bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Genital Mutilation: Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt
Authors: Elzeblawy Hassan Hanan
Published: December 2023

Background: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is an ancient cultural practice, predating the Bible and therefore the Koran, and has no basis in any religion. It is related to deep social and cultural ideas impeded in several societies regarding femininity and modesty because it is viewed as girls clean and delightful only after being genitally cut. FGM/C is additionally viewed as a protection of virginity, and it prevents premarital sex. Aim: The present study was carried find out to assess Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt regarding Female Genital Mutilation. Subject & Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study was used. The study was conducted in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef Governorate. A Convenient sample was used. А Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet which includes three sections: Socio-demographic data, Intention to practice FGM/C, and Causes for intention or not to practicing FGM/C. Results: The mean age of the studied participants was 22.6±5. Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation is 71.4percentage, 29.7percentage of participants are suffering from complications after FGM. About 28.6percentage of females who had mutilated their daughters were planning to mutilate their other daughters in the future. More than one-third of females (35.5percentage) had an unfavorable attitude and 40.5percentage had poor levels of knowledge regarding FGM/C. 71.3percentage of females mentioned that the source of their information about FGM/C was their personal experience. Conclusion: Northern Upper Egyptian Females' Intention regarding intention of mutilating their daughters was significantly affected by demographic characteristics, level of knowledge, and level of attitude, source information, exposure to complications or pressure from family and neighbors. Recommendations: Alleviate females' intention toward Female Genital Mutilation should be improving their awareness regarding complications and Egyptian law against FGM, established by improve females' resistance toward family or neighbor regarding bad and harmful traditions.
Two-wave polarimetric system reproduction and evaluation of anisotropy and dichroism of bile films in the diagnostics of pathologies
Authors: Zabolotna N. I. , Sholota V. V.
Published: December 2023

A system of two-wave polarization reproduction of distributions of phase and orientation parameters of anisotropy and coefficients of linear and circular dichroism of bile films in the diagnosis of pathologies has been developed. Fuzzy decision support models were derived and the reliability of the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes using the developed system was evaluated.
FİNANSAL KURULUŞLAR TARAFINDAN ÖZEL SEKTÖRE SAĞLANAN KREDİLER, AR&GE YATIRIMLARI VE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ: ÇİN, GÜNEY KORE VE JAPONYA’DAN KANITLAR
Authors: ÇELİK Recep Alper
Published: December 2023

Bu çalışmanın temel hedefi, sürdürülebilir ekonomik büyümenin sağlanabilmesi için AR&GE yatırımlarının önemini ortaya koymaktır. Bu bağlamda, bu çalışma dört ana bölümden oluşmaktadır. Çalışmanın ilk bölümünde AR&GE kavramı tanımlanmıştır. Çalışmanın teorik altyapısı olan Solow modeli ise makalenin giriş kısmında ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın ilk bölümünde ekonomik büyüme kavramı açıklanmıştır. Ekonomik büyümenin farklı tanımları verilmiş ve ardından ekonominin temel kaynakları olan insan, doğa, fon, teknolojik değişim ve inovasyon incelenmiştir. Ekonomik büyümenin sağlanması ve yaşam kalitesinin yükseltilmesi tüm uluslar ve insanlar tarafından arzu edilen bir durumdur. Dolayısıyla bu amaçla belirlenecek politikalar ve tedbirler çok önemlidir. Bu bağlamda inovasyon odaklı ekonomik modeller incelenmektedir. Ayrıca, çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde ise akademik literatür, finansal kuruluşlar tarafından özel sektöre sağlanan krediler, AR&GE yatırımları ve ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki açısından araştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın üçüncü ve son bölümünde ise 1991'den 2020'ye kadar Çin, Güney Kore ve Japonya için çoklu regresyon, eş bütünleşme, FMOLS, DOLS, CCR ve ARDL analizleri kullanılarak AR&GE, özel sektöre verilen finansal krediler ve ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Sonuç bölümünde ise elde edilen tüm sonuçlar yorumlanarak özel sektöre verilen finansal krediler, AR&GE ve ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişkisi ampirik bulgular açısından somut bir şekilde ortaya konulmuştur.
The potential of plant antimicrobial peptides for crop protection against diseases
Authors: Barashkova A. S. , Rogozhin* E. A.
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the most important components of plant innate immunity to environmental stress factors and one of the most ancient tools of the defense system. Most of them are synthesized as factors of constitutive plant immunity, but there are also inducible forms belonging to “pathogenesis-related proteins” (PR-proteins from classes 12, 13 and 14). This review provides characteristics of the primary and three-dimensional structures of the main families of plant AMPs. The relationship between the types of spatial arrangement of the polypeptide chain is drawn. The functional analysis of plant AMPs is presented by data on the spectrum and quantitative level of activities against a number of economically significant fungal and bacterial phytopathogens, and related biological effects are indicated. Additionally, current information is provided on the molecular mechanisms of the antimicrobial action of plant AMPs based on defensins as the most studied structural group. In conclusion, aspects of the modes of action for plant AMPs on microorganisms are considered, on the basis of which a variant of the functional classification of these molecules is proposed. Based on these data, the prospects for their use as the basis of biopesticides for plant protection against pathogens were assessed.
Biosorption of Toxic Reactive Blue Textile Dye from Effluent Water Using Immobilized Biomass Based Adsorbent
Authors:   Department of Chemical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamilnadu, India, Sundararaman Tanjore Ramachandran , Sivalingam Sivamani ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamilnadu, India, Mabel Melvin Millicent ,   Department of Biotechnology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamilnadu, India, Gobinath Trisha ,   Department of Biotechnology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamilnadu, India
Published: December 2023

The present research employed immobilized Canna indica beads (CIBs) to obtain maximum degradation of highly toxic Reactive Blue Dye (RBD), predominantly used in textile industry. The CIBs were characterized using FTIR and SEM-EDX analysis. A batch adsorption study was conducted to measure the removal of harmful RBD dye. Different factors were examined in the biosorption technique to achieve the maximum level of toxic dye elimination, such as adsorbent-solute interaction time (5-120 min), solution pH (2-10), adsorbent dose (25 to 250 mg/100 mL), RBD concentration (50-250 mg/L), and temperature (30-60°C). Removal of 99.96% of RBD was successfully achieved at the optimum pH 7, RBD concentration of 50 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 150 mg/100 mL, a temperature of 303 K, and 60 min of interaction time. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model data have been found to be an ideal match compared to the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity onto CIBs biosorbent was found to be 70.49 mg/g. It was noticed that the chemical reaction occurred naturally and released heat during the process which denoted an exothermic reaction. These results shown that the adsorption of RBD removal is efficient using prepared adsorbent from Canna indica root tubers. Therefore, these CIBs could be used for other toxic dyes and heavy metals from industrial wastewater.
Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga dan Dukungan Tenaga Kesehatan terhadap Self Care Behavior melalui Self Efficacy pada Pasien Gagal Jantung
Authors: Rohananingsih Rohananingsih , Suharsono Suharsono , Rondhianto Rondhianto
Published: December 2023

Heart failure atau gagal jantung merupakan masalah kesehatan global yang terjadi hingga saat ini. Kematian akibat heart failure mencapai 17% di seluruh dunia sehingga heart failure menjadi penyebab kematian terbesar.Tujuan:melakukan analisis hubungan dukungan keluarga, dukungan tenaga kesehatan, self efficacy terhadap self care behavior behavior dan analisis mediasi self efficacy dukungan keluarga dan dukungan tenaga kesehatan terhadap self care behavior behavior. Observasional analitik dengan desain cross sectional. Populasi penelitian adalah pasien yang menderita heart failure. Besaran sampel penelitian adalah 120 responden menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Analisis data menggunakan analisis jalur dengan SEM-PLs menggunakan software SmartPls. Hasil: Sebagian besar responden berusia  56 – 65 tahun (39%), didominasi oleh jenis kelamin perempuan (59%),    tingkat pendidikan SD (39%), keparahan penyakit pada Grade 1 (51%).  Model yang disusun telah fit dengan prediksi relefansi yang baik (NFI = 0.481; Q2 = 0.081). Dukungan keluarga tidak berpengaruh terhadap self care behavior  behavior (t = 1.598<1.96; p = 0.110>005), dukungan tenaga kesehatan tidak berpengaruh terhadap self care behavior (t=0.470; p=0.638), self efficacy tidak mampu memediasi dukungan keluarga dan dukungan tenaga kesehatan untuk berperilaku self care behavior terhadap pasien heart failure (t = 0.385;1.311; p = 0.700;0.190). Kesimpulan: Peningkatan self efficacy mampu meningkatkan self care behavior behavior pada pasien heart failure
Efektifitas Buerger Allen Exercise terhadap Sensitivitas Kaki Pasien DM Tipe II
Authors: Harli Kurnia , Megawaty Irna , Yulianti Yulianti , Yunding Junaedi
Published: December 2023

Perawatan yang tidak baik pada penderita diabetes berisiko mengalami yaitu neuropati dan ulkus kaki. Salah satu terapi latihan fisik buerger allen exercise menjadi penatalaksanaan neuropati yang relatif mudah dan cost-effective. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektifitas buerger allen exercise terhadap sensitivitas kaki pasien DM tipe II. Penelitian ini menggunakan quasi experiment pre-test and post-test with control group design. Penelitian ini telah dilakukan di Puskesmas wilayah Kabupaten Majene. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh penderita diabetes melitus tipe II  yang telah didiagnosis oleh dokter. Penentuan besar sampel dalam dalam penelitian ini menggunakan rumus Federer didapatkan adalah 36 orang. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan kriteria inklusi penderita DM tipe II yang telah didiagnosa oleh dokter dan mengalami neuropati perifer, tidak memiliki ulkus kaki dan bersedia menjadi responden. Sedangkan kriteria eksklusi yaitu responden yang tidak mengikuti intervensi BAE minimal 1 kali selama proses pengambilan data serta mengalami keterbatasan fisik anggota gerak bawah. Terdapat dua kelompok dalam penelitian ini yaitu kelompok intervensi yang mendapatkan perlakuan buerger allen exercise, dan kelompok kontrol sebagai pembanding. Intervensi buerger allen exercise dilakukan selama 4 hari dan 5 kali dalam sehari dibawah pendampingan tim peneliti.  Analisa data menggunakan uji t berpasangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan rerata pada sensitivitas kaki kiri dan kanan sebelum dan setelah pemberian intervensi buerger allen exercise dibanding kelompok yang tidak diberikan perlakuan yaitu nilai p<0,005. Maka dapat disimpulkan buerger allen exercise efektif mempengaruhi sensitivitas kaki pasien DM tipe II.
The Mediating Role of Depression and Hopelessness in the Relationship of Psychological Strain, Rejection Sensitivity, and Defeat With Suicide Ideation in Adolescents in Iran
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran., Etemadi Zohreh , Abbaspour Saba ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran., Tirgari Abdolhakim ,   Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Bagian Koulemarzi Mohammad Javad ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Razi, Kermanshah, Iran.
Published: December 2023

Objectives Identifying suicidal ideation in adolescents can help timely intervention for those at risk. The present study aims to assess the mediating role of depression and hopelessness in the relationship of psychological strain, rejection sensitivity, and defeat with suicide ideation in adolescents in Iran. Methods This is a cross-sectional correlational study using the path analysis method. The study population consists of all high school students aged 14-19 years in Lorestan Province in 2021. Of these, 623 were selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. To collect data, the suicide probability scale (Cull & Gill, 1988), hospital anxiety and depression scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983), psychological strain scale (Zhang et al, 2022), Beck hopelessness scale (Beck et al, 1974), defeat scale (Gilbert & Allan, 1998) and rejection sensitivity questionnaire (Downey & Feldman, 1996) were used. Research hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s correlation test in SPSS software, version 26 and path analysis in AMOS software, version 24. Results The results of the correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between psychological strain, rejection sensitivity, and defeat with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation (P<0.05). Defeat was both directly and indirectly related to suicidal ideation. However, the relationship of psychological strain and rejection sensitivity with suicidal ideation was through hopelessness and depression. Conclusion There is a need for further elucidating the mechanisms of suicidal ideation and behaviors in the study area. This study supports the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicidal behavior.
Professional Sustainability of Personality: Analysis of Volunteering Activity in Modern Conditions
Authors:   Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Viznіuk Inessa , Puhach Serhii ,   Vinnytsia Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics of Western Ukrainian National University, Mishchuk Serhii ,   G.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2023

Volunteer work is difficult to characterize as easy, as it requires people to take a lot of responsibility, energy costs, emotional inclusion and the ability to quickly adapt in situations of increased complexity. There is a growing need to study the characteristics of volunteers’ sustainability. The aim of the article. The purpose of the article is to envisage volunteer activity in Ukraine as a manifestation of social activity of citizens in the context of determining the relationship between sustainability, value orientations and emotional burnout in volunteers as individual mental structures. Research methods. The psychodiagnostic toolkit consisted of the following techniques: the method of diagnosing the level of emotional “burnout” according to V. Boiko for studying the components of “emotional burnout” (tension, resistance, exhaustion), O. Kokun’s questionnaire “Professional vitality” in the context of revealing the components of vitality (control, inclusion, acceptance of a challenge (control, commitment, challenge)) and M. Rokych’s questionnaire “Value orientations” to outline the rank list of volunteers’ values. The results of the research. Involvement of volunteers in various events and programs changes their value priorities from the values of personal life (love, happy family life, productive life) to the values of self-realization and moral responsibility (interesting work, material status, honesty, tolerance, etc.). One of the important factors is the formation and development of civic competence. Conlusions. According to the results of the research, it was determined that participation in volunteer activities contributes to the development of the professionalism of the future social worker, such values as tolerance, patience, an active lifestyle, responsibility. Personal qualities that need to be developed and improved play an important role in this process. Волонтерську роботу складно охарактеризувати як легку, оскільки вона вимагає від людей великої відповідальності, енергетичних витрат, емоційної включеності та здатності швидко адаптуватися до ситуацій підвищеної складності. Зростає потреба у вивченні характеристик стійкості волонтерів.
Age-Related Differences in the Qualities and Properties of Personality in Relation to the Readiness of Ukrainian Winterers for Life in the Antarctic
Authors:   Ivan Franko Zhytomyr State University, Miroshnychenko Olena
Published: December 2023

The article reveals the age-related differences in the qualities and properties of the personality in the manifestations of indicators of psychological readiness of winterers to extreme living conditions at the Ukrainian Antarctic “Akademik Vernadsky” Station. The wintering of Ukrainian polar explorers conducting scientific research on the coast of Antarctica is associated with a long stay in a limited area in difficult climatic conditions, which can lead to strong emotional and physical stress. It has been proved that stress resistance, adaptability, and psychological readiness for life activities, which are determined by the presence of relevant qualities and personality traits, are important factors in such extreme working conditions. The aim of the article is to present the theoretical foundations and practical results of research on age-related differences in qualities and personality traits regarding the psychological readiness of Ukrainian winterers for life in Antarctic conditions using the example of 10 expeditions to the Ukrainian Antarctic “Akademik Vernadskyi” Station. Methods. A set of methods of psychological research on the qualities and personality traits of winterers of different age groups was used. 71 winterers took part in the experiment, they are participants of Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions during the year from 2011 to 2021. The results of the research. There were 3 age groups of winterers – mature, middle and young. The components of the professional profile of a winter worker are clarified. As the result of the questionnaire, the qualities and attributes of the personality that contribute to or hinder the performance of professional activities of winter workers are determined. The results of empirical research on the presence of personality qualities and attributes in winterers of different age groups, which are defined as those that ensure the effectiveness of professional activities during wintering, are presented. Conclusion. It is proved that the greatest number of positive qualities and personality traits, according to the defined professional profile of a winter worker, are demonstrated by representatives of mature age – winter workers aged 46-64 years. It is recommended to include winterers of a certain age in the Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions in a sufficient number (not less than 30% of the total composition of the expedition members), which will ensure the appropriate level of psychological stability of the teams of winterers.
Personality’s Self-Worth as a Resource Process and State
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Shtepa Olena
Published: December 2023

The aim of the article is to characterize the resource content of a personality’s sense of self-worth in empirical way. Methods. The study was implemented according to Bayer’s model, which involves transforming the problem into the form in which it will have a solution, and enables the practical application of the results. In the empirical study, ten psychological questionnaires were used, which made it possible to determine the following types of psychological resources of a person in empirical way: personal resources, interpretive psychological resources, existential resources, “strengths of character” resources, motivational resources, resources of the psychological survival, uncertainty tolerance resources, resources of relationship, coherence. The sense of self-worth was empirically determined according to the “self-worth” scale of the Existence Scale method by A. Lengle. The following methods of mathematical and statistical analysis were applied: predictor analysis and analysis of “causes and effects” to characterize self-worth as a process, multifactor and cluster analysis as a state. Research results. According to the analysis of predictors, self-worth trends are determined by two resources – the psychological resource of “responsibility” and the existential resource of “belief”; according to the results of the analysis of “causes and effects”, self-worth is the effect of two resources – the psychological resource of “responsibility” and the existential resource of “belief”; the structural resource model of self-worth is three-factor: factor 1 – resources of “strengths of character”, “desire to be involved in a common cause” and “sensitivity in relationships”; factor 2 – interpretive psychological resources of “the intention of wisdom”; factor 3 – existential resource of “belief”; according to the results of the cluster analysis, the sense of self-worth and the existential resource of faith belong to the same cluster. Conclusions. The study’s results make it possible to confirm self-worth empirically as an existential reality of the personality, manifested in the ability to be free and make choices according to one’s values and beliefs. The phenomenon of self-worth should be characterized not only through its importance in the achievement of virtues by a person but because of explanation of the reasons for predicting one’s own harmony. The resource content of self-worth makes it possible to characterize it as a process of self-discovery and reinterpretation of the meaning of events, enabling non-repetition of decisions recognized as erroneous and a state of free choice.
Psychoanalytical Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
Authors:   Rivne Medical Academy, Kharchenko Yevhen , Kurytsia Denys ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this article is to make a psychoanalytical analysis of posttraumatic stress disorders; to consider a type of PTSD such as military traumatic stress; to describe some certain conditions, which contribute to the formation of military traumatic stress. Methods of the research. The following theoretical methods of the research were used to solve the tasks formulated in the article: a categorical method, structural and functional methods, the methods of the analysis, systematization, modeling and generalization. The experimental method was the method of organizing empirical research. Also, we used the method of Positive Psychotherapy. The results of the research. We proved, that the main symptoms of PTSD syndrome of combatants because of the russian-Ukrainian war included: pathological memories (obsessive return to the war situation); sleep disturbance; inability to remember, such as amnesia for some events (avoidance of everything that reminds of combat events); excessive excitability (inadequate excessive mobilization); hypersensitivity (increased alertness to the new occurrence of extreme factors). Conclusions. We considered a type of PTSD such as military traumatic stress. In our opinion, it occurs in direct participants in hostilities. Certain conditions contribute to the formation of military traumatic stress, for example: a sharp change in the conditions of peaceful civilian life to combat conditions, to which it is necessary to adapt quickly. In such conditions, a person is constantly in danger, he/she is a witness to destruction, fires, deaths (of both acquaintances and strangers); a sharp change from the situation of hostilities to a peaceful life. A combatant has to adapt to this situation anew. The maladaptive processes that occur during this period are distinguished by their duration and are called PTSD. Returning to normal peaceful life as a result of the end of hostilities or as a result of demobilization, a person often remains adapted to the situation of hostilities.
Phytomedicines and nutraceuticals in the clinical management of COVID-19
Authors: Chinsembu Kazhila C
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 has exposed what we have long-feared: Many countries in Africa have very fragile public healthcare delivery systems, out-dated clinical laboratory infrastructure, and inadequate home-grownbiomedical research preparedness. These challenges that are an asterisk in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Africa should become the new window of opportunity for novel drugs from indigenous African medicinal plants. Africa needs a drug discovery renaissance inspired by the potentials of the continent’s huge endowment of medicinal plants. As a continent, Africa needs to invest in indigenous natural agents that inhibit entry of human coronavirus into cells. Africashould also develop natural products that block general replication and specific chymotrypsin-like protease-mediated replication of SARS-CoV-2. Turmeric, Eucalyptus essential oil, garlic, cinnamon plant, and Ganoderma mushroom are being used to offset the effects of COVID-19 in many parts of the world. Plant active compounds such as glycyrrhizin, iguesterin, resveratrol, homoharringtonine, tomentins A-E, sinigrin, silvestrol, and cinnamaldehyde have anti-COVID-19 actions. Due to current obstacles in the clinical management of COVID-19 in Africa, this paper advocates for the use of indigenous natural medicines to roll-back the pandemic.
The discourse-based approach towards the translation of metaphors: ‘Journey’, ‘movement’, and ‘body metaphors’ in translation of the Sesotho novel “Chaka”
Authors: SEEPHEEPHE NTṠOEU , MAKHA-NTLALOE MAKHETSI
Published: December 2023

In a departure from other studies on metaphor translation, this paper employs the discourse-based approach to examine the procedures employed in translation of metaphors used in the Sesotho novel, Chaka, into English. The findings show that there is an alignment with Newmark’s (1988) framework even though the framework is prescriptive and is based on the traditional view of metaphor as purely linguistic. The substitution of a metaphor with a metaphor is the most frequent procedure. There is also the translation of metaphor into simile, the translation of metaphor into sense and the deletion of metaphor. The factors that determine the procedures are: the existence of metaphors with very close similar semantic and pragmatic functions; the existence of TL metaphors that are based on the same cognitive mappings as the SL metaphors, and closely resemble them; the existence of culture-specific metaphors that can be only be decoded if converted to simile; existence of culture-specific metaphors that may not be decoded even if simile is used and the employment of a metaphor for a rhetorical style that is foreign to TT readers. The use of the procedures creates a text that is idiomatic and generally resembles the ST in message, style and language.
National standardised achievement tests
Authors: Shaakumeni Simson N , Mupupa Simon P
Published: December 2023

Namibia has been implementing the national Standardized Achievement Tests (SATs) since 2009. These tests (SATs) as a national assessment are aimed at overcoming constraints in the assessment system, especially at the primary school level as well as to improve the quality of education through learner assessment. The Namibian SATs are low-stakes in nature; hence they are not used for promotional purposes but rather to provide diagnostic feedback to schools, decision makers and other education stakeholders. Six years down the line, the SATs results have been showing improvement in learner performance at primary school level. A perception survey conducted amongst primary school teachers in Namibia (N =130) revealed a largely positive perception about SATs with majority of respondents agreeing with the relevance of this assessment and its continuation in the education system. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of Namibian SATs as well as to highlight teachers’ perceptions about this national assessment.
The interplay between structure, culture and agency on student learning and academic development activities – a trajectory of the University of Namibia
Authors: Shalyefu Rakel Kavena
Published: December 2023

Higher Education Institutions have reached the end of their lifespans, unless we reinvent them to fit the constantly changing context. This paper is a reflective piece interrogating the impact of the context (internationally, regionally, nationally and institutionally) on student learning and academic development and its implications for the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Namibia. It is part of a reflective practice required in the Postgraduate Diploma of Higher Education for Academic Developers at Rhodes University. The diploma requires that practitioners should develop a greater self-awareness of the nature and the impact of their performance, an awareness that creates opportunities for professional growth and development. The maximum benefits from reflection are said to occur when participants value their personal and intellectual growth and they have time to engage in meaning-making processes using systematic, rigorous and disciplined ways of thinking rooted in scientific inquiries. The course prescribed contextual anchors to make this learning episode meaningful. Consequently, a sociology theoretical framework that explains the interrelations of social structure, culture, and human agency, has been utilized as a lens for this reflective analysis. For that reason, data is based on empirical experiences and observations (culture), the actual legislations and policies of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) (structure), and documents analysis by an academic developer (human agent). In the light of analysing the context, the constraining and enabling factors for academic development and student learning are exposed. The discussion ends with a proposal of a new agenda to enhance student learning and academic development at HEIs in Namibia.
Lecturers experiences, challenges and prospects on continuing professional development
Authors: Mwanza-Kabaghe S , Mofu-Mwansa M
Published: December 2023

This study was undertaken at the School of Education, University of Zambia, to establish factors that influence lecturers to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as well as factors inhibiting their participation in CPD. To establish these factors, open-ended questionnaires were used in conducting the study by means of a descriptive survey. Data were analysed qualitatively using emerging themes from the respondents’ answers and descriptive statistics were also utilised. The findings show that University lecturers are motivated to engage in CPD to update their current qualifications and as a way of showing professional competence. Among factors inhibiting lecturers from taking up CPD was lack of funds, to engage in some CPD activities and time constraints.
Hidrojen Sulfid Donörü Sodyum Hidrojen Sülfür’ün In Vitro Yara İyileşmesi Üzerine Etkisinin Araştırılması
Authors: ÖZBAY ÖNAL Aysun , ÖNAL Mustafa
Published: December 2023

Yara iyileşmesi sürecinde büyüme faktörlerinin hücre proliferasyonu, hücre farklılaşması ve hücre ölümü gibi çeşitli biyolojik aktiviteleri mevcuttur. Gazotransmitterler yara iyileşme sürecinde etkinliği gösterilmiş sinyal molekülleridir. Gazotransmitter ailesinin bir üyesi olan H2S’in in vivo çalışmalarda yara iyileşmesinde düzenleyici bir molekül olarak görev aldığı bildirilmektedir. H2S’in yara iyileşme sürecinde çeşitli sinyal yolaklarının aktivasyonu aracılığıyla indirekt etkisinin olduğu görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada H2S’in indirekt etkisinden ziyade direkt etkisinin olup olmadığı araştırılmıştır. Bu bağlamda H2S donörü olan NaHS’in in vitro yara iyileşmesinde fonksiyon gösteren çeşitli genlerin ekspresyon düzeylerine olan etkisi değerlendirilmiştir. İmmortalize insan keratinosit hücreleri 50μg, 25μg, 10μg, 5μg, 1μg konsantrasyonda NaHS ile 24, 48 ve 72 saat boyunca inkübe edilmiş ve MTS analizi ile hücre canlığı belirlenmiştir. TGF-β1, TGF-β3, VEGF ve K17 gen ifadelerindeki değişimler qRT-PCR yöntemiyle belirlenerek elde edilen veriler ΔΔCT metodu ile hesaplanmıştır. Hücre canlılığı açısından farklı konsantrasyonlarda uygulanan NaHS’in 1μg’lık dozunun toksik olmayan doz olduğu belirlenmiştir. NaHS uygulamasının K17 mRNA ekspresyonunu anlamlı düzeyde arttırırken TGF-β1, TGF-β3 ve VEGF ekspresyonunda anlamlı değişikliğe yol açmadığı saptanmıştır. NaHS’in in vitro yara iyileşmesi üzerine direkt etkisinin olmadığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Ideas, propostas e debates sobre a lingua (1916-1936): 1. Lingua nacional, idioma moderno
Authors:   Real Academia Galega, Monteagudo Henrique , Cosme Nélida
Published: December 2023

As dúas décadas que van de 1916 a 1936 adoitan considerarse unha etapa sobranceira no desenvolvemento da nosa lingua e cultura, que en boa parte foi protagonizado xustamente polas Irmandades da Fala, Nós e o Seminario de Estudos Galegos. No plano lingüístico, o obxectivo fulcral de toda aquela constelación político-intelectual galeguista foi a resignificación do galego, erguelo da condición dialectal ao status de lingua nacional, distinta ao castelán e irmá do portugués. O que quedou como froito histórico do seu labor foron a modernización e habilitación do galego como lingua de cultura; a súa consagración como lingua oficial no Estatuto de Autonomía e a primeira tentativa institucional da súa codificación. Damos agora ao prelo en dous volumes unha recompilación de escritos sobre o idioma producidos desde 1916 a 1936. Neste primeiro volume recóllense textos referentes ao status social, cultural e político do galego. No segundo reúnense outros referidos ao seu cultivo e elaboración, con atención especial ás achegas referidas aos problemas do desenvolvemento e fixación do galego escrito.
Statističko modeliranje ekstrema
Authors: Filipas Ana Marija , Slamić Ivana
Published: December 2023

U različitim područjima, od hidrologije, seizmologije, telekomunikacija i biomedicine pa do ekonomije i aktuarstva, postoji potreba za analizom ekstremnih događaja – događaja čija je vjerojatnost pojavljivanja vrlo mala, a čije posljedice, nasuprot tome, mogu biti vrlo velike. Teorija ekstremnih vrijednosti je grana statistike koja proučava upravo takve događaje. U članku su opisane osnove statističke analize ekstremnih podataka.
UTILIZATION OF A PICO HYDRO POWER PLANT AT AL-IKHLAS ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL IN MALANG REGENCY
Authors: Hidayat Mohammad Noor , Ronilaya Ferdian , Heryanto Eryk Irwan , Wibowo Sapto , Asrori Asrori , Saputra Masramdhani
Published: December 2023

Al-Ikhlas Yatim Dhuafa Islamic Boarding School is ± 12.6 km from Malang City. If you look at it geographically, the location of this community service program is located at coordinates 7°58'27.0"S 112°48'14.8"E. To support activities in this tourist area, electrical energy is really needed, especially for lighting facilities and charging electronic equipment. This Community Service Program will be implemented between April and November 2022 with activities in the form of building a pico hydro power plant in the Al-Ikhlas Yatim Dhuafa Islamic Boarding School area, Singosari District, Malang Regency. In carrying out this community service program, there is one activity partner, namely the Al-Ikhlas Yatim Dhuafa Islamic Boarding School with a total of 6 personnel. The results of this community service program are the installation and operation of a pico hydro power plant with a capacity of 1000 watts. This pico hydro power plant can meet electricity needs in the Islamic boarding school area with a total power of around 450 watts. In order for the pico hydro power plant to operate according to its capacity, it is necessary that the operation and maintenance of the system equipment be carried out correctly and on a schedule. For this reason, the transfer of knowledge and skills to work partners, namely the management of the Al-Ikhlas Yatim Dhuafa Islamic Boarding School, has been carried out.
DIGITAL-BASED ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT IN JASMINE INTEGRATED FARMING TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY WELFARE
Authors: Simatupang Frido Saritua , Hafidh Nurmansyah Abdul Ahmad , Yulina Henly , Maulana Lucky Hikmat
Published: December 2023

Jasmine Integrated Farming is a farmer group located in community unit 19, Antapani Tengah Subdistrict, Bandung City. Jasmine Integrated Farming was founded in 2019 with all its problems, namely (1) organic waste processing that is not yet optimal, (2) irregular planting and harvest schedules, (3) catfish harvests are not optimal, (4) lack of understanding about caring for seed houses and nurseries. plants, (5) Lack of partner knowledge about digital marketing, (6) Lack of knowledge about bookkeeping and financial reports. With all its problems, it is difficult for this farmer group to generate profits for the welfare of its members. The solutions offered are training and assistance on organic waste processing, training and assistance on seeding and planting schedules, training and assistance on the use of digital media for promotions along with recording digital-based financial reports using applications. The conclusion of this service is that there is an increase in partners' knowledge about organic waste processing, planting schedules, using social media as a marketing medium and recording application-based financial reports via Buku Kas.
Parameter Estimation and Predictive Speed Control of Chopper-Fed Brushed DC Motors
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Son , Pham Van Tuan , Pham Minh Tu , Hoang Anh
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an effective speed control method for brushed DC motors fed by a DC chopper using the concept of Finite Control Set-Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC). As this control algorithm requires the parameters of the controlled object, the estimation of motor parameters is first performed by using two types of data. The first data includes the output speed response corresponding to the step input voltage to obtain the transfer function in the no-load regime. The second data consists of the motor speed and armature current when a load torque is applied to the motor shaft. The discrete-time equation of the motor armature circuit is used to obtain the future values of the armature circuit current and the motor speed. A cost function is defined based on the difference between the reference and predicted motor speed. The optimal switching states of the DC chopper are selected corresponding to the maximum value of the cost function. The performance of the proposed speed control algorithm is validated on an experimental system. The simulation and experimental results obtained show that the MPC controller can outperform the conventional proportional-integral (PI) controller.
Artificial Intelligent Maximum Power Point Controller based Hybrid Photovoltaic/Battery System
Authors: Kadhim Mohaisen Aymen
Published: December 2023

Photovoltaic (PV) cells have non-linear properties influenced by environmental factors, including irradiation and temperature. As a result, a method known as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) was implemented to boost the PV cells' efficiency and make the most of the energy they could provide. The traditional perturb and observe (P&O) approach for determining the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) has various drawbacks, including poor steady-state performance, increased oscillation around the MPP point, and delayed reaction. As a result, this work aims to present a hybrid fuzzy logic (FL) and P&O MPPT approach to improve the PV system's performance coupled to the lithium battery storage system. Matlab/Simulink is used to bring the suggested technique to life, after which its efficacy is evaluated in the context of rapid changes in the irradiance level. According to the findings of the simulations, the suggested strategy has the potential to enhance the steady-state performance of PV systems in terms of oscillation and time response. Finally, the proposed results are compared with that obtained by the conventional P&O technique, and the stress of PV power is limited to ∆P=1kW and the overshoot power is limited to 5%.
Adaptación y validación de un instrumento basado en el modelo TPACK para docentes universitarios
Authors: Barajas Alcalá Selena Lizzet , García López Ramona Imelda , Cuevas Salazar Omar
Published: December 2023

El modelo TPACK (Conocimiento Tecnológico Pedagógico y de Contenido) reflexiona sobre los diferentes tipos de conocimiento que deben desarrollar los profesores para incorporar las TIC de forma efectiva en sus prácticas educativas; por lo tanto, el propósito de este trabajo fue presentar los resultados de la adaptación y validación de un instrumento TPACK para profesores universitarios. La muestra final se conformó por 204 docentes de dos instituciones del sur de Sonora. Como parte de este proceso, se obtuvo un Alfa de Cronbach de .96 para los 36 ítems de la escala. Para determinar la validez de constructo se realizó el análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE), que mostró cuatro factores que explican el 68.57% de la varianza total. El instrumento original se compone de siete dimensiones, para comprobarlo se realizó el análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y se confirmó un modelo de cuatro factores. Los resultados indican que es un instrumento válido y confiable para medir el TPACK en docentes universitarios. Se sugiere para futuras investigaciones ajustar el instrumento para áreas de estudio o tecnologías específicas.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Photostimulated Chemiluminescence Assay for Detecting Anti-HIV Antibodies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Han Jianxiang , Wang Yong , Wang Bei , Tong Huacheng
Published: December 2023

The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through blood poses a slightly increased risk. As a result, patients requiring blood transfusions should be screened for HIV antibodies. This study examined the diagnostic effectiveness of the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay in detecting anti-HIV antibodies and determined the cut-off value for this method. The performance of the fully automated photostimulated chemiluminescence assay system was validated according to CNAS-GL038:2019 (2020) and CNAS-GL037:2019 (2019) guidelines. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Medical Laboratory, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, affiliated with Southeast University, from January 2020 to December 2022. A total of 77,386 cases were tested for anti-HIV antibodies using the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay, with 79 cases initially testing positive. The method’s performance in detecting anti-HIV antibodies was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the average Coefficient of Variation (CV) value of 3-year in-house quality control. The precision, detection limit, coincidence rate, and critical value of the performance verification results met the requirements. Using Western blotting (WB) as the reference method, positive cases were initially screened using the light-induced chemiluminescence method to determine the cut-off index (COI) value and draw the ROC curve. The maximum area under the ROC curve using the chemiluminescence method was 0.997, with a cutoff value of < 28.56, sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 100%, Jordan index of 0.98, and an average CV value of 3.55%. In conclusion, the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay has good diagnostic efficacy in detecting anti-HIV antibodies and is suitable for rapid screening before blood transfusion and surgery.
Features of forest formation and forest rehabilitation felling (methodical recommendations)
Authors: Tkach V. P. , Romanovskyi V. F. , Krynytskyi H. T. , Shinkarenko I. B. , Parpan V.I. , Kobets O. V. , Rumiantsev M. H. , Tarnopilska O. M. , Luk’yanets V. A. , Vasylevskyi O. H. , Zhezhkun A. M.
Published: December 2023

The guidelines summarize the forestry experience regarding the peculiarities of forest formation and forest rehabilitation felling in various natural zones in Ukraine. This publication is developed based on the results of research conducted by scientists from Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G. M. Vysotsky, Ukrainian Research Institute of Mountain Forestry named after P. S. Pasternak, Ukrainian National Forestry University, taking into account the findings of studies carried out in previous years. This scientific publication is intended for forestry professionals, experts of scientific and project organizations, as well as teachers and students of educational institutions of forestry and related fields. У роботі узагальнено лісівничий досвід щодо особливостей проведення рубок формування і оздоровлення лісів в різних природних зонах України. Видання розроблене за результатами науково-дослідних робіт, які були проведені науковцями УкрНДІЛГА, УкрНДІгірліс, НЛТУ України з урахуванням результатів досліджень, проведених в попередні роки. Наукове видання призначене для фахівців лісового господарства, наукових і проектних організацій, викладачів і студентів навчальних закладів лісівничого та суміжних напрямів.
Identification of Salmonella in Market Garden Products and Irrigation Sources in the City of N'djamena
Authors: Nadine TEREI , Bebanto Antipas Ban-bo , Nare Richard Gandolo Bongo , Kebkiba Bidjeh
Published: December 2023

Objective: Irrigation of market garden crops in the city of N'Djaména is done through wastewater often heavily soiled by human and animal faeces. The aim of this study was to identify salmonella in market garden products and irrigation sources in the city of N'Djaména. Methodology and Results: Samples of water and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were taken from market gardens in 16 sites covering 7 districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) of the city of N'Djaména. Microbiological analysis was done according to ISO 6579:2002. Salmonella strains were isolated according to the standard microbiology method and confirmed by the Api 20 E bacterium. Market gardening is practiced by 87.87% of men and 12.12% of women, most of whom are illiterate (53.03%). However, 84.84% of producers have no knowledge of biosafety; 80.30% do not know what salmonellosis is; 78.78 recognize that the use of wastewater in market gardening constitutes a danger to the health of producers and consumers. The rate of contamination of water by salmonella by district was: 94.44% in the 1st ; 91.66% in the 9th; 81.57% in the 7th; 80% in the 10th; 78.26% in the 3rd; 69.69% in the 5th and 68.96% in the 8th. According to the seasons: the prevalence was 85% in the dry season, 76% in the rainy season. The prevalence of salmonella in the different types of irrigation water was: 88.48%; 86.40%; 83.33% and 35.71% in pond water, wastewater, river water and borehole water respectively. The contamination rate in lettuce was: 93.10% in the 9th; 92.10% in the 1st; 92.% in the 7th; 91.66% in the 3rd; 90.90% in the 10th; 88.88% in the 5th, and 86.95% in the 8th. According to the seasons, salmonella contamination was 92.59% in the dry season and 89% in the rainy season. For fertilizers, the prevalence was 88% for simple dung, while for dung associated with synthetic fertilizer, it was 86%.