024

Çalışmanın amacı, sürdürülebilirlik uyum çerçevesi bağlamında üç boyutlu raporlamanın işletme performansına etkisinin tespit edilmesidir. Bu amaç kapsamında BIST Sürdürülebilir Endeksi’nde yer alan şirketler üzerinde içerik analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sürdürülebilirlik raporlarına ulaşılabilen 59 şirket üzerine analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Şirketlerin 2022 yılına ait sürdürülebilirlik raporlarına ve finansal raporlarına Kamu Aydınlatma Platformu sayesinde ulaşılmış ve veriler elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler sayısallaştırılarak SPSS paket programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Korelasyon analizi ve regresyon analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda, sürdürülebilirlik raporlarında yer alan çevresel ve sosyal ilkelerin, işletmelerin finansal performanslarına yeterli seviyede olumlu yönde etki etmediği tespit edilmiştir. Sürdürülebilirlik raporlarında yer alan çevresel ve sosyal ilkelerin sadece işletmelerin özsermaye karlılıklarına anlamlı düzeyde pozitif yönlübir etkide bulunduğu belirlenmiştir. Buna karşılık çevresel ve sosyal ilkeler ile net kar marjı ve aktif kar marjı arasında bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir.
Bireylerin Kripto Para Kullanmaya Yönelik Niyetlerinin Teknoloji Kabul Modeli İle İncelenmesi ve Çoklu Grup Analizi
Authors: İLGAZ Sebahat , ÖZDEMİR Erkan
Published: March 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, bireylerin kripto para kullanmaya ilişkin tutum ve niyetlerini etkileyen faktörleri teknoloji kabul modeli çerçevesinde ortaya koymaktır. Araştırma amacına uygun olarak teknoloji kabul modeline algılanan risk faktörü eklenmiştir. Ayrıca demografik faktörlerden cinsiyet ve yaş düzenleyici değişken olarak ele alınmış olup, çoklu grup analizi ile bu faktörlerin kripto para kullanımı konusundaki rolü incelenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler, yapısal eşitlik modellemesi analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda algılanan kullanım kolaylığı ve algılanan faydanın kripto para kullanımına ilişkin tutum ve niyet üzerinde anlamlı etkisi olduğu belirlenmiştir. Algılanan riskin kripto para kullanımına ilişkin tutum ve niyet üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisinin olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca çoklu grup analizi sonucunda, kripto para kullanmaya yönelik tutumun niyet üzerindeki etkisinin yaşa göre farklılaştığı bulunmuştur. Araştırma sonuçları, merkezi finans kurumları, kripto para yatırımcıları, kripto para hizmet sağlayıcıları ve yasal otoritelere bireylerin kripto para kullanımına yönelik tutum ve niyetine etki eden faktörleri ortaya koyması açısından önemli bir bakış açısı sağlamaktadır.
Cover and Table of Contens
Authors: Purbosari Lina
Published: March 2024

Cover and Table of Contens
COVID-19 Detection on Chest X-Ray Images Using Modified VGG-19
Authors: Muhammad Irfan Yusuf  , Agus Wahyu Widodo  , Viera Wardhani
Published: March 2024

A global pandemic infecting human respiratory system identified as COVID-19 emerged in 2019 has been a critical issue concerning worldwide, including Indonesia. The massive and relatively easy spread of the virus requires COVID-19 patients to be separated from other patients to avoid hospitals being the major source of the virus spread. The gold standard in COVID-19 testing known as rRt-PCR was established to help detecting the virus. This method, however, is found to be less time-efficient due to the sample examination taking 5-7 hours to conduct. Another COVID-19 testing method called Rapid Antigen Test is claimed to be more practical since the sample examination only takes 5-30 minutes to complete. One disadvantage of this testing method is its sensitivity, which is believed to be relatively low. Further supporting examinations are needed in diagnosing COVID-19 when using the Rapid Antigen Test, one of which is chest imaging. Most hospitals in Indonesia are type C hospitals, which means radiology specialists’ availability is limited and sometimes not available. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automation system for detecting COVID-19 disease on chest X-ray images using the Convolutional Neural Network method to help doctors interpreting chest X-rays of patients effectively faster in determining whether the patient is potentially infected with COVID-19 or not. The algorithm proposed in this study was modified VGG-19, with ADAM optimization method and categorical cross-entropy loss function. This algorithm resulted in a model accuracy rate of 81%, a precision/recall model of 62%, and a specificity model of 87%. The area under the curve in the Receiver Operatic Characteristic Curve indicates that the accuracy level of the test is below the Excellent curve, suggesting that the model created successfully serves as a screening test tool.
Data Delivery Implementation on River Flow Control System Prototype Using HTTP
Authors: Ichsan Mochammad Hannats Hanafi , Akbar Sabriansyah Rizqika , Aji Hamdan Malik Satriyo , Setiawan Eko , Batubara Othman Mirizi
Published: March 2024

Data transmission is one of the most essential components in a critical system. One of them is to control the river water canal. Previous research related to water canal monitoring has been carried out, but the data is still local. This research implements a water canal with one main river with three tributaries/river branches where the three tributaries have different area conditions. In this research, the process of sending data from the sensor node (Control Flow System) to the master node (Control station) to the cloud server to be displayed on a website. The microcontroller used for the main processor and as a data-sending device is the ESP8266 and the cloud server used is ThingSpeak. This research succeeded in implementing HTTP for the process of sending data. The HTTP protocol is suitable for the process of data delivery. Sending data on the Control Flow System to the Control Station was successfully sent optimally at a distance of 3 meters with the "Good" classification according to the TIPHON standard. Meanwhile, the average data is sent from the Control Station to the cloud server in about 44 seconds.
Development of a Language Model for Named-Entity-Recognition in Aerospace Requirements
Authors: Tikayat Ray Archana , Pinon Fischer Olivia J. , White Ryan T. , Cole Bjorn F. , Mavris Dimitri N.
Published: March 2024

We address the challenges inherent in converting natural language (NL) requirements into machine-readable formats by investigating the application of named-entity recognition (NER) within the aerospace domain. Recognizing the necessity for domain-specific language models, we developed an open-source annotated aerospace corpus and fine-tuned different versions of the BERT language model on the corpus to create aeroBERT-NER: a new model for identifying named entities (NEs) in the aerospace domain. A comparison between aeroBERT-NER and [Formula: see text]-NER demonstrated the superior performance of aeroBERT-NER in identifying NEs within a set of aerospace requirements. The identified NEs contribute to the development of a glossary, promoting consistent terminology usage in aerospace requirements and addressing challenges associated with the standardization of NL requirements.
Representation of Syntactic Structures with Coordinating Conjunctions and Homonymy
Authors: Demidov D. V.
Published: March 2024

The paper discusses sentences with coordinating conjunctions and homonymy where it is hard or impossible to build feasible syntactic structures using well-known models – dependency-based parse trees, constituency-based parse trees, and syntactic groups model. We suggest an approach to represent syntactic structures of sentences with conjunctions. We present features which distinguish our approach from the models under investigation. The paper shows multiple ways of visualization of syntactic structures. We illustrate how homonymy influences parsing and give examples of lexical and syntactic homonymy. We show the need to represent homonymy explicitly and suggest an approach to homonymy representation in morphological and syntactic structures.
Construction of the Aboveground Part of the Tyn Walls of the Fortifications in the Russian State in Siberia and the Far East in Late 16th – Early 17th Century
Authors: Gorokhov S. V.
Published: March 2024

Purpose. The purpose of the research, the results of which are presented in this article, was to reconstruct the structure of the above-ground part of the tyn walls, to clarify the variability of individual parameters and their relationship with the geographical location of the fortification, its military-administrative status, and other characteristics.

Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that modern ideas of the design of the aboveground part of the tyn wall correspond to those of more than 150 years ago. Our research made it possible to correct the current situation and form a generalized idea of the characteristics of the aboveground part of the tyn walls in Siberia and the Far East. In particular, it was found that 1) the tyn construction on and in the rampart was untypical for the Trans-Urals; 2) there was a certain standard for the height of the ostrog walls; 3) the tyn height was its main characteristic, which determined the defense capability of the entire object; 4) the tyn height was determined by the military-administrative status of the fortification and/or the military-political situation at the time of its construction; 5) the tyn thickness was not essential for defense capability, therefore, in particular, walls of half-logs were erected; 6) the tyn thickness in large military-administrative centers was greater than in ordinary ostrogs; 7) there were conditions under which it was advisable to erect a tyn wall of half-logs; 8) weapon ports were made in one tyn and had a vertically elongated shape; 9) there were tyn walls made of logs placed with gaps between them (sparse tyn); 10) the sparse tyn was used on those sections of the walls that did not have a platform, were non-rectilinear, and/or did not have towers.

Conclusions. The study established that in late 16th – early 17th centuries there were tyn walls of various designs. The wall structure depended on a large number of anthropogenic, social, and natural factors.
Following Dante’s Trail: Semantics of the Plot Organization of the Mystical-Philosophical Triptych Vyach. Ivanova (“Sphinx”, “Gates”, “Worlds of the Possible”)
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Baranova Elena P. , Dzutseva Natalia V.
Published: March 2024

The article examines the symbolic and philosophical semantics of the plot structure of the poetic triptych Vyach. Ivanov “Sphinx”, “Gates”, “Worlds of the Possible”. The poetic logic of the connection between these poems is established, the unifying element of which is the concept of the initiatory path, widespread in the intellectual and mystical atmosphere of the early twentieth century. It is proved that the author follows in the footsteps of Dante’s “Divine Comedy”, seeing in him a poet who opens paths in the symbolic and philosophical comprehension of the world. At the same time, however, Vyach. Ivanov also finds his own ways of artistic interpretation of plot twists, deviating from the “Dantean Code”. The idea of the poet’s metaphysical ascent to the Higher spheres of Being is largely embodied by the figure of the hero-narrator, who goes through an initiatory path and as a result of which the unity of the macro and microcosm of the world and man is revealed to him.
The Establishment Village Regulation of Problematic in West Sulawesi Province Reviewed from a Sociology of Law Perspective
Authors: Astomo Putera Astomo , Rais M. Tasbir
Published: March 2024

The establishment of village regulations in West Sulawesi Province creates problems, especially in sociology of law perspective because it is closely related to the lives of village communities which were regulated in a village regulations betweens: 1) The lack of knowledge of village government officials in the establishment of village regulations. 2) The village regulations drafts were not socialized by village government officials regarding asking for input from the communities until it was passed into a village regulation. 3) The village regulations cannot be implemented. The problems formulation includes: 1) How is the relationship betweens the establishment legislation of principles with the establishment of village regulations in sociology of law perspective? 2) How is forms of problems arise in the establishment of village regulations in West Sulawesi Province were reviewed from a sociology of law perspective? The type of research was sociolegal research. The results show that’s: 1) The relationship betweens the establishment legislation of principles with the establishment of village regulations in sociology of law perspective can be seen in efforts to uphold internal sociological values of establishment legislation of principles. 2) Forms of problems arise in the establishment of village regulations on West Sulawesi Province were viewed from a sociology of law perspective betweens: a) The type, hierarchy and content of village regulations were not appropriate. b) Cannot be implemented. c) The formulation was not clear. d) Don’t open.
Impact of ash fallout of the 2023 Shiveluch volcano eruption (Kamchatka) on forest vegetation
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia, Grishin S.Yu. , Belousov A.B. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk- Kamchatsky, 683000, Russian Federation, Belousova M.G. ,   Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk- Kamchatsky, 683000, Russian Federation, Perepelkina P.A. ,   Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
Published: March 2024

The ash fallout of Shiveluch volcano (April 11, 2023, Kamchatka) is the most intensive volcanic ash fallout of the last 60 years. We present the results of the reconnaissance fi eld investigations supplemented with analyses of satellite images of the area for estimations of deposits distribution and area aff ected by the ash fallout. We also estimated the properties of fi ne grained ash of andesitic composition and its infl uence on the forest vegetation composed by Picea yezoensis (Siebold et Zucc.) Carrière, Larix cajanderi Mayr и Betula ermanii Cham. As a result of moderate- scale ash fallout in the forest (thickness of freshly deposited ash is 5–8 cm), the negative impact on vegetation was minimal because the ash was fi ne-grained and was deposited on a thick snowpack, and the leaves were not formed yet. The forest vegetation on lower elevations was not damaged at all but strong changes occurred in grass and bush vegetation. We have observed the diminished density of plant coverage, decreased size of grass vegetation and a decreased number of plant species. Calamagrostis purpurea (Trin.) Link. s. l., a broadly represented dominant species among grass vegetation, became less common, but Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub became more widespread. The possibility of small plants to grow through the ash layer turned out to be strongly reduced. Mosses and lichens in the forest have been buried under the ash, the recovery could take several decades. We have found a notable impact on plants by ash remobilized by strong wind, this impact is the strongest in the open areas and on forest edges. This process can continue for many years due to the large volume of the deposited ash covering the open spaces of the volcano foot.
Developing Conversational Video-Based Learning on “This is My World” Topic
Authors: Mildayanti Mildayanti
Published: March 2024

The pedagogical strength of Video-Based Learning (VBL) is presenting knowledge in consistent and attractive manner. The current research is aimed at identifying the needs of grade-7 students of SMP Negeri 4 Pontianak in the Academic Year of 2019/2020, in terms of English teaching and learning contexts and developing the appropriate conversational videobased learning. This study is called Research and Development (R&D). The subjects is grade-7 students of junior high school 4 Pontianak in the academic year of 2019/2020. The procedure adapted the ADDIE research design (Branch, 2010). The steps of research were: (1) conducting needs analysis, (2) designing a course grid, (3) developing materials and media, (4) evaluating the developed materials and media, and (5) revising the final draft of the materials. The needs analysis is conducted by distributing questionnaires to the students, -quantitative data, and interviewing the English teacher, -qualitative data. The mix method was applied in order to display qualitative and quantitative data. The findings reveal that students need more relevant materials and media to improve their communicative skills. The expected product is conversational video-based learning on This is My World material. The topics are derived from Curriculum 2013. The intended results of the evaluation show that the mean value will falls into the category of Very Good. It implies that the developed conversational video-based learning is appropriate to be applied as a pedagogical instrument in English classroom.
Quality of Life Assessment and Its Relationship with Fatigue Symptom, Demographic and Clinical Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Polish Patients
Authors:   Department of Nursing Practices, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland. Email: kkozlowska@ump.edu.pl, Kozlowska Katarzyna Anna , Baczyk Grazyna ,   Department of Nursing Practices, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland. Email: gbaczyk@ump.edu.pl, Formanowicz Dorota ,   Department of Medical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland. Email: doforman@ump.edu.pl
Published: March 2024

The variety of clinical symptoms occurring during rheumatoid arthritis may reduce patients’ quality of life. Hence, the study aimed to assess RA patients’ quality of life and determine its relationship with fatigue, demographic and clinical factors. The study group consisted of 128 RA patients diagnosed according to ACR/EULAR criteria and treated in rheumatology departments. The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 (AIMS-2) scale was used to assess the quality of life. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale was used to assess the symptom of fatigue. The analyzed variables were sex, age, pharmacological treatment, arthritis pain, morning stiffness, hemoglobin, CRP, rheumatoid factor, Ritchie Articular Index, and DAS28 disease activity. In the AIMS-2 scale, the patients had the lowest quality of life in the following subscales: arthritis pain (average 6.25±2.52 points), walking and bending (average 5.63±2.71 points), and emotional tension (average 4.99±1.92 points); while patients presented the highest quality of life for the following subscales: support from family and friends (average 1.39±2.21 points) and self-care (average 2.11±2.45 points). There was a correlation between the level of quality of life and age (r=0.24), morning stiffness (r=0.45), CRP concentration (r=0.29), joint tenderness (r=0.34), and disease activity (r=0.39). Increasing the values of parameters such as arthritis pain, disease activity, morning stiffness, and CRP level may cause a decrease in the level of quality of life. Assessment of the quality of life should be a permanent element of assessing patients with RA.
The Use of Problem Solving Therapy in Psychiatric Problems in Adolescents and Psychiatric Nursing Approach
Authors:   Selcuk University, Faculty of Nursing, Konya, Turkey, Kayaaslan Büsra , LOK Neslihan ,   Selcuk University, Faculty of Nursing, Konya, Turkey
Published: March 2024

For a healthy development, individuals must have completely completed their own developmental stages in each period. Adolescence, which is one of these developmental periods, is a different and special period, separate from childhood and adulthood, in which many basic developmental characteristics are acquired. It is stated that psychiatric symptoms and disorders seen in adult life begin in early ages and the problem continues over the years. Problem-solving therapy is one of the methods that is increasingly used in the treatment of mental problems in adolescents today. For this reason, it is important in terms of eliminating the negative effects of the problems they encounter in adolescence and facilitating them to cope effectively by increasing their resilience to the problems in question.
Carnauba Wax Applied to the Shell Surface of Chicken Eggs Improved the Shelf Life and Internal Quality of the Eggs
Authors:   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, MO Piazentin , ELM Mangili ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, DC Correia ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, EH Martins ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, JAS Nobre ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, GMC Córdoba ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil, CJ Veríssimo ,   Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa - SP, Brazil, LM Katiki ,   Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa - SP, Brazil, L Rodrigues ,   Department of Food Sciences and Technology, FAM (Faculdade de Americana), Americana - SP, Brazil
Published: March 2024

The egg is a nutrient-rich food, essential for human health, containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is perishable and begins to lose internal quality shortly after being laid. The quality of eggs deteriorates due to the loss of water and carbon dioxide, which is more pronounced at higher temperatures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coating eggs with a semi-solid product formulated with carnauba wax on the preservation and internal quality of eggs during a 28-day storage period at room temperature. 144 white eggs from 50-week-old hens were used, divided into three groups: eggs coated with carnauba wax, eggs coated with mineral oil (positive control), and a control group without coating (negative control). The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the comparison of means through the Tukey test at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05), using the statistical program SISVAR. Eggs coated with carnauba wax showed less weight loss throughout the storage period, lower pH in both the yolk and albumen, higher yolk index and higher Haugh Unit compared to uncoated eggs and eggs coated with mineral oil. This suggests a significant improvement in the quality of coated eggs. Therefore, the use of carnauba wax coating can be an effective solution for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of eggs, especially in regions where refrigerated storage cannot be guaranteed.
Nutritional Supplements from Medicinal Plants - Industrial Hemp, Flax, and Ashwagandha
Authors:   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution, M Mistry , A Patel ,   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution, S Patel ,   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution, S Potlakayala ,   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution, J Wolf ,   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution, S Rudrabhatla ,   Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, USA #Equal Contribution
Published: March 2024

Plants have been long used in nutritional supplements due to their natural therapeutic properties. The recent increase in the use of nutritional supplements has increased the need to establish the scientific basis of nutritional supplements and their regulation. Industrial hemp, flax, and ashwagandha have long been used in traditional herbal medicine. Along with their role in herbal medicine and supplements, they have gained popularity due to their therapeutic and nutritional values.
Lipid Profile in a Cohort of Patients Aged between 3 and 18 with Type 1 Diabetes. Correlation with Homologous Age Range of the General Population
Authors:   Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Saint Paul Hospital, Savona, Italy, L Montorio , G Fichera ,   Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Saint Paul Hospital, Savona, Italy, A Gaiero ,   Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Saint Paul Hospital, Savona, Italy
Published: March 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed cased of diabetes. Diagnosis generally occurs in subjects under 30 years of age and of normal weight. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that there are 600,900 children under the age of 15 years living with T1D worldwide [1]. The cause of T1D remains unknown. There is clear evidence of a genetic predisposition and strong, but circumstantial, evidence for environmental factors triggering an autoimmune destruction of the beta cells leading to absolute dependence on insulin treatment. Acute complications are the leading cause of death in people with T1D under the age of 30 [2]. Chronic complications in the pediatric setting are not frequent; however latent structural or functional alterations may be present as early as a few years after the onset of the disease [3]. Childhood and adolescence therefore represent a period of time during which intense education and careful monitoring are able to prevent or delay the onset and progression of complications. The ESC-EASD 2019 guidelines emphasize that in general T1D confers an excess of risk of out-come of CV events (coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke and vascular death) that is twice as high [4]. As part of the prevention of medium and long-term cardiovascular risk, it is essential to perform the complete lipid profile in young diabetics, at least annually, with intensification of checks in the event of unsatisfactory results. The goals of this study were to compare lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride) of a group of pediatric patients with T1D, aged between 3-18 years, treated at the Day Hospital of Endocrinology of the Complex Structure of Pediatrics and Neonatology Asl 2, center of Savona, San Paolo Hospital, with as many aged patients 3-18 years who have been hospitalized in the same Structure.
Supplementation of a β-Mannanase Enzyme Improves Feed Efficiency in Palm Kernel Expeller Rich Swine Diets
Authors:   Elanco, BU Food Animals, Plantijnen Moretuslei 1 – 3rd Floor, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium, F Vangroenweghe , O Thas ,   Department of Applied Mathematics, Hasselt University, Belgium
Published: March 2024

β-Mannans are strongly anti-nutritive polysaccharide fibres found in most vegetable feed ingredients. Estimated content of soluble β-mannans in common grow-finishing diets is only 0.15-0.35%, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that as little as 0.05% soluble β-mannan in feed can elicit a strong innate immune response. This innate response is referred to as a Feed Induced Immune Response (FIIR). Hemicell™ HT (Elanco) is a β-mannanase enzyme for animal feeds breaking down β-mannans, thereby preventing economic losses from this wasteful immune response to β-mannans. The objective was to investigate whether β-mannanase improves feed efficiency in grower/finisher pigs fed diets containing high amounts (5-15%) of Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE). A 3*2 factorial design was applied consisting of 3 treatments (control, PKE, PKE+β- mannanase (PKE+)) and 2 sexes (barrows, gilts) and 2 subsequent batches. Groups were divided over 80 pens resulting in 13-14 repeats per group. Pigs were fed pelletized starter (0-28 d), grower (28-63 d), and finisher diets (63- 99 d). Body Weight (BW) was recorded on days 0, 28, 63, and 99. Feed was offered ad libitum and recorded by pen. For each phase, Average Daily Gain (ADG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were calculated. Data analysis was performed in R. FCR improved significantly (P=0.004) the first four weeks PKE+ (2.07) compared with Control (2.13). During grower/finisher phases, ADG and ADFI were significantly (P<0.05) higher on PKE and PKE+ compared with Control. Overall, both PKE and PKE+ performed significantly better than Control, which PKE and PKE+ performed similarly. Feeding 10-15% PKE increased ADG and ADFI (potentially due to overestimated energy content of the PKE) both with and without β-mannanase, and resulted in similar FCR. Thus, β-mannanase may improve FCR on high PKE diets from 21 to 39 kg BW.
Protective Effects of Melatonin on Hepatic Injury Due to Chronic Monosodium Glutamate Consumption in Adult Female Rats
Authors:   Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey, Akbulut Selin , Nisva Levent Hilal ,   Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey, Tamer Sevil Arabaci ,   Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Istanbul, Turkey, Yegen Berrak Caglayan ,   Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Istanbul, Turkey, Sirvanci Serap ,   Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey
Published: March 2024

In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) consumption on rat liver and the possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of melatoninin protecting against MSG-induced hepatic damage. Thirty two adult female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. For 30 days, MSG (2g/kg/day) or melatonin (4mg/kg/day) was given daily in drinking water or both melatonin and MSG were given simultaneously at the same doses, while normal drinking water was given to the control group. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels were investigated in the serum of rats decapitated at the end of the experiment. In liver sections, Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E), Sirius red, Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining for histopathological damage examination, Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB), smooth muscle a-actin [alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (a-SMA)], NADPH Oxidase (NOX-2), Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1, SMAD2, SMAD7 immunohistochemistry were applied. At the end of the experiment, % body weight change in MSG group rats was high, and serum ALT and AST levels were increased compared to control group, while these levels weredecreased with melatonin administration. In addition, vacuolization in hepatocytes, dilatation in sinusoids, increase in Kupffer cells andinflammatory cell foci were detected in the MSG group. When melatonin wasadded to MSG, decreased hepatocyte glycogen content and SMAD7 immunoreactivity with increased a-SMA were observed along with improvements in NF-kB, NOX-2, TGF-β1, SMAD2 immunoreactivity. Our findings suggest that melatonin, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may be a potential agent to prevent liver damage that can be caused by MSG in the diet.
Safety and Efficacy of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: Randomized Double Blind Placebo Control Study
Authors:   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, RE Ortega-Jordá , YD Rivero ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, GAI López ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, LJJ Ríos ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, TJS Papaqui ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, LCG Caballero ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México, CJA álvarez ,   Servicio de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de Puebla, Puebla, México
Published: March 2024

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by immunoglobulin E, caused by exposure to allergens and characterized by the presence of one or more of the following symptoms: nasal itching, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing. With a great impact on both health and quality of life deterioration, as well as on productivity, involving high costs [1]. Its worldwide prevalence has increased over the last 30 years, currently reported at 15-25% [2].
Improving the sustainability of enzymatic synthesis of poly(butylene adipate)-based copolyesters. Polycondensation reaction in bulk vs in diphenyl ether
Authors: Sokołowska Martyna , Molnar Kristof , Puskas Judit E. , El Fray Miroslawa
Published: March 2024

In response to mounting global concerns such as CO2 emissions, environmental pollution, and the depletion of fossil resources, the field of polymer science is shifting its focus toward sustainability. This research investigates the synthesis of poly(butylene adipate)-co-(dilinoleic adipate) (PBA-DLA) copolymers using two distinct methods: bulk polycondensation and polycondensation in diphenyl ether. The objective is to assess the environmental impact, chemical structure, composition, and key properties of the resulting copolymers, with a particular emphasis on determining the viability of bulk synthesis as a more sustainable approach. Various analytical methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), were employed to confirm successful copolymerization and highlight differences in molecular weight and microstructure. Additionally, thermal and dynamic mechanical analyses were conducted to thoroughly characterize the copolymers' properties. This research provides significant findings into the sustainable production of PBA-DLA copolymers, offering a more environmentally friendly approach without compromising product quality or performance.
Differing Plasmonic Intra-nanoparticle and Inter-nanoparticle Molecular Reaction Rates at the Three-Phase Contact Line of an Evaporating Sessile Droplet
Authors: PAUL SUJAY , CHATTOPADHYAY ARUN
Published: March 2024

Intra-nanoparticle and inter-nanoparticle heterogeneous chemical reaction pathways may involve different kinetic, dynamic natures and product selectivity like intramolecular and intermolecular counterparts in chemical synthesis and may involve rich chemistry. However, that is yet to be demonstrated. Herein, we utilized the phase change behavior of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from dispersion to deposition at the three-phase contact line (TPCL) in evaporating aqueous (H2O/D2O) droplet to experimentally monitor the plasmonic dimerization of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) to 4,4´-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Raman signature of the solvent attached probe molecules in conjugation with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and DMAB formation in two steps suggested sequential intraparticle and interparticle DMAB formation, the former being ~3 times and ~1.5 times faster than the later in H2O and D2O, respectively.