bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted in a designated tertiary care hospital, Chennai: A comparative analysis of first and second wave of the pandemic
Authors: Sivagurunathan Chinnaian  , Recharla Chenchu Karthik  , Ezhilvanan Mani  , Vikram Ashokkumar  , Aarthi Saravanan
Published: November 2023

Background: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-COV 2 virus was declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. India has reported 44,689,512 cases and 530,779 deaths as of March 9, 2023. Different variants may lead to varying clinical presentations and outcomes, emphasizing the need for ongoing analysis of local COVID-19 patients.
Aims and Objectives: To describe the clinic-demographic profile and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai and to compare the patient characteristics during the first two waves of the pandemic in India.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective record-based study analyzed patients with SARS-CoV-2 between May 2020 and July 2021, collecting data on demographics, travel history, symptoms, hospital stay, and outcome. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Chi-square test and Fisher exact tests were used to ascertain significant association between variables.
Results: Out of 944 cases of COVID-19, 70% were aged 20–60 years with a male predominance in both waves. The mean age during the first wave was 45.04±17.32 and during the second wave was 45.86±15.49. Intensive care and ventilatory support needs increased in the second wave. Hospital stay was longer during the first wave. Death rates were 3% and 14% in the first and second waves, respectively.
Conclusion: In our study, community transmission was observed as most COVID patients did not have travel history. Males, elderly and those with comorbidities were heavily impacted. The second wave had higher ICU and mortality rates.
Prevalence and factors associated with internet addiction among adolescents in urban public schools – A cross-sectional study from an internet de-addiction center in South India
Authors: Palanivelraja T  , Kanimozhi P  , Kumar P  , Anurekha V  , Rathinavel C  , Madhubala V  , Kumaravel KS  , Sumithra K
Published: November 2023

Background: The Internet has become an integral and indispensable part of the life of every human being.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the factors associated with internet addiction (IA) in adolescents in urban public schools in South India.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done in one boy’s and one girl’s school, in an urban area and included all the children from 8th to 12th standards from January 2023 to March 2023. The study tool used was Chen’s IA scale (CIAS). Internet usage was broadly classified into three categories: 1: Social networking and gaming, such as Facebook, 2: Chat/messenger services such as WhatsApp, and 3: Streaming applications such as YouTube. Data were analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for the Social Studies Version 26.0.
Results: On analysis of CIAS scores, the prevalence of IA was 7.95% (n=692). A significantly higher number of boys had IA than girls (P=0.008). On analysis of the body mass index, a significantly larger number of overweight participants were observed in adolescents with IA. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age (P=0.13) or socioeconomic class (P=0.66). Usage of social networking sites/gaming was associated with significantly higher CIAS scores (P=0.003). Although the usage of the internet for streaming and chatting purposes was common, they were not associated with higher scores.
Conclusion: IA is taking on new dimensions and is seen across all socioeconomic classes. Periodic screening, adequate treatment, and follow-up are important in nurturing physical and mental health of adolescents.
Prescription auditing in Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir: A prospective study
Authors: Syed Sajad Hussain  , Bandy Mudasir , Zahoor Ahmad Rather
Published: November 2023

Background: Prescription audit can be described as a tool to evaluate the quality of medical treatment which is being offered to the patients in any health care facility. It can prove to be helpful in devising any effective changes that would improve quality of care to the patients.
Aims and Objective: The study was conducted to carry out prescription audit among the psychiatric patients seeking consultation in a tertiary care centre.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 500 prescriptions for a time period of six months in the outpatient department of Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHANS). During the study all the prescriptions were collected and evaluated based on WHO prescribing indicators. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0.
Results: Five hundred prescriptions comprising of 1,260 drugs were analyzed. The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.8. There were 52.7% males and 47.3% females. Most patients (49%) were from the age group of 21-40 years. In majority of the cases (90.9%) more than one drug was prescribed and 4.6% (20) of medications were prescribed by generic names. The study revealed that Major Depression Disorder (MDD) was the most common psychiatric morbidity (40%). Clonazepam was the most common drug (19.6%) that was prescribed for the patients irrespective of the diagnosis.
Conclusion: Prescription audit can be helpful to evaluate the existing prescription pattern of any health care facility and ensure the rational drug therapy as per WHO prescription parameters.
Illuminating oncology research by bioluminescent imaging
Authors: Tryambak Pratap Srivastava  , Ruby Dhar  , Om Saswat Sahoo  , Hiya Aidasani  , Avdesh Rai  , Kumar Arun , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: November 2023

Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) has emerged as a powerful tool in cancer research, allowing for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of various aspects of cancer biology in vivo. This technique relies on the expression of bioluminescent reporter genes in cancer cells, enabling the visualization of tumor growth, metastasis, and response to treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of the principles underlying BLI, its applications in cancer research, and the potential advantages and limitations of this technology.
Recent progresses in metal oxide gas sensors for food freshness monitoring
Authors: Moon Young Kook
Published: November 2023

As the growing demand for fresh and safe food continues, the development of reliable, low-cost, and time-saving methods for freshness investigation becomes increasingly important. Metal oxide gas sensors, which offer distinctive advantages such as high gas response, reversible reaction, and cost-effectiveness, represent valuable tools for monitoring food freshness to avoid rotten meat, spoiled fish, and over-ripened fruit. This paper reviews the recent developments in metal oxide gas sensors for highly sensitive and selective detection of food freshness marker gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, trimethylamine, and ethylene. Key approaches include the use of thermal activation, the utilization of chemical affinity between analyte gases and sensing materials, and bilayer structures with catalytic overlayers. Overall, the development of such advanced gas sensors has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of food freshness monitoring, making it more accessible and convenient for food producers and consumers.
Reducing implicit bias in the neurosurgery application and interview process: a single-institution experience
Authors: Wong Georgia M. , Cobourn Kelsey , Smith Kitara , Covell Michael M. , Dowlati Ehsan , Breton Jeffrey M. , Pivazyan Gnel , Nair M. Nathan
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

The neurosurgical match is a challenging process for applicants and programs alike. Programs must narrow a wide field of applicants to interview and then determine how to rank them after limited interaction. To streamline this, programs commonly screen applicants using United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step scores. However, this approach removes nuance from a consequential decision and exacerbates existing biases. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of effecting minor modifications to the residency application process, as the authors have done at their institution, specifically by reducing the prominence of USMLE board scores and Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) status, both of which have been identified as bearing racial biases.

METHODS

At the authors’ institution, residents and attendings holistically reviewed applications with intentional redundancy so that every file was reviewed by two individuals. Reviewers were blinded to applicants’ photographs and test scores. On interview day, the applicant was evaluated for their strength in three domains: knowledge, commitment to neurosurgery, and integrity. For rank discussions, applicants were reviewed in the order of their domain scores, and USMLE scores were unblinded. A regression analysis of the authors’ rank list was made by regressing the rank list by AΩA status, Step 1 score, Step 2 score, subinternship, and total interview score.

RESULTS

No variables had a significant effect on the rank list except total interview score, for which a single-point increase corresponded to a 15-position increase in rank list when holding all other variables constant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The goal of this holistic review and domain-based interview process is to mitigate bias by shifting the focus to selected core qualities in lieu of traditional metrics. Since implementation, the authors’ final rank lists have closely reflected the total interview score but were not significantly affected by board scores or AΩA status. This system allows for the removal of known sources of bias early in the process, with the aim of reducing potential downstream effects and ultimately promoting a final list that is more reflective of stated values.
Greater improvement in Neck Disability Index scores in women after surgery for cervical myelopathy: an analysis of the Quality Outcomes Database
Authors: Patel Arati , Kondapavulur Sravani , Umbach Gray , Chan Andrew K. , Le Vivian P. , Bisson Erica F. , Bydon Mohamad , Chou Dean , Glassman Steve D. , Foley Kevin T. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Potts Eric A. , Shaffrey Mark E. , Coric Domagoj , Knightly John J. , Park Paul , Wang Michael Y. , Fu Kai-Ming , Slotkin Jonathan , Asher Anthony L. , Virk Michael S. , Haid Regis W. , Gottfried Oren , Meyer Scott , Upadhyaya Cheerag D. , Tumialán Luis M. , Turner Jay D. , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

There is a high prevalence of cervical myelopathy that requires surgery; as such, it is important to identify how different groups benefit from surgery. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons launched the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD), a prospective longitudinal registry, that includes demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome data to measure the safety and quality of neurosurgical procedures. In this study, the authors assessed the impact of gender on patient-reported outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for cervical myelopathy.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 1152 patients who underwent surgery for cervical myelopathy and were included in the QOD cervical module. Univariate comparison of baseline patient characteristics between males and females who underwent surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy was performed. Baseline characteristics that significantly differed between males and females were included in a multivariate generalized linear model comparing baseline and 1-year postoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores.

RESULTS

This study included 546 females and 604 males. Females demonstrated significantly greater improvement in NDI score 1 year after surgery (p = 0.036). In addition to gender, the presence of axial neck pain and insurance status were also significantly predictive of improvement in NDI score after surgery (p = 0.0013 and p = 0.0058, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Females were more likely to benefit from surgery for cervical myelopathy compared with males. It is important to identify gender differences in postoperative outcomes after surgery in order to deliver more personalized and patient-centric care.
Effect of online public domain representation in neurosurgical resident recruitment and decision-making
Authors: Harper Cierra N. , Eden Sonia , Ashley William W.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Over the past 20 years, female representation in neurosurgical residency programs has steadily increased. Still, the number of Black women and Black neurosurgical residents overall has remained stagnant. The authors aimed to understand the factors that led to this stagnation and how online public domain representation informs current and upcoming resident recruitment and decision-making.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective study using the following public domain sources: Doximity, neurosurgical residency program websites, and LinkedIn. The authors collected data from all neurosurgery residents who matriculated into a US neurosurgical residency program from 2015 to 2022. Variables, including name, race, gender, year of matriculation, medical school, and undergraduate institution, were recorded.

RESULTS

The authors analyzed resident data from 110/113 (97.3%) US neurological surgery residency programs. Of these programs, 106 (96.4%) matriculated and retained ≥ 1 female resident over the study period. There were 408 (22.6%) female neurosurgical residents, with 37 (33.6%) programs accounting for 57.8% of all female neurosurgical residents. For those states with a female resident, the lowest percentage of female residents by state was in Iowa (6.25%) and the highest was in New Hampshire (50%). Of all programs, 60 (54.5%) matriculated and retained ≥ 1 Black resident over the study period. There were 88 (4.9%) Black neurosurgical residents, with 19 (17.3%) programs accounting for 55.7% of all Black neurosurgical residents. For those states with a Black resident, the lowest percentage of Black residents by state was in Maryland (2.0%) and the highest was in Arkansas (23.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Recruiting and retaining female and Black residents has increasingly become a focus of neurosurgical programs across the country. The authors’ data show that female and Black residents overwhelmingly choose to apply to and matriculate into programs that demonstrate a commitment to diversity via their online presence. Programs wishing to recruit more diverse residents should make efforts to relay their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and performance through their online presence.
Utility of the material community deprivation index as a metric to identify at-risk children for severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gaulden Amber L. , Trinidad Stephen , Moody Suzanne , Kotagal Meera , Mangano Francesco T. , Patel Smruti K.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with lasting effects including neurological deficits and psychological comorbidities. Recent studies have shown that social determinants of health are key factors that impact clinical outcomes in other pediatric traumatic injuries, suggesting that these health disparities may have a significant impact on patients sustaining TBI as well. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review a cohort of pediatric patients diagnosed with TBI and elucidate the relationships among socioeconomic deprivation, patient-specific demographics, and morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of pediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) treated for TBI at a level I pediatric trauma center between 2016 and 2020. Patients with concussion-related injuries without intracranial findings and those with nonaccidental trauma were excluded from the study. In addition to evaluating basic patient demographics, the authors geocoded patient addresses to allow identification of the patient’s home census tract using the material community deprivation index (MCDI). The MCDI is a unique composite index score created by the combination of six census variables and ranges from 0 to 1 in severity.

RESULTS

Of the 513 patients included in this study, 71 (13.8%) were diagnosed with severe TBI, 28 (5.5%) with moderate TBI, and 414 (80.7%) with mild TBI. Patients in quartile 4 (MCDI ≥ 0.45) were at a significantly higher risk of having a severe TBI than patients in quartile 1 (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.1–4.71; p = 0.02). Black patients were more likely to have a firearm-related TBI (OR 3.74, 95% CI 2.01–8.7; p = 0.018) than non-Black patients. Patients who lived in a neighborhood with a lower MCDI were significantly more likely to be discharged home than those who lived in an area with a higher MCDI (OR 2.78, 95% CI 7.90–32.93; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that inequities continue to exist within the pediatric TBI population and that the MCDI is a valuable tool to identify at-risk subpopulations. More specifically, patients who lived in a neighborhood with a higher MCDI were at higher risk of sustaining a severe TBI. By partnering with communities, families, and policymakers, healthcare providers could serve as advocates for these patients and work to minimize the social disparities that continue to exist.
County-level disparities in care for patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Ramapriyan Rishab , Ramesh Tarun , Yu Hao , Richardson Leland G. , Nahed Brian V. , Carter Bob S. , Barker Fred G. , Curry William T. , Choi Bryan D.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in neuro-oncological care for patients with brain tumors remain underexplored. This study aimed to analyze county-level disparities in glioblastoma (GBM) care in the United States, focusing on access to surgery and the use of adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

METHODS

Using repeated cross-sectional data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 17 database; the Area Health Resources File; and the American Community Survey, from 2010 to 2019, the authors performed multivariate regression analyses to understand the associations between county-level racial and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as the rates of surgery performed, delays in surgery, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy for newly diagnosed GBM.

RESULTS

In total, 29,609 GBM patients from 602 different US counties over a decade were included in this study. Counties with lower rates of surgery for GBM were associated with a higher percentage of Black residents (coefficient [CE] −0.001, 95% CI −0.002 to 0; p < 0.05) and being located in the Midwest (CE −0.132, 95% CI −0.195 to −0.069; p < 0.001) or West (CE −0.127, 95% CI −0.189 to −0.065; p < 0.001) relative to the Northeast. Counties with delayed surgical treatment were more likely to lack neurosurgeons (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.52, 95% CI 1.77–3.60; p < 0.001), have a higher percentage of Black residents (aOR 1.011, 95% CI 1.00–1.02; p < 0.05), and be located in the Midwest (aOR 3.042, 95% CI 1.12–8.24; p < 0.05) or West (aOR 3.175, 95% CI 1.12–8.97 p < 0.05). Counties with high rates of adjuvant radiation therapy were less likely to have higher percentages of Black residents (aOR 0.987, 95% CI 0.980–0.995; p < 0.01) and uninsured individuals (aOR 0.962, 95% CI 0.937–0.987; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Counties without neurosurgeons and those with a higher percentage of Black patients have delays in surgical care and demonstrate lower overall rates of surgery and adjuvant therapy for GBM. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies that address structural barriers in healthcare access, improve equitable distribution of the neurosurgery workforce, and ensure timely and comprehensive GBM care to all populations.
Gender concordance and publication productivity within Neurosurgical Focus: a 10-year review (2013–2022)
Authors: Roy Joanna M. , Segura Aaron , Skandalakis Georgios P. , Rumalla Kavelin , Estes Emily , Iqbal Javed , Riaz Muhammad Asjad , Sidebottom Rachel , Schmidt Meic H. , Bowers Christian A.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

The "leaky academic pipeline" describes how female representation in leadership positions has remained stagnant despite an increase in the number of female trainees. Female mentorship to female mentees, and female role models at higher academic positions have been shown to positively influence academic productivity. To the authors’ knowledge, the impact of female editorial board representation on authorship trends in neurosurgical journals remains undescribed. This study aimed to analyze trends in the representation of female topic editors and its impact on female authorship within Neurosurgical Focus over a 10-year period.

METHODS

Publicly available data were collected from the journal’s website, inclusive from January 2013 to December 2022. The articles were grouped into technical and nontechnical themes based on their relevance to specific technical details regarding surgical techniques. Female gender–concordant publications were defined as publications having a female first author (or co–first author) and a female senior author. Linear regression analysis determined trends in publishing. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Pearson correlation and cross-correlation analyses were used to examine each pairwise comparison of time series. The statistical significance of associations was evaluated using t-tests and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

RESULTS

The number of female topic editors and gender-concordant authors increased over time (p < 0.05). Women accounted for ≥ 50% of the topic editors on nontechnical themes relevant to education and gender diversity. Having a female senior author was associated with higher publication productivity for original research and review articles among female authors (OR 13.73, 95% CI 1.75–394.31; p < 0.05). Female authors had higher odds of publishing editorials with a female topic editor (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.37–11.02; p < 0.01). Publications with female first and senior authors were significantly more likely to have female topic editors (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.38–12.92; p < 0.01). A positive association was observed between female senior authors and female topic editors at lag −8, with a correlation coefficient of 0.19 (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Female attending–to–female trainee mentorship and female representation among editorial boards play a crucial role in enhancing academic productivity among women. Efforts to sustain academic productivity during the early-career period would presumably help increase female representation in neurosurgery.
SIMPLE PRESS TOOL DESIGN AS A SUPPORTING TOOL FOR FORMING PLATES WITH A THICKNESS OF 3 MM
Authors: Sulaeman Aldi , Santosa Aa
Published: November 2023

The press tool is one of the combined Jig and Fixture tools that can be used to form and cut metal by means of emphasis. The working process of this tool is based on the compressive force passed on by Punch to cut or shape the workpiece according to the desired geometric and size. This research aims to design a cutting machine for sheet metal forming processes that are able to improve the production process in industry. In this study, the author designed the components of a progressive type presstool machine in the process of making clamps with a thickness of 3mm with software inventor design media. Includes components shanks (St.60), top plate (St.60), bearing locator (St.40), bottom plate (St.60), punch (SKD-11), dies (SKD-11), pillar shaft (St.40), spring (St.40). Analysis of calculations carried out in this study produces a cross-sectional area of the shear field (132mm2), shear voltage (32 kg/mm2), Formation style (4,224kg), presstool engine power (1267.2 watts/168.9688 HP). Press tools are designed to make clamps made of steel plates with a thickness of 3 mm. From the design results obtained the dimensions of the tool as follows the length of 450 x 400 x 542 mm. The results of press tool type of precision equipment used to form or cut workpiece materials according to needs and to increase production in industry
DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF THE PROCESS OF MAKING STRAIGHT GEARSUSING THE MASTERCAM X5 TO GENERATE G-CODE
Authors: Rizki Fahri , Santosa Aa
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIn its development, every manufacturing industry increasingly makes people think more creatively and are faced with new problems, especially in making new innovations. The purpose of these production issues is to achieve faster and more efficient production targets. The metal machining process is an important factor to support the quality of the final product, but there is one obstacle that must be faced.The process of making gears is currently being done not only using a milling machine, there are many machines that are used to produce gears, to reduce the error rate in the process of making wheels using a CNC machine, a simulation is carried out using the Master Cam program. technology produced using software assistance to speed up work and make products better in terms of accuracy and effectiveness. The use of technology in the manufacture of products in various industrial fields continues to be developed in order to increase efficiency. This is also the case with the ceramics industry, which has been increasingly being used as a ceramicshousehold needs. In the production process, the Machining industrygradually using automated processes to replace processesmanuals. The purpose of this research is to analyze the manufacture of gears using a CNC machine.The results of this study are expected to be a reference in making gearsusing a CNC machine. Analysis of machining processes performed includes machining parameters, time and yield or productThis research is an application of the CAD CAM course, the Mastercam software application is very helpful in mold making innovation.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS SUGGESTS FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATE ENVIRONMENTAL DNA IS MORE CONCENTRATED IN SURFACE WATER THAN IN BENTHIC SEDIMENTS
Authors: Willbanks Paton , Hays Hayden , Kabat Kristin L. , Barnes Matthew A.
Published: November 2023

The collection, identification, and census of freshwater invertebrates helps to increase understanding of the ecological function of lakes and streams. However, this work can be time-consuming and laborious because invertebrate identification often requires considerable taxonomic training and expertise. The collection and analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA), the genetic material that organisms shed into their surrounding environment, represents a potentially revolutionary approach for rapid and accurate invertebrate surveillance in freshwater environments. Previous studies have demonstrated that fish eDNA tends to be more abundant in freshwater lake sediments than the water column above, so we conducted an experiment to examine whether this pattern holds true for freshwater invertebrates. We collected paired samples from benthic sediments and the water column at ten sites around an urban playa lake in Lubbock, Texas. Based on cycle threshold values from quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification with universal invertebrate primers targeting the COI gene, a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman rank-order correlation suggested that invertebrate eDNA quantities were correlated between the sediment and water column but consistently more concentrated in the water compared to the sediment below, directly contrasting with previous studies of fish eDNA. Future work combining eDNA detection and high-throughput sequencing (i.e., metabarcoding) will increase understanding of how eDNA signals relate to local invertebrate pools and increase the utility of eDNA sampling for freshwater invertebrates.
Public Health Care Leadership Competencies Through the Lens of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of What Matters in Managing Global Health Crisis
Authors: Mhaka Simbarashe
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, although it caused a severe negative impact on health, economic, and environmental progress, underlined many gaps and opportunities, especially in health care leadership. Despite the challenging period faced during the pandemic, it was a test of leadership competencies possessed by health care leaders. As such, this article is a crisis post-mortem examination of effective leadership competencies designed to formulate crisis evidence-based traits using a scoping literature review method with a particular reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing literature depicts that crisis leadership requires an amalgamation of six characteristic traits: communication, partnering/collaborations, emotional intelligence, teamwork, innovation, and accountability. Leadership can be taught and learned; as such, healthcare leaders should undergo continuous training and retraining to equip them with such skills that are mandatory during managing a crisis.
Does Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Affect Stock Prices in Nigeria?
Authors: Yusuf Wasiu
Published: November 2023

The study examined the impact of exchange rate and interest rate on stock prices in Nigeria using monthly data from January 1996 to December 2022. The key variables of interest were interest rate, exchange rate, and stock prices. The study also employed other variables like the oil price and inflation as control variables (given their important considerations to equity investors). The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique was adopted, and the result revealed that no long-run impact exists between the all-share index, exchange rate, and interest rate. However, in the short run, the oil price and exchange rate in the previous period and the all-share index in the previous period were significant in explaining the all-share index. In addition, the relationship between the exchange rate and the all-share index was negative, while the oil price has a positive relationship with the all-share index. Thus, it is important for the monetary authority to ensure the stability of the naira in order to encourage investors, thereby reducing the volatility of their investment and enabling investors to make informed investment decisions.
Kajian Perilaku Aliran Melalui Alat Ukur Debit Mercu Bulat Terhadap Tinggi Muka Air
Authors: Risman Risman , Warsiti Warsiti , Mawardi Mawardi , Martono Martono , Satriyadi Lilik
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini dibatasi pada perilaku debit aliran melalui alat ukur debit mercu bulat terhadap tinggi muka air di hulu, di atas mercu dan di hilir. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah melakukan pengujian di laboratorium hidrolika dengan membuat model alat ukur debit mercu bulat dengan radius mercu R = 1,0 cm, 1,25 cm, dan 1,5 cm kemudian dialirkan debit mulai dari Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, …. Qn, untuk mendapatkan variasi tinggi muka air di hulu, di atas mercu dan hilir alat ukur debit mercu bulat, sehingga bisa didapatkan hubungan antara debit dengan tinggi muka air di hulu, di atas ambang dan hilir alat ukur debit mercu bulat. Disamping itu didapatkan juga hubungan dari variasi debit yang dialirkan melalui alat ukur debit mercu bulat terhadap koefisien debit aliran yang terjadi. Dari hasil penelitian ini didapatkan hubungan debit dengan tinggi muka air di hulu, tinggi muka air di hilir, muka air di atas ambang, dan koefisien debit alat ukur mercu bulat. Hubungan debit dengan tinggi muka air di hulu, tinggi muka air di hilir pada alat ukur debit mercu bulat mempunyai trend yang mirip. Hubungan debit dan koefisien debit pada alat ukur debit mercu bulat untuk radius mercu R = 1,25 cm dan R = 1,5 cm mempunyai trend yang mirip, akan tetapi untuk R = 1,0 cm mempunyai trend yang berbeda.

Kata kunci: Mercu bulat, koefisien debit, debit
Pendidikan Anak Di Lingkungan Keluarga Dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Mahmudi Wildana Latif
Published: November 2023

Pendidikaan tidak hanya menjanjikan kemajuan teknologi semata, tetapi juga harus mampu mengangkat harkat dan martabat suatu bangsa. Sistem pendidikan Islam memiliki beberapa karakter, salah satu diantaranya dalam pencarian, penguasaan dan pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan sangat menekankan nilai ahlak, yang berarti bahwa ilmu pengetahuan tidak bebas nilai, sehingga mengkritisi atau menilai ilmu pengetahuan merupakan salah satu ahlak yang terpuji. Pendidikan anak dalam keluarga dimulai sejak pra nikah, nikah, dalam kandungan, pasca kelahiran sampai masa remaja.

Kata kunci: Pendidikan anak, lingkungan keluarga, pendidikan Islam.
RANCANG BANGUN ALAT BANTU LAS MEJA PUTAR PENEPAT
Authors: Kurniawan Ipung , Girawan Bayu Aji , Fitriyani Ika
Published: November 2023

Meja putar penepat adalah alat bantu yang dirancang untuk mempermudah proses pengelasan khususnya pada pipa. Alat bantu ini dapat membantu pengelasan dalam penempatkan benda kerja dan memutar benda kerja selama proses pengelasan sehingga diharapkan hasil lasan konsisten dan stabil. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu; menentukan rancangan desain alat bantu, menghitung bagian-bagian elemen mesin dan menghitung estimasi waktu produksi. Dalam proses perancangan menggunakan pendekatan metode VDI 2222. Motor penggerak yang digunakan yaitu motor DC jenis power window. Pengatur kecepatan putar motor digunakan metode Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM). Hasil dari penelitian diperoleh desain alat menggunakan engsel dan pengatur sudut untuk mengatur sudut kerja dari meja putar. Hasil perhitungan elemen mesin didapat daya untuk memutar meja adalah 0,055 watt. Diameter roda gigi yang digunakan adalah 60 mm dan 48 mm. Diameter poros yang digunakan adalah 28,58 mm. Umur bantalan 2,5 tahun. Kapasitas beban maksimal yaitu 15 kg. Waktu proses produksi alat bantu las ini yaitu 2,5 hari.
RANCANG BANGUN MESIN FLUSHING OIL
Authors: Pujono Pujono , Nur Fauzi Rachmat Widya
Published: November 2023

Mesin flushing oil adalah mesin yang dirancang untuk impurity pada sistem pelumasan oli tanpa harus menyaring oli dengan tangan. Mesin ini juga dapat menjaga kualitas kinerja mesin tetap dalam kondisi prima. Adanya partikel-partikel padat dalam minyak pelumas menyebabkan kehilangan efisiensi, pengurangan umur komponen dan akhirnya berkurang performa dari sebuah mesin. Beberapa studi telah menunjukkan bahwa 70% dari kegagalan komponen mesin yaitu dari pelumasan, disebabkan polusi 20%, korosi dan 10% disebabkan oleh keausan yang bersifat mekanik. Bila kontaminsasi tidak diperhatikan, maka akan menyebabkan kegagalan dari sitem pelumasan. Proses rancang bangun mesin flushing oil ini menggunakan metode perancangan VDI 2222 untuk mempermudah dalam proses perancangan, yaitu dengan melakukan tahapan merencana, mengkonsep, merancang, penyelesaian. Hasil perancangan menghasilkan mesin flushing oil dengan daya efektif gear pump 0,33 KW / 330 W, motor yang digunakan adalah motor AC 0,5 HP, coupling yang digunakan adalah jenis coupling cakar, menggunakan gear pump untuk mengalirkan oli dan menggunakan catridge filter. Pengujian viskositas/kekentalan oli hasil flushing dilakukan dengan menggunakan material oli bekas mesin mobil dan pada suhu 400 celcius dengan masing-masing diuji sebanyak 2 kali. Hasil uji menunjukan bahwa oli bekas mesin mobil mengalami kenaikan nilai viskositas rata-rata sebesar 21%. Kapasitas debit oli adalah 3 liter/menit.
RANCANG BANGUN MEKANISME PERGERAKAN CONVEYOR PADA MESIN SORTIR SAMPAH KALENG DAN BOTOL PLASTIK
Authors: Pujono Pujono , Setiawan Anton , Prabowo Dian
Published: November 2023

Mesin sortir sampah kaleng dan botol plastik adalah mesin yang dirancang untuk meminimalisir kesalahan para pemilah sampah dalam melakukan proses penyortiran sampah kaleng dan botol plastik. Mesin sortir sampah kaleng dan botol plastik terdiri dari dua mekanisme, yaitu mekanisme pergerakan conveyor dan mekanisme pendorong. Proses perancangan mekanisme pergerakan conveyor menggunakan pendekatan metode VDI 2222, software gambar menggunakan solidworks 2017 dan gambar kerja menggunakan standar ISO. Proses produksi pergerakan conveyor mesin sortir sampah kaleng dan botol plastik dilakukan dengan beberapa proses yaitu : pemotongan, bubut, gurdi, las, perakitan dan finishing. Proses produksi tersebut bertujuan untuk mengetahui waktu proses produksi, biaya pembuatan serta untuk dilakukan analisa fungsi pada mesin tersebut. Rancang bangun menghasilkan conveyor dengan dimensi panjang 1530 mm, lebar 250 mm dan tinggi 130 mm. Hasil perhitungan elemen mesin menggunakan motor DC dengan torsi 15 kg.cm, diameter poros Ø10 mm dan diameter pasak 3 mm. Analisa fungsi dari mesin ini menggunakan tabel ya/tidak. Dalam proses produksi mekanisme pergerakan conveyor membutuhkan waktu proses bubut selama 3,304 jam; proses gurdi selama 3,391 jam; proses las selama 0,75 jam; proses finishing selama 2,616 jam. Mesin ini mampu mengalirkan sampah seberat 25 kg dan mampu memilah sampah kaleng dan botol plastik dengan waktu rata-rata 9 menit, dalam waktu 30 menit mesin ini dapat mensortir sampah kaleng dan botol plastik dengan jumlah rata-rata 277 buah.
EFIKASI DIRI DAN DISIPLIN KERJA SERTA PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN
Authors: Mahawati Greta , Sulistiyani Endang
Published: November 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh efikasi diri dan disiplin kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan pada Kantor Pusat PT BPR BKK Kota Semarang. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dengan kuesioner, observasi dan studi pustaka. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan sampel jenuh. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari semua karyawan yang bekerja di bagian Sumber Daya Manusia, Pemasaran dan Keuangan. Teknik analisis data menggunakan regresi linier berganda. Sesuai hasil analisis data, efikasi diri dan disiplin kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan secara parsial dan simultan. Disiplin kerja memberikan pengaruh dominan dalam meningkatkan kinerja karyawan dibandingkan variabel independen lain.
EFEKTIFITAS PENGGUNAAN BAHAN STABILISATOR BERBASIS POZOLAN PADA TANAH BERBUTIR HALUS DITINJAU DARI SIFAT FISIK DAN MEKANIS TANAH
Authors: Lestari Nor Puji , Nikmah Anisatun , Harprastanti Primasiwi , Sulistiawati Baiq Heny
Published: November 2023

Kerusakan bangunan struktur maupun bangunan geoteknik lainnya banyak disebabkan oleh kondisi tanah dasar dimana konstruksi tersebut berdiri. Tanah yang baik akan berfungsi untuk menopang konstruksi diatasnya. Salah satu faktor yang menentukan daya dukung tanah adalah parameter kondisi tanah. Tidak semua jenis tanah memiliki karakteristik yang baik sehingga perlu usaha perbaikan tanah. Salah satu upaya untuk memperbaiki sifat tanah lempung tersebut dilakukan dengan stabilisasi tanah. Banyak bahan stabilisasi yang telah digunakan, antara lain semen dan bahan pozolan. Oleh sebab itu pada penelitian ini akan di tinjau efektifitas bahan berbasis pozolan untuk bahan stabilisator tanah. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimental. Tanah yang digunakan adalah tanah di desa Wirosari Kabupaten Grobogan. Kadar campuran yang digunakan adalah 16% dan 20% untuk bagasse ash maupun semen. Efektifitas penggunaan bahan campuran dilihat dari sifat fisik meliputi batas-batas konsistensi tanah dan sifat mekanis dengan uji pemadatan. Dari hasil pengujian dan analisis data diperoleh bahwa tanah asli termasuk jenis tanah berbutir halus kelompok A-7-5 dengan potensi pengembangan sedang. Nilai LL, PL dan PI berturut-turut adalah 77,3%; 60% dan 17,3%. Setelah dilakukan penambahan bahan stabilisator diperoleh tren yang sama untuk setiap campuran, yaitu LL menurun, PL meningkat dan PI menurun. Sedangkan pada sifat fisik kadar campuran tanah-bagase ash 16% memberikan nilai kepadatan yang lebih tinggi di banding campuran tanah semen. Tetapi jika kadar campuran ditambah tren kepadatan tanah akan menurun.
KEEFEKTIFAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN GOOGLE CLASSROOM DAN GOOGLE MEET DALAM MENINGKATKAN KARAKTER BELAJAR MAHASISWA DI MASA PANDEMI
Authors: Muslimah Muslimah , Ulfa Marya
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan tingkat keefektifan media pembelajaran Google Classroom dan Google  Meet  dalam meningkatkan karakter belajar mahasiswa . Pendekatan penelitiannya kuantitatif dan jenisnya korelasional. Subyek penelitian adalah mahasiswa Fakultas Bahasa dan Budaya Untag Semarang. Data diperoleh dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang disusun menurut model skala likert.Teknik analisis data dengan menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan inferensial (korelasi parsial dan regresi ganda) menggunakan program IBM SPSS Statistic 25 . Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang disusun menurut model skala likert. Hasil peneltian menunjukan bahwa tes kemampuan akhir yang diperoleh responden sangat bervariatif sesuai dengan kriteria ketuntasan. Uji validitas menunjukkan bahwa semua item indikator adalah valid. Hasil uji reliabilitas terhadap keseluruhan variabel adalah reliabel. Dalam Uji normalitas menunjukkan bahwa semua data adalah normal. Pada Uji linieritas terdapat hubungan linear secara signifikan antara variabel motivasi (X) dengan variabel Media Pembelajaran (Y). Berdasarkan hasil uji multikolinieritas antar variabel tersebut tidak terjadi multikolinieritas.   Kesimpulannya bahwa penggunaan media pembelajaran Google Classroom dan Google  Meet dalam meningkatkan karakter belajar mahasiswa di masa pandemi 89,3%  sangat efektif digunakan.
RANCANG BANGUN MESIN FRICTION WELDINGUNTUK PENGELASAN BAJA ST 37 DENGAN DIAMETER MAKSIMAL ½ INCH
Authors: Kurniawan Ipung , Pujono Pujono , Nurhilal Mohammad , Prabowo Dian
Published: November 2023

Pengelasan gesek merupakan proses pengelasan tanpa menggunakan bahan tambah. Gesekan diakibatkan oleh pertemuan kedua benda kerja yang menghasilkan panas kemudian melumerkan kedua ujung benda kerja dan akhirnya terjadi proses penyambungan benda kerja. Tujuan dalam rancang bangun mesin friction welding yaitu membuat perancangan pada mesin friction welding, menghitung komponen elemen mesin, menghitung mekanika teknik pada rangka, menghitung gaya dorong aktuator, menghitung estimasi total waktu proses produksi, melakukan uji fungsi pada bagian sistem transmisi dan kontrol tekan dan uji hasil variasi diameter besi pejal silinder. Metode perancangan dengan pendekatan metode VDI 2222. Hasil dari rancangan berupa desain mesin friction welding. Dihasilkan motor listrik yang digunakan memiliki daya 1,5 HP, puli yang digunakan Ø6 inch dan Ø2 inch, sehingga didapati putaran sebesar 4200 rpm, panjang v-belt 1.324,18 mm, poros memiliki ukuran Ø25 mm.Hasil dari rancang bangun didapatkan hasil yaitu material yang digunakan yaitu besi siku dan kanal U dengan ukuran frame 1200x400x855 mm, slider 400x206x200 mm. Gaya dorong yang dihasilkan aktuator sebesar 480 N. Estimasi total waktu produksi selama 20,24 jam. Sistem transmisi mampu meneruskan daya dari motor penggerak menuju rotary chuck dan kontrol tekan mampu bergerak maju dan mundur. Mesin friction welding berhasil menyambung besi pejal silinder dengan Ø6 mm, Ø8 mm, Ø10 mm dalam waktu 1 menit,berhasil menyambung 2 besi pejal silinder dengan ukuran Ø1/2 inchi dengan variasi tekanan 6[bar], 7[bar], 8[bar], namun besi tersambung tidak sempurna. Hasil uji tarik menunjukkan kekuatan tarik tertinggi sebesar 153 MPa
The Effect Of Reader’s Theater Strategy On Students’ Skills In Writing Recount Text
Authors: Amelia Kiki Rizki , Asmara Rekha , Sartika Dewi
Published: November 2023

Writing is an effective tool de develop communication for students. By writing, students can explore everything to deliver to others. As a result, the purpose of this study was to look into the effect of the reader's theater strategy on improving students' writing skills when writing recount text. This was a pre-experimental study. This study's sample consisted of eighth-grade students from MTs Pidua Meranjat. The information was gathered using a written test and analyzed using a paired sample t-test. The findings revealed that the t-obtained (5.228) was higher than the t-table (0.692) at a significant level of p-value below 0.5. It meant that there was a significant improvement in writing recount text after having taught using the reader’s theater strategy.  In conclusion, the Reader’s Theater strategy affected students in writing recount text because it offers a fun way of learning where students must complete a story by recreating the script by characterizing the text that was guided by its strategy.
The Teachers’ Demotivation Causes and Strategies in Teaching English Online during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sibran Evi Sastra , Harahap Alamsyah , Yunita Wisma
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research was to investigate the causes of teachers’ demotivation and to reveal the strategies used by the teachers to resolve demotivation in teaching English online during Covid-19 pandemic in Bengkulu. This research employed mix method design which involved both collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. The instrument used in this research were questionnaire and interview. The questionnaires and interviews were distributed to the junior high school English teachers in Bengkulu. The results showed that English teachers in Bengkulu had demotivation during online learning. Teaching profession, curriculum, working conditions, students and parents, colleagues and school administrator, and physical conditions were the causes of the teachers’ demotivation. In addition, it is found that there was the only one strategy by the teachers which was self-control. The teachers rarely used Professional development and instructional strategies as strategy during online learning pandemic Covid-19. Finally, it is suggested to the students to understand that their behavior in classroom has a significant impact toward teachers’ demotivation, so the teachers are motivated in teaching. It is also suggested to next researcher to conduct similar research in larger scope about teachers’ demotivation, and the correlation between teachers’ demotivation and teachers’ performance.
ANALISIS KESIAPAN BELAJAR SISWA SMA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Hikmah Mamluatul , Anggita Maharani
Published: November 2023

Kesiapan belajar membuat siswa menjadi lebih baik dalam mengikuti pembelajara di kelas, kesiapan di sini meliputi kesiapan secara fisik, psikis, materi atau kognitif dan kebutuhan (motivasi), penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kesiapan belajar siswa dalam pembelajaran matematika. Penelitian ini akan menganalisis bagaimana kesiapan siswa dalam pembelajaran matematika dengan subjek peneltian adalah 35 siswa di sekolah tingkat atas, metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif, dimana siswa diberikan sebuah angket yang memiliki indikator kesiapan belajar dan akan dianalisis dan dihitung hasil dari angket yang telah diberikan kemudian dilakukan pengumpulan data lebih lanjut dengan wawancara. Dari hasil angket yang sudah dianalisis dan dihitung didapatkan bahwa 75,71% siswa sudah sangat siap dalam mengikuti pembelajaran dan dari hasil wawancara didapatkan kesimpulan bahwa antara indikator satu dengan yang lainnya mempunyai kaitan yang sangat erat dan saling mempengaruhi.