bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF A SUPPORT-AXIAL DRIVE OF PASSENGER ELECTRIC TRAINS WITH ASYNCHRONOUS TRACTION ENGINES
Authors: Pugachev Aleksandr , Vorob'ev Vladimir , Izmerov Oleg , Nikolaev Evgeniy
Published: March 2023

The problem of import-substituting components for the support-axial traction drive of an electric train with a wheel diameter of 950 mm is considered. As a result of the analysis, the disadvantages of the drive using foreign components are revealed: a high unsprung mass, which worsens the impact of the crew on the track, the difficulty of providing the required dynamic properties with elastic support of the motor-gear unit on the axle, the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the drive. The inexpediency of copying foreign solutions to create a domestic analogue of a traction drive is established. Variants of technically possible traction drive adapted for domestic production and easier to manufacture are considered. It is proposed to use a traction drive with a high-torque support - frame traction engine, with an increased outer diameter and the same circumferential speed of the rotor and an axial gearbox. It is proved that in this case, due to a decrease in the speed of the drive shaft, the design of the gearbox is simplified, which can be made single-reduction, and it becomes possible to use the developed and studied domestic flat rubber-cord couplings. A new design of the transverse rubber-cord coupling is proposed. For the case of using a domestic high-speed traction electric motor in the drive, it is proposed to use an aggregate-type traction drive. Two utility model patents are obtained for the proposed technical solutions and a patent application is filed.
Media Sosial Youtube unntuk Meningkatkan Kemampan Bahasa Inggris dan Matematika pada Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Sinta Sinta , Saftari Maya
Published: March 2023

The easier it is to use YouTube social media that can be accessed by children to the elderly, making everyone's visual motor skills able to remember, especially in early childhood. As we know that children who hone their visual motor skills will be able to record and recall what they have seen and heard. YouTube social media makes it easy for parents to get used to their children learning while watching. By using the method of observation and interviews with working parents and children, the average success in getting children used to learning foreign languages, namely English and basic mathematics, so that children get used to it and easily learn these abilities. By using YouTube social media, it makes children love English and mathematics even more from an early age because English and mathematics are basic sciences that all ages must learn. This basic knowledge is very supportive to enter every level of education and work.

Keywords: youtube social media, foreign language, basic matgematics
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Tranformasional terhadap Kinerja Pegawai pada Kantor Distrik Sorong Kota
Authors: Waromi Jecklyn , Maryen Andrei , Patiasina Rendy
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze the influence of transformational leadership on employee performance at the Sorong City District Office. The data analysis method used is quantitative analysis. significant test through (t-test), using simple linear regression and the coefficient of determination (R2). The population in this study were all employees at the Sorong City District Office. a sample of 30 respondents. Primary data obtained through interviews, questionnaires and documentation studies. From the results of data processing simple linear regression analysis using the SPSS for windows version 25 program, the regression equation Y = 8.466 + 0.679X, the regression coefficient value of 0.679 means that every time there is a change and one percent addition to the Transformational Leadership variable, the Employee Performance variable will increase is 0.679, if the Transformational Leadership variable is zero, then Employee Performance has a value of 8.466. In the test the coefficient of determination obtained R square 64.9%, meaning that Transformational Leadership influences Employee Performance by 64.9%, while the remaining 35.1% is influenced by other factors not analyzed in this study, namely work culture. The results of the t test, where tcount 7.1935 > ttable 1.7011, it can be said that the Variable Transformational Leadership has a positive and significant effect on Employee Performance.
Fungsi dan Peran Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam untuk Peningkatkan Kedisiplinan Pelaksanakan Sholat Berjamaah Siswa
Authors: Ridwan Ahmad , Asmita Delvira , Wulandari Neiny Puteri
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the role of Islamic religious education teachers in improving the discipline of congregational prayers. The author focuses this paper on the role of Islamic religious education teachers in improving the discipline of congregational prayers. Teachers play an important role in guiding student behavior to achieve learning goals. The same is true in carrying out prayer services, because a teacher is not only a facilitator who is obliged to provide information about various matters regarding knowledge. Islamic religious education is a professional educator who has the task of educating, teaching and guiding students in schools in understanding and practicing Islamic religious teachings. Discipline is an exercise in forming or perfecting and carrying out certain patterns of behavior to comply with rules or regulations accompanied by awareness and sincerity. Discipline in carrying out congregational prayers is perfecting or carrying out congregational prayers on time. Discipline in prayer means practice that forms, straightens, or perfects the implementation of prayer both in the procedure for carrying it out and in the discipline of its implementation. Discipline in prayer can also mean efforts to shape one's behavior to be disciplined in prayer implementation, both movement, reading and also the time of its implementation.  Therefore, Islamic religious education teachers play a very important role and have a function in increasing the discipline of praying in congregation of students..
Kiprah Pesantren: Solusi Konflik Sosial dan Etika Bangsa yang Multikultur
Authors: Mariyono Dwi , Masykuri Masykuri
Published: March 2023

This study uses a qualitative approach with an analytical descriptive method with a type of literature review. Data related to educational issues, pesantren problems, social conflicts, national ethics and maps of Indonesian Bangwa that Multicultural Researchers have gathered to be studied and examined using the theory of Interactive Huberman and Saldana (2014). Data are collected, selected, displayed, condensed for marked and interpreted and concluded in a comprehensive explanation. The findings of this study have shown a real concept map that Islamic Islamic Islamic education education has actually given a response to multicultural social conflicts and ethics as a development of noble ideals of muffling and merges social and ethical disputes about tradition in all sectors of society. Revitalization of the process as a resolution of the transformation of Islamic values that are full of multiculture by prioritizing elements. First, changes in approach to functional understanding of religion. Integrating religious nuances into life, including changing, interpreting, and renewing religious values in response to social development and problems. Second, understanding of pluralism and diversity in high national ideals. In this understanding the accommodative attitude of its adherents towards religion is consciously implanted the importance of increasing and honing intellectuals, and the importance of peace and togetherness to remain side by side by side without conflict that lead to divisions and civil war. Thus, the values of Islamic education that are on an ontology are very clear the truth can be a magnet to be interesting into a friendly and peaceful process of social interaction if it rests on the true principles of Islam.
Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja terhadap Produktivitas Karyawan pada PT. Salawati Motorindo Sorong
Authors: Salampessy Meigi R. , Maryen Andrey , Timisela Yanti
Published: March 2023

This research is motivated by the frequent occurrence of employee turnover in a company or business organization which has an impact on work productivity in the company due to lack of work motivation and employee work discipline. Therefore, work productivity is very important to be applied to this company to achieve the goals that have been set. The purpose of this study is the effect of motivation on the work productivity of employees of PT. Salawati Motorindo Sorong. This study uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. data collection by questionnaire technique. Respondents in this study as many as 56 people who are employees at PT. Salawati Motorindo Sorong. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using simple linear regression analysis. The results showed that there was a positive effect of 0,189 and significantly less than 0,05 between work motivation on employee productivity. Meanwhile, for the correlation coefficient interval relationship, there is a value of 0,40 – 0,599 or a moderate level of correlation. Meanwhile, the coefficient of determination is 0.198 or 19.8% and 80.2% is influenced by other factors.
The Effect of Principal Managerial and Professionalism of Teachers on the Implementation of School-Based Management
Authors: Riyadi Slamet , Ansori Ansori , Ramli Akhmad , Dewi Ratna Ayu Pawestri Kusuma , Dewi Ratna Ayu Pawestri Kusuma , Hendrajaya Hendrajaya
Published: March 2023

The goal of this study was to determine and evaluate the impact of teachers' professionalism and school leaders' managerial skills on the implementation of school-based management. Based on these goals, this study employs quantitative research techniques using a descriptive-inferential strategy. While primary data was gathered using a questionnaire instrument, secondary data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. Following that, the data was prepared and subjected to path analysis with a mixed multiple regression model. The research population consists of junior high school principals and instructors. The sampling strategy samples the entire population using the Slovin formula, which, rounded up, will result in a total of 150 samples. Following an analysis of the study's findings, it was discovered that managerial competence of school principals has a significant direct effect on teacher professionalism by 81.6%, a direct effect on school-based management by 77.4%, a direct effect on school-based management by 75.4%, and a combined significant direct effect on both teacher professionalism and managerial competence of school principals by 75.4%. Thus, the professionalism of teachers through the managerial skill of school principals has a 60.7% impact on management at the school.
Peningkatan Hasil Belajar IPA Melalui Model Problem Based Learning Berbantu Media Canva pada Siswa Kelas V SDN Pandeanlamper 03
Authors: Santi Mentari Dharma , Nursyahidah Farida , Nugroho Aryo Andri , Estiyani Estiyani
Published: March 2023

This study aims to improve science learning outcomes for fifth grade students at SDN Pandeanlamper 03 using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model with the help of Canva media.  This study uses a class action research method with a research design in the form of two cycles.  Each cycle applies four steps according to Kemmis and M.K.  Taggart in Arikunto (2010), namely planning (planning), implementation of action (action), observation (observation) and reflection (thinking).  The dependent variable is student learning outcomes and the independent variable is the Canva-assisted Problem Based Learning model.  Data collection methods used include interviews, observation, tests and documentation with quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.  The research subjects were fifth grade students at SDN Pandeanlamper 03 consisting of 28 students.  The results of the study show that the application of the PBL model with the help of Canva media can improve student learning outcomes in science subjects.  In Cycle I, the percentage of students who successfully completed the subject was 57%, while in Cycle II it increased to 79%.  This increase in learning outcomes meets the success indicator of 70%.  In addition, observations also show that students are more active and involved in the learning process when using the PBL model with the help of Canva media.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Guru Dalam Melaksanakan Pembelajaran Melalui Kepemimpinan Transformational Kepala Sekolah Berbasis Inspirational Motivation di SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang Semester Genap Tahun Ajaran 2021/2022
Authors: Kartini Kartini
Published: March 2023

This research is motivated by the competence of teachers in carrying out learning that still needs to be improved. This study aims to obtain information and discuss increasing teacher competence in carrying out learning through inspirational motivation-based transformational leadership of principals at SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang even semester of the 2021/2022 academic year. This type of research is school action research. This research was conducted at SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang even semester of the 2021/2022 academic year. The research subjects were all teachers at SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang, totaling 8 people who were class I to class VI teachers and PAI teachers at SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang. Data was collected through observation sheets, field notes, and documentation. Data analysis techniques use proportions and data reduction. Based on the results of the research and discussion, it can be concluded that through inspirational motivation-based transformational leadership, principals can increase teacher competence in carrying out learning through SDN 11/X Nipah Panjang even semester of the 2021/2022 academic year by giving rewards.
Pengaruh Promosi dan Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan pada Nuri Mart di Bekasi
Authors: Mutmainnah Mutmainnah , Dimyati Ahmad
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine how much influence promotions have on customer satisfaction at Nuri Mart, to find out how much influence service quality has on customer satisfaction at Nuri Mart, to find out how much influence promotion and service quality together have on customer satisfaction at Nuri Mart. The research method used is quantitative. The population in this study are Nuri Mart customers. By using a sample of 100 respondents. Data collection techniques by means of observation, and distributing questionnaires (questionnaires) and data analysis techniques are validity test, reliability test, normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, autocorrelation test, simple and multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination analysis and hypothesis testing (test t) and (F test). The results of this study indicate that there is an influence between promotions on customer satisfaction at Nuri Mart with the results of the partial test (t test) between promotions (X1) and customer satisfaction (Y) showing the value of t count > t table (3.616 > 1.660) and sig < 0.005 (0.000 < 0.005). And there is an effect of service quality on customer satisfaction at Nuri Mart with the results of a partial test (t test) between service quality (X2) on customer satisfaction (Y) showing the value of t count > t table (3.121 > 1.660) and sig < 0.005 (0.002 < 0.005). Based on the results of the simultaneous test (f test) obtained the calculated F value > F table or (18.297 > 3.939) this is also reinforced by a significance probability value of 0.000 < 0.005, which means that there is a significant influence between promotion and service quality on Nuri Mart's customer satisfaction.
Mišljenja nastavnika o odustajanju učenika osnovne i srednje glazbene škole u Hrvatskoj
Authors: Nikolić Lidija , Šenk Gergorić Ivana , Berać-Jozić Marija
Published: March 2023

Cilj je istraživanja utvrditi čimbenike odustajanja učenika od glazbene škole u Hrvatskoj te načine na koje bi se učenicima pomoglo da nastave glazbeno obrazovanje do kraja školskoga programa. Provedeno je eksplorativno kvantitativno i kvalitativno istraživanje anketiranjem nastavnika glazbenih škola u Hrvatskoj (N=178). Za ovo istraživanje kreiran je Upitnik o odustajanju učenika od glazbenog obrazovanja za nastavnike glazbenih škola. Rezultati faktorske analize ukazali su na četverofaktorsku strukturu: (1) učenik, (2) obrazovni kontekst, (3) komunikacija i (4) roditelji. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da se jednom nastavniku tijekom školske godine u prosjeku ispiše jedan učenik u dobi od 10 do 13 godina. Nastavnici su se složili da su razlozi odustajanja ponajprije slaba motivacija i zainteresiranost učenika te nedostatna ulaganja truda i slaba podrška roditelja, a zatim preopterećenost učenika drugim slobodnim aktivnostima, nemogućnost usklađivanja rasporeda između općeobrazovne i glazbene škole te nefleksibilan program glazbene škole i izostanak suradnje između nastavnika i roditelja. Nastavnici su dali svoje prijedloge kako bi se učenicima moglo pomoći da ustraju u glazbenom obrazovanju, a ti se prijedlozi najčešće odnose na uloge nastavnika i roditelja.
O naravi, smislu i ciljevima nastave filozofije
Authors: Raunić Raul
Published: March 2023

Tekst nastoji kritički analizirati narav, smisao i ciljeve nastave filozofije u kontekstu suvremenoga školskog kurikula. Ustrojstvo rada počiva na obrazloženju triju osnovnih teza: 1. Dominacija instrumentalne racionalnosti, vođene logikom kapitala, uzrokuje redukcionistički pristup obrazovanju koji šteti humanističkom predmetnom području i komunikacijskoj naravi nastave filozofije; 2. Nastava filozofije njeguje posebne i prijeko potrebne dispozicije i forme znanja koje se očituju u holističkoj perspektivi i razvoju refleksivne svijesti putem kultiviranja uma, njegovanja humaniteta te kreativne narativne imaginacije; 3. Smisao i ciljevi nastave filozofije u školskome kurikulu razvijaju sposobnosti skeptičke, refleksivne i kritičke svijesti koja ne zastaje na eksplikaciji zbilje, nego omogućava simboličko jedinstvo i integritet osobe, odnosno potencijale samospoznaje i emancipacije.
Differential expression of SLC4A4 in colorectal cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: March 2023

Cancer is a leading cause of death and colorectal cancer is among the most lethal cancers (1, 2). We mined published and public microarray datasets (3, 4) to determine in an unbiased fashion and at the level of the transcriptome genes most differentially expressed in the primary tumors of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We found significant differential expression of the gene encoding solute carrier family 4 member 4, SLC4A4, when comparing colorectal tumors to the tissue of origin, the colon. SLC4A4 mRNA was present at significantly lower quantities in tumors of the colon as compared to normal colorectal tissue. Analysis of human survival data revealed that expression of SLC4A4 in rectal tumors was correlated with recurrence-free survival in patients with rectal cancer. SLC4A4 expression changes may be important for the initiation or progression of human CRC
La universidad y las políticas inclusivas Latinoamericanas desde los organismos Internacionales
Authors: Gonzales César Angel Durand , García José Farfán , Huarote José Luis Salazar , Nuñez Julio Walther Isidro , Isusqui José César Piedra , Portugal Raúl Fernando Mitac
Published: March 2023

La educación es un derecho humano, una dimensión clave de la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible y la clave para lograr la plena inclusión social y profesional de la población y promover el crecimiento económico, la igualdad y la participación en la sociedad. Los niveles más altos de educación están asociados con reducciones en la pobreza y la desigualdad, mejores resultados de salud, acceso a trabajo decente, movilidad social ascendente y ampliación del acceso a la ciudadanía. La educación también es fundamental para los cambios estructurales que la región de América Latina y el Caribe necesitan para crear la capacidad. Debido a la prolongada crisis provocada por la pandemia de covid-19, la falta de vacunas y las continuas tasas de infección, la mayoría de los países de la región mantienen los centros educativos cerrados o parcialmente cerrados. Esto supuso una media de más de un curso académico sin clases presenciales y largas interrupciones. Dejar de aprender o no lograr el mismo tipo de continuidad en línea, lo que sugiere déficits en conectividad y dispositivos digitales, junto con una crisis económica que afecta los ingresos de los hogares, aumenta el riesgo de abandono y aumenta el riesgo sobre el uso de mano de obra infantil y el retraso en el proceso educativo, en todos los niveles acentuando las brechas existentes. La integralidad es una de las claves que la Pandemia informalmente adoptó con más dinamismo y que debe mantenerse. Quedó claro cuán importante es coordinar y vincular la planificación e implementación del sector educativo con otros sectores, especialmente salud, nutrición y seguridad social.
Enhanced self-phase modulation in silicon nitride nanowires integrated with graphene oxide films
Authors: Moss David
Published: March 2023

Self-phase modulation (SPM) is an important third-order nonlinear optical process that has been widely used in many applications, such as broadband optical sources, optical diodes, optical spectroscopy, pulse compression, and many others. The ability to realize SPM based on-chip integrated photonic devices will reap attractive benefits of compact footprint, high stability, high scalability, and low-cost mass production. Here, we experimentally investigate enhanced SPM in silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguides by integrating with 2D graphene oxide (GO) films. The on-chip integration of GO films is achieved on Si3N4 waveguides through a solution-based, transfer-free, layer-by-layer coating method with precise control of the film thickness. We use both picosecond and femtosecond optical pulses to perform detailed SPM measurements. Owing to the high Kerr nonlinearity of GO, the GO-coated waveguides show significantly improved spectral broadening for both the picosecond and femtosecond optical pulses compared to the uncoated waveguide, achieving a broadening factor of up to ~3.4 for a device with 2 layers of GO. Based on the experimental results which show good agreement with theory, we obtain an improvement in the waveguide nonlinear parameter by a factor of up to 18.4 and a Kerr coefficient (n2) of GO that is about 5 orders of magnitude higher than Si3N4. These results reveal the effectiveness of 2D GO films to improve the nonlinear performance of Si3N4 waveguides.
Knowledge Of Problem Solving (KOPS) scale: Design and evaluation of a scalable competency measure for a common practice element in task-shared youth mental health interventions
Authors: Mathur Sonal , Michelson Daniel , Shetty Tejaswi , Patel Vikram , Field Andy Peter
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Quality assurance methods for psychological interventions conventionally rely on expert-led assessments that are unfeasible for task-sharing. The current study was conducted in India to design and test a scalable therapeutic competency measure for use with non-specialists before and after training in an evidence-based, adolescent-focused problem-solving intervention. Methods: The developmental phase established a set of key competencies associated with problem-solving therapies, followed by item generation for a corresponding knowledge-based competency measure (the Knowledge of Problem Solving [KOPS] scale). Items were refined in a reference sample (N=31) that included experienced counsellors and individuals without mental health care experience. The resulting 17-item measure was structured around a series of session vignettes for a hypothetical case, with each vignette followed by 3-4 multiple questions. The validation phase evaluated two versions of the measure in a sample of 277 trainees from universities and non-governmental organisations before and after training. Results: Rasch analysis revealed similar results for the two forms. The difficulty level of the test items was well matched to the ability level of participants (i.e., most items being of moderate difficulty and few items being easy or difficult). Most items had a probability below 0.5 suggesting that a respondent of average ability would choose an incorrect response more often than a correct one. Only one item showed a negative discrimination index and was removed from the final 16-item versions. Conclusions: The KOPS measure provides a scalable method to assess key competencies required to deliver transdiagnostic problem-solving therapies. Similar formats could be developed and deployed to support scaling up of other common elements involved in evidence-based psychological interventions globally.
Persuading programmers to detect and mitigate bias in technology design: The role of motivational appeals and the speaker
Authors: Almanzár Arlette Román , Edinger-Schons Laura Marie , Grüning David Joachim
Published: March 2023

Few studies have empirically investigated the role of individual programmers in correcting or overcoming bias, specifically regarding motivating programmers to engage in bias detection. In this study, we present and test a conceptual framework for the effectiveness of motivational appeals aimed at programmers, considering the role of framing, the speaker's race and gender, and the individual differences in recipients’ social dominance orientation-egalitarianism (SDO-E) in driving bias detection outcomes. The framework suggests that a problem framing, "You are part of the problem," will be more effective than a solution framing, "You are part of the solution," when the speaker is white and male rather than black and female, but this only applies to respondents with low levels of SDO-E and will be reversed for respondents with high levels of SDO-E, due to the pursuit of egalitarian values that automatically inhibits the activation of stereotypes. The authors recruited 575 real US programmers via Prolific. They participated in a between-subjects experiment that measured their ability to detect potential bias in a 2 (problem versus solution framing) × 2 (speaker, white male versus black female) design. Results provide important conceptual and practical implications for understanding the role of programmers in addressing bias.
Superhuman Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Human Decision Making by Increasing Novelty
Authors: Shin Minkyu , Kim Jin , van Opheusden Bas , Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: March 2023

How will superhuman artificial intelligence (AI) affect human decision making? And what will be the mechanisms behind this effect? We address these questions in a domain where AI already exceeds human performance, analyzing more than 5.8 million move decisions made by professional Go players over the past 71 years (1950-2021). To address the first question, we use a superhuman AI program to estimate the quality of human decisions across time, generating 58 billion counterfactual game patterns and comparing the win rates of actual human decisions with those of counterfactual AI decisions. We find that humans began to make significantly better decisions following the advent of superhuman AI. We then examine human players’ strategies across time and find that novel decisions (i.e., previously unobserved moves) occurred more frequently and became associated with higher decision quality after the advent of superhuman AI. Our findings suggest that the development of superhuman AI programs may have prompted human players to break away from traditional strategies and induced them to explore novel moves, which in turn may have improved their decision-making.
Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus asper Hook. f. leaves (Malvaceae) in male Wistar rats
Authors: Nangap Marius Jaures Tsakem , Fokou Roberto , Walbadet Lucain , Betene Abel Narcisse Messi , Owona Pascal Emmanuel , Kamkumo Raceline Gounoue , Tsofack Florence Ngueguim , Dimo Théophile
Published: March 2023

Introduction: In general medicine, male sexual dysfunction is a major source of worry and consultation. Finding alternative substances like plants to regulate these disturbances is motivated by the side effects of standard aphrodisiac medicines. In the current investigation, male rats were used to test the aphrodisiac effects of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus asper leaves. Methodology: Aphrodisiac effect of the extract was evaluated following a single daily administration of Hibiscus asper at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters such as mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission and ejaculatory latencies, sexual motivation were monitored on days 1, 4 and 8. At the end of the experiment, the grapping test was assessed, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for the evaluation of cholesterol, fructose, proteins, acid phosphatase, testosterone, and other androgen-dependent enzymes. Some androgen-dependent organs, such as the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and levator ani muscle, were also removed for biochemical and histological analysis. Results: The administration of the aqueous extract of H. asper leaves had a significant impact on sexual behaviour, increasing mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and ejaculatory latency (EL), and reducing mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). There was also an enhancement in orientational activities, libido, arousal and potency. Cholesterol, acid phosphatase, vesicular fructose, proteins, nitric oxide and testosterone levels were all significantly increased in treated animals. Conclusion: These findings support the traditional use of H. asper leaves to enhance male sexual behavior by demonstrating the aphrodisiac potential of these plants.
Teratogenic Effects of Carissa spinarum and Azadirachta indica Aqueous Extracts in Mice
Authors: Wabai Yvonne W , Githinji Charles G , Ngeranwa Joseph N , Mwonjoria John K
Published: March 2023

Carissa spinarum (mũkawa in Kikuyu, lamuriak in Maasai) and Azadirachta indica (neem, mwarubaini in Kiswahili) are widely used in African communities. C. spinarum is used as food and as treatment for gonorrhoea, cancer, and abnormal pain in pregnancy. A. indica is used as a mosquito-repellent and as treatment for malaria and dental carries. Both plants have broad biological activities including anticancer, hypoglycaemic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, data on their safety for use during pregnancy is scarce. This study aimed to determine the teratogenic effects of C. spinarum and A. indica in mice. FDA guidelines for reproduction studies were used. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=5) for the assay. Plant extracts were prepared in the doses 100, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight. Phenytoin sodium 100mg/kg body weight was used as the positive control and distilled water was used as the negative control. Treatments were administered orally and began from gestation day 6 and ended on gestation day 15. On gestation day 18, the mice were weighed and euthanized and the pups were recovered. Weights of the gravid uteri, number of pups and their body measurements, and incidences of foetal resorption were also recorded. Data were expressed as means and their standard errors and analysed using one-way ANOVA/Dunnett’s post hoc test. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Heavy metal concentrations in the plant samples were determined using flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All doses of C. spinarum and A. indica caused significant (p<0.001) weight loss and foetal resorption in the gravid mice. Reduced head sizes (microcephaly) and elongated limbs were observed in the C. spinarum 100mg/kg and A. indica 500mg/kg groups. Premature birth and high birth weights were also observed in the latter group. The plant samples were found to have high concentrations of lead, cadmium, iron, chromium, manganese, and zinc and this may have added to the teratogenicity observed. C. spinarum and A. indica exhibited significant teratogenicity and should be used with caution during pregnancy. In addition, the level of heavy metal contamination in Kenya should be assessed.
Reform Movements and their contribution to Social Welfare: A Conceptual Exposition
Authors: Kumar P.M Suresh
Published: March 2023

Social Reform aims at introducing radical changes in the existing social order either because certain practices have become redundant or because it is harmful to a specific section of the population. Reforms are achieved through a range of means, from protest militancy to charismatic spiritualism, compassionate humanism, or social philanthropy. It is closely connected with social welfare. Attainment of welfare follows desired groundwork achieved through reforms. Rather, dispelling evil is the function of reform while sustaining the change that has been achieved, and building on it through improving well-being is the task of welfare. Social reform in that sense is a pre-runner of social welfare. Reform targets practices that are grounded in beliefs. These beliefs are nurtured by tradition, custom, and religion.  Tradition gives continuity to the practices; customs give sanctity and religion endorses them. All three are mutually complementary. Practices that are widely shared reflect the tenacity of beliefs that reinforces the social order of any given point in time. Reform does not negate the prevalence of a social milieu, instead recognizes its existence as an entity. It aims at changing certain practices which might have originated as a custom through tradition, within the framework of an established social order. In this way, the results of reform are integrated into the value framework of society. Over a period of time, it becomes a universal practice. Thereby change paves the way for stability. This study aims at drawing the instances of the Ezhava community and the Pulaya community who in traditional Kerala suffered injustice through discrimination and social ostracism in the caste-ridden society of ancient India. An extensive review of the literature and focus group discussions with resourceful respondents was undertaken for the collection of data.
India’s Partition through the lens of Gender: Trauma and Triumph interconnected
Authors: Ghosh Sreyasi
Published: March 2023

The horrible tragedy of modern Indian history is India’s Partition and the consequent refugee problem. A total of 18 million people were victims of this bloody incident; undoubtedly 10 million and more had been compelled by circumstances to abandon their homes. According to Ram Chandra Guha, author of India After Gandhi, nowhere in known history had the transfer of so many millions taken place in so few days. Women were the worst sufferers of Partition because their life was terribly affected by rape, murder, plunder and devastating bloodbath of communal riots. Prafulla Kumar Chakravarty in his book entitled Marginal Men depicted the fathomless trauma of uprooted people. Actually, refugee crisis was cause of severe headache of the newly created states. In the West the crisis did not take a never- ending shape and ended after a short while.  The story of Eastern Frontier was quite different.  According to Bipan Chandra, the flow of refugees did not stop upto 1971 in the Eastern Frontier and it can be added that the refugees from the East was an alarming problem for the Government of India.

Khwaja A. Khalique in his article entitled Genesis of Partition has rightly raised the pertinent issue that the unwanted incident of India’s Partition benefitted no one.

Undoubtedly the Partition benefitted none but affected the life of women in both Eastern and Western Frontiers in the ghastliest manner. In this article I have tried my best to discuss its tremendous influence on womenfolk of our beloved motherland.
Training Veterinary Ophthalmology Residents on Cataract Surgery (Part A: Diplomate’s Survey)
Authors: Knight LaTisha N. , Royal Kenneth
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the teaching methods used to train residents in cataract surgery at academic and private practice institutions. A descriptive survey was distributed online to 186 active supervising diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ABVO) listserv. The survey included items about various educational resources and techniques available to ophthalmology residents when performing cataract surgery. Thirty-seven (19.9%) supervising diplomates completed the survey. Most supervising diplomates (29, 78.4%) required supervised practice in the wet lab. Fourteen supervising diplomates (37.8%) provided mandatory cataract surgery lectures. Nine diplomates (24.3%) required their residents to attend a formal phacoemulsification wet lab course. There was no difference in the number of diplomates who allowed their residents to perform cataract surgery as the primary surgeon during their second year compared to any other year. Thirty-three surveyed diplomates supported the idea of creating an assessment tool to improve surgical competency. This article describes the current trends in veterinary ophthalmology residency education and provides support for the creation of an assessment tool to improve surgical competency. The goal is to stimulate future research on how educators can effectively train veterinary ophthalmology residents to improve surgical proficiency.
Comparison of Attempts Needed for Veterinary Students to Reach Proficiency in a Basic and Advanced Robotic Simulator Task
Authors: Buote Nicole J. , Fransson Boel , Rishniw Mark
Published: March 2023

Surgical training of students is one of the most difficult aspects of veterinary medical education. Competing interests of house officers, owners’ wishes, and ethical concerns have led to increasing use of inanimate models for basic surgical skills training. Robotic simulators have benefits for psychomotor training but have not been previously investigated in veterinary medicine. Understanding the necessary practice time for new training devices is important when determining their potential value. The aim of this study was to compare the number of attempts needed for veterinary students to reach proficiency in both a basic and advanced robotic simulator task, and to assess the predictive nature of performance variables. Each student performed a basic and advanced tasks on the Mimic dV-Trainer™ until proficiency was reached. Students required a median of eight attempts (95% CI = 7–8, range: 6–11) to reach proficiency for the basic task versus 22 attempts (95% CI = 20–26, range: 11–62) for the advanced task. The median time required to complete training for the basic and advanced task was 13.5 minutes (range: 8–24 minutes) and 26.5 minutes (range: 11–82 minutes) respectively. The difference in task attempts supports the training protocol and confirms proficiency can be attained in a short period of time. The number of attempts to reach proficiency correlated with specific performance variables that can be used by educators to aid in training students on a robotic simulator. Continued investigations on robotic simulators should be performed to investigate their use in improving psychomotor skills in veterinary students.
Avoiding Plastic Product Failure by Proper Plastic Selection and Design
Authors: Paloian Michael
Published: March 2023

Plastic product failures are directly attributed to one of the following four reasons: omission of a critical performance requirement, improper materials specification, design error, and processing/manufacturing error. Therefore, product failures can be minimized or eliminated if all of these parameters are comprehensively examined during the design process. This article focuses on all of these factors, except processing-related failures, which are outside the design and engineering domain. It is dedicated to the identification and avoidance of common problems associated with the selection and designing of plastic parts. The article provides information on the material-related design criteria that depend on the applications, environmental conditions of use, and performance requirements. It discusses physical properties of plastics based on their relevance to real-world environmental conditions. The most-common design problems related to design considerations are also covered.
Flammability Testing of Plastics
Authors: Lock Andrew
Published: March 2023

A material is flammable if it is subject to easy ignition and rapidly flaming combustion. The plastics that are most widely used are the least expensive and tend to be the most flammable. This article describes the two basic approaches to improving the fire resistance of a polymeric material: modifying or substituting the basic polymer so that exposure to heat and oxygen will not produce rapid combustion, and using flame-retardant additives. It also provides an overview of the burning process and presents two flammability test methods.
Fatigue and Fracture Mechanisms in Polymers
Authors: Pruitt Lisa , Wat Amy , Malito Louis
Published: March 2023

This article reviews generalized test methodologies for fatigue characterization of polymers and examines fatigue fracture mechanisms in different engineering plastics. It provides detailed micromechanistic images of crack-tip processes for a variety of semicrystalline and amorphous engineering polymers. The article describes fracture mechanics solutions and approaches to the fatigue characterization of engineering polymers when dealing with macroscale fatigue crack growth. It includes mechanistic images for high-density polyethylene, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, nylon 6, 6, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. The article describes the micromechanisms of toughening of plastics and uses a macroscale approach of applying fracture mechanics to the fatigue life prediction of engineering polymers, building on the mechanistic concepts. It also describes the factors affecting fatigue performance of polymers.
Photochemical Aging and Weathering of Polymers—The Basics
Authors: Feil Florian , McGreer Matt , Cordo Oscar
Published: March 2023

This article describes the processes involved in photochemical aging and weathering of polymeric materials. It explains how solar radiation, especially in the UV range, combines with atmospheric oxygen, driving photooxidation and the development of unstable photoproducts that cause various types of damage when they decompose, including the scission of carbon bonds and polymer chains. The article illustrates some of the degradation reactions that occur in different polymers and presents an overview of the strategies used to prevent such reactions or otherwise mitigate their effects.
Mechanical Testing and Properties of Plastics—An Introduction
Authors: Thackeray Kayla , Hinkley Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

This article briefly introduces some commonly used methods for mechanical testing. It describes the test methods and provides comparative data for the mechanical property tests. In addition, creep testing and dynamic mechanical analyses of viscoelastic plastics are also briefly described. The article discusses the processes involved in the short-term and long-term tensile testing of plastics. Information on the strength/modulus and deflection tests, impact toughness, hardness testing, and fatigue testing of plastics is also provided. The article describes tension testing of elastomers and fibers. It covers two basic methods to test the mechanical properties of fibers, namely the single-filament tension test and the tensile test of a yarn or a group of fibers.
Moisture-Related Failure of Plastics
Authors: Brown Michelle
Published: March 2023

This article provides an overview of the physics and math associated with moisture-related failures in plastic components. It develops key equations, showing how they are used to analyze the causes and effects of water uptake, diffusion, and moisture concentration in polymeric materials and resins. It explains how absorbed moisture affects a wide range of properties, including glass transition temperature, flexural and shear modulus,creep, stress relaxation, swelling, tensile and yield strength, and fatigue cracking. It provides relevant data on common polymers, resins, and fiber-resin composites.
Ultrasonic Nondestructive Analysis of Plastics
Authors: Kulowitch Paul
Published: March 2023

Of the many different nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, ultrasonic inspection continues to be the leading nondestructive method for inspecting composite materials, because measurements can be quantitative and the typical defect geometries and orientations lend themselves to detection and characterization. This article focuses on the three common methods for ultrasonic nondestructive inspection of plastics, namely pitch-catch, through-transmission, and pulse-echo, as well as the three basic types of ultrasonic NDE scans: the A-scan, B-scan, and C-scan. The discussion includes the linear and phased array systems that are sometimes used for large-scale inspection tasks to reduce scan times, the various gating and image processing techniques, and how ultrasonic data are interpreted and presented. A brief section on future trends in ultrasonic inspection is presented at the end of the article.
Crop yield and energy assessment of chickpea and sunflower cultivation depending on microirrigation system designs
Authors: Shatkovskyi Andrii , Hulenko Oleksandr , Kalilei Volodymyr
Published: March 2023

Over the past 15-20 years, agricultural production in Ukraine has been reoriented to the cultivation of more profitable, highly liquid, as well as drought-resistant crops, in particular – chickpeas and sunflowers. Simultaneously, the technology of growing these crops is quite energy-consuming, especially under irrigation conditions. Therefore, research on the impact of micro-irrigation system designs on the energy parameters of chickpea and sunflower cultivation is relevant. The purpose of the scientific work is to perform an energy assessment of chickpea and sunflower cultivation depending on the construction of micro-irrigation systems and the method of water supply. Research methods: short-term field experiments, and analytical and statistical methods for processing experimental data. The scheme of field experiments provided for various options for laying irrigation pipelines (IP) of micro-irrigation systems (in the horizontal and vertical planes) and the implementation of a pulsed water supply mode (standard). The control was the variant without irrigation. Based on the results of experimental studies, it was found that the method of laying irrigation pipelines (the design of micro-irrigation systems) reliably affects the yield of field crops. Thus, a higher yield was recorded with a shorter distances between the IP (0,7 and 1,0 m), regardless of the depth of the pipelines. It has been proven, that the higher yield level of both chickpeas (4,28 t/ha) and sunflower (4,50 t/ha) was obtained when implementing the pulse water supply mode, however, such an increase was within the error of the field experiment. At the same time, the introduction of subsoil drip irrigation is more appropriate than the cultivation of chickpeas and sunflowers in terms of the total energy costs of the technology. An analysis of energy efficiency in terms of the energy efficiency coefficient (EEC) indicates a high level of energy efficiency in chickpea and sunflower cultivation under both surface and subsurface drip irrigation (EEC = 2,03-2,23 and 2,32-2,50, respectively). The most effective was the cultivation of these crops with a pulsed water supply: EEC was 2,44 for growing of chickpeas and 2,61 for growing of sunflowers. The research materials are of practical value for farmers in the matter of energy management in chickpea and sunflower micro-irrigation technologies.