bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies in Applying the Religious Character of Students to Distance Learning
Authors: Mellawati Aldiyah
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the strategy of SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Tulangan in applying the religious character of students in distance learning. This study uses descriptive qualitative research methods. The data collection technique in this study was through interviews, documentation and observation, while the triangulation used in this study was technical triangulation. In online learning, SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Tulangan has implemented an online learning strategy using the help of technology and communication tools. Religious character is needed by students in dealing with changing times and moral degradation. Kemuhammadiyahan lessons are considered strategic to be disseminated to every student in Muhammadiyah schools. Morning activity is an activity that is routinely carried out every morning by reading the Qur'an or usually referred to as the morning prayer and dhuha prayer as an effort to strengthen the value of the religious character of the students of SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Tulangan.
Learning Strategies at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Waru During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Muwaffiq Mas Abdul Syakar Dimas , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

Education has a urgent role in the development of a nation, including the Indonesian nation. Learning strategy is a plan, method and set of activities that are planned to achieve learning objectives. SD Muhammadiyah 1 Waru has good learning and technological facilities that support it. However, during the COVID- 19 pandemic, there has been a change in learning strategies in the teaching and learning process. Muhammadiyah 1 Waru Elementary School during the COVID- 19 pandemic uses online and offline learning strategies. So that teachers are required to be more creative and able to use technology well. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. . The technique of collecting data in this research is through interviews, documentation, and observation, while the triangulation used in this study is technical triangulation. From the results of the research that I made in this regard, it can be concluded that SD Muhammadiyah 1 Waru uses online and offline learning strategies. The online system is used for low grades, namely 1, 2, 3 and 4. The offline system is used for high grades, namely grades 5 and 6.
Application of Bilingual Classroom Learning to English Language Skills at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Gempol Elementary School Students
Authors: Shabrina Friza Brillianty , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

This study aims to determine the history of the bilingual class and the application of bilingual class learning at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Gempol. The research process uses data collection methods with interviews and observations. The subject of this research is the Principal of SD Muhammadiyah 1 Gempol. The focus in this research is how the history or the beginning of the bilingual class and how the implementation of bilingual class learning. Based on the results of the research, the bilingual class at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Gempol is a class that uses 2 languages in its delivery, namely Indonesian and English which were initiated by the principal at the SD and as a different brand than other schools in the Gempol area. The application of bilingual classroom learning uses 3 additional lessons using books with Cambridge Curriculum Singapore. Read, write, and count selections are made for students who will enter the bilingual class. There is a change in the requirements for bilingual classes that are carried out so that their implementation can be carried out properly.
Learning Strategies at SD 8 Muhammadiyah Reinforcement during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aprilia Friska , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

This research is motivated by the regulation of the Ministry of Education and Culture regarding the implementation of education during Covid-19 pandemic which requires the implementation of distance learning using online learning media. The purpose of this study was to find out the history of school formation, differences in learning before and after pandemic, challenges faced and learninf strategies implemented by SD 8 Muhammadiyah Tulangan during Covid-19 pandemic. The method used is qualitative with the observation, interview, question and answer. The results of thsi study can be concluded that SD 8 Muhammadiyah has a combination of learning strategies between face to face learning and online learning or what is commonly referred to blended learning method. The blended learning methods that is implemented in SD 8 Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo are conducting learning activities through zoom application for better material delivery and conducting study visits to students’ homes directly to share opinions and views between teacher, parents, and students as well as to find out advantages and disadvantages of online learning so far.
Strategy for the Implementation of Blended Learning at MTs Muhammadiyah 1 Taman
Authors: Faramida Shafa Ayu , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

This research is about what learning strategies were used during the Covid-19 pandemic at MTS Muhammadiyah 1 Taman. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the conventional learning process. With that, this research was conducted to determine the learning strategies carried out at the school. This research use desciptive qualitative approach. The purpose of the research was to obtain an overview of the implementation of online learning at MTS Muhammadiyah 1 Taman as an effort to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The data source used is the primary data source. he informant in this is the Principal of Madrasah Mts Muhammadiyah 1 Taman. Data collection techniques used include interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the learning strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic uses the Blendid Learning strategy which is carried out face-to-face and online. With this strategy, students can enter school on a predetermined schedule in turn. This strategy is very efficient because in addition to students being able to do face-to-face learning with the teacher in the classroom, they can also access the material provided online wherever they are. When students do not understand the material provided, they can discuss it in person in class or online. Of course, this is very beneficial for both educators and students, because learning will be very comfortable and more effective.
Learning Strategies at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Taman during the Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors: Purwanto Syilviana Eka , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

This study aims to determine the learning strategies during the pandemic at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Taman, namely learning from home or distance learning. This research uses descriptive qualitative method. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of online learning during the Covid19 pandemic has various problems experienced by teachers, students, and parents. The problems of teachers are in the form of weak mastery of IT and limited access to supervision of students, from students in the form of inactivity in participating in online learning, limited supporting facilities and internet network access, while parents have limited time to accompany their children during online learning.
Learning Strategies for SD Muhammadiyah 2 Waru During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Diniyah Elfin Nur , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

This research was conducted to find out changes in the education sector caused by one of the viruses that is quite prevalent today, namely the corona virus which is widely known by the public as Covid-19. By using the method of data collection and interviews. The educational process that initially used face-to-face activities carried out in schools has now become online that can be done at home, where students and teachers use online methods through various fairly sophisticated applications. Advances in information technology are very supportive in the learning process during the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes it easier for students to access various materials presented by the teacher. The purpose of the study was to determine the learning strategies used at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Waru during the Covid-19 pandemic. And naming the character of students in accordance with the Muhammadiyah curriculum and pioneering the progress and development of education, as well as various parties in improving the quality of education at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Waru. The results of the study show that the strategy used by SD Muhammadiyah 2 Waru at this time is to use online learning methods which are carried out online and offline learning which is carried out face-to-face in accordance with school rules and regulations and apply fairly strict health protocols. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the world of education. As well as advances in information technology that has been very advanced connecting students and teachers in using various applications such as whatsapp groups, google class and zoom. Apart from that, many people are paying attention to the current prokes.
The Influence of Online Learning on the Development of Students at SD Muhammadiyah 5 Porong During the Covid Pandemic
Authors: Putri May Lucyana Kartono , Amrullah Muhlasin
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the online learning process. So a solution is needed to answer these problems. Online learning can solve this problem. The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of online implementation at Muhammadiyah 5 Porong Elementary School. The research method used the interview method by asking questions to 1 respondent. Based on the data it was found that all students did online learning and it was carried out according to their respective lesson schedules. The material information obtained through online learning is not effective for elementary school age children. The media used during online learning and the majority use the Google Classroom and Google Meet systems. Although this system can be used as a solution for conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, several obstacles such as unstable internet networks, limited quotas, and others. In conditions of an outbreak Covid-19, online learning can be used with consideration of students' conditions, so they will get used to adjusting to the online system, learning can be done well. In addition, this online system can be used additional experiences for students in the future.The positive influence can be done anywhere and anytime according to the existing conditions. Because more time is spent at home, online learning can also increase the closeness between students and their parents. The negative influence of students who complain about the ineffectiveness of online learning, such as too many assignments, different internet networks for each student, difficulty understanding the material provided by the teacher, students also get bored quickly, and many others.
Learning Strategies at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rahmawati Syahfrina
Published: October 2021

This research is a qualitative research which aims to obtain an overview of the implementation of online learning at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo as an effort to suppress the spread of Covid-19 in the school environment. The research subjects were students of SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo. Data were collected by direct interviews. The results showed that: (1) students have taken turns learning online at home and offline (2) online learning has flexibility in its implementation and is able to encourage the emergence of independent learning and motivation to be more active in learning; and (3) distance learning encourages the emergence of social distancing behavior and minimizes the appearance of student crowds so that it is considered to reduce the potential for the spread of Covid-19 in the school environment.
The Effect of Using an Animation Video in Writing Recount Text at SMK Antartika 1 Sidoarjo
Authors: Istiqomah Eka Nofa Ayu
Published: October 2021

The objectives of this research are to find out whether there is any effect and significant difference achievement of students in writing recount text between before and after being taught by using an animation video and how the students’ respon toward the use of an animation video in teaching writing recount text. The research was conducted at SMK Antartika 1 Sidoarjo. Sample of this study is students in first grade TPM 6 class. The method that is used in this research is quantitative method with pre-experimental design. To get the data, the researcher gave pre-test and post-test to the students. The researcher used an animation video in teaching writing recount text. An essay is given by the researcher to the students to know the effect of the students after used an animation video. Based on the result of the research, there are some research findings that can be represented. First, there is significant difference achievement of students in writing recount text. Second, the students’ understanding give a positive respon toward the use of an animation video. In conclusion, the use of holiday animation video gives a significant difference on the students’ achievement in writing recount text and the students’ respon of the use of an animation video in teaching writing recount text are positive.
Short Film Animation As Media For Teaching Writing Descriptive Text
Authors: Faizah Dona Nur , Novita Dian
Published: October 2021

This research is to know the effects of the use of short film animation as media for teaching writing descriptive text for 7thgrade students at Junior High School. The method that used in this study was Quasi-Experimental, which are conducted an experimental class and control class. Based on the results of statistical calculations, the average score in the experimental class the pre-test value is lower than the post-test. Meanwhile, in the control class the average pre-test and post-test results were still as low. The t-test results showed that the tv value was higher than the table (3.80> 1,999) with 62 degrees of freedom and a significance level of 5%. That is, the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted and the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected. So, the use of animated short films gives effect in writing descriptive text.
GIST Strategy Effect on Reading Descriptive Text
Authors: Renjani Kusmaning Ayu Dewi , Nuroh Ermawati Z
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study to find out whether there is a significant effect of GIST strategy to teach reading comprehension in descriptive text of seven grade students. This study uses quantitative method. The study usedtrue experimental which took two classes randomly, VII I as experimental class and VII H as control class. The instrument used a test. The result showed from a mean of the pretest in experimental class is 75.13 and posttest is 86.94. The researchers used the ttest formula to calculate the results of the data and hypothesis. The result of tvalue is higher than a ttable,ttest is 3.415 higher than ttable 1.994 with degree freedom 70 and level significance 5%. It means that the Ha is accepted and H0is rejected. The concluded there is a significant effect of GIST strategy to teach reading comprehension of seven grade students at SMPN 4 Sidoarjo.
The Role of Principal Leadership in Improving the Work Ethic of Islamic Religious Education Teachers (Pai) at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo
Authors: Gafur Abdul
Published: October 2021

The teacher is the transformational media of all the knowledge needed by students. In addition, the role of teachers is very much needed especially in Islamic-based schools that always pay attention and prioritize students to continue their studies in college. To get closer and to build with high enthusiasm for the achievement of the priorities above, the researcher conducted research at second grade of Elementary School in Sidoarjo by knowing more about the  leadership  style  of  the  principal  in  improving  the  work  ethic  of  Islamic  Education teachers. This study is entitled "The leadership role of school principals in improving the work ethic of Islamic Religious Education teachers at second grade of Elementary School in Sidoarjo". This research is a qualitative study, through a phenomenological approach that is a qualitative  research  approach  rooted  in  philosophical  and  psychological  and  focuses  on human life experiences (sociology) that produce descriptive data in the form of written or oral data from observable people's behavior. The form of research is descriptive qualitative research, namely research that describes an object relating to the problem conducted without Role, leadership, principals,  teachers’ work ethicasking research variables.The results of research on the role of principals in improving the work ethic of teachers of Islamic Education are as follows: (1) as educators: principals must have the right strategy to improve the work ethic of teachers and professional educators. (2) as a manager at school: the task of the manager is to plan something that can improve the work ethic of the teachers of Islamic Education and the quality of education, in addition the manager also organizes educational resources that have not been organized in order to unite in implementing education and control the implementation of educational outcomes . (3) as a motivator: the principal has a very close relationship with various activities in the school, such as providing motivation and encouragement, so the teacher is more disciplined and has a work spirit.
ISSUES AMONG NOVICE TEACHERS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Zakaria Sofiah , Saidin Khaliza , Mohamad Rozi
Published: October 2021

Issues and problems faced by novice teachers have long been questions of great interest in the field of education and are still receiveing considerable critical attention amongst players in the field. Hence, this study seeks to explore the issues and problems faced by novice teachers. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine 13 local journal articles written on the subject of novice teachers from 2006 to 2015. Data were then grouped into themes  to identify issues and problems faced by novice teachers. Findings of this study showed that issues faced by novice teachers include issues related to efficacy, classroom and student behaviour management, professional development, competency, commitment, stress, and support among novice teachers. Based on the findings, more studies on mentoring aspect should be carried out to assist novice teachers to start off their teaching career and provide them with necessary emotional and motivational support to improve their teaching in schools.
THE ROLE OF MOBILE PHONE AND POWERPOINT IN ENHANCING WRITING SKILLS: LECTURERS’ REFLECTIONS
Authors: Siddique Muhammad , Singh Manvender Kaur Sarjit
Published: October 2021

These day mobile phones are being resorted to as indispensable pedagogical tools for imparting language skills to the present day students who are termed as ‘Generation Y’, ‘Net Generation’ and above all ‘Digital Natives’. Mobile phones have the potential to be reliable pedagogical tool to teach writing which is the most neglected skills to the intermediate students. The current paper examines the perceptions of two lecturers regarding the use of mobile phones and PowerPoint in teaching descriptive essay writing skills to intermediate students at M.A.O. College, Lahore. The qualitative data for this purpose was collected by means of semi-structured interviews from those two lecturers who taught experimental as well as control groups respectively. The findings of the study indicated that the lecturer of experimental group was very much in favour of mobile phones to be incorporated in the teaching writing class. Even the lecturer of control group favoured the use of new technology as she was not in favour of PowerPoint to be used for teaching writing skills. Moreover, the findings of the study indicated that the mobile phones can very easily, successfully and conveniently be employed as pedagogical tool to impart writing skills as they can motivate the lecturers for teaching as well as the students for learning the writing skills.
МАЛОЕ ИННОВАЦИОННОЕ ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСТВО В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БЕЛАРУСЬ: СОСТОЯНИЕ, ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ
Authors: КРУПСКИЙ Д. , ХАУСТВОИЧ. Н.
Published: October 2021

В статье раскрывается содержательный аспект инновационного предпринимательства, представлена характеристика отдельных видов субъектов инновационной инфраструктуры. Проанализированы сильные стороны, обозначены проблемы развития инновационного предпринимательства, а также представлено свое видение условий активизации инновационного предпринимательства в Республике Беларусь.
THE ECONOMICS OF INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCE (ISA): AN ASSESSMENT OF TRANSACTION COST ECONOMICS AND ALLIANCE OUTCOMES
Authors: VASICHEVA. А.
Published: October 2021

One way to achieve successful functioning of strategic alliance is to ensure that partner
firms are satisfied. The main task of this research is to measure the interrelationship and correlations between strategic alliance motivations, transaction cost economics, and its strategic alliance outcomes. The main goal is to identify the key factors that influence the economics of strategic alliance. Four hypotheses were tested. The data was assessed using different statistical methods. The positive outcomes significantly outweigh the negative ones.
Coordination of Hospitals in the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Neidel Tobias , Heins Jakob , Herrmann Katharina , Martignoni André , Zinsmeister Thomas , Dettmar Roland , Pukelsheim Markus , Brunner Jens O. , Heller Axel R.
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe second wave of Corona-Pandemic posed the German Healthcare system to a major challenge. Due to the fast and wide spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in November 2020, the number of COVID-19-patients needing intensive care treatment was rapidly growing. Transferring patients between hospitals was necessary to prevent an overflow of treatment capacities within the ambulance district of Augsburg. This project aimed to create a coordination structure that ensures an efficient guiding of all hospitals within the ambulance district Augsburg.Material and methodsAn executive order of the Bavarian ministries of health and internal affairs1 lead to the appointment of a Medical Director of Hospital Coordination (MDHC) within each ambulance district. Each hospital had to nominate a pandemic officer (PO). Based on the executive order and the “disaster management manual 100”2 we established a hospital coordination structure for the ambulance district Augsburg.ResultsBetween October 18th 2020, and February 14th 2021, the staff of the MDHC coordinated 407 transfers of patients. 223 patients were treated on a general ward, 184 on intensive care units. The transfers prevented several impending triage situations. Using the coordination structure, the urgent reduction of a COVID-19 intensive care unit of a level 1 hospital from 7 to 2 beds was managed within 4 hours after alarm. ConclusionsBased on the “disaster management manual 100”2 we were able to establish a hospital coordination structure that can withstand high pressure and ensured that impending triage situations were prevented. Urgent shortages of treatment capacities were balanced through the transfer of patients. The major problem was the lack of intensive care personnel.
Electrocoagulation-Intensified Peroxidation of Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater: A Parametric Study and Process Optimization
Authors: Toh Yoke Peng , Bashir Mohammed JK , Guo Xinxin , Wong Lai Peng , Ozturk Dilara , Amr Salem S. Abu , Lim Jun Wei
Published: October 2021

In this research, electrocoagulation intensified peroxidation (ECP) using Aluminium electrode was studied as a post-treatment method for poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) with 4 operational variables (pH, current density, contact time and H2O2 dosage). Optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experimental data were analyzed via analysis of variance and a second order model was developed to test the effects of process parameters on the treatment performance. The optimum conditions were chosen as; pH 5.83, 0.18 g/L H2O2 dosage, 58.60 min. contact time and current density 4.21 mA/cm2. The compatibility of the predicted optimum conditions has been verified by experimental data. As a result of the experiments performed under optimum conditions, COD, TSS and color removals were found to be 97.89%, 99.31% and 98.56%, respectively. The difference between experimental and predicted values ​​was found to be less than 0.86%. The final treated effluent met the discharge standards determined by the World Bank, EU, US and Malaysian Department of Environment for SWWs. Under optimum conditions to treat 1 cubic meter of SWW was calculated as 2.52 MYR ($ 0.58).
The Comparative Effectiveness of Adult Mosquito Sampling Methods Dealing With Odor-baited Resting Box Traps in a Malaria-endemic Area in Southern Iran
Authors: Kazemi Seyed Hassan Moosa , Salari Yousef , Shahosseini Nariman , Fekri Sajad , Raeisi Ahmad , Khosravani Mousa , Safari Reza , Rafatpanah Azam , Asgarian Tahereh Sadat , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIran is under threat of a potential outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika. The study aimed to determine the efficiency and sustainability of some adult mosquito sampling methods for designing effective entomological surveillance systems in a malaria endemic area.MethodsDifferent rates of tap water, sugar, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were mixed to provide CO2. Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens Bandar Abbas strains were reared in the insectary and used for tests. On a lab scale, CO2 orientation experiments were performed using a Y-tube olfactometer on the insectary mosquito strains. In the field trial, human landing catches (HLC), artificial pit shelter (APS), CO2-baited trap (CO2-BT), human and cow odor baited resting boxes (HOBT, COBT), cow urine baited trap (CUBT), and colored un-baited box (UB) were studied in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, south of Iran. Mean densities of An. stephensi and Cx. pipiens insectary strains, which oriented to CO2 as flowrate of 170, and 300 mL/minute was significantly higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The black un-baited inbox resting traps significantly more collected wild mosquito species compared to others colored UB (P ˂ 0.05). ResultsA total of 2722 collected mosquitoes comprises Culex pipiens (48.56%), Anopheles fluviatilis s.l.(14.21%), An. stephensi (11.68%), Cx. theileri (9.95%), Aedes caspius (7.01%), An. dthali (6.79%) An. culicifacies s.l. , An. pulcherrimus, An. sergentii,An. superpictus s.l., Cx. sitiens and, Ae.caspius less than 1%. Anopheles stephensi and, An.sergenti were most collected in CUBT. Anopheles fluviatilis s.l. and Ae. caspius were most found in HLC. Anopheles dthali, Cx. pipiens and, Cx. theileri were most abundant in APS. ConclusionsBlack CUBT and APS methods can be suggested as a perfect sampling strategy for malaria vectors surveillance. APS, and HLC methods were found useful to entomological surveillance systems for arboviral and filarial vector-borne diseases. Further modified sampling methods should be devoted to identify more effective sampling methods.
Multi-scale Oscillation Characteristics and Stability Analysis of Pumped-Storage Unit Under Primary Frequency Governing Condition with Low Water Head Grid-Connected
Authors: Xu Yanhe , Zhao Kunjie , Zhou Jianzhong , Zhang Yongchuan , Liu Wei , Sun Weipeng
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to study the stability of low water head grid-connected primary frequency governing condition (PFGC) of pumped-storage unit (PSU). Firstly, a nonlinear mathematical model of the pumped-storage unit governing system (PSUGS) considering the nonlinear characteristics of water head loss and fifth-order synchronous generator is proposed, and the nonlinear state equation in power control mode is derived. On this basis, the PFGC bifurcation characteristics of the governing system coupled with the first-order and third-order synchronous generator models are explored, and the action mechanism of the excitation characteristics in the nonlinear PSUGS model is proposed in this paper on the nonlinear dynamic response of the system is revealed. Furthermore, the transient characteristics of the nonlinear PSUGS considering the fifth-order synchronous generator model under different water head conditions are studied, the multi-scale oscillation characteristics and stability of the PSUGS under low water head PFGC are analyzed, and the influence laws of hydraulic factors, mechanical factors and electrical factors on the stability of the nonlinear PSUGS are revealed. The results show that under the PFGC, the nonlinear PSUGS meets the supercritical Hopf bifurcation. The high frequency wavelet is excited by the generator excitation system in the PFGC oscillation of the governing system. At the same time, the low-frequency wavelet in the PFGC transient oscillation is mainly caused by the power grid stability and maps with the water hammer effect in the dynamic process. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for the stability analysis and optimal governing of low water head PFGC of PSU.
Long-term Drought Reconstruction for Beijing since the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 2019)
Authors: Tang Lingyun , Sangster Heather , Macdonald Neil
Published: October 2021

A greater appreciation of historical sources documenting the weather has been achieved during recent decades, recognising their value in understanding and interpreting long-term climate change, their application and utility for improving climate models and the opportunities they offer for a deeper consideration of societal responses to past climatic events. Using a variety of historical archives, the drought history of Beijing is extended back to 1368, and a new reconstructed instrumental monthly precipitation series presented from 1724-present (2019). This combined instrumental and documentary analysis permits an opportunity to explore past droughts and the inter-relationships between physical, social, and cultural drought impacts. The Standardised Precipitation Index (1724-2019) is augmented with a long-term historical drought classification (1368-2000) based on drought impacts (using a 5-class drought index). Long precipitation reconstruction enables both short- (monthly) and long-term (decadal) drought variability to be robustly assessed for Beijing since the Ming Dynasty, identifying a series of historically severe droughts of comparable severity to recent events, but with a range of varying social and cultural impacts.
Municipal Waste in the European Union: A Data Envelopment Analysis and a Convergence Analysis at the Regional Level
Authors: Chioatto Elisa , Fedele Alberto , Sospiro Paolo
Published: October 2021

Sustainable Waste Management (SWM) is key to achieving a full Circular Economy (CE). Monitoring the transformation path that the European Union (EU) Member States (MSs) are undertaking is, in fact, critical to assessing the impact and effectiveness of recent European waste legislation. Despite several studies have demonstrated positive performance and convergence in the treatement of waste at EU-MS level, efficiency evaluation analysis at regional level is still scant. This research attempts to benchmark Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management performance of 167 NUTS-2 regions in 20 EU-MSs between 2008-2013, and assess whether is there any positive convergence between EU regions. The efficiency assessment is done with 4 different models of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) - Benefit-of-Doubt (BoD), a non-parametric approach. The measurement is presented by the Composite Indicators (CI) which considers the multi-criteria of the main waste treatments. Our results reveal that despite a progressive convergence, still substantial differences in MSW management performances exist between EU-20 regions, even within the same country. Particularly, the analysis demonstrates that best performers are registered in Central and Northern EU NUTS-2 regions, while Eastern and Southern EU NUTS-2 regions performed generally worse.
Occurrence of Eimeria Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt, with a Special Key
Authors: Hussein Nermean Moamen , Rabie Soheir Ahmed , Abuelwafa Wafaa Ade-Eldaiem
Published: October 2021

A total of 200 domestic rabbits were collected from Qena Governorate, Egypt, from October 2018 to October 2020. Their fecal samples were tested for the presence of Eimeria species oocysts using the standard flotation technique, which revealed oocysts in 100 rabbits (50%). The following 11 species of Eimeria were examined morphologically and morphometrically from different parts of the rabbits’ intestine (duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum): Eimeria coecicola, E. exigua, E. flavescens, E. irresidua, E. magna, E. media, E. perforans, E. intestinalis, E. stiedae, E. vejdovskyi, and E. piriformis. Moreover, the endogenous stages of E. intestinalis were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Macrogametogenesis and microgametogenesis were clearly observed. The development of microgamonts, macrogametes, and oocysts with their fine structural characteristics was detected. Additionally, a detailed key for each species is provided according to the common morphological characters such as the presence or absence of oocyst and sporocyst residua as well as conspicuous or inconspicuous micropyle. E. stiedae, E. irresidua, and E. vejdovskyi are reported for the first time in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Omentum Containing Gas Misdiagnosed as Perforation of Hollow Organs
Authors: Nie Shiwen , He Yadong , Zhang Shuo , Cao Fenghong
Published: October 2021

BackgroundInflammatory pseudotumors that grow on the omentum are relatively rare, and inflammatory pseudotumor most often involves the lung. As far as we know, the inflammatory pseudotumor of omentum, which is in the shape of beaded vesicles and contains gas, has never been reported in the literature. Case presentationwe report a 45-year-old Chinese woman who complained of epigastric pain with hematemesis for 9 hours, physical examination showed subxiphoid tenderness, previous history of gastric ulcer and repair of gastric perforation, laboratory examination showed slight increase of white blood cells and decrease of hemoglobin. Computed tomography showed dotted free gas in the abdominal cavity, and the perforation of the hollow organs was considered. The pathological results after emergency operation showed that histiocyte aggregation with multinucleated giant cell reaction could be seen in the omental tissue. Immunohistochemistry :ER (-), PR (-), PAX-8 (-), CK (mesothelial+), MC (mesothelial+), CR (mesothelial+), CD68 (histiocyte+), SMA (smooth muscle+). The abdominal pain was relieved after surgical resection of the tumor, and recovered well after symptomatic treatment.ConclusionInflammatory pseudotumor of omentum containing gas is easily diagnosed as perforation of hollow organs, with few clinical manifestations of acute abdomen, mostly non-specific, and a good prognosis. Understanding its clinicopathological features and pathological examination methods are helpful to diagnose the disease, so as to choose an appropriate treatment plan, and whether surgical treatment is better than conservative treatment remains to be further studied. The disease should be distinguished from perforation of hollow organs, but the source of gas is unknown. It may have something to do with past medical history.
Same Age, Different Patient Generation: Aging With Severe Mental Illness With First Admission Pre- or Post the Deinstitutionalization of Psychiatric Care in Sweden
Authors: Bülow Pia H. , Finkel Deborah , Wilinska Monika , Torgé Cristina Joy , Jegermalm Magnus , Bravell Marie Ernsth , Bülow Per
Published: October 2021

Background: The concept of deinstitutionalization started in the 1960s in the US to describe closing down or reducing the number of beds in mental hospitals. The same process has been going on in many countries but with different names and in various forms. In Europe, countries like Italy prescribed by law an immediate ban on admitting patients to mental hospitals while in some other European countries psychiatric care was reorganized into a sectorized psychiatry characterized by open psychiatric care. This sectorization has not been studied to the same extent as the radical closures of mental hospitals, even though it entailed major changes organization of care. The deinstitutionalization in Sweden is connected to the sectorization of psychiatric care, a protracted process taking years to implement. Methods: Older people, with their first admission to psychiatric care before or after the sectorization process, were followed using three different time metrics: (a) year of first entry into a mental hospital, (b) total accumulated time of inpatient care, and (c) changes resulting from aging. Data from surveys in 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011 were used, together with National registers. Results: Examination of date of first institutionalization and length of stay indicates a clear break in 1985, the year when the sectorization was completed in the studied municipality. The results show that the two groups, despite belonging to the same age group (birthyears 1910 – 1951, mean birthyear 1937), represented two different patient generations. The pre-sectorization group was institutionalized at an earlier age and accumulated more time in institutions than the post-sectorization group. Compared to the post-sectorization group, the pre-sectorization group were found to be disadvantaged in that their level of functioning was lower, and they had more unmet needs, even when diagnosis was taken into account.Conclusions: Sectorization is an important divide which explains differences in two groups of the same age but with different institutional history: “younger” and “older” patient generations that received radically different types of care. The results indicate that the sectorization of psychiatric care might be as important as the Mental Health Care Reform of 1995, although a relatively quiet revolution.
Roles of Fas/FasL and Complement Activation in Adult Patients With Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Hepatitis
Authors: Lin Jing , Su Miaofang , Zheng Jiaolong , Wu Haicong , Gu Lei , Wu Xia , Lin Haiyan , Liu Bang , Wu Zhixian , Li Dongliang
Published: October 2021

Background: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis (CAEBVH) in adult patients is a rare and highly lethal disease characterized by hepatitis and hepatomegaly.Aims: To investigate the clinicopathological features and pathogenic mechanisms in patients with CAEBVH.Methods:10 adult patients confirmed CAEBVH infection were collected. The clinicopathological characteristics were summarized and analyzed by clinical data. Flow cytometry to detect peripheral blood immune cell phenotypes, second-generation sequencing methods to explore pathogenic mechanisms, and immunohistochemical methods to verify pathogenic mechanisms.Results: The clinical features included splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, abnormal liver function, and CD8+T lymphopenia. HE also showed lymphocytic infiltration in liver tissue. EBER-ISH in lymphocytes of liver tissues were positive. Whole exon sequencing showed mutant genes were primarily enriched in 'T cell activation' and 'Complement and coagulation cascades'. The expression of CD8 in the CAEBVH group was higher than the controls in liver tissue (p<0.05). The same as the expression of Fas, FasL, Caspase-8, and TUNEL assay (p<0.05). Complement 1q (C1q) of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and Glisson's capsule (GC), as well as Complement 3d (C3d) of LSECs, were a higher expression in CAEBV infection than controls (p<0.05).Conclusion: Fas/FasL and complement activation were involved in adult patients with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis.
Droplet Motion on Sonically Excited Hydrophobic Meshes
Authors: Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Alzaydi Ammar
Published: October 2021

The sonic excitation of the liquid droplet on a hydrophobic mesh surface gives rise to a different oscillation behavior than that of the flat hydrophobic surface having the same contact angle. To assess the droplet oscillatory behavior over the hydrophobic mesh, the droplet motion is examined under the external sonic excitations for various mesh screen aperture ratios. An experiment is carried out and the droplet motion is recorded by a high-speed facility. The findings revealed that increasing sonic excitation frequencies enhance the droplet maximum displacement in vertical and horizontal planes; however, the vertical displacements remain larger than those of the horizontal displacements. The resonance frequency measured agrees well with the predictions and the excitation frequency at 105 Hz results in a droplet oscillation mode (n) of 4. The maximum displacement of the droplet surface remains larger for the flat hydrophobic surface than that of the mesh surface with the same contact angle. In addition, the damping factor is considerably influenced by the sonic excitation frequencies; hence, increasing sonic frequency enhances the damping factor, which becomes more apparent for the large mesh screen aperture ratios. The small-amplitude surface tension waves create ripples on the droplet surface.
MESP2 Binds Competitively To TCF4 to Suppress Gastric Cancer Progression By Regulating The SKP2/p27 Axis
Authors: Ge Lingjun , Zhao Gaichao , Lan Chao , Tan Ruoyue , Geng Shengjun , Wang Feng , Huang Pan , Tang Houyi , Lü Muhan , Cui Hongjuan
Published: October 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of human deaths worldwide, and is notorious for its high incidence and mortality rates. Mesoderm Posterior Basic Helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor 2 (MESP2) acts as a transcription factor with a conserved bHLH domain. However, whether MESP2 contributes to tumorigenesis and its potential molecular mechanisms, remain unexplored.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to examine MESP2 expression in clinical gastric tissues. In vitro cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were used to investigate the effects of MESP2 on gastric cells progress. Expression microarray profiling，co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of MESP2 on tumorigenesis. Subcutaneous tumor formation and orthotopic implantation assays were performed in NOD/SCID mice to confirm the effects of MESP2 on gastric growth and metastasis in vivo. Results: Noticeably, MESP2 expression levels are decreased in GC tissues and cell lines compared to those in normal tissue. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that MESP2 overexpression suppresses GC cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas MESP2 knockdown results in the exact opposite. In addition, MESP2 binds to transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2/TCF4) to inhibit the activation of the TCF4/beta-catenin transcriptional complex, decrease the occupancy of the complex on the S-phase kinase Associated Protein 2 (SKP2) promoter, and promote p27 accumulation. MESP2 knockdown facilitated tumorigenesis, which was partially suppressed by SKP2 knockdown. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that MESP2 binds competitively to TCF4 to suppress GC progression by regulating the SKP2/p27 axis, thus offering a potential therapeutic strategy for future treatment.
Health-related quality of life in outpatients with substance dependence: evolution over time and associated factors
Authors: Simirea Melexima , Baumann Cédric , Bisch Michael , Rousseau Hélène , Patrizio Paolo Di , Viennet Sarah , Bourion-Bédès Stéphanie
Published: October 2021

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important element of patient care and clinical research. The aim of this study was to describe HRQoL changes and identify associated factors during a 6-month follow-up among outpatients starting care for alcohol or opioid dependence.
Methods

HRQoL was measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months later using the SF-12. Data on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and patient levels of anxiety and depression were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Repeated-measures analyses were performed to assess factors associated with global HRQoL differences and evolution of HRQoL in both physical and mental scores (PCS and MCS, respectively).
Results

The mean PCS and MCS scores were initially low at 45.4 (SD=8.6) and 36.0 (SD=10.9), respectively. The improvement in HRQoL was rapid in the first 3-month period, then slower and was even maintained over the subsequent 3-month period. Being employed (p=0.012), having no comorbidities (p=0.0144) and no depression (p=0.0041) were associated with significant differences in the average PCS scores at the 3 time points. Patients who had lower overall HRQoL MCS scores on average were those for whom a medication was initiated (p= 0.0086), as was the case for patients with anxiety (p=0.0001) and depression (p=0.0009). Patients with depression at baseline were also those for whom a significantly greater increase in MCS during the 6 months of follow-up was observed.
Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of screening early psychological distress and considering other factors associated with HRQoL changes after the first 3-month period in SUD outpatients.
Effect of End-of-Life Nursing Education on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quasi-Experimental, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Shushtari Sima Sadat Ghaemizade , Molavynejad Shahram , Adineh Mohammad , Savaie Mohsen , Sharhani Asaad
Published: October 2021

Background

End-of-life care education is required for nurses to acquire the clinical competence necessary for the improvement of the quality of end-of-life nursing care. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nursing care education based on End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) on the knowledge and performance of nurses working in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Materials and Methods

This quasi-experimental, randomized, controlled trial was conducted with a pretest-posttest design. From among nurses working in the ICU of Golestan and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran, 80 nurses were selected bsed on the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups (40 people in each group) using a table of random numbers. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form, the ELNEC Knowledge Assessment Test (ELNEC-KAT), ‎and the Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice Questionnaire (German Revised Version; PCEP-GR‎).
Results

A significant difference was observed between the study groups in terms of the average knowledge score in all 9 modules including nursing care, pain management and control, disease symptom management, ethical/legal issues, culture, communication with the patient and his/her family, loss and grief, death, and quality of life (QOL) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the average performance score of nurses in the fields of preparation for providing palliative care, self-assessment of ability to communicate with dying patients and their relatives, self-assessment of knowledge and skills in palliative care increased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions

End-of-life nursing education is recommended as an effective method for promoting knowledge, attitude, performance, and clinical competence among all nurses involved in end-of-life care.