bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STARCH BASED MICROSPHERE BIOLASERS
Authors: Nguyen Van Toan
Published: April 2023

Recently, biolasers whose optical cavity is made of natural materials such as serum-extracted protein, egg white, cellulose, and gelatin have attracted a lot of attention. The advantage of these lasers is their biocompatibility and biodegradability which is significant for biointegration. In this study, we demonstrate that starch is a low-cost and good material for microsphere biolasers. By using a simple emulsion method with a dehydration process, dye-doped starch microsphere lasers with diameters ranging from 40 to 180 μm have been successfully obtained. Lasing properties are investigated and the results show that the lasing threshold is approximately 1.0 μJ and the quality factor can reach 2700. The starch-based microsphere lasers indicate excellent stability after a storage time of a month; thus, they are promising for practical applications in biological and chemical sensors.
EFFECTS OF IRON (III) OXIDE NANOPARTICLE ON THE BURNING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION FOR INFRARED EMISSION BASED ON MAGNESIUM-TEFLON-VITON
Authors:   Le Quy Don Technical University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Nam Son
Published: April 2023

Nano additives are materials that have been widely used to increase the effectiveness of pyrotechnic compositions. This study examines the effects of iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles on the burning characteristics (i.e., the heat of combustion, the burning rate, and the infrared radiance) of the pyrotechnic composition based on Magnesium-Teflon-Viton (MTV). The dispersion of nano additive in the pyrotechnic composition is evaluated using SEM and EDX. The experimental results demonstrate that the heat of combustion and the burning rate are increased while the spectral radiance is shifted to the shorter wavelength area with the complement of the additive Fe2O3 nanoparticle to the MTV composition.
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A SEAWATER REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION PLANT USING COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Authors:   Faculty of Physics and Chemical Engineering, Le Quy Don Technical University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Cao Hai Thuong
Published: April 2023

Seawater and brackish desalination using reverse osmosis (RO) has been a pragmatic approach to mitigating fresh water shortage in many water-stressed areas worldwide. Compared with other desalination technologies, RO has several attributes including high energy efficiency and system modularization. To achieve these notable attributes, for large-scale seawater RO plants, it is critical to accurately design and evaluate the RO process before plant installation and operation. In this study, the IMSDesign software is applied to design a seawater RO plant with a capacity of 100 m3 of fresh water per hour. The software allows to customize the design parameters and operating conditions of the RO plant to meet the design requirements. After inputting design parameters and operating conditions, the RO plant operation can be simulated to obtain its performance indexes for plant design evaluation. The evaluation results reveal that the RO plant with membrane trains arranged in 2-passes configuration can obtain high quality permeate that meets the required standards for drinking water at energy consumption and water cost of 10.66 kWh/m3 and 2.48 USD/m3, respectively.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Suhaeb Firdaus W , Kaseng Ernawati Syahruddin
Published: May 2023

The study of this article aims to illustrate the importance of social capital in community development in rural areas assuming that social capital energy still exists in community life in rural areas today but certainly needs to be improved sustainably. Using the method of literature study, so that the secondary databases obtained are compiled, analyzed and inferred. The data collection stage is through taking data from the library, reading, recording, and then processing the data from the materials obtained. The results of the study show that through the elements of social capital owned by the community in rural areas, the role of social capital can contribute to increasing community productivity, social development, economic development as well as the development and rehabilitation of various village infrastructures in a mutual cooperation. Social exchanges that are built in rural communities that tend to be based on certain motives including because there are certain motives of profit, interests and rewards, are intertwined through interlocking social networks. This is also supported by the existence of social values and norms in the culture of the village community.  For this reason, a sustainable increase in social capital in rural communities is expected to improve the economy and reduce poverty in addition to the increase in various other development sectors in rural areas today.
Media Fun Thinkers Book Berbasis Kontekstual Materi Berbagai Pekerjaan Untuk Siswa Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Fauziah Dita Siti , Ninawati Mimin
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran fun thinkers book materi berbagai pekerjaan kelas IV SDN Balimester 06 Pagi. Penelitian ini termasuk dalam penelitian dan pengembangan (R & D). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode 4D dengan empat langkah, yaitu : 1) tahap define (pendefinisian), 2) tahap design (perancangan), 3) tahap develop (pengembangan), 4) tahap dissiminate (penyebaran). Tempat penelitian ini adalah di SDN Balimester 06 Pagi. Subjek uji coba diterapkan kepada 29 peserta didik kelas IV di SD tersebut. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan angket validasi ahli media, angket validasi ahli materi, dan angket respon peserta didik. Data hasil penelitian dianalisis dengan teknik kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Hasil pengembangan produk adalah media pembelajaran fun thinkers book  materi berbagai pekerjaan. Hasil validasi ahli materi mendapat skor rata-rata 94% dengan kategori “sangat layak”. Hasil validasi ahli media mendapat skor rata-rata 92% dengan kategori “sangat layak”. Hasil tanggapan siswa berdasarkan uji coba lapangan mendapatkan skor rata-rata 91% yang termasuk kategori “sangat layak”. Berdasarkan hasil perolehan dapat disimpulkan bahwa media pembelajaran fun thinkers book pada materi berbagai pekerjaan ini sangat layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran IPS.
Animation Learning Media in Improving Narrative Writing Skills of Elementary School Students
Authors: Ramadhani Nurul Fauzia , Putra Muhamad Adi
Published: May 2023

Learning in elementary schools is carried out with the aim of teaching students writing skills. This writing skill is important to have because it is one of the four aspects of language skills. However, many studies report that students' narrative writing ability is still low, so efforts are needed to improve it. One effort that can be done to overcome these problems is to use animated learning media. This study aims to see how far the influence of the use of animated learning media on narrative writing skills of elementary school students. This research method uses a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental model with a non-equivalent control group design. This research was conducted at SD Negeri 064006 Medan Marelan. The sample in this study were fifth grade students as many as 50 respondents. The research instrument used was a description test through a post-test while the data analysis technique used descriptive quantitative. The results of this study indicate that students' narrative writing skills in classes that use animated learning media are better than classes that do not use animated learning media. The conclusion from this study is that animation learning media has an effect on developing students' narrative writing skills.
Gender, Discourse, and Desire in Twentieth-Century Brazilian Women's Literature
Authors: Ferreira-Pinto Cristina
Published: May 2023

This study by Cristina Ferreira-Pinto explores the poetic and narrative strategies twentieth-century Brazilian women writers use to achieve new forms of representation of the female body, sexuality, and desire. Female writers discussed include: Gilka Machado, Lygia Fagundes Telles, Marcia Denser, and Marina Colasanti. While creating new forms, these writers are also deconstructing cultural myths of femininity and female behavior. In order to understand these myths, the book also presents new readings of some male-authored canonical novels by Jose de Alencar, Machado de Assis, Manuel Antonio de Almeida, and Aluisio Azevedo. The specific focus on female sexuality and desire acknowledges the intrinsic link between sexuality and an individual's sense of identity, and its importance for female identity, given the historical repression of women's bodies and the double standard of morality still pervasive in many Western cultures. In the discussion of the strategies Brazilian female poets and fiction writers employ, Ferreira-Pinto addresses some social and cultural issues that relate to a woman's sense of her own body and sexuality: the characterization of women based on racial features and class hierarchy; marriage; motherhood; the silencing of the lesbian subject; and aging. Ferreira-Pinto's analysis is informed by the works of various and diverse critics and theoreticians, among them Helene Cixous, Teresa De Lauretis, Adrienne Rich, Gloria Anzaldua, Georges Bataille, and Wilhelm Reich.
Acute stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus: clinical physiology, diagnosis and course features
Authors: Halushko Oleksandr , Protsiuk Olga , Tytova Tetiana , Kukharska Nataliya , Pohorila Olga
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus is one of the risk factors for the development of acute stroke. The effects of stress hormones during an acute stroke can exacerbate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). There is a significant overlap of symptoms, signs, and laboratory test results in stroke and DKA, which often complicates accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis of these conditions. The article discusses the features of the clinic, diagnosis and course of an acute stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus, and the authors’ own experience is given. It has been shown that patients with acute stroke with concomitant diabetes mellitus develop disorders of electrolyte metabolism, potassium, magnesium and phosphate balance, which require timely detection and correction. In order to accurately and timely diagnose DKA in all acute stroke patients suffering from diabetes, serum pH, bicarbonate, blood gases, and anion difference should be measured upon admission.
Bağlanma stilleri ile ilişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesif kompulsif belirtiler arasındaki ilişkide evlilik uyumunun aracı rolü
Authors: ÖZEL Ebru Pelin , KARAKÖSE Selin
Published: May 2023

Yetişkinlikte yakın ilişkilerde güvensiz bağlanmanın ilişkinin niteliğini etkilediği ve çeşitli psikopatolojiler ile yakından ilişkili olduğu bilinmektedir. İlişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesyon ile kompulsiyonlar alanyazına son yıllarda kazandırılmış kavramlardır ve önemli obsesif kompulsif belirtiler içerikleri olarak ele alınmaktadır. Geçmiş çalışmalarda güvensiz bağlanma örüntüleri ile ilişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesyon ve kompulsiyonlar bir arada ele alınsa da, alan yazında evlilik uyumunun bu ilişkideki aracı rolünü inceleyen bir çalışma henüz yer almamaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, yetişkin bağlanma stilleri ile ilişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesif kompulsif arasında evlilik uyumunun aracı rolünü araştırmaktır. Araştırmanın örneklemi, İstanbul’da yaşayan 22-70 yaş (Ort. = 40.75, SS = 10.57) arasında 380 evli bireyden (200 kadın, 180 erkek) oluşmaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu, Yakın İlişkilerde Yaşantılar Envanteri-2 (YİYE-2), Çift Uyum Ölçeği (ÇUÖ), Romantik İlişki Obsesyon ve Kompulsiyonlar Ölçeği (RİOKÖ) ile Partnere İlişkin Obsesif Kompulsif Belirtiler Ölçeği (PİOKBÖ) katılımcılara sunulmuştur. Bulgular, evlilik uyumunun kaygılı ve kaçınmacı bağlanma stili ile ilişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesif kompulsif belirti düzeyi arasında aracılık rolü olduğunu göstermektedir. Araştırma bulguları, ilişki merkezli ve partner odaklı obsesif kompulsif belirtiler söz konusu olduğunda klinisyenlerin evlilik uyumuna ek olarak güvensiz bağlanma stillerine yönelik de müdahalelerde bulunmasının önemine işaret etmektedir.
Examination of emotion regulation in the family context: A mixed method study from Turkey
Authors: ALSANCAK-AKBULUT Cansu , ELİBOL-PEKASLAN Nur , BAYRAM GÜLAÇTI Huri Gül , ŞAHİN-ACAR Başak
Published: May 2023

Individuals use different strategies dealing with their negative emotions and these strategies are associated with various adjustment outcomes. In the family context, parental emotion regulation strategies are also linked to the children’s emotion regulation. One aim of the current study was to examine the type of emotion regulation strategies used by parents in the Turkish cultural context. Another aim was to exploratorily investigate whether parents’ emotion regulation processes emerge in a way that predicts their children’s emotion dysregulation. One hundred seven families that had a child attending primary school participated in this study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with the parents at their homes. Child emotion dysregulation was also measured with the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Based on content analysis, the findings revealed four main themes showing a converging pattern among parents, namely non-confrontation, proactive strategies, metacognitive strategies, and dysregulated expression. In the subsequent quantitative part of the study, parental adaptiveness scores for emotion regulation strategies were calculated to examine relationships with children’s emotion dysregulation. The findings of separate hierarchical regression analyses for mothers and fathers indicated that the maternal, but not paternal, adaptiveness level in emotion regulation significantly predicted the child’s emotion dysregulation after controlling for parental education and the child’s age and gender. These qualitative and quantitative findings could contribute to the literature by drawing a comprehensive picture of emotion regulation in the family context in Turkey.
Development and validation of the Multidimensional Current Control Scale
Authors: EĞER AYDOĞMUŞ Melike
Published: May 2023

The most commonly used perceived control scales focus on persistent general control beliefs or the control over personal reactions. These scales are not applicable to various adult groups and fail to represent main life domains. In addition, previous research shows that current control feelings explain health outcomes better than general control beliefs. This study aimed to develop a general current control scale based on the degree of perceived control at five main life domains, targeting various adult groups. Five main life domains (i.e., health, interpersonal relations, personal growth, economy, and societal issues) and their subsections were determined based on the perceived control literature. Five academics assessed the scale’s content validity, and its feasibility was tested via a pilot study. 376 participants (281 females, mean age 30.5) completed Demographic Information Form, the Multidimensional Current Control Scale (MCCS), the Domain General Perceived Control Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Psychological Wellbeing Scale online. Results show that the scale has a good degree of factor, convergent, and criterion validity. In addition, the scale has high internal reliability (a = .89) and test-retest reliability scores (r = .69) with a two-week interval. These findings helped us develop a multidimensional current control scale targeting various adult groups with good psychometric characteristics.
Identità e destino degli embrioni soprannumerari. Ipotesi de iure condendo. - Identity and fate of supernumerary embryos. De iure condendo hypothesis.
Authors: Di Lella
Published: April 2023

I progressi nel campo della medicina della riproduzione hanno portato al centro della scena una nuova entità: l’embrione in vitro. La ricostruzione della sua identità giuridica è preliminare alla ricerca di soluzioni per una delle questioni più delicate che attualmente animano il dibattito biogiuridico, e cioè quella concernente il destino degli embrioni in soprannumero. Il contributo ripercorre, in breve, gli apporti alla discussione forniti dalla dottrina e dalla giurisprudenza nazionale ed europea, per soffermarsi poi su alcune proposte oggetto di studio, esaminandone potenzialità e criticità.
Implementasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Kawasan Konservasi di Kecamatan Ciracap Kabupaten Sukabumi Jawa Barat
Authors: Habibullah Lubis , Suwaib Amirudin , Nikki Prafitri
Published: April 2023

The turtle conservation area management policy is the basis for efforts to protect turtle populations that are threatened with extinction. Turtle as a protected animal, its population is important to be protected from extinction. The turtle conservation program has an important role in the management of turtle conservation as a means of achieving turtle sustainability and supporting community life. Through this policy on the management of the turtle conservation area, the Provincial Government and its working staff carry out conservation activities at Pangumbahan Beach, which is the locus of the research. The purpose of this study was to determine how the management of the conservation area in Pangumbahan Beach. Researchers used qualitative methods. The selection of research informants used purposive sampling and snowball techniques. This study uses the theory proposed by Van Metter and Van Horn consisting of 6 aspects, namely: Policy Objectives and Measures, Resources, Characteristics of Implementing Agents, Attitudes and Tendencies (dispositions) of implementing implementors, Communication between implementers, Economic, Social and Political Environment. The results of this study indicate that the Management of the Turtle Conservation Area on Pangumbahan Beach still has problems with the activities of the surrounding community such as fishermen who reflect light at night because it affects the landing of turtles who want to land on the coast to lay their eggs.
EVALUASI PROGRAM INDONESIA PINTAR DALAM UPAYA PEMERATAAN PENDIDIKAN
Authors: Jumanah Jumanah , Rosita Hilda
Published: April 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of the smart Indonesia program in an effort to equalize education in Indonesia. The data used in this study were obtained through a literature study by searching, collecting and reading various journals or articles about the Smart Indonesia program that has an impact on equal distribution of education in Indonesia. In the implementation of the Smart Indonesia Program itself, there are still various obstacles which are one of the inhibiting factors in suppressing the decline in the dropout rate in Indonesia. For example, the inaccurate determination of prospective students receiving the Smart Indonesia Program, delays in disbursing funds, insufficient socialization of this program, the length of the process in verifying card ownership, and the level of awareness of the guardians of students regarding the allocation of Smart Indonesia Program assistance is still lacking. That way the government's efforts to reduce the dropout rate are less than optimal which has an impact on equal distribution of education in Indonesia. So that the implementation of the smart Indonesia program needs to be supported by several factors that encourage this program to run more effectively.

 

Keywords: Smart Indonesia program; Equal distribution of education.
Self-reported Male Infertility and Metabolic Disturbance: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Farhadi-Azar Mahbanoo , Saei Ghare Naz Marzieh , Ghahremani Mehrdad , Mousavi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: April 2023

Background: Male infertility is a growing health problem. It is proposed that infertility is associated with some metabolic abnormalities. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of self-reported male infertility and related metabolic disturbances. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). A total of 1526 males participated in the study. Logistic regression was used to examine metabolic factors associated with self-reported male infertility. Results: The total prevalence of self-reported male infertility was 6.42%. The mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of participants among fertile and infertile males was 26.80 (3.93) and 26.92 (4.36), respectively. The majority of participants in both groups were in the age group of 40-50 years old. In the fully adjusted model, the odds of infertility were significantly increased by each unit increase in total cholesterol [TC; odds ratio (OR), 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01 - 1.01; P = 0.03] and hip circumference (HC; OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 - 1.12; P = 0.02), respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of self-reported male infertility was 6.42%. Male infertility was positively associated with TC and HC, indicating that knowledge about these risks might assist health care professionals and governments in developing and executing measures to change the status quo.
Effect of Histopathological Explanations for Dermoscopic Criteria on Learning Curves in Skin Cancer Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kvorning Ternov Niels , Tolsgaard Martin , Konge Lars , Christensen Anders Nymark , Kristensen Sigrid , Hölmich Lisbet , Stretch Jonathan , Scolyer Richard , Vestergaard Tine , Guitera Pascale , Chakera Annette
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Case-based training improves novices pattern recognition and diagnostic accuracy in skin cancer diagnostics. However, it is unclear how pattern recognition is best taught in conjunction with the knowledge needed to justify a diagnosis.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether an explanation of the underlying histopathological reason for dermoscopic criteria improves skill acquisition and retention during case-based training in skin cancer diagnostics.
Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, medical students underwent eight days of case-based training in skin cancer diagnostics, which included access to written diagnosis modules. The modules dermoscopic subsections differed between the study groups. All participants received a general description of the criteria, but the intervention group additionally received a histopathological explanation.
Results: Most participants (78%) passed a reliable test in skin cancer diagnostics, following a mean training time of 217 minutes. Access to histopathological explanations did not affect participants' learning curves or skill retention.
Conclusions: The histopathological explanation did not affect the students, but the overall educational approach was efficient and scalable.
Dermatologists Communication Skills and Performance From Point of View of Patients
Authors: Farajtabar Nashli Nasim , Hatami Parvaneh , Aryanian Zeinab , Rahimi Foroushani Abbas , Robati Reza , Goodarzi Azadeh , Assadi Masoud , Ghandi Narges
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Effective communication is an important issue in patient-doctor interaction which is even more important regarding chronic disorders which need a strong relationship between patient and clinician for better compliance and optimal control disease.
Objectives: This study was aimed to develop the best cultural adapted Persian version of the 28-item Calgary- Cambridge Observation Guide (CCOG) questionnaire.
Methods: In this descriptive‑analytic study, data collected from 400 patients attending the outpatient dermatology clinics of 3 major hospitals in Tehran using the modified Persian version of CCOG questionnaire, both before and after being visited by dermatologists.
Results: The difference of CCG scores for all of questions, except for questions number 1,16 and 22, was statistically significant. The highest score, both before and after visiting, attained by question regarding being respectful. The lowest scores for necessary behavior and the adequate amount of execution were related to questions number 3 (Introducing self) and 4 (Introducing role), respectively. Age and educational level of patients were significantly correlated with their expectations regarding communication skills of clinician.
Conclusions: This study showed the acceptable validity of modified Persian version of CCOG-24 item questionnaire. Our findings also demonstrated that there was a significant difference between what patients expected from a dermatologist and the manner they actually were treated regarding physician communication skills.
Lenalidomide Augments Differentiation of Cultured Hair Follicle Derived Melanocyte Stem Cells Into Functional Melanocytes
Authors: Kumari Uma , Pervaiz Naveed , Kaur Harjot , Sharma Himani , Parsad Davinder , Kumar Ravinder
Published: April 2023

Introducion: Melanocyte progenitors are embryonically derived from the neural crest and subsequently get localized in hair follicles and epidermis to provide hair and skin pigmentation. These progenitor cells in hair follicles repeatedly proliferate and differentiate to maintain pigmentation. Vitiligo, a pigmentary disorder, is associated with loss of melanocytes. Repigmentation of vitiligo lesions mainly depends upon the proliferation, migration and differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (MelSCs) into functional melanocytes. Current study is designed to check the efficacy of lenalidomide, an imide drug in the differentiation of MelSCs into functional melanocytes.
Objectives: Aim of the study is to check the effect of lenalidomide in the proliferation, migration of cultured hair follicle derived melanocyte stem cells and their differentiation into functional melanocytes.
Methods: Primary culture of MelSCs was established from whisker hair of C57BL/6 mice. Proliferation and migration of cultured cells were done by MTT assay and boyden’s chamber migration assay, respectively. Effect of lenalidomide on the MelSCs differentiation was checked at gene level by qPCR & protein expression was checked by immunocytochemistry.
Results: A significant increase in the migration of MelSCs in comparison to control was also observed. Lenalidomide treatment significantly increased the expression of melanocyte specific genes in cultured MelSCs as compared to control.
Conclusion: From the results we concluded that lenalidomide induce the proliferation and migration of MelSCs and accelerate the differentiation of MelSCs into functional melanocytes.
The Role of EREG, PTPN1, and SERPINB7 Genes in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis: May SERPINB7 Be Protective and a Marker of Severity for Psoriasis?
Authors: Ayvaz Havva Hilal , Öztürk Kuyaş Hekimler , Seyirci Mehmet Ali , Atay Emrah , Korkmaz Selma , Erturan İjlal , Yıldırım Mehmet
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatological disease with complex pathogenesis in which many immune system cells, including keratinocytes, play a role. Many genes regulate the proliferation of keratinocytes and other immune cells that have essential roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.The expressions of EREG, PTPN1, and SERPINB7 genes were shown as upregulated in psoriatic skins in a few studies previously.
Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the expressions of these genes in psoriatic lesional skin and com-pared them with non-lesional adjacent skin of the same patients and normal skin of healthy controls.
Results: Our results revealed that the expressions of EREG and PTPN1 genes were upregulated,whereas the SERPINB7 gene expression was down regulated in the psoriatic skin of the patients than normal skin of controls. Moreover, the expression level of the SERPINB7 gene was also negatively correlated with the severity of the disease among patients.
Conclusions: According to our results, overexpression of EREG and PTPN1 genes, and decreased expression of SERPINB7 gene may lead to the development of psoriasis.
The Histopathologic Evaluation of Diagnostic Procedures in Nail Melanoma
Authors: Dika Emi , Starace Michela , Alessandrini Aurora , Patrizi Annalisa , Baraldi Carlotta , Misciali Cosimo , Fanti Pier Alessandro , Waśkiel-Burnat Anna , Rudnicka Lidia , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The diagnostic delay in nail melanoma (NM) has been repeatedly emphasized. It may be related to both clinical misinterpretations and to errors in the bioptic procedure.
Objectives: To assess the efficacy of histopathologic examination in different diagnostic biopsies in NM.
Methods: We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic procedures and histopathologic specimens referred to the Laboratory of Dermatopathology for the clinical suspicion of NM from 2006 to January 2016.
Results: Eighty-six nail histopathologic specimens were analysed consisting in 60 longitudinal, 23 punch and 3 tangential biopsies. A diagnosis of NM was performed in 20 cases, benign melanocytic activation in 51 cases and melanocytic nevi in 15 patients. Longitudinal and tangential biopsy were diagnostic in all cases, regardless of the clinical suspicion. Nail matrix punch biopsy instead was not diagnostic in most of the cases (13/23 specimens).
Conclusions:  In the presence of an NM clinical suspicion, longitudinal biopsy is recommended (lateral or median) because it provides exhaustive information on the characteristics of melanocytes’ morphology and distribution in all the components of the nail unit. Tangential biopsy, recently encouraged by expert authors due to the optimal surgical outcome, in our experience gives incomplete information on tumor extension. Punch matrix biopsy gives limited evidence in the diagnosis of NM.
The Indeterminacy of Reality and the Fallibility of Science
Authors: Macháček Martin ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: April 2023

According to Charles Sanders Peirce, a thing does not need to be fully determined to be real. It becomes known to us as real in a process of indeterminate inference. We acquire knowledge of the real through cognition as a not-fully-determined sign, and because of this, our knowledge about the world is always fallible. Theories do not need infallibility in order to be established—they are accepted in a provisional manner, and this acceptance is a matter of the action of scientists who use empirical induction to filter hypotheses in an attempt to explain the world. Facts are not (yet) fully “saturated” so to speak, and this possibility of saturation moves forward in an indefinite process of inquiry. In this paper, I use the example of objective-reality determinism presented in a historical discussion concerning quantum entanglement. I try to interpret the metaphysical positions of the participants of this discussion in terms of indeterminism and Peircean semiotics. The underlying thought behind this approach is the belief that reality, within objective-reality determinism, is independent of any theory, i.e., independent of its representation, which is a proposition that is not in accordance with a fundamental semiotic position according to which reality is the true character of objects in representation.
A Dialogue with Leone’s Socio-cultural Semiotics of Innovation
Authors: Sørensen Bent , Thellefsen Torkild , Dewi Amalia Nurma ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: April 2023

Innovation has become emblematic of our times. Indeed, innovation is seen as a vital economic, social, and technological phenomenon, increasingly attracting research interest. However, innovation is, we believe, much more than this; innovation also concerns processes of signification, communication, and inference. Therefore, both the process and product of innovation are open to semiotic explanation and analysis. However, not many semioticians have—so far—addressed innovation (at least not under the rubric of innovation). The prolific Italian semiotician Massimo Leone is the exception to the rule. Leone has tried to lay the groundwork for a semiotics of innovation. We have organized Leone’s semiotics of innovation into sixteen statements, which we address here. Hence, in a critical dialogue with Leone, we introduce Peirce’s concepts of abduction, the three hypoicons (including similarity), and the semiotic mind (of the innovator/receiver) in order to apply a few ideas which we believe can be of relevance when working with a semiotics of innovation conceptually and/or methodologically
The effectiveness of machine learning and image processing in detecting plant leaf disease
Authors: Nagila Ashish , Mishra Abhishek K
Published: April 2023

In our daily lives, the agricultural sector is crucial. Therefore, it is crucial to be clear about the steps taken to identify any diseases on agricultural plants’ leaves. Plant leaf disease is a significant issue or contributor to crop losses in an agricultural context. Some farmers are able to know every disease name and how to prevent them as it becomes increasingly crucial to recognize the sickness. Different plant leaf diseases appear during various seasons. This problem can be resolved using a deep learning-based approach by identifying the affected regions in plant leaf images, enabling farmers to better comprehend the disease. The primary goal of this research is to survey several image-processing methods for detecting plant diseases and to compare them. India is an agricultural nation, and the majority of its people depend on agriculture for a living. Focusing on farming with modern technology is essential to ensuring their comfort and ease of living. Crop productivity may be greatly increased by introducing new technologies. An autonomous plant disease detection method using image processing and a neural network methodology can be utilized to solve issues with plant and agricultural diseases. Plants can contract a wide range of illnesses. Different patterns are needed to detect various disorders.
Physicochemical Characterization of Vermicompost and its Effect on Acidic Soils in Ethiopia
Authors: Mesfin Getasew , Zewide Isreal , Jembere Abdeta
Published: April 2023

Many parts of the Ethiopian highlands have a problem of acidity which causes the gradual reduction of soil fertility and crop productivity. There has been no research done on the effect of vermicompost (VC) individually or combined with lime and inorganic fertilizers in ameliorating the acidic soils of the country. Hence, the objective of the present study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of VC prepared from different feedstock and to evaluate the effect of VC on selected properties of acidic soil of the site. The study was conducted during 2021 at Yeferzeye kebele and cow manure (CM), enset leaf (EL), potato peels (PP), and paper waste (PW) were utilized to prepare the VC from earthworms (Eisenia fetida). A two-month incubation experiment was also conducted in the green house with four different VC rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha-1). The highest value of organic carbon (21.44%) and total nitrogen (3.04%) were found in the CM whereas the highest total phosphorus (2794.8 mg kg-1 VC) was recorded from vermicompost made from PW. VC produced from PP substrates had the greatest available Potassium (7286.67 mg kg-1 VC). The highest VC rate (7.5 t ha-1) elevated the pH of the PW from 4.94 to 5.48. Similarly, the highest content of OM (3.2%) was produced in EL, (3.21%) in PP and (3.25%) in PW at the highest rate. The highest increase in total N (0.25%) was also recorded in EL at the highest rate and the lowest was recorded (0.18%) in CM and EL at the control. The available P of the soil varied from 1.78–24.33 mg kg−1 after incubation. The highest available K (1360 mg kg-1) was obtained when the rate of 7.5 t ha−1 were applied with PP compared to the control. Hence, the findings showed that applying VC to the acidic soil can improve soil fertility and increase crop nutrient availability.
Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity as affected by different ratios of fertilizer (blended NPS) and inter row spacing at West Omo, South-West Ethiopia
Authors: Zewide Isreal , Wondimu Wondwosen , Woldu Melash , Admasu Kibnesh
Published: April 2023

One of the principal food crops in almost all of Ethiopia is maize (Zea mays L.).However, It has very low production when compared to that of Africa and the rest of the world. Because of poor agronomic practices, such as inappropriate row spacing and fertilizer management practice. Therefore, the experiment was conducted during the 2020 main cropping season at Maenit goldia district in South-West Ethiopia to decide the response of maize yield by inter-row spacing and blended NPS fertilizer rats. A factorial combination of 4 levels of blended NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg) and 3 levels of between row spacing (70, 75 and 80 cm) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data on crop phenology, growth yield components and yield parameter were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., 2015). The result of this experiment show that combined use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing significantly influence growth and yield and yield components parameters of maize. As the Use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing increased the days to tasseling, plant height, ear length, ear diameter and leaf area increased whereas, decreased days to maturity and days to silking. And also use of 150 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer and row spacing (80 cm) increased number of grain yield, 100 grain weight , above ground biomass and harvesting index by 39.85, 35.20, 32.93 and 35.02%, respectively. Accordingly, it should be noted that, based on an analysis of the partial budget, combinations of the widest row spacing (80 cm) and 150 kg ha-1 of blended NPS fertilizer were promising for maize production in the main cropping season of the Chat Kebele Mea’nit Goldia district and other similar agro-ecologies.
Investigation of power quality problems and harmonic exclusion in the power system using frequency estimation techniques
Authors: Gadgil Krutuja S. , Khampariya Prabodh , Bakre Shashikant M.
Published: April 2023

This work aims to investigate a problem with power quality and the exclusion of harmonics in the power system using a method called frequency estimation. This study aims to explore the performance of several strategies for estimating phase and frequency under a variety of less-than-ideal situations, such as voltage imbalance, harmonics, dc-offset, and so on. When the grid signals are characterized by dc-offset, it has been shown that most of the approaches are incapable of calculating the frequency of the grid signals. This article introduces a frequency estimation method known as Modified Dual Second Order Generalized Integrator (MDSOGI). This method accurately guesses the frequency under all of the unideal scenarios. Experiments have shown that the findings are accurate. In order to build a control scheme for a shunt active power filter that is able to function under such circumstances, the scheme is further integrated with the theory of instantaneous reactive power. In order to demonstrate enhanced performance, the experimental prototype is being created.
Enhanced AES-256 cipher round algorithm for IoT applications
Authors: M Santhanalakshmi , K Ms  Lakshana , G M Ms Shahitya
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Networks have become a significant mode of communication in recent years. As a result, internet security has become a critical requirement for secure information exchange. Cryptography is used to securely send passwords over large networks. Cryptographic algorithms are sequences of processes used to encipher and decipher messages in a cryptographic system. One of those is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is a standard for data encryption in hardware and software to hide sensitive and vital information. The main objective is to design an AES system with modifications by the addition of primitive operations which can withstand several attacks and is more efficient.Method: AES works with three different key lengths: 128-bit keys, 192- bit keys, and 256-bit keys. The early rounds of AES have a poor diffusion rate. Better diffusion properties can be brought about by putting in additional operations in the cipher round and key generation algorithm of the conventional AES.Findings: The diffusion characteristics of the conventional AES and the proposed methodology are compared using the avalanche effect. The proposed AES algorithm shows an increased avalanche effect, which proves it to be more secure than the conventional AES. The proposed algorithm is executed on Vivado 2016.2 ISE Design Suite and the results are targeted on Zybo–Zynq Z-7010 AP SoC development board.Novelty: In addition, this paper also proposes an improved AES algorithm that was accomplished by altering the sub-bytes operation. This change was made to make it more reliant on round keys. This algorithm was also extended to a higher key length of 256 bits which makes the algorithm less vulnerable to attacks.
The role and relation of emotional intelligence with work-life balance for working women in job stress
Authors: Ahmad S Rehan , Prasad KDV , Bhakuni Seema , Hedau Amit , Narayan P  B  Shankar , Parameswari P
Published: April 2023

This study aims to determine how working women’s emotional intelligence and work-life balance affect job stress. The phrase “work-life balance” refers to methods for balancing the demands of employees’ personal and professional lives. It is challenging to find time to balance work and personal obligations due to the expectations and pressures of the workplace. The advancement of women is impacted by women who take up the problem of work-life balance. Organizations may also foster work environments and cultures that show concern for their employees’ lives outside of the office. Organizations should regularly assess their current work procedures to identify those that increase employee stress and inefficiency. In light of this, the current study was conducted to assess the work-life balance of Indian career women. The current study focuses on how emotional intelligence and role efficacy connect to career women’s work-life balance. Emotional intelligence is significantly impacted by factors impacting role effectiveness. Our emotions influence every action, choice, and evaluation we make. People with emotional intelligence know this and utilize their thoughts to control their emotions rather than allowing them to control them.
Debate: One of the Key Factors to Improving Students’ English Language Speaking Skills
Authors: Ban Bunheng , Pang Sina , Em Sereyrath
Published: May 2023

Over the last decade, English debates have become very popular in Cambodia. Most students with experience debating in English tend to have good English-speaking skills. It is interesting to learn more about the effect of debating in English on these students’ English language skills. Thus, this research paper aims to look into the debate's impact on the English language speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students who have participated in debate competitions in Cambodia. It was a case study at The University of Cambodia (UC). The qualitative approach was used, and the total participants in the study were ten undergraduate students who participated in a debate competition in the English language in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The study results showed that the respondents positively perceived a debate. They reported that debate improved their English language speaking skills. In conclusion, the debate has positively impacted my speaking performance and other critical thinking skills. Therefore, it should be added to the university's program as an extracurricular activity.
Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas VIII SMPN 2 Gunung Omeh Lima Puluh Kota
Authors: Zeni Marta , Gani Erizal
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research is to describe the character values that have been applied, the supporting and inhibiting factors encountered in the implementation of character education for Indonesian subjects. This type of research is a qualitative research with descriptive method. The data in this study are in the form of opinions, notes on situations and conditions in the field and documents regarding the planning, implementation and assessment of educational character in the process of learning drama texts in class VIII SMP Negeri 2 Gunung Omeh. The data sources for this research are written data sources, interviews, and drama text learning process activities. The data collection techniques for this research are observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis techniques of this research are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The results of this study are as follows. First, the teacher implements several character values in learning Indonesian, such as the application of polite and responsible values. Second, the inhibiting factors for the implementation of character education in learning Indonesian in class VIII SMP Negeri 2 Gunung Omeh are the low awareness of students in obeying the rules, student learning motivation is still lacking, student awareness of tasks and responsibilities is still lacking.
Upaya Guru TPA dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Baca Al-Qur’an di Taman Pendidikan Al-Qur’an Babussalam Jorong Simpang Pogang
Authors: Azhari Dea , Husni Arman , Salmiwati Salmiwati , Arifmiboy Arifmiboy
Published: May 2023

The author's motivation in choosing this is because the author sees students who have low Al-Qur'an reading skills, as well as a lack of student interest in learning so that it makes students play games and joke around and go in and out during learning which of course affects reading ability. child. So that in this case the efforts of a teacher are needed in improving the ability to read the Koran. This type of research is a type of field research that is qualitative in nature which is obtained through observations and interviews with teachers of the Babussalam Qur'an Education Center, which produces descriptive data in the form of spoken words, writing, and observed behavior of the subjects studied. . This research only provides an overview of the efforts made by Babussalam Al-Qur'an Education Park teachers in improving children's ability to read the Al-Qur'an. Based on the results of the research conducted by the author, it can be seen that the efforts made by the teacher at the Babussalam Al-Qur'an Education Center in improving children's Al-Qur'an reading ability include giving warnings to children when wrong, giving guidance, giving praise to children, giving rewards or prizes to children who have good and good reading and giving assignments to repeat reading to children. And there are supporting factors that come from the students themselves such as having a good intellectual and having a high interest in improving the ability to read the Qur'an.
Analisis Proses Indetifikasi Karakteristik Siswa di SD Negeri Empang Bahagia 3 Kota Tangerang
Authors: Magdalena Ina , Aisyah Nanda , Kusnadi Devi
Published: May 2023

It is important for teachers to know variables such as physical characteristics, intelligence, perceptions, gender, abilities, learning styles, which are individual differences in students to identify student characteristics. An effective and productive teaching and learning process can be planned taking into account the individual differences of students. Since students' learning rates and interests vary, these characteristics should be taken into consideration by teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine how teachers deal with individual student differences during the teaching and learning process. Qualitative research method was used in this research. According to the research findings, teachers state that individual differences are important to determine student learning characteristics. The teacher identifies individual student differences with the help of tests, homework and activities during the teaching and learning process. The teacher also stated that in order to design a teaching and learning process that is in accordance with the differences in students, students will take an active participation in learning.