bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desain Evaluasi Kirkpatrick Pada Program PPL Terhadap Perubahan Perilaku Mahasiswa/i
Authors: Nufeto Herdi , Tahalele Novi Kristiani
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi program PPL yang terhadap perubahan perilaku mahasiswa/i di STAK Kupang Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur. Program Praktek Pengalaman Lapangan merupakan program mata kuliah wajib yang diikuti oleh mahasiswa/i calon guru. Penelitian termasuk penelitian evaluasi dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa/i STAK Kupang Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur yang mengikuti program PPL. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara (interview) dan pengamatan (observation). Analisis data disesuaikan dengan model evaluasi yang digunakan. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan kepada mahasiswa/i STAK Kupang Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur yang telah mengikuti PPL, ditemukan bahwa terdapat perubahan perilaku mahasiswa/i setelah mengikuti program PPL selama kurang lebih 6 bulan. Hal ini berdasarkan pada tingkatan level evaluasi dari model evaluasi Kirkpatrick yang terdiri atas evaluating reaction, evaluating learning, evaluation behavior, dan tingkat tertinggi dari evaluasi program PPL ialah evaluating result. Oleh karena itu, dapat dikatakan bahwa mahasiswa/i STAK Kupang Provinsi NTT telah mencapai ke-empat level dalam model evaluasi ini.
Visualize our customized text to image diffusion models without using any special technology
Authors: Elango Elakkiya , Shanmuganathan Balasubramanian
Published: July 2024

Nowadays considering the advancement of text-to-image frameworks (for example, Stable Diffusion [22]) and associated customizing approaches like DreamBooth [24] and LoRA [13], anybody may express their ideas into images of excellent quality at affordable rates. As a result, picture animations approaches that blend created static images with motion dynamics are in high demand. On this paper, we provide a realistic framework for animating most current personalized text-to-image models for good after everything, therefore saving valuable time on model-specific tweaking. The suggested framework's central idea is to inject a dynamically initialized motion modeling modules into an existing frozen text-to-image model and training it using video clips to extract realistic motion priorities. Once trained, all personalized versions that utilize the same basic T2I quickly transform into text-driven models which generate different and personalized animated visuals by just injecting the aforementioned motion modeling module. We test numerous public indicative personalized text-to-image models on animated images and realistic images, and show how our proposed framework helps these frameworks generate temporally smooth animation clips whereas conserving the domain as well as different perspectives of their outputs. The code and pre-trained weights are going to be made public on our project website.
Implementasi Teknologi dalam Pengelolaan Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah, dan Wakaf: Studi Kasus Platform Digital
Authors: Mufid Abdul
Published: July 2024

Pengelolaan zakat, infaq, shadaqah, dan wakaf (ZISWAF) merupakan bagian penting dari kehidupan umat Islam yang bertujuan untuk mendorong kesejahteraan sosial dan ekonomi umat. Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, teknologi digital telah memainkan peran yang semakin penting dalam pengelolaan ZISWAF. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi teknologi dalam pengelolaan ZISWAF melalui studi kasus sebuah platform digital. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi kasus dengan fokus pada platform digital yang digunakan untuk mengelola ZISWAF. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dengan pengelola platform, observasi langsung, dan analisis dokumentasi. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa implementasi teknologi dalam pengelolaan ZISWAF telah memberikan berbagai manfaat, termasuk peningkatan efisiensi, transparansi, dan aksesibilitas bagi masyarakat dalam berdonasi dan menerima manfaat dari ZISWAF. Meskipun demikian, terdapat juga beberapa tantangan yang dihadapi dalam implementasi teknologi ini, seperti keamanan data, kesulitan dalam mencapai masyarakat yang kurang terjangkau oleh teknologi, dan perubahan paradigma dalam pengelolaan ZISWAF. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan upaya untuk terus mengembangkan teknologi ini sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan konteks masyarakat, serta untuk meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat tentang pentingnya ZISWAF dalam mendukung kesejahteraan umat.
Peran Baznas Jombang Program Donasi "Membasuh Luka Palestina"
Authors: Sari Fatika Diana
Published: July 2024

Israel semakin gencar melakukan serangan serta penindasan kepada Palestina yang berdampak pada warga yang tidak bersalah. Program donasi kemanusiaan merupakan salah satu upaya membantu masyarakat yang terkena dampak bencana atau konflik. Salah satu program donasi yang cukup dikenal adalah program "Membasuh Luka Palestina" yang dilaksanakan oleh Baznas Kab. Jombang. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan bagaimana peran Baznas Kab. Jombang pada program donasi “Membasuh Luka Palestina”. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan melakukan wawancara kepada pengurus Baznas Kab. Jombang. Peneliti menemukan bahwa Baznas Kab. Jombang memiliki peran yang krusial dalam menggerakkan masyarakat dan instasi untuk melakukan donasi dengan mengadakan “Aksi Solidaritas Untuk Palestina” di Monumen Ringin Contong serta membuka progan donasi khusus untuk Palestina hingga dapat menghimpun donasi sebesar Rp. 575.746.025,00 untuk disetorkan kepada Baznas RI agar dikelola dan didistribusikan kepada warga Palestina yang terdampak. Tidak hanya itu Baznas Kab. Jombang juga melakukan pengawasan melalu laporan pendistribusian dana donasi tersebut.
Adjustment of the existing structures located on the trunk railway line CMK to accommodate high-speed rail (HSR) based on theoretical and experimental analyses
Authors: Karaś Sławomir , Krasnowski Andrzej
Published: July 2024

The existing structures located on the railway line Grodzisk Mazowiecki - Zawiercie are analysed from the point of view of the required adjustments to accommodate high-speed rail (HSR) in the paper. The total number of sixty eight (68) culverts and thirty one (31) bridges were evaluated for their suitability, upon the required adjustment, to 250-350 km/h line speed by way of numerical analyses and experimental tests including load tests and condition surveys. The authors give recommendations for altering the static system from simply supported for fully integral construction. Moreover, an overview of publications on high-speed rail is presented.
The influence of the age of concretes with FBC fly ash or metakaolinite additives on their strength properties
Authors: Konkol Janusz , Prokopski Grzegorz
Published: July 2024

An influence of the age of concretes modified with addition of activated fluidized bed combustion (FBC) fly ash (fluidal ash - FL) or metakaolinite (MK) on their compressive strength fc, fracture toughness KIcS and Young's modulus E is determined in the paper. The additives were used as equivalents of part of cement. The performance effectiveness of both additives as substitutes of part of concrete is compared. The investigations were conducted after 28, 90 and 180 days of concrete curing. The functions for calculation of investigated mechanical properties of concretes (fc, KIcS and E) after 28, 90 and 180 days of hardening are given. Statistically significant influence of the concrete age and the change of its composition on the investigated mechanical properties (fc, KIcS and E) was shown. An increase in all the investigated parameters values (fc, KIcS and E) with the decrease in the water/binder ratio and diversified influence of the additive content change with respect to the age of the concrete was observed. It was found that the biggest increment of the values of investigated parameters occurs after 28 days of curing in relation to the results of 90 and 180 days concrete. A model enabling prediction of compressive strength fc of the concrete modified by mechanically activated FCB fly ash or metakaolinite with respect to its composition and age, was created.
Dependence of deformation of soil-shell structure on the direction of load passage
Authors: Machelski Czesław
Published: July 2024

The paper analyzes the deformation of a corrugated steel shell of a soil-steel structure resulting from a load applied by a vehicle changing its position in a quasi-static way. The procedure of double (forward and backward) passage of the vehicle is presented. As a result of such loading, the shell displacements are reduced to zero, from which it can be concluded that the deformation of the soil-steel structure, where the backfill is an essential bearing element, is reversible. In the case of using a classic static procedure, i.e. during the testing of the structure under load acting in one position or with a single passage of the vehicle over the bridge (at low speed), residual displacements of the shell remain. Based on the test results presented in the paper it is shown that bi-directional passage of a vehicle (forward and backward) is a load cycle of the soil-steel structures. During the testing a locomotive was used as a movable load.
The possibilities of assessing the efficacy and comparison of the license plate recognition systems
Authors: Rychlicki Mariusz , Kwiatkowski Tomasz
Published: July 2024

The paper consists of a review and the characteristics of contemporary methods of vehicle registration plate recognition. Their high and increasingly growing importance for the use in intelligent transport systems has been discussed. Their large impact on improving traffic safety and the development of related systems, such as weighing vehicles in motion, have been emphasized. Attention has been paid to the existing problems in the evaluation of the effectiveness and comparison of such systems. The nature of the problem has been indicated, which consists in the fact that manufacturers and suppliers of such solutions overrate the effectiveness of the recognition, declared to be even 100%. For obvious reasons, it raises questions and poses practical problems. For this reason, the paper presents a method for assessing the license plate recognition systems, which might contribute to their practical comparison and determination of the real level of effectiveness. The implementation of the method in the tool application has been performed and the analysis of the obtained results has been carried out. A design of the test stand has been proposed, that would enable the evaluation of such solutions in the laboratory conditions.
Design of airport pavements with use of analytical methods and FEM
Authors: Graczyk Mirosław , Zbiciak Artur , Józefiak Kazimierz
Published: July 2024

The paper presents examples of design solutions obtained with analytical methods and describes the applied design approach. It also includes the outputs of analyses carried out on two types of airport pavement structures: rigid and flexible. Analytical possibilities of Finite Element Method (FEM) are presented with the focus on various computer modelling techniques. The outputs of FEM analyses concerning the stresses, strains and displacements in slabs were compared against the results obtained with the conventional Westergaard model.
Influence of high temperature on properties of materials used in bridge asphalt pavement structures
Authors: Radziszewski Piotr , Piłat Jerzy , Sarnowski Michał , Kowalski Karol J. , Król Jan B.
Published: July 2024

Bridge deck surface might exceptionally become exposed to extreme high temperature conditions during fires caused, for example by vehicle failures. Bituminous binders and asphalt mixtures are thermoplastic components of surfacing and waterproofing layers, which means that their properties vary depending on the temperature. These materials, when exposed to high temperature conditions, may lose their viscoelastic properties, resulting in failure of pavement. This paper presents the results of experimental research and analyses of the effect of exposure to high temperature for a short period of time on the behaviour of bitumens and asphalt mixtures used for installation of waterproofing layers and bridge deck surfacing courses. The following materials were subjected to thermal conditioning under this research: bituminous waterproofing membranes, traditional mastic (M), mastic asphalt enriched with chippings (SMA-MA), stone mastic asphalt (SMA), mastic asphalt (MA) and asphalt concrete (AC). The temperature of 250°C was found to be the limit above which the bituminous binders permanently lose their viscoelastic properties, this resulting in irrecoverable damage of pavement. It is possible to obtain bridge deck surfaces featuring increased resistance to high temperature exposure during fire by appropriately designing the pavement structure, selecting adequate materials and choosing optimum installation method.
Evaluation of the two methods of determining bulk density of sand: tapping fork test and vibrating table test
Authors: Szajna Waldemar St. , Lechocka Paulina
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research is to compare and evaluate the methods used for determining the maximum bulk density of sand ρdmax. Two methods were considered: tapping fork test and vibrating table test. They were compared in terms of the efficiency of compaction and the repeatability of results. The tested material was quartz sand. The tapping fork test was carried out independently by two lab workers. While the tapping fork method proved to be satisfactory in terms of compaction efficiency (as demonstrated by the mean bulk density of ρdmax=1.805 g/cm3), it was not as good in terms of repeatability (3.35% of relative error) and showed sensitivity to human factor. The second test was performed using a vibrating table with inertial excitation. Selecting an appropriate frequency of vibrations proved to be a key factor. Too low frequency resulted in poor compaction and in case of too high frequency the density was increasing and decreasing alternately. The frequency of 39 Hz was found to be the optimum value, producing the average density of ρdmax=1.795 g/cm3 and 1.56% of relative error after vibrating for the standard time of 12 minutes. Even seemingly small variations of relative error between the analysed methods resulted in considerable variations in the degree of compaction of the tested sand. Therefore, the selection of the method is so important due to the criterion of test objectivity.
The extended assessment of warm mix asphalts durability
Authors: Bańkowski Wojciech , Horodecka Renata , Gajewski Marcin , Mirski Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

The present paper outlines the results of tests performed on bituminous mixtures made by applying WMA, typical and modified bitumens. The mixtures AC 16 and SMA 8 were tested in respect to the compactibility (in a gyratory press and PBS cylinder compactor), water resistance, fatigue resistance, resistance to low-temperature cracking (through the TSRST method), complex modulus in a broad scope of frequencies, and crack propagation in the SCB apparatus. The impact of the technological and long-term ageing was taken into account. All tests were performed on the reference specimens and the specimens with WMA bitumens compacted at the temperature lower than the standard compaction temperature for a given mixture by 20°C and 40°C respectively. It has been proved that reducing the compaction temperature by 20°C is possible without deteriorating the mixture parameters. Moreover, in case of reducing that temperature by 40°C the majority of requirements have been met as well. The tests have confirmed in broad scope good functional characteristics of warm mix asphalts.
Evaluation of seismic behaviour of railway bridges considering track-bridge interaction
Authors: Dehghani Ehsan , Zadeh Maryam Najafi , Nabizadeh Azam
Published: July 2024

Railway bridges have historically performed well in the previous earthquakes. Although this performance has qualitatively been studied in some references such as AREMA code, no quantitative criteria has been proposed for it. Thus, this study aims to present quantitative criteria for railway bridge performance under seismic loads. In the paper, seismic behaviour of railway bridges, with and without track-bridge interaction (TBI), is calculated through finite element modeling. Pushover and incremental dynamic analyses, are utilized to assess the proposed method, considering fourteen records of the past earthquakes. The results clearly show superior performance of the proposed model with track system, in which the deck displacement, base shear, and plastic rotation decrease by 70%-90%, 20%-83%, and 85%-100%, respectively. Finally, two equations are proposed to calculate deck displacement and base shear of railway bridges without performing track-bridge interaction (TBI) by Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) of the applied record approximately.
Concrete creep effects during bridge span construction using cantilever concreting technology
Authors: Machelski Czesław
Published: July 2024

A characteristic feature of many long-span cantilever prestressed concrete bridges are excessive deflections of their spans due to the rheological processes in the concrete and in the prestressing steel. Such bridges are subject to monitoring during which geodetic surveys are usually conducted. The latter reveal changes in the deflection curves of the spans. In this paper span displacements resulting from concrete creep are analysed. A specific situation occurring when the span static scheme is changed from the cantilever (assembly stage) to continuous beam (exploitation stage) is considered. Assuming a regular three-span structure, a general solution to the problem is obtained for the following bridge parameters: dead load, span length, and the variable concrete creep index. The proposed algorithm is used in calculation examples in which different creep index distributions along the cantilevers are assumed. The results of the analyses are compared with the behaviour of a monitored existing bridge of this type. The analyses presented in this paper can be useful for the design of spans and the assessment of the safety of such bridges which are in service.
Application of the new viscoelastic method of thermal stress calculation to the analysis of low-temperature cracking of ashpalt layers
Authors: Judycki Józef
Published: July 2024

High Modulus Asphalt Concrete base course of a motorway under construction cracked severely during the first winter after paving. The new viscoelastic method of thermal stress calculation was used to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of thermal stresses and development of low-temperature cracking in asphalt layers. This paper presents pavement structure and materials, thermal cracks intensity assessment, field and laboratory testing and the outline of the new viscoelastic method. Thermal stresses in the HMAC base course were calculated at its surface and at the depth of 5 cm at the time when transverse cracking occurred. The calculated thermal stresses were compared with tensile strength of the material. Probability of low-temperature cracking was determined. The results presented in the paper confirmed that the new method of thermal stress calculation was a valuable tool for analysis of low-temperature cracking. Several uncertainties and unsolved issues related to low-temperature cracking, which were discovered during the analysis, were described.
Two-way Dispatched function in Sonic hedgehog shedding and transfer to high-density lipoproteins
Authors: Ehring Kristina , Ehlers Sophia F , Froese Jurij , Gude Fabian , Puschmann Janna , Grobe Kay
Published: July 2024

The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway controls embryonic development and tissue homeostasis after birth. This requires regulated solubilization of dual-lipidated, firmly plasma membrane-associated Shh precursors from producing cells. Although it is firmly established that the resistance-nodulation-division transporter Dispatched (Disp) drives this process, it is less clear how lipidated Shh solubilization from the plasma membrane is achieved. We have previously shown that Disp promotes proteolytic solubilization of Shh from its lipidated terminal peptide anchors. This process, termed shedding, converts tightly membrane-associated hydrophobic Shh precursors into delipidated soluble proteins. We show here that Disp-mediated Shh shedding is modulated by a serum factor that we identify as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition to serving as a soluble sink for free membrane cholesterol, HDLs also accept the cholesterol-modified Shh peptide from Disp. The cholesteroylated Shh peptide is necessary and sufficient for Disp-mediated transfer because mCherry linked to cholesteroylated peptides associates with HDL in a Disp-dependent manner, whereas an N-palmitoylated Shh variant lacking C-cholesterol does not. Disp-mediated Shh transfer to HDL is completed by proteolytic processing of the palmitoylated N-terminal membrane anchor. In contrast to dual processed soluble Shh with moderate bioactivity, HDL-associated N-processed Shh is highly bioactive. We suggest that the purpose of different post-translationally modified soluble Shh forms generated from the dual-lipidated cellular precursor is to fine-tune cellular responses in a tissue type and time-specific manner.
Microstructural asymmetries of the planum temporale predict functional lateralization of auditory-language processing
Authors: Qin Peipei , Bi Qiuhui , Guo Zeya , Yang Liyuan , Li HaoKun , Li Peng , Liang Xinyu , Luo Junhao , Kong Xiangyu , Xiong Yirong , Sun Bo , Ocklenburg Sebastian , Gong Gaolang
Published: July 2024

Structural hemispheric asymmetry has long been assumed to guide functional asymmetry of the human brain, but empirical evidence for this compelling hypothesis remains scarce. Recently, it has been suggested that microstructural asymmetries may be more relevant to functional asymmetries than macrostructural asymmetries. To investigate the link between microstructure and function, we analyzed multimodal MRI data in 907 participants. We quantified structural and functional asymmetries of the planum temporale (PT), a cortical area crucial for auditory-language processing. We found associations of functional PT asymmetries and several microstructural asymmetries, such as intracortical myelin content, neurite density, and neurite orientation dispersion. The PT microstructure per se also showed hemispheric-specific coupling with PT functional activity. All these functional-structural associations are highly specific to within-PT functional activity during auditory-language processing. These results suggest that structural asymmetry guides functional lateralization of the same brain area and highlight a critical role of microstructural PT asymmetries in auditory-language processing.
Dynamic Gamma Modulation of Hippocampal Place Cells Predominates Development of Theta Sequences
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Yimeng , Guo Mingkun , Wang Ling , Wang Xueling , Zhu Nan , Yang Jiajia , Wang Lei , Zheng Chenguang , Ming Dong
Published: July 2024

The experience-dependent spatial cognitive process requires sequential organization of hippocampal neural activities by theta rhythm, which develops to represent highly compressed information for rapid learning. However, how the theta sequences were developed in a finer time scale within theta cycles remains unclear. In this study, we found that sweep-ahead structure of theta sequences developing with exploration was predominantly dependent on a relatively large proportion of FG-cells, i.e. a subset of place cells dominantly phase-locked to fast gamma rhythms. These ensembles integrated compressed spatial information by cells consistently firing at precessing slow gamma phases within the theta cycle. Accordingly, the sweep-ahead structure of FG-cell sequences was positively correlated with the intensity of slow gamma phase precession, in particular during early development of theta sequences. These findings highlight the dynamic network-modulation by fast and slow gamma in the development of theta sequences which may further facilitate memory encoding and retrieval.
Developmental stage determines the realized energy landscape for a flight specialist
Authors: Nourani Elham , Faure Louise , Brønnvik Hester , Scacco Martina , Bassi Enrico , Fiedler Wolfgang , Grüebler Martin U , Hatzl Julia , Jenny David , Roverselli Andrea , Sumasgutner Petra , Tschumi Matthias , Wikelski Martin , Safi Kamran
Published: July 2024

The heterogeneity of the physical environment determines the cost of transport for animals, shaping their energy landscape. Animals respond to this energy landscape by adjusting their distribution and movement to maximize gains and reduce movement costs. Much of our current knowledge about energy landscape dynamics focuses on factors external to the animal, particularly the spatio-temporal variations of the environment. However, an animal’s internal state can significantly impact its ability to perceive and utilize the available energy, creating a distinction between the “fundamental” and the “realized” energy landscapes. Here we show that the realized energy landscape varies along the onto-genetic axis. Locomotor and cognitive capabilities of individuals change over time, especially during the early life stages. We investigate the development of the realized energy landscape in the Central European Alpine population of the golden eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
, a large predator that requires negotiating the atmospheric environment to achieve energy-efficient soaring flight. We quantified weekly energy landscapes using environmental features for 55 juvenile golden eagles, demonstrating that energetic costs of traversing the landscape decreased as the birds aged. In fact, the potentially flyable area within the Alpine region increased 2,170-fold during their first three years of independence. Our work contributes to achieving a predictive understanding of animal movement behaviors by presenting ontogeny as a mechanism shaping the realized energy landscape.
Bred 'Like Cattle' Forced Procreation in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Authors: Grey Rosemary
Published: July 2024

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) serves as a compelling case study to extend current thinking about reproductive violence in international criminal law beyond the crime of 'forced pregnancy'. In particular, the cases and evidence from the ECCC illustrate a
broader concept of forced procreation, associated with the Khmer Rouge regime's role in forcing or coercing its citizens to produce children for the nation. Although this type of forced procreation was potentially prosecutable in the ECCC using the crimes against humanity of 'other inhumane
acts' or 'enslavement', no such charges were laid. This article considers that apparent gap in the ECCC charges, drawing on Sellers' concept of 'absent jurisprudence'.
The Adjudication of Slavery Crimes against the Yazidi by German Courts Evolving Jurisprudence and the Need for Rectifying Legal Amendments in German Law
Authors: Kather Alexandra Lily
Published: July 2024

This article examines the interpretation and application of relevant provisions of the German Code of Crimes against International Law (CCAIL) and the German Criminal Code (GCC) to the slave trade and slavery conduct committed against the Yazidi by the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant (ISIL, IS or Da'esh). Specifically, the article takes an intersectional approach to reviewing in detail the cases of Sarah O (Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf) and Taha Al J (Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt) while drawing observations from other German cases concerning slavery
crimes against the Yazidi. These were in the majority, if against German nationals, conducted under the principle of active personality or, in the alternative, under the principle of universal jurisdiction. The article shows how German prosecutors and courts did not shy away from creatively
grappling with slave trading, slavery and trafficking conduct committed by ISIL.Cases, such as Nadine K, demonstrate a positive evolution towards cumulative charging and convictions that afford comprehensive legal redress to persons affected by the slave trade, slavery and trafficking. Still,
the absence of the slave trade as an enumerated provision of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the CCAIL can be felt and must be rectified to realise legal protection as envisioned by customary international law.
Comparative analysis of nutrient composition and antioxidant activity in three dragon fruit cultivars
Authors: Yasmin Afsana , Sumi Mousumi Jahan , Akter Keya , Rabbi Rakibul Hasan Md. , Almoallim Hesham S. , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Hossain Akbar , Imran Shahin
Published: July 2024

Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrients, fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their pulps. Uniform dragon fruit samples underwent thorough analysis for proximate composition, mineral content, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin C, with statistical methods used to assess significant differences among the parameters studied. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant differences among the three dragon fruit cultivars. Among the proximate components, protein (0.40 ± 0.02 g/100 g), moisture (91.33 ± 0.88%), crude fibre (0.32 ± 0.07 g/100 g), and ash (1.27 ± 0.09 g/100 g) were more abundant in Hylocereus costaricensis than in Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus megalanthus. On the other hand, Hylocereus undatus had higher carbohydrate (17.02 ± 0.63 g/100 g) and energy (69.74 ± 2.44 kcal/100 g) contents. K (7.23 ± 0.35 mg/100 g), Ca (1.61 ± 0.13 mg/100 g), Fe (1.84 ± 0.05 mg/100 g), and Zn (0.37 ± 0.034 mg/100 g) are highly abundant in H. costaricensis. Additionally, Hylocereus costaricensis had the highest anthocyanin content (120.15 ± 3.29 mg/g FW) and total carotenoid content (72.51 ± 1.62 mg/g FW), along with the highest vitamin C content (8.92 ± 0.13 mg/g FW) and total soluble phenolic content (572.48 ± 20.77 mg/100 g). Its remarkable antioxidant activity was further highlighted by the lowest SC50 value (13.50 ± 0.4 mg/mL) for its DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The total soluble sugar content was highest in Hylocereus megalanthus (8.72 ± 0.30 g/100 g FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct trait and genotype associations; among the studied cultivars, Hylocereus costaricensis demonstrated superior performance across multiple traits. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among several traits, while principal component analysis highlighted the contribution of each trait to overall variance, with PC1 explaining 73.95% of the total variance. This study highlights the nutritional variations among dragon fruit cultivars, with Hylocereus costaricensis showing superior performance, guiding dietary planning and functional food development.
A Research on the Acquisition of Request Strategies in Children
Authors: BAYAT Nihat , BALCI Ayşegül BİNGÖL
Published: July 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı çocukların bir şey isterken kullandığı rica edimi stratejilerini belirlemektir. Rica edimi çocuklukta sık kullanılan dil yapılarından biridir. İletişim becerisinin gelişiminde çocukların toplumsal yapıya ve bağlamın
gereklerine uygun biçimde dil yapılarını kullanmayı öğrenmeleri beklenir. Edimbilimsel çerçevede strateji olarak belirlenen dil yapılarının çocuklar tarafından kullanımının yetişkinlerin kullanımlarına benzer bir düzeye ulaşması
dil edinimi sürecinde önemli bir noktadır. Türkçeyi anadili olarak edinen çocuklardaki bu gelişimi izlemek için yürütülen tarama modelindeki nitel araştırmanın verileri Söylem Tamamlama Testi'yle toplanmıştır. Altı maddenin yer
aldığı testin hazırlanmasında çeşitli iletişimsel durumlar dikkate alınmış ve güç ilişkilerine dayalı statü değişkeni ile rica edimi yoluyla istenen şeyin güçlük derecesini yansıtan yükleme değişkeni bakımından çeşitlilik gösteren
bağlamlar oluşturulmuştur. Bağlamda yer alan bu yapı, uzman görüşleri eşliğinde yetişkinler için de uyarlanmıştır. Araştırmanın 5-6 yaş grubundan oluşan 145 çocuk katılımcısı 2018-2019 öğretim yılında okulöncesi eğitimi alan çocuklar
iken 71 yetişkin katılımcı ise çocuklarla aynı bölgede yaşayan lisans ve lisanüstü eğitimi olan bireylerden oluşmaktadır. Yetişkinlerin katılmasının nedeni ilgili bağlamlarda seçilen rica stratejilerinin Türkçedeki ölçünlü biçimlerini
belirlemek ve çocukların seçtiği stratejileri değerlendirmek için dayanak oluşturmaktır. Katılımcıların teste verdiği yanıtlar iki uzman tarafından değerlendirilmiş ve hangi stratejilerin kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir. Veriler istatistik
programında çözümlenmiş, yüzde ve sıklık hesaplamaları yapılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre yetişkinler en sık dile özgü öneri deyimleri stratejilerine başvurarak yanıt vermişken çocuklar en sık hazırlayıcı koşullara gönderim
stratejisini kullanarak yanıt vermiştir. Ayrışma daha çok başvurulan ikinci ve sonraki stratejilerde ortaya çıkmıştır. Elde edilen sonuca dayanarak çocukların rica edimine yönelik edimsel gelişiminin farklı araştırmalarla genişletilmesi
önerilmiştir.
Leadership Orientation for Pre-Service Math and Science Teachers
Authors: ZEREN ÖZER Dilek , KARADUMAN Burcu , ARSLAN Çiğdem
Published: July 2024

Bu çalışmada, matematik ve fen bilgisi öğretmenliği lisans programlarında öğrenim gören öğretmen adaylarının liderlik yönelimlerinin çeşitli değişkenler açısından belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma için Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi
Araştırma ve Yayın Etik Kurulunun 26.08.2022 tarih ve 2022-07 sayılı olur’u ile Etik Kurul Onayı alınmıştır. Yürütülen çalışma nicel bir araştırma olup tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu fen bilgisi öğretmenliği
ve ilköğretim matematik öğretmenliği lisans programlarının 1., 2., 3. ve 4. sınıflarında toplam 314 öğretmen adayını kapsamaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak “Liderlik Yönelimleri Ölçeği” kullanılmış ve elde edilen veriler SPSS
ile analiz edilmiştir. Öğretmen adaylarının liderlik yönelimlerinin sınıf düzeyi, cinsiyet ve lisans programları değişkenlerine göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğini belirlemek için normallik testleri ve parametrik olmayan testler
kullanılmış; ayrıca ölçeğin boyutlarına göre madde ortalamaları hesaplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, fen ve matematik öğretim programında öğrenim gören öğretmen adaylarının liderlik yönelim ortalamalarının birbirine yakın olduğu tespit
edilmiştir. Araştırmada, liderlik yönelimleri üzerinde cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyleri ve öğretmenlik programları değişkenlerinin etkisinin olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte, liderlik yönelimleri ortalama puanlarına bakıldığında
en yüksek ortalamanın dördüncü sınıf fen bilgisi öğretmenliği öğrencilerinde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Alt boyutlar göz önüne alındığında ise en yüksek ortalama politik liderlik boyutunda belirlenmiştir. Her iki öğretmenlik programında
sırasıyla politik liderlik boyutunu, sembolik, yapısal ve insan kaynaklı liderlik boyutlarının izlediği görülmüştür. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlar ışığında dördüncü sınıf öğretmen adaylarının liderlik yönelimlerinin tüm alt
boyutlarında liderlik yönelimlerinin ortalamasının diğer sınıflara göre nispeten yüksek olmasının nedenleri derinlemesine araştırılabilir. Aynı hedef kitle ile cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi ve lisans programı değişkenleri dışında farklı
değişkenlerin liderlik yönelimlerine etkisi incelenebilir.
Faith Healing Practices in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Niranjan Vijay , Choudhary Richa , Jain Priyash , Mudgal Varchasvi
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Faith healing has been practiced in various cultures for many decades and is an accepted mode of treatment in different cultures. Beliefs about mental illness can affect patients’ willingness to seek and adhere to treatment, so it is important to consider cultural, traditional, and folk methods for conceptualising and managing mental illnesses. Aim: To assess the clinical and socio-cultural factors associated with faith healing and the effect of faith healing methods on the patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India from January 2023 to March 2023. The sample comprised 100 consecutive patients selected by convenient sampling who had visited a faith healer for their disorder. A semi-structured proforma was administered to participants and their informants, which contained sociodemographic details, clinical information, and details of the faith healing practices they underwent. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the sample distribution, and measures of central tendency were applied. Results: The mean age of patients was 28.6±2.3 years, and the majority (66%) were male. The majority (48%) suffered from psychotic and mood disorders (28%). The majority (64%) contacted a faith healer as their first point of treatment contact. Most visited a healer on the advice of their family or friends (82%), followed by having supernatural or religious beliefs towards their illness (52%). The most common method of healing was offering a “Tabeej”/Talisman (82%), followed by “bhabooti”/“prasad”/ sacred water (77%). About 20 participants, or one-fifth of the sample, reported some improvement with faith healing, while most (74%) reported no improvement. Conclusion: The majority of the sample in the study believed in supernatural causation and resorted to faith healers before seeking medicinal treatment. Thus, awareness of and sensitivity to belief systems and faith healing practices in different cultures are important for mental health professionals.
Evaluation of Efficacy of Tulsi-Turmeric Oil Pulling in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (Vata Pitta Dominant Tridosaja Sarvasara Mukharoga): A Narrative Review
Authors: Singh Anshika Kishor , Sawarkar Gaurav Rajendra , Deshpande Amol Madhav , Gudadhe Rugaved Raghavendra , Balkhande Sharayu Bhaskarrao
Published: July 2024

A condition called Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) primarily affects the Indian subcontinent. It is characterised by abnormal collagen deposition and fibrosis of submucosal tissue that progresses over time. Chewing betel nut is the most prevalent behaviour among Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) patients, with a 6.3% prevalence rate. Symptoms include ulceration, burning sensation, xerostomia, and limited mouth opening. According to the Brihatrayi (three main classical books), OSMF is associated with sarvasaramukharoga, or disorders of the oral cavity. Tobacco, lime, chilies, betel nuts, and other substances act as irritants and can damage the oral mucosa. Treatment methods include Gandusha (oil pulling), Pittashamaka, yoga, Nasya (nasal drops), Pratisarana (rubbing), etc. The present review was conducted to assess and evaluate the potential efficacy of Tulsi-turmeric oil pulling as a complementary or alternative therapy in managing OSMF
Knowledge and Attitude of School Teachers toward Epilepsy in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Salih Elfatih Mirghani M , Elahag Huda Ibrahim A , Alzahrani Waleed Saeed S , Alghamdi Eyad Mansour , Alzahrani Abdulmajeed Abdallah
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent unprovoked episodes of seizures. A seizure is a frightening event, especially when it lasts more than five minutes, known as status epilepticus, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to brain injury. Understanding first aid for a seizure is crucial and may save the patient’s life. Aim: To assess school teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy, their attitudes toward epileptic patients, and the factors that affect teachers’ knowledge in Al-Baha City. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia, from November 2021 to May 2022. A total of 305 teachers working in various randomly selected schools, equally distributed between male and female schools, were enrolled. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire to evaluate teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with data considered statistically significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: In the present study, out of 305 subjects, 167 (54.8%) were male, and the majority, 137 (44.9%), were aged between 35-44 years. Of the participants, 214 (70.2%) were found to have poor knowledge about epilepsy, particularly regarding its etiology, impact on learning, and treatment options. There was a positive attitude among 211 (69.2%) participants toward hiring epileptic patients in their businesses and 240 (78.7%) responded positively to allowing their children to play with epileptic patients. However, 125 (41%) participants had a negative attitude toward allowing their offspring to marry an epileptic patient. Conclusion: The school teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy was poor. While their attitudes were positive regarding hiring epileptic patients and allowing their children to play with them, their attitude was negative regarding allowing their offspring to marry an epileptic patient.
An experimental study on electricity generator emissions and their environmental impact in Kirkuk city
Authors: Husain Maral Mahmood ,   Renewable Energy Research Center-Kirkuk, Northern Technical University, Iraq, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq
Published: July 2024

This article evaluated the environmental impact of emissions from private electric generators, focusing on the amount of toxic gas they contribute to the surrounding environment. In the research, the number of generators used in the study was fifteen diesel-powered generators confined within specific residential areas in the city of Kirkuk (Iraq). The study included a field survey and measurements using air pollution standards. The amounts of HCl, H2S, SO2, NO2, NO, CO2, CO, O2, temperature, and relative humidity in the exhaust gases to illustrate the pollutants and compare them to the normal case were measured. It was found that the concentrations varied depending on the generators' parameters and they were high. The diffraction values were distinguished in location A4 (generator manufacturing company – Scania, generating capacity 250 kVA, voltage 200 V, number of residential units consumed - 500), which was characterized by higher concentrations of contaminants than in the standard case. In the remaining cases, this was due to a variety of factors, including the generator's operational age and the higher number of houses it served compared to its generating capacity, which exceeded its design limit.
Effect of Rice Husk Ash on the Tensile Strength of Epoxy Based Bio-composite
Authors: Bisht Neeraj , Rani Nisha
Published: July 2024

Rice husk is a major agricultural waste which has very little practical application for the farmers. It has been used as a fibre with various resins to produce composites. If burnt it produces ashwhich contains 90% Silica which has high abrasive strength and can contribute to mechanical strength of composites. In the present work RHA was obtained by incinerating RH at about 6000C for 6 hours. The ash obtained with this procedure is shiny white in colour and rich in silica. The ash obtained by this process was mixed in various weight proportions with epoxy and powdered rice husk to obtain bio composites. Mechanical tests were conducted to assess the strength of the composite. It was observed that incorporation of RHA as a fibre improved various mechanical properties upto a certain weight proportion where after it started decreasing. SEM tests were conducted to understand the failure mechanism. It can be concluded that RHA can be a suitable fibre for bio composites up to a limited range. In future however better casting techniques can be developed to utilize the abrasive strength of this abundant resource.
The Influence of Strategic Implementation Practices on the Performance of NGOs in Mombasa County
Authors: Maritim Geoffrey Kipkoech , Obuba Robert Omundi
Published: July 2024

Running non-governmental organizations still has its fair share of challenges. Managerial efficiency is still wanting, its performance very low with most of them witnessing increased corruption cases. This study aimed to assess the influence of strategic implementation practices on the performance of NGOs in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study was guided by the strategic fit theory. The target population comprised 906 respondents. Data from the board members were collected using questionnaires, while interviews were conducted to collect data from presidents and treasurers. Piloting of research instruments was conducted among 10.0% of the sample size of respondents in the neighboring Mombasa County to establish validity, reliability, credibility, and dependability. Data analysis began by identifying common themes from the respondents’ descriptions of their experiences. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms, while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, and inferentially using ANOVA with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 27). To enhance their strategic implementation practices, NGOs are advised to bolster collaborations with stakeholders, improve resource mobilization, assess internal and external factors, and engage employees in the planning and execution of strategies.
The Liver of Young and Old Female Rats Exhibits Heightened Susceptibility to Dichlorvos Exposure
Authors: Ige Serah Funke , Olateju Bolade S. , Kauthar Salami , Julius Andrew Sharon , Tolulope Amusan Joshua
Published: July 2024

Exposure to industrial and agricultural environmental contaminants has been shown to produce deleterious effects on different organs of the human body. Dichlorvos [O, O-dimethyl O-(2,2-dichlorovinyl) phosphate, DDVP] is a major organophosphate pesticide used mostly in developing countries for domestic and agricultural insect control. The toxic effects of DDVP have been reported on many organs. However, its gender and age-dependent effects on the liver are yet to be documented. This study investigated the influence of gender and age on liver damage in male and female rats exposed to DDVP. Animals were divided into control and experimental groups with age and gender classification. Using age, rats were classified into young, middle-aged, and old age groups. Rats in the experimental groups were exposed to DDVP from 8 am to 12 noon for five weeks. Rats were subsequently euthanized and liver tissues were harvested for biochemical assay. Glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Albumin, and conjugated bilirubin were assayed using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was done using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-Hoc test at significance level of p<0.05. Our study found that DDVP exposure caused liver damage in female rats only with significant elevation in liver enzymes such as ALP, ALT, AST, and LDH. However, the male rats showed more resistance to DDVP exposure. The liver damage observed in female rats was age-dependent, with young and old rats showing higher susceptibility compared to middle-aged female rats. Nutritional and pharmacological strategies are recommended to mitigate the effect of DDVP exposure, particularly in populations at higher risk of exposure.