bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine profile in critically ill patients and/or injured persons with secondary sepsis – influence of different pathogens
Authors: Djukic Snezana , Pavlovic Aleksandar , Ilic Aleksandra , Bozovic Aleksandar , Igrutinovic Gojko , Nikolic Miljana , Vujacic Mirjana , Stanojevic Ivan
Published: October 2023

Background/Aim. The role of the complex sepsis-related immune response has not been fully clarified and remains a subject matter of investigation. Nowadays, sepsis is considered a dynamic syndrome characterized by many, often antagonistic phenomena, ranging from hyperinflammation to anergy and immunoparalysis. The aim of the study was to determine, based on the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in critically ill patients with secondary sepsis, whether the cytokine profile differs according to the type of bacterial causative agent, as well as to assess the prognostic value regarding the outcome. The outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Methods. Blood serum samples were taken from 125 critically ill patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit with severe secondary sepsis as a consequence of peritonitis, pancreatitis, or trauma. The average age of the patients was 57.7 ? 17.3 years. Of the total number of patients, 84 (67.2%) were males, and 41 (32.8%) were females. The levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1?, IL-1?, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12?70, IL-17?, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, interferon (IFN)-?, IFN-?-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1? and MIP-1?, as well as anti-inflammatory mediators IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-27, IL- 31, and IL-33, were determined at three time intervals ? on the day of admission (the first day) and then on the third and fifth day. The type of the bacterial causative agent was determined using standard microbiological analyses. Results. On the third day of measurement, significant differences in the cytokine levels regarding the nature of bacteremia were determined in all pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, except for IL-8. In general, the lowest levels were observed in patients with polymicrobial blood cultures. On the first and fifth days of measurement, no significant differences in the cytokine levels regarding the nature of bacteremia were found. The only significant predictor of the fatal outcome on the first measurement day was IL-17?, Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) of 0.665 (95% confidence interval 0.519?0.791; ? = 0.034) in the patients with secondary sepsis as a complication of peritonitis. Conclusion. According to the type of bacterial causative agent, the lowest levels of cytokines have been observed in patients with the polymicrobial blood culture. The low level of IL-17? on the first day of measurement is a good predictor of a fatal outcome in patients with peritonitis as an underlying condition of secondary sepsis. On the other hand, the levels of other cytokines correlated with the out-come only on the fifth day of measurement, and they were higher in survivors than in non-survivors.
Er demokratiske elevråd mogeleg?
Authors: Børhaug Kjetil , Østerhus Dahle Bjørnar
Published: October 2023

Det har lenge vore elevråd i norsk skule, med ambisjonar om utdanning til demokratisk deltaking. Forsking tyder på at elevråda er problematiske som demokratisk erfaring for elevane, og dei er i ferd med å bli svekte i lovverk og læreplanverk. Det er derfor viktig å drøfta i kva grad og korleis demokratiske elevråd er mogelege. Framgangsmåten er å trekkja på teoriar om demokrati i politisk liv og antyda korleis elevråd kan spegla slike krav både når det gjeld val, prosessane i elevrådet og gjennomslaget elevrådet har mot skuleleiinga.
English abstract
Are Democratic Student Councils Possible?
Empirical research suggests that student councils in secondary and primary education hardly live up to democratic standards, and their importance in Norwegian curricular and legal frameworks is about to be reduced. It is therefore highly urgent to discuss what democratic councils could be, in order to contribute to their revitalization. The approach is to draw on theories of democracy as a form of government in which citizens participate, and to suggest how student councils may realize the requirements of such theories concerning elections, intra-council processes and in council–school management relations.
AN EVALUATION OF SYLVIIDAE SPECIES IN THE TRANSPORT OF POLLEN: A CASE STUDY OF İSTANBUL
Authors: KARLIOĞLU KILIÇ Nurgül , BACAK Ergün , YILMAZ DAĞDEVİREN Rüya , ÖZSEMİR Arif Cemal , YILDIRIM Elif Ayşe , GÜNGÖR Umut , BEŞKARDEŞ Vedat
Published: October 2023

During pollination, pollen grains can be transported to distant distances by various factors such as wind, insects, birds, and reptiles. While there have been numerous studies on pollen transportation by birds in Europe, there is a lack of research concerning the pollen grains transported by bird species in Turkey. In this context, we explored the role of Sylviidae species in pollination and identified the plant species whose pollen is transported by these birds. The temporary ringing station located at İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Avcılar Campus was selected as the study area and a total of 35 feather samples were collected from individuals of Sylvia atricapilla (Linnaeus), S. borin (Boddaert), Curruca communis (Latham), C. cantillans (Pallas), C. curruca (Linnaeus) and C. melanocephala (Gmelin) captured at station. Based on the analysis of pollen found on the feather samples, it was determined that the pollen found in 18 feather samples of Curruca curruca and Sylvia atricapilla provided pollen belonging to Pinus (Pine), Aesculus (Horse chestnut), Prunus (Plum), Spiraea (Spiraea), Quercus (Oak), Fraxinus (Ash) and Melia (Bead tree). The most commonly determined pollen on C. curruca were of Prunus (63.5%), while the least common were of Aesculus (0.9%). The most commonly determined pollen on S. atricapilla were of Melia (48.1%), while the least common were of Crocus (0.2%). The presence of pollen among the food sources of Sylviidae species during spring, the synchronization between the arrival time of birds in the study area during migration and the pollination period of the determined plant taxa, and the prevalence of these taxa in the study area suggest that S. atricapilla and C. curruca may be contributing to pollination.
Symmetrized Versions of the Seidel and Successive OverRelaxation Methods for Solving Two-Dimensional Difference Problems of Elliptic Type
Authors: Sidoryakina V. V. , Solomakha D. A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. This article is devoted to the consideration of options for symmetrization of two-layer implicit iterative methods for solving grid equations that arise when approximating boundary value problems for two-dimensional elliptic equations. These equations are included in the formulation of many problems of hydrodynamics, hydrobiology of aquatic systems, etc. Grid equations for these problems are characterized by a large number of unknowns — from 106 to 1010, which leads to poor conditionality of the corresponding system of algebraic equations and, as a consequence, to a significant increase in the number of iterations, necessary to achieve the specified accuracy. The article discusses a method for reducing the number of iterations for relatively simple methods for solving grid equations, based on the procedure of symmetrized traversal of the grid region.

Materials and Methods. The methods for solving grid equations discussed in the article are based on the procedure of symmetrized traversal along the rows (or columns) of the grid area.

Results. Numerical experiments have been performed for a model problem — the Dirichlet difference problem for the Poisson equation, which demonstrate a reduction in the number of iterations compared to the basic algorithms of these methods.

Discussion and Conclusions. This work has practical significance. The developed software allows it to be used to solve specific physical problems, including as an element of a software package.
PERANAN PROGRAM KELUARGA HARAPAN DALAM PENANGGULANGAN KEMISKINAN DI DESA SUKAMAJU KECAMATAN PUNDUH PIDADA KABUPATEN PESAWARAN
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Hermeling Andreas
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui Peranan Program Keluarga Harapan Dalam Penanggulangan Kemiskinan di Desa Sukamaju Kecamatan Punduh Pidada Kabupaten Pesawaran. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode wawancara, observasi, dokumentasi kepada narasumber dipilih menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dan terpilih Kepala desa, Sekretaris desa, Pendamping Penerima Manfaat, dan tiga orang Keluarga Penerima Manfaat.Data penelitian ini berupa data kualitatif yang kemudian di analisis untuk memperoleh kesimpulan akhir. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah program keluarga harapan berperan dalam menanggulangi kemiskinan di Desa Sukamaju Kecamatan Punduh Pidada Kabupaten Pesawaran.
Sapaan Kekerabatan Masyarakat Lampung Saibatin Marga Balak Berdasarkan Term Of Address Dan Term Of Reference Di Kecamatan Teluk Betung Barat
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Veronika Tata , Sinaga Risma Margaretha , Ekwandari Yustina Sri
Published: October 2023

Masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana penggunaan sapaan kekerabatan masyarakat Lampung Saibatin berdasarkan term of address dan term of reference di Teluk Betung Barat. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi melalui tokoh adat dan masyarakat Lampung. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis data kualitatif. Term of address adalah penggunaan sapaan yang mengacu pada bagaimana kita menyapa atau memanggil orang dalam keluarga. Term of reference yaitu istilah yang dipakai apabila berhadapan dengan orang lain, berbicara tentang seorang kerabat (istilah yang sering digunakan orang dari luar keluarga). Penggunaan sapaan pada masyarakat Lampung dapat dilihat berdasarkan umur, jenis kelamin dan tingkatan gelar pada masyarakat, ketiga unsur ini merupakan hal dasar yang dapat menentukan pengelompokan penggunaaan sapaan berdasarkan sistem kekerabatan di Indonesia yaitu Tem of Address dan Term Of Refrence dalam Bahasa Lampung Saibatin Marga Balak di Kelurahan Negeri Olok Gading, Kecamatan Teluk Betung Barat. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan analisis yang dilakukan maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa sapaan kekerabatan masyarakat Lampung Saibatin berdasarkan term of address merupakan sapaan dari keluarga (inti dan luas), sedangkan term of reference yaitu sapaan umum yang dapat berubah sesuai dengan situasi dan keadaan status sosial dalam masyarakat berdasarkan pemberian gelar/adok dari adat suku Lampung.
Memudarnya Peranan Baya Muli Mekhanai Pada Perkawinan Masyarakat Lampung Saibatin
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Parisca Yessi , Sinaga Risma Margaretha , Basri Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Memudarnya peranan baya muli mekhanai pada perkawinan masyarakat Lampung Saibatin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui memudanya peranan baya muli mekhanai pada perkawinan masyarakat Lampung Saibatin serta faktor yang mempengaruhinya di Pekon Way Suluh, Kecamatan Krui Selatan, Kabupaten, Pesisir Barat. Metode yang digunakan yaitu metode deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini yaitu terjadinya pemudaran peranan baya muli mekhanai dilihat dari rendahnya intensitas peranan baya muli mekhanai pada masa sekarang, dan disebabkan oleh faktor perubahan gaya hidup dan perkembangan tekhnologi.
Analisis Sistem Informasi Pemasaran Online Di Tengah Pandemi Covid-19
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Mahrunnisya Dyanti , Safitri Metri , Rahmawati Fanni , Windriani Dian
Published: October 2023

Adopsi Internet yang meluas untuk bisnis dan penggunaan pribadi telah menghasilkan banyak saluran baru untuk keterlibatan periklanan dan pemasaran bagi produk. Banyaknya aktivitas dan interaksi yang terjadi di dunia internet, menjadikan peluang para pemilik bisnis yang mengandalkan cara ini untuk meningkatkannilai jual produknya Metode penulisan artikel ini adalah review literatur jurnal penelitian yang relevan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan mengenai pemasaran online di tengah pandemi covid-19. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa pengguna internet mengalami kenaikan yang cukup signifikan pada masa pandemi covid-19, sehingga menjadikan pemasaran produk secara digital sangat memberikan banyak peluang dimasa pandemi covid-19 ini, selain itu dalam pemasaran online dengan beberapa strategi marketing yang dapat dilakukan seperti melalui social media seperti instagram, facebook, twitter dan aplikasi video tik tok yang sedang digemari masyarakat.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MEDIA BONEKA TANGAN TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR TEMATIK PESERTA DIDIK KELAS II MI AL-QURAN ROUDLATUL QURAN 2 TRIMURJO
Authors: Khairani Fadhilah , Rosyada Amrina , Astuti Nelly
Published: October 2023

At present there are quite a lot of students who have relatively low thematic learning outcomes, especially in the Indonesian language subject and also PPKn in Class II MI AL-Quran Roudlatul Quran 2 Trimurjo. The purpose of this research was to describe/analyze the effect of the use/use of hand puppet media on the thematic learning outcomes of class II MI Al-Quran Roudlatul Quran 2 Trimurjo and differences in the use of media images in the control class and hand puppet media in the experimental class. While the quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent group design is the method used by researchers when carrying out this research. Furthermore, the population in this study is all students who are in class II with a total of 34 students. The determination of the sample for this study used a technique, namely, totally sampling which is the determination of the sample using the total population, namely, 34 students. Observation and documentation (non-test) as well as pre-test and post-test (test) are the data collection techniques used. The data analysis used is the t-test and also simple linear regression. The results of the study show that the hand puppet media has a positive and significant influence compared to the learning media in the form of images in the control class.
Turizm Endüstrisinde Akıllı Turizm Teknolojilerinin Faydasına Yönelik Algıların Değerlendirilmesi: Sakarya Örneği
Authors: Zengin Burhanettin , Bayhan Mertkal
Published: October 2023

Günümüzün akıllı teknolojileri, müşterilerin genel ve özel anlamda yaşadıkları deneyimlerini zenginleştirip memnuniyetlerini arttırmaya yadımcı olmaktadırlar. Buna paralel olarak işletmeler de bu uygulamalar sayesinde sürdürülebilirlik ve rekabet üstünlüğü elde edebilmektedirler. Bu bakış açısıyla yola çıkarak araştırmanın amacı, turizm paydaşlarının akıllı teknolojileri kullanarak elde ettikleri yararlara yönelik algılarını ortaya koymak ve akıllı teknolojilerin uygulanmasında karşılaşılan potansiyel engellerin belirlenmesidir. Nicel yöntemin tercih edildiği bu araştırmanın verileri Sakarya’da faaliyet gösteren turizm paydaşlarına çevrimiçi anket uygulanarak elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen ve kullanılabilir nitelikteki 117 anket araştırmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırma verileri doğrultusunda, turizm paydaşlarının akıllı teknolojilerin genel maliyetleri azaltacağı, müşteri memnuniyetini arttıracağı, iş süreçlerini hızlandıracağı, işletme imajını güçlendireceği ve rekabet avantajı sağlayacağı yönünde olumlu algılara sahip oldukları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca akıllı teknolojilerin uygulanmasındaki potansiyel engeller olarak ilk yatırım maliyetleri, yetkin personel eksikliği, yetersiz altyapı, güvenlik ve hizmet sektöründeki insan mecburiyeti gibi engellerin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları doğrultusunda kamu ve özel sektör ile araştırmacılara bazı öneriler sunularak literatüre önemli katkılar sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Acute Cerebral Vascular Events after Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Akhmadeeva L. R. , Plechev V. V. , Izhbuldina K. R. , Gizatullin R. R. , Isrofilov M. O.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Acute cerebrovascular accident is recognized as the leading pathology in the structure of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). Annually 6 million cases of CVD are registered in the world. Fatal outcomes from this pathology in Russia occur 1.5–2 times more often than in developed countries. According to the All-Russian Center for Preventive Medicine, 25% of males and 39% of females die from CVD. The incidence of CVD in Russia ranges from 460 to 560 cases per 100 thousand people. This pathology may be caused by carotid artery stenosis resulting from atherosclerotic vascular lesions and plaque formation which lead to embolism and stroke.Materials and methods. The study analyzed 341 medical histories of patients hospitalized at the Bashkir State Medical University Clinic (BSMU Clinic) in 2022, who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEE) (288 of them had a history of chronic cerebrovascular accident) and 278 medical histories of patients with acute cerebrovascular accident, hospitalized at the Neurologic Clinic of the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University in 2022.Results and discussion. Perioperative complications that occurred during CEE at BSMU Clinic in 2022 included 12 cases of acute cerebrovascular accident of ischemic type (3.52%) and 2 cases of transient ischemic attack (0.6%), which is lower than the same rates in previously published observations at the same clinic.Conclusion. The number of complications resulting from the CEE does not exceed the global rates. Quantitative and qualitative indicators of carotid reconstructions demonstrate positive trends. Acute cerebrovascular accident requires clarifying the cause of its occurrence and taking measures to prevent ischemic strokes, including angiosurgical interventions.
Qualitative analysis of small animal veterinarian–perceived barriers to nutrition communication
Authors: Wenzel Sophie G. , Coe Jason B. , Long Tara , Koerner Sydney , Harvey Morgan , Shepherd Megan L.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Nutrition is important in preventing and managing disease. Veterinarians are an important source of nutrition information; however, nutrition communication between veterinarians and pet owners is relatively infrequent. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative review of barriers to nutrition communication and possible solutions, reported by small animal veterinarians.

SAMPLE

18 veterinarians from Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

METHODS

In a qualitative focus group study, 5 virtual focus groups using the Zoom platform were conducted from February 3, 2021, to April 2, 2021. Each focus group was audio recorded, and transcripts were created using Otter.ai software. Transcripts were analyzed in Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software using a hybrid of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The 4 barriers to nutrition communication identified by veterinarians were as follows: (1) time, (2) misinformation and information overload, (3) pet owners’ apprehension toward new information, and (4) veterinarians’ confidence in nutrition knowledge and communication skills. Potential solutions include (1) improving communication and nutrition education, (2) improving and increasing access to client-friendly resources, and (3) empowering credentialed veterinary technicians and support staff to discuss nutrition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides guidance for how to focus efforts to break down barriers to nutrition communication in small animal veterinary practice.
α-Glucosidase inhibitory fatty acids from Morchella fluvialis mushroom
Authors: Turk Ayman , Lee Solip , Lee Hak Hyun , Yeon Sang Won , Ryu Se Hwan , Seo Geum Hee , Chang Hyun You , Hwang Bang Yeon , Lee Mi Kyeong
Published: October 2023

Morchella fluvialis, a morel mushroom, is one of the most famous edible mushrooms all over the world. Interest in this mushroom is steadily increasing due to its organoleptic properties and nutritional value. The methanolic extract of M. fluvialis showed α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities in an assay system. Therefore, the purification and characterisation of bioactive metabolites and evaluation of biological activity were conducted. Fractionation of the M. fluvialis extract resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, namely, three fatty acids, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid, 1), (9Z,12Z)-3-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (2) and (6Z,9Z)-13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (3); four sterols, stellasterol (4), ergosterol peroxide (5), ergosterol (6) and brassicasterol (7); one sugar alcohol, arabitol (8); and nicotinamide (9). Among them, compounds 2–3 and 7 were first reported from Morchella. In addition, compound 1 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibition, with an IC50 value of 14.8 μM. The content of compound 1, the major compound, was 1.2 mg · g–1 extract, as quantitated by HPLC analysis, which was lower than the IC50 value of compound 1. Therefore, M. fluvialis can benefit from diabetes and related diseases through the synergistic effect of linoleic acid (1) and other ingredients.
Risk assesment as a stage of risk management in enterprise in tourism sector
Authors: Nedyalkova Plamena
Published: October 2023

Risk management is a complex process that requires company managers to have very good knowledge of its organizational structure on the one hand and on the other hand, in order to achieve a good management, it is necessary for the respective manager to have sufficient long-term experience during which the manager has monitored the processes of company management and its susceptibility and change under the influence of various factors. The overall risk management process goes through three main stages: identification of risks, analysis and assessment of risks and risk monitoring. Each stage is a compilation of complex procedures through which the problems and risks for the respective enterprise are determined and overcome. For this reason, the strictness, importance and significance of each stage cannot be accurately determined. Due to the limited scope of the article, the research is focused only on one of the main problems in risk management, namely the study of the standard deviation of the risk in the process of assessing and analyzing the risks in tourism sector enterprises. The article has the following structure: Introduction, References review, Methodology, Results and Discussion. Two hypotheses are presented for testing and research. Proving these two hypotheses through the application of the mathematical toolkit for risk assessment gives the innovativeness of the article and its authorial identity, which distinguishes it from other publications in the field of tourism sector. The obtained results of this article can serve the managers of tourism companies to improve their work in the management of hotels. The process of identifying, testing, evaluating and analyzing risks is complex, requiring managers to have sound knowledge of finance, accounting, economics and management. This article can provide them with guidance for solving specific problems and making managerial decisions about risk management.
An assessment of the risk mitigating factors in Ghana’s Bank Industry
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus , Matey Juabin
Published: October 2023

To maintain financial stability, banks need to recognize, assess, and mitigate potential losses, thus making risk control critical for long-term profitability as well as avoiding unexpected losses. This research examines the risk mitigating factors and performance of Ghanaian domestic banks in terms of capital adequacy, bank size, bank efficiency, and profitability, along with their association with systemic risk in the bank sector, as measured by the Z-score: Insolvency Risk - (µROA) plus capital asset ratio (equity capital divided by sum of all assets further divided by the standard deviation-(ƠROA) with a higher score for banks as a measure of bank stability. The study further explores the relationship between this ratio and the explanatory variables for a sample of 11 banks operating in Ghana between 2010 and 2021. Analysis of the data using the fixed effects model shows that profitability and bank efficiency are significant and affect the stability of banks positively. Bank size, on the other hand, is significant but negatively affects the stability of banks. Bank profitability is critical to stabilizing and protecting the banking sector from external shocks; as a result, this study suggests that bank management apply prudent practices to profitability-driven indicators and that the banking sector regulations be congruent with macro-prudential policies.
Mechanical Properties of Textile-Reinforced Composites with a 3D Printed Core
Authors: Szary Jakub , Barburski Marcin , Świniarski Jacek
Published: October 2023

The article discusses the mechanical properties of glass fiber epoxy composites with three types of textile structures. Braided, knitted and woven sleeves were placed on a 3D printed flat core and impregnated with resin using the vacuum bag method. The 3-point flexural and tensile tests were performed. The results were compared with those of 3D-printed flat bars and proved that woven textile structures increase the strength and modulus of elasticity, whereas braided and knitted structures only increase the moduli. The advantages, drawbacks and failure modes of each reinforcement structure are also discussed including the drapeability on the spatial core.
Evaluating the Effects of Real Estate Development in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria: Emphasizing Changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC)
Authors: Akaolisa Casmir Chukwuemeka , Agbasi Okechukwu Ebuka , Etuk Sunday Edet , Adewumi Rowland , Okoli Emeka Austin
Published: October 2023

Analysis of the impacts of real estate development on biodiversity within the confines of Imo State, Nigeria, was the main objective of this study. The investigation included a look at how land use and land cover (LULC) changed between 2017 and 2022. The study made use of Sentinel-2 image with a spatial resolution of 10 m. The research team used supervised classification algorithms to classify the imagery, which were then compared to find changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The following categories apply to the land use and land cover (LULC) of the study area: In 2017, trees accounted for 58.84 % of the total land surface and covered the most land, covering an area of 315.05 km2. The amount of developed land, or 30.23 % of the total land area, was assessed to be 161.84 km2. Approximately 61.91 % of the entire land surface in 2018, or 331.47 km2, was covered by arboreal vegetation, which dominated the landscape. Comparatively, urbanised regions made up 177.41 km2, or 33.14 % of the total land area. With trees making up 59.434 % or 318.22 km2 of the total land area in 2019, trees were found to be the most prevalent kind of land cover. Concurrently, built-up areas accounted for 34.30 % of the land, or 183.66 km2. The LULC map for 2020 showed a comparable pattern, with trees covering 58.46 % (equivalent to 313.02 km2) of the total land area and built-up areas covering 34.71 % (equivalent to 185.88 km2). According to the research, the impact of real estate development on the environment is primarily negative, resulting in habitat depletion, ecosystem fragmentation, and the introduction of pollutants. The researchers advised using sustainable development practises to mitigate the aforementioned negative effects.
Identification of the spatial extent of the peri-urban area: The case of three cities in Poland
Authors: Bański Jerzy , Mazurek Damian
Published: October 2023

The work detailed here seeks to recognise features by which areas that can be deemed peri-urban differ from both city and countryside, to the extent that a separate specific identity for them can be discerned. The recognised features made it possible to identify the extent of the peri-urban area. The wealth of relevant literature is first considered, and this is seen to relate to the spatial side and to definition on the one hand, and to ongoing socio-economic processes on the other. Several Polish cities are then selected as the authors seek to discuss indicators useful in determining the spatial scope of the said peri-urban zones. The work proceeds on the assumption that these represent a real component of an urban-rural continuum characterised by reduced diversity and intensity of social and economic phenomena with steadily-increasing distance from the limits of a city in the direction of “traditional” rural areas.
Impact of expansion joints on noise pollution, case study in Cluj-Napoca
Authors: Marusceac Vladimir , Danciu Alexandra Denisa
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to study the impact that certain types of expansion joints have on noise levels produced by regular traffic on the streets of Cluj-Napoca. The study was carried out on three distinct locations, all three road bridges had steel expansion joints, the first one had asphalt covering the joints, the second one was in excellent condition, as it was a newly refurbished bridge and the last one with visible signs of degradations.

After a full spectrum noise analysis, the results showed that good maintenance and quality control on the installation of expansion joints are necessary, not only to lower noise levels but to also provide a solid and sealed transition to the bridge deck.
A Moderation effect of atmospheric conditions on PM2.5traffic related concentration
Authors: Roșca Eugen , Ruscă Florin , Dinu Oana , Burciu Ștefan , Oprea Cristina , Ilie Anamaria , Coman Cătălin
Published: October 2023

The paper highlights the contribution of the road traffic to PM2.5air pollution, taking in consideration the atmospheric parameters. But, despite other studies, temperature and relative humidity are considered as moderating variable. The concentration of particulate matter is also influenced by local geography, urban structure, and streets shape. The case study was done in Bucharest, in an open area. The PM2.5air concentration time series is proved stationary, an autoregressive model with two lags being tested. While the main effects of road traffic and humidity are significant, temperature has not a significant direct effect. But both moderators show interactive effects. The conditional effects are getting down with increase in temperature and humidity, due to changes in air dynamics and precipitation phenomena.
Using glass wastes and bentonite to produce a new ceramic tile
Authors: Lachibi Farid , Aboutaleb Djamila , Zaidi Oussama , Safi Brahim
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses the recycling of glass waste as a compound in the production of ceramic tiles. The present study aims to investigate the effects of glass waste (with two different granulometries) on the physical and mechanical properties of ceramic tiles, in order to demonstrate their suitability for the production of ceramic materials. A series of ceramic tiles was prepared based on bentonite (B) by adding 70, 65, and 60 wt% glass wastes (GW1 and GW2 with two different granulometries) into the batch composition. The ceramic tiles were sintered at a constant temperature of 900 °C following the same production protocol. The physical-mechanical properties and chemical durability of all ceramic tiles produced were evaluated. The results show that ceramic tiles can be produced from a basic mixture of 35% bentonite and 65% glass waste, with good physical, mechanical, and thermal properties (the local Algerian bentonite is considered a clay binder and has excellent plasticity).
Conventional and Islamic Equity Market Reaction Towards Terrorism: Evidence Based on Target Types, Location and Islamic Calendar Months
Authors: Irshad Hira , Taib Hasniza Mohd , Hussain Haroon , Hussain Rana Yassir
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the conventional and Islamic equity market reaction towards terrorism events in Pakistan from 2009 to 2016 using OLS regression and GARCH (1, 1) models. The prospect theory and efficient market hypothesis are the relevant theories. Findings indicate that conventional and Islamic equity market reaction towards terrorism events is very short lived and markets recovers quickly. This study also documents the market reaction to terrorism events based on the target type, location and during the Islamic calendar months. The impact of different target types and different event locations on the conventional and Islamic equity markets varies. The equity markets in Pakistan responds negatively to the attacks on educational institutes and businesses whereas positively to attacks on armed forces’ facilities. Furthermore, conventional equity market responds negatively to terrorist attacks in Karachi and positively to attacks in financial cities and FATA. Interestingly, Islamic equity market responds positively towards the attacks in financial cities and FATA, however, with very minute reaction magnitude. The findings of this study are useful for the investors to manage their portfolios by considering magnitude and direction of market reaction towards terrorism based on the target type, location and Islamic months. Overall, this study concludes that conventional and Islamic equity markets reaction towards terrorism is very minute; however, the conventional and Islamic equity markets reaction varies based on target type, event location and different Islamic calendar months. Furthermore, the findings also suggest that equity markets recover very soon, therefore, markets are efficient in observing these shocks.
Contextualizing corrective feedback in scientific writing through online learning platforms
Authors: Saragih Erikson , Zein T Thyrhaya , Sumbayak Desri Maria
Published: October 2023

Providing corrective feedback by teachers is one of the most crucial and central activities to improve the quality of student scientific writing. Although there has been much previous research on corrective feedback, few focused on lecturers' viewpoints, techniques, and assessments to guide students to write scientific papers. The objectives of this study are to describe lecturers' perceptions, practices, and self-evaluation when providing written corrective feedback in the context of scientific writing in the field of English research at multiple Indonesian teacher education institutes. The researchers employed a qualitative descriptive research method with a survey design to meet research objectives. A total of 53 lecturers were selected as respondents using purposive sampling criteria. This study used a survey questionnaire with ten questions of three categories (perception, activity, and evaluations) which were distributed to the research participants. The results of this study revealed that teachers prefer written corrective feedback, use various media and applications, emphasize the content of writing in providing feedback, and feel confident in doing this activity, even though sometimes they do not have enough time and continue to try to improve the quality of feedback provision to their students in writing scientific works. The results of this study can contribute as a reflection to improve teacher performance in the implementation of corrective feedback, especially in an online learning platform.
Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) to strengthen the culture and citizenship literacy of EFL pre-service teachers
Authors: Dewi Silvi Listia , Misnawati Misnawati , Hayati Rahmi , Zuhra Intan , Misnar Misnar
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to explain and describe the role of the Merdeka Belajar–Kampu Merdeka (MBKM) or the Independent Learning Program in enhancing the culture and citizenship literacy of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) pre-service teachers at Universitas Almuslim, Indonesia, through the PERMATA-SAKTI Program, a student exchange program. This research employed a mixed method. The respondents of this study were prospective EFL teachers who participated in the program. Five informants were interviewed extensively to collect qualitative data. The interviews were transcribed and the results were analyzed through thematic analysis. A number of 35 pre-service EFL teachers filled in a closed-ended questionnaire to collect quantitative data. These data were analyzed descriptively. The findings of this study indicated that the program could strengthen the cultural and citizenship literacy of EFL pre-service teachers by introducing culture and diversity through the online learning process. The active combined learning process revealed the values of solidarity, tolerance, diversity, and unity. EFL pre-service teachers developed an attitude of mutual respect through a dynamic learning process involving diverse languages, races, ethnicities, religions, and worldviews. This study concluded that the PERMATA-SAKTI Program effectively strengthened the EFL pre-service teachers’ cultural and citizenship literacy.
Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding as a sluggish policy: A critical discourse analysis with process types
Authors: Rahman Mustafa A.
Published: October 2023

Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Indonesia (GoI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) celebrated its 18th anniversary in 2023. However, its discursive aspect and efficacy are still under-researched. This article aims to analyze the process types in the Helsinki MoU text and explore the policy implementation of the agreement on the social changes in Aceh. The MoU document was retrieved from the United Nations peacemakers’ website. Mixed methods with descriptive statistics were used to identify, interpret, and explain the data. Hallidayan systemic linguistics was employed to identify the process types and the transitivity patterns. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) as an explanatory critique was applied to critical social analysis. The findings show that the material processes dominated the Helsinki MoU text (73%), followed by the relational processes (18%), and verbal processes (4%). The actors were generally in the form of concepts and sometimes obfuscated. Meanwhile, the goals were also mostly realized by concepts. Explanatory critique reveals that there was a vagueness and hidden power relation between the GoI and GAM in the peace deal. The GoI has also been inconsistent with some of the agendas. The Helsinki MoU has yet to produce comprehensive outcomes for Aceh’s development and has seemingly served as a bureaucratic means of control. The current study has limited itself to the single MoU text. Therefore, for deeper inquiries further research should focus on multiple similar texts and use a different research design, including intertextuality, questionnaires, and interviews.
A critical discourse analysis of ELT institutional contradictions in language policy and recruitment in Japan
Authors: Perry Simon James
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses a series of websites of language institutions in Japan and highlights the consistent contradictions between the language policies advertised and the recruitment of non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) conducted. I did a qualitative website study that involved an analysis of the most in-demand ELT companies and organizations in Japan. The websites were of ELT institutions, which were a mix of private institutions that teach for profit, and organisations that are mediators in supplying teachers (Assistant Language Teachers–ALTs) for schools around the country. The aim of this was to compare and contrast the discourse in language ideology with recruitment policies at these companies regarding NNESTs. Conducting a study of these companies’ websites enabled me to find and highlight trends in recruitment and language ideologies where I found a series of inconsistencies but also some encouraging trends in moves towards a more global outlook in teacher recruitment and discourse ideology. At the heart of the analysis was the question of whether a move towards more NNEST recruitment was due to changes in language ideology or economic necessity. The increase in non-native English-speaking teacher recruitment in Japan would be an encouraging development in attitudes and policy if it was related to a recognition of how the linguistic landscape in the 21st century is evolving but it seems apparent that economic factors are the motivating factor.
A comparison of English, Acehnese, and Indonesian monophthongs
Authors: Masykar Tanzir , Pillai Stefanie , Hassan Roshidah
Published: October 2023

Foreign language learners tend to approximate the quality of non-native vowels to their existing vowel systems. This phenomenon becomes more complicated in learners who already have more than one vowel system in their linguistic repertoire. When learning English, Acehnese-Indonesian speakers are likely to already have two other vowel systems, Acehnese and Indonesian. Thus, the quality of English monophthongs produced by these speakers may resemble the equivalent of Acehnese and Indonesian monophthongs. This study compares the quality of English monophthongs to equivalent Acehnese and Indonesian monophthongs produced by Acehnese-Indonesian speakers. A total of 29 students from a Modern Islamic Boarding School in Aceh participated in this study. The students were recorded producing nine English, 11 Acehnese, and seven Indonesian monophthongs embedded in target words produced in a carrier sentence. The study found that the nine English monophthongs were produced at an approximate quality to either Acehnese and/or Indonesian monophthongs. In some cases, the English vowel was produced similarly to both the equivalent vowels in Acehnese and Indonesian. In other cases, the English vowel was produced more similarly to either Acehnese or Indonesian. The findings of this study provide insights into how Acehnese-Indonesian learners filter English vowels through their existing L1 and L2 sounds and allow for a better understanding of this phenomenon via existing conceptual models. The findings also point to the often-ignored influence of other languages in a speaker’s repertoire on the learning and production of a new language.
Kupi Gayo: Deixis in Ervan Ceh Kul’s song lyrics
Authors: Inayah Nurul , Achmad Diana , Irnanda Septhia , At'thahirah At'thahirah
Published: October 2023

Deixis, the linguistic phenomenon of words pointing to specific entities in discourse or situational context, has been explored in various forms of expressive arts. One interesting example of deixis in expressive arts is the use of deixis in song lyrics. In this present study, Gayonese local songs from Aceh, Indonesia, in the Kupi Gayo album by Ervan Ceh Kul, are studied by examining the deictic terms he used to construct the cultural context of ten songs. For this goal, the descriptive qualitative method was used to analyze the songs’ deixis using the framework of Grundy (2000). The results revealed that the songwriter used more first and second personal deictic terms, suggesting that he tried to add a layer of emotional connection between the artist and the listeners, allowing for a more immersive and relatable musical experience. Nevertheless, he used place and temporal deixis less frequently, indicating that he tried to create rich and immersive experiences for the listeners. The results showed that using deictic terms in the vernacular language facilitates effective communication and understanding within a specific community or culture.  By understanding the function and purpose of deixis in the vernacular language, researchers and linguists can gain insights into how individuals in a society navigate their social interactions.
Language development in writing through pair-reviews in EFL learning
Authors: Besral Besral , Yustina Luli Sari , Basit Abdul
Published: October 2023

English as a foreign language (EFL) writing is one of the most important skills besides speaking for candidate teachers in the undergraduate English programs at higher institutions. The current study hypothesizes that pair-reviews or collaboration in the teaching and learning process of paragraph writing contributes to students’ successful language development. The subject of the study was a class (N=28) of third-semester students majoring in English language teaching at the Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training of Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol in Padang, Indonesia. The students’ writing skills were developed through exposure to actual writing by introducing paragraph developments. Through the process of planning and writing, they were guided to the use of pair-reviews. After a training period, they were tested for the final exam, in which no review was allowed. The study found that students’ writing competence as the result of pair-reviews varied depending on the type of paragraphs being developed. The student’s average score was 73.5 in the illustration type, 78.28 in the comparison type, and 71.96 in the categorization type. In general, students’ average scores during this pair-review were 74.58. In the post-test, students’ average score was 79.3, indicating that pair-reviews significantly affect their writing competence. A conclusion was drawn regarding the influence of pair-reviews on their final writing product (post activity). The study further elaborates on the activities during pair-reviews, roles, and the practice of collaboration in Minangkabau culture and traditions in Padang.
Understanding culture shock and its relationship to intercultural communicative competence
Authors: Aulia Muhammad , Fitrisia Dohra , Haqqu Rizki Maulidza
Published: October 2023

Culture shock has gained attention and been observed from multi-disciplinary perspectives in international education, such as from anthropology, psychology, cultural psychology, intercultural communication studies, linguistics, and many others. By synthesising the ABC’s theory and intercultural communicative competence with their savoirs, the present study offers a perspective to analyse three international students’ culture shock experiences. As an explorative case study, the data were collected through in-depth interviews to extract the sojourners’ narratives, which were then transcribed in the form of text or quotations. It was found that the affective, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions were identified and emerged in each respondent. In the affective, overwhelming emotions, language limitation, and feelings of isolation were felt in various intensities. From the data, the respondents claimed to have lacked intrapersonal skills to prepare themselves for the culture of the host country along with the socio-cultural aspects. In addition, they found social support by individuals or officials essential for reducing negative feelings. In the behavioural dimension, these respondents started to adapt to the situation though they still found it challenging to confirm and clarify any unfamiliar encounters. Finally, in the cognitive dimension, the respondents mingled and integrated into the locals, both in their academic and social lives. It is suggested that elements of intercultural communicative competence, namely intercultural attitude, knowledge of the host culture, skills of relating and discovery, and critical cultural awareness may have the potential to manage culture shock effectively. It should be incorporated into international higher education and EFL pedagogy.