bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different treatments on cellulose toward carboxylation and its application for metal ion absorption
Authors: Nada A. M. A. , El-Mongy S. Abd , Abd El-Sayed E. S.
Published: July 2023

Carboxylation of cotton linters was investigated relative to its use in ion exchange. The effects of different treatments of cotton linters, such as alkali, acid, and activating agents, e.g. LiCl, on the molecular structure and carboxylation of cotton linters were taken in our consideration. The absence or presence of a crosslinking was considered, and the efficiency of these prepared carboxylated cotton linters toward metal ions uptake, as well as thermal analysis of treated and carboxylated cotton linters, was investigated. It was found that treatment of cotton linters with alkali and activating agent decreased the crystallinity index (band intensity at 1425/band intensity at 890 cm-1). On the other hand, the prepared carboxylated cotton linters had lower crystallinity index than uncarboxylated linters. Thermal analysis of the treated and carboxylated cotton linters allowed calculation of the activation energy of thermally treated materials. It was found that the crosslinked and acid treated cotton linters had a higher activation.
Hydrothermal conversion of biomass into value-added products: Technology that mimics nature
Authors: Jin Fangming , Enomoto Heiji
Published: July 2023

The term “hydrothermal” comes originally from the field of geology. Hydrothermal reactions generally can be defined as reactions in the presence of aqueous solvents under high temperature and pressure. Such reactions played a very important role during formation of fossil fuels. On the basis of the natural phenomena, we have conducted a series of studies concerning hydrothermal conversion of biomass into value-added products. This article gives an overview of some recent advances in our research on hydrothermal conversion of biomasses, mainly including the production of low molecular weight carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid, lactic acid, and formic acid, from carbohydrate and lignocellulosic biomasses, as well as glycerin, which is a by-product of the bio-diesel fuel manufacturing process.
Breathable water-resistant linerboard coatings by electrospraying application
Authors: Ford Ericka , Popil Roman E. , Kumar Satish
Published: July 2023

Waterproofing of corrugated packaging with wax or polyethylene hinders recyclability and so is incompatible with current socioeconomic goals of sustainability. Therefore, alternative coating technologies are sought. This study describes our feasibility study of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHS) towards waterproofing corrugated boxes. Water resistance properties of electro-sprayed polymer-solvent solutions and latex systems air dried onto linerboard surface are reported. Optimization of spraying parameters led to observations of applied coating roughening on a nano-to-micron scale that correlated with increased water contact angle of the treated linerboard. An EHS latex formulation, compared to polymer solvent system, has shown better adhesion to linerboard. EHS application of latex produced a surface coating texture of droplets, which minimizes liquid water absorption, forming a nanopore matrix (of 3 – 50 nm diameter pores) that enabled the transmission of water vapor. Linerboard treated by EHS latex was advantageously found to be comparatively transpiring to water vapor at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, which is encouraging for commercial application of the technique.
Influence of alkali treatment on creep properties and crystallinity of jute fibres
Authors: Ray Dipa , Das Mahuya , Mitra Debarati
Published: July 2023

In this work, the effect of the alkali-treatment and its variables viz., time and concentration of alkali, on the creep properties of jute fibre were studied. It was demonstrated that this kind of treatment leads to several changes in fine structure, such as voids creation and fibre fibrillation. The creep behaviour was measured for the alkali treated as well as the dewaxed fibres. Creep value was much higher in the 17.5% NaOH treated fibres compared to the dewaxed fibres. In the 8 hrs treated fibres, the creep was slightly more than the 20 mins treated fibres. XRD study revealed that experimental alkali treatment conditions resulted in closer packing of cellulose chains or rather increased crystallinity. Hence closer arrangement of the molecular chains (higher crystallinity) will reduce the creep extension, as expected.
Properties of birch outer bark panels reinforced with wood strands in the surface layers
Authors: Pedieu Roger , Riedl Bernard , Pichette André
Published: July 2023

The high demand of wood as a raw material can be expected to soon lead to a severe shortage, resulting in drastic competition between various mills. This competition will be worsened by a restriction of forest cuttings in Quebec. One of the solutions to this problem would be to develop a mixed panel in which the strands of core layer are substituted by outer bark particles, and in this particular case, by particles of white birch. This type of panel could be used as siding panels and for the fabrication of boxes, bins, and commercial shelving. The objective of the present research work concerns the design, the manufacture, and the evaluation of mechanical and physical properties of this type of panel. Two manufacturing factors were taken into account: the strands orientation in the face layers and the alkali treatment made on the bark particles used in the core layer. All produced mixed panels met and exceeded almost all CAN3-0437 R-1 and O-1 property requirements. The alkali treatment of bark particles did not improve the mechanical properties of manufactured panels. The statistical analysis method that was used made it possible to choose the panel with non-oriented wood strands in the surface layers and alkali treated bark particles in the core layer as the best by taking into account only the bending strengths in both major and side axes of a panel.
Use of lignin separated from bio-oil in oriented strand board binder phenol-formaldehyde resins
Authors: Sukhbaatar Badamkhand , Steele Philip H. , Kim Moon G.
Published: July 2023

Bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis of biomass has been investigated as a renewable fuel and as a source of industrial chemicals. The lignin fraction of bio-oil produced from wood in our fast pyrolysis reactor was separated by using only water and methanol with a 25% yield based on bio-oil weight. This separation procedure appears to be of lower cost than the reported extraction procedure using ethyl acetate as solvent. The isolated pyrolytic lignin was smoothly incorporated into phenol-formaldehyde resins at 30%, 40%, and 50% phenol replacement levels, and the resultant resins were evaluated as oriented strand board core-layer binders. The evaluation results indicated that the pyrolytic lignin is effective for up to about 40% replacement of phenol in synthesizing wood adhesive type PF resins.
Lignin-stimulated protection of polypropylene films and DNA in cells of mice against oxidation damage
Authors: Košíková Božena , Lábaj Juraj
Published: July 2023

The blending of polypropylene with lignin derived from chemical wood pulp manufacture makes it possible to prepare optically transparent films (thickness 50-60μm) with acceptable mechanical properties in the absence of a commercial stabilizer. The lignin preparation in the concentration 1-2 wt% possessed the ability to act as a processing stabilizer and as an antioxidant during thermal aging of polypropylene films. A DNA-protective effect of lignin in mice testicular cells and mice peripheral blood lymphocytes against oxidation stress was examined using in vitro experiments. Hydrogen peroxide and visible light-excited methylene blue (MB) were used as DNA damaging agents. The isolated cells were preincubated with lignin before treatment with the oxidative agents. The level of breaks in the DNA was measured by a comet assay. The results showed that preincubation with lignin significantly decreased the level of strand breaks induced by both oxidants in mice lymphocytes and testicular cells.
Biodegradation of agro-wastes by some Nigerian white-rot fungi
Authors: Adejoye Oluseyi Damilola , Fasidi Isola. O.
Published: July 2023

Three white-rot fungi: Daedalea elegans, Polyporus giganteus, and Lenzites betulina were screened for their lignin degrading abilities on rice straw, maizecob, sawdust of Terminalia superba, and sugarcane bagasse at different time intervals (30, 60, and 90 days). All the fungi demonstrated varying levels of ligninolytic capability with different degrees of lignin degradation in all the fermented substrates. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the mycelia extension of Daedalea elegans grown on the different agro-industrial wastes. D. elegans gave maximum extension of 4.5 cm on sugarcane bagasse. The highest lignin reduction of 92.9% (p<0.05) was recorded in maize cob fermented with Daedalea elegans after 90 days. On the basis of lignocellulosic material degraded, it is concluded that the white-rot fungi offer a better alternative to conventional ways of disposing these waste substances. This paper considers the ability of indigenous white-rot fungi to degrade lignin as a way of using them in effective waste management.
Potential applications of ionic liquids in wood related industries
Authors: Han Shaoqin , Li Jialin , Zhu Shengdong , Chen Rui , Wu Yuanxin , Zhang Xinya , Yu Ziniu
Published: July 2023

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) has provided a new platform for efficient utilization of wood. In this paper, applications of ILs in wood-related industries are reviewed. First, the dissolution of wood in ILs and its application are described. Then the ILs used for wood preservation and improvement of wood anti-electrostatic and fire-proof properties are illustrated. Finally, “green” wood processing with ILs is discussed. Although some basic studies of ILs, such as their economical syntheses and toxicology are eagerly needed and some engineering problems still exist, research for application of ILs in wood-related industries has made great progress in recent years.
Sustainable trailer flooring
Authors: Lu John , Chorney Marc , Peterson Lowell
Published: July 2023

Different trailer flooring materials, including wood-based, aluminum, steel, and synthetic plastic floors, were evaluated in accordance with their durability and sustainability to our natural environment. Wood-based trailer flooring is an eco-friendly product. It is the most sustainable trailer flooring material compared with fossil fuel-intensive steel, aluminum, and plastics. It is renewable and recyclable. Oak, hard maple, and apitong are strong and durable hardwood species that are currently extensively used for trailer flooring. For manufacture, wood-based flooring is higher in energy efficiency and lower in carbon emission than steel, aluminum and plastics. Moreover, wood per se is a natural product that sequesters carbon. Accordingly, using more wood-based trailer flooring is effective to reduce global warming.
Radiomics in the CT diagnosis of ovarian cystic malignancies - a pilot study
Authors: Mărginean Lucian , Ștefan Paul-Andrei , Filep Rareș Cristian , Csutak Csaba , Lebovici Andrei , Gherman Diana , Lupean Roxana-Adelina , Suciu Bogdan Andrei
Published: July 2023

Background and aims. The conventional computed tomography (CT) appearance of ovarian cystic masses is often insufficient to adequately differentiate between benign and malignant entities. This study aims to investigate whether texture analysis of the fluid component can augment the CT diagnosis of ovarian cystic tumors.
Methods. Eighty-four patients with adnexal cystic lesions who underwent CT examinations were retrospectively included. All patients had a final diagnosis that was established by histological analysis in forty four cases. The texture features of the lesions content were extracted using dedicated software and further used for comparing benign and malignant lesions, primary tumors and metastases, malignant and borderline lesions, and benign and borderline lesions. Texture features’ discriminatory ability was evaluated through univariate and receiver operating characteristics analysis and also by the use of the k-nearest-neighbor classifier.
Results. The univariate analysis showed statistically significant results when comparing benign and malignant lesions (the Difference Variance parameter, p=0.0074) and malignant and borderline tumors (the Correlation parameter, p=0.488). The highest accuracy (83.33%) was achieved by the classifier when discriminating primary tumors from ovarian metastases.
Conclusion. Texture parameters were able to successfully discriminate between different types of ovarian cystic lesions based on their content, but it is not entirely clear whether these differences are a result of the physical properties of the fluids or their appartenance to a particular histopathological group. If further validated, radiomics can offer a rapid and non-invasive alternative in the diagnosis of ovarian cystic tumors.
TP53 gene implications in prostate cancer evolution: potential role in tumor classification
Authors: Schitcu Vlad Horia , Raduly Lajos , Zanoaga Oana , Jurj Ancuta , Munteanu Vlad Cristian , Budisan Liviuta , Petrut Bogdan , Braicu Cornelia , Coman Ioan , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: July 2023

Background and aims. Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is a complex disease that can be driven by alterations in both coding and noncoding genes. Recent research has identified coding and non-coding genes that are considered to play important roles in prostate cancer evolution and which may be used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. TP53 is a critical hub gene in prostate cancer. Advanced studies have demonstrated the crosstalk between coding and non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs).

Methods. In this study, we investigated the roundabout of TP53 and their regulatory miRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-141-3p) based on the TCGA data set. We validated an additional patient cohort of 28 matched samples of patients with PRAD at tissue and plasma level.

Results. Therefore, using the UALCAN online database, we evaluated the expression level in PRAD of these genes revealing overexpression of TP53. qRT-PCR validation step endorsed the expression level for these genes. Additionally, we evaluated the expression level of the four key miRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-141-3p) interconnected as a network at tissue and plasma levels.

Conclusions. Through these results, we demonstrated the essential function of TP53 and its associated miRNAs that play a significant role in tumor control, highlighting miRNAs’ potential as future therapeutic targets and biomarkers with important implications in managing prostate cancer.
Developing cancer biobanks in Romania: understanding the knowledge and recommendations in assessing a clinical dataset for biospecimens
Authors: Policiuc Liliana , Bica Cecilia , Ciocan Cristina , Leucuta Daniel Corneliu , Nutu Andreea , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: July 2023

Background and aims. In the context of the novelty of personalized medicine and biobanking in Romania, there is an acute need to analyze the degree of knowledge of the key actors in the domain. The present study sought to investigate the understanding of ‘biobanking’ and ‘personalized medicine’ in three categories of

participants in the development of a biobank – health professionals (clinicians/diagnosticians), scientific researchers, and patients, in order to identify possible faults regarding the level of information. The secondary objective of this study was to identify key elements and relevant data that should be detailed in the clinical dataset that accompanies a biological sample.

Methods. A total of 120 participants were included in this study that were divided into three categories that represent key actors in the development and management of a cancer biobank – clinicians (n=40), scientific researchers (n=40), and oncology patients (n=40).

Results. The survey indicated that the terms ‘biobank’ and ’personalized medicine’ are unknown only in a proportion of patients, while for the other two groups, these terms are already known. The second questionnaire allowed the arrangement of a recommended clinical dataset to be filled when a biological sample is provided to

be included in a cancer biobank.

Conclusions. The trust of patients and healthcare professionals in building biobanks that adhere to ethical and operational standards in Romania is important, as the development of artificial intelligence and databases allows advanced knowledge and connection of findings from different databases and, therefore, brings the concept of personalized medicine closer to the clinical practice. The information included in this dataset will be integrated and constitutes a comprehensive biobank database. All these aspects are meant to increase the utility of the specimens in cancer research, as clearly annotated samples, along with prospective data, bring valuable knowledge that helps scientific researchers and clinicians make the clinical connection between the molecular alterations and the phenotype of particular patients or a disease.
Genesis and contents of value-based human love, sexuality and family life education programme in Nigeria – I
Authors: Asuzu MC
Published: July 2023

Background: The first stand-alone sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) clinic developed in Nigeria in 1974 from the Endemic Diseases Clinic of the referral consultants’ Medical Out-Patients’ (MOP) Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. At that time, a good number of patients seen there included subjects with complications of the STDs, in both males and females. Young people were hardly seen at that clinic then. By the 1980s young people began to be seen there. Because of this, a purely preventative extra-curricular health education programme was started for secondary schools in Ibadan. The need for the programme to be value-based also evolved and all the community values in the locality were included in a values clarification component of the programme. Progression: Over time, some teachers of the adolescents as well as some of their parents showed interest in the programme and together joined the youth programme as well as developed the expanded programme for the adults, families and leadership audiences. The basis of these expansions were the participants further needs identified along the previous programme as existed. This article is a review of the programme and the in-course researches conducted on it over the 37 year old programme in this June 2023. Current programme: As of today, a full programme of 46 lecture and seminar-workshop topics has developed as well as subsidiaries thereof, run as individual lecture-seminars or as adolescents, adults, family, or advanced follow-up community leadership programmes. This article is a summary presentation of the development and contents of the programme as well as some of the within-service research products thereof. Conclusion: It is hoped that the nature and importance of this programme may be appreciated as a complement to the “value-free” ones already well known; for a truly socially healthy, free and mutually respectful world.
Comprehensive activities of daily living profile of individuals with dementia living in nursing home
Authors: Soyuer Ferhan , Süzen İrem
Published: July 2023

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to comprehensively determine the activities of daily living of elderly people with and without dementia living in nursing homes. Materials and methods: The cognitive status of the individuals participating in the study was evaluated with the trained and Untrained Mini Mental Test (MMT). Participants' Mini Mental Test total scores were divided into 3 groups as 24-28 normal, 18-23 mild dementia, and 8-17 dementia. Activities of Daily Living was evaluated with the Katz Daily Living Scale (Katz), Lawton and Broady Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Scale (EADL). Results: 106 people, 48 (45.3%) female and 58 (54.7%) male, participated in the study. It was determined that the mean age of the participants was 76.86±8.37 years, and the mean BMI was 27.47±5.36 kg/m². According to MMT; The normal group consists of 31 (29.2%), the mild dementia group consists of 43 (40.6%) and the dementia group consists of 32 (30.2%). The mean Katz score of the normal group was 17.74±0.68, the mean Kazt score of the mild dementia group was 17.46±1.42, and the mean Kazt score of the dementia group was 16.43±2.16. Katz bath activity, continence activity; It showed a statistically significant difference between MMT groups (P<0.05). The mean EADL test score was 19.03±5.061 in the normal group, 19.53±4.65 in the mild dementia group, and 15.21±5.66 in the dementia group. EGYA total scores; There was a statistically significant difference between MMT groups (P<0.05). EGYA phone, cooking, housework, laundry, travel, medicine parameters; There was a statistically significant difference between MMT groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: As MMT values of elderly individuals staying in nursing homes decrease; basic and instrumental activities of daily living are also affected.
Clinical profile, surgical approach and outcomes of children with Fontan procedure in a country with limited resources
Authors: Maloku Arlinda , Bejiqi Ramush , Mustafa Aferdita , Zeka Naim , Bejiqi Rinor
Published: July 2023

Background: For more than five decades, the Fontan or Fontan-Kreutzer procedure has been the mainstay treatment for congenital heart disease with a single functioning ventricle. Data concerning epidemiological profiles are poor, especially in countries with limited resources. Here, we present the cases of children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) born in Kosovo who underwent some forms of Fontan palliation measuring the renal resistive index (RRI) to assess ventricular function and renal complications after the Fontan procedure. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the primary pathology, age, place of surgical intervention, and outcomes of children in Kosovo, a country with limited resources, who underwent the Fontan procedure in different countries. Results: from January 2018 to December 2021, 40 patients (28 male and 12 female) aged 6 to 19 years (mean 6.03 years) after a total Cavo-pulmonary connection were examined for renal insufficiency and thrombotic complications. The renal resistive index (RRI) and hematological parameters were analyzed as criteria for possible early and late complications. Two patients only developed complications in the cohort group. In both cases, the second and third stages of surgery were performed late, at the ages of 12 and 9 years. The first patient manifested a severe form of protein-lousing enteropathy, renal insufficiency, and plastic bronchitis, while the other patient presented with initial signs of protein-lousing enteropathy and recurrent ventricular tachycardia. Conclusion: Survival after Fontan operation in our group was excellent. Survival is closely dependent on the primary diagnosis, associated anomalies, age at palliation, and place of surgery
Cyclic adenosine 3’5’monophosphate (cAMP) regulates meiotic maturation in goldfish oocytes Carassius auratus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Seraspe Ebonia B
Published: July 2023

A good understanding of the mechanism of oocyte development and maturation, and the regulatory factors involved therein are important for the success of a breeding program especially of species used in aquaculture. It is crucial in a breeding program for females to supply high quality mature oocytes, which is generally achieved by fine-tuning oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption progression. Therefore, knowledge of the oocyte maturation process is fundamental for the development of methodologies to increase the success of fish production in aquaculture. TheFigure regulations of oocyte maturation still are not totally understood. The hypothesis whether elevated levels or a drop in intraoocyte cAMP triggers resumption of meiotic maturation was investigated in denuded goldfish oocytes. In the presence of agents that elevate cAMP like forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP, isobutyl methylxanthine, maturation of denuded oocytes was inhibited. Whereas 2’deoxyadenosine-3-monophosphate, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase promoted oocyte maturation. Forskolin decreased spontaneous maturation as well as hormone-induced maturation of goldfish oocytes. At 10 µM forskolin added up to 4 h after hormonal stimulation completely inhibited oocyte maturation. Beyond 4 h, however, when oocyte maturation had already started, forskolin can no longer inhibit maturation. Intraoocyte cAMP assayed in denuded oocytes with or without hormonal stimulation decreased immediately within 30 minutes. With forskolin, it did not cause a significant decrease in cAMP not until at 4 h. The results were consistent with the findings that elevated levels of cAMP maintain meiotic arrest while a decrease in cAMP is necessary and sufficient to trigger resumption of meiotic maturation.
Dysmorphic craniofacial features in tetralogy of fallot: a case report
Authors: Bharti Anu , Ray Saugat , Datana Sanjeev , Thapa Amrit
Published: July 2023

Tetralogy of Fallot is characterised by tetrad of pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy. This case report addresses an array of craniofacial anomalies associated with an operated case of Tetralogy of Fallot.
Exploring new rock art site of cow domestication in prehistoric Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Majeed
Published: July 2023

Saudi Arabia is not only rich in its oil but also stands fourth among the richest rock art regions of the world. Thousands of human and animal petroglyphs are located all over the country. The fauna and flora in the art represented various cultural phases as well as climatic changes. Cow is among the most prominent animals shown in almost all cultural period of the country but in different forms, size and styles. The art gallery recently located at Wadi Bajdha, Tabuk area bordering the recently developed most ultramodern and unique new city of Neon represented various phases of human presences in the area.
Evaluation of the potential role of skin contact and transfer in the Maillard hypothesis of image formation on the Shroud of Turin
Authors: P Kearse Kelly
Published: July 2023

The mechanism for creation of the faint ventral and dorsal images of a man on the Shroud of Turin is unknown. It has been suggested that image formation involves oxidation and dehydration of the cellulose present in the linen, or, alternatively, that a superficial residue on the surface of the cloth is responsible for creating colored products through the Maillard reaction. One of the major criticisms of the latter hypothesis is that gaseous diffusion is not sufficient to result in the detailed bodily structures present on the cloth. Recently, it was proposed that additional substrates might also participate in the Maillard reaction, specifically proteins and amino acids present in skin, helping to increase the detail of any image produced. Understanding more fully the properties of the Shroud image is important for the preservation of this cloth for future generations. In the current report the potential contribution of skin proteins and amino acids in the Maillard hypothesis of image formation was evaluated. Using a variety of systems, these data show that detailed imaging of skin imprints may be obtained through contact transfer and interaction with reducing sugars. These results importantly extend the scope of this hypothesis and provide additional, relevant information concerning possible mechanisms for the formation of the Shroud of Turin image.
Collaborative creation methodologies between design and craftsmanship
Authors: Correia Zulmira Alves
Published: July 2023

The aim is to briefly describe the methodologies of Adélia Borges, Lia Krucken, as well as Dialogic Design by Márcia Ganem, which encompass designers' actions to revitalize handicrafts and value local products, in addition to their application in slow fashion contexts.
Innovative development of borchers remarks on the second law of thermodynamics using quasi-statistical approach to the entropy
Authors: Shahsavari Saeed , Boutorabi S M Ali
Published: July 2023

Borchers classical remarks raise important aspects of the second law of classical thermodynamics considering temperature as an integrating denominator as well as using thermal and mechanical variables classes by an innovative structural-based statement for the first law of thermodynamics.1 However, he advised seriously that his remarks need to be discussed using other approaches to entropy, and some further remarks will be very useful. Of course, the possibility of applying Borchers approach on the other entropy definitions is involved in various mathematical and physical challenges, and cannot be applied on a wide ranges of them, for example Boltzmann entropy equation. Now, due to our current knowledge on entropy, it is time that his approach and remarks be studied and developed using more general point of views of entropy. In fact, in order to study more on the basic foundations of them as well as getting closer to their standard form, it is necessary to generalize the basis of these equations based on more advanced approaches on entropy. Due to Borchers use of the classical definition of entropy to formulate his equations, he needed to base the equations on internal energy. By using other definitions of entropy, Borchers approach can be extended based on heat transfer and mechanical variables classes that can be directly measured. In this paper, using an innovative separation to the general classes of the Borchers variables, and considering Borchers thermo-dynamical system as well as due to the featured aspects of the Boltzmann entropy equation, the second law is studied using Borchers classical perspective as well as the quasi-statistical equation of entropy with a common base as Boltzmann entropy equation as well as structure-based properties as Borchers statement of the first law of thermodynamics. Finally, some further remarks are extracted and discussed.
West African medicinal plants: a review of their antimalarial activity
Authors: S Poli , K Agbodeka , E Ataba , A Alognon , MES Montant , Y Hoinsou , L Gbati , EH Gbekley , DS Karou
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants in the fight against malaria must be based on scientific results of safety and quality. However, reviews of the antiplasmodial activities of plants in West Africa in recent years are rare. This study analyzes scientific publications from 2010 to 2021 on plants traditionally used in antimalarial treatments in West Africa. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and google scholar databases using the following keywords: Malaria, Antiplasmodial activity, extract, medicinal plant, West Africa; for articles published from 2010 to 2021. These articles concern ethnobotanical studies, antiplasmodial tests, isolated molecules and toxicity tests. A total of 8 West African countries were explored and 54 papers from 2010 to 2021 were selected with 78 plants studied. Nigeria and Burkina Faso recorded more work with 28 and 7 papers respectively and studied more plants with 31, and 16 respectively. The most active extracts for in vitro tests are found in Nigeria with ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Ipomoea purpurea with respectively an Inhibitory Concentratin of 0.05 μg /mL and 0.06 μg / mL. The most active extract in vivo is found in Nigeria with the methanolic fraction of Parkia biglobosa with a 100% suppression rate at a dose of 100 mg/kg/Day. It is clear that the traditional West African pharmacopoeia is a potential source of effective phytomedicines for the management of malaria.
Utopia and education through the thought of Thomas More
Authors: Correia Miguel
Published: July 2023

This article aims to reflect on the work of Thomas More - Utopia (1516) - a timeless vision that enlightens human thought in the unpredictable world of contemporaneity. This reflection will be divided into six focuses of analysis: Organization, Land Cultivation, Private Life and Institutions, Education and Gender Relations, More’s Critics, and Parallelism between More and Comenius. Finally, it will focus on the issues of utopia and education in the world and people's lives, as well as on its meaning and usefulness to lead the world of contemporaneity, without neglecting that utopia highlights what is absent in the present and imagines what can be achieved in the future.
The Fang-Bulu-Beti (1665-1850): origin and migrations in Central Africa
Authors: Bouh  Alphonse Kisito
Published: July 2023

This research seeks to determine the starting point of the Fang-Bulu-Beti migrations of Central Africa, from the savannah to the forest. Using new African historiography, it analyzes the three main theories of common savannah origin known about this people. The first theory refers to the area around Lake Chad while another refers to the Upper Sanaga area. Cross-reading of the relevant sources, spanning the period from 1819 to 2018 reveal that that the starting point of common dispersal of the Fang-Bulu-Beti in the forest was neither in the savannahs around Lake Chad, nor in the Upper Sanaga, but in the southern Adamawa region of Cameroon. Within the period of 1665, the Fang separated from the Bulu-Beti and left that place for the forest of South-Cameroon and Gabon through the current East-region. At that same moment, certain Beti people (the Enoa, Benë and Emburi) decided to live the southern Adamawa and passed through the Mbam area to reach the forest of the current Centre region of Cameroon. The other Beti-Bulu later left that savannah environment for Upper Sanaga and for the Centre and South regions of Cameroon. Several reasons could explain this abandonment: Invasion of newly arrived people (Baare-Tchamba and Baya), some inner quarrels and the quest for enrichment towards the Atlantic coast of Kribi in the South Cameroon during 1840-1850 decade.
The correlation of the minimum wage in the economy with the minimum consumption basket in Romania
Authors: Mihăilescu Adina
Published: July 2023

The official statistics - the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) - has, among other activities, the calculation of the minimum consumption basket, the monthly update of its value with the consumer price index. NIS uses the European methodology to determine the poverty line. The minimum monthly consumption basket was introduced in Romania by "Government Emergency Ordinance no. 217 of November 24, 2000 regarding the approval of the minimum monthly consumption basket", for a household of average size considered to be 2,804 people, including all expenses necessary for living in a month through the purchase of: (1) food products, (2) non-food products and (3) services. In accordance with O.U.G. no. 217/2000 the minimum monthly consumption basket is the basis of the foundation of the minimum basic salary on the economy, the salary policy and other policies in the social field. The increase in the minimum wage was done without any objective criteria on the basis of which the increases should be made. The absence of such criteria creates a high degree of unpredictability for the business environment, companies being put in the position of not being able to estimate what the evolution of salary costs will be, which has a negative impact especially in the sectors of activity characterized by a high weight of minimum wage contracts.
Scientific studies on Krav Maga: state of the art
Authors: Andrade-Neto João Batista de 
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to analyze and synthesize the main concepts about Krav Maga in the last four decades. This is a review of the academic literature with a qualitative approach and a narrative nature. The searched databases are PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Index Medicus, Capes Platform, ProQuest Digital Dissertations, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) and Google Scholar, between the years 1982 and 2022. Empirical studies with cross-sectional, longitudinal, case, control and randomized design were included, and books and private websites were excluded. The textual corpus was processed by the IRaMuTeQ software. Forty-four studies met the eligibility criteria, of which eighteen conceptualized Krav Maga as “self-defense”, twelve as “fighting”, seven as “hand-to-hand combat”, four as “self-defense art”, three as “cultural heritage” and immaterial” and another as a “hybrid system”. The main aspects evoked and addressed in the research were: Operational and Military, Historical, Pedagogical, Psychosocial and Physiological. Most studies had low to moderate methodological quality, indicating the need for greater control of biases in future research. In addition, it was evidenced that Krav Maga is a system, or method developed for self-defense, however, it is a polysemic term, and cannot be understood in a uniform and linear way.
Students’ Arabic Prokem in the Modern Islamic School Environment
Authors: Nurhuda Zamzam , Wildan M. Wildan , Mubarok Yasir
Published: July 2023

The phenomena of using Arabic language in modern Islamic boarding schools can be various since Individuals in contemporary Islamic schools tend to communicate in Arabic for formal and informal occasions, like in Gontor, East Java, a modern Islamic boarding school. The variations of using Arabic language in Gontor can be called Arabic prokem. This problem results from the interaction of speakers from various backgrounds and environments. At the same time, those circumstances make the Arabic prokem in Gontor unique for its dialect. Therefore, library research is applied in this qualitative study using qualitative descriptive as the method. The data were collected from Bahasa Arab Khas Gontor, a book by Hisyam Zaini. This book clearly describes words, sentences, forms, and expressions spoken out by students in Gontor. The result of the study shows that the Arabic prokem used by students in Gontor comes from Indonesian vocabulary, the Arabic prokem is delivered in the form of interjection, the Arabic prokem has the changes of phoneme, and the Arabic prokem has Dhamîr pattern.
The Effect of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on Interest in Arabic Learning for College Students
Authors: Iska Zikri Neni , Fahmi Kaula , Amyn Ilham Maulana , Masruroh Siti Ummi
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of social support and self-efficacy on interest in learning Arabic in students of the general faculty of UIN Jakarta. This study used quantitative research method, and the population were students of general studies at UIN Jakarta. The samples used in this study were 152 students of the General Study Program of UIN Jakarta. The sampling technique in this study uses a non-probability sampling technique. The measuring tools used in this study are the interpersonal support evaluation list – shortened version, (GSES-12), and Interest in Academic Domain. Test the validity of the measuring instrument used using the (CFA) technique. The results of the hypothesis test show that the value of R Square = 0.50, which means that the proportion of the variance of interest in learning Arabic which is explained by all independent variables is 50.3%, while the other 49.7% is influenced by other variables not examined. Two variables positively and significantly affect interest in learning Arabic, namely tangible support and self-efficacy.
Analysis of Teaching Materials for Arabic Textbooks for Islamic Junior High School Based on CEFR Standards
Authors: Khambali Khambali , Asrori Imam , Rosyidi Abdul Wahab , Nurhasanah Nurhasanah
Published: July 2023

Today Arabic is no longer the language of the Islamic holy book but has become an international language, the ministry of religion revised the curriculum by adding a special point, namely Arabic learning is directed at communicative. The research method used is content analysis with a qualitative approach. The data collection technique is documentation, while the aim is to determine the suitability of MTs textbooks with CEFR standard measuring instruments. From the results of the analysis it was found that the content of the MTs Arabic textbook material was generally at the level of A1-A2 on the CEFR standard, this level was in accordance with the needs of MTs students, but in terms of presentation it was still not appropriate because the portion of the material was still dominated by understanding the text. it is necessary to readjust the preparation of material that focuses more on the Arabic language needs of students and more contextual and provides a larger portion of language skills practice activities.
Arabic Language and Coaching: Efforts to Students’ Completion in Master of Arabic Education
Authors: Arifin Syamsul , Nisa Mauidlotun , Suparno Darsita
Published: July 2023

This study aims to reveal the coaching efforts made by lecturers, supervisors, and examiners of Arabic Language Masters Department (MPBA) students at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. This research is qualitative with a psychological approach. The primary data of this study were MPBA students who had dropped out but they succeeded in passing the last limit of their study period. In addition, the primary source of this research is the supervisor and examiner who intensively provide coaching to these students. Secondary data of this research are documents and information related to student conditions from the head of the department and staff as well as literature relevant to the research topic. The findings of this study are first, there are four stages carried out in the implementation of the GROW coaching model from Goal, Reality, Option, and Will. The Goal is graduating on time, Reality is position and condition of study progress, Option is insights to choose the best strategy, and Will is willing to complete studies. Second, even though they were late in completing their work, the quality of their thesis was quite acceptable and good. This proves that extrinsic motivation greatly affects their performance in thesis writing and overcoming difficulties in studying Arabic. The academic community's role in encouraging and motivating students is very large.
Analysis of Arabic Teaching Books Class X with Praxeology Approach
Authors: Khalid Shofa Musthofa , Maulani Hikmah , Saleh Nalahuddin , Imaduddin Muhammad Faris , Maimun RNM Eneng Komariyah , Taufik Ijlal Haziel
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine whether the material for specialization Arabic textbooks published by the Directorate KSKK the Ministry of Religion Affairs is interactive and can be used for high school level students and their relevance to student abilities. The research method used in this research is a qualitative-descriptive method with a literature study design. There is two technique collection; primary sources in the form of Arabic textbooks for class X published by the Directorate KSKK the Ministry of Religion Affairs, and secondary sources in the form of books and journals relevant to related topics. From the results of the analysis carried out, it was concluded that this book was not deemed feasible and suitable for use by students as teaching materials that could support the achievement of the objectives of learning Arabic, both in terms of theory and practice. So it is necessary to make improvements, in terms of content. Hopefully, these findings can become a reference and have positive implications in correcting existing deficiencies.
Feasibility Study of Integrated Arabic Bilingual Book at Islamic Elementary School
Authors: Putri Neli , Febriani Suci Ramadhanti , Mustika Dela , Yassirli Ulfa , Bedra Kddour Guettaoi
Published: July 2023

The book “I Love Arabic” is a learning resource used in Arabic lessons for Class IV Dâr El-Iman Islamic Elementary School in Padang. This book is based on a bilingual system, namely by presenting Arabic and English study materials. This bilingual Arabic book is still a new category, so the content and presentation of the material need to be analyzed for its feasibility and suitability aspects with the character of bilingual books and the demands of the applicable curriculum. This study aims to analyze the bilingual book from the perspective of the feasibility of its content and presentation. This library research used a qualitative approach with secondary data. The main reference used the Bilingual Book “I Love Arabic & English” Class IV Dâr El-Iman Padang textbooks and other relevant additional references. Data was collected through recording documentation in observation and content analysis. The data analysis technique used follows Miles and Huberman. The results identified: First, the content qualifications of the bilingual book “I Love Arabic & English” Class IV published by Dâr el-Iman are in the very proper category with a score of 75%. Second, the presentation of the material is in a feasible category with a percentage score of 65%. This book still needs to be refined to suit the character of a bilingual-based textbook.
Arabic Teaching and Learning in Matriculation Program for Al-Azhar Student’s Candidate
Authors: Ghufron Zaki , Anwar Endang Saeful , Alawiyah Azizah , Mufrodi Mufrodi
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyze Arabic learning material conducted by Pusiba and El-Darosah, which are official institutions for language studies for preparing prospective students who want to study in the Middle East, especially Egypt. This institution prepared language skills, aspects of mentality, and Islamic and national insight based on Al-Azhar's vision. This research was qualitative, using content analysis and sociolinguistic approaches, in which the study of a language was not only limited to the involvement of intrinsic as structure’s perceptions, but also extrinsic aspects, such as social, cultural, economic, political and others were done by post-structuralism. This research showed that the Pusiba and El-Darosah institutions as their official representatives have succeeded in explaining the identity of Al-Azhar, that is wasatiyah (moderate) Islamic views contained learning texts which were the main axis in learning Arabic such as al-Islam wa Huriyah al-‘Aqidah, al-‘Adl fi al-Islâm, al-‘Adl fi Mu’âmalah Ahl al-Diyânât al-Ukhrâ, Samâhah al-Islam ma’a Ahl al-Diyânât al-Ukhrâ, Mafhûm al-Huriyah fi al-Islam, al-Hiwâr ma’a al-Âkhar, and Al-Azhar wa Wasathiyah al-Islam, which were presented in several steps of Arabic learning books developed by Al-Azhar university.
Arabic Language Learning Model Based on Sharf Serap Nalar Ibadah (SSNI): Increasing Understanding of Al-Qur’an
Authors: Maswani Maswani , Abdul Wahab Muhbib , Fudhaili Achmad
Published: July 2023

This study aims to develop an Arabic language learning model based on the Sharf Serap Nalar Ibadah (SSNI) approach to improve the understanding of Quranic Arabic (BAQ) for learning citizens. This study also tested its validity, feasibility, and effectiveness. This research is a research and development (R&D) type with the ADDIE model. The research data source consisted of qualitative data in the form of interviews with experts in the field of Arabic learning materials and design, 3 instructors, 18 learning residents, and 2 BAQ alumni, in addition to the results of the analysis of BAQ learning documents. The qualitative data were analyzed using the Spradley model. While quantitative data is in the form of questionnaires from experts, instructors, learning residents, and BAQ learning outcomes which are analyzed using a Likert scale and descriptive statistics. The research findings show that the Arabic language learning model is based on the approach Sharf Absorption of Worship Reason (SSNI) very valid, feasible to use, and effectively increases understanding of mufradât BAQ in various word forms (sharfî) and sentence structures (nahwi) in order to understand the meaning and translation of the verses of the Al-Quran and the Hadith of the Prophet SAW., understand the readings of daily prayers and prayers, so that they can be more solemn in worship, accompanied by learning fun with the average value of the experimental class reaching 82.2 and the control class value of 73.6 with a difference in the value of 8.4, and the accumulated value or practicality average of 84.92% (practical category).