bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Students' Learning Obstacles on Distance Material in Three Dimensional
Authors: Sukri Sukri , Prabawanto Sufyani , Usdiyana Dian
Published: May 2023

This study was intended to identify learning obstacles faced by students on the distance between two points and the distance between point-to-line materials. The data in this study was obtained through a test, interview, and documentation of students who have learned the materials. The research method used was the qualitative method with a case study approach. This study involved 33 students of class XII and a teacher as a participant. Learning obstacles found in this study were ontogenical, didactical, and epistemological obstacles. The ontogenical obstacles were the students' lack of basic geometry ability and counting operations of the square root which caused the students to make mistakes in applying the Pythagoras formula, determining the position of perpendicular lines, as well as completing arithmetic operations of the square root. The didactical obstacle was the fact that students were only emphasized on using a quick formula to solve three-dimensional problems. This fact resulted in the uncompleted concept received by students. Consequently, the students forget the proper procedure for solving the problems easily, and they tend to make mistakes in applying the quick formula. The epistemological obstacle was the lack of students' comprehension of a concept to determine the distance between a point to a line if the triangle which is formed is not a right triangle. This lack of comprehension caused the students can’t solve a mathematics problem. The implication of this study is learning materials used by students should be arranged based on students' needs which consider the analysis of learning obstacles so that the learning objectives can be achieved
Development of Project Based Learning with STEAM Approach Model Integrated Science Literacy in Improving Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Nuraini Nuraini , Asri Indra Himayatul , Fajri Nurul
Published: May 2023

In preparing students who have the skills to respond to the challenges of the times and face the demands of 21st century learning, teachers need to develop students' science literacy and design learning in accordance with the characteristics and learning outcomes of students. The purpose of this study is to develop learning with PjBL with STEAM approach model integrated science literacy. Research is carried out through the stages of needs analysis, product design, product development, product implementation and evaluation. The research object was grade X students of SMAN 2 Selong totaling 35 students with 25 female students and 10 male students. Research instruments include needs analysis questionnaire guidelines, product validation guidelines, product practicality guidelines, teacher response guidelines and learning outcomes tests on ecosystem materials.  The collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis.  Data analysis showed that the product developed was classified as valid with an average score of validation by 3 experts, namely linguists, material experts and learning technology experts respectively 83.91, 84.64 and 83.73.  The product is also classified as practical with an average practicality score of 82.63. The product is classified as effective with an effectiveness percentage of 88.57%. The developed product has high potential in improving student learning outcomes on ecosystem materials with an N-Gain of 0.76
Effect of Problem-Based Learning Model on Students' Physics Problem Solving Ability: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dewi Wahyuni Satria , Siregar Reynaldy , Putra Amali , Hidayati Hidayati
Published: May 2023

In the 21st century, the improvement of science and technology leads humans to master various skills, one of which is problem solving. Physics learning can be one of the means in improving students' problem-solving ability (PSA). The purposes of this research are determine the effect of PBL model on students' physics PSA, determine the effect of PBL model on students' physics PSA based on subject matter, and determine the effect of PBL model on students' physics PSA based on teaching materials. This research is a meta-analysis by analysing 17 articles from national journals indexed at least Sinta 4 and international journals or proceedings. The results showed that there is an effect of PBL model on the ability to solve physics problems of students as a whole equal to 1.985 with a very high category. Based on the subject matter, the most effective effect of PBL on PSA is on temperature and heat material which is 4.135 with a very high category. In the material of effort and energy, the influence of PBL on PSA is the lowest compared to other materials with an effect size value of 0.365. While based on teaching materials, the effect of PBL on physics PSA is low with an effect size of 0.315. Digital teaching materials are the best teaching materials applied in PBL learning to improve students' physics PSA
Effect of Using Instagram Learning Media on Student Learning Outcomes Using the Discovery Learning Model on Reaction Rate Material
Authors: Rahmawati Inka Pungky , Yamtinah Sri , Utomo Suryadi Budi , Widarti Hayuni Retno , Shidiq Ari Syahidul
Published: May 2023

In Era 4.0, the development of media and learning processes, such as using Instagram as a learning media, is required to make learning more meaningful. This is due to the fact that Instagram is a prominent social media network with over 400 million members. Learning models that can accommodate the skills required in the twenty-first century must be used to make learning more relevant. The discovery learning model is one of them. As a result, this study aims to evaluate the effect of using Instagram learning media on student learning outcomes using the discovery learning model on reaction rate material. A quasi-experimental design was used in this study, with an experimental class of 36 students and a control class of 36 students. This study employed ten multiple-choice questions in the pre-test and post-test to measure student learning outcomes. The N-Gain and Wilcoxon tests were then performed. The study findings demonstrate that employing Instagram learning media using the discovery learning model influences increasing student learning outcomes.
FEEDING MANAGEMENT OF SUPER INTENSIVE TILAPIA FISH (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) CULTURE
Authors: Alhijrah Muhammad Rifki , Scabra Andre Rachmat
Published: May 2023

Ikan nila adalah satu komoditas yang mempunyai nilai ekonomis yang tinggi. Permintaan akan ikan nila berdasarkan tahun ke tahun terus mengalami peningkatan, lantaran ikan ini digemari dan dianggap pula menjadi aquatic chicken bahkan ini sudah dikenal menjadi aquatic turkey. Kegiatan ilmiah ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Manajemen Pemberian Pakan Benih Ikan Nila Nirwana (Oreochromis niloticus) Super Intensif Di Tambak Desa Teratak, Kecamatan Batukliang Utara, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah. Metode pengumpulan data yang  digunakan yaitu partisipasi aktif, observasi, dan wawancara. Data yang diperoleh selama kegiatan dianalisis secara deskriptif. Kegiatan ini dimulai dari persiapan kolam, persiapan media, persiapan benih, pengaplikasian bahan steroid, herbal dan probiotik, serta pengelolaan kualitas air. Manajemen pakan benih ikan nila nirwana diberikan sebanyak 3 kali sehari dengan pakan sebanyak 412 gram selama 21 hari dengan pakan yang dicampurkan dengan bahan steroid untuk maskuinisasi atau pengarahan kelamin ikan nila dari betina ke jantan. Setelah melewati 21 hari benih ikan diberikan pakan campuran probiotik dan herbal sebanyak 1,5 kg pakan untuk 11 petak kolam benih. Padat tebar per petak kolam benih yaitu 140.000 ekor, dari jumlah padat tebar tersebut jumlah ikan yang berhasil sampai pendederan atau pembesaran yaitu sebanyak 110.000 ekor. Panjang ikan nila dari awal pemeliharaan sampai 1 bulan pemeliharaan yaitu 2-3,5 cm. Pengelolaan kualitas dilakukan dengan penambahan probiotik, herbal dan molase sebanyak 3 kali sehari sesuai dengan keadaan cuaca.
Optical Character Recognition Using Active Contour Segmentation
Authors: Oudah Nabeel , Esmaile Maher Faik , Abdulredaa Estabraq
Published: May 2023

Document analysis of images snapped by camera is a growing challenge. These photos are often poor-quality compound images, composed of various objects and text; this makes automatic analysis complicated. OCR is one of the image processing techniques which is used to perform automatic identification of texts. Existing image processing techniques need to manage many parameters in order to clearly recognize the text in such pictures. Segmentation is regarded one of these essential parameters. This paper discusses the accuracy of segmentation process and its effect over the recognition process. According to the proposed method, the images were firstly filtered using the wiener filter then the active contour algorithm could be applied in the segmentation process. The Tesseract OCR Engine was selected in order to evaluate the performance and identification accuracy of the proposed method. The results showed that a more accurate segmentation process shall lead to a more accurate recognition results. The rate of recognition accuracy was 0.95 for the proposed algorithm compared with 0.85 for the Tesseract OCR Engine.
Design Comparison between the Gravity and Pressure Sand Filters for Water Treatment, Review
Authors: Issa Batool Chasib , Khudair Basim Husein
Published: May 2023

Hygienic engineering has dedicated a lot of time and energy to studying water filtration because of how important it is to human health. Thorough familiarity with the filtration process is essential for the design engineer to keep up with and profit from advances in filtering technology and equipment as the properties of raw water continue to change. Because it removes sediment, chemicals, odors, and microbes, filtration is an integral part of the water purification process. The most popular technique for treating surface water for municipal water supply is considered fast sand filtration, which can be achieved using either gravity or pressure sand filters. Predicting the performance of units in water treatment plants is a basic principle. For that reason, this research was executed to compare gravity and pressure sand filters in terms of construction, use, efficiency, filtration rate, cost, benefit, and drawbacks to predict the performance of those units under different conditions and from an economic standpoint. It also served as a presentation and review of previous studies dealing with the evaluation and development of pressure and gravity filters. This paper gives a brief overview of filtration theory, the types and properties of filter media, filter backwashing, and operational problems that can be avoided in the filtration process.
The Effect of Type of Fiber in Density and Splitting Tensile Strength of SIFCON
Authors: Jerry Ali Hassan , Fawzi Nada Mahdi
Published: May 2023

SIFCON is characterized as a construction material of high ductility and very high strength. It is suitable for concrete structures used for special applications. However, the density of SIFCON is much higher than that of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) due to the need for a large amount of high-density steel fibers. This work examines the split tensile behavior of modified weight slurry infiltrated fiber concrete utilizing a mixture of two types of fibers, steel fiber, and polyolefin fiber. For the investigation, 30 cylinders and 15 cubes were poured. The used volume fraction (V.F) is (6 %) and the use of five series once as each type separately and once a hybrid in proportions of 2/3 polyolefin with 1/3 steel fiber and vice versa. The splitting tensile strength and the unit weight of SIFCON resulting from tests were studied. The results indicate that SIFCON produced from a mixture of 1/3 hook-end steel fibers with 2/3 polyolefin fibers achieved good results in reducing density while maintaining a high split tensile strength. It significantly decreased density by 140 kg per cubic meter and improved splitting tensile strength by 494%.
Parametric Analysis of Surface Roughness and Metal Removal Rate during Electrical Discharge Machining of O1 Tool Steel
Authors: Ahmed Baqer A.
Published: May 2023

This work studies the impact of input machining parameters of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) on the machining process performance. Tool steel O1 was selected as the workpiece material, copper as the electrode material, and kerosene as the dielectric medium. Experimental runs have been carried out with a Design of Experiment (DOE) technique. Twenty tests are accomplished with the current range of (18 to 24 Ampere), a pulse duration range of (150 to 200 µs), and a pulse-off time range of (25 to 75 µs). Based upon the experimental study's output results, the EDM parameter's effect (voltage of power supply, discharge current, pulse duration, and pulse pause interval) on the responses of the process represented by surface roughness value Ra and Metal Removal MR rate.  The results obtained by the DOE approach are analyzed by STATISTICA software. It has been concluded that an increase in the current and pulse duration maximizes both metal removal rate and surface roughness. At the same time, they are minimized by maximizing the pulse pause interval.
Producing Sustainable Roller Compacted Concrete by Using Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Khalid Mustafa Q. , Abbas Zena K.
Published: May 2023

One-third of the total waste generated in the world is construction and demolition waste. Reducing the life cycle of building materials includes increasing their recycling and reuse by using recycled aggregates. By preventing, the need to open new aggregate quarries and reducing the amount of construction waste dumped into landfills, the use of recycled concrete aggregate in drum compacted concrete protects the environment. Four samples of PRCC were prepared for testing (compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, density, water absorption, porosity) as the reference mix and (10, 15, and 20%) of fine recycled concrete aggregate as a partial replacement for fine natural aggregate by volume. The mix is designed according to (ACI 327-15) with the specified cylinder compressive strength (28 MPa). The results showed a decrease in mechanical properties with an increase in partial replacement compared to the reference mixture and an increase in water absorption and porosity at 28 days. This is because old cement mortar on the surfaces of fine recycled concrete aggregates leads to higher porosity and water absorption than fine natural aggregates. At 90 days, results improved slightly. This is due to the non-aqueous cement in the recycled fine concrete aggregate.
Subjective well-being of staff of educational and scientific organizations in the conditions of war: level and relationship with coping strategies
Authors:   G.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the NAES of Ukraine, Karamushka Liudmyla
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Promotion of educational and scientific organization staff's subjective well-being in the conditions of war is an important research and applied problem, which requires, in particular, the study of its personality-related factors. Aim: to investigate the level of subjective well-being of the staff of educational and scientific organizations in the conditions of war and the relationship between well-being and coping strategies. Methods: The Modified BBC Subjective Well-being Scale (BBC-SWB) (P. Pontin, M. Schwannauer, S. Tai, & M. Kinderman; adapted by L. Karamushka, K. Tereshchenko, & O. Kredentser); The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) (N.S, Endler, J.D. Parker); statistical methods (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis (Pearson's correlation coefficient)). Results. In the conditions of war, staff of educational and scientific organizations was found to have subjective well-being at a moderate level. At the same time, the "physical health and well-being" indicator was almost half the level of the "psychological well-being" and "well-being in relationships" indicators. All subjective well-being indicators of educational and scientific organization staff's subjective well-being in the conditions of war had statistically significant, both positive and negative, relationship with the majority of coping strategies ("orientation towards problem solving", "social distraction", "orientation towards emotions", and "avoidance"), which suggests that coping strategies are a significant psychological factor in staff's subjective well-being. Conclusions. The obtained results can be helpful in improving performance of educational and scientific organizations in war conditions.
The relationship between military amputees' coping strategies and their educational and professional characteristics
Authors:   G.S.Kostiuk Institute of psychology of the NAES of Ukraine, Karamushka Liudmyla , Kredentser Oksana ,   G.S.Kostiuk Institute of psychology of the NAES of Ukraine, Tereshchenko Kira ,   G.S.Kostiuk Institute of psychology of the NAES of Ukraine, Karamushka Taras ,   Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Trofimov Andrii ,   Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Visich Oleksandr ,   Charitable organization Charitable foundation «Inner power of nation», Polivko Larуsa ,   Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Trofimova Daria ,   Kyiv Institute of Modern Psychology and Psychotherapy, Zvarych Roman ,   Charitable foundation «Inner power of nation»
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Coping strategies used in overcoming crisis situations is an important component of stress-overcoming behavior, or coping behavior of the individual. Aim: to empirically investigate the relationship between coping strategies used by military amputees and their educational and professional characteristics. Methods: the COPE scale (Carver, Scheier, & Weintraub), passport questionnaire, statistical methods (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis (Pearson's correlation coefficient)). Results. It was found that the majority of respondents used active and productive coping strategies such as «coping planning» and «positive reformulation and personal growth», and almost every second respondent used «acceptance» and «active» coping strategies. A significant number of the military used various passive and unproductive coping strategies to avoid solving problems. There was a statistically significant relationship between the coping strategies used by military amputees and their educational and professional characteristics. Conclusions. The obtained results can be helpful in developing military amputees' psychosocial rehabilitation technology.
Psychological features of the economic behaviour of Ukrainian citizens during the war: gender aspect
Authors:   Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kononets Maria
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The full-scale war in Ukraine has led to significant changes in the economic behaviour of citizens in many countries of the world, with Ukraine being affected the most. Accordingly, it is relevant to study the psychological characteristics of the economic behaviour and emotional state of Ukrainians during the war, as well as the economic behaviour of Ukrainians in relation to gender. Aim. To determine the psychological characteristics of the economic behaviour of Ukrainians during the war in relation to their incomes and gender, as well as to analyze the economic behaviour and emotional states of Ukrainians associated with it. Methods. Psychodiagnostic (the author's questionnaire «Psychological features of the economic behaviour of citizens of Ukraine during the war»), comparative, quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results. This article shows how the full-scale war in Ukraine affected its citizens’ income in relation to the country of their residence during the war. The author has analyzed the causes for the changes in the income of Ukrainians during the war, their related emotional states and economic behaviours, as well as the gender-related features of their economic behaviour. Conclusions. The information given in the article can help identify the causes of certain emotional states in a person, depending on their income and general financial situation, as well as analyze economic behaviour of individuals during the war.
Empirical study of psychological war-related problems of Ukrainians living in Germany
Authors:   G.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the NAES of Ukraine, Kredentser Oksana
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The war in Ukraine caused a huge increase in the number of Ukrainians seeking temporary shelter in other countries of the world. A particularly significant number of Ukrainians found refuge in Germany. In this connection, researching the psychological problems faced by the Ukrainians who live in Germany seems quite topical. Aim: to analyze psychological war-related problems faced by Ukrainians in Germany. Methods: To carry out a study, a special questionnaire "Social and Psychological Survey of Ukrainians Who Are Staying in Germany Due to the War" (O.V. Kredentser) was developed and used. Results. The study showed the existence of a number of problems related to the conditions of Ukrainians' staying in Germany. These are, first of all, socio-professional problems, which include lack of knowledge of German language, problems with children's education, problems with work in Ukraine and Germany, lack of support from the German community and lack of support from German relatives and/or acquaintances. Secondly, social and psychological problems: conflicts with the nearest and dearest who are in Germany, lack of life prospects, conflicts with the loved ones who remained in Ukraine, loss of the meaning of life. Thirdly, the economic and household problems: lack of their own separate housing, problems with finding housing, lack of finances for living, and other problems. The German Ukrainians' mental health was assessed to be lower than their physical health, with the main psychological problems being uncertainty, desire to return home, self-doubt, anxiety, helplessness, depression, despair, "rejection" of the country of staying, apathy, fear, etc. There is both an objective and a subjective need for special individual and group intervention programs and psychological support, which will help maintain mental health, increase resilience, and contribute to the personal development of Ukrainians in Germany. Conclusions. The obtained data can be helpful in developing psychosocial support technologies for Ukrainians in Germany.
ВІРТУАЛЬНИЙ ФІЗИЧНИЙ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТ ЯК ЗАСІБ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ФАХОВИХ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТЕЙ ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ОСВІТИ В УМОВАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ
Authors: Федчишин Ольга , Мохун Сергій , Чопик Павло
Published: May 2023

Формулювання проблеми. Проблема проведення якісного фізичного експерименту у закладах освіти на сьогодні є надзвичайно актуальною. Сучасна система освіти неможлива без активного використання цифрових технологій, онлайн-сервісів і платформ. Тому в освітній діяльності активно використовується нова форма наочності – віртуальна, яка є ефективною у випадку доповнення реального фізичного експерименту. Використання віртуального фізичного експерименту активізує пізнавально-пошукову діяльність здобувачів освіти, але лише поєднання віртуального та реального експерименту забезпечує якісний результат під час навчання фізики. Тому одним із основних завдань у процесі підготовки майбутніх учителів фізики є пошук оптимальних форм і методів інтегрування реального та віртуального експериментів, що сприятимуть удосконаленню фахових компетентностей здобувачів освіти.
Матеріали і методи. З метою з’ясування стану дослідженості проблеми в педагогічній теорії та практиці використано: теоретичні методи – аналіз, порівняння, систематизація та узагальнення навчально-методичних, наукових та прикладних джерел, електронних ресурсів з проблеми дослідження.
Результати. Розглянуто дидактичні та методичні можливості віртуального фізичного експерименту як засобу удосконалення фахових компетентностей здобувачів освіти. У дослідженні запропоновано виконання лабораторної роботи «Визначення індуктивності котушки методом використання явища самоіндукції при замиканні кола». В якості середовища для моделювання електричних схем використано програмне забезпечення Proteus від Labcenter Electronics. Представлено результати опитування студентів щодо ефективності використання віртуального експерименту в освітній діяльності.
Висновки. Використання віртуального фізичного експерименту в освітньому процес забезпечує реалізацію експериментального методу навчання фізики в умовах дистанційного навчання, формування дослідницьких умінь та навичок, застосування набутих знань у практичній діяльності, значно розширює можливості залучення здобувачів освіти до пізнавально-пошукової діяльності, активізує їх самостійну діяльність. Віртуальний фізичний експеримент сприяє формуванню та удосконаленню загальних та фахових компетентностей здобувачів освіти.
Sensing population displacement from Ukraine using Facebook data: Identifying potential settlement areas within host countries
Authors: González-Leonardo Miguel , Neville Ruth , Gil-Clavel Soﬁa , Rowe Francisco
Published: May 2023

The escalation of conflict in Ukraine has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since WWII. As of mid-April 2023, over 8.2 million people have fled Ukraine. Large-scale efforts have been made to identify the major receiving countries. However, less is known about the sub-national areas within host countries where refugees have migrated. Identifying these areas is key for the appropriate allocation of humanitarian aid. By combining digital Facebook API data and traditional data from Eurostat, this paper aims to identify and characterise potential settlement areas of Ukrainians across the main destination countries in Europe. We identify high concentrations of Ukrainians in urban areas with a pre-existing diaspora and tight labour market conditions across southern, northern-west and central Poland and the city of Prague in Czech Republic. We also find potential settlements in key urban agglomerations with a moderate diaspora and high levels of unemployment in Spain. Only in Romania, refugees seem to have settled in rural areas which show a moderate diaspora but low levels of unemployment. Potential settlement areas in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom are spread across the country. Surprisingly, we do not identify potential settlement areas in bordering regions with Ukraine within neighbouring countries, suggesting that refugees may have used them only as transit points. Our findings point out that different packages of humanitarian assistance may be needed according to the number of refugees and the characteristics of settlement areas.
PSSD,PFS,PRSD: A perspective for aetiology and treatment
Authors: Bourtzalas Spyridon
Published: May 2023

Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction(PSSD), Post-Finasteride Syndrome(PFS) and Post-Retinoid Sexual Dysfunction(PRSD) are documented, yet poorly understood iatrogenic conditions with severe and chronic, often permanent effects on quality of life. Treating these conditions presupposes understanding the causal pathways that lead to their appearance, which in turn necessitates a parallel development of a firmer grasp on the mechanisms that drive sexual behaviour in men and women. So far, no well-supported propositions exist as to the aetiology of these syndromes and no possible treatments to combat them. The aim of this paper is to provide a new framework that can bridge the gap between the syndromes themselves, as well as expose their connection to specific parts of human physiology that control sexual behaviour, thus revealing a possible pathway to treatment. A fourth syndrome, unknown to medical literature is introduced and identified. Estrogenic activity is exposed as the main factor at the center of all four syndromes, providing an explanation for details which have remained elusive thus far, like the appearance of genital numbness. Supported by a bulk of available scientific literature, Estradiol’s role in the modulation of sexual behaviour is specified and differentiated from that of androgens. It is proposed as the primary sexual hormone in both men and women, challenging traditional views. Attention is focused on receptor activity and expression instead of serum hormonal levels as well as the already established interplay and competing effects of hormones. The syndromes are attributed to a downregulation of estrogen receptor expression and activity, which is the root for the entirety of the consequent dysfunctions. The possible mechanisms behind the appearance of this core issue are discussed, and simple hormonal treatments are proposed. If further corroborated, the resulting new understanding of the importance of estrogens on sexual behaviour and more, could reveal a spectrum of novel applications in sexual medicine and other relevant medical fields with a far-reaching potential effect on health and quality of life.
Serendipitous observations of an unusual ice formation in a Hampshire Garden
Authors: Fowler Martin
Published: May 2023

In January 2023, an unusual ice formation was captured on a series of photographs taken by a trail camera set up to observe wildlife in a garden in the village of South Wonston, Hampshire, UK. The feature had formed spontaneously on the surface of a frozen water bowl and appears to have formed by atmospheric icing rather than by freezing drip water. The observation represents another example of the impact of serendipity in science, whereby interesting or valuable things are found by chance.
A REVIEW ON SOIL CONTAMINATION SOURCES: IMPACT ON ENGINEERING PROPERTIES AND REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: AL-khyat Sahar , Naji Dalia , T. Hamad Huda , Onyeaka Helen
Published: May 2023

Soil contamination produced by improper management of various petroleum and industrial products causes potential risks to the environment and soil engineering properties. Such contamination causes environmental deterioration and adversely affects soil engineering performance, altering almost all geotechnical properties. Several remediation techniques have been proposed to decontaminate the polluted soils. Choosing the best technique depends on both the energy consumption during operation and the treatment efficiency. The lack of a universally appropriate treatment method and the unavoidable expansion of contaminated land have justified the sake of reviewing the behavior of contaminated soils to develop both environmentally and geotechnically suitable soils for construction projects. The present paper reviewed some soil contamination sources’ backgrounds, effects, and remediation methods. Soils influenced by petroleum hydrocarbons and industrial effluents were evaluated. According to the reviewed studies, contaminants are evidenced to have a negative impact on soils' geotechnical characteristics by increasing settlement and swelling, reducing shear strength, and decreasing permeability. The need to restore the engineering characteristics of soils suggest the necessity to use remediation or stabilization technique. The electrochemical method, bioremediation, and stabilizing by additives are revealed to be efficient in improving the engineering properties and performance of contaminated soils.
Cd+2 SORPTION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING ROSEMARY PLANT: PERFORMANCE AND ISOTHERM STUDY
Authors: Najih Mohsen Eman , K. Hussien Tamara , A. Jasim Nidaa
Published: May 2023

This research was conducted to verify the removal efficiency of cadmium ions from an aqueous solution using a low-cost natural adsorbent. Rosemary plant was used in a batch system, and to understand this process more, several factors were investigated as follows: pH, contact time, initial metal ions concentration, amount of adsorbent material, and agitation speed. All experiments were carried out at room temperature. Whereas, the results showed the optimal value of removal was 83% for cadmium onto rosemary plant, under optimum operating conditions: pH 5, the adsorbent material dosage 2 g/100 ml, contact time 60 min, the metal concentration 10 mg/L, and agitation speed 250 rpm. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm model fits the equilibrium adsorption data for Cd+2better than the Langmuir model. This study found that the rosemary plant as a cost-effective and locally adsorbent for removing Cd+2from polluted water is efficient. Thus, it is possible to use the rosemary plant as a low-cost material to be used to adsorb heavy metals from wastewater.
RECURSIVE TERNARY-BASED ALGORITHM FOR COMPUTING PRIME IMPLICANTS OF MULTI-OUTPUT BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS
Authors: Al-Wardi Zaid , Al-Wardi Osama
Published: May 2023

The problem of computing the set of prime implicants to represent a Boolean function is a classical problem that is still considered a running problem for research because all known approaches have limitations. The article reviews existing methods for computing prime implicants and highlights their limitations, particularly for multi-output functions and limited scalability due to the growth in memory required to complete the computation. Then it proposes a recursive ternary-based minimization algorithm to compute the prime implicants of multi-output Boolean functions. The algorithm is based on the concept of Programmable Logic Array (PLA) tables, which provide a structured and efficient representation of Boolean functions. The algorithm takes advantage of the ternary logic system to efficiently compute the prime implicants while maintaining scalability for large and complex functions, which has significant implications for digital circuit design and optimization.
Microsatellite Instability of Colon adenocarcinomas in India comprises multiple molecular subtypes
Authors: Ariyannur Prasanth , Menon Veena P , Pavithran Keechilat , Paulose Roopa R. , Vasudevan Damodaran M.
Published: May 2023

The microsatellite stable (MSS) category accounts for more than four-fifths of colon and rectal cancer (CRC). However, studies during the last two decades in the Indian population have shown that the microsatellite instable (MSI) is more than 30% of CRC cases. We have conducted a study to explore the pathogenesis of microsatellite instability in Indian CRC. In the preliminary studies, we conducted a Nanostring Pan-Cancer pathway analysis of early-stage CRC (n = 10, MSS = 5, MSI = 5) and normal tissues (n=7). We identified the differentially expressed genes associated with the tumor and correlated them against microsatellite instability status. Among them, _AXIN2_, _ETV4_, and _RNF43_ were tumor cell-specific signals that had a differential expression between MSI and MSS groups. When overlapped with the TCGA immune cell infiltration data, TIMER, these genes segregated to the tumor cells. Moreover, they were less associated with other significant genes in protein-protein interaction analysis by STRING. The expression of these genes was further validated in another set of early-stage microsatellite instable CRC (n = 15) by qPCR. The expression fold-changes of these signals suggest distinct subsets in the MSI subgroup of CRC in the Indian population.
The Pluriformity of the Alexandrian Text-Type in the Catholic Epistles
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Munyengwe Coster
Published: May 2023

The Alexandrian text-type is traditionally known by textual critics to exist in two groups. In the mid-1970s, W. Larry Richards discovered a third Alexandrian group in his study of the Johannine Epistles. Kenneth Keumsang Yoo’s study of 1 Peter in 2001 confirmed the existence of the third group. This study attempted to determine whether the so-called third Alexandrian group exists in all of the books of the Catholic Epistles, and what the characteristics are of the readings in this group. Using factor analysis to form tentative groups for thirty manuscripts previously classified as Alexandrian in all three groups in the Catholic Epistles, I proceeded to profile the manuscripts and then analyzed the readings. The first objective, determining whether or not a third group existed in all of the Catholic Epistles, confirmed its existence. The second objective, determining the characteristics of the readings, made up the major portion of my research. The procedure used involved an application of the basic canons of textual criticism to multiple comparisons between the readings of the third group with various combinations of the Alexandrian groups and the Textus Receptus. The significance of the study is twofold. First, not only is it an established fact that this third group of manuscripts is Alexandrian, it actually differs from the Byzantine text-type, as represented by the Textus Receptus, much more than do the traditionally named Alexandrian groups. Separation from the Byzantine text has been a cardinal identifying mark of the Alexandrian text-type. Second, the manuscripts within this Alexandrian group reflect skillful editorial activity similar to the so-called “less pure” Alexandrian text, and in some respects to the editorial work done by scribes who “smoothed” the readings found in the Textus Receptus. This is evidenced largely by the increased number of additions found among units of variation where the third group differs from the other two Alexandrian groups. The group of manuscripts identified by Richards, therefore, differs from the Textus Receptus more than any other group of manuscripts. Paradoxically, this group of manuscripts demonstrates editorial activity similar to that of the Textus Receptus even more dramatically than do the traditional Alexandrian groups.
The Role and Status of the Catholic Church in the Church-State Relationship Within the Roman Empire from A.D. 306 to 814
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Zukowski Jean
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes and compares information from historical documents on the role and status of the church in the development of church-state relationships within the Roman Empire from A.D. 306 to 814 (from Constantine's ascendancy to the throne, to Charlemagne's death). After the introductory chapter, chapter 2 analyzes church-state relationships at the time of Constantine. The chapter presents the Christian and Roman ways of understanding religion before Constantine, the changes that occurred because of Constantine's conversion to Catholicism, and his religious policies. Chapter 3 analyzes the church-state relationships that existed form the time of Constantine's sons to the reign of Justinian. During this time, Catholicism replaced paganism and the Roman senate in the religious and political life of the empire. Also, it examines the development of the papacy and Justinian's religious policies. Chapter 4 analyzes the church-state relationship during the reign of Clovis. It analyzes the significance of Clovis's conversion to Catholicism and to the political life of Gaul and the empire, as well as his model of church-state relations. Chapter 5 analyzes the church-state relationship from Pope Gregory the great to the time of Charlemagne. It discusses Charlemagne's religious policies and the importance of the Catholic Church and the papacy to the Frankish empire and the legitimacy of the Carolingian dynasty. It presents the papacy's struggle for political power and its independence from the eastern empire after its alliance with the Frankish kings. Chapter 6 analyzes and compares the church-state relationships that existed during the reigns of the four political leaders covered in the previous chapters- Constantine, Justinian, Clovis, and Charlemagne. The chapter suggests that the church-state model adopted by Justinian was similar to that of Constantine and the one adopted by Charlemagne was similar to that of Clovis. This study proposes that just as Constantine's conversion and Charlemagne's coronation are considered turning points in history, Clovis's conversion and the reigns of Justinian and Vigilius can be considered tipping points for the beginning of the new European model of church-state relations and the fight for political supremacy by the papacy.
An Evaluation of Reserve Component Leaders' Attitudes and Motivation as They Relate to Situational Leadership Theory in a Peacekeeping Operational Environment
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Barrett Clark
Published: May 2023

Program. This study investigated the relationships between Reservist leaders' attitudes and Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory (SLT), and Thomas's Integrative Model of Intrinsic Motivation during a 2004 Sinai, Egypt, peacekeeping mission. Methodology. This descriptive study provided quantitative and qualitative results. Three instruments were used with a convenience sample of leaders within one forward-deployed National Guard infantry battalion. The LEADSelf instrument determined the SLT style of unit officers and non-commissioned officers. The Thomas Empowerment Survey profiled participants' intrinsic motivation. A researcher-developed survey determined preferences for intrinsic versus extrinsic motivator factors. The study centered on the following issues: (1) Are the participants satisfied with their involvement in the National Guard and the peacekeeping mission? (2) Is there a significant relationship between intrinsic levels of motivation as measured by Thomas's model and volunteerism (or hypothetical volunteerism) in the participants? (3) Are the participants motivated by intrinsic or extrinsic factors to take part in the study peacekeeping operation? Results. Seventy-four percent of the respondents to the SLT survey reported a high task and high relationship S2 "Selling" leadership style. Less than 10% of the respondents felt high levels of intrinsic motivation in the areas of Choice, Competence, and Progress as measured by the Thomas scale. Similarly, 22% of the respondents reported a high sense of Meaningfulness. Regarding the research hypotheses, no significant relationships could be established between volunteerism/hypothetical volunteerism and Thomas's intrinsic factors using chi-square statistics. However, there was qualitative support for this relationship. The ultimate desire of the study was to see whether intrinsic or extrinsic factors held greater sway on these Reserve soldiers in a peacekeeping environment. What motivated them? Soldiers preferred intrinsic factors over extrinsic factors. They also reported displeasure when these intrinsic factors were absent. Conclusions. (1) There was no quantitative support for the research questions studying relationships between volunteerism/hypothetical volunteerism and Thomas's intrinsic motivation factors. (2) However, qualitative support suggested that soldiers are intrinsically motivated to participate in peacekeeping operations and the National Guard in general. (3) Respondents indicated they could be both dissatisfied and satisfied in aspects of their military career and the Sinai peacekeeping mission.
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Reading Comprehension in High School Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bryant Helen
Published: May 2023

Problem. Research indicates that students who receive an exclusively academic education that does not include emotional intelligence skills may not be prepared for future challenges of the 21st century because traditional intelligence contributes to only 20% of the factors that determine life success. Students with learning disabilities have average or above average cognitive intelligence. However, many do not demonstrate academic and social behaviors that normally would be compatible with average intelligence. Even though their cognitive intelligence has been tested, their emotional intelligence has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and reading comprehension in high-school students with learning disabilities. Method. A total of 47 males and females with learning disabilities, ages 15 to 18, in Grades 10, 11, and 12 were studied. The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory Youth Version was utilized to measure emotional intelligence. The Wide Range Expanded Group Assessment was administered to assess reading comprehension. To determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and reading comprehension, the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was utilized. t tests were used to determine the influence of reading comprehension and emotional intelligence on gender, and one-way ANOVA was performed to determine the influence of emotional intelligence on grade level. Results. Results of the study indicated a strong relationship between emotional intelligence and reading comprehension in high-school students with learning disabilities. Gender and grade level did not seem to be related to either emotional intelligence or reading comprehension. Conclusion. Since a relationship does exist between emotional intelligence and reading comprehension, teaching emotional intelligence skills to students with learning disabilities may be beneficial to them both academically and socially.
The Effectiveness of Rating Scales and Semi-Structured Interview in Diagnosing Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Cofrancesco Carolyn
Published: May 2023

Problem and purpose. There are few standardized tools for diagnosing ADHD in adults. The purpose of this study was to compare a standardized rating scale (CAARS) used by different observers, with a comprehensive diagnostic interview (CAADID) with respect to their ability to diagnose subtypes of ADHD. Method. Subjects for this study came from baseline data of 98 patients (18 to 60 years ofage) participating in a drug trial for adult ADHD. The CAADID interview results in a yes-no decision as to whether the patient meets DSM-IV criteria for the subtypes ADHD. A t -test was used to compare the CAADID-diagnosed and Not-Diagnosed subtypes with the CAARS scores as the dependent measures. Results. The CAADID duplicates results from the CAARS, with one exception: Combined Subtype reported by an observer using the CAARS did not agree with the CAADID diagnosis. Conclusions. In most cases different rating perspectives reveal the same picture of the patient, except by an outside observer. Data reveals that a childhood history and an extensive interview are needed to supplement ratings by an observer.