bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Groundwater Recharge with Water Balance in Ameriat Al-Falluja City, Al-Anbar Governorate, Western Iraq
Authors: Alnoory Marram Abd-alkdhium , Al-Kubaisi Qusai Y.
Published: April 2023

This study aims to figure out how to calculate water recharge using the soil conservation service method, one of the most widely used methods for calculating runoff volume following rainfall. The research is being conducted in Ameriat Al-Falluja City, Al-Anbar Governorate. The Iraqi meteorological organization's Baghdad Airport and Al-Ramadi stations provided data on the research area from 1989 to 2020 as total annual rainfall (123.1 mm), the RH% (43%), the mean monthly T (23.6 °C), total evaporation (3169.61 mm), the wind speed (3.1 m/s), and the sunshine duration (9 h/day). The climate of the study area is described as arid. The total evapotranspiration value quantity is 1137.38 mm for the 32-year comparison period, while the total amount of correct evapotranspiration was 992.3 mm.
Water surplus is 36.7% of total rainfall, which equals 45.2 mm. Groundwater recharge is 45.2 mm, with a rate of 36.7%, showing the groundwater recharge (%) from total rainfall. The value of groundwater recharge throughout a year is about equivalent to 23.6848* 105 m3/year.
Influence of MHD and Porous Media on Peristaltic Transport for Nanofluids in An Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Jawad Qabas K. , Abdulhadi Ahmed. M.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this  paper is to discuss the influence of nanoparticles and porous media, and magnetic field on the peristaltic flow transport of a couple stress fluid in an asymmetric channel with different wave forms of non-Newtonian fluid. Initially, mathematical modeling of the two dimensions and two directional flows of a couple stress fluid with a nanofluid is first given and then simplified beneath hypothesis of the long wave length and the low Reynolds number approximation. After making these approximations, we will obtain associated nonlinear differential equations. Then, the exact solutions of the temperature distribution, nanoparticle concentration, velocity, stream function, and pressure gradient will be calculated. Finally, the results of drawings for many physical parameters that are of importance for examining the behavior of fluid flow quantities are discussed.
A Tri-Gene Ontology Migration Operator for Improving the Performance of Meta-heuristics in Complex Detection Problems
Authors: Abdulateef Isra H. , Alzubaydi Dhia A. Jumaa , Attea Bara'a Ali
Published: April 2023

Detecting protein complexes in protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks is a challenging problem in computational biology. To uncover a PPI network into a complex structure, different meta-heuristic algorithms have been proposed in the literature. Unfortunately, many of such methods, including evolutionary algorithms (EAs), are based solely on the topological information of the network rather than on biological information. Despite the effectiveness of EAs over heuristic methods, more inherent biological properties of proteins are rarely investigated and exploited in these approaches. In this paper, we proposed an EA with a new mutation operator for complex detection problems. The proposed mutation operator is formulated under four expressions depending on the type of gene sub-ontology. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed evolutionary based complex detection algorithm, the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (yeast) PPI network is used in the evaluation. The results reveal that the proposed algorithm achieves more accurate complex structures than the counterpart heuristic algorithms and the canonical evolutionary algorithm based on the topological-aware mutation operator.
The Daily Pattern at 500 hPa Geopotential Heights and Its Association with Heavy Rainfall over Iraq
Authors: Jabbar Mohammed Abdul Raheem , Hassan Ahmad S.
Published: April 2023

Rainfall in the mid-latitudes is highly related to the synoptic pattern at the upper-levels, this study focuses on the relationship between 500 hPa geopotential height patterns and the cyclone at the surface. Synoptic studies that there is a correlation between cyclone at the surface and deepening of the trough at the upper in the mid-latitudes. The results show that when the upper trough is situated over the eastern Mediterranean, this will enhance the advection of warm and moist air from the tropical region, which will cause baroclinic instability over Iraq, leading to heavy precipitation and torrents in some situations.
Image Processing Approaches as a Diagnostic Parameter to Determine Pollution by Using Satellite Imagery, Northern Iraq
Authors: Mustafa Faten Azeez , Khaleel Almas Ahmad , Khaleel Turkan Ahmad
Published: April 2023

This work highlights the estimation of the Al-Khoser River water case that disposes of its waste directly into the Tigris River within Mosul city. Furthermore, the work studies the effects of environmental and climate change and the impact of pollution resulting from waste thrown into the Al-Khoser River over the years. Al-Khoser River is located in the Northern Mesopotamia of Mosul city. This study aims to detect the polluted water area and the polluted surrounding area. Temporal remote sensing data of different Landsat generations were considered in this work, specifically Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus of 2000 and Operational Land Imager of 2015. The study aims to measure the amount of pollution in the study area over 15 years using a supervised classification approach and other tools in ERDAS  Imagine Software version 2014. Supervised classification is favored for remote sensing data processing because it contains different digital image processing methods. It is noticed by applying to preprocess and post-processing techniques adopted in the polluted section of Al-Khoser River and monitoring the changes in the objects around it. Hence, the river’s water has been classified into clear water and contaminated water, which shows the impact of pollution over the years. The analysis detected a polluted area in the river that enlarged over the years 2000 to 2015 from 4.139 km² to 21.45 km², respectively. The study showed the differences in the size of objects around the river. The study concludes that daily wastes produced by the residential areas through which Al-Khoser and Tigris rivers pass would cause the polluted sections of the river to increase.
Gentamicin Upregulates the Gene Expression of hla and nuc in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alkhafajy Rand Thair Abdulateef , Al-Mathkhury Harith Jabbar Fahad
Published: April 2023

The current study aimed to detect the effect of gentamicin stress on the expression of hla (encodes hemolysin) and nuc (encodes nuclease) genes of Staphylococcus aureus. Fifty-eight isolates identified as S. aureus were isolated locally from different clinical specimens. Disk diffusion method was used to detect the resistance to S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin was estimated by broth microdilution method. hla and nuc genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction technique. The biofilm was evaluated using the microtiter plate method in the presence and absence of gentamicin at sub-MIC. The results showed that 18 (31%) and 40 (69%) S. aureus isolates were sensitive and resistant to gentamicin, respectively. All S. aureus isolates succeeded in forming biofilm. However, eight (13.79%), 28 (48.28%) and 22 (37.93%) isolates produced weak, moderate and strong biofilms respectively. In most isolates, gentamicin at sub-MIC decreased biofilm intensity. Due to gentamicin stress, the hla and nuc genes were upregulated in S. aureus biofilm.
Information Transfer Technique to Improve Beginner Level Students’ Listening Skill and Classroom Participation
Authors: Ningsih Yuslaili , Mariyati Nanik
Published: April 2023

The lack of English vocabulary makes listening the most challenging skill for most of EFL students. Some techniques have been applied to help students overcome their difficulties in learning English. This research aimed at improving non-English department students’ listening skill and engagement by using information transfer technique. The design used was classroom action research that consisted of planning, implementation, observation and reflection. The data were taken from the pre-test and post-test results. The instruments used were listening task, observation, and questionnaire. The findings showed that by using transformation transfer of reading text, the EFL students got much better listening comprehension and were more involved in their classroom activities. Thus, more techniques to improve students’ language skill should be implemented.
Cascading a New Knowledge: The Implementation of Reference Management Software in The Academic Writing Class
Authors: Rinda Renata Kenanga , Indrastana Nodistya Septian , Pramudita Rizqi Febrian , Rohmana Wahyu Indah Mala , Suryanto Puput Jianggimahastu Larastika
Published: April 2023

College students should meet numerous requirements to produce a well-written academic paper. One of those requirements is constructing correct references. Nonetheless, based on the phenomenon spotted in the author’s academic writing class, arranging references manually is not an effortless task. Time-consuming and style memorizing are the two main obstacles faced by the students. To answer the preceding problems, the author, the teacher in charge in class, proposed a solution by implementing EndNote as reference management software. It enables students to write references automatically. Seventy students were involved as the participants while EndNote was administered. To cascade the knowledge of the mechanism of implementing EndNote, this paper aimed to describe the steps involved. Video recording and checklist form were utilized as research instruments. The results revealed four steps of implementing EndNote used by the teacher. They are planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. By explaining those steps, it is expected that the mechanism of implementing EndNote can be explained and adapted by other teachers and students facing the same problems.
Yatırımcıların Risk İştahları ve Hisse Senedi Getirileri Arasındaki İlişki: Borsa İstanbul’da Bir Araştırma
Authors: DEMİRCİ Ferhat , SİNOPLU Çağatay
Published: April 2023

Araştırmanın amacı Borsa İstanbul (BİST) yatırımcılarının risk iştahları ve hisse senedi getirileri arasındaki ilişkiyi test etmektir. Yerli ve yabancı yatırımcıların risk iştahları ve hisse senedi getirileri arasındaki ilişki iki farklı regresyon modeliyle ve panel regresyon analiziyle test edilmiştir. Literatürde risk iştahı ve hisse senedi getirileri arasındaki ilişkiyi panel regresyon yöntemiyle test eden araştırmaya rastlanmamıştır. Diğer taraftan yerli ve yabancı yatırımcıların risk iştahlarına ilişkin karşılaştırmalı bir araştırmaya rastlanmamıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre yerli yatırımcıların risk iştahları ve hisse senedi getirileri arasında pozitif ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Yabancı yatırımcıların risk iştahları ve hisse senedi getirileri arasında ise istatistiki olarak anlamlı bir ilişki yoktur.
Pemanfaatan Teknologi Notifikasi BOT Telegram dalam Pengembangan Sistem Customer Reminder Berbasis Web (Studi Kasus : PT Astra International TBK-TSO Cabang Sukun, Malang)
Authors: Haposan Rivan , Arwani Issa , Tibyani Tibyani
Published: April 2023

Aktivitas Reminder merupakan bagian dalam proses bisnis servis kendaraan pada PT Astra International Tbk-TSO cabang Sukun Malang. Dalam proses reminder diketahui bahwa Kepala Bengkel harus melakukan pengawasan pekerjaan para karyawan dalam melakukan reminder kepada pelanggan. Pada proses reminder, Kepala Bengkel sulit untuk melakukan pengawasan dikarenakan tidak adanya wadah yang menyediakan informasi langsung terkait kinerja karyawan setiap harinya sehingga menimbulkan beberapa masalah dalam proses reminder. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan sebuah sistem yang dapat menyimpan dan mengelola data reminder sehingga proses reminder yang dilakukan oleh karyawan dan Kepala Bengkel menjadi lebih baik. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut maka dilakukan pengembangan sistem “AUTO2000 Customer Reminder”. Sistem ini dikembangkan dengan berbasis web yang dapat diakses oleh setiap aktor. Sistem ini dikembangkan menggunakan  framework PHP Laravel serta database MySQL. Sistem ini dikembangkan menggunakan metode waterfall yang terdiri dari tahap studi literatur sampai penarikan kesimpulan dan saran. Implementasi sistem akan mengintegrasikan web dengan notifikasi Telegram BOT API. Sistem ini juga telah dilakukan pengujian blackbox serta pengujian usability menggunakan System Usability Scale (SUS). Dalam pengujian validasi blackbox, sistem ini mendapatkan nilai persentase 100% valid yang berarti sistem memenuhi spesifikasi kebutuhan. Hasil pengujian usability mendapatkan hasil akhir SUS 81 mengartikan sistem termasuk kategori baik, skala nilai B, dan dapat diterima.
Surrogacy in Russia: Current Trends in Family Planning in Comparison with Western Countries
Authors: Ponomarev Filipp Sergeevich
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to identify trends of surrogacy among the population of Russia in the XXI century. The relevance of the work is due to the interest of sociologists in family planning and the demographic situation in modern Russia, as well as the influence of Western culture on the domestic institution of the family. Methods of statistical and bibliographic analysis were applied. The work was carried out on the basis of a sociological survey. The object of the study is the socio-cultural sphere of Western and Russian society related to childbearing and family planning. The subject of the study is surrogacy. Special attention was paid to the attitude to this phenomenon, as well as modern trends related to surrogacy. The issue was considered both in the legal field and in the social sphere. The main conclusions of the study are: the need to improve the legal framework, the need to improve the protection of the rights of both surrogate mothers and people applying for this service. Nevertheless, in the course of the study, we found out that the sphere of family planning in Russia has not undergone any special changes and citizens still strive for independent childbearing. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the study of the assessment of citizens in relation to the possibility of having a child using surrogate motherhood. It is worth noting that this attribute of family planning is characteristic primarily for citizens of Western countries. The author's special contribution to the study is to establish the fact that there are no contradictions between the development of the traditional concept of family relations and innovations that are actively practiced in the West and form the entire financial industry.
Features of Hair Research for Biological and Forensic Chemical Research
Authors: Pavlova Al'bina Zakharovna , Kalekin Roman Anatol'evich , Orlova Alevtina Mikhailovna , Volkova Alla Andreevna , Larev Zakhar Vasil'evich
Published: April 2023

The subject of the study is human hair. The authors consider the issues of hair research for biological and forensic chemical research. Currently, despite the large number of studies conducted by forensic medical experts and clinicians, there is no complete, targeted program for the study of hair for elemental composition, psychoactive and toxic substances, enzyme system, in which methods of hair research would be announced not only for forensic, but also for clinical, environmental practice. Forensic doctors have developed methods and techniques for conducting such studies. However, there are no such developments for clinicians, toxicologists. Removal and examination of hair to study the morphological structure is carried out without following the rules (length, description of the structure, indication of magnification of the microscope, characteristics of inclusions and others). The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the lack of widely available data on the characteristics of hair; by determining the content of foreign substances introduced into the body, gives rise to contradictory and even erroneous data. A special contribution of the authors to the study of hair is the proposed algorithm for morphological examination of their elements, which includes such sections as hair removal, macroscopic examination and microscopic examination. The described lesions in the form of inclusions of "black color", "flask-like formations" and "thickening of the core" are characteristic of normal hair and are not signs of exposure to any toxicant. The morphological shape of some hair indicates the effect on the hair of a toxic agent that affected their structure, as a result of which their loss occurred. The damaging factor acts on the desmosomes of the cuticle of the rod and the vaginal membranes of the hair and is exfoliated from its own hair bed. It was determined that the hair carries information about the entry of an intoxicant into the body in the phase of active growth – anagen.
The Origins of Human Amenability to Propaganda
Authors: Kaulin Kirill
Published: April 2023

The author examines the main psychological characteristics of a person that have made him susceptible to the influence of other people, including propaganda. The subject of the study is these features of the human psyche. There are several main blocks of these psychological features: from imitation of parents and interaction in a team, where people are affected by mechanisms of deception and self-deception in order to convince others more effectively and rate themselves higher, to interaction within the social hierarchy, it is considered which strategies are more effective, and how this influences on the mechanisms of deception and self-deception. Using mathematical modeling methods, game theory and algorithms written in the python programming language, the author analyzes the most effective mechanisms of interaction among people in the social hierarchy, which contributed to the development of culture and deception, making a person more tricky. It is noted that the growth of what is commonly called "civility" is not so much a "herd" or "weakness", as it is sometimes estimated (the most famous example of such an assessment is Friedrich Nietzsche), as a trick, due to the fact that it is a more effective method of promotion in the social hierarchy and the struggle for power.
Examining the Organisational Skills of Nurse Managers at the Unit Level in Ghana: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ansah Ofei Adelaide Maria , Paarima Yennuten
Published: April 2023

The role of nurse managers has become demanding and multidimensional. However, many nurse managers perform their roles without adequate formal preparation and have to struggle with inadequate resources and challenges from other healthcare professionals in an effort to organise and maintain a favourable environment for care delivery in the unit. Therefore, optimum care is needed to ensure that competent and expert nurses are appointed unit-level managers. Nurse managers’ organisational skills have been identified as central to guaranteeing efficient shift schedules, managing logistics, planning staff needs, and performing professional duties for patients. To date, the organisational skills of unit-level nurse managers in Ghana have not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the organisational skills of nurse managers at the unit level in Ghanaian hospitals. We used a quantitative cross-sectional survey for data collection. The sample comprised 552 nursing staff from 19 healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra Region. Data were analysed using descriptive and linear regression using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27. The findings indicate that nurse managers showed moderate organisational skills. Training in management, gender, rank, age, work experience, experience as a nurse manager, and qualification were factors that together accounted for a statistically significant difference in nurse managers’ organisational skills. These findings call for management to support nurse managers through structured in-service training, mentorship, coaching, and delegation to build and maintain their organisational skills to enable efficiency at the unit level.
Septicemic Melioidosis: In a Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report
Authors: Wadaskar Nitin D. , Khairnar Devendra
Published: April 2023

Melioidosis is endemic and underreported in nearly 45 countries worldwide. South Asian region contributes 44% of total global burden of melioidosis. It mainly affects people of poor socioeconomic strata. About 32.9% mortality and 7.0% relapses have been reported. Up to 45% of people are diabetics and only 2% have no identifiable risk factors. Here, we report a case of melioidosis with severe septic shock in a immunocompetent host.
Study of Hydrodynamic Patterns of Tanjung Pasir Banten Waters to Support the NCICD Sea Wall Development Plan
Authors: Reno Arief Rachman  , Haryo Dwito Armono  , Dinar Catur istiyanto  , Khusnul Setia Wardani  , Hanah Khoirunnisa  , Reni Wijayanti
Published: April 2023

Numerical modeling of hydrodynamics (HD) around the Tanjung Pasir Waters was carried out using MIKE 21 HD Flexible Mesh software to get the current velocity pattern conditions during the west and east monsoons. This activity is to support the NCICD sea wall construction plan. In addition, the results that will be obtained in this modeling are the conditions of the speed and direction of the current in various tidal conditions during spring and neap. The data used in this modeling include wind speed and direction, wave height, wave period, and wave direction. Based on the research that has been done, the validation value of Naotide tidal data on tidal field data is 93.8 %. HD MIKE 21 modeling results on field data have a validation value of 93.4 %. Extract points 4 and 5 which are the northernmost, have the highest current velocity values compared to the other points. In addition, when heading to the high tide phase, both spring and neap conditions, the current velocity value has the highest value.
Design and Implementation of a Composite Array Resistivity Data Logger for High-Resolution 2D Inversion Modeling
Authors: Hidayah A. Bahrul , Sadri M.Irsan , Safruddim  , M.Rafli  , Puspita A. Ildha Dwi
Published: April 2023

The use of resistivity meters to model subsurface conditions is widespread. However, commercial instruments are mostly limited to conventional configurations, such as Wenner, Schlumberger, and dipole-dipole. Moreover, we cannot modify the program on the instrument. In this study, we designed and implemented a DC resistivity meter that can potentially be developed in the future and can be used in composite array configurations. This instrument uses a half-bridge SMPS as a power supply, which is capable of generating a large power, an Arduino Uno, and several sensor modules as part of a flexible and easy-to-program control unit. We conducted laboratory and field tests, comparing two types of configurations, namely Wenner and composite arrays (dipole-dipole and gradient). We then processed the data using ResIPy software, which enables displaying complex data sets in the form of 2D cross-sections and assessing the quality of post-processing data. We obtained good data with low RMS misfit that matched the synthetic media created in laboratory testing and compared well with previous research.
Experts’ judgment and perception of android-based materials for sports massage learning
Authors: Efendy Boby Ardianzah , Lanos Muhsana El Cintami , Setiawan Edi , Gani Ruslan Abdul
Published: April 2023

This study aims to obtain the results of the product validation of the Android-based massage learning material model that has been designed through expert judgment and perception. The experts involved in the research are massage, learning, and media experts. The research method uses quantitative research in order to analyze quantitative data using IBM SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistical results percentage. The results of the study concluded that the android-based massage learning material was feasible to use. Some inputs for product improvement are the addition of instructions for using the application, a display with a spread pattern, adding instructional content, simplifying the display, a simulation video, adding competence according to the Indonesian National Framework of Qualifications format, and lowering the file capacity to make it easier to access by the Android OS. The results of this study have implications for the understanding of lecturer who have developed appropriate and effective learning material.
Evaluation of bilingual book for English language learning
Authors: Prancisca Stella , Chappell Cary
Published: April 2023

This research develops a bilingual reading book that can benefit the students’ reading habits and English language skills. It was developed using an R&D model, namely ADDIE (analysing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating), focusing only on the last two stages. The research aimed to evaluate the book by gathering users’ perceptions before the book was launched publicly. To evaluate the book, 37 university students were involved by reading the book as an out-of-class reading. They were given a month to finish their reading. Then, they needed to complete five randomized questions after reading each chapter and a series of questionnaires after reading a whole book. Data from the quiz and the survey revealed positive results. Most of the students achieved a high score on the quiz. They also reported the suitability of the book’s language and topics with their current English level. Nonetheless, a few useful improvements were addressed related to image and layout.
IMPLEMENTASI FLIPPED CLASSROOM DALAM PEMBELAJARAN GRAMMAR PADA MAHASISWA JURUSAN AKUNTANSI POLITEKNIK NEGERI PONTIANAK: STUDI EKSPERIMENTAL
Authors: Irawati Rika , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Widodo Agus
Published: April 2023

Pada umumnya dosen mengajar mahasiswanya melalui pengajaran konvensional di dalam kelas. Pendekatan pedagogis baru mulai diperkenalkan yaitu flipped classroom. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah 1) Untuk  mengetahui penerapan metode flipped classroom berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap pembelajaran grammar; dan (2) Untuk mengetahui persepsi mahasiswa tentang  penerapan flipped classroom. Metode penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif berdasarkan studi eksperimental. Sampel pada penelitian ini sebanyak dua kelas dengan total 60 mahasiswa yang dilakukan dengan cara acak dan berkelompok (cluster random sampling) pada semester dua  jurusan akuntansi Politeknik Negeri Pontianak pada tahun akademik 2020/2021. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah pretest, posttest dan kuesioner. Hasil data dari pretest dan posttest dianalisa dengan menggunakan T-test. Berdasarkan perhitungan T-test, nilai yang diperoleh melalui perhitungan thitung adalah 3,46 lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan ttabel pada taraf signifikan 5% yaitu 2,021, Dengan demikian Ha diterima dan H0 ditolak, Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan metode flipped classroom berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap pembelajaran grammar mahasiswa pada penelitian ini. Berdasarkan kuesioner mengenai persepsi mahasiswa terhadap penerapan flipped classroom, sebagian besar mahasiswa memiliki interaksi yang baik atau positif dengan semua elemen interaksi, baik antar mahasiswa sendiri (peer-interaction), dosen (learner-instructor interaction), bahan ajar (learner-content interaction) dan media teknologi (learner-technology interaction).
IMPLEMENTASI INTEGRASI KURIKULUM 2013 DAN MERDEKA BELAJAR DI SDIT AL FITRAH KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Ahmadi Aneka , Nurdin Aceng Ali , Sobarningsih Ishmahani , Hernawan Asep Herry
Published: April 2023

Education has a goal to create a generation that is intelligent and has good character. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Education Unit Level curriculum, K-13 or the Operational Curriculum of the SDIT Al-Fitrah Driving School in Bandung, which is based on KSDIT-AF Number 54 of 2021 and in accordance with the guidelines for developing KTSP in accordance with Permendikbud no. 81a of 2013 and This year's Al Fitrah SDIT curriculum adheres to the 2013 Curriculum. Using a qualitative descriptive approach. The object being observed is SDIT Al-Fitrah in Bandung. Data in the form of documents. The research strategy uses content analysis. The results showed that the curriculum design at SDIT Al-Fitrah Bandung was designed with various patterns, including the use of a curriculum structure that applies to all general subjects and Mapel Mulok Khas Islam Terpadu for all classes. Supporting curriculum such as intracurricular, curricular and extracurricular. Then regarding implementation guidelines in the form of priority programs, self-development and life skills education. As for the implementation of independent learning, SDIT Al-Fitrah Bandung has only implemented it in grades I and IV of the Driving School Program.
Dual Chalcogen-bonding interactions for the conformational control of urea
Authors: Furuta Takumi , Inoue Takumi , Ota Moe , Amijima Yui , Takahashi Haru , Hamada Shohei , Kobayashi Yusuke , Sasamori Takahiro
Published: April 2023

Dual chalcogen-bonding interactions is proposed as a novel means for the conformational control of urea derivatives. The formation of a chalcogen-bonding interaction at both sides of the urea carbonyl group was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray diffraction and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis via DFT calculations. By virtue of this dual interaction, urea derivatives that bear chalcogen atoms (X = S and Se) adopt a planar structure via the carbonyl oxygen (O) with an X•••O•••X arrangement on the same side of the molecule. The rigidity of the conformational lock was evaluated using the molecular arrangement in the crystal and the rotational barrier of benzochalcogenophene ring, which indicated a stronger conformational lock in benzoselenophene than in benzothiophene urea derivatives. Furthermore, the acidity of the urea derivatives increases according to the Lewis-acidic properties of the chalcogen-bonding interactions, whereby benzoselenophene urea is more acidic than benzothiophene urea. Tweezer-shaped urea derivatives were prepared, and their stereostructure proved the viability of the conformational control for defining the location of the substituents on the urea framework.
A simple, sustainable route to flexible microporous carbon cloth for energy storage applications
Authors: Alkhaldi Thria , Blankenship L. Scott , Mokaya Robert
Published: April 2023

Activated carbon cloth (ACC) has the potential to be extremely useful in gas capture and storage applications as it combines high porosity, robustness, and flexibility with ease of handling. While it has been produced by a few researchers, the synthesis methods used to date either do not yield a product with high porosity, or if appropriate textural properties are achieved the synthesis is com- plex and arduous. Following a systematic study, we show that an almost exclusively microporous flexible ACC can be achieved with surface area >1900 m2 g−1 via stabilisation with NH4Cl only, followed by activation with benign activating agent potassium oxalate (PO). After extensive opti- misation and simplification of the process, it was found that the stabilisation step can be omitted in a synthesis route requiring only a simple carbonisation step to produce a flexible microporous carbon with surface area >2200 m2 g−1, thus further reducing the need for additional solvents and reagents. The CO2 and CH4 uptake of the ACCs developed in this work is comparable to that previously reported for flexible porous carbons prepared via more complicated routes and the porosity of the ACCs can be tuned to specific gas uptake applications according to the synthesis conditions.
Mass Transport Modifies the Interfacial Electrolyte to Influence Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Guo Jinyu , Brimley Paige , Liu Matthew , Corson Elizabeth , Munoz Carolina , Smith Wilson , Tarpeh William
Published: April 2023

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can facilitate remediation of nitrate-polluted wastewater and sustainable production of ammonia. As an important component of the reaction microenvironment, the interfacial electrolyte substantially influences NO3RR but remains underexplored. Mass transport modifies the interfacial electrolyte properties (e.g., pH, solute concentrations) and thus regulates NO3RR activity and selectivity. In a representative flow-cell configuration with a titanium NO3RR electrode, we systematically controlled mass transport conditions and demonstrated their impacts on NO3RR performance. With continuum model simulation and in situ infrared absorption spectroscopy, we characterized the interfacial electrolyte environment under varied mass transport conditions. Furthermore, we strategically tuned the interfacial electrolyte properties and experimentally deconvoluted their impacts on NO3RR activity and selectivity. We found that diffusion layer thickness and background electrolyte concentration govern NO3RR activity, while interfacial pH steers NO3RR selectivity. Inspired by these findings, we applied pulsed potential to periodically refresh the interfacial electrolyte environment and lower the local pH, successfully tripling the relative ammonia-to-nitrite selectivity. Distinct from NO3RR studies that focus on reaction kinetics, this study was conducted under commonly observed mass transport limitations to advance mechanistic understanding behind mass transport effects and to help identify engineering opportunities that optimize ammonia production.
Models of Polaron Transport in Inorganic and Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Titanium Oxides
Authors: Morita Kazuki , Golomb Matthias , Rivera Miguel , Walsh Aron
Published: April 2023

Polarons are a type of localized excess charge in materials and often form in transition metal oxides. The large effective mass and confined nature of polarons make them of fundamental interest for photochemical and electrochemical reactions. The most studied polaronic system is rutile TiO2 where electron addition results in small polaron formation through the reduction of Ti(IV) d0 to Ti(III) d1 centers. Using this model system, we perform a systematic analysis of the potential energy surface based on semi-classical Marcus theory parameterized from the first-principles potential energy landscape. We show that F-doped TiO2 only binds polaron weakly with effective dielectric screening after the second nearest neighbor. To tailor the polaron transport, we compare TiO2 to two metal-organic frameworks: MIL-125 and ACM-1. The choice of ligands and connectivity of the TiO6 octahedra largely vary the shape of the diabatic potential energy surface and the polaron mobility. Our models are applicable to other polaronic materials.
A “Common-Precursor” Protein Mimetic Approach to Rescue Aβ Aggregation-mediated Alzheimer’s Phenotypes
Authors: Dohoney Ryan , Joseph Johnson , Baysah Charles , Thomas Alexandra , Siwakoti Apshara , Ball Tyler , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2023

Abberent protein-protein interactions (aPPIs) are associated with an array of pathological conditions, which make them important therapeutic targets. The aPPIs are mediated via specific chemical interactions that spread over a large and hydrophobic surface. Therefore, ligands that can complement the surface topography and chemical fingerprints could manipulate aPPIs. Oligopyridylamides (OPs) are synthetic protein mimetics that have been shown to manipulate aPPIs. However, the previous OP library used to disrupt these aPPIs was moderate in number (~30 OPs) with very limited chemical diversity. The onus is on the laborious and time-consuming synthetic pathways with multiple chromatography steps. We have developed a novel chromatography-free technique to synthesize a highly diverse chemical library of OPs using a “common-precursor” approach. We significantly expanded the chemical diversity of OPs using a chromatography-free high-yielding method. To validate our novel approach, we have synthesized an OP with identical chemical diversity to a pre-existing OP-base potent inhibitor of Aβ aggregation, a process central to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The newly synthesized OP ligand (RD242) was very potent in inhibiting Aβ aggregation and rescuing AD phenotypes in an in vivo model. Moreover, RD242 was very effective in rescuing AD phenotypes in a post-disease onset AD model. We envision that our “common-precursor” synthetic approach will have tremendous potential as it is expandable for other oligoamide scaffolds to enhance affinity for disease-relevant targets.
Taming the Dichalcogenides: Isolation, Characterization, and Reactivity of Elusive Perselenide, Persulfide, Thioselenide, and Selenosulfide Anions
Authors: Li Keyan , Zakharov Lev , Pluth Michael
Published: April 2023

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) and reactive selenium species (RSeS) play integral roles in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen selenide (H2Se) biological signaling pathways, and dichalcogenide anions are proposed transient intermediates that facilitate a variety of biochemical transformations. Herein we report the selective synthesis, isolation, spectroscopic and structural characterization, and fundamental reactivity of persulfide (RSS–), perselenide (RSeSe–), thioselenide (RSSe–), and selenosulfide (RSeS–) anions. The isolated chalcogenides do not rely on steric protection for stability and have steric profiles analogous to cysteine (Cys). Simple reduction of S8 or Se by potassium benzyl thiolate (KSBn) or selenolate (KSeBn) in the presence of 18-crown-6 afforded [K(18-crown-6)][BnSS] (1), [K(18-crown-6)][BnSeSe] (2) [K(18-crown-6][BnSSe] (3), and [K(18-crown-6][BnSeS] (4). The chemical structure of each dichalcogenide was confirmed by X-ray crystallography and solution state 1H, 13C, and 77Se NMR spectroscopy. To advance our understanding of the reactivity of these species, we demonstrated that reduction of 1-4 by PPh3 readily generates E=PPh3 (E: S, Se), and reduction of 1, 3, and 4 by DTT readily produces HE–/H2E. Furthermore, 1-4 reacts with CN– to produce ECN–, which is consistent with the detoxifying effects of dichalcogenide intermediates in the Rhodanese enzyme. Taken together, this work provides new insights into the inherent structural and reactivity characteristics of dichalcogenides relevant to biology and advances our understanding of the fundamental properties of these reactive anions.
Bubble Detection on the Cathode and Anode of a High-Performing Capillary-Fed Water Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Swiegers Gerhard , Hoang Anh Linh , Owen Rhodri E. , Tsekouras George , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: April 2023

The cathode and anode of a ‘bubble-free’ ‘capillary-fed’ water electrolysis cell that was previously reported to consume only 40.4 kWh kg-1 hydrogen under standard commercial operating conditions, have been separately investigated for the incidence of gas bubble formation during operation. Adaptions of a voltage fluctuation and an acoustic emission technique were applied in combination, to detect and analyze bubble formation at current densities up to 1 A cm-2. The two techniques produced very similar results, showing little bubble formation up to 0.17-0.20 A cm-2. Thereafter, bubbles were formed predominantly at the cathode up to ~0.6 A cm2. At higher current densities, the cathode and anode produced bubbles at similar rates, that were substantially lower than in conventional, ‘bubbled’ electrolysis cells. In the course of this work, the previously reported high electrochemical performance of the capillary-fed cell was independently confirmed.
Outcome of back pain and radiculopathy in patients with single level lumbar discectomy
Authors: Muhammed Saeed, Sherzad , Snear Dri Rekib
Published: April 2023

Background: Surgery for lumbar disc herniation is one of the most commonly performed procedures in spine surgery. Questions remain if lumbar discectomy is the optimal treatment for patients with lumbar disc herniation who exhibit a substantial amount of preoperative back pain.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of improvement of back pain and radiculopathy between male and female patients with single-level discectomy and in relation to different indications for the surgery. 

Patients and Methods: In this retrospective follow-up study, 80 patients (40males and 40 females) with symptoms of radiculopathy and back pain who underwent single-level open discectomy (small incision of 2-3 cm) were followed-up by discharge from the hospital between 2017 and 2019 in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. The patients were included after having the symptoms of radiculopathy as confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, patients who had undergone discectomy due to radiculopathy without response after 6 weeks of conservative treatment were included in this investigation.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.1 (19-70 years old). The study showed that the level of back pain and radicular pain was significantly decreased from the initial step to 3, 6, and 12 months. The levels of back and radicular were not changed significantly from three to six months. The study showed that the prevalence of different levels of back and radicular pain was similar between male and female patients at different periods. The study did not find a significant difference in levels of back and radicular pains among patients with different indications in male and male patients.

Conclusion: This study showed that single-level lumbar discectomy improved back and radicular pain by 12 months postoperatively in males and females, regardless of the indication for surgery.
Rac1 inhibition protect against platelet induced organ injury in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jawdat Sabri, Helen , Ahmad Hwaiz Rundk
Published: April 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the common causes for activation of platelet. Inflammation-induced abnormal platelet function contributes to chronic complications, which are consider the leading causes of death and morbidity among diabetics.

Objective: Rac1, a 21kD G-protein has been shown to regulate a variety of platelet functions; we predicted that Rac1 could regulate platelet release of CXCL4 and CCL5, which may leads to organ injury in Diabetes Mellitus.

Patients and Methods: Diabetes Mellitus' effect on Rac1 activation implicated in platelet activation, was investigated as platelet-induced inflammation and organ injuries. Swiss albino male mice were pretreated with 5 mg/kg of a specific Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 and injected with (45 mg/kg body wt.) streptozotocin, twice for five days. Moreover, the concentration of serum chemokines CXCL4 and CCL5 were assayed using ELISA, and histology scores for kidney and pancreas was examined.

Results: Our results show that Diabetes Mellitus was induced in mice by streptozotocin. In addition, platelet chemokines (CXCL4, CCL5) were markedly higher in diabetic mice when compared to the sham group. Moreover, pretreatment of diabetic mice induced by STZ, with NSC23766 decreased kidney and pancreatic injuries assessed by histology score, P-value <0.05.

Conclusion: Our study reveals that Rac1 has a critical role in platelet chemokines secretion due to diabetes-induced inflammation in the kidneys and pancreas, and targeting Rac1 could be a target for innovative treatment to control inflammation in a diabetic individual. Targeting platelets involved in inflammatory pathways could be part of a strategy in order to control and manage diabetes consequences.
Doubt flap technique in pterygium surgery
Authors: Abdulgani Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Background: A pterygium is a triangular fibrovascular sub-epithelial ingrowth of degenerative bulbar conjunctival tissue over the limbus onto the cornea. The mainstay of treatment is surgery with more measures to decrease the recurrence rate. Pterygium doesn’t need intervention unless there is an extension of the lesion towards the center of the cornea and it encroaches on the visual axis, or is symptomatic in terms of redness and discomfort.

Objective: To present a new surgical technique for managing primary pterygium. We aim to find a more effective method than the one previously used. We wanted to demonstrate and prove that this technique has low recurrence rates.

Patients and Methods: A Hospital-based interventional case series study, sampling done by simple random sampling from the outpatient departments. The study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of Erbil teaching hospital in Erbil city for eight months from August 2021-April 2022. In the current study 40 patients with pterygium were operated that they were attending the ophthalmology department in this hospital.

Results: The result revealed 3 cases of recurrence of 7.5% out of 40 cases using a dual flap technique as a new approach for treating pterygium in the follow-up of 3 months, in which the mean ± SD of age was 46.3 ± 10.537 years. Twenty four cases were female, and 16 were male; all of the lesions were nasally located pterygium. In the sample we used in the study 5 patients had had pterygium excision using other techniques in the past at least once, and neither of them recurred utilizing this approach.

Conclusion: The double flap is a proper alternative technique in pterygium surgery; this new procedure, dual conjunctival flap with 7.5% recurrence rates and provides safe and comparable results to current methods.
Study of Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Abdulkareem Ibrahim, Aisha , Nori Ahmed Sardar
Published: April 2023

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer that threatens the lives of women all over the world. Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin), and the β-galactoside-binding proteins (galectin-3) are new suggested parameters for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.
Objective: To find relationship between serum adiponectin, leptin, and galectin-3 and breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis factors.
Patients and Methods: A case-control study was done between (August 2021 to June 2022). Totally collected 111 female blood samples from patients that diagnosed with a breast cancer and healthy control, Samples were grouped into Group I (30 healthy control), Group II (43 patients pre-treatment), and Group III (38 patients post-treatment), from Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Nanakali Hospital, Hawler Teaching Hospital- General surgery and Neurosurgical Department, PAR Private Hospital, PAKY Hospital, and Rasul Private Hospital at Iraq-Erbil city and the age 18 up to 77 included in this study. Biochemical tests were performed (Adiponectin, Leptin, Galectin-3). These sample were analysed by using blood serum, statistically analysis the result.
Results: The post-treatment, pre-treatment, and control in respectively about (60.52%, 60.46%, and 63.34%) were the majority of the study population (38-57) age group. There is a statistically significant differences between case and control groups in residency, family history, and BMI with a P-vale of (0.08, <0.001, 0.015), respectively. Leptin, adiponectin, and galectin-3 were statistically significant (0.007, <0.01, and <0.01), in respectively. About cancer characteristic galectin-3 was significant with (ER/PR) receptor (P:0.037) and grade (P:0.034), also leptin was significant with the grade (P: 0.025).
Conclusion: We concluded that Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 were new potential biochemical marker for diagnosis and prognosis the breast cancer, would be useful and important marker for assessing and evaluating grad, and receptor of the therapy plan.