bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuitos cortos de comercialización como estrategia para el fortalecimiento del sector agropecuario
Authors: Sánchez Castillo Verenice , Pérez Gamboa Alfredo Javier , Gómez Cano Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2024

Los circuitos cortos de comercialización han alcanzado especial relevancia en las últimas décadas por su influencia en el desarrollo local. Su esencia radica en la minimización de intermediarios entre productor y consumidor. Desde la perspectiva económica, representan una propuesta transformadora en varios niveles, al contribuir a la resiliencia económica local. La ruta de investigación seguida fue la cualitativa, con un enfoque descriptivo a partir de una revisión bibliográfica como método empírico fundamental. La revisión bibliográfica se desarrolló en la base de datos Scopus, con el objetivo de analizar los circuitos cortos de comercialización como herramientas dinamizadoras de la economía, durante el período 2019 – 2023. La revitalización y fortaleza de una economía local, particularmente en áreas predominantemente agrarias, es un pilar fundamental para el bienestar de sus habitantes y la sostenibilidad de su modelo productivo, en este sentido, una estrategia que ha demostrado ser efectiva son los circuitos cortos de comercialización. Los circuitos cortos de comercialización no solo representan una estrategia de venta, sino también un motor de desarrollo económico local. Al promover transacciones directas, los recursos circulan dentro de la comunidad, potenciando la prosperidad de productores, la generación de empleo y la reinversión.
Conservación del agua y las tecnologías sostenibles: estudios sobre las tecnologías y prácticas emergentes para el desarrollo sostenible y la conservación de ecosistemas
Authors: Sánchez Castillo Verenice
Published: December 2024

Esta revisión explora el panorama de investigación en torno a la conservación del agua y las tecnologías sostenibles, con un enfoque específico en las tecnologías y prácticas emergentes orientadas a lograr el desarrollo sostenible y la conservación de los ecosistemas. El estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar un panorama completo del estado actual del conocimiento, identificar temas de investigación clave y resaltar los estudios más influyentes en el campo. La revisión emplea un enfoque sistemático para identificar la literatura relevante de diversas bases de datos y publicaciones académicas. Analiza una amplia gama de artículos de investigación, ponencias de conferencias y publicaciones académicas para extraer conocimientos y tendencias valiosas. Los hallazgos revelan un creciente interés en la integración de tecnologías y prácticas innovadoras que promueven la conservación del agua y abordan los desafíos asociados con el desarrollo sostenible y la preservación de los ecosistemas. La revisión identifica áreas clave de investigación, que incluyen técnicas de riego eficiente, sistemas de reciclaje y reutilización de agua, tecnologías de gestión inteligente del agua y enfoques basados en ecosistemas para la conservación del agua. Destaca la importancia de la colaboración interdisciplinaria e intercambio de conocimientos entre científicos, ingenieros, formuladores de políticas y ambientalistas para abordar de manera efectiva los problemas complejos relacionados con la escasez de agua y la degradación de los ecosistemas. Esta revisión sirve como base para futuras investigaciones, desarrollo de políticas y procesos de toma de decisiones orientados a promover el desarrollo sostenible y salvaguardar los ecosistemas para las generaciones futuras.
Aplicaciones de la inteligencia artificial en el monitoreo y conservación ambiental: una revisión exploratoria
Authors: Miranda Carlos Henríquez , Ríos Pérez Jesús David , Sánchez Torres German
Published: December 2024

Este artículo explora el uso de la inteligencia artificial en la vigilancia y preservación del agua, el aire y el suelo. El análisis examinó estudios revisador por pares publicados entre 2020 y 2024, con un enfoque específico en la contribución de la inteligencia artificial a la mejora de las técnicas de gestión ambiental. El procedimiento de selección se limitó a treinta y tres investigaciones pertinentes, que se clasificaron en tres dominios principales, calidad y gestión del suelo, contaminación del aire y monitoreo ambiental, y aplicaciones de IA. Las técnicas de inteligencia artificial, incluido el aprendizaje automático y el aprendizaje profundo, muestran un gran potencial para mejorar la precisión de las predicciones y optimizar la asignación de recursos en varios campos ambientales. Los usos principales de esta tecnología son evaluar la calidad del suelo, predecir los niveles de contaminación del aire y gestionar los recursos hídricos. La integración de la IA con los métodos de monitoreo convencionales mejora la precisión y la eficacia de la gestión ambiental. Sin embargo, existen dificultades continuas para garantizar la precisión y confiabilidad de los datos, la capacidad de los modelos para aplicarse a diferentes escenarios y la integración exitosa de estos modelos en diversas situaciones. La inteligencia artificial ha demostrado su capacidad para generar cambios significativos en los campos de la vigilancia y la conservación del medio ambiente. Las investigaciones posteriores deberían dar prioridad a la ampliación de los conjuntos de datos, la incorporación de la IA a las tecnologías en desarrollo y la resolución de las consecuencias socioeconómicas, a fin de aprovechar al máximo el potencial de la IA para abordar cuestiones ambientales complejas.
Pengaruh Kualitas Produk Dan Harga Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Melalui Kepuasan Konsumen Sebagai Variabel Moderasi Pada Mister Kebab Di Kota Metro
Authors: Lestari Sri , Yateno  , Ratmono
Published: December 2024

The objected of this study were (1) to find out whether there was an effect of product quality on purchasing decisions on mister kebab products in Metro City, (2) to find out whether there was a price effect on purchasing decisions on mister kebab products in Metro City, (3) to find out whether product quality, price, consumer satisfaction influence simultaneously or jointly on purchasing decisions on mister kebab products in Metro City, (4) find out whether there was an influence of product quality on purchasing decisions through consumer satisfaction as a moderating variable on mister kebab products in Metro City , (5) determine whether there was a price effect on purchasing decisions through consumer satisfaction as a moderating variable on mister kebab products in Metro City. It was a quantitative research. The Quantitative Method is a type of research whose specifically are systematic, planned, and clearly structured from the start to the creation of the research design.
 The results of this study indicated that (1) product quality had a positive effect on purchasing decisions for mister kebab products in Metro City. (2) Prices had a negative effect on purchasing decisions for mister kebab products in Metro City. (3) Product quality, price, customer satisfaction simultaneously influence the purchasing decisions of mister kebab products in Metro City. (4) Product quality on purchasing decisions cannot be moderated by consumer satisfaction using mister kebab products in Metro City. (5) Prices on purchasing decisions cannot be moderated by consumer satisfaction using mister kebab products in Metro City.
Mantenedor Musical: un nuevo aparato dental para prevenir los cambios ortodóncicos y ortopédicos en músicos en dentición mixta
Authors: Fuentes Vera Beatriz Patricia
Published: December 2024

Existen estudios con resultados estadísticamente significativos que afirman que los pacientes que tocan instrumentos musicales de viento sufren cambios a nivel óseo y dentario. En pacientes con dentición definitiva, una férula de retención puede impedir esto. En pacientes con dentición mixta, no existe ningún aparato que pueda ser utilizado para ello y no tenga efectos perjudiciales para la salud oral. En el presente estudio se diseña y confecciona el Mantenedor Musical, en el que se incluyen tres subtipos de aparatos, el cual previene estos cambios sin resultar una molestia a la hora de tocar el instrumento y permitiendo el desarrollo óseo y dentario del paciente.
Datos médicos de La Pasión de Jesús de Nazaret
Authors: Resines Llorente Rafael
Published: December 2024

El Santo Sudario, Sábana Santa o Síndone (de sindón en griego, mortaja), es una tela depositada desde hace cerca de cuatro siglos en la Catedral de Turín, en Italia y que tras la primera fotografía realizada hace 119 años, ha generado multitud de estudios, análisis, publicaciones, -tanto a favor como en contra-, sobre si la citada tela envolvió en el sepulcro el cuerpo de Jesús de Nazaret.
Bajo el nombre genérico de “Sindonología”, se han agrupado las diversas ciencias que han estudiado la Sábana, tales como Física, Matemáticas, Química, Informática, Medicina, Botánica, Ingeniería, Fotografía, Historia, etc.
Prólogo del libro “Envejecimiento y lenguaje. Corpus de muestras de habla de personas con deterioro cognitivo leve en entrevistas estructuradas”. Nieves Mendizábal de la Cruz, Enrique González Martín, Natalia Jimeno Bulnes y Carolina Sánchez Gil. Valencia, Nau Llibres, 2022, 167 páginas.
Authors: Agüera Ortiz Luis
Published: December 2024

Los cambios que se producen durante el proceso del envejecimiento y el impacto sobre el mismo que producen las enfermedades que se le asocian han sido poco estudiados pese a la trascendencia del tema. En concreto, el deterioro cognitivo en su amplio espectro desde sus formas más leves a la demencia franca incide de manera muy significativa en las capacidades verbales de los pacientes, limitando sus posibilidades de comunicación y por tanto su calidad de vida.
La Facultad de Medicina de Valladolid durante la II República española (1931-1936)
Authors: Vaquero Puerta Carlos
Published: December 2024

Se analiza la situación de la Facultad de Medicina de Valladolid soportándolo en datos objetivos del estado, eventos y acontecimientos relacionados con el periodo de la II República Española. En el análisis se incluye la constatación de acontecimientos que se dieron en ese periodo que influyeron en la enseñanza en esos años en el Centro de formación médica. Por otro lado, se aportan la composición en plantilla de las diferentes cátedras de la Facultad de Medicina en especial de su profesorado tomando como referencia el inicio del año 1936 antes de la finalización del periodo republicano.
La enseñanza de la Cirugía en Valladolid
Authors: Vaquero Puerta Carlos
Published: December 2024

La ciudad de Valladolid tiene referenciada su historia por 10 siglos desde que fue repoblada por el Conde Ansúrez. Desde entonces hay referencias de la atención sanitaria y muy especialmente en lo que se refiere a los hospitales que en ella se han fundado. Por otro lado, su Facultad de Medicina tiene más de 600 años de existencia desde que se fundo en su Universidad la primera Cátedra médica. La formación de los cirujanos en la ciudad ha seguido los avatares de la formación de estos médicos experimentado tanto en España como Europa y los perfiles de estos profesionales han tenido los generales a lo largo del tiempo. Valladolid, por otro lado, capital de España coincidiendo con el Imperio español fue centro de la acreditación en el oficio quirúrgico por su relación con los tribunales del Protomedicato que certificaban a los profesionales y les emitían licencia para su ejercicio profesional. Vivió la formación quirúrgica relacionada con la Ilustración y también con los cambios derivados con el desarrollo de una cirugía moderna, la formación de los profesionales de las últimas décadas en una cirugía vanguardista y altamente tecnificada. Se analizan los diferentes aspectos y se hacen referencias profesionales que marcaron hitos en la cirugía vallisoletana.
importance of anthropological genetics research in Honduras, Central America
Authors: Baldi Norberto F. , Herrera Paz Edwin F.
Published: December 2024

With its unique geographic location at the northern end of the Central American isthmus, Honduras straddles the boundaries of two distinct cultural regions—the Mesoamerican and the Istmo-Colombian. In this context, we briefly discuss the progress of population genetics studies conducted within Honduras. The text underscores the importance of conducting fieldwork to improve our understanding of the genetic history, population dynamics, and emergence of diseases among the Indigenous communities of this country. Among the seven distinct Indigenous populations currently under genetic investigation, we highlight the case of the Garifuna people. We explore their origins, patterns of migration, genetic differentiation, and the prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), which may be linked to founder effects. Our research endeavors in Honduras emphasize the value of an interdisciplinary approach in the study of local human populations that have been instrumental in shaping our evolving comprehension of the genetic landscapes within this unique geographical and cultural setting.
Kirchner a Milei: los vaivenes ideológicos del Poder Ejecutivo argentino y su impacto en el Regionalismo
Authors: Álvarez María Victoria
Published: December 2024

Las preferencias de los Estados en materia de regionalismo forman parte de su política exterior. Por lo tanto, un análisis centrado en las prioridades presidenciales en política exterior puede proporcionar evidencia clave para comprender las opciones regionalistas. En este trabajo analizamos las fluctuaciones en la política exterior de Argentina respecto del regionalismo, como consecuencia de los cambios en la ideología del poder ejecutivo, teniendo como marco general las características del orden internacional y el contexto doméstico. En particular, tomamos en consideración la alternancia en el gobierno entre partidos de izquierda y derecha en las primeras dos décadas del siglo XXI, siendo que Argentina fue uno de los pocos países sudamericanos que experimentó giros políticos en cuadrantes ideológicos completamente opuestos. Para realizar dicho análisis, se examinan las preferencias hacia la región favorecidas por los gobiernos del matrimonio Kirchner (2003-2015), Mauricio Macri (2015-2019), Alberto Fernández (2019-2023) y los primeros seis meses del gobierno de Javier Milei (2023-2024).
Nosotras, orígenes del feminismo en el Río de la Plata (1902-1904)
Authors: Manzoni Gisela , Corrales Fabiana
Published: December 2024

El siguiente artículo es una pequeña parte del informe presentado a la Biblioteca Pública de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) en 2024 en el marco del concurso de investigación "Joaquín V. González” realizado en 2023. La iniciativa buscaba estimular la investigación con el acervo documental de la Biblioteca, en este caso trabajamos con Nosotras, revista feminista, literaria y social (1902-1904), realizada en La Plata y considerada la primera publicación autodenominada feminista de Argentina.El artículo es una escueta semblanza de la revista en la que se destacan algunas de sus particularidades como fuente histórica y otras, vinculadas al campo de estudio que se ha ocupado de ella. Para su realización recorrimos exhaustivamente los 65 números disponibles de la revista y realizamos un índice detallado que por cuestiones de espacio no puede ser publicado aquí. En este recorrido logramos identificar, entre otras cosas, cuestiones vinculadas con la autoría de los textos, sus contenidos, las secciones de la misma, las polémicas a las que dio lugar la publicación y su periodicidad. A la vez que relevamos cuestiones propias del fondo documental, como el estado de conservación y los números faltantes.
Áskoranir foreldra og leiðir þeirra til að efla seiglu og farsæld barna og ungmenna
Authors: Aðalsteinsdóttir Rósa , Guðjohnsen Ragný Þóra , Gísladóttir Lóa Guðrún
Published: December 2024

Uppalendur gegna veigamiklu hlutverki í lífi barna sinna. Í hinum vestræna heimi hefur aukin atvinnuþátttaka og lífsgæðakapphlaup skapað álag á fjölskyldur. Þrátt fyrir rannsóknir sem bent hafa á uppeldisaðferðir sem séu best til þess fallnar að styðja við seiglu og farsæld barna, þá upplifa margir foreldrar vanmátt, óöryggi og kvíða gagnvart hvernig best sé að hlúa að börnum sínum. Á sama tíma sýna rannsóknarniðurstöður vaxandi vanlíðan og hegðunarvanda barna. Í þessari eigindlegu rannsókn voru tekin viðtöl við fjórar mæður og fjóra feður sem hafa reynslu af uppeldi eigin barna og starfi með börnum. Markmiðið var að kanna sýn þeirra á megináskoranir í uppeldi samtímans og leiðir til að efla markvisst seiglu og farsæld barna. Í niðurstöðum kom fram að ein helsta áskorun foreldra samtímans fælist í að halda of mörgum boltum á lofti samtímis, sem drægi úr samveru og dýpri samræðum þar sem hlúð væri að félags- og tilfinningalæsi barna. Þá einkenndist nútímauppeldi af litlum mörkum og að foreldrar forðuðust að leiðbeina um þroskaða hegðun og farsælar lausnir, meðal annars í samskiptum. Mikil samfélagsmiðlanotkun barna og fullorðinna væri jafnframt til þess fallin að draga úr félagslegum samskiptum innan heimilisins og minnka tengsl barna og virkni utan skjásins. Bent var á nokkrar lykilleiðir til að styðja við uppalendur með það markmið að auka seiglu og farsæld barna. Auka þyrfti uppeldisfræðslu og markvissan stuðning fagfólks við foreldra, meðal annars við að greina og rækta styrkleika barna og styðja við seiglu þeirra og getu til að mæta áskorunum daglegs lífs. Stuðningsnet væri foreldrum einnig mikilvægt til að styðja við velferð barna í erli dagsins. Rannsóknin er þáttur í að greina áskoranir í uppeldi samtímans í ljósi breyttra samfélagshátta og leiðir sem mikilvægt er að leggja áherslu á til að styrkja mikilvæga farsældarþætti barna og ungmenna.
Care service attendant training based on culturally responsive pedagogy and design thinking for immigrant women in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Yaling
Published: December 2024

A significant cohort of Southeast Asian women in Taiwan, having married locals, constitutes a disadvantaged group entangled in the issues of gender, marriage migration, and social class. The lack of human capital, social discrimination and urgent personal economic demands have caused immigrant women in Taiwan to become a source of inexpensive labor in the labor market, they usually prioritize vocational training for employment. Furthermore, the rapidly growing elderly population has resulted in a severe shortage of quality care services in Taiwan. Despite Taiwanese government training for immigrant women, diverse sociocultural factors hinder them from pursuing caregiving professions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of care service attendant (CSA) training based on culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) and design thinking (DT) for immigrant women in Taiwan. Nine Vietnamese and Indonesian immigrant women in Taiwan attended and completed the training. The CSA training comprised core academic modules and practicum modules and was conducted in groups for 170 h over 5 weeks. This study employed a qualitative research approach, gathering data through interviews, observation, and document analysis. The results revealed that CSA training based on CRP and DT was effective in improving immigrant women’s satisfaction with training and their rate of employment as CSAs. Specifically, in addition to basic care service professionalism, the female immigrant trainees developed proactive attitudes toward problem-solving. Moreover, the integration of Taiwanese culture and frequent communication in the training facilitated the self-confidence of these trainees. In the workplace, these female immigrant CSAs’ commitment to meeting clients’ needs and innovating their service boosted the clients’ appreciation and their own cultural competency and empowerment. Overall, this study suggests that the application of CRP and DT in CSA training is a promising way of enhancing the workforce capacity of female immigrant CSAs and has value for low-skilled adult trainees. However, structuring the learning processes clearly and involving instructors with multicultural education and DT education competency are critical to implementing such vocational training.
Artificial intelligence-driven brand strategy: Impact on awareness, image, equity, and loyalty
Authors: Laksamana Patria , Saripudin Saripudin , Suharyanto Suharyanto , Cahaya Yohanes Ferry
Published: December 2024

The study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots on brand dynamics within the banking sector, focusing on the interrelationships between AI implementation and key brand dimensions, including awareness, equity, image, and loyalty. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis on data collected from 520 banking customers, the study tests eight hypotheses to explore the direct and indirect effects of AI-driven interactions on brand development. The findings reveal that AI chatbots significantly enhance brand awareness in banking services, demonstrating moderate positive effects on both brand equity and brand image. Notably, while brand awareness exerts a strong influence on brand image, it does not have a significant direct effect on brand loyalty. Instead, the study shows that brand loyalty is primarily developed through the mediating effects of brand equity and image, with brand image exerting a particularly strong influence on brand equity. For banking practitioners, these insights suggest a need to integrate AI chatbots within a comprehensive brand strategy that merges technological innovation with traditional relationship-building approaches. Limitations of the study and potential directions for future research are also discussed, providing avenues for further exploration of AI’s role in brand management.
Comparison and research for blended teaching and traditional teaching based on AHP—Using basic course of management as an example
Authors: Liu Baoyin , Ali Dhakir Abbas
Published: December 2024

With the advancement and progress of information and internet technology, blended learning has garnered increased attention from both students and teachers. By utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process and integrating feedback from questionnaires, this study constructs an evaluation index to compare the effectiveness of blended learning with traditional teaching methods. The relative weight or criteria of each index is calculated, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the teaching outcomes between these two approaches. The findings indicate that Blended teaching stimulates student interest and enhances learning abilities, while traditional teaching excels in fostering teacher-student interaction. Based on these results, suggestions are provided to guide instructional strategies for teachers and learning approaches for students. According to a study. This study also focuses on the moderating role of smart technologies between the Knowledge management process and employee performance in the case of the Hail health cluster.
Assessment of indoor environmental comfort for individuals wearing face masks of different thickness
Authors: Orman Łukasz Jan , Dębska Luiza , Dąbek Lidia , Honus Stanislav , Adamczak Stanisław
Published: December 2024

The present paper experimentally analyses the subjective assessment of indoor environment comfort based on a questionnaire survey conducted in a climate chamber located at Kielce University of Technology (Poland), if two types of face masks are worn by the respondents: thin (medical) and thick (cotton-made) masks. Air temperature and relative humidity in the chamber ranged from around 19 to 28oC and 20 – 70%, respectively. Precise measurement of the microclimate parameters was obtained with a microclimate meter, which recorded air temperature and relative humidity at the moment of completing the questionnaires. The respondents were of similar age (22 – 31 years old) and wore two types of clothing during the experiments: summer and winter, which differed by thermal resistance. This value amounted to 0.5 clo for the summer outfit and 0.8 clo for the winter one.In total 960 questionnaires were analysed in the study. The results indicate that the increase in air temperature led to poorer overall comfort, while the largest comfort sensation was recorded for the most favourable thermal sensation range. In general, thicker masks provided lower overall comfort than thinner masks for all relative humidity values.
Evaluation of additive effecton anaerobic sewage sludge digestion
Authors: Dauknys Regimantas , Mažeikiene Aušra , Paliulis Dainius
Published: December 2024

An additive based on iron oxides was applied to reduce the amount of produced sludge and to increase the production and quality of biogas. The C/N ratio was 11.0–11.3 and the pH of the sludge mixture was 7.3 before the anaerobic digestion. The determined optimal dose of the additive was 0.35 g/g of sludge dry matter over 20 days. This allowed a reduction in the sludge retention time up to 6–11 days. Consequently, maximum biogas production was reached on average 1.6 times faster, volatile solids degradation increased by 56.7%, biogas production increased by 75%, specific biogas production increased by 11.5%, and methane concentration in the biogas increased by 8.4%–18.2%. When the additive was applied, the quantity of phosphate phosphorus in the supernatant was reduced by up to 19%, and hydrogen sulfide reduction efficiency in the biogas ranged between 55% and 62%. In sludge treatment facilities, using an iron oxide-based additive could reduce the dewatering and drying costs for digested sludge by up to 35% .
Experimental and pilot model research of spiral cyclone with curvilinear channels
Authors: Jakštoniene Inga , Paliulis Dainius , Venslovas Albertas , Plashykhin Sergii
Published: December 2024

The advanced type of cyclone was applied to separate wood particulate matter from the air. The cyclone was designed in the laboratory of Vilnius TECH. A series of experimental studies was conducted both in the lab and under industrial conditions. These studies aimed to specify the air velocity and aerodynamic resistance in the experimental and pilot six-channel cyclone with spiral casings and curvilinear semi-rings. Air treatment efficiency was also determined. The highest air treatment efficiency achieved using experimental cyclone was 91.4%, while the pilot cyclone achieved an efficiency of 94. 5%. The industrial and experimental cyclones were found to have similar air treatment efficiency
Comparison of palaeomagnetic data from three Late Caledonian magmatic intrusions piercing the Upper Silesian and Małopolska tectonic blocks (S Poland), and its palaeotectonic significance
Authors: Nawrocki Jerzy , Habryn Ryszard
Published: December 2024

The dioritic part of the latest Silurian intrusion drilled in the Sosnowiec IG-1 borehole and the diabase from the newly drilled Chrząstowice PIG-1 borehole, both in the Upper Silesia Tectonic Block, were palaeomagnetically studied. The palaeoinclinations of the same polarity primary component “A” are similar in the studied intrusions. They correspond well with the latest Silurian/earliest Devonian palaeoinclination obtained from the Bardo diabase (Holy Cross Mts.), and with those calculated from the Apparent Polar Wander Path for palaeocontinent Baltica. All compared intrusions represent the late Caledonian magmatic event that can be linked with the back-arc extension in the marginal part of the Old Red Continent. The angle between declinations of the latest Silurian/earliest Devonian normal polarity component “A” and the latest Carboniferous/earliest Permian secondary reversed polarity component “B”, both isolated from the Chrząstowice diabase, indicate the lack of palaeomagnetically detectable clockwise tectonic rotations of the Upper Silesia Tectonic Block with respect to stable Europe at least after the Silurian. However, a slight (up to a dozen or so degrees) anti-clockwise rotation of local sense cannot be excluded after the earliest Permian. The distribution of magnetic fabric points to the sill form of both studied intrusions.
Effects of Fine Particle Size on the Characteristics of Coal Bottom Ash as an Environmentally Friendly Material in Concrete Production
Authors: Al Biajawi Mohammad I. , Embong R. , Al Bakri Abdullah M.M.
Published: December 2024

In the current era, concern about the responsible disposal of industrial waste and its reuse has increased in all societies from the industry. Therefore, the researchers’ institution is focusing its efforts on developing more environmentally friendly products from recycled waste, particularly in the area of sustainable construction. For instance, one of recycled waste is Coal Bottom Ash (CBA), a by-product of coal combustion that is produced in large quantities from thermal power plants. The aims of this study to investigate the physical, chemical and element characteristics of CBA obtained from thermal power plant in Malaysia. Also, CBA compared with cement characteristics to be used as cement replacement in the concrete mixture. Therefore, numerous tests have been performed to investigate CBA’s physical and chemical characteristics. For physical properties such as specific gravity, particle size analysis, fineness modulus, bulk density and loss on ignition. For chemical properties such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in an effort to obtain sustainable materials from thermal power plant waste. Based on the findings in this study, it can be concluded that CBA can be utilized as cement substitute in the production of concrete mixtures.
Physical Modelling of Cross-Wedge Rolling of Ball Studs
Authors: Wójcik Ł. , Pater Z.
Published: December 2024

The publication presents and reviews the results of a physical modelling study of the Cross Wedge Rolling process of ball-studs. The ball-studs was formed in a double system from C45 steel at 1050°C, while the physical modelling process was performed on a scale of 1:2.5 using Primo plasticine as the model material, which was formed at 5°C. For the real tests, steel tools were used, while for the model tests the tools were made of ABS plastic. The experimental tests were followed by measurements of the individual stud steps. The geometrical analysis of the specimens showed that the model material allowed the shape of the forging obtained in the rolling process to be accurately modelled. Based on the physical modelling studies of the Cross Wedge Rolling process of ball-studs, it was concluded that the ball-studs rolling process can be modelled using PRI MO plasticine. Based on the analysis of the physical modelling results obtained, it was concluded that physical modelling allows the Cross Wedge Rolling process to be modelled with a high convergence of the results obtained in real and physical tests.
Effect of Water-to-Binder Ratio on Density, Compressive Strength and Morphology of Fly Ash/Ladle Furnace Slag Blended One-Part Geopolymer
Authors: Yong-Jie H. , Cheng-Yong H. , Abdullah M.M.A.B. , Yeng-Seng L. , Shee-Ween O. , Wan-En O. , Jia-Ni L. , Hoe-Woon T.
Published: December 2024

Water-to-binder (W/B) ratio has a great influence on the bulk density, compressive strength and morphology of fly ash/ladle furnace slag (FA/LFS) blended one-part geopolymer. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of W/B ratio on the performance of the one-part geopolymer. The one-part geopolymer were prepared at W/B ratio of 0.20-0.30 and cured at room temperature for 28 days. The bulk density, water absorption, apparent porosity and compressive strength were determined, while the morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the one-part geopolymer with W/B ratio of 0.25 had highest compressive strength (39 MPa) with denser (2.1 g/cm3) structure as well as low water absorption (3.97%) and low apparent porosity (8.33%). The micrograph showed the optimal one-part geopolymer has less agglomeration of FA and LFS particles.
Properties of Artificial Lightweight Aggregates from Various Pozzolan Materials – A Review
Authors: Chuan Hao D.L. , Razak R.A. , Yahya Z. , Al Bakri Abdullah M.M. , Abdullah A.
Published: December 2024

The use of lightweight aggregate can bring advantages to the construction field. Lightweight aggregate has been used due to its lower density and can reduce the dead load applied to the structural elements. Due to the number of natural resources, such as natural aggregate having decreased, producing lightweight aggregate from industrial waste materials can overcome the problem. Different methods produce lightweight aggregates, such as sintering, cold bonding, and autoclaving. From earlier studies, spherical sintered lightweight aggregate can manufacture structural concrete. Using artificial lightweight aggregate in concrete can achieve the minimum strength requirement of structural concrete and has been applied in the construction field. The properties of lightweight aggregate, such as specific gravity, water absorption, crushing strength, and impact value, are reviewed. Besides that, the mechanical and thermal properties review is also important for using lightweight aggregate in concrete. The review also indicates that aggregate produced using the cold bonding method and autoclaving method potential can be used in the concrete.
Monitoring Methods on Evolution of Alkali Activation of Alkali-Activated Materials
Authors: Mohamed R. , Razak R.A. , Al Bakri Abdullah M.M. , Abd Rahim S.Z. , Kim B. , Imjai T. , Aziz I.H. , Hao D.L.Ch.
Published: December 2024

Alkali activation for producing alkali-activated materials is noted as a complex due to involving several reactions. Due to complexity of the reactions, various techniques have been applied by past researches on monitoring the evolution of alkali-activated materials. The evolution monitored during alkali activation include internal relative humidity, structural evolution, ultrasonic evolution and heat evolution. All of these techniques provide real-time information which is significant for evaluating the reaction process of alkali activation with respected parameters applied thus will be briefly reviewed in this paper. In addition, among those techniques, due to its reliability, heat evolution is one noted as one of the most common techniques applied to elucidate the alkali activation process. Therefore, the potential of heat evolution will also be significantly highlighted in this study.
A Study on Electroless Copper Deposition for Desktop Stereolithography 3D Printing Materials
Authors: Ahmad A. , Saidin Wahab Md , Kamarudin K. , Hehsan H.
Published: December 2024

Electroless deposition is a method of metallizing parts without needing for an electrical source that can be performed on electrically conductive and non-conductive materials. Adhesion quality is an essential aspect of the electroless deposition process that determines the metal deposition conditions. The properties of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed parts can be improved through the metallization process for various applications. In this study, optimization through the orthogonal design method was used to obtain the optimal processing parameters of electroless copper deposition on desktop SLA material with respect to adhesion quality. Experimental work was carried out according to the L9 (34) orthogonal array, followed by an evaluation of the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the S/N ratio results, the optimal processing parameters for adhesion quality were potassium hydroxide concentration (400 g/L), etching time (30 min), formaldehyde concentration (3.75 mL/L) and deposition time (30 min). The results of the study are useful for industries such as rapid tooling, rapid prototyping, and semiconductors.
Microstructure Analysis of Different NaOH Molarity Towards Fly Ash Geopolymer for Underwater Concreting Material
Authors: Zaidi F.H.A. , Romisuhani A. , Abdullah M.M.A.B. , Ibrahim W.M.W. , Bistamam M.I.A. , Sauffi A.S. , Li L.Y.
Published: December 2024

Geopolymer concrete is a new sustainable and environmentally friendly composite with great potential to replace conventional concrete that is mostly produced by ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Binders used for geopolymer concrete such as fly ash and blast furnaces are mostly industrial wastes or by -products containing high silica and aluminium content that act as stimulants for geopolymerization. Furthermore, geopolymers also exhibit better durability and corrosion resistance than OPCs. However, material subjected to underwater placement method typically exhibit a decrease in properties. While geopolymer has not been widely used as underwater concreting material, this research is purposed to identify the effect of underwater placement method towards geopolymer in terms of microstructure analysis. Using different molarities of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the optimum compressive strength will be discussed for underwater concrete while correlating with the microstructure result. For alkaline activators, the ratio used is 2.5 and the ratio for solid to liquid is 2.5. The molarities used for alkaline activators were 8 M, 10 M and 12 M. Using the tremie method for underwater concrete, it is possible to measure the leaching loss with respect to the objective of this research. The best compressive strength result is 12 M. The SEM result support with 12 M molarity had less cavities and lowest density.
Cryogenic Treatment Effect on the Wear Resistance of AM60 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Gassama B. , Karahisar B. , Öztürk Körpe N. , Öteyaka M.Ö.
Published: December 2024

Magnesium alloys were used as structural materials due to their low density. However, the poor wear behavior of magnesium alloys limits their use. In this study, AM60 magnesium alloy was subjected to deep cryogenic heat treatment to enhance the wear properties in dry and wet conditions with different loads. For this purpose, a deep cryogenic treatment at –196°C was applied for 48 h to the AM60 magnesium alloy. On the other hand, the wear performance of the treated sample was compared to the untreated sample using the pin-on-disc method at loads of 1 N, 2 N, and 3 N. The microstructure and wear groove were investigated using imaging techniques, while the XRD method characterized the phase modification. The results showed that the microstructures of the untreated sample drastically changed; the eutectic phase around the β phase was dissolved in the matrix, and some twins were formed after heat treatment. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a new β phase belonging to twins and an increase of the current β phase. Regarding hardness behavior, it increased by ~17.5% compared to the untreated sample after cryogenic treatment. In dry conditions, abrasive wear was the primary mechanism, and the wear resistance was better for the treated sample for all loads applied due to probably new phase formation. The treated sample exhibited lower wear resistance against the untreated sample, apparently due to the oxidative wear mechanism.
Comparison of Corrosion Behavior of Two Stainless Steels for Medical Applications
Authors: Fachikova D. , Ilieva G.
Published: December 2024

Various materials are used in medicine and the main requirement is their biocompatibility, including corrosion resistance. In addition to destroying materials, the products released during corrosion can cause adverse reactions in the human body. Corrosion testing of any material proposed for biomaterials should therefore be conducted in a model or controlled environment similar to that of the human body. In this work, the results obtained in the study of high nitrogen stainless steel (HNS) as a material for the fabrication of implants are presented and compared with the results for classical Cr-Ni stainless steel, in analogous environments and conditions. The tests were carried out in Ringer’s and Hartmann’s solutions, at specified concentrations, temperatures and pH values. A three-electrode glass cell was used under open air conditions. The following electrochemical methods were used: open circuit potential (OCP) – time measurement, cyclic potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarizations. By means of light and scanning electron microscopy, surface changes were determined after exposing the steel specimens to the experimental media. The surface of the samples was also examined by EDX analysis to determine the nature of the corrosion products formed. From the results obtained, it was found that HNS-steel has higher resistance than Cr-Ni-steel in the model solutions studied.
Prevalence and associated factors of dysphonia in non-hospitalized Thai COVID-19 patients: a descriptive study with Thai-VHI10 Assessment
Authors: Suwannutsiri Thitaree , Arreenich Peerada , Sombuntham Premsuda
Published: December 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic first emerged in December 2019 and rapidly spread globally, including Thailand. While respiratory symptoms remain the primary manifestation of the disease, upper respiratory tract symptoms, including dysphonia, have been reported in various studies.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of dysphonia in non-hospitalized Thai COVID-19 patients and identify associated factors using the Thai-Voice Handicap Index-10.

Methods

This study investigates the prevalence of dysphonia and associated factors in non-hospitalized Thai COVID-19 patients. Conducted from September 2022 to February 2023, it enrolled healthcare workers who tested positive for COVID-19 but were not hospitalized.

Results

Among 82 patients, 53 (64.6%) reported dysphonia, which was significantly associated with cough (P = 0.013) and nasal discharge (P = 0.047). Substantial improvement was observed at the 3-month follow-up (73.6%). Vaccination may serve as a protective factor (crude odds ratio < 1).

Conclusion

The prevalence of dysphonia among non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Thailand is 63.6%, linked to cough and nasal congestion, with symptoms likely to subside within 3 months.
Updating the files: Understanding the public service through storytelling and narrative
Authors: Mulreany Michael , O’Brien Denis
Published: December 2024

In this article, we reconsider our 2011 book Lord of the files: Working for the government, which was the first of its kind to collect written sources from hundreds of writers inside and outside the public service on the realities and complexities of Irish public service life. Its portrayal of institutional life, state administration and the delivery of public services as they play out within the values expected of public servants aimed to provide a rounded understanding of what is conventionally known as ‘working for the government’.

In the decade or more that has elapsed since publication, the context for public policy and administration in Ireland has significantly changed. We identify what we believe are important narratives arising out of momentous events that have defined recent history and which have affected how the public service carries out its duties. We frame these narratives and bring to the fore our original objectives in the anthology by reflecting on how, in recent academic discourse, storytelling is seen as important to understanding the operation and culture of organisations. We take the opportunity to present and discuss new material, and previously overlooked material, that would earn a place in an updated anthology and maintain our purpose of improving the understanding of the public service.
Irish university governance in transition
Authors: Loughnane Caroline
Published: December 2024

Governance structures in Irish universities are undergoing a significant transformation as the passing of new legislation in October 2022, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Act, heralded the beginning of a new relationship between the Irish state, the universities and their regulator, the HEA. This paper provides an analysis of the changes taking place in university governance with the implementation of the HEA Act and locates the current developments in the context of wider governance reforms that have taken place across European higher education. The findings of an empirical research study involving elite interviews with key stakeholders in Irish higher education governance are also presented; the results capture the early experience of implementing governance reform, with key stakeholders agreeing that smaller supervisory boards result in better governance, more rigour in the way board members approach their roles, and greater accountability required of executives, which is expected to lead to greater tension between boards and their executives. The paper concludes by identifying opportunities for further research with a follow-up study of the impact of the governance reforms on board effectiveness proposed once the new governing boards have served a full term.
Digitalization in Education - Effects on Classroom Management1
Authors: Petrescu Ana-Maria Aurelia , Santi Elena Ancuța , Enache Roxana Constanța , Gorghiu Gabriel
Published: December 2024

In the last decades, especially in the post-pandemic period, the digitization phenomenon has gained momentum in all sectors of social life, including the educational environment. In our opinion, the phenomenon of digitalization in education generates a multitude of effects at the level of classroom management, in relation to the following significant aspects: pedagogical/educational relations (between various educational actors: students, teachers, parents, educational managers, etc. ) the teaching style/educational style, the learning style of the student, the mode and degree of engagement/involvement of students and teachers in the decision-making process at classroom level, the strategies of communication and resolution of conflict situations arising in different educational contexts, the ways of managing time, stress and priorities, etc. Through this article we aim to carry out a multidimensional research, aimed at identifying the perceptions and the attitudes of the teachers and students in the investigated sample, regarding the effects of digitization on the management of the classroom, in relation to the aspects listed above. The micro-survey sample included 103 pre-university teachers, with different specializations, who teach at different levels of education and 72 secondary school students (middle and high school). We appreciate that the answers obtained from the investigation carried out will contribute to the identification of valuable methodological landmarks from a socio-psycho-pedagogical point of view, useful in the direction of modernizing the management of the classroom and its realization in conditions of increased efficiency.
Developing Romanian and American Cultural Awareness Through Discursive Competences:A Project-Based Learning Pilot Study
Authors: Rogoveanu Raluca-Nicoleta
Published: December 2024

This empirical study presents the tools and conceptual framework that enabled me to plan, implement and deliver a Project Based Learning (PBL) pilot test in my course on Introduction to American Studies, intended for 1st year students majoring in American Studies at Ovidius University, Constanta. The presentation of the PBL project follows a chronological approach to the in-class pedagogical sequence, with a specific focus on the evaluative process, mainly articulated around self-assessing strategies. Self-assessment is construed as essential in creating the premises and helping develop metacognitive processes which are presented and analyzed according to Fink’s taxonomy of significant learning. Most data were collected through personal classroom observations. The observation method was utilized during the planning stage (where students chose teams, selected project topics, asked and answered essential questions, designed project plans, and created project timelines), the implementation stage, and the assessment stage (evaluating both the project results and the learning activities). In addition to observations, a qualitative analysis of students' projects was conducted. The findings from these observations, along with a description of the students' self-assessment exercises are compiled in this study and point to the fact that by employing PBL as a staple in classes, teachers can create a potent learning environment, suitable for engaged learning, growing and shared experiences.