bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-abdominal Pressure and Trunk Muscle Activity During Lifting. IV. The Causal Factors of the Intra-Abdominal Pressure Rise
Authors: Hemborg B , Moritz U , Löwing H
Published: May 2023

The intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has been regarded as important for stabilization and relief of the lumbar spine when exposed to heavy loads, such as when lifting. Previous trials, however, have failed to increase the IAP by abdominal muscle training. Twenty healthy subjects, 20 low-back patients and 10 weight-lifters, were tested with various breathing techniques in order to elucidate the causal factors of the IAP rise during lifting and the effects respiration. Those with high IAP and low IAP as well as those with great variations in IAP underwent an extended program. The intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressures and the EMG of the oblique abdominal, the erector spinae and--in some cases--the puborectalis muscles, were recorded. The transdiaphragmatic pressure was calculated both during lifting and during the Mueller manoeuvre. The IAP rise during lifting seems to be correlated to a good coordination between the muscles surrounding the abdominal cavity. Of these, the diaphragm seems to be the most important for the IAP level. Closure of the glottis seems to help the diaphragm to maintain the IAP rise, otherwise the respiration type seems to be less important for the IAP during lifting.
Patellar Forces During Knee Extension
Authors: Nisell R , Ekholm J
Published: May 2023

A radiographical study of 20 loaded knees of healthy subjects and a knee dissection study of 20 specimens were performed in order to present a two-dimensional patello-femoral joint biomechanical model. A constant knee-extending moment gave 25-40% lower force magnitudes in the patellar tendon than in the quadriceps tendon if the knee was flexed to 60-120 deg. The magnitude of the patello-femoral joint compressive force reached its maximum at 90 deg knee angle and decreased slightly towards 120 deg. A compressive force between quadriceps tendon and femoral intercondylar groove was present above 60 deg knee angle and its magnitude was estimated. The patellar forces in women were about 20% higher than in men. The biomechanical model may be used in knee rehabilitation activities to optimize and individualize exercise programmes. The model may also be applied to daily activities in order to quantify patellar forces.
Effect of Laser Versus Placebo in Tennis Elbow
Authors: Lundeberg T , Haker E , Thomas M
Published: May 2023

The purposes of this study were to compare the pain alleviating effects of laser treatment and placebo in tennis elbow. Also, the effects of laser radiation on the radial sensory nerve conduction, and the temperature changes in the tissue surrounding the treated radial nerve were studied. The results show that laser treatment is not significantly better than placebo in treating tennis elbow. Furthermore, no significant change was noted in the evoked sensory potential as well as subcutaneous temperatures in either experimental or control groups as a result of the applications of the laser radiation treatment.
The Effects of an In-Hospital Educational Programme for Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Maeland JG , Havik OE
Published: May 2023

The effects of a standardized audiovisual educational programme for myocardial infarction (MI) patients have been evaluated in 4 hospital departments using a time-sequential quasi-experimental design. Compared with controls, patients offered the educational programme were more knowledgeable and had less fear-provoking beliefs about the MI, expressed more optimistic expectations about future physical ability, resumed physical activities more rapidly, reported less initial emotional disturbances, and consulted physicians less often during the first 6 weeks after discharge. Six months mortality-rate was significantly lower in the educational group, but long-term survival was identical in the two groups. The educational programme had no effect on smoking, return to work, resumption of sexual activity, or number of re-hospitalizations. The results indicate that standardized patient teaching during hospitalization is feasible and improves short-term coping behaviour after a MI.
Fluid Translocation Measurement. A Method to Study Pneumatic Compression Treatment of Postmastectomy Lymphoedema
Authors: Mridha M , Odman S
Published: May 2023

Tissue fluid translocation under the action of deformation was measured to study the pneumatic compression treatment of postmastectomy lymphoedema of the arm. Analysis of the results provides statistically significant parameters for characterization of the oedema. Mobility of the fluid in pitting oedematous tissue was significantly greater than that of normal tissue and decreased after pneumatic compression treatment. Oedematous fluid at the distal sites of the arm showed a greater mobility than that of the proximal sites. Improvement in the oedema due to pneumatic compression treatment was found to be greater at the distal sites than at the proximal sites. In addition, oedema recurred between the treatments and repeated treatments produced the best results. Measurement of fluid translocation is useful in selecting and evaluating the effectiveness of lymphoedema treatment, as well as in determining the viscoelastic properties of the oedematous tissues.
Important predictors of the outcome of physical training in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Rosfors S , Arnetz BB , Bygdeman S , Sköldö L , Lahnborg G , Eneroth P
Published: May 2023

Hemodynamic and endocrine variables have been unsuccessful to predict improvement in walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication following structured training programs. In the present study we evaluated the predictive value of a number of hemodynamic and endocrine parameters. In addition we included information on cognitive factors such as stress and the belief in the structured training and motivation to participate. Twenty-five elderly subjects were studied. Significant improvement in overall walking distance was achieved. The most important explanatory variables of relative improvement in walking distance were belief in training, initial walking distance and number of smoke years. The results support the belief that cognitive factors are of major importance in predicting functional effects of structured training programs for patients with intermittent claudication.
Group training in parkinsonism: quantitative measurements of treatment
Authors: Pedersen SW , Oberg B , Insulander A , Vretman M
Published: May 2023

Ten patients with mild to moderate parkinsonism were tested before and after a 12-week training program. Strength was tested with simultaneous EMG registration in the ankle flexors at different angular velocities using a modified Cybex II equipment. Peak Torque (pT), Torque area (Ta) and Emg area (iEMGa) for the eccentric and concentric contractions were calculated. Quotients-q (Ta)/(iEMG) for evaluation of work per iEMG in concentric and eccentric contractions were calculated. Gait analysis and a questionnaire for evaluation of the functional level were also included. Mean peak torque values did not change with training. Concentric quotients-q between test one and control was significantly lower in 30 degrees/s and 120 degrees/s; eccentric quotient-q was significantly lower in the same velocities but between test 2 and control. No improvement in gait was found. Patient questionnaire ratings did not improve significantly though patients had an overall impression of a beneficial effect of physical therapy. No long term effect was found. The results showed with the measuring methods presented no consistent measurable effect from group training in Parkinson's disease.
Assessment of walking before and after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. A comparison of different methods
Authors: Morelli E , Olsson E , Broström LA
Published: May 2023

Walking ability was assessed in twenty patients before and one year after knee replacement with a cemented unicompartmental, Brigham prosthesis (mean age 63.4 years, nine women). All patients had moderate medial gonarthrosis. One year after surgery, knee function, assessed by the BOA score, self-selected and maximal walking speed as well as single limb support of the involved leg were increased. Pain and exertion during walking and oxygen cost of level walking were decreased at all measured speeds. Individual improvement in self-selected walking speed was correlated to improvement in maximal walking speed. Individual decrease of oxygen cost of level walking was correlated to decrease of perceived pain and exertion during walking. For clinical routine purpose clinical assessment, especially of pain, supplemented with measurement of self-selected walking speed were found to be sufficient for assessing effects of treatment such as unicompartmental prosthetic knee replacement
Effects of a single session of prolonged plantarflexor stretch on muscle activations during gait in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Richards CL , Malouin F , Dumas F
Published: May 2023

Activations of the triceps surae (TS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles during gait were studied in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) immediately before and after 30 min of standing on a tilt-table with the ankle dorsiflexed to stretch the TS in the experimental group (n = 8) or after a rest period in the control group (n = 11). The EMG activity from the TS and TA was recorded concomitantly with electronic footswitch signals by a computer. Video records were made of the sagittal gait movements. Effects of PMS were determined by comparing change scores for selected spatiotemporal and muscle activation parameters between the groups. The change scores defined for the muscle activations were: a post-test/pre-test ratio of the EMG activity in specific segments of the gait cycle and a locomotor spasticity index. PMS did not significantly (p greater than 0.05) affect any of the spatiotemporal parameters nor did it alter any of the TS and most of the TA activation parameters or the SI indexes for the TS and TA. Only the TA post/pre activation ratio for the 0-16% segment of the gait cycle was smaller (p less than 0.01), indicating a decrease in TA activation post-PMS
Cervico-brachial disorders in dentists. A comparison between two kinds of physiotherapeutic interventions
Authors: Rundcrantz BL , Johnsson B , Moritz U , Roxendal G
Published: May 2023

We have evaluated two kinds of physiotherapy treatment for dentists with occupational cervico-brachial disorders. Group A received treatment with a psychosomatic approach and individual ergonomic instruction and group B received ergonomic instruction only. A reduction of the cervico-brachial disorders after the intervention was observed in both groups. In group A there was a significant decrease of pain and discomfort in the neck (p less than 0.05), and a significant improvement was also found concerning the experience of well-being (p less than 0.05). Five weeks after the intervention the feeling of self-confidence had increased significantly in group A (p less than 0.05). Both groups of dentists experienced that their control over the work had decreased (p less than 0.01 in group A and p less than 0.05 in group B). In group B it was also found that the dentists' confidence in the future had decreased, compared with the answers given a year before.
The effect of shoulder muscle training in patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations
Authors: Broström LA , Kronberg M , Németh G , Oxelbäck U
Published: May 2023

Thirty-three shoulders in 29 patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations, of both traumatic and nontraumatic type, have been studied. The patients suffered from muscle weakness, and had also a hypotrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles. A special training program using an isokinetic pulley-weight apparatus, for muscle strength, coordination and endurance training of the rotator-cuff muscles and the deltoid were given all patients. Shoulder flexors, internal and external rotator muscles were trained three times a week, during a period of 8 weeks. At follow-up one year after completion of the specific training program all shoulders except five were improved. Five shoulders had remaining instability. Four of these patients had generalized joint laxity and a much decreased humeral head retroversion, and were later on stabilized with a rotational osteotomy of the proximal humerus. One of the shoulders with remaining instability was of traumatic type with normal skeletal anatomy. This patient was later on stabilized with a Putti-Platt procedure. We conclude that most of the patients were relieved from pain, and had decrease or cessation of their dislocations. Factors indicating a less good result of training were an abnormal skeletal anatomy, and/or a multidirectional type of instability.
Post-polio lung function
Authors: Blomstrand A , Bake B
Published: May 2023

Post-polio patients sometimes complain about the occurrence of breathing difficulties decades after the polio infection. We have examined 40 post-polio patients who have had respiratory or non-respiratory poliomyelitis for at least 30 years in an attempt to elucidate whether hypoventilation is common and to what extent certain symptoms and simple lung function tests are related to hypoventilation or incipient hypoventilation. We measured arterial blood gases, vital capacity (VC), maximal expiratory and inspiratory pressures (MEP, MIP) and CO2 rebreathing response. Symptoms were assessed by a yes/no questionnaire. Six patients required respiratory assistance at the onset of the disease. At present, two require nocturnal assisted ventilation. Two patients showed manifest hypoventilation; one of which required night-time ventilator, whereas the other patient had not required ventilatory assistance even at the onset of the disease. Significant correlation (p less than 0.05) was found between arterial carbon dioxide tension (a-PCO2) and VC, MEP and ventilation increase during CO2 rebreathing. A significantly higher a-PCO2 was found among those who required respiratory assistance at the onset of the disease, who admitted headache and who felt the cough ineffective. Low VC and low ventilatory increase during CO2 rebreathing and the presence of headache explained 45% of the variation in a-PCO2 in a multiple regression analysis. We conclude that manifest hypoventilation is rare in this unselected material of post-polio patients and that a vital capacity below 45-50% of predicted normal and the presence of frequent headaches indicate an increased risk to develop hypoventilation.
Muscle training in chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency--a comparative study
Authors: Zätterström R , Fridén T , Lindstrand A , Moritz U
Published: May 2023

The aim of the investigation was to study and compare the effect of two basically different training methods on muscle strength and knee function on a consecutive and prospective series of 26 conservatively treated patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury. The two training models were: model Q directed towards specific training of knee extensor muscle strength and model F aiming at training of the lower extremity and trunk muscles in functional weightbearing patterns. The parameters evaluated were: isometric and isokinetic muscle strength, a performance test (one-leg hop test), and a functional score. The results after a three-month training period showed in both groups a significant increase of muscle strength in both knee extensors and knee flexors. No significant difference of isokinetic strength values between the two groups was observed. The isometric gain of knee extension was significantly higher in the Q group. The one-leg hop test value and the functional score were also significantly increased in both groups. However, the hop test indicated a more favourable result in the group who were trained functionally.
Algometry. Measuring pain threshold, method and characteristics in healthy subjects
Authors: JA Hogeweg , MJ Langereis , AT Bernards , JA Faber , PJ. Helders
Published: May 2023

A pressure algometer was tested using a specially designed protocol in 28 healthy adult males and females. Two observers examined the pressure threshold (PT) of local tenderness at the joints of the wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and at the paravertebral tissues. Several characteristics of the instrument were found. There were no significant differences in PT's between the same points on either side of the body (r = 0.738-0.934). A large source of variance was the measurement of one area within short time intervals. No significant differences in means were found between the two observers for the paravertebral points, while significant differences were found at the peripheral joints. Male subjects had significantly higher PT's than females. The PT's of the paravertebral tissues decreased in a cranial direction, while PT's of the peripheral joints showed similar levels. There was no significant influence on observing PT's on different dates or in a different order.
Knee extensor and flexor strength in elderly women after recent hip fracture: assessment by the Cybex 6000 dynamometer of intra-rater inter-test reliability
Authors: Madsen OR , Lauridsen UB
Published: May 2023

The reliability of knee extensor and flexor strength measurements was assessed in 20 women (aged 68-88 years) who had experienced a hip fracture two to four weeks before but who were otherwise healthy. Using the Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength (peak torque, total work and power) at 30 and 120 degree/second and isometric knee extensor and flexor strength (peak torque) were measured by the same examiner in both legs, successively, on four separate days within one week. Compared with the non-involved leg, the median reduction in peak extensor and flexor torque of the involved leg was 50% (p
Rehabilitation of hip fracture patients with Parkinson's Disease.
Authors: Jónsson B , Sernbo I , Johnell O
Published: May 2023

The incidence of hip fractures has increased over the past decades, and for patients with hip fractures, medical and social conditions have deteriorated during the same time. In this study the results of orthopaedic rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson's disease and a hip fracture are compared with those in all other hip fracture patients. A total of 74 patients with Parkinson's disease and hip fracture were compared with 1,361 patients without the disease. Prior to fracture, patients with Parkinson's disease were less likely to be living an independent life in their own homes. Postoperatively women with Parkinson's disease were hospitalized for a significantly longer period. Postoperative rehabilitation was significantly slower and less successful than among patients without the disease. Patients with Parkinson's disease comprise a subgroup of hip fracture patients who need more rehabilitation resources than can easily be provided at an ordinary orthopaedic ward. A team-work between an orthopaedic surgeon, a neurologist and a rehabilitation unit seems to be mandatory in order to achieve shorter hospitalization and earlier return to the pre-fracture environment.
The effect of pain reduction on perceived tension and EMG-recorded trapezius muscle activity in workers with shoulder and neck pain
Authors: Vasseljen Jr O , Johansen BM , Westgaard RH
Published: May 2023

The study was initiated to evaluate the effect of pain-reducing therapies on factors previously associated with work-related shoulder and neck pain, namely increased muscle activity in the upper trapezius and perceived general tension. Thirty-three women in three groups were assessed before and after an intervention period and by questionnaire 6 months later. The purpose of this study was primarily to investigate associations between upper trapezius muscle activity, perceived general tension and pain, and secondly, to compare effects of individually based physiotherapy and group exercise for workers with shoulder and neck myalgia. All three groups reported a significant alleviation of pain and perceived general tension, while the electromyographically (EMG) recorded upper trapezius muscle activity level remained unchanged or increased. Improvements were similar in all three treatment groups, but individual-based therapies were rated more beneficial on subjective measures. Significant correlation was found between pain and perceived general tension (r = 0.66, p
Gait analysis of hemiplegic patients by measurement of ground reaction force
Authors: Morita S , Yamamoto H , Furuya K
Published: May 2023

Ground reaction force during walking was measured and analyzed in 58 patients who had been hemiplegic for more than 6 months. Utilizing the impulse (area between a component curve and the baseline) as an assessment value, several parameters were selected to represent the characteristics of each component curve (vertical, fore-aft and lateral) of the ground reaction force, and correlated with the degree of motor recovery in the patients. As a result, a high correlation was found between these parameters and the degree of motor recovery, indicating that ground reaction force well reflects the degree of motor recovery, which is highly correlated with the gait ability of hemiplegic patients. This evaluation method would also be very helpful for objective and quantitative estimation of the gait of hemiplegic patients
Does hyperextension have an unloading effect on the intervertebral disc?
Authors: Magnusson ML , Pope MH , Hansson T
Published: May 2023

A stadiometer (a device to measure the overall height of a subject) was used to determine the effect of hyperextension in rehydration of the intervertebral disc. Hyperextension for 20 minutes in a prone posture was compared with the prone posture alone for 20 minutes. The stadiometer measurement was made after the subject was exposed to 10 kg of loading applied to the shoulders for five minutes and after each of the recovery postures. It was found that hyperextension gave a significantly increased height recovery compared with the prone posture.
Comparisons of mechanical and electromyographical muscular utilization ratios.
Authors: Hébert LJ , Gravel D , Arsenault B
Published: May 2023

The physical loading of a muscle during functional activities can be estimated by the muscular utilization ratio. This ratio is defined as the percentage of muscular involvement relative to the maximal capacity. Either mechanical or electromyographical approaches can be used to obtain the muscle utilization ratio. However, the non-linear relationship between electromyographical activity and muscle force, as well as the non-equivalence between agonist muscles, may create differences between the mechanical muscle utilization ratio calculated from joint moments and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio calculated from electromyographical data. The aim of this study was to compare, during a squat test, the mechanical muscle utilization ratio and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio estimated by three different methods; direct linear approximation, second order polynomial regression and linear interpolation. The knee extensor moment and electromyographical data of rectus femoris and vastus medialis of 11 subjects were recorded during both knee extension and squat. Both tests were performed with the knee maintained at 90 degrees of flexion. The results showed that: a) the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio, calculated from the average of vastus medialis and rectus femoris, significantly underestimates the mechanical muscle utilization ratio (ANOVA, p < 0.01), b) the differences between the mechanical muscle utilization ratio and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio are larger for the direct linear approximation method than for the second order polynomial regression (ANOVA, p < 0.01) or the linear interpolation method (ANOVA, p < 0.01), and c) independent of the method utilized, there is no difference between the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio predicted by the vastus medialis as compared with the rectus femoris (ANOVA, p > 0.01).
Motoneuron activity and muscle fibre type composition in hemiparesis
Authors: Jakobsson F , Grimby L , Edström L
Published: May 2023

The firing of single motor units (MUs) in musculus tibialis anterior (TA) was studied during maximal voluntary effort and maximal speed of walking in 10 patients with severe chronic hemiparesis and the findings compared to normal data. As shown in a previous study, the paralysed TA exhibited an increase in proportion of type 2 fibres as compared with normal muscle. Thus, 57% of the muscle fibres were type 1 and 43% type 2, while the normal percentages were 80% and 20% respectively. The present findings indicate that in the paralysed muscles a little less than half of the fibres, i.e. roughly the equivalent of the type 2 population, was not tonically active either during sustained voluntary contraction or during locomotion. Normally high threshold MUs reached high rates during both modes of activation. The findings paralysed muscles also indicate that a little more than half of the fibres, i.e. roughly the equivalent of the type 1 population, could be brought into tonic firing during voluntary contraction as well as during walking. Their maximal firing rate was, however, no more than two thirds of that of normal low threshold MUs.
Blood pressure response to detrusor pressure elevation in patients with a reflex urinary bladder after a cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury
Authors: Thyberg M , Ertzgaard P , Gylling M , Granérus G
Published: May 2023

In 12 patients with a reflex urinary bladder after a cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury, blood pressure was measured every 30 s during cystometry. Four consecutive cystometries were performed by means of suprapubical catheters and 50 ml/min filling rate. The aim was to improve the methodological basis for cystometrical studies of paroxysmal hypertension and its treatment. In each cystometry there was an elevation of the systolic (20-60 mmHg) and the diastolic (15-55 mmHg) blood pressure. The maximum blood pressure always occurred during the emptying phase and always in close relation to the peak of the detrusor pressure. The amplitude of the blood pressure response varied intraindividually, but did not change in any particular direction during the series of cystometries. Thus, a cystometrical method which stimulates the detrusor in a physiological way is sufficient to give the typical uninhibited blood pressure reaction in most patients with a reflex bladder and a spinal reflex vasomotor function after a high level spinal cord injury. The blood pressure reaction obtained with this method is probably representative for the daily reaction during physiological reflex emptying of the bladder. To describe the maximum blood pressure reaction, it has to be measured during a well defined emptying phase and close to the occurrence of the maximum detrusor pressure. Since repetition of cystometry did not change the blood pressure response, this cystometrical method is useful for evaluation of pharmacological intervention.
“SANTI SARMA” IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PENGGUNAAN PLATFORM MERDEKA MENGAJAR MENUJU GURU PRODUKTIF DAN INOVATIF
Authors: Ni Putu Eni Astuti , Bagus Putu Arnyana Ida , Nyoman Dantes I , Hendra Wirawan I Putu
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze the implementation of Santi Sarma's activities namely Monday and Friday Learning Together which is an effort by teachers and principals to face an independent curriculum by utilizing the independent teaching platform (PMM) at SDN 1 Melinggih Kelod, Payangan sub-district, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province and its problems. This type of research is qualitative research with a case study method. The research subjects were nine teachers at the elementary school who were implementing the independent curriculum. Data collection techniques in this study were observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques in this study used an interactive model, namely data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the teachers at Melinggih Kelod 1 Elementary School have utilized various menus at PMM in Santi sarma activities. This activity is very effective in efforts to increase teacher productivity, especially in terms of learning tools and teacher innovation to develop learning that ends in real action with students in their respective classes. The obstacles found in the implementation of PMM in this santi sarma activity are the ability of teachers who are approaching retirement to access and apply the PMM menu and the busyness of teachers due to obligations in traditional activities. The commitment of the teachers and the full support of the principal who facilitated this activity brought new colors and enthusiasm to the culture of quality and the learning culture of teachers which led to improving the abilities and character of students.
Performance Analysis of Employee at Secretariat of Regional People’s Representatives Council of Province of Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Kouttjie Katharina Charlotte Alexandra , Widnyani Ida Ayu Putu Sri , Dewi Nyoman Diah Utari
Published: May 2023

The Regional People’s Representatives Council (PRC) plays an important role in accommodating and channeling people's aspirations. PRC is the result of democracy, where PRC members are directly elected by the community. Therefore, PRC should always improve its performance to support the running of government and improve people's welfare. This study aims to analyze the employee’s performance of the Secretariat of the PRC of Bali Province, Indonesia and examine the supporting and inhibiting factors as well as the solutions implemented to overcome the obstacles related to the performance of the employees. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, documentation studies, and online research. Checking the validity of the data using qualitative data triangulation. The results showed that the performance of the employees of the Bali Provincial PRC Secretariat in carrying out their duties and functions was quite effective and efficient in terms of the aspects of productivity, service quality, responsiveness, responsibility, and accountability which had shown good results. Factors inhibiting the performance of employees of the Bali Provincial PRC Secretariat in carrying out their duties and functions include inadequate quality of human resources, imperfect understanding of employees regarding duties and responsibilities, and lack of education and training. While the supporting factors include the relatively sufficient number of apparatus/employees of the Secretariat of the PRC Bali Province, the existence of adequate facilities and infrastructure, the existence of good communication between fellow employees and leaders, and a good and comfortable work environment.
Development Of Android-Based Electronic Module Using Sigil Application As A Learning Media
Authors: Sudarni Ajeng Rahma
Published: May 2023

Abstract— This study aims to develop digital simulation learning modules and produce valid, practical and effective digital simulation learning modules. This research is a development research. The model chosen in this study is a 4-D model: define, design, develop, and disseminate. The subject  was 10th grade students of the Genus Health Vocational School. The type of data used is primary data. The instruments used to collect data in this study were instruments of validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The research data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Data were obtained through questionnaires from validators and student response questionnaires as well as teacher response questionnaires to the developed e-module. The results of the validity test analysis to media experts obtained a validation value of 0.84, so the android-based learning e-module was categorized as valid. Furthermore, the validation results from material experts obtained a validation value of 0.85, meaning that the material in the Android-based learning e-module is categorized as valid. The results of the practicality of Android-based E-Modules for teachers obtained an average of 82.3 with very practical categories, and students obtained an average of 85 with very practical categories. The results of classical completeness scores obtained that 20 students completed with a percentage of 93.67%, it was concluded that the android-based e-module media was said to be effective from a review of students' classical scores. The effectiveness of the product on learning outcomes based on classical completeness which reached 93.67% and the gain score value of 0.32 in the medium category, it can be concluded that the android-based learning e-module is declared effective.
Translated Political Opinion Articles: A Narrative Approach
Authors: A. Alaidan Buthaynah
Published: May 2023

The spread of political narratives across language boundaries lies on the shoulders of translators. They play a major role in legitimizing or delegitimizing certain narratives over others. This study utilizes narrative theory and the notion of framing as backgrounds to analyze translated articles and explore the translation strategies translators use as they translate into Arabic articles written originally in English by Thomas Friedman. This study’s significance comes from its exploration of narratives in translated political opinion articles. It seeks to answer the question, how has Alittihad newspaper carried out its translation of Friedman’s articles with respect to narrative theory? The study reveals Alittihad’s tendency to reframe Friedman’s articles to avoid framing public figures or countries negatively and elevate the formality of the articles’ language. It also shows that the newspaper uses mostly deletion as a translation strategy to reframe the articles.
An ITAE Optimal Sliding Mode Controller for Systems with Control Signal and Velocity Limitations
Authors: Pietrala Mateusz , Leśniewski Piotr , Bartoszewicz Andrzej
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a sliding mode controller, which can be applied for second-order systems, is designed. Robustness to external disturbances, finite regulation time and a good system’s behaviour are required for a sliding mode controller. In order to achieve the first two of these three goals, a non-linear, time-varying switching curve is introduced. The representative point (state vector) belongs to this line from the very beginning of the control process, which results in elimination of the reaching phase. The stable sliding motion along the switching curve is provided. Natural limitations such as control signal and system’s velocity constraints will be taken into account. In order to satisfy them, the sliding line parameters will be properly selected. However, a good dynamical behaviour of the system has to be provided. In order to achieve that, the integral time absolute error (ITAE) quality index will be introduced and minimised. The simulation example will verify theoretical considerations.
Estimation of the Regenerative Braking Process Efficiency in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kropiwnicki Jacek , Gawłas Tomasz
Published: May 2023

In electric and hybrid vehicles, it is possible to recover energy from the braking process and reuse it to drive the vehicle using the batteries installed on-board. In the conditions of city traffic, the energy dissipated in the braking process constitutes a very large share of the total resistance to vehicle motion. Efficient use of the energy from the braking process enables a significant reduction of fuel and electricity consumption for hybrid and electric vehicles, respectively. This document presents an original method used to estimate the efficiency of the regenerative braking process for real traffic conditions. In the method, the potential amount of energy available in the braking process was determined on the basis of recorded real traffic conditions of the analysed vehicle. The balance of energy entering and leaving the battery was determined using the on-board electric energy flow recorder. Based on the adopted model of the drive system, the efficiency of the regenerative braking process was determined. The paper presents the results of road tests of three electric vehicles, operated in the same traffic conditions, for whom the regenerative braking efficiency was determined in accordance with the proposed model. During the identification of the operating conditions of the vehicles, a global positioning system (GPS) measuring system supported by the original method of phenomenological signal correction was used to reduce the error of the measured vehicle’s altitude. In the paper, the efficiency of the recuperation process was defined as the ratio of the accumulated energy to the energy available from the braking process and determined for the registered route of the tested vehicle. The obtained results allowed to determine the efficiency of the recuperation process for real traffic conditions. They show that the recuperation system efficiency achieves relatively low values for vehicle No. 1, just 21%, while the highest value was achieved for vehicle No. 3, 77%. Distribution of the results can be directly related to the power of electric motors and battery capacities of the analysed vehicles.
How to Ensure the Development of SMEs in Post-Pandemic Economy? A Start-ups Case Study
Authors: Jasińska-Biliczak Anna
Published: May 2023

After the humanitarian crisis, caused by COVID-19, enterprises have to face a post-pandemic economic crisis. As small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute 99% of EU enterprises and create every third workplace (European Parliament, 2021), it is important to monitor their situation not only to survive but also to develop and build strong economies in the future. The aim of this research is to investigate development trends and opportunities in (SMEs’) development, with a special focus on start-ups (STPS) as representative of these. Also, special attention is paid to the concept of sustainable development (SD), which fulfils the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The proposed methodology consists of three stages: desk research, in-depth interviews, and primary data analysis, and uses a qualitative method. The article describes the findings of recent Polish studies undertaken to verify and augment earlier pilot research. The novelty of the article is the examination of the dependence between the STPS survival rate and the SD as a measure of SDGs’ fulfilment. The limitation may be the specificity of the pandemic, as well as the study of post-pandemic trends that shows a strictly binding need to have a stable strategy for establishing, managing and developing enterprises and increasing their survival rates.
Surface Water Contamination by Mining Wastes: Case of the Sidi Kambar Region (Skikda North-East Algeria)
Authors: Fekrache Fadila , Boudeffa Khaled
Published: May 2023

The objective of this work is to assess the contamination of the Essouk stream, under acid drainage from the Sidi Kambar mine (southwest of Skikda, Algeria), which has been widely exploited during the previous decades. The methodology was conducted to control the current state of water chemistry, its evolution in space and time according to the variation of water physicochemical parameters and the content of trace metals (Pb, Fe, and Zn). In general, Essouk stream are highly sulphated (reached 598.56 mg/L) and have an elevated salinity, resulting in a high conductivity (1925 µS/cm) and presented a low pH (3.01). In addition, Fe, Pb and Zn contents reached 5.17 mg/L, 2.05 mg/L and 4.05 mg/L, respectively. Such results were linked to the bedrock of Sidi Kambar that is composed of galena, pyrite and sphalerite.
Investigation of the Process of Separation of Fibers From Seeds During Roll Ginning
Authors: Sailov Rahib Aqaqul
Published: May 2023

In the initial position in the process of roll ginning, the seed is drawn to the slot of the contact gap of the knife-drum due to the tension of the fibers. Subsequently, the seed is struck with a certain impulse. The separation of the fibers from the seed after the impact of the beater occurs sequentially, not simultaneously.

As a result of theoretical and experimental studies, the optimum frequency of the shock pulse on the seed (f = 18-20) was found to be the most technologically successful in terms of providing the best quality indicators of seeds and fibers. Beating in the resonance mode allows to reduce the magnitude of the shock impulse on the seed, leading to a reduction in the degree of damage to the seeds. At this moment, the seeds at the end of the strand move only under the action of an elastic restoring force. The active part of the fiber bundle section in a dynamic process can be as little as 0.001 or less.

The average value of the compliance coefficient for the raw cotton variety BA-440 was determined experimentally. This allowed to determine the stiffness coefficient of the volatiles indirectly. According to the parameters obtained, the dynamic state of the system practically falls into the region of parametric resonance, where the motion is unstable. This means that the damaged seeds at the end of the strand enlarge significantly after the impact of the beater, causing the seeds to separate from the fibers.
Does Central Bank Transparency Deter the Exchange Rate Volatility? New Evidence from Asian Emerging Markets
Authors: Aftab Muhammad , Mehmood Ahsan
Published: May 2023

Exchange rate volatility has emerged as a significant challenge for Asian emerging markets since the adoption of the liberalization process. This study examines the influence of central bank transparency on exchange rate volatility using a sample of ten important Asian emerging markets. The study uses a fixed effect regression model covering the Asian financial crisis, global financial crisis, banking crisis, and taper tantrum episodes. Results show that an increase in central bank transparency has a stabilizing effect on exchange rate volatility, and this effect remains even after controlling for various internal and external factors. The uncertainty of US monetary policy increases exchange rate volatility, while US economic policy uncertainty contributes only during the global financial crisis. Interestingly, central bank transparency buffers the effects of the global financial crisis, indicating that it plays a facilitating role in maintaining financial stability. Studies that examine the role of central bank transparency in curbing exchange rate volatility, which is a crucial issue in these markets, are rare in emerging markets’ context. This research offers interesting findings by using a variety of robustness checks.
Storying family experiences in higher education: Surfacing, awakening, and transforming developing leader identity
Authors: Cooper Maria , Gould Kiri , Gorst Louise
Published: May 2023

Storying family experiences provides a means to explore and support leader identity development. The idea of recalling and reflecting on stories about and from families can surface how orientations to lead are learned early on in life. We report on students’ narratives generated during a postgraduate early childhood education leadership course to understand the significance of family storytelling in leader identity development and the awakenings this process encouraged for those involved. Using McCain and Matkin’s (2019) concept of retrospective storytelling, narrative inquiry underpinned our analysis of students’ family-oriented stories and the identification of two themes regarding their orientation to leadership: the influence of families’ hardships, work ethic and selfless actions; and the expectations associated with being the first-born in the family and the assumed responsibilities. Our findings affirm the transformative potential of selecting, telling, and reflecting on family stories to both understand the roots of leadership motivations and develop leader identities. Implications include promoting a narrative-based pedagogy for leadership development that centres on postgraduate students’ retrospective storying of family experiences.
Enhanced FPGA-Based Controller for Three Phase Shunt Active Power Filter
Authors: Benhamadouche Abdelouahab Djoubair , Sahli Abdeslem , Bakhti Haddi , Ballouti Adel , Drif Mahmoud
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a three-phase shunt active power filter (SAPF) controller with a fully digital implementation is presented. The main goal of this contribution is to implement a digital direct power control (DDPC) algorithm without phase-locked-loop (PLL) for SAPF. This algorithm is intended for power quality improvement and current harmonic elimination. The controller introduced in this paper is cost-effective, has a fast-dynamic response, and has a simple hardware implementation. In order to comply with the above specifications, a dedicated controller has been conceived and fully implemented within a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. This FPGA-based controller integrates the whole signal-processing functions needed to drive the SAPF, as well as an original method for sector identification. The intended controller provides the desired power references to select the optimal switching sequences. The switching orders follow the grid reference to drive the voltage source inverter (VSI), so the SAPF achieves good performances while ensuring balanced overall supply currents, unity power factor, and reduced harmonic load currents. The proposed digital implementation achieves a valuable compromise between fast dynamic response, minimum execution time, and reduced FPGA resources, through a simple hardware design implementation. The entire system is developed and simulated using VHDL and VHDL-AMS languages.
Chaos Elimination for a Buck Converter Using the Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimiser
Authors: Bakria Derradji , Gozim Djamal , Korich Belkacem
Published: May 2023

A wide variety of nonlinear phenomena, such as bifurcation and chaos, have been observed in power electronics converters. Much research has been conducted on these behaviours in different converter topologies. The buck converter is known to exhibit chaotic behaviour in a wide parameter range, giving rise to unstable behaviours depending on the circuit parameters values. This paper investigates this bifurcation behaviour by varying the parameters of a voltage PI (Proportional Integral) controlled buck converter operating in continuous conduction mode, using a continuous-time model and constant frequency control signal. Furthermore, a novel and improved version of the PI compensation technique, designed using the multi-objective grey wolf optimiser (MOGWO), is proposed to stabilise the buck converter from chaotic state to periodic orbit.
Financial Data as a Mirror of an Economic Story. An Empirical Approach to the Impact of the COVID19 Pandemic on the Financial Equilibrium
Authors: NICOLAE Simona , GRIGORE George-Eduard , MUȘETESCU Radu-Cristian
Published: May 2023

The present article aims to analyze how the imbalances generated by the economic and medical crisis caused by the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 were reflected in the balance and economic performance at the microeconomic level. Two companies operating in two of the most affected economic areas in 2020, Tourism and Pharmaceutical Industry, represented the foundation of our analysis. Accounting data from the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account, available on the website of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, were the main tools for analyzing the impact that the economic and medical crisis had on indicators such as Working Capital, Self-financing Capacity, Current Ratio, Debt/Equity Ratio, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, etc. The period under consideration covers a period of 4 years, i.e., 2018-2021. The two areas of activity represent, in our opinion, two major poles of the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, being the loser and the winner (in financial terms) of the economic and medical developments generated by these. The questions we propose to answer based on the financial analysis are: could these two companies also be considered the winner and the loser of 2020 crisis? And what is the story told by the financial data about a company's vulnerability during the crisis?