bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Checklist of medicinal plants used by traditional women for maternal health care in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Sharaibi O. J. , Oluwa O. K. , Omolokun K. T. , Ogbe A. A. , Adebayo A. O.
Published: March 2024

Traditional women in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants for maternal health care since time immemorial. However, there is no proper documentation of medicinal plants used in maternal health care, as information is passed from generation to generation orally. This study aimed at the identification and documentation of medicinal plants used in Lagos, Nigeria for maternal health care. Ethnobotanical studies were carried out in six local government areas namely, Agege, Alimosho, Badagry, Ejigbo, Mushin and Ojo. A Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to obtain information from 300 respondents, 50 from each local government area. The respondents included herbal merchants, herbal medicine practitioners, midwives, and traditional birth attendants. Information obtained included the names of the plants, plant parts used, mode of preparation and administration and dosage of the medicinal herbs. Forty-five (45) plants belonging to twenty-three (23) families were identified and documented in the study area. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (13.52%), Malvaceae (8.41%) and Annonaceae (6.67%) families. Kigelia africana, Caliandra portoricensis, Nauclea latifolia and Securidata longepedunculata had the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) of 0.96; 100% and 0.82; 100%, 0.92; 100 % and 0.78; 100% respectively. Most of the reported plants (73.47%) were herbs and shrubs and about 62.68% of the surveyed plants were wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (72.74%) plant’s part. Most of the herbs (80.45 %) were prepared as decoctions and preparations were mostly administered orally (88.64%). Strategies suggested to conserve the surveyed plants include the cultivation of medicinal plants to prevent their extinction.
Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century
Authors: Gong Zheng
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most important and interesting technology in the 21st Century due to its vast application. This review focuses on the evolution of AI techniques and their applications in recent decades. Deep learning algorithms/models, represented by Large Language Models (LLMs) have resulted in groundbreaking advancements, indicating that AI is evolving to improve its capacity to interact with and help people in various fields such as finance, medicine, and science research. The potential for research in AI is immense, and there is a need for scientific principles behind AI. Future perspectives on how machines can be developed to work with humans and to be compatible with human values and preferences are also discussed.
Perbandingan Kinerja pada PT Jakarta International Container Terminal dengan PT New Priok Container Terminal One
Authors: Fadillah Arif , Tyaswati Agfrizha
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perbandingan efektifitas pelabuhan dengan Key Performance Indicator (KPI), perbandingan cepatnya pelayanan pelabuhan, perbandingan dwelling time, perbandingan peralatan, dan perbandingan Turn Round Time dari PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (PT JICT) dan PT New Priok Container Terminal One (PT NPCT1). Metode yang digunakan adalah benchmarking dengan fasilitas, arus masuk kapal, arus peti kemas di Port Klang Malaysia ,dan menggunakan aplikasi minitab untuk menganalisis dengan metode regresi linear. Total rata-rata presentase efektifitas pelabuhan dari data KPI dari tahun 2018 – 2021 untuk PT ICT adalah 23%, sedangkan untuk PT NPCT1 adalah 16%. Rata-rata nilai dwelling time selama 4 tahun terakhir untuk PT JICT adalah 3,24 hari sedangkan untuk PT NPCT1 adalah 3,10 hari. Nilai TRT untuk PT JICT 30,51 menit sedangkan PT NPCT1 37,51 menit. Dari analisis yang dikerjakan PT JICT memiliki nilai rata-rata presentase KPI lebih baik 7%.Perbandingan nilai dwellling time PT NPCT1 lebih unggul 9%, dapat dilihat bahwa pelayanan peti kemas di PT NPCT1 lebih unggul dari PT JICT. Sedangkan untuk perbandingan nilai TRT, PT JICT 18% dapat dilihat bahwa pelayanan kapal di PT JICT lebih unggul dari PT NPCT1.
Hybrid Learning Berbasis Asynchronous dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Peserta Diklat Pelaut BP3IP Jakarta
Authors: Rahman Arief , Mayseptyana Annik , Rochyana Mochamad Furqon , Hidayat Achmad , Raharjo Indarno Sugeng , Sugiawiharja Egi , Wibi Prasetyo
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kualitas informasi, sistem, dan pelayanan terhadap kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous. Penelitian tentang penerapan pembelajaran daring telah banyak dilakukan dengan menggunakan model kesuksesan sistem informasi DeLone dan McLean. Namun, belum banyak yang mengkaji secara spesifik terkait faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous. Penelitian ini penting dilakukan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor apa saja yang berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous sehingga dapat dilakukan perbaikan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran daring di masa depan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dengan kuesioner yang disebarkan kepada 110 peserta diklat asynchronous. Data dianalisis dengan SEM-PLS untuk menguji pengaruh langsung variabel bebas terhadap variabel terikat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas informasi dan kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous. Adapun kualitas sistem tidak berpengaruh secara signifikan. Penelitian ini memberikan implikasi bahwa untuk meningkatkan kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous, perbaikan perlu difokuskan pada peningkatan kualitas informasi pembelajaran daring dan kualitas layanan pendukung pembelajaran. Dengan demikian, kepuasan peserta diklat asynchronous dapat ditingkatkan untuk mendukung keberlanjutan sistem pembelajaran hybrid learning berbasis asynchronous.
Effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopedic surgeries – A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Joseph Probin , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Mohan Reenaa , Mary J. Jenifer Florence , Ganapathy Kalaiselvan , Sanjay P.
Published: March 2024

Brachial plexus block for upper limb orthopedic surgeries has been widely used for surgical anesthesia and post operative analgesia. Various adjuvants are used to prolong the duration of the nerve block. Systemic dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics has been shown to prolong the duration of the nerve block in some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but is far from unanimous in its efficacy. Hence, an updated meta-analysis was planned to assess the efficacy and safety of systemic dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in brachial plexus nerve block (BPNB). Objective of the study is to assess the duration of analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic procedures with BPNB and intravenous dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant. Data sources were PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were systematically searched till July 2023. The meta-analysis included all published studies that investigated the effect of systemic dexmedetomidine on duration of analgesia following BPNB. The data extraction was guided by a predetermined checklist. Analysis was done Using RevMan_5 software, the mean difference for duration of analgesia between the two groups and odds ratio was calculated from the selected studies. The fixed-effects model was used to compare the difference in the duration of analgesia between the two groups. The outcome was prolonged duration of analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopedic procedure where intravenous dexmedetomidine was used as an adjuvant to peripheral nerve blocks. Our meta-analysis currently generates the evidence that intravenous dexmedetomidine administration offers advantages over other drugs in terms of prolonged duration of analgesia.
Safety and efficacy of pre-emptive antifungal therapy versus empirical therapy in patients with febrile neutropenia – A meta-analysis
Authors: Ranganathan Udhaya Sankar , Roobhini Sri N. S. K. , Mary J. Jenifer Florence , Mohan Reenaa , Ganapathy Kalaiselvan , Sanjay P.
Published: March 2024

Febrile neutropenia is a life-threatening complication usually seen in cancer chemotherapy patients. Bacterial agents are the most common etiology of sepsis in febrile neutropenia and warrants empirical antibiotic treatment. However, the efficacy of pre-emptive therapy over empirical therapy is debatable. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy (difference in mortality rate) of pre-emptive antifungal therapy in patients with febrile neutropenia compared to empirical antifungal therapy and to evaluate the safety (antifungal exposure, adverse effects, and duration of hospital stay) of pre-emptive antifungal therapy. The data source used for the study is only PubMed. Only full-text articles in English language since the year 2000 were included. Unpublished studies will not be sought. Searches will be re-run before analysis. Data extraction was guided by a predetermined checklist. Using RevMan 5 software, the effect of intervention is null (95% CI 0.66–1.91, P = 0.57)]. An insignificant Q statistic (P > 0.66) indicates the absence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) as there is not much difference in the mortality rates between two groups. Data analyses were performed from June 2023 to August 2023. The primary outcome is an insignificant Q statistic (P > 0.66) indicates the absence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) as there is not much difference in the mortality rates between two groups. Hence, pre-emptive therapy can be considered in place of empirical therapy to avoid over treatment with antifungal agents in patients with febrile neutropenia. A meta-analysis of five eligible comparative studies involving 588 subjects who had pre-emptive antifungal therapy and 587 subjects who had empirical therapy signifies the effect of intervention is null (95% CI 0.66–1.91, P = 0.57). An insignificant Q statistic (P > 0.66) indicates the absence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) as there is not much difference in the mortality rates between two groups. Hence, pre-emptive therapy can be considered in place of empirical therapy to avoid over treatment with antifungal agents in patients with febrile neutropenia. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that pre-emptive therapy can be considered in place of empirical therapy to avoid over treatment with antifungal agents in patients with febrile neutropenia. Trial Registration: PROSPERO receipt number-443707.
Thermosensitive/thermochromic silicone and infrared thermography mapping in 60 consecutive cases of epilepsy surgery
Authors: Font-Réaulx Enrique de , Solis-Santamaria Andrea , Arch-Tirado Emilio , González-Astiazarán Adalberto
Published: March 2024

Background:

Epilepsy surgery represents a therapeutic opportunity for those patients who do not respond to drug therapy. However, an important challenge is the precise identification of the epileptogenic area during surgery. Since it can be hard to delineate, it makes it necessary to use auxiliary tools as a guide during the surgical procedure. Electrocorticography (ECoG), despite having shown favorable results in terms of reducing post-surgical seizures, have certain limitations. Brain mapping using infrared thermography mapping and a new thermosensitive/thermochromic silicone (TTS) in epilepsy surgery has introduced a new resource of noninvasive and real-time devices that allow the localization of irritative zones.

Methods:

Sixty consecutive patients with drug-resistant epilepsy with surgical indications who decided to participate voluntarily in the study were included in the study. We measured brain temperature using two quantitative methods and a qualitative method: the TTS sheet. In all cases, we used ECoG as the gold standard to identify irritative areas, and all brain tissue samples obtained were sent to pathology for diagnosis.

Results:

In the subgroup in which the ECoG detected irritative areas (n = 51), adding the results in which there was a correlation with the different methods, the efficiency obtained to detect irritative areas is 94.11% (n = 48/51, P ≤ 0.0001) while the infrared thermography mapping method independently has an efficiency of 91.66% (P ≤ 0.0001). The TTS has a sensitivity of 95.71% and a specificity of 97.9% (P ≤ 0.0001) to detect hypothermic areas that correlate with the irritative zones detected by ECoG. No postoperative infections or wound dehiscence were documented, so the different methodologies used do not represent an additional risk for the surgical proceedings.

Conclusion:

We consider that the infrared thermography mapping using high-resolution infrared thermography cameras and the TTS are both accurate and safe methods to identify irritative areas in epilepsy surgeries.
Single institution series describing external ventricular drain (EVD) placement and short- and long-term complications related to placement accuracy
Authors: Sharma Nikhil , Head Jeffery R. , Mallela Arka N. , Shanahan Regan M. , Canton Stephen P. , Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Kass Nicolás Matheo , Steuer Fritz , Cheng Lucille , Raver Michael , Andrews Edward G.
Published: March 2024

Background:

The placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) for the treatment of acute hydrocephalus is one of the most common life-saving procedures that neurosurgeons perform worldwide. There are many well-known complications associated with EVD placement, including tract hemorrhages, intra-parenchymal and subdural hemorrhages, infection, and catheter misplacement. Given the variety of complications associated with EVD placement and the inconsistent findings on the relationship of accuracy to complications, the present study reviewed short- and long-term complications related to EVD placement at our institution.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted for all consecutive patients who underwent bedside EVD placement for any indication between December 2020 and December 2021. Collected variables included demographic information, etiology of disease state, pre-and post-operative head computed tomography measurements, and post-procedural metrics (immediate and delayed complications).

Results:

A total of 124 patients qualified for inclusion in our study. EVDs that were non-functioning/exchanged were not significantly related to age, accuracy, ventriculomegaly, sex, disposition, laterality, type of EVD used, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), etiology, or Kakarla Grade (KG) (all P > 0.17). The need for a second EVD was similarly not related to age, accuracy, ventriculomegaly, sex, disposition, location, laterality, type of EVD used, IVH, etiology, or KG (all P > 0.130). Patients who died, however, were significantly more likely to have a second contralateral EVD placed (18.2% vs. 4.9% P = 0.029). We also found that left-sided EVDs were significantly more likely to fail within seven days of placement (29.4% vs 13.3%, P = 0.037; relative risk (RR) 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.43), unrelated to age, sex, etiology, type of EVD, IVH, location of the procedure, or accuracy (all P > 0.07). This remained significant when using a binary logistic regression to control for ventriculomegaly, accuracy, mortality, age, sex, and etiology (P = 0.021, B = 3.43).

Conclusion:

In our cohort, although a clear relationship between inaccuracy and complication rates was not found, our data did demonstrate that left-sided EVDs were more likely to fail within the immediate postoperative time point, and patients who died were more likely to have a second, contralateral EVD placed.
A challenging case of endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Authors: Oudrhiri Mohammed Yassaad , Hamdaoui Rayhane , Tlemcani Zakaria , Arkha Yasser , Ouahabi Abdessamad El
Published: March 2024

Background:

Although controversial, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the management of Myelomeningocele and Chiari type II malformation-related hydrocephalous is gaining wider popularity and use. With variable success rates, it can be proposed as a first or second option after shunt malfunction. ETV in post-infectious hydrocephalus may also be considered as an alternative to shunting. With reported success rates of 50–60%, failure is attributed to anatomical reasons and/or to pathological subarachnoid space scarring that may result from infectious processes. Similarly, ETV in repeated shunt malfunctions is an acceptable option that may offer shunt independency. In all situations, case-by-case selection and discussion are to be considered.

Case Description:

A 5-year-old boy with a history of surgically treated lumbosacral myelomeningocele and ventriculoperitoneal shunting at six months of age is presented. During the course following the initial surgery, he experienced multiple shunt malfunctions, with two episodes of meningitis, leading to 7 shunt revision surgeries. Lately, the patient presented a large peritoneal cyst formation that needed regular evacuations. With a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-scan showing a large bi-ventricular hydrocephalus and a trapped third ventricle with multiple septations, surgical options included either ventriculoatrial shunting or third ventriculostomy. The latter option, offering shunt independency, was chosen after family consent and risk explanation. The expected success rate of the procedure was discussed and evaluated to 40–60% on the ETV success score. The video describes a step-by-step procedure with detailed radiological and correlated anatomical annotations of a completely distorted anatomy of a multifactorial hydrocephalous. No scarring at the prepontine cistern was observed. Shunt independency was achieved. However, the patient died from late postoperative status epilepticus and pulmonary complications. Whether these postoperative events are directly related to the procedure is unclear, although technically and clinically successful in the short term.

Conclusion:

We believe that ETV should be carefully indicated in selected patients with Chiari II, post-infectious hydrocephalus, by experienced hands, as the surgical anatomy can be extremely complex and misleading.
Inferior temporal quadrantanopia associated with pituitary adenomas and a potential mechanism of excessive optic nerve bending
Authors: Demura Munehiro , Sasagawa Yasuo , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Tachibana Osamu , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: March 2024

Background:

Pituitary adenomas show typical visual field defects that begin superiorly and progress inferiorly. The cause of atypical visual field defects that start inferiorly remains unclear. This study aimed to understand this phenomenon using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:

A total of 220 patients with pituitary adenomas underwent a visual field assessment of both eyes. Preoperative visual fields were assessed and classified into two types: superior quadrantanopia (typical) and inferior quadrantanopia (atypical). Several parameters related to tumor characteristics and optic nerve compression were evaluated using MRI.

Results:

Of the 440 eyes examined, 174 (39.5%) had visual field defects. Of these, 28 (16.1%) had typical and 11 (6.3%) had atypical visual field defects. Patient age, tumor size, degree of cavernous sinus invasion, tumor pathology, and intratumor bleeding were similar between the two groups. The angle formed by the optic nerve in the optic canal and in the intracranial subarachnoid space at the exit of the optic canal (degree of optic nerve bending) was significantly larger in the atypical group than in the typical group (42.6° vs. 23.9°, P = 0.046).

Conclusion:

In some pituitary adenomas, visual field defects begin inferiorly. This may be caused by optic nerve compression on the superior surface by the bony margin of the optic canal exit. Therefore, pituitary adenomas should be considered in patients with atypical visual field defects.
Ekranisasi Novel ke Film Dear Nathan: Thank You Salma yang Disutradarai oleh Kuntz Agus
Authors: Rizki Nurpiyah , Hartati Dian
Published: March 2024

The research was motivated by the numerous movie adaptations of novels that capture public interest. During the process of adapting a novel into a movie, the director makes certain modifications. One such instance is the adaptation of the novel Thank You Salma into the movie Dear Nathan: Thank You Salma. These alterations give rise to both similarities and differences between the novel and the film. The objective of this research is to describe the process of adapting the novel Thank You Salma by Erisca Febriani into the film Dear Nathan: Thank You Salma, directed by Kuntz Agus. The research methodology employed is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques involve reading, watching, and taking notes. First, the researchers read the novel. Second, they watched the film to observe and document the process of adaptation. Lastly, the researchers recorded the similarities and differences between the novel and the film, specifically about the adaptation process. The findings reveal that the movie entailed reductions in the plot, characters, and setting, as well as additions to these aspects. Additionally, there were various changes made to the plot, setting, place, and characterization. Furthermore, there were similarities in themes, points of view, language style, and the underlying message conveyed in both the novel and the movie. Despite these changes, the movie successfully attracted a wide audience and received positive feedback on social media, as it addressed social issues related to sexual harassment against women.
Peningkatan Kecepatan Efektif Membaca Siswa dengan Menggunakan Metode Klos
Authors: Sihombing Novita Asmi
Published: March 2024

This research was conducted due to the low reading proficiency of students in school. The implementation of the Klos method in reading instruction is an effort to address this issue. The objective of this study is to enhance the effective reading speed of students in Grade XI IPA1 at SMA Negeri 3 Bangko Pusako by utilizing the Klos method. The research involved a sample of 32 students throughout three instructional cycles. The data analysis technique used was qualitative analysis, applied to qualitative data obtained from observations of students and teachers during classroom instruction. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the results of the students' effective reading speed test using the Klos method. In the first cycle, the reading comprehension was still considerably low with an average of 85.54 words per minute (wpm), an independent level of 81.25%, an instructional level of 40.61%, and a frustration level of 40.62%. In the second cycle, positive changes were observed, with the average effective reading speed reaching 156.88 wpm. The independent level achieved was 71.87%, the instructional level was 6.25%, and the frustration level was 9.37%. In the third cycle, the average effective reading speed further increased to 204.02 wpm, reaching a 100% independent level. The analysis results demonstrate that students' effective reading speed can be improved with the assistance of rapid reading activities taught using the Klos method.
Struktur Produksi Bunyi Bahasa Anak Usia 2 Tahun (Studi Kasus Ilyas)
Authors: Rudi Karma  , Samsuddin Samsuddin , Sulpina Sulpina
Published: March 2024

The production structure of sound in language by 2-year-old children is an interesting issue in the realm of language research. It lies in the imperfect yet meaningful language production of children. In their language production, some sound omissions and changes occur. This research aims to describe the structure of sound production in 2-year-old children. It is a field research conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. The research findings indicate that the structure of sound production involves sound omissions and changes. Sound omissions occur in consonant sounds such as [r], [m], [n], [ŋ], [t], [k], and [l]. Sound changes occur in sounds such as [t→c], [s→c], [au→o], and [ai→e]. These omissions and changes consistently occur
Analisis Nilai-Nilai Kearifan Lokal Masyarakat Baduy dalam Novel Baiat Cinta di Tanah Baduy Karya Uten Sutendy dengan Kajian Ekologi Budaya sebagai Bahan Ajar di SMA
Authors: Trisnawati Trisnawati , Saraswati Saraswati , Adrianti Fera
Published: March 2024

The purpose this research is to describe the local wisdom values ​​contained in the novel Baiat Cinta di Tanah Baduy by Uten Sutendy. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The data sources used in this research are novels by Uten Sutendy as well as relevant theoretical books related to literature and local wisdom values. The research data is in the form of excerpts from sentences contained in the novel Baiat Cinta di Tanah Baduy by Uten Sutendy. The data collection techniques in this research are reading the entire contents of the novel, identifying the local wisdom values ​​contained in the novel, looking for data related to character values, searching for the benefits of the analysis to be used as teaching material and the researcher collects these points to arrive at the stage conclusion. From this analysis, it can be concluded that in the novel Baiat Cinta di Tanah Baduy by Uten Sutendy there is a cultural ecology that focuses on the environment, niche or habitat, resources and energy. In these four approaches there are types of character values, customs or customs, respect. nature, nature conservation, technological limitations, utilization of natural resources, tolerance values, national values, preserving animals and nature, praying to Allah, humans are weak creatures, believing in Allah's destiny, sacrifice, victory, compassion, mutual cooperation, caring.

Keywords: Local Wisdom, Baduy Tribe, Cultural Ecology
Komodifikasi Novel pada Platform Sastra Siber: Studi Pragmatisme Penulis Novel di Aplikasi Fizzo
Authors: Fahmy Zulfa , Rohman Fathur , Pristiwati Rahayu
Published: March 2024

This research aims to explain and analyze the commodification of novels on the Fizzo cyber literary platform, understand the role of pragmatism in the commodification process, and provide insight into the impact of commodification on cyber literary novels. Novels have become commodities through commodification on the Fizzo cyber-literary platform. Cyberliterary platforms offer economic benefits to novel writers. Novel writers who do not have good marketing skills think pragmatically about publishing novels on cyber-literary platforms. Therefore, it is necessary to research pragmatism in the commodification of novels on the Sibe Fizzo literary platform. The formulation of this research problem is: how are novels commodified on the Fizzo cyber literary platform? How does the author's pragmatism play a role in the commodification of the novel on cyber-literary platforms? This research uses a qualitative descriptive design with observations and interviews as the main data. The data were analyzed using hermeneutic analysis. The results of this research show that commodification on the Fizzo cyber literary platform includes offering economic benefits, characteristics of popular literary novels, genre division, and intensive promotion on the internet. Novel writers on the Fizzo cyber literary platform are oriented towards readers' tastes. This can be seen from the characteristics of novels, which have simple plots, tend to be clichés, use controversial issues, have regular publication schedules, and use language trends. This situation has implications for the quality of novels on cyber-literary platforms that are uncontrolled and subordinate to the market. However, the openness of interaction between readers and writers is a discourse that continues to develop, which is the basis for the creative process of novel writers to innovate on the Fizzo cyber literary platform.
Pemanfaatan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis IT Mahasiswa FKIP Universitas Asahan
Authors: Khairun Nisa , Syafitri Ely , Wulandari Suci , Sugesti Pradita , Indria Syifa
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explain and analyze the ability of FKIP Universitas Asahan students to utilize IT-based learning media through a case study approach. This research involves selecting a sample of case studies covering various study programs in FKIP with the aim of carefully investigating students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards the use of IT-based learning media. Data collection techniques involve interviews, observation, and questionnaire dissemination. This analysis involves a deep understanding and ability of how FKIP Universitas Asahan students integrate and implement how technology benefits the learning process of Asahan University students, as well as what factors affect the use of IT-based learning media. The findings of this study show that the learning media used by students in the form of learning videos is the highest, with answers often getting a percentage of 45%, for the use of PowerPoint media the highest, with solutions often getting a rate of 60%, for using Google Classroom media the highest, with answers often getting a percentage of 40%, and for the use of social media the highest, with solutions often getting a presentation of 85%. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the majority of students show an adequate level of knowledge and skills to utilize technology in the learning process.
Verschönerung der Landschaft unter den Schönburgern in den Herrschaften Waldenburg, Hartenstein und Wechselburg im Zwickauer Muldenland
Authors: Vogel Gerd-Helge
Published: March 2024

Der Autor zeichnet in seinem Beitrag zunächst ideengeschichtliche Hintergründe nach und benennt Protagonisten, die den Weg zur Landschaftsverschönerung geebnet haben. Anschließend richtet er seinen Blick nach Sachsen auf die landschaftsgestaltenden Wirkkräfte von Angehörigen des Hauses Schönburg in ihren Herrschaften Waldenburg, Hartenstein und Wechselburg. Dort kamen Konzepte zum Tragen, die in ihrer Entstehungszeit, ihren ideellen Ausgangspunkten, der Intensität des Eingriffs in die Natur sowie in dem Grad des Ausgreifens in die Landschaft sehr unterschiedlich geartet sind.
 
The author first traces the underlying intellectual history and names some of the protagonists who paved the way for landscape embellishment. He then turns his attention to Saxony and the landscape-shaping influence of members of the House of Schönburg in their estates of Waldenburg, Hartenstein and Wechselburg. There, concepts were realised that differed substantially in their time of origin, their fundamental ideas, the intensity of intervention in nature and the degree to which they extended into the landscape.
Synthesis of peptides by reactive extrusion. Application to the continuous and solventless preparation of aspartame.
Authors: Mohy El-Dine Tharwat , Lavayssiere Matthieu , Adihou Hélène , Subra Gilles , Métro Thomas-Xavier , Ludemann-Hombourger Olivier , Lamaty Frédéric
Published: March 2024

The solventless synthesis of peptides from unactivated amino acids was performed in a twin-screw extruder. The general method was applied to the preparation of dipeptides and tripeptides. Aspartame, a synthetic dipeptide, was also prepared in a continuous mode on large scale.
The importance of reaction energy in predicting chemical reaction barriers with machine learning models
Authors: Lalith Nithin , Singh Aayush , Gauthier Joseph
Published: March 2024

Improving our fundamental understanding of complex heterocatalytic processes increasingly relies on electronic structure simulations and microkinetic models based on calculated energy differences. In particular, calculation of activation barriers, usually achieved through compute-intensive saddle point search routines, remains a serious bottleneck in understanding trends in catalytic activity for highly branched reaction networks. Although the well-known Brønsted-Evans-Polyani (BEP) scaling – a one-dimensional linear regression model – has been widely applied in such microkinetic models, they still rely on calculated reaction energies and may not generalize beyond a single facet on a single class of materials, e.g., a terrace sites on transition metals. For highly branched and energetically shallow reaction networks, such as electrochemical CO2 reduction or waste remediation, calculating even reaction energies on many surfaces can become computationally intractable due to the combinatorial explosion of states that must be considered. Here, we investigate the feasibility of activation barrier prediction without knowledge of the reaction energy using linear and nonlinear machine learning (ML) models trained on a new database of over 500 dehydrogenation activation barriers. We and find that inclusion of the reaction energy significantly improves both classes of ML models, but complex nonlinear models can achieve performance similar to the simplest BEP scaling when predicting activation barriers on new systems. Additionally, inclusion of the reaction energy significantly improves generalizability to new systems beyond the training set. Our results suggest that the reaction energy is a critical feature to consider when building models to predict activation barriers, indicating that efforts to reliably predict reaction energies reliably through, e.g., the Open Catalyst Project and others, will be an important route to effective model development for more complex systems.
Life cycle assessment of a process for paracetamol flow synthesis from bio-waste derived β-pinene
Authors: Hallamasek Sabine , Ubbenjans Veera , Lapkin Alexei
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of functional molecules from bio-waste feedstocks with retention of key structural molecular motifs is a potentially effective strategy to replace conventional fossil-based synthesis routes. In this work we are focusing on the synthesis of functional molecules from terpenes, a class of underutilised bio-waste molecules generated, for instance, as a by-product of Kraft paper pulping. Recent literature studies demonstrated a possible pathway for a continuous flow synthesis of paracetamol from β-pinene. While this process is currently not of commercial interest, the available literature synthesis demonstrates the technical feasibility of such chemical conversion as well as several new chemical transformations. However, the environmental efficiency of the proposed flow synthesis was not determined. Here, we perform a life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impacts of a potential industrial-scale paracetamol manufacture from bio-waste β-pinene. For this purpose, scaled-up process models of continuous paracetamol manufacture were developed in Aspen Plus and a complete life cycle inventory was estimated. A GWP of 58 kg CO2-eq./kg product was predicted, and key impact contributing aspects of the designed process were identified through a hotspot analysis. A comparative feedstock analysis showed that β-pinene derived from Kraft pulping waste can be a cleaner feedstock than the benchmark feedstock benzene. The obtained LCA results represent highly conservative estimates, given the early design stage, and thus promise to surpass standard industry practises, once optimised. The results presented in this study can serve as a basis for comparison against conventional paracetamol production LCA datasets.
Dataset for the synthesis and characterization of disordered metallic carbon materials from graphene edge chemistry
Authors: Zawada Donato Katarzyna , Kok Wai Koon Gavin , Jiale Lee Sarah , Carvalho Alexandra , Tan Hui Li , Costa Mariana , Tolasz Jakub , Ecorchard Petra , Michałowski Paweł , Keitel Donato Ricardo , Castro Neto Antionio Helio
Published: March 2024

This dataset provides a comprehensive account of the intricate processes involved in the rational design, synthesis, and characterization of anisotropic metallic carbon materials. The materials were derived through the hydrolytic oxidation of graphene sheets, followed by meticulous self-assembly and mild annealing. The resulting products are highly percolated carbon networks, preserving the essential basal area of the source graphene. Structured into various sections, this dataset aims to furnish detailed insights crucial for supporting extensive investigations into these carbon materials. Section S1 delves into simulations that elucidate the reactivity of hydroxyl radicals in the hydrolytic oxidation process, pinpointing optimal conditions for their selective use in edge-hydrolysis of graphene. Additionally, it explores the molecular dynamics of edge-hydrolyzed graphene sheets, unraveling their self-assembly behavior and the formation of highly ordered films. Section S2 meticulously describes the source materials and optimal protocols, aligning with insights gained from simulations. In Section S3, the dataset explores the impact of synthesis protocols on the processability of hydrolyzed graphene and anticipates potential applications. Sections S4 to S7 present detailed characterization protocols, meticulously divided into morphology, composition, mechanical properties, and thermal/electronic transport, ensuring the inclusion of all essential details for reproducibility in core characterizations. Finally, Section S8 presents a table summarizing the general properties of the final annealed metallic carbon film (G0). This dataset thus serves as a valuable resource, providing a robust foundation for in-depth studies and fostering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of anisotropic metallic carbon materials.
Enhanced Ligand Discovery through Generative AI and Latent-Space Exploration: Application to the Mizoroki-Heck Reaction
Authors: Lu Wenxin , Li Haote , Menzel Jan Paul , Cuomo Abbigayle E. , Nikolic Andrea M. , Kelly H. Ray , Shee Yu , Sreekumar Sanil , Buono Frederic , Song Jinhua J. , Crabtree Robert H. , Batista Victor S. , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: March 2024

The identification of catalysts that promote chemical reactions is a critical challenge in the production of pharmaceuticals. One of the main bottlenecks in this process is the synthesis of vast libraries of precatalysts, although assessing catalyst effectiveness can be rapidly conducted through high-throughput experimentation. The rational design and development of high-performing precatalysts can circumvent this challenge and lead to important advances. In this study, we apply the transformer-based Kernel-Elastic Autoencoder (KAE) equipped with a conditioned latent space, enabling the targeted generation of ligands with desired steric and electronic properties. Our KAE model has facilitated the identification of a monodentate alkynylphosphine, dubbed MachinePhos A, as an effective precatalyst for forming carbon-carbon bond. Its utility was demonstrated experimentally in the Mizoroki-Heck reaction, using a variety of nitrogen-rich arenes pertinent to pharmaceutical applications.
Screening of organoboron compounds as potential ionophores in a miniaturized ITIES cell.
Authors: Durka Martyna , Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz , Witkowska Nery Emilia
Published: March 2024

Screening ionophores for potentiometric ion-selective electrodes is arduous as the interaction between the ion and the recognition molecule might be obscured by improper selection of the plasticizer, lipophilic salt or its concentration. Ion transfer voltammetry at the interface of two immiscible solutions (ITIES) allows for evaluating ionophores in a less complex environment. However, standard four electrode cells require up to 10 mL of organic phase for each experiment, thus, a considerable quantity of ionophores is consumed. The latter are usually expensive or synthetically demanding. In this work, we have developed a miniaturized four-electrode cell that can be easily fabricated in any laboratory from a spectrophotometric cuvette without the need for glassblower services. The cell allows evaluation of ionophore-ion interactions in volumes of organic phase as low as 200 µL. It exhibits a sym-metric diffusion profile, which facilitates the interpretation of the results compared to other low-volume setups like capillaries. It is also easier to assemble and does not need specific surface preparation (e.g. silanisation). In the initial step the electrochemical per-formance of the minaturized cell was tested using solution of tetramethylammonium chloride, and the results were compared to those obtained with a standard macroscopic setup. Next, the device was used to screen through a wide range of organoboron compounds towards their ability to recognize fluoride anions.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in water: Improving removal in wastewater treatment plants with alternative coagulants
Authors: Abi Farraj Sinan , Lapointe Mathieu , S. Kurusu Rafael , Tufenkji Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Due to growing concerns of plastic pollution release into water bodies, it is imperative to understand and assess the removal of nanoplastics and microplastics during wastewater treatment processes. Although earlier studies have shown high removal of plastic contaminants during coagulation, flocculation and settling, a limited number of experiments have examined the removal of nanoplastics in relevant water chemistries including higher pH values and in the presence of organics. In this study, the removal of nanoplastics and microfibers is assessed using conventional (alum) and alternative coagulants including aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) and cationic polyamines (pDADMAC) in a synthetic wastewater matrix for pH conditions between 7 and 8.6. Our results show that plastic removal is considerably reduced at higher pH values when alum is used as a coagulant. At the shorter settling time of 30 s, removal of pristine and aged nanoplastics declined from 64 ± 3% and 76 ± 3% respectively (pH 7) to less than 20% at pH values higher than 7.8. Similarly, polyester microfiber removal was observed to decline from 97 ± 1% at pH 7 to 85 ± 3% at pH 8.6 for samples collected after 3 min of settling. Replacing alum with polynuclear aluminum coagulants resulted in greater plastic contaminant removal at pH values above 8 with a maximum observed microfiber removal of 95 ± 1% (ACH; pH 8.6; 3 min settling time) and a maximum observed nanoplastic removal of 71 ± 5% (ACH+pDADMAC; pH 8.2; 30 s settling time). Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) measurements revealed that ACH coagulant species results in a thicker deposition layer on negatively charged surfaces compared to alum. The addition of pDADMAC to ACH led to a more favorable interaction with a model negatively charged surface, indicated by a faster and more rigid deposition of the alternative coagulant. Taken together, these results show that environmental conditions, including water pH and interactions with wastewater colloids, affect plastic contaminant removal during primary wastewater treatment. Alternative coagulants, particularly ones that contain stable cationic species, offer municipalities improved removal of plastic contaminants under these challenging treatment conditions.
Grain and Domain Microstructure in Long Chain N-Alkane and N-Alkanol Wax Crystals
Authors: Wynne Emily , Connell Simon , Shinebaum Rachael , Blade Helen , George Neil , Brown Andy , Collins Sean
Published: March 2024

Waxes comprise a diverse set of materials from lubricants and coatings to biological materials such as the intracuticular wax layers on plant leaves that restrict water loss to inhibit dehydration. Despite the often mixed hydrocarbon chain lengths and functional groups within waxes, they show a propensity for ordering into crystalline phases, albeit with a wealth of solid solution behavior and disorder modes that determine chemical transport and mechanical properties. Here, we reveal the microscopic structure and heterogeneity of replica leaf wax models based on the dominant wax types in the Schefflera elegantissima plant, namely C31H64 and C30H61OH and their binary mixtures. We observe defined grain microstructure in C31H64 crystals and nanoscale domains of chain-ordered lamellae within these grains. Moreover, nematic phases and dynamical disorder co-exist with the domains of ordered lamellae. C30H61OH exhibits more disordered chain packing with no grain structure or lamellar domains. Binary mixtures from 0-50% C30H61OH exhibit a loss of grain structure with increasing alcohol content accompanied by increasingly nematic rather than lamellar chain packing, suggesting a partial but limited solid solution behavior. Together, these results unveil the previously unseen microstructural features governing flexibility and permeability in leaf waxes and outline an approach to microstructure analysis across agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Self-Formation of Compositionally Complex Surface Oxides on High Entropy Alloys: A Route to Sustainable Catalysts
Authors: Strotkoetter Valerie , Li Yujiao , Loeffler Tobias , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ludwig Alfred
Published: March 2024

Sustainable catalysts rely on abundant elements which are prone to oxidation. A new route to non-noble electro-catalysts is opened by directing the formation of unavoidable surface oxides towards creating a few atomic layers of an active and stable electrocatalyst, which is in direct contact with its metallic, conducting support. This is enabled by combining the possibilities of compositionally complex solid solutions with accelerated atomic-scale surface characterization. Surface composition changes from the as-synthesized state to states after exposure to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are investigated using a Cantor-alloy-catalyst-coated tip array for atom probe tomography. Whereas the as-deposited film has a 3 nm thick native oxide, initial and prolonged OER exposures result in an oxygen-influenced surface layer equilibrium, which shows a lower oxidation depth and altered metal composition. This demonstrates that as-synthesized complex compositions can be used to obtain active and stable surface oxides under electrochemical load.
Prediction of large conformational changes of a protein binding pocket associated with ligand binding
Authors: sakai kanta , Ishida Takashi
Published: March 2024

Docking simulation, a key technique in virtual screening, typically treats proteins as rigid bodies. However, proteins are inherently flexible, and ligand binding can induce significant conformational changes, affecting prediction accuracy. This study proposes a new approach to identify protein binding pockets that exhibit substantial conformational changes upon lig-and binding, potentially impacting docking simulation accuracy. In this research, we developed a prediction model using graph neural network to identify protein pockets with large conformational changes. To train the model, we constructed a dataset by calculating conformational changes in ligand-binding sites between multiple holo structures corresponding to the apo structure. We evaluated the performance of the prediction model and the results demonstrated that our model could iden-tify proteins with significant conformational changes, although the prediction accuracy remains low, with an AUC of 0.58 on the test data. This study highlights the potential of deep learning approaches in addressing the challenges of protein flexi-bility in virtual screening and docking simulations.