bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principals' Intellectual Stimulation Strategies and Teachers' Job Satisfaction in Public Secondary Schools in Ilorin East, Nigeria
Authors: Ajape Rasheedat Oladunni , Ayuba Abdulrazaq Olayiwola
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between principals' intellectual stimulation strategies and teachers' job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Ilorin East, Nigeria. The research addresses three primary questions and one hypothesis regarding the impact of leadership strategies on teacher satisfaction. A total of 323 questionnaires were distributed to teachers but 212 completed responses were suitable for analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.696, p < 0.05) between principals' intellectual stimulation strategies and teachers' job satisfaction. Specifically, strategies such as fostering professional development, encouraging collaboration, and promoting innovative teaching practices were positively associated with higher levels of job satisfaction among teachers. The results underscore the importance of transformational leadership in enhancing teacher morale and engagement. In conclusion, the study highlights that effective intellectual stimulation practices implemented by school principals significantly contribute to improving teachers' job satisfaction. It was recommended that professional development programs should be established to equip principals with the skills necessary to foster such an environment, ultimately benefiting both educators and students in the Nigerian educational landscape.
Endoscopic surgery for multilevel spinal stenosis: a comprehensive meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of uniportal and biportal approaches
Authors: González-Murillo Manuel , Castro-Toral Juan , Bonome-González César , de Mon-Montoliú Juan Álvarez
Published: January 2025

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) has shown promising results, and endoscopic spine surgery has emerged as a less invasive approach. Although studies have examined the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery for spinal stenosis, no meta-analyses have focused on multilevel cases. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of uniportal and biportal endoscopy in patients with multilevel spinal stenosis. The patient, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study criteria were established to guide study selection. Four databases were searched. The outcome measures included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiological and analytical data, complications, surgery time, length of hospital stay, and blood loss. Review Manager ver. 5.4 software (RevMan; Cochrane, UK) was used for the analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square and I2 tests. Ten studies (n=686) were included. PROMs showed significant improvements in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for back pain (mean difference [MD], 4.07; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 3.72–4.42), leg pain (MD, 5.49; 95% CI, 5.17–5.80), and Oswestry Disability Index (MD, 35.97; 95% CI, 32.46–39.47). MacNab scale results were as follows: excellent (55.37%), good (34.93%), fair (7.58%), and poor (4.06%). C-reactive protein levels did not change significantly; however, hemoglobin levels decreased postoperatively (MD, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.91–1.65). Complications included dural tears (5.46%), hematoma (4.30%), incomplete decompression (3.12%), root injury (2.90%), reoperations/revisions (2.22%), conversion to open or microscopic surgery (1.97%), and transfusions (8.50%). Analysis by levels showed worse VAS leg pain in studies analyzing >30% multilevel stenosis (MD, 4.99; 95% CI, 4.47–5.51 vs. MD, 5.82; 95% CI, 5.63–6.01). Uniportal and biportal endoscopy had similar outcomes, except for a higher incidence of dural tears on biportal endoscopy (uniportal, 3.33%; biportal, 7.05%). This meta-analysis supports endoscopy as an effective and safe option for multilevel lumbar stenoses. It improves long-term pain and functionality, with no significant radiological changes or postoperative inflammation. Complications are few; however, dural tears are more common in biportal endoscopy. Higher multilevel stenosis rates were associated with increased leg pain and a lower likelihood of achieving incomplete decompression.
USO DE TEMA GERADOR: PROPOSTA INTERDISCIPLINAR PARA LICENCIANDOS EM QUÍMICA
Authors: Nascimento Lucas Orlando do , Lopes Bruno Galdino , Rodrigues Kamilla Karoline Pereira , Ferreira José Leonardo Alves , Figueirêdo Alessandra Marcone Tavares Alves de
Published: January 2025

A Química, usualmente, é evidenciada por grande parte dos discentes, como uma ciência com um alto nível de abstração, sendo tal fato aliado ao uso de metodologias obsoletas utilizadas pela maioria dos docentes. Nessa conjuntura, o uso da contextualização a partir de temas geradores, torna-se indispensável no processo de ensino e aprendizagem, uma vez que o conteúdo científico é retratado juntamente com o conhecimento de senso comum. Sob esse viés, o Programa de Educação Tutorial – PET Química, do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba – IFPB, Campus João Pessoa, Brasil, realiza uma atividade de ensino denominada “Ciclo de Palestras”, que consiste em apresentar palestras por meio de temas diversificados, sendo estes, associados à Química. Devido ao cenário de pandemia, causado pelo vírus SARS-coV-2, transmissor da Covid-19, a atividade necessitou ser desenvolvida de forma remota, por intermédio da plataforma de transmissão online “Google Meet”. A temática escolhida para a palestra intitulou-se “Química: o baú do tesouro das pedras preciosas”, nesta estiveram presentes 15 (quinze) discentes de períodos diversificados, pertencentes ao curso de Licenciatura em Química, da supracitada instituição. O delineamento da pesquisa sucedeu-se pela metodologia qualitativa e participante. Os discentes foram avaliados por meio de um Instrumento de Sondagem (IS) e um Instrumento Final (IF), ambos online, sendo estes aplicados no início e no término da palestra, respectivamente. Diante dos resultados obtidos, foi possível constatar a relevância que atividades como essa possuem na formação docente, pois estas evadem do tradicionalismo de ensino. Outrossim, ficou evidente que o uso de temáticas não habituais auxilia na construção do conhecimento crítico e científico dos licenciandos em Química.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DE ATIVIDADES LÚDICAS NA FIXAÇÃO DE CONTEÚDOS DE BIOLOGIA VISTOS EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Morais Juderlania Linhares de , Silva Andreza Thainá Neves da , Monte Jose Pinheiro do , Ramos Aretuza Brito , Braga Dan Vítor Vieira
Published: January 2025

O ensino de Biologia tem como função o desenvolvimento da capacidade lógica e a percepção do mundo por parte do estudante, além de contribuir para o entendimento do aluno da sua própria organização biológica e dos fatores que contribui, tanto positivamente, quanto negativamente para o planeta. Nesse sentido, a inclusão de atividades práticas ou lúdicas nas aulas de Biologia, torna-se uma didática essencial, que por apresentar conteúdos de difícil compreensão, possibilita ao estudante o desenvolvimento de sua autonomia, assim como promoverá a aprendizagem significativa e a interpretação do mundo de forma investigativa. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho produzido pelas bolsistas do Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência, foi desenvolver ferramentas lúdicas para despertar o interesse e ampliar a aprendizagem dos alunos nos conteúdos de Biologia em uma escola estadual do Sertão Pernambucano. Assim, para alcançar esse objetivo atividades lúdicas foram desenvolvidas com turmas do ensino médio, precedidas de um pré-teste, para analisar o conhecimento prévio dos alunos sobre um determinado conteúdo. Diante das dificuldades encontradas pelos alunos, as ferramentas lúdicas foram desenvolvidas para facilitar a aprendizagem deles, contribuindo assim para a interação deles em sala de aula e com os demais alunos. Logo após a aplicação das ferramentas, foram aplicadas outra avaliação diagnóstica, denominada pós-teste de modo a avaliar o resultado da aplicação da ferramenta em sala de aula. Os resultados demonstraram incremento significativo, mas as escolas ainda precisam desfazer as dificuldades que existem em compreender este instrumento facilitador essencial, pois muitas ainda priorizam o método tradicional de ensino, assim como os professores precisam ter consciência da importância das atividades lúdicas para o desenvolvimento e do processo de ensino aprendizagem.
UMA ANÁLISE PARADIGMÁTICA DOS CONHECIMENTOS ESTUDANTIS SOBRE O BIOMA CAATINGA NO ENSINO MÉDIO: IMPLICAÇÕES DA REALIDADE
Authors: Santos Patrícia Janiely dos , Aquino Rafael Santos de , Ramos Aretuza Brito
Published: January 2025

Nesse estudo sobre a influência paradgmática no ensino de biologia no ensino médio, objetivou-se conhecer como os estudantes aplicam os conhecimentos sobre o bioma caatinga no cotidiano e a sua relação com os paradigmas científicos e metodológicos. O trabalho foi realizado em uma escola pública de Ensino Médio no município de Terra Nova-PE. A pesquisa de natureza quali-quantitativa, é um estudo de caso onde os dados foram colhidos através da aplicação de um questionário investigativo semiestruturado. Como método quantitativo adotamos a Análise Estatística Implicativa (ASI). Percebeu-se que os alunos conhecem o bioma caatinga, mas apresentam uma concepção ainda preconceituosa sobre ele o que indica uma relação com problemas socioambientais como aqueles vinculados às práticas tradicionais da agropecuária. A escola precisa considerar o contexto de vida estudantil para mediar o conteúdo escolar, bem como pautar as questões paradigmáticas da ciência e também de ordem prática buscando inovar e desenvolver um pensamento holístico pautado em outros paradigmas científicos que não apenas o tradicional. A ASI contribuiu para a análise dos dados revelando relações implicativas difíceis de serem percebidas com uma análise percentual, por exemplo, e contribuiu para a identificação da dinâmica do pensamento, dos conhecimentos prévios, dos gostos e motivações estudantis.
Cryptic presentation: primary amoebic meningoencephalitis mimicking a high-grade malignancy resulting in surgical fatality within 48 hours. Illustrative case
Authors: Kodeeswaran M. , Dhoka Gaurav R. , Alagarsamy Jamila , Priyadharshan K. P. , Narinder Arun , Manivannan Panchabakesan , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

A 71-year-old male presented with weakness of the right upper limb and headache for the past 3 months. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast showed a left frontal space-occupying lesion, suggestive of a high-grade malignancy. Awake craniotomy with complete excision of the lesion was performed under immunofluorescence guidance. On postoperative day 2, the patient developed signs of meningoencephalitis and died. The histopathology report showed an abscess with parasitic infection, suggestive of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient presented with the above symptoms. Intraoperatively, the lesion exhibited fluorescence uptake and had a firm consistency. The patient did not exhibit any new neurological deficits during surgery, but on postoperative day 2, signs of meningitis emerged, and his condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to his death.

LESSONS

PAM typically manifests with nonspecific symptoms of meningitis, progressing to a rapidly developing, severe form of meningitis that has a high mortality rate. The patient displayed obscure symptoms, and brain MRI revealed a space-occupying lesion with fluorescence uptake during surgery, suggestive of a high-grade malignancy. The diagnosis of PAM as a high-grade malignant space-occupying lesion was confirmed postmortem through histopathological analysis, a presentation considered exceedingly rare and unprecedented in the literature.

https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24358
Рецензия на: Byzantium in Eastern European Visual Culture in the Late Middle Ages / ed. by M. A. Rossi, A. I. Sullivan. Leiden; Boston (Mass.): Brill, 2020. xviii, 302 p. (East Central and Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 450–1450; Vol. 65)
Authors: Квливидзе Нина Валериевна
Published: January 2025

Рецензия

Reviews
СУЧАСНІ ІНСТРУМЕНТИ БУХГАЛТЕРСЬКОГО ОБЛІКУ ТА КОНТРОЛЮ ЯК ДРАЙВЕРИ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ІННОВАЦІЙНО-ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ
Authors: СИСОЄВА Інна , ГОЛОВАЙ Надія , ЦІХАНОВСЬКА Олена , СУЛЬКО Євгеній , ЗАЇКА Євгеній
Published: January 2025

У статті розглядаються сучасні інструменти бухгалтерського обліку та контролю, які є важливими драйверами ефективності інноваційно-інвестиційної діяльності підприємств. Проаналізовано вплив ERP-систем, BI-платформ, автоматизованих бухгалтерських програм, хмарних технологій, штучного інтелекту та машинного навчання на забезпечення прозорості, оперативності та точності фінансової інформації.Висвітлено їхню роль у прийнятті стратегічних рішень, оптимізації управлінських процесів, мінімізації ризиків і підвищенні конкурентоспроможності підприємств. Особливу увагу приділено перевагам використання цих інструментів у сфері інноваційного менеджменту, включаючи прогнозування, моніторинг і управління інвестиційними проєктами. У статті також окреслено виклики, пов'язані з впровадженням цих технологій, такі як високі витрати, необхідність підготовки персоналу та адаптації бізнес-процесів. Отримані результати можуть бути корисними для підприємств, які прагнуть підвищити ефективність управління інноваційно-інвестиційною діяльністю шляхом інтеграції сучасних цифрових технологій.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ АНТИКРИЗОВОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ НА ЗАСАДАХ КОНТРОЛІНГУ
Authors: ТЮРІНА Ніла , НАЗАРЧУК Тетяна , ГУРНИЦЬКИЙ Олексій , БАКАЙ Антон
Published: January 2025

У статті розглянуто теоретичні і прикладні аспекти антикризового менеджменту та контролінгу. Проаналізовано сутнісну характеристику антикризового управління зарубіжними та вітчизняними авторами. Сформовано авторське визначення цього терміну та його змістовне наповнення. Зроблено акцент на необхідності трансформації змісту функціонального наповнення класичних та додаткових функцій традиційного управління в умовах кризи. Сформовано базис антикризового управління, що включає: концептуальні положення, принципи та завдання. Сформульовано вимоги до формування складових антикризового управління, що стосуються системи, механізму та процесу управління. Комплексно проаналізовано та узагальнено визначення контролінгу представниками німецької та американської шкіл ділового адміністрування. Визначено основне завдання контролінгу в антикризовому менеджменті. Сформовано структурну модель реалізації антикризового менеджменту на засадах контролінгу. Визначені базові цільові орієнтири реалізації концепції контролінгу в умовах кризи та її складові. Розглянуто особливості використання актуального в антикризовому управлінні методичного інструментарію контролінгу. Обґрунтовано доцільність посиленого використання фінансових, інвестиційних, інформаційних та інших механізмів контролінгу в антикризовому менеджменті.
Exploring the benefits of Music Therapy in reducing stress and anxiety
Authors: Negrila Ion
Published: January 2025

The progress of a minor represents a transition from one age stage to another. The period of adolescence is crucial in the evolution of the individual. Adolescence, in particular, fits the period of students in grades IX - XI. This stage is accompanied by not only physical changes, but also psychological ones. Young people in the higher cycle are preparing for the Baccalaureate exam - a defining moment in their existence, which generates an increased level of anxiety. Currently, there is an increase in the number of anxious students before taking exams. Anxiety is the inclination of an individual to feel a state of restlessness, which is an emotion. This state is characterized by subjective feelings of tension, anxiety, gloomy predictions and, physiologically, by the activation of the autonomic nervous system. The chosen topic is relevant because the number of students in the higher cycle concerned about passing the final exams is increasing, generating anxiety, uncertainty and fear. An increase in the level of anxiety negatively affects the processes of development of a healthy personality, professional self-determination, which faces significant difficulties. The absence of a practical approach to the development of this problem, together with its high importance both personally and socially, determined its selection as a research subject. We believe that music therapy, which involves not only listening to music, but also performing songs that help cultivate a positive attitude in students, can help solve difficulties related to reducing anxiety levels in students.
The Violin Solo from the opera „Ciro in Babilonia” by Gioachino Rossini. Stylistic and interpretative analysis
Authors: Pipas Francisc-Adrian
Published: January 2025

Gioachino Rossini is one of the most significant figures of Italian opera during the period known as the “bel canto era”. This article aims to present readers with lesser-known biographical details about the great composer from Pesaro, followed by an analysis of the aria “Deh! per me non v’affliggete”, which, throughout its length, is accompanied by a unique violin solo within Rossini's body of work. The discovery and promotion of arias that include a violin solo, often partially or entirely unknown, represent one of the most important pragmatic aspects of my scientific research endeavours. The purpose of this article is to shed light on this fragment from Ciro in Babilonia and to promote the lesser-performed works of the renowned composer.
Innovative style and construction elements in the creation of folklorist Sabin Vasile Drăgoi. “Divertisment rustic” – Carol 1: “Oh, what wonderful news!”
Authors: Rosca Lucian Emil
Published: January 2025

Sabin Vasile Drăgoi, a composer, folklorist and leading Romanian pedagogue, is recognized for his essential contributions to the development of Romanian music, especially through the valorization of folk traditions. He was a prominent representative of the musical nationalist movement of the first half of the 20th century, marking an important stage in the synthesis between traditional elements and those of European musical modernity. The “Divertisment rustic”, entertainment composed in 1928 reflects his constant concern for the valorization of traditional Romanian music, based on folklore elements that he integrated into his classical musical language. The style of the work is full of vitality, and the folk motifs are reinterpreted in a refined and modern manner. Through the way he uses folklore elements – modal melodies, asymmetrical rhythms, tonal harmonies with modal influences – Drăgoi creates a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering an accessible yet profound work.
The Neurocognitive perspective of piano performance: Psychological and Neural implications
Authors: Suteu Ligia-Claudia
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the neurocognitive and psychological effects of piano performance, emphasizing its impact on brain plasticity, memory, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. Through an analysis of neuroplasticity, the article demonstrates how consistent piano practice leads to fundamental changes in the brain, including enhanced connectivity between hemispheres via the corpus callosum. Studies using fMRI and PET imaging show that piano performance activates an extensive network involving the motor cortex, auditory cortex, and cerebellum. The psychological effects of playing the piano are equally significant. Research shows that piano practice reduces stress, enhances emotional resilience, and can improve emotional expression by stimulating the brain’s limbic system. Furthermore, the article explores the therapeutic applications of piano playing, particularly in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD through music therapy. Overall, this paper highlights the transformative power of piano performance on both cognitive and emotional levels, supporting its use not only as a musical endeavour but also as a tool for enhancing mental health and cognitive function across the lifespan.
Stability and flexibility in the transmission of melodic archetypes in Greek Liturgical Chant
Authors: Tofan Marius Vasile
Published: January 2025

Research to date reveals that, for over half of Christian history, Christians primarily sang from memory. By comparing notated melodic patterns from the 13th to the 18th centuries, specific trends and developments emerge in the melodic structures that served as foundational models for much of church hymnography. In this paper, we aim to examine, using the same comparative method, the transmission of these model melodies within the Greek language tradition from the 19th to the 21st centuries, while other contributions will explore their evolution in different linguistic traditions.
Musical Rhetoric as basis for an expressiveandmeaningful performance in Baroquerepertoire. Case study: „The Great Mass in B Minor”by Johann Sebastian Bach
Authors: Felea Sebastian
Published: January 2025

The article aims to emphasize the role of the musical rhetoric in understanding aesthetic ideals of Baroque period and to reveal how it works as basis for decisions regarding the performance. Previous investigations during the 20th century were largely focused on reconstructing the “authentic” sound. The outcomes were useful in determining how to perform the notes written in the score. This paper is based on a complementary opposite approach that starts from the analysis of the notes written in the score. It will be shown by examples of rhetorical exegesis on extracts from Bach’s Mass in B minor how the musicians are enhanced with tremendous ideas for a meaningful, moving, and enchanting performance.
Wie haben sich die Studienbedingungen, sozialen Ungleichheiten und Studienabbruchintentionen im Laufe der COVID-19-Pandemie verändert?
Authors: Lörz Markus , Koopmann Jonas
Published: January 2025

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie haben sich die Studienbedingungen grundlegend verändert und die sozialen Ungleichheiten zugenommen. Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit den veränderten Bedingungen im Verlauf der COVID-19-Pandemie und untersucht die Chancen und Risiken, die sich für verschiedene Studierendengruppen mit Blick auf das Risiko eines Studienabbruchs ergeben. Ziel ist es, Erkenntnisse darüber zu gewinnen, wie die digitalen Bedingungen künftig zu gestalten sind, um die Studiensituation für traditionell benachteiligte Gruppen zu verbessern. Aufbauend auf den Erkenntnissen der Ungleichheits- und Digitalisierungsforschung werden die Auswirkungen der veränderten Studienbedingungen für verschiedene Studierendengruppen diskutiert. Zudem wird anhand vergleichbarer Studierendenbefragungen empirisch gezeigt, wie sich die Intention, das Studium abzubrechen zwischen 2016, 2020 und 2021 verändert hat. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, wie sich die Studienbedingungen im Laufe der Pandemie ändern und wie diese mit den Abbruchintentionen der verschiedenen Studierendengruppen zusammenhängen.
Experimental investigation on fractal drilling strength
Authors: Carpinteri Alberto , Dimastrogiovanni Luciano , Pugno Nicola
Published: January 2025

In this paper we present an experimental investigation on fractal drilling strength, theoretically introduced on the basis of the universal fragmentation laws. We focus our attention on impregnated hard grain bit drilling with different base materials, tools and types of control, during steady state or transient condition perforations. Some single scratch tests with abrasive grains or hard material cutting edges, complete the analysis. A very strong size‐effect on classical drilling strength emerges. On the other hand, the fractal drilling strength can be considered as a size‐independent property. A comparison between classical and fractal approaches is thus presented.
Time-scale effects during damage evolution: A fractal approach based on acoustic emission
Authors: Carpinteri A. , Lacidogna G. , Pugno N.
Published: January 2025

In this paper we propose a fractal theory for the prediction of the time-effects on the damage evolution in cracking solids. By means of the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique, we have analysed the evolution of damage in several structures by an extensive experimental analysis in time. This technique permits to estimate the amount of energy released during fracture propagation and to obtain information on the criticality of the ongoing process. Theory and experiments agree closely. Moreover, based on fractal concepts, we have formulated a multiscale criterion to predict the damage progress in concrete structural elements. According to this method, the damage level of a structure can be estimated from AE data of a reference specimen extracted from the structure and tested up to failure. By monitoring the fracture propagation by AE, it is therefore possible to evaluate the damage level of a structure as well as the time corresponding to final collapse. Consequently, the life-time predictions of monitored solid structures can be estimated: as an example we have analysed the evolution of damage in two piers supporting a viaduct along an Italian highway built in the 1950s.
Experimental investigation of crack opening asymptotics for fluid-driven fracture
Authors: Bunger Andrew P. , Jeffrey Robert G. , Detournay Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Fracture opening in the tip region of a fluid-driven fracture is governed not only by the square-root tip asymptote, well-known from linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), but also by an intermediate tip asymptote that is specific to fluid-driven fracture. Additional tip asymptotes may arise when the fracture interacts with a nearby free surface. We have explored this complex tip behavior in the laboratory by growing hydraulic fractures in impermeable, transparent, brittle elastic materials, employing a method based on the Beer–Lambert law of optical absorption to measure the fracture opening. The near-tip opening matches the fluid-driven fracture tip asymptote when the effect of viscous dissipation is significant. Conversely, the LEFM tip asymptote matches the experimental behavior when the viscosity effects are negligible. Furthermore, when the fracture radius is several times its depth, a third asymptote is observed that arises from the plate-like behavior of the material between the fracture and the free-surface. The prevalence of each of the three observed asymptotes is shown to correlate with the fracture's location in a two-dimensional parametric space.
Damage variables based on three-dimensional measurements of crack geometry
Authors: Landis Eric N.
Published: January 2025

Continuum damage mechanics models, while elegant and useful, suffer from what are typically highly idealized relationships between model and material. In this work, using three-dimensional measurements of internal cracking, direct, albeit simple relationships were made between the quantity of cracking and a corresponding scalar damage variable. Geometric properties (surface area, volume, and fractal dimension) of internal cracks were measured through 3D image analysis of in situ microtomographic scans of small concrete specimens subject to compression. A scalar damage variable was determined from the changes in stiffness measured in successive loading cycles. Results showed a nearly linear relationship between the damage variable and the fractal dimension of the internal crack system. In contrast, results showed a nonlinear relationship between the damage variable and the crack surface area. Such relationships can potentially lead to a more physical basis for continuum damage formulations.
Scale effects on strength and toughness of grained materials: An extreme value theory approach
Authors: Carpinteri Alberto , Cornetti Pietro , Puzzi Simone
Published: January 2025

The present paper provides a statistical model to the size effect on grained materials tensile strength and fracture energy. It has been already demonstrated by using extreme value theory that the scaling law obtained for the tensile strength introducing a doubly truncated distribution of flaws, under the hypothesis of Weibull's weakest link, resembles the Multi-Fractal Scaling Law (MFSL), already proposed by the first Author through fractal concepts. Since the weakest link in grained materials is usually represented by the interface between the matrix and the grains, in the present paper we assume that the flaw distribution can be represented by the grain size distribution, rather than by an arbitrary flaw distribution. Furthermore, introducing a micromechanical model for the critical displacement wc, we draw a link between the fracture energy and the largest aggregate grain on crack surfaces. In this way we are able to compute the tensile strength and the fracture energy as a function of the specimen size. The obtained scaling laws are substantially in agreement with the MFSL for the fracture energy proposed by the first Author. A further result provided by the proposed approach is the description of the scatter increase of both tensile strength and fracture energy values when testing small specimens. This trend is confirmed by experimental data available in the literature. Eventually, the influence of the aggregate grading upon the size effect for strength and toughness is analyzed.
Crack growth characteristics and damage in 12Cr steel under high temperature creep and creep–fatigue conditions
Authors: Yokota O. , Sugiura R. , Yoda M. , Yokobori A.T. , Yokobori T.
Published: January 2025

The combined effects of temperature and frequency on the crack growth rate and failure life were investigated using the compact tension specimens of 12Cr steel under creep and creep–fatigue conditions. The creep–fatigue tests were performed by introducing the hold time at the maximum load. At higher frequency where the crack growth rate near the initial stress intensity factor or reciprocal of failure life is proportional to the frequency, the cycle-dependent fatigue process is dominant. The Vickers hardness around the path of crack growth was obtained as a measure of damage during creep and creep–fatigue. Complex fracture surface or branched crack is attributed to the decrease in hardness for creep–fatigue interaction and is characterized by fractal analysis.
Creep crack growth properties of welded joints for 12Cr ferritic steel
Authors: Tabuchi M. , Ha J.C. , Yokobori A.T.
Published: January 2025

Type IV cracking in heat affected zone (HAZ) of weldment is a problem for advanced high Cr ferritic heat resisting steels. It is important to predict initiation and growth of creep voids and cracks in weldment. Present paper conducted the creep crack growth tests for the welded joint and base metal of tungsten strengthened 12Cr steel. The initiation and growth properties of Type IV crack in fine-grained HAZ of weldments were clarified. On the basis of experimental results, the programs that simulate Type IV fracture have been developed. The effect of multiaxial stress condition on vacancy diffusion and crack initiation for welded joints was discussed.
Influence of residual stress and mean stress on fatigue strength improvement of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Iswanto Priyo Tri , Nishida Shin-ichi , Hattori Nobusuke , Usui Ichiro
Published: January 2025

This paper refer to the effect of compressive mean stress, work-hardening, microstructure improvement and compressive residual stress generated by roller-working on fatigue properties of austenitic stainless steel. Pulsating fatigue tests have been performed on the specimens with and without surface deformation. The results showed that high compressive mean stress specimens have higher fatigue strength than that of low compressive mean stress ones. Surface replica observation results show that compressive mean stress is responsible for delaying of fatigue crack initiation and preventing fatigue crack propagation. In case of 1 mm rolled specimen, after roller-working the fatigue limit of the specimen increases by 196%. Work-hardening, residual stress and microstructure improvement are the most responsible for the fatigue strength improvement of rolled specimens. Compressive residual stress induced by roller-working has the same effect of compressive mean stress on improving fatigue limit as proved under the modified Goodman diagram. Under the fatigue limit diagram, it could be seen that the effect of work-hardening on fatigue limit improvement of 1 mm rolled specimen is remarkably higher than that of compressive residual stress one.
Crack nucleation and propagation in rounded cohesive granular media
Authors: Preechawuttipong I. , Ingsuwan P. , Peyroux R.
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the influence of cohesion on aspects of fracture mode and propagation in 2D rounded cohesive granular packing. Simulations are undertaken using the molecular dynamics method involving simple contact laws with adhesion. The numerical “Brazilian” test with samples of 8000 circular particles suggests that the formation of crystallized agglomerates within mono-disperse samples depends on the value of the cohesive energy between particles. The agglomerate size is increased when the surface energy increases. In the testing phase and for high values of surface energy, the fissures appear at the agglomerate interfaces in the center of sample and propagate toward the periphery in parallel to the compressive direction.
Generalized stacking fault energy in body centered cubic iron
Authors: Watanabe Ryuji
Published: January 2025

The energies of the generalized stacking faults in bcc iron are systematically evaluated by the molecular mechanics method with the Finnis–Sinclair potential as functions of two-dimensional relative displacement of one side of the two half-crystals in the directions parallel to the fault planes, where the {110} plane and the planes generated by rotation of the {110} plane about the 〈111〉, 〈110〉 and 〈001〉 axes are taken into account. The maximum value of the fault energies for the {110} plane is remarkably small compared with those for the other planes. The maximum energy on the fault energy line for the {110}〈111〉 slip system is the smallest among those on all minimum energy paths between two nearest equivalent points corresponding to perfect crystal on the fault energy surfaces for the currently analyzed planes. There is not inverse correlation between the maximum energy on the fault energy line for the specified slip system and the interplanar spacing of the considered slip system, although inverse correlation between the fault energy averaged on the crystallographic plane and its interplanar spacing can be observed.
Quantitative study of W-alloyed 9–12 Cr steel microstructures using EBSD
Authors: Yardley V.A. , Sugiura R. , Matsuzaki T. , Tsurekawa S. , Yokobori A.T. , Hasegawa Y.
Published: January 2025

Ferritic/martensitic steels for use in power generation, such as the modified 9–12 wt% Cr alloy P92, are required to withstand temperatures of 450–600°C or more for several decades. Under such conditions, one major failure mode is creep fracture, so reliable prediction of the growth lifetime of creep cracks is important. Lifetimes depend on many factors including temperature, specimen geometry and material microstructure. In the present paper, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is used to quantify the microstructural differences between two steel samples that performed very differently in creep crack growth tests despite similar compositions and preparation routes.
PELATIHAN PENGENALAN BAHASA INGGRIS UNTUK ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI IGRA
Authors: Muliyah Pipit , Fernando Frendi
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach aimed to describe learning English for early childhood. Data collection used observation, interview, documentation techniques. The research subjects were 26 teachers in IGRA (Ikatan Guru Raudhotul athfal). The results of the study showed: (1) in English language learning planning there were themes, indicators, main activities, media adapted to the needs of students (2) in the implementation, the teacher carried out English language learning in accordance with RPPH, (3) supporting learning English process is the availability of English language learning media provided by institutions and teachers. (4) the inhibiting factor in learning to introduce English is that English is not the main language used by children so that teachers must be creative in teaching; class teachers do not have sufficient English knowledge; child development becomes a consideration so that children are not depressed.
 
Keywords: Learning English, introduction to English, early childhood
 
Abstrak
Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitif. Yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi dengan alat pengumpul data yaitu panduan wawancara, pedoman observasi, catatam lapangan, dan dokumen. Subjek penelitian yaitu 26 guru yang terhimpun dalam IGRA (Ikatan Guru Raudhotul Athfal). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) dalam perencanaan pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris terdapat tema, indikator, aktivitas utama, media yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan siswa (2) dalam pelaksanaan, guru melaksanakan pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris sesuai dengan RPPH, (3) faktor pendukung pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris yaitu ketersediaan media pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris yang disediakan oleh lembaga dan guru. (4) faktor penghambat dalam pembelajaran pengenalan bahasa Inggris yaitu bahasa Inggris bukan bahasa utama yang digunakan anak-anak sehingga guru harus kreatif dalam mengajar; guru kelas tidak memiliki pengetahuan Bahasa Inggris yang cukup; perkembangan anak menjadi pertimbangan agar anak tidak tertekan.
 
Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran bahasa Inggris, pengenalan bahasa Inggris, anak usia dini
Pelatihan Pembuatan Kompos Organik Metode Keranjang Takakura sebagai Solusi Penanganan Sampah di Lingkungan Kost Mahasiswa
Authors: Harlis Harlis , Yelianti Upik , Budiarti Retni S , Hakim Nasrul
Published: January 2025

Sampah merupakan permasalahan yang sejak dulu hingga kini sulit diatasi di lingkungan masyarakat. Salah satu cara mengatasi dampak negatif sampah adalah mengolah sampah berbasis masyarakat. Mahasiswa merupakan komponen masyarakat yang menetap di lingkungan kampus. Tujuan pengabdian ini adalah untuk memberi pemahaman bagi mahasiswa tentang prinsip dan cara pembuatan serta mempraktekkan cara pembuatan kompos organik dengan metode Keranjang Takakura. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilaksanakan dalam bentuk pelatihan secara teoritik dan praktek pembuatan kompos organik metode keranjang Takakura. Peserta kegiatan ini adalah mahasiswa yang berdomisili di rumah kost sekitar Kampus. Pelatihan ini dilaksanakan di Kebun Botani Universitas Jambi. Hasil pengabdian ini 1) meningkatnya pemahaman mahasiswa mengenai tata cara pembuatan kompos metode Keranjang Takakura. 2) Meningkatnya kepedulian mahasiswa dalam pengelolaan sampah. Dan 3) Tersedia Komposter Keranjang Takakura di lingkungan kost mahasiswa.
                                                                    
Kata Kunci: Penanganan Sampah, Kompos Organik, Keranjang Takakura.
Peningkatan Pembelajaran Biologi Melalui Contoh-Contoh Kontekstual Bagi Guru-Guru MGMP di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat-Jambi-Indonesia
Authors: Sadikin Ali , Johari Asni , Sukmono Tedjo , Sanjaya Muhammad Erick , Natalia Desfaur
Published: January 2025

Berdasarkan survey di MGMP Biologi di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat diperoleh data bahwa guru-guru biologi disana mengalami kesulitan dalam membuat perangkat pembelajaran biologi yang berbasis contoh-contoh kontekstual. Maka dari itu tim pengabdian FKIP Universitas Jambi merasa terpanggil untuk membantu guru-guru biologi tersebut. Metode pelatihan yang akan dilaksanakan di MGMP Tanjung jabung Barat adalah mengindentifikasi materi-materi biologi yang memerlukan contoh-contoh kontekstual. Kemudian mendesain pembelajaran biologi dengan memasukkan contoh-contoh kontekstual. Memberikan ketrampilan mengindentifikasi contoh-contoh kontekstual yang dapat dijadikan media yang ada dilingkungan sekitar. Mengevaluasi ketercapaian peningkatan pembelajaran biologi melalui contoh-contoh kontekstual. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan pada tanggal 31 juli 2019 bertempat di SMA N 1 Tanjung jabung barat. Diikuti oleh 20 orang guru biologi yang tergabung dalam MGMP (Musyawarah Guru Mata Pelajaran) Biologi. Kegiatan PPM ini dibuka oleh Ketua MGMP Tanjung Jabung barat dan dihadiri oleh Kepala SMA N 1 Tanjung Jabung Barat. Dalam kegiatan ini diikuti secara antusias oleh guru-guru biologi. Materi disampaikan oleh bapak Ali sadikin, M.Pd tentang peningkatan pembelajaran biologi melalui contoh-contoh kontekstual. Diawali dengan materi pendekatan pembelajaran kontekstual secara umum kemudian lebih ditekankan pada learning comunity yang merupakan bagian penting dalam pembelajaran kontekstual. Disini guru sangat antusias karena guru diajarkan bagaimana mencari literasi dengan sci-hub, dan pdf drive. Guru sangat mengikuti dan bertanya tentang bagaimana menggunakan sci-hub untuk mencari jurnal internasional dan nasional. Ditambah penggunaan pdf drive untuk mencari buku-buku elektronik secara gratis tanpa perlu membeli. Guru-guru mengikuti kegiatan pengabdian ini sampai selesai dan berharap tahun depan diadakan lagi.
 
Kata kunci: Pendakatan Kontekstual, Guru, MGMP
PENGEMBANGAN KEPROFESIAN BERKELANJUTAN GURU SD MELALUI PELATIHAN PENULISAN KARYA TULIS ILMIAH
Authors: Yantoro Yantoro , Pamela Issaura Sherly , Setiono Panut
Published: January 2025

Dari hasil wawancara yang dilakukan dengan guru, ditemukan fakta bahwa guru – guru masih kesulitan dalam kenaikan pangkat. Kesulitan ini dikarenakan guru tidak memiliki keterampilan dalam menulis karya ilmiah, serta kebiasaan guru yang tidak pernah untuk melakukan peneletian. Untuk itu maka perlu dilakukan upaya untuk memberikan bekal keterampilan kepada para guru untuk melaksanakan penelitian, menulis karya ilmiah dan mempublikasikannya. Salah satu bentuk penelitian sederhana yang dapat mudah dilakukan oleh guru adalah dengan melaksanakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Dalam pelaksanaanya guru terlihat sangat antusias dalam mengikuti seluruh rangkaian kegiatan pengabdian yang dilakukan oleh tim pengabdian ini, hal ini karena dapat menjadi sumber pengetahuan dan mengasah kemampuan guru dalam membuat karya tulis ilmiah. Dari hasil observasi, diperoleh fakta bahwa guru–guru telah memiliki pengetahuan dan kemampuan dalam membuat karya tulis ilmiah yang berasal pelaksanaan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK).
Enhancing Annotated Bibliography Generation with LLM Ensembles
Authors: Bermejo Sergio
Published: January 2025

This work proposes a novel approach to enhancing annotated bibliography generation through Large Language Model (LLM) ensembles. In particular, multiple LLMs in different roles—controllable text generation, evaluation, and summarization—are introduced and validated using a systematic methodology to enhance model performance in scholarly tasks. Output diversity among the ensemble that generates text is obtained using different LLM parameters, followed by an LLM acting as a judge to assess relevance, accuracy, and coherence. Responses selected by several combining strategies are then merged and refined through summarization and redundancy removal techniques. The preliminary experimental validation demonstrates that the combined outputs from the LLM ensemble improve coherence and relevance compared to individual responses, leading to a 38% improvement in annotation quality and a 51% reduction in content redundancy, thus highlighting the potential for automating complex scholarly tasks while maintaining high-quality standards.
About post-acute COVID-19
Authors: Murga Gandasegui I.
Published: January 2025

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused great consequences for our healthcare systems. Throughout the European Union (EU) 17 million people have been affected by Long COVID in the first two years of the pandemic and this number continues to increase. Physicians must take this situation into account in their clinical practice, where they will treat patients with isolated persistent symptoms and others with multisystemic repercussions, with a predominance of disabling physical and mental fatigue for which no explanation can be found after the countless tests performed. An aspect to be assessed is its similarity with Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ICD-11: 8E49). All these elements must be addressed by specialized units given their socio-health complexity.
Predictive model of the biological aggressiveness of neuroblastic tumors in children incorporating radiomics
Authors: Martí-Bonmatí L. , Veiga-Canuto D. , Cerdá Alberich L.
Published: January 2025

Neuroblastic tumors are the most common extracranial solid neoplasms in childhood, arising from neural crest cells. Their diagnosis can vary in clinical presentation and prognosis. Initial staging and tumor characterization are essential for treatment adaptation. This study explores the use of radiomic imaging biomarkers to enhance the prediction of tumor aggressiveness. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted as part of the PRIMAGE project, involving 508 patients diagnosed with neuroblastic tumors, utilizing processed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through image preparation techniques and automatic segmentation. A total of 107 radiomic features were extracted, and survival models were applied, including SHAP analysis to identify predictive variables. Automatic segmentation demonstrated high agreement with manual segmentation (CSD = 0.965). The radiomic features were stable and reproducible, with the survival model highlighting 10 relevant variables, including the tumor’s minor axis and the skewness of intensity distribution. These factors were positively correlated with mortality risk. Radiomic imaging biomarkers improve the characterization and prognosis of neuroblastic tumors, addressing the limitations of current staging systems. Standardized normalization and automatic segmentation are crucial for obtaining reliable results. This study establishes a step toward the incorporation of radiomic features as non-invasive biomarkers in clinical practice.
Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation. Recent updates
Authors: Antoñana Ugalde S. , Moreno Planas J. , Zamorano Gómez J.L.
Published: January 2025

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia supraventricular más prevalente en la sociedad actual. Su prevalencia en población europea mayor de 55 años se estima en 8.8 millones y se espera que esta cifra aumente en los próximos años debido al envejecimiento natural de la población. Además de la edad, otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos, como la hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, obesidad, apnea obstructiva del sueño… contribuyen de manera significativa al desarrollo y progresión de una arritmia que se caracteriza por ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de eventos tromboembólicos, independientemente de su patrón temporal.
El tratamiento anticoagulante reduce en gran medida el riesgo de presentar un ictus de origen cardioembólico en esta población, por lo que un diagnóstico temprano es crucial. Uno de los grandes hitos en el tratamiento anticoagulante de la FA ha sido el desarrollo en los últimos 10-15 años de los anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD), que han demostrado tener un mejor perfil de seguridad y eficacia frente a los clásicamente empleados antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK). Por eso se consideran el tratamiento de elección en la FA, con evidencia cada vez más sólida que respalda su prescripción.
La anticoagulación en la FA es un campo en constante expansión; se están estudiando nuevas dianas moleculares con resultados prometedores. Además, se está publicando evidencia que invita a generalizar el uso de los ACOD en escenarios previamente inexplorados, como es la enfermedad renal crónica en situación de hemodiálisis. Son cada vez más los pacientes portadores de dispositivos intracardiacos en los que detectamos episodios de alta frecuencia auricular en el seguimiento. Su presencia se ha relacionado con un mayor riesgo de FA e ictus en el seguimiento y la anticoagulación en este contexto suscita un interés creciente que ha generado nueva evidencia científica.