bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There a Border Between the Public and Private Sectors in Health Care?
Authors:   Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Management and Finance, Nojszewska Ewelina
Published: September 2023

Diseases and their treatment affect the economy and the society by means of complicated transmission mechanisms. They include costs of treatment, i.e. direct costs, and indirect costs, i.e. lost GDP. Their impact on public finance revenues and expenditures should also be taken into account. Due to the importance of the problem of health as well as the quality and efficiency of the operation of the health care system, additional measures like a deadweight loss and a loss of wellbeing are considered. The effects of the mutual interaction of health and economic growth cannot be overlooked. The complexity of the on-going processes is further exacerbated as a result of the influence of the public and private sectors, which cannot be clearly demarcated in health care.
How to Strengthen Health Intelligence?
Authors:   Poznań University of Economics, Mruk Henryk
Published: September 2023

Health intelligence is understood as undertaking conscious actions to nurture one’s own health and the quality of life. It involves responsibility for the effective management of one’s own health and life. People should use the knowledge and research findings to take care of their physical and mental condition. This involves proper nutrition, developing oneself, using cultural assets and building relationships with others. It may be helpful to support people with solutions derived from behavioural economics. The development of information technology and artificial intelligence can also contribute to the strengthening of health intelligence of individuals.
Emigration of Polish Nurses – Reality and Consequences
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Faculty of Management, Haczyński Józef , Buraczyńska Małgorzata ,   Wizz Air Hungary Légiközlekedési Kft
Published: September 2023

The emigration of medical personnel in Poland significantly increased in 2004 after Poland’s accession to the European Union. The aim of the paper is to present the results of a questionnaire survey, conducted on a sample of 166 nursing students, regarding plans for emigration after graduation. An attempt was made to recognize the scale and causes of this phenomenon, as well as events that could result in the resignation of future nurses from emigration plans. The presentation of the results of the survey was preceded by a review of theories describing the causes of migratory movements, data on the current number of Polish nurses, and characteristics of their population. About 75% of nursing students surveyed (regardless of their place of origin and year of study) declared their willingness to work abroad. Among the reasons for a possible trip abroad, respondents most often indicated favorable financial conditions, higher living standard, greater comfort of work, low prestige of the profession in Poland, more career opportunities, gaining experience, and current political situation in Poland. Certainly, prevention of emigration should consist in activities that produce quick results such as, for example, increasing salaries, finding other material and non-material benefits to make the profession more attractive, improving working conditions, ensuring flexible working hours or part-time employment, vocational mobilization of retired or economically inactive nurses. It is also necessary to carry out long-term actions aimed at a health care reform.
Determinants of Polish Nurses’ Job Satisfaction – Selected Elements of Employee Evaluations
Authors:   Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Kunecka Danuta
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study has been to investigate selected factors determining the professional satisfaction of Polish nurses. The examined group consisted of 1066 professionally active Polish nurses. The study was conducted with the use of diagnostic survey method, where a standardized questionnaire survey was used as the main tool. The group of factors classified as elements of employee evaluation systems, penalties and wages is the fourth among five groups of factors determining the professional satisfaction of Polish nurses, as included in the occupational satisfaction model adopted in the study. Respondents think that the most influential factor in this group is “remuneration”. It also ranks third, in the opinion of the respondents, among all the elements included in the model. The results show that in the group of Polish nurses, the factors that are characterized as actual motivators significantly influence the level of job satisfaction. Therefore, they should be used in daily management practice in nursing teams, especially in the process of skilful motivation and employee engagement.
Notes from the editor
Authors: Nimehchisalem Vahid , Hung Yueh-Nu
Published: September 2023

You are reading the third issue in the eleventh volume of IJELS. You will find this issue a little different since we have classified the articles under different sections to facilitate their reading. The current issue consists of five sections, which include ecological literacy, linguistic literacy, music and art literacy, numeracy literacy, and finally, thinking and literacy. Researchers from China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Thailand have contributed to the issue.
Have The European Union Guidelines been a Driving Force in the Inclusion of Children’s Rights into the German “Sachunterricht” Course Curriculum?
Authors: Hareket Erdem , Güngör Samet
Published: September 2023

It is observed that efforts are made to benefit from the perspective of the Universal Convention on the Rights of the Child and to undertake the protection and promotion of children’s rights more effectively in countries that are members of the European Union/membership process with the European Union Agreement (Lisbon Treaty) which came into force in 2009. In this direction, the European Union Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of Children’s Rights were published to guide the EU member countries and their countries in the process of membership in their work on children’s rights. So, the research purposed primarily to examine the status of children’s rights in the official Sachunterricht course curriculum used in the German education system in line with the EU Guidelines. In the research, a holistic multiple-state pattern was adopted from the qualitative research approach patterns. In the process of obtaining research data, the document review method was used. The official Sachunterricht course curriculum in sixteen states in the Federal Republic of Germany was examined in this scope. As a consequence of the research, it was concluded that the content included in the curriculum in most states is in line with the EU Guidelines. However, we saw just a few curricula have that there are statements of attainment and study examples regarding children’s right to protection and participation. At this point, studies can be put forward to make all education curricula more compatible with EU Guiding Principles. These studies should ensure that the teaching curricula that countries will use address children’s rights and related learning outcomes and teaching activities aimed at recognizing children’s rights, preventing discrimination against them, building a culture of universal peace, and preparing children for responsible lives in a free society.
Saudi EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Communicative Approach
Authors: Althagafi Wafi Ayed
Published: September 2023

In order to promote language learners’ literacy, teachers need to adopt a learner-centered approach, such as CLT. Thus, the current study aims at investigating the Saudi EFL teachers’ perceptions of the communicative approach (CA, henceforth). It also scrutinizes to what extent this approach assists teachers in their teaching practices and enables students to achieve better academic results. The study adopted a quantitative research design. For the sake of data collection, a 30-item questionnaire was utilized. The items were distributed on three dimensions: (1) principles of the CA, (2) teacher’s role in implementing the CA and (3) secondary school EFL students’ motivation when CA is implemented. The study included 33 Saudi secondary school teachers. The findings of the study revealed that teachers have a high understanding of the communicative approach. However, it indicated a lower degree of teachers implementing the approach while teaching. The study found that the students get high motivated when they are taught through the CA. The study recommends special training programs for teachers on CA in order to enable them to teach language skills effectively.
Student Feedback Literacy (SFL) Profiles in an L2 Writing Classroom and the Influence of Peer Feedback on the SFL Features
Authors: Erdel Didem
Published: September 2023

Feedback plays a pivotal role in the development of foreign language writing skills, and within the scope of the new paradigm of feedback, the active role of learners in feedback processes has been acknowledged with the conceptualization of student feedback literacy (SFL). This paper reports on a qualitative inquiry into the SFL profiles of a group of Turkish undergraduate students in an English writing classroom and the effects of a four-week online peer feedback activity on the students’ perceived SFL features. The study utilized multiple data sources consisting of pre- and post-task surveys, which were filled by the whole subject group; the feedback comments and interactional moves of four focal students on Peergrade, a digital platform enabling peer feedback; the essay drafts of these focal students and the drafts reviewed by them; and lastly the researcher’s notes from a discussion session with the students during the activity. The results revealed that each focal student distinctly demonstrated discrete SFL features at varying levels. The findings also showed that the peer feedback activity did not produce considerable improvement in the students’ feedback literacy in L2 writing, yet changes were detected in student reports with respect to the perceived SFL features of making judgments, managing affect and taking action. The study extends our limited knowledge of SFL profiles of L2 writing learners in a Turkish context and informs the ongoing discussion on the efficacy of peer feedback in SFL development.
Turkish Language Teachers’ Intercultural Sensitivity
Authors: Akcin Hatice Vargelen
Published: September 2023

This study involved qualitative research in the form of a case study to examine the intercultural sensitivity of Turkish language teachers. In the study, criterion sampling was selected and an interview form consisting of seven open-ended questions was applied to 20 Turkish language teachers. Participants working in secondary schools, which are basic education institutions affiliated to the Ministry of National Education, and in units related to assignment in different provinces of Turkey. The research questions were prepared by considering the five following dimensions of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale developed by Chen and Starosta (2000): interaction engagement, respect for cultural differences, interaction self- confidence, interaction enjoyment, and interaction attentiveness. Content analysis, a qualitative data analysis method, was used. As a result of the study, it was seen that most of the participants exhibited a generally appropriate attitude in terms of having intercultural sensitivity. Some of these participants who exhibited an appropriate attitude had deficiencies in terms of some dimensions of intercultural sensitivity. On the other hand, a significant portion of the participants did not exhibit an appropriate attitude in terms of having intercultural sensitivity in general. At the rest of the paper, some suggestions are made in order to improve teachers’ intercultural sensitivity and to overcome their deficiencies.
Does Musical Preference of University Students Affect Respect for Differences? A Causal Perspective
Authors: Sözbir Senem Acay
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of musical genres preferred by university students on respect for differences. The study data was collected from 1082 students attending various faculties of one of the universities in western black sea region in Turkey. The Information Form compiled by the researcher and the Respect for Differences Scale (RfDS) developed by Öksüz and Güven were used in data collection. Participants of the research were asked to write their most favorite music genre on the information form and to mark most appropriate statement on the RfDS. According to the results of the data analysis, the musical genre preferred by the students affected the RfDS scores, the majority of the participants mostly preferred to listen to popular music styles and although arabesque was the least preferred musical genre, the listeners of arabesque music had a lower mean RfDS score in comparison to the students who preferred other musical genres. On the basis of the findings, it can be suggested that it would be appropriate to help individuals to develop the habit of making conscious musical choices from an early age via educational programs based on music and music literacy for all ages in the schools.
Eliciting Children’s Perceptions of Migration through a Puppet-Making Task
Authors: Gök Nihan Feyman , Bozak Nazlı
Published: September 2023

This study adopted a qualitative case study approach to investigate the perceptions of immigrant children who participated in a puppet-making workshop about the story of an immigrant puppet, called Amal. The study involved 11 participants, 5 girls and 6 boys aged between 9 and 12 years, who joined the Children Like Us puppet-making workshop organized by the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (ASAM) Izmir Al Farah Child and Family Support Center in Turkey. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews from the children. The interviews were conducted face-to-face by the second researcher. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that the migrant children expressed enthusiasm and joy in participating in the puppet-making workshop and used the Little Amal character to convey their perspectives on migration. The study offers useful methodological implications; it shows how artistic experiences can facilitate the expression of thoughts and feelings for children.
A Taxonomic Analysis of the Questions Prepared by Prospective Primary Teachers for Primary School Mathematics and Turkish Language Courses
Authors: Aşıkcan Mehmet , Uygun Neşe
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the cognitive process dimension of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy in the question preparation of prospective primary school teachers in fourth grade Turkish and mathematics courses. This research is a descriptive study carried out following the survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of 85 prospective teachers in their final year of the undergraduate programme in primary education at a state and foundation university in Turkey. The data were obtained through questions prepared by the prospective teachers through question preparation forms on Turkish and mathematics courses. These data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. The study concluded that the majority of questions prepared by prospective primary teachers in both courses were in the lower levels of the cognitive process dimension of revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (remember, understand and apply). It was found that the questions in the Turkish language course were mostly prepared in the remember and understand dimensions and in the mathematics course were mostly prepared in the apply and understand dimensions. In light of these results, it can be suggested that the preparation of high-level questions in terms of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy should be included more in undergraduate education.
Book Review of Rasch Models for Solving Measurement Problems: Invariant Measurement in the Social Sciences by Engelhard Jr. and Wang
Authors: Xie Xiao
Published: September 2023

As a paradigm shift from classical test theory, Rasch measurement theory introduces a framework of scales that is capable of producing invariant measurement, which plays an increasingly important role in solving practical measurement problems in the social sciences, psychometrics, and health sciences. Researchers have increasingly adopted Rasch measurement to develop and validate scales in a variety of educational and psychological contexts (e.g. Mendoza Yan, 2021; Yan Pastore, 2022). Rasch measurement is often used in the validation of scales in conjunction with structural equation models (SEM), which provide meaningful answers to a variety of measurement questions. However, it remains unfamiliar to many researchers, practitioners, and educators who have embraced classical test theory.
Effects of Video-Enhanced Language Teaching on the Thai EFL Teachers’ Low VBI Competency
Authors: Karanjakwut Chalermsup , Sripicharn Passapong
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the level of Video-Based Instruction (VBI) competency of Thai EFL teachers through training using the Video-Enhanced Language Teaching (VELT) model and examined their attitudes towards the training using the VELT model. The study group consisted of 30 secondary-level Thai EFL teachers with low VBI competency in Suphanburi province, Thailand, in the 2022 academic year. The study used mixed methods, and the data were collected using the achievement test and the assessment which were analyzed with a paired sample t-test to investigate the effects of the VELT model on developing the low VBI competency of Thai EFL teachers. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis methods and the interview data using thematic analysis. The results showed that the VELT model had significantly improved the low VBI competency of Thai EFL teachers during the training period, showing a strong positive correlation (r =.070, p .001). The assessment also indicated that Thai EFL teachers showed significant development in technology, pedagogy, and content related to English language teaching with a small positive correlation (r = 0.220, p .001) between their initial competency levels and the changes observed after training. The overall satisfaction towards the training using the VELT model was at a high level (M = 4.25) with the highest domain being the learning environment (M = 4.54). The interview revealed that interaction, learning environment, instruction, preference, obstacles, challenges, adaptation, preparation, and evaluation connected the use of the VELT model to ELT classes given by low VBI competency Thai EFL teachers. Four emerging data that stood out from the interview were the school’s policy, materials, teaching styles, and students’ motivation. The results have useful implications for the future implementation of videos for English language teaching.
A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Online and Conventional Instructions on Learners’ Productive Skills Development
Authors: Pouriran Yassamin
Published: September 2023

In the current millennium, the integration of instructional technologies has become mandatory, especially when the focus of instruction is only on fluency and correct learning. English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers believe that students can achieve an adequate level of fluency and accuracy only if they speak and write English with less difficulty and more spontaneity. For this purpose, instructors ceaselessly seek versatile ways and approaches to enrich the teaching of four language skills (mainly the productive ones). Online sources provide both students and instructors with various ranges of software applications and platforms to actively involve in different class activities. This study aims to pinpoint the effectiveness of both online and conventional teaching on learners’ productive skills and to examine which mode of instruction leads to constructive output of EFL learners. Furthermore, this article considers teachers’ attitudes and learners’ perceptions on the use of online instruction in EFL classrooms. This research uses a qualitative approach by means of an interview and a questionnaire designated to 15 EFL teachers and 400 learners in a private university in Turkey. The results of this study reveal that both teachers and learners prefer having Hybrid instruction (the combination of both online and face-to-face models) in teaching and learning productive skills, so the findings of this research can assist EFL teachers, material designers and policy makers to include Hybrid education in their curricula.
Studenters bakgrunn for valg av motedesign som utdanning og deres fremtidige karriereplaner
Authors: Isachsen Sissel , Reitan Janne Beate
Published: September 2023

Utgangspunktet for artikkelen er vår bekymring for at studenter som starter moteutdanning uten nødvendige forkunnskaper, etter endt utdanning vil ha problemer med å tilfredsstille kravene bransjen stiller. Problem­stillingen er: Hvilken betydning har for­kunnskaper for valg av motedesignutdanning som fremtidig karrierevei? Forskningsmetoden er et fokus­gruppeintervju med fem studenter i et mote­designprogram om ­deres­ bakgrunn for å velge en mote­design­utdanning hvor design og produksjon står ­sentral. Studentene har ulike erfar­inger som bakgrunn for sine valg. Noen har erfaring fra håndverk eller tegning i hjemmet eller fra videoer på YouTube, andre gjennom skoleoppgaver som innebærer utforming i ulike teknikker. Noen har alltid vært interessert i design og mote så lenge de kan huske, mens noen forteller om en bestemt anledning som påvirker deres valg. Studentene har også ulike planer for design- og hånd­verks­­ferdig­heter i sine fremtidige karrierer. Mange ønsker å bli ­m­ote­designere­. De er glade for å få en bredde­kompetanse som dekker design av klær, å lage mønstre og realisere design i egnede teknikker og materialer, som de tror er avgjørende ferdigheter i en fremtidig karrierevei innenfor motefeltet. Dette samsvarer med informasjonen fra bedriftene vi samarbeider med. Det er stor etterspørsel etter design­ere, produkt­utviklere og mønsterkonstruktører innenfor mote- og sports­bransjen, som er jobber student­ene ofte får når de er ferdige med sin bachelorgrad. Empirien diskuteres i forhold­ ti­l Wengers teori om læring i praksisfellesskap og Papanes teori om designutvikling i en karriere­sammenheng. Avslutningsvis disku­teres det på hvilken måte motestudenter kan være mer forberedt til å starte en moteutdanning, for senere å bli klare til å møte motebransjens virkelighet.
Keywords: designstudenter, fokusgruppeintervju, motedesign, forkunnskaper, karrierevalg
Desastre na Bacia do Rio Doce: análise do direito fundamental ao meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado e a reação dos órgãos públicos responsáveis
Authors: Oliveira Thales Augusto Andrade , Braga Lucas Duarte
Published: September 2023

Este resumo expandido busca analisar o direito fundamental ao meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado por meio do exame da atuação pública sancionatória à empresa Samarco Mineração S.A. no desastre na Bacia do Rio Doce. Para que se analise a disposição de tal direito fundamental, utilizar-se-á como referencial teórico a Força Normativa da Constituição, de Hesse (1991). Por fim, constatou-se que apesar da infração do direito constitucional, não foram efetivadas a maior parte das medidas judiciais e extrajudiciais de responsabilização da empresa, indicando que a negligência dos órgãos públicos frente a crimes ambientais enfraquece a força normativa da Constituição.
A Study on the Relationship between Employees’ Attitude towards Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Culture
Authors: Akyazı Turgut Emre
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to examine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between employees’ general attitudes to artificial intelligence and organizational culture. For this purpose, quantitative methodology and correlational survey design was used. The sampling method was purposive sampling as the research had a specific target group. Participants of this research were so-called white collars working at an organization in Aksaray city, Turkey. The results demonstrated that employees’ general attitudes towards AI differ in terms of demographic variables. Also, it was found out in the study that there is a significant positive relationship between attitudes towards AI and organizational culture. Specifically, the results revealed that clan culture, market culture and hierarchy culture have a positive impact on the attitude towards AI.
The Distribution of Oceanographic Parameter Conditions in the Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Fishing Ground in the Southern Indian Ocean off Java
Authors: Hasmawati  , Adam
Published: September 2023

The Southern Indian Ocean off Java is one of the potential locations for catching swordfish. One crucial factor in improving fishermen's productivity is the availability of information regarding the characteristics of waters related to potential fishing areas. This research aimed to determine the distribution conditions of several oceanographic parameters such as sea surface temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and surface currents using remote sensing data at the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fishing ground in the Southern Indian Ocean off Java. This research was conducted from April 27, 2022, to December 12, 2022, in the Indian Ocean. Data for several oceanographic parameters were obtained from the data.marine.copernicus.eu website from April 2022 to December 2022, and the coordinates of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fishing ground were obtained from KM Lulu Marina 08, which operates in WPPD 57. Data from data.marine.copernicus.eu are the result of reanalysis methods developed by the Copernicus Marine Service (CMS) using multisensor satellite images data such as MODIS-AQUA, NOAA20-VIIRS, NPP-VIIRS, and Sentinel 3A-OLCI. The spatial resolution of the data was standardized to 0.001 degrees using resampling techniques with B-Spline interpolation. The highest sea surface temperature (SST) at each fishing ground was recorded in April 2022 at the fishing ground ST 1, reaching 27.52°C. The lowest SST was observed in November 2022 at fishing ground ST 6, measuring 21.70°C. The lowest salinity values at each fishing ground were recorded in June 2022 at fishing ground ST 1, measuring 34.09 psu, while the highest salinity values were found in April 2022 at fishing ground ST 6, measuring 35.38 psu. The lowest chlorophyll-a concentration values at each fishing ground were recorded in December 2022 at fishing ground ST 6, measuring 0.062 mg/m3, while the highest concentration values were found in September 2022 at fishing ground ST 6, measuring 0.357 mg/m3. The lowest catch was recorded in September 2022, with only 2 fish caught, while the highest catch was recorded in November 2022, with a total of 42 fish caught. The optimal swordfish catch rate falls within the range of SST 23.47-24.74°C, salinity 34.45-34.78 psu, and chlorophyll-a concentration in the range of 0.079-0.124 mg/m3.
Selection of Proteolytic Bacteria from the Digestive Tract of Vanname Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Mulyati  , Suryati  , Baga Irfani , Ardiansyah  , Hamal Rimal , Rusli
Published: September 2023

The feed consumed by shrimp is not all digestible but some are excreted in the form of waste in the form of feces and other metabolic waste such as urine and ammonia. The amount of feed released into feces depends on the suitability of feed components with enzymatic capabilities in the shrimp digestive tract or digestibility.  One of the efforts to maintain aquaculture water quality is by using probiotics that can be mixed with feed and applied directly to aquaculture medium. The study aimed to obtain proteolytic and probiotic candidate bacteria from the digestive tract of vanname shrimp. Bacterial screening was carried out by isolating bacteria from the digestive tract of shrimp obtained from pond farmers in the Suppa area of Pinrang Regency. The results of the isolation of probiotic candidate bacteria from the digestive tract of shrimp obtained a total of 20 isolates of proteolytic candidates for further selection, then five isolates with different morphological characteristics were selected. The five isolates were then tested for proteolytic activity. The results showed the greatest proteolytic activity was observed in the UM5 isolate with an activity value of 17 mm; followed by the UM1 isolate at 10 mm; UM2 at 9 mm, UM4 at 7 mm; and UM3 at 5 mm. Then tested for resistance to acidic and alkaline conditions (pH 2.5) and (pH 7.5), bacterial attachment test, and antagonistic test against Vibrio harveyi bacteria.  The five isolates can survive in acidic conditions (pH 2.5 and alkaline (pH 7.5)) for eight hours. Antagonistic tests showed that the five selected isolates (UM1, UM2, UM3, UM4, and UM5) can inhibit the growth of Vibrio harveyi bacteria by forming an inhibition zone around the isolate. The highest inhibition zone was found in the UM5 isolate at 19 mm, followed by the UM2 isolate at 16 mm, UM4 at 15.5 mm, and UM3 at 15 mm. While the smallest antagonistic was obtained in isolate UM1 at 12 mm. The bacterial population in the swab shows the ability to colonize or attach a bacterium so the greater the number of bacteria in the swab, the better the bacteria are in sticking.  The largest bacterial population was found in isolate UM5 which amounted to 2.53 x 107 Cfu/ml. isolate UM 4 amounted to 7.27 x 106 cfu/ml.  Furthermore, UM3 amounted to 6.78 x 106 Cfu/ml.  Then UM 2 amounted to 3.32 x 106 cfu/ml. the smallest population was shown by isolate UM1, which amounted to 4.5 x 105 cfu.ml.
Comparative Morphology, Anatomy and Phytochemistry of Cyrtosperma senegalense (Schott) Engl. and Alocasia macrorrhizos L. (Araceae)
Authors: Osuji Julian O. , Ihenko Sarah C.
Published: September 2023

Morphological, anatomical and epidermal studies were carried out on two species of Araceae, Cyrtosperma senegalense (Schott) Engl. and Alocasia macrorrhizos L. to investigate the taxonomic value of their similarities and differences. Morphological features were visually observed. Fresh specimens were dehydrated, wax embedded, mounted, microscopically observed and micrographed. Basic similarities were found in their leaf shape, venation, inflorescence and spathe, seeded fruits, scattered vascular bundles, possession of aerenchyma, and presence of stomata on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. Conversely, the presence of prickles and sparseness of raphide idioblasts containing a raphide bundle each in C. senegalense distinguishes it from A. macrorrhizos which has abundant raphides. Phytochemical screening shows differences in their alkaloids, saponin, triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides contents. Though these preliminary studies yielded data that revealed their relationship and phytochemistry, further investigations of their cytology using electron microscopy and molecular biology are needed for more diagnostic data to distinguish them from each other and add more incite to their potential in drug discovery.
Influence of Dates of Sowing and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Dakshayani Devalla , Umesha C. , Sowmya C. H. Lakshmi , Kumar Kavuri. Pradeep
Published: September 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of Dates of sowing and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). A field experiment was carried out during Zaid season of 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The treatments consist of Dates of sowing 1stfortnight June,2ndfortnight June,1stfortnight July and Spacing of S1- 20×15cm, S2- 40×15cm, S3- 60×15cm. There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%) available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the higher plant height (207.41cm), higher plant dry weight (94.86 g/plant), higher number of Grains/ear head (1588.30), higher Test weight (14.93 gm), and higher Grain yield (5.57 t/ha) yield were significantly influenced with sowing time of 2ndfortnight June along with the spacing 40×15cm.
Efficacy and Versatility of the Medial Hemisoleus Flap for Complex Middle Third Tibial Defects: A Presentation of 2 Cases
Authors: Harti Amine El , Sabur Sarah , Fikry Amine , Youssfi Ahlam , Karti Sarah , Diouri Mounia
Published: September 2023

Soft tissue injuries involving the middle third of the tibia can present significant clinical challenges, often leading to complications such as infection and nonunion. This article explores the efficacy of the medial hemisoleus flap as a valuable surgical technique for addressing these complex wounds. Two case reports are presented to illustrate the successful use of this flap in clinical practice. The medial hemisoleus flap offers consistent blood supply, improved arc of rotation, and reduced donor site morbidity, making it an excellent choice for reconstructive surgery in this anatomical region. In the first case, a 17-year-old patient with a history of smoking developed an open fracture in his left leg two years after a car accident, which led to a soft tissue defect with exposed bone in the middle third of his left leg. In the second case, a 25-year-old male involved in a traffic accident presented with a displaced open bone fracture of the middle third of the tibia and fibula with bone sequestrum. Surgical technique, advantages, patient selection criteria, and outcomes are discussed, highlighting the significance of the medial hemisoleus flap in addressing these challenging wounds.
Weather Influences on the Gas Exchanges of Neem Trees
Authors: Balasree R. , Dheebakaran G. A. , Senthil A. , Sathyamoorthy N. K. , Ganapati Patil Santosh , Pugazenthi K. , Senbagavalli G.
Published: September 2023

The neem tree is a prospective agroforestry tree with significant demand in the medical and timber industries. It has a specific season of reproductive phase in a year, mostly from February to July in India. A study was organized to identify the influence of various weather parameters on the reproductive phase at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2023 and this paper is confined to weather on gas exchange parameters. The results inferred that the reproductive statuses of neem trees, including regular flowering, dormant flowering, and alternate flowering trees, exhibited notable differences in gas exchange parameters such as photosynthetic rate, Stomatal conductivity, and transpiration rate due to observed variability in prevailing weather conditions. Alternate-bearing trees were found to have higher gas exchange parameters when compared to regular flowering and nonflowering trees. The neem trees recorded significantly higher values of these parameters during the preflowering compared to the flowering stage. During both the preflowering and flowering stages, the rainfall, relative humidity, minimum temperature, and wind speed, exhibited a statistically non-significant negative influence on gas exchange activities. The maximum temperature exhibited a positive impact during the pre-flowering stage and a negative impact throughout the flowering phase whereas diurnal temperature exhibited a positive effect on the gas exchange parameter during both the preflowering and flowering stages of the neem tree.
Performance of Different Hybrids of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for Growth and Yield under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions
Authors: Sharma Anshik , Kerketta Anita , Topno Samir E. , Malik Vishal , Singh Kanwar
Published: September 2023

The research experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Research Field at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2022-2023 to investigate the growth and yield of different hybrids of tomato. The design of the experiment was RBD with three replications. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to fruit setting, number of flowers cluster per plant, number of fruit set per cluster, number of fruits per plant, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, fruit weight, fruit yield/plant, and fruit yield/ha. The different hybrids (Gagan Plus, NS 585, Pukhraj, Hamilton, Beef Steak, Arka Rakshak, Arka Samrat and Shivani) have been taken in the study. The result of the study indicates that variety Arka Rakshak has a significantly improved growth and yield of tomato. The highest fruit weight and fruit yield were observed in the hybrid Arka Rakshak. Overall, the study suggests that the hybrid Arka Rakshak is the best for the growth and yield of tomatoes.
Effect of Pre-Colored Zirconia Copings on the Final Color of Zirconia Veneered Restorations: An In vitro Study
Authors: Nakhaei Mohammadreza , Ghaemi Delaram , Naderzadeh Minoo , Soroush Zahra
Published: September 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different zirconia coping shades on the color and translucency of zirconia-based restorations.

Materials and Methods: Zirconia core plates were fabricated from the non-shaded and pre-shaded translucent zirconia materials and were divided into four groups (n=11) according to their shade: Bleach (B), A2, A3, and A4. Next, they underwent porcelain veneering and glazed. The CIELab color measurements were performed before and after porcelain veneering by a colorimeter against white and black backgrounds. Color difference (∆E) between the groups                                   and translucency parameter (TP) were calculated. ∆E values were compared with perceptibility (∆E=2.6) and acceptability (∆E=5.5) thresholds. Data were analyzed by paired t-test,                              one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference post hoc tests                          (P < 0.05). 

Results: The TP and ∆E of the samples significantly decreased in all groups after porcelain veneering compared with baseline (P<0.001). Against a black background, the ∆E of all groups was below the perceptible threshold after porcelain application (P<0.001). Against a white background, ∆E of all groups decreased to a level lower than the perceptible threshold after porcelain veneering except for groups B-A3 (∆E=3.02±0.73) and B-A4 (∆E=4.10±0.70), in which ∆E was between the perceptible and acceptable thresholds (P<0.001).

Conclusions: Porcelain veneering reduces ∆E between two samples more efficiently than pre-colored zirconia copings, especially against a dark background.
The Influence of Regional Financial Independence and Government Spending on Economic Growth and Poverty
Authors: Nabillia Natallie , Kurniawati Sri , Yacoub Yarlina , Wahyudi  , Bariyah Nurul , Yani Akhmad
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of Regional Financial Independence and Government Expenditure on Poverty and Economic Growth in Kalimantan Island in 2012. The data used in this study is secondary data in the form of Regional Financial Independence, Government Expenditures, Poverty Levels, and Economic Growth in the Province Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan. The analytical method used in this study is multiple regression analysis. The results of the first model analysis state that regional financial independence has a negative and insignificant effect on poverty, and government spending has a significant effect on poverty. While the results of the second model analysis are regional financial independence and government spending have a significant effect on economic growth.
Optimal path planning using psychological profiling in drone‐assisted missing person search
Authors: Ewers Jan‐Hendrik , Anderson David , Thomson Douglas
Published: September 2023

Search and rescue operations are all time‐sensitive and this is especially true when searching for a vulnerable missing person, such as a child or elderly person suffering dementia. Recently, Police Scotland Air Support Unit has begun the deployment of drones to assist in missing person searches with success, although the efficacy of the search relies upon the expertise of the drone operator. In this paper, several algorithms for planning the search path are compared to determine which approach has the highest probability of finding the missing person in the shortest time. In addition to this, the use of á priori psychological profile information of the subject to create a probability map of likely locations within the search area was explored. This map is then used within a nonlinear optimization to determine the optimal flight path for a given search area and subject profile. Two optimization solvers were compared; genetic algorithms, and particle swarm optimization. Finally, the most effective algorithm was used to create a coverage path for a real‐life location, for which Police Scotland Air Support Unit completed multiple test flights. The generated flight paths based on the predicted intent of the lost person were found to perform statistically better than those of the expert police operators.
Smart Lubricant Coating with Urease‐Responsive Antibacterial Functions for Ureteral Stents to Inhibit Infectious Encrustation
Authors: Li Kaijun , Tang Haibin , Peng Jinyu , Gao Shuai , Du Zongliang , Chen Gang , Wu Dimeng , Liu Gongyan
Published: September 2023

Hydrophilic lubricant coatings with antifouling properties are commercially applied to urological devices, such as ureteral stents (USs), to inhibit biofilm formation and reduce the likelihood of infectious encrustation. However, their long‐term effectiveness is limited due to the lack of active and precise antibacterial activity. Herein, this work reports a hydrophilic lubricant (defined as SA‐PU/PVP) coating with smart urease‐responsive antibiotic release functionality, achieved by incorporating the antibiotic sulfanilamide‐conjugated polyurethane (SA‐PU) polymers into a commercial lubricant coating agent containing hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). During the initial implantation period, the hydrophilic PVP chains rapidly absorb urine on the coating interface, forming a lubricating layer with the desired antifouling activities that reduce the attachment of host proteins, bacteria, and urate crystals by over 90%. As time progresses and the bacteria proliferates and produces urease, the urease enzymatically degrades the urea linkages in the SA‐PU/PVP coating, actively releasing SA antibiotics on demand to prevent biofilm formation and encrustation. Benefiting from this synergistic antifouling and smart antibacterial activities, the SA‐PU/PVP‐coated US exhibits superior performance in preventing infectious encrustation in a porcine model over a 7‐week period, surpassing the effectiveness of a commercial hydrophilic lubricant US. This coating strategy offers a practical solution for inhibiting urological device‐associated complications.
Two‐Dimensionally Nano‐Capsulating Liquid Metal for Self‐Sintering and Self‐Oscillating Bimorph Composites with Persistent Energy‐Harvest Property
Authors: Che Xinpeng , Wang Ting , Zhang Bailang , Zhai Zhuanzhuan , Chen Yijun , Pei Danfeng , Ge Anle , Li Mingjie , Li Chaoxu
Published: September 2023

Harvesting electricity from ubiquitous atmospheric moisture has drawn growing research attention. Despite great advances, moisture generators still suffer from performance decay during long‐term service. Recently, self‐oscillating actuators driven by humidity gradience have attracted great interests, which may give a clue to harvest energy persistently via electromagnetic induction. In order to combine high electric conductivity with self‐oscillating actuators, bimorph composites of 2D conductive MXene with liquid metal (i.e., EGaIn) are designed. In presence of marine alginate, EGaIn droplets can be encapsulated by MXene nanosheets in their suspension. And simple liquid‐casting can produce biomorph actuating films with top MXene‐rich layer and bottom EGaIn‐rich layer of self‐sintered EGaIn droplets. When exposing to a humidity gradience (e.g., 20% cm−1), this biomorph actuator can oscillate persistently with an actuating speed of ≈260° s−1 and a frequency of ≈0.5 Hz, while without any human intervention. Under a magnetic field (e.g., intensity ≈0.5 T), this self‐oscillating behavior can generate an alternating faradic current with an amplitude of at least 1360 µA m−2. Thus, this study may not only provide an alternative pathway for producing self‐oscillating and conductive actuators, but also offer a new strategy for persistent energy harvest from atmospheric moisture.
Ultralong Cycle Life and High Rate of Zn‖I2 Battery Enabled by MBene‐Hosted I2 Cathode
Authors: Zhang Zishuai , Ling Wei , Ma Ninggui , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Xiaoyang , Fan Jun , Yu Miao , Huang Yan
Published: September 2023

High rate tolerance and long cycle life represent the critical demand of the market for energy storage devices, known as one of major challenges for the development of rechargeable aqueous batteries. Herein, a layered Mo4/3B2T2 (where “T” denotes ‐O, ‐OH, and ‐F terminations) MBene (a transition metal boride) with in‐plane ordered metal vacancies is first proposed as an iodine species host of an aqueous Zn‖I2 battery, delivering a discharge capacity of 106.8 mAh g−1 at 25 A g−1 after 230 000 cycles and 80 mAh g−1 at 100 A g−1, far exceeding those of all Zn‖I2 batteries ever reported. The high performance is attributed to the strong affinity with iodine species and accelerated the redox kinetics by the conductive MBene with metal vacancies, as evidenced by the one‐step conversion of I‒/I0 without the generation of I3‒ ions. This work unlocks a new route for the construction of other halide or sulfur electrode batteries with superior durability and kinetics.
Mid‐Infrared Bipolar and Unipolar Linear Polarization Detections in Nb2GeTe4/MoS2 Heterostructures
Authors: Han Jiayue , Wang Fakun , Zhang Yue , Deng Wenjie , Dai Mingjin , Hu Fangchen , Chen Wenduo , Cui Jieyuan , Zhang Chaoyi , Zhu Song , Wang Chongwu , Ye Ming , Han Song , Luo Yu , Zhai Tianyou , Wang Jun , Wang Qi Jie
Published: September 2023

Detecting and distinguishing light polarization states, one of the most basic elements of optical fields, have significant importance in both scientific studies and industry applications. Artificially fabricated structures, e.g., metasurfaces with anisotropic absorptions, have shown the capabilities of detecting polarization light and controlling. However, their operations mainly rely on resonant absorptions based on structural designs that are usually narrow bands. Here, a mid‐infrared (MIR) broadband polarization photodetector with high PRs and wavelength‐dependent polarities using a 2D anisotropic/isotropic Nb2GeTe4/MoS2 van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructure is demonstrated. It is shown that the photodetector exhibits high PRs of 48 and 34 at 4.6  and 11.0 µm wavelengths, respectively, and even a negative PR of −3.38 for 3.7 µm under the zero bias condition at room temperature. Such interesting results can be attributed to the superimposed effects of a photovoltaic (PV) mechanism in the Nb2GeTe4/MoS2 hetero‐junction region and a bolometric mechanism in the MoS2 layer. Furthermore, the photodetector demonstrates its effectiveness in bipolar and unipolar polarization encoding communications and polarization imaging enabled by its unique and high PRs.