bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of hydrocarbon contamination on the engineering geological properties of Neogene clays and Pleistocene glacial tills from Central Poland
Authors: Dobak Paweł , Izdebska-Mucha Dorota , Stajszczak Piotr , Wójcik Emilia , Kiełbasiński Kamil , Gawriuczenkow Ireneusz , Szczepański Tomasz , Zawrzykraj Piotr , Bąkowska Anna
Published: July 2023

Petroleum products influence the engineering behaviour of the soil. Neogene clays and glacial tills from Central Poland were tested under laboratory conditions to evaluate the changes of selected physical and mechanical parameters: particle size distribution, particle density, swelling, shear strength and permeability. Four petroleum products were used in the experiments: diesel fuel, kerosene, jet fuel and mineral engine oil. The study revealed that even for the lowest degree of contamination the values of physical and mechanical properties of the soils changed significantly. Greater variation can be expected in soils contaminated with high-viscosity compounds. Also, higher relative changes were found for glacial tills than for Neogene clays. Consolidation tests revealed changes in soil permeability depending on the soil composition and the physical properties of the contaminant – considerable reduction of permeability was observed for glacial tills contaminated with light Jet fuel, while the reduction was lower for Neogene clays. The obtained results indicate the role of mesopores and the dimensionless pore pressure coefficient in changes of soil permeability. The methodological issues regarding testing and analysing the hydrocarbon-contaminated soils were also presented and discussed, which might be useful for researchers studying contaminated soils.
From Outer Space to Earth – Resilience Management in Turkey'S Natural Disaster of 2023
Authors: Botezatu Ulpia Elena , Bucovețchi Olga
Published: July 2023

In recent years, natural disasters have become more frequent and severe, causing significant damage to infrastructure, economy, and society. To enhance societal resilience to these events, the usage of space technology has become increasingly important. This article aims to explore the role of space technology in enhancing societal resilience to natural disasters, using the case of the 2023 natural disaster in Turkey. First, the article discusses the use of space technology in disaster monitoring, early warning systems, search and rescue operations, and damage assessment. Secondly, the article looks at the case of the recent earthquake in Turkey and attempts to reveal how Turksat satellite system has been used. The article concludes that space technology can play a crucial role in enhancing societal resilience to natural disasters.
Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Tindakan Murid Pondok Pesantren Dr. M. Natsir Alahan Panjang Tentang Skabies
Authors: Yenny Satya Wydya , Darmasatria Rendra , Noer Resya I , Saputra Virnanda Trisnorizki , Julia Dwi Sabtika , Suharti Netty
Published: July 2023

Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation and sensitization to Sarcoptes scabei hominis. The incidence of scabies at the Islamic boarding school Dr M. Natsir Alahan Panjang is as much as 17.5%. The purpose of this activity was to describe the students' knowledge before and after counselling and the attitudes and behaviour of the students in dealing with scabies. The method was observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach with 216 students who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at the school. Based on the data, 146 respondents met the inclusion criteria, with respondents 16 years old and 29 respondents (19.9%) ranging in age from 12 to 21 years. The education level of the majority came from senior high school, with as many as 89 respondents (56.2%). Respondents did not understand about scabies with 115 (78,8%) but already had good knowledge about scabies with 135 (92,6%). There was an increase in the respondents' knowledge where initially, the respondents' knowledge before counselling had a percentage of 96,6% to 98% after counselling. In the attitude and behaviour aspects of the respondents, there was also an increase after counselling was carried out. There was a significant difference in knowledge between before and after counselling.
Pendampingan Pembuatan Video Game untuk SMAN 3 Batusangkar
Authors: Aziira Aina Hubby , Akbar Ricky , Arifnur Adi Arga , Kartika Afriyanti Dwi , Nirad Dwi Welly Sukma , Wenando Febby Apri , Wahyuni Ullya Mega
Published: July 2023

Student creativity in the field of research can develop a method that has excellent potential to be utilized by the wider community. SMAN 3 Batusangkar students have high creativity and interest in participating in research olympiads, such as designing a video game structure as a therapeutic tool to help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in problems with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The designed video game is part of their research plan proposed in the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad. However, the lack of understanding of the students in making video games with the concept of visual attention for children with ADHD to be used in research is a problem in itself. Therefore, the community service team in the Information Systems Department, Universitas Andalas, assisted in making video games to increase the understanding of the SMAN 3 Batusangkar team on making video games. This activity aimed to disseminate process knowledge related to making simple video games to support innovations that benefit society. Assistance was carried out intensively at the Basic Laboratory of the Information Systems Department to help the SMAN 3 Batusangkar team complete a series of research plans proposed for the Olympics, especially at stages related to making video games.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA BELIEF DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS VII MTS NEGERI 1 PONTIANAK
Authors: Rahayu Wittia Rosi , Rif'at Mohamad , Hamdani Hamdani
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study intends to decide the connection among Conviction and Arithmetic Learning Results. This exploration utilizes ex post facto technique and type of correlational examination. The example in this review was class VII understudies, the information acquired in this review were the consequences of a numerical conviction survey and the benefit of learning results. In view of the consequences of the measurable trial of Pearson connection investigation utilizing SPSS 26, it was gotten a worth of 0.056, it very well may be inferred that there is a huge connection among conviction and understudy learning results in math. The extent of the relationship is remembered for the medium class
Investigating the parameters of the beta distribution
Authors: Ali H  , Akanihu CN  , Felix J
Published: July 2023

The Beta distribution takes on many diﬀerent shapes and may be described by two shape parameters, α and β, that can be diﬃcult to estimate. Maximum likelihood and method of moments estimation are possible, though method of moments is much more straightforward and easier to compute by hand. In this paper, general information about the beta distribution were given. Usage areas of Beta distribution are also specified. The method of moment estimators and the system of linear equations of the maximum likelihood estimators are presented here. At the end of the investigation, it was discovered that the method of moment estimators is most preferable for small sample size (samples less than 50) whereas the Maximum Likelihood method is good when the sample size is large, this is because the estimates provided by this method are more consistent and asymptotically efficient; that is, they converge in probability to the parameter they are estimating and achieve the lower bound on variance.
Tafsir Pemikiran Muhammad Syahrur tentang Waris dan Kontribusinya Bagi Perkembangan Hukum Kewarisan di Indonesia (Studi Analisis Kompilasi Hukum Islam)
Authors: Sedayu Rahmat Agung , Thahir A. Halil , Mushlihin Imam Annas , Tohari Ilham
Published: July 2023

In Muhammad Syahrur's view, waris is hududullahh which means that the maximum limit for a son is two daughters, and the minimum limit for a daughter is one boy. This research is qualitative research with the type of research library research which aims to reveal how Muhammad Syahrur's thoughts about inheritance with an analysis knife Compilation of Islamic Law. The data analysis process uses content analysis techniques, which are research techniques by looking for regular shapes, structures, and patterns in the text and making conclusions based on the regularities found. The results of this study: 1) Muhammad Syahrur rereads the inheritance verse which is hududullahh. If the heirs consist of one son and two daughters, then the share of the daughter may not be less than 25% and the share for the son may not be greater than 50%. 2) The contribution of Muhammad Syahrur's thoughts on inheritance to the development of inheritance law in Indonesia is by positioning the inheritance portion for women as al-Hadd al-'Adna (minimum limit). With this, Syahrur wants to say that women may or even have the right to get more shares than one man, provided that they do not exceed al-Hadd al'Ala for men. Thus women can get more shares than what has been determined by QS. An-Nisa verse 11 and article 176 KHI as long as it does not exceed the male share (½).
FSMB Census of Licensed Physicians in the United States, 2022
Authors: Young Aaron , Pei Xiaomei , Arnhart Katie , Carter Jeffrey D. , Chaudhry Humayun J.
Published: July 2023

There are 1,044,734 licensed physicians in the United States and District of Columbia, a physician workforce 23% larger than in 2010, based on data supplied by the nation's state medical and osteopathic boards. Despite an impending shortage of physicians nationwide, the licensed physician population has grown relative to the nation's total population, and since the last census in 2020 there have been significant increases in the number of new licenses issued by state medical boards—a trend driven predominantly by the use of telehealth services at levels significantly higher than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly one-quarter (24%), or 247,424, of the nation's physicians hold two or more active licenses, up from 23% in 2020, and state medical boards issued a record high of 129,427 new licenses in 2022, an increase of 27% from 2020. A demographic transition towards an older population in the United States is increasing as the demand for healthcare services continues to raise concerns about physician shortages. The physician population is aging alongside the general population, with the number of licensed physicians aged 60 years and older increasing by 54% since our 2010 census. The pandemic exacerbated the strains of an aging population on the entire healthcare system and physician workforce.
Balinese Karawitan Arts as a Media for Character Education and Preservation of Balinese Cultural Arts
Authors: Ni Wayan Masyuni Sujayanthi  , Ni Putu Hartini
Published: July 2023

The negative impact of Covid-19 on children's character development calls for activities to restore social interaction that affects attitudes and behavior through Balinese Karawitan Art. The aim of such activities is to improve concentration and social interaction skills by applying the value of moral education in participating in Balinese Karawitan Arts activities. The implementation of character education values provides a correlation to children's growth and development using the mirror of effect theory, which refers to a person's character being influenced by his environment. The method used is a descriptive method by describing the phenomenon of the impact of Covid-19 as it affects the social interaction of children. Data collection was carried out by observation and interviews, the results of the research show that participating in Balinese Karawitan Arts activities at Sanggar Kertha Jaya brought positive changes to children's growth and development because, in addition to mastering Balinese gamelan techniques, the activities indirectly provided character education in an effort to instill the values of attitude and intelligence in thinking and appreciation. Recommendations: create activities that are able to increase social interaction while still implementing health protocols, especially in the arts that can shape the character of the nation's young generation.
MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN DISCOVERY LEARNING
Authors: Inin Fitria
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini mengkaji mengenai studi literatur. Metode studi literatur adalah serangkaian kegiatan yang berkenaan dengan metode pengumpulan data pustaka, membaca dan mencatat, serta mengelolah bahan penelitian. Berhasilnya tujuan pembelajaran ditentukan oleh banyak faktor diantaranya adalah faktor guru dalam melaksanakan proses belajar mengajar, karena guru secara langsung dapat mempengaruhi, membina dan meningkatkan kecerdasan serta keterampilan peserta didik. Berdasarkan temuan penulis peserta didik kurang aktif dan kreatif dalam memahami materi makna pengamalan nilai Sumpah Pemuda dan tidak dapat menyelesaikan jawaban dengan benar dan tepat, dikarenakan soal yang sulit, dan kurangnya konsentrasi belajar, sehingga hasil ulangan harian yang diharapkan tidak sesuai KKM.Dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode discovery learning atau penemuan dapat meningkatkan minat dan motivasi peserta didik dan dapat lebih mudah dipahami serta simulasi yang dilakukan guru dan peserta didik memudahkan dalam penyampaian materi dan tujuan pembelajaran sehingga dapat meningkatkan kemampuan peserta didik
Dialectic relationship between sustainable development and Rational governance to achieve societal security
Authors: Abdulla Assist prof.Dr. Badrea Salih
Published: July 2023

The issues of societal security and sustainability development are among the global phenomena that gained attention after the Second World War and crystallized in the 1990s. The purpose of this study is to shed light on societal security and sustainability development, and how societies were able to face security challenges, live in the development era, and achieve stability and progress. International civil wars and dictatorships that posed a threat to sustainability development, including the facts that put political systems towards a moral responsibility to find solutions to economic, social, cultural and political problems, and start scientific and effective courses for sustainability development that provide ample spaces for completeness and incorporation and transform individuals into an effective force within their societies that guarantee diversity.
Zor Problem: Bilinç-Bilinç Nörobiyolojisinin Fenomenal Dünya Yorumu
Authors: TÜLÜCE Hüseyin Adem
Published: July 2023

Bilincin ne olduğu meselesi 21.yüzyılın en dikkate değer konuları arasında yer almaktadır. Bilincin bu kadar ilgi çekici bir mesele olmasının nedenini din, felsefe ve bilim açısından ortaya koymak mümkündür. Konunun başlangıç noktası insanın kendi varlığını açıklamak ve anlamlandırmak istemesidir. Tek tanrılı dinler açısından bakıldığında insanın bir ruh sahibi olması ve öte dünyaya olan inancı varoluşunun temel dayanak noktaları olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bu inanç sistemi içinde özellikle bir ruha sahip olmak insanın öldükten sonra yok olmayacağı üzerine temellenir.
The Effect of Temperature on the Synthesis of Nano-Gamma Alumina Using Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Mohammed Abdul-Halim A.K. , Hussein Hussein Q. , Mohammed Mohammed Sabah
Published: July 2023

Nano gamma alumina was prepared by double hydrolysis process using aluminum nitrate nano hydrate and sodium aluminate as an aluminum source, hydroxyle poly acid and CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) as templates. Different crystallization temperatures (120, 140, 160, and 180) 0C and calcinations temperatures (500, 550, 600, and 650) 0C were applied. All the batches were prepared at PH equals to 9. XRD diffraction technique and infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy were used to investigate the phase formation and the optical properties of the nano gamma alumina. N2 adsorption-desorption (BET) was used to measure the surface area and pore volume of the prepared nano alumina, the particle size and the morphology of the surface of nano gamma alumina were estimated using AFM and SEM techniques ,respectively. All the samples represented pure nano gamma alumina with high crystalline and irregular hexagonal structure shape. The best results obtained were 456.5 m2/gm surface area, 0.49 cm3/gm pore volume, and 59.26 average particle size for the sample prepared at 180 0C crystallization temperature, and 500 0C calcinations temperature with nano spherical surface structure.
Preparations of Organoclay Using Cationic Surfactant and Characterization of PVC/ (Bentonite and Organoclay) Composite Prepared via Melt Blending Method
Authors: Abdul majeed Basma A. , Sabar Dhilal Amer
Published: July 2023

Calcium-Montmorillonite (bentonite) [Ca-MMT] has been prepared via cation exchange reaction using benzalkonium chloride [quaternary ammonium] as a surfactant to produce organoclay which is used to prepare polymer composites. Functionalization of this filler surface is very important factor for achieving good interaction between filler and polymer matrix. Basal spacing and functional groups identification of this organoclay were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy respectively.  The (XRD) results showed that the basal spacing of the treated clay (organoclay) with the benzalkonium chloride increased to 15.17213 0A, this represents an increment of about 77.9% in the basal spacing. FTIR spectra illustrate that benzalkonium chloride compound was successfully intercalated in to clay layers. The results confirm the effectiveness of the synthesis of organoclay with similar characteristics compared to those ones observed in the bentonite. The features were obtained by a simple process and enable interaction with organic compounds (polymers and plastic). PVC/bentonite composite and PVC/organoclay composite were prepared by the melt intercalation method .The results have been analyzed and compared for PVC samples with (3wt%, 7wt% and 12wt %) bentonite and organoclay micro filler .Mechanical properties, thermal properties, flammability and water absorption percentage of prepared samples were tested. Mechanical characteristic such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and impact strength (charpy type) were measured for all samples, where the tensile strength and elongation at break of PVC composites increased with increasing organoclay loading compared with unmodified bentonite. Also, the hardness and impact strength of the composites increase with increase in filler content. Thermal properties of PVC/ (bentonite, organoclay) composites were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and thermal conductivity analyzer. The results showed Tg shifted toward higher temperature for all type of filler compared to neat PVC. Also, thermal conductivity measurement values illustrated that PVC/bentonite composites have a good thermal insulation at 12wt%, thermal conductivity was decreased from 0.222 W/m.K for neat PVC to 0.11 W/m.K at 12wt% PVC/bentonite composites. Organoclay give the best possible water absorbability of the PVC, with other word making it moisture resistant .The higher the filler content the higher burning time, the lower rate of burning and the lower height of the flame which are evident at 12wt% for all fillers.
PERBANDINGAN METODE STRUKTURAL ANALITIK SINTETIK DENGAN METODE ABJAD TERHADAP KETEPATAN DAN KECEPATAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN SISWA KELAS I SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Lestari Tutik
Published: July 2023

ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui sebenarnya metode apa yang tepat yang akan digunakan dalam memecahkan masalah pada rendahnya ketepatan dan kecepatan membaca permulaan antara metode Struktural Analitik Sintetik (SAS) dengan metode abjad kelas 1 Sekolah Dasar. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen dengan desain Factorial 2x2. Berdasarkan dari hasil belajar siswa menggunakan metode SAS dengan metode Abjad memiliki perbedaan dalam ketepatan maupun kecepatan membaca permulaan siswa. Sedangkan untuk rata-rata Metode SAS terhadap ketepatan dan kecepatan membaca permulaan sebesar 82,71 dan 81,88 sedangkan dengan metode Abjad memiliki rata-rata sebesar 69,60 dan 80,00. Tidak itu saja peneliti juga melakukan uji normalitas dengan perolehan hasil analisis bahwasannya nilai sig > 0,05 yaitu 0.085, 0.068, 0.126 dan 0.075 (ketepatan dan kecepatan SAS, ketepatan dan kecepatan Abjad). hal ini memuat data penelitian berdistribusi normal. Karena data berdistribusi normal, peneliti melakukan uji hipotesi dengan melakukan uji one sample t test dengan nilai sig 0.000 < 0.05 dengan kesimpulan terima Ha dan tolak Ho yang berarti terdapat perbedaan menggunakan metode SAS (SD Negeri 07 Tiumang) dan metode Abjad (SD Negeri 02 Tiumang) pada ketepatan dan kecepatan membaca permulaan siswa kelas 1.Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran Kooperatif, SAS dan Abjad, Ketepatan dan Kecepatan, Hasil Belajar ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to find out exactly what method is right to be used in solving the problem of low reading accuracy and speed at the beginning between the Synthetic Structural Analytical (SAS) method and the alphabetic method for grade 1 elementary school. The research method used was an experiment with a 2x2 factorial design. Based on the results of student learning using the SAS method with the Alphabetical method, there are differences in the accuracy and speed of students' initial reading. Meanwhile, the average SAS method for initial reading accuracy and speed was 82.71 and 81.88, while the Abjad method had an average of 69.60 and 80.00. Not only that, the researcher also conducted a normality test with the acquisition of the analysis results that the sig value was > 0.05, namely 0.085, 0.068, 0.126 and 0.075 (SAS accuracy and speed, alphabetic accuracy and speed). this contains normally distributed research data. Because the data were normally distributed, the researcher conducted a hypothesis test by conducting a one sample t test with a sig value of 0.000 <0.05 with the conclusion that accept Ha and reject Ho, which means that there is a difference using the SAS method (SD Negeri 07 Tiumang) and the Alphabetical method (SD Negeri 02 Tiumang ) on the accuracy and speed of beginning reading of grade 1 students.Keywords: Cooperative Learning, SAS and Alphabets, Accuracy and Speed, Learning Outcomes
Master class for teachers "Secrets of geocaching" as a way to find like-minded people and develop a pedagogical idea
Authors: Kosheleva L. A. , Peshkova E. A.
Published: July 2023

Geocaching is a game that consists in creating your own caches and searching for the caches of other participants of the game using navigation devices. The game is known all over the world and exists in various forms: for example, corporate or educational geocaching. The article considers an example of a master class "Secrets of geocaching", where teachers get acquainted with the concept of educational geocaching, forms and examples of its organization; make up the scenario of virtual educational geocaching and geocaching with access to the area. Master classes conducted by teachers for teachers are an effective form of mutual learning and the search for like-minded people. When conducting a master class, both its presenter and participants gain new experience. This stimulates creativity and maintains an atmosphere of cooperation and equality. Of particular value is the final product, which is created independently under the guidance of an experienced mentor and can be implemented in finished form in practice.
Aplikasi Penyesuaian Stock Sebagai Pendukung Proses Audit Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur dengan Metode RAD
Authors: Adam Steffi , Charlitos Ralfpiere
Published: July 2023

PT. XYZ merupakan salah satu perusahaan manufaktur di Kota Batam yang bergerak pada bidang injeksi plastik molding berupaya untuk meningkatkan proses bisnis melalui pembuatan dan integrasi sistem yang memproses informasi. Saat ini, PT. XYZ menghadapi permasalahan terkait ketidakakuratan stok fisik dan digital. Permasalahan tersebut menyebabkan PT. XYZ tidak dapat mengambil kesempatan di pasar yang lebih besar. Walaupun telah dilakukan audit inventory, sistem inhouse yang dimiliki oleh perusahaan tidak dapat mengakomodir masukan data dari hasil audit dengan stok kondisi sebenarnya, sehingga permasalahan ketidakakuratan membutuhkan waktu yang lama untuk diketahui penyebabnya dan diselesaikan permasalahannya. Penelitian ini akan dilakukan dengan mengembagkan aplikasi menggunakan siklus pengembangan dan implementasi yang singkat untuk mendapatkan hasil yang cepat dengan tujuan perusahaan dapat mengambil keputusan. Metode yang digunakah metode Rapid Application Development (RAD), yang mengandung 3 proses yaitu, Requirements Planning, Design, dan Implementation. Hasil Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa implementasi sistem ini mempercepat proses investigasi ketidakakuratan stok sehingga perusahaan dapat segera menangani permasalahan yang terjadi
Mystical Java: The Concept of Sasahidan in Serat Wirid Hidayat Jati
Authors: Yantari Hanif Fitri , Permadi Danur Putut
Published: July 2023

This article aims to describe the mystical Javanese Sasahidan in Serat Wirid Hidayat Jati by Raden Ngabehi Ranggawarsita with a focus on the concepts of sangkan paran and manunggaling kawula Gusti. Through literature study, with a qualitative approach, the study found that Sasahidan is the teaching of the eighth guardian council of Syekh Siti Jenar, the peak of Sheikh Siti Jenar's mystical experience is reflected in the teachings of Sasahidan. Sasahidan is a root word with shahada. About the testimony that is not only testifying, but also aware of the nature of himself, God, current life, and the universe. That way, humans can know the nature of themselves, and know their God in the sense of knowing the origin of the incident (Sangkan Paraning Dumadi). The word "satuhune ora ana Pangeran amung Ingsun" (in fact there is no God but me) contained in Sasahidan is sometimes interpreted incorrectly, namely I (human). In fact, what Ingsun means is God, the human body is just a carcass. Because the spiritual I am part of the spirit of Allah SWT, and the spiritual I am essentially Allah SWT, in that state the human ego disappears, and the servant becomes united with God (manunggaling kawula Gusti).
Intergenerational plasticity matches temperature-dependent selection on offspring metabolic rates
Authors: Pettersen Amanda , Metcalfe Neil , Seebacher Frank
Published: July 2023

Metabolic rates are linked to key life history traits that are thought to set the pace of life, yet the role that parents may have in shaping the metabolism of their offspring to enhance survival remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of temperature (24 C or 30 C) and feeding frequency experienced by parent zebrafish (Danio rerio) on offspring phenotypes and early survival at different developmental temperatures (24 C or 30 C). We found that embryo size was larger, but survival lower, in offspring from the parental low food treatment. Parents exposed to the warmer temperature and lower food treatment also produced offspring with lower standard metabolic rates – aligning with selection on embryo metabolic rates. Lower metabolic rates were correlated with reduced developmental and growth rates, suggesting selection for a slow pace of life. Our results show that intergenerational effects on offspring size and metabolic rate can be adaptive when parent and offspring temperatures are matched: the direction of selection on embryo size and metabolism matched transgenerational plasticity towards lower metabolism at higher temperatures, particularly in offspring from low condition parents. These findings highlight the importance of anticipatory parental effects, but only when parental and offspring environments match.
Assessment of Functional Indexes in Children with Retarded Speech Development and their Associations
Authors: Šapalienė Rūta , Zachovajevas Pavelas , Zachovajevienė Brigita
Published: July 2023

Background. Motor skills are key factors in children’s play and interaction with others and inﬂuence their subsequent social environment with their peers. Poor or atypical motor development may be an important contributing factor to the problems in language, social communication and understanding, and social interaction that characterise some neurodevelopmental disorders.
The aim. To assess the functional indexes in children with the retarded speech development and their associations.
Methods. 30 children (4 to 6 years old) with retarded speech development. To assess the functional indicators of children with language delay, using the follo wing testing instruments: gross motor skills were assessed with the TGMD-2 test, balance with the modifed Berg scale and the “up and go” test; the coordination test consists of samples which do not require any coordination of balance(according toSchmitz 1988); and fne motor skills were assessed with a standardised test based on the methodology of the Oseretsky test.
Results. Children with retarded speech development have difculty in performing a jump with one foot, a jump with a big step or knocking around a ball. The assessment of the object control abilities was lower than that of locomotor abilities. Younger children with retarded speech suﬀered from worse static and dynamic balance and coordination. Signifcant fne motor impairment was found in more than a tenth of children with delayed language development.
Conclusions. The gross motor functions in children with retarded speech makes a signifcant impact on the locomotor and object control abilities. Dynamic balance is related to static balance and coordination which does not require any balance, and the fne motor functions aﬀect the object control abilities.
Keywords: retarded speech development, balance, fne motor skills, gross motor skills, coordination, children
Hardly seen, often heard: acoustic presence of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in one of the most urbanised estuaries in the world
Authors: Rekdahl Melinda L. , Trabue Sarah G. , King-Nolan Carissa D. , Strindberg Samantha , Rosenbaum Howard C.
Published: July 2023

The New York-New Jersey (NY-NJ) Harbour Estuary and surrounding waters support the largest port along the U.S. East Coast, commercial and recreational fishing, and a burgeoning offshore wind energy industry. Despite the high level of anthropogenic use, cetacean sightings have increased in recent years. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoise in the NY-NJ Harbour Estuary from 2018–2020 using six archival acoustic recorders. Generalised additive mixed models were used to explore the relationship between weekly harbour porpoise presence and environmental variables. Harbour porpoises were detected at low levels year-round, with seasonal peaks in presence in winter to spring (February to June). Sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration were significant predictors of harbour porpoise presence, although the relationship warrants further investigation. Our results provide valuable insight into harbour porpoise distribution in the NY-NJ Harbour Estuary, which is likely related to oceanographic processes affecting prey availability. This information is timely for informing mitigation and management actions for forthcoming offshore wind energy development. Harbour porpoises are vulnerable to a range of anthropogenic impacts that have led to population declines in other regions, and therefore further research efforts are recommended for the NY-NJ Harbour Estuary and greater New York Bight.
Human monkeypox: history, presentations, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Authors: Zahmatyar Mahdi , Fazlollahi Asra , Motamedi Alireza , Zolfi Maedeh , Seyedi Fatemeh , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Mohammadinasab Reza , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Arshi Shahnam , Safiri Saeid
Published: July 2023

Human monkeypox is a zoonotic infection that is similar to the diseases caused by other poxviruses. It is endemic among wild rodents in the rainforests of Central and Western Africa, and can be transmitted via direct skin contact or mucosal exposure to infected animals. The initial symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy, the last of which is the main symptom that distinguishes it from smallpox. In order to prevent and manage the disease, those who are infected must be rapidly diagnosed and isolated. Several vaccines have already been developed (e.g., JYNNEOS, ACAM2000 and ACAM3000) and antiviral drugs (e.g., cidofovir and tecovirimat) can also be used to treat the disease. In the present study, we reviewed the history, morphology, clinical presentations, transmission routes, diagnosis, prevention, and potential treatment strategies for monkeypox, in order to enable health authorities and physicians to better deal with this emerging crisis.
A Novel Composite Helicopter Tail Rotor Blade with Enhanced Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hadăr Anton , Voicu Andrei-Daniel , Baciu Florin , Vlăsceanu Daniel , Tudose Daniela-Ioana , Pastramă Ştefan-Dan
Published: July 2023

This paper describes the transition towards a composite structure, with the same overall aerodynamic characteristics, for a tail rotor blade of an IAR330 helicopter. The newly proposed structure of the composite blade is made of a carbon-roving spar embedded with epoxy resin, a hexagonal-cell honeycomb core manufactured by fused deposition modelling, and an outer skin made of multiple carbon-fibre-reinforced laminae. The blade was manufactured by the authors using the hand lay-up method at a scale of 1:3 with respect to the real one, and all stages of the manufacturing process are extensively described in the paper. The experimental tests were performed on an Instron 8872 testing machine by applying a bending force on its free edge, similar to the testing methodology employed by various composite blade manufacturers. A three-dimensional numerical model of the tail rotor blade was conceived, analysed using the finite element method, and validated by comparing the numerical and experimental values of the maximum bending force. Further, the model was used for a complex finite element analysis that showed the very good behaviour of the proposed composite blade during flight and emphasized the main advantages brought by the proposed composite structure.
Cooperation of Thin-Airfoil Theory and Deep Learning for a Compact Airfoil Shape Parameterization
Authors: Yi Jianmiao , Deng Feng
Published: July 2023

An airfoil shape parameterization that can generate a compact design space is highly desirable in practice. In this paper, a compact airfoil parameterization is proposed by incorporating deep learning into the PAERO parameterization method based on the thin-airfoil theory. Following the PAERO parameterization, the mean camber line is represented by a number of aerodynamic performance parameters, which can be used to narrow down the design space according to the thin-airfoil theory. In order to further reduce the design space, the airfoil thickness distribution is represented by data-driven generative models, which are trained by the thickness distributions of existing airfoils. The trained models can automatically filter out the physically unreasonable airfoil shapes, resulting in a highly compact design space. The test results show that the proposed method is significantly more efficient and more robust than the widely used CST parameterization method for airfoil optimization.
Effect of Brewing Conditions on Antioxidant Properties of Ginkgo biloba Leaves Infusion
Authors: Biernacka Patrycja , Felisiak Katarzyna , Adamska Iwona , Śnieg Marek , Podsiadło Cezary
Published: July 2023

Due to the growing awareness of the importance of healthy eating in society, there is an increasing interest in the use of herbs and low-processed, natural products. Ginkgo biloba is a raw material with a high pro-health potential, which is related to the high content of antioxidant compounds. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba leaf infusions and the weighted amount of leaves and brewing time. In addition, a sensory analysis of the infusions obtained was carried out. The innovation is to determine the migration of micro- and macroelements to the infusion prepared from Ginkgo biloba depending on the leaves’ weight used and the brewing time. The research showed the dependence of the antioxidant activity of the infusions and the migration of microelements on the size of the dried material and the brewing time. In the publication, the main factors influencing the quality of infusions were analysed, their mutual correlations were determined, and combinations showing the highest antioxidant activity and, at the same time, the highest sensory acceptability were selected.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Green Tea: Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate as a Modulator of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Valverde-Salazar Víctor , Ruiz-Gabarre Daniel , García-Escudero Vega
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterised by a marked decline of both memory and cognition, along with pathophysiological hallmarks including amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuronal loss and inflammation in the brain. Additionally, oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants is considered one of the main risk factors for AD, since it can result in protein, lipid and nucleic acid damage and exacerbate Aβ and tau pathology. To date, there is a lack of successful pharmacological approaches to cure or even ameliorate the terrible impact of this disease. Due to this, dietary compounds with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties acquire special relevance as potential therapeutic agents. In this context, green tea, and its main bioactive compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been targeted as a plausible option for the modulation of AD. Specifically, EGCG acts as an antioxidant by regulating inflammatory processes involved in neurodegeneration such as ferroptosis and microglia-induced cytotoxicity and by inducing signalling pathways related to neuronal survival. Furthermore, it reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation and promotes the non-amyloidogenic route of APP processing, thus preventing the formation of Aβ and its subsequent accumulation. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG may be a suitable candidate in the search for potential therapeutic compounds for neurodegenerative disorders involving inflammation and oxidative stress, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Lithium–Ion Battery Data: From Production to Prediction
Authors: Hassini Marwan , Redondo-Iglesias Eduardo , Venet Pascal
Published: July 2023

In our increasingly electrified society, lithium–ion batteries are a key element. To design, monitor or optimise these systems, data play a central role and are gaining increasing interest. This article is a review of data in the battery field. The authors are experimentalists who aim to provide a comprehensive overview of battery data. From data generation to the most advanced analysis techniques, this article addresses the concepts, tools and challenges related to battery informatics with a holistic approach. The different types of data production techniques are described and the most commonly used analysis methods are presented. The cost of data production and the heterogeneity of data production and analysis methods are presented as major challenges for the development of data-driven methods in this field. By providing an understandable description of battery data and their limitations, the authors aim to bridge the gap between battery experimentalists, modellers and data scientists. As a perspective, open science practices are presented as a key approach to reduce the impact of data heterogeneity and to facilitate the collaboration between battery scientists from different institutions and different branches of science.
Laser Micropatterning Promotes Rete Ridge Formation and Enhanced Engineered Skin Strength without Increased Inflammation
Authors: Blackstone Britani N. , Malara Megan M. , Baumann Molly E. , McFarland Kevin L. , Supp Dorothy M. , Powell Heather M.
Published: July 2023

Rete ridges play multiple important roles in native skin tissue function, including enhancing skin strength, but they are largely absent from engineered tissue models and skin substitutes. Laser micropatterning of fibroblast-containing dermal templates prior to seeding of keratinocytes was shown to facilitate rete ridge development in engineered skin (ES) both in vitro and in vivo. However, it is unknown whether rete ridge development results exclusively from the microarchitectural features formed by ablative processing or whether laser treatment causes an inflammatory response that contributes to rete ridge formation. In this study, laser-micropatterned and non-laser- treated ES grafts were developed and assessed during culture and for four weeks post grafting onto full-thickness wounds in immunodeficient mice. Decreases in inflammatory cytokine secretion were initially observed in vitro in laser-treated grafts compared to non-treated controls, although cytokine levels were similar in both groups five days after laser treatment. Post grafting, rete ridge-containing ES showed a significant increase in vascularization at week 2, and in collagen deposition and biomechanics at weeks 2 and 4, compared with controls. No differences in inflammatory cytokine expression after grafting were observed between groups. The results suggest that laser micropatterning of ES to create rete ridges improves the mechanical properties of healed skin grafts without increasing inflammation.
Application of I-Optimal Design for Modeling and Optimizing the Operational Parameters of Ibuprofen Granules in Continuous Twin-Screw Wet Granulation
Authors: Zhao Jie , Tian Geng , Qu Haibin
Published: July 2023

The continuous twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) process was investigated and optimized with prediction-oriented I-optimal designs. The I-optimal designs can not only obtain a precise estimation of the parameters that describe the effect of five input process parameters, including the screw speed, liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio, TSWG feed rate, and numbers of the 30° and 60° mixing elements, on the granule quality in a TSWG process, but it can also provide a prediction of the response to determine the optimum operating conditions. Based on the constraints of the desired granule properties, a design space for the TSWG was determined, and the ranges of the operating parameters were defined. An acceptable degree of prediction was confirmed through validation experiments, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of using the I-optimal design method to study the TSWG process. The I-optimal design method can accelerate the screening and optimization of the TSWG process.
Niclosamide Attenuates Inflammation-Associated Profibrotic Responses in Human Subepithelial Lung Myofibroblasts
Authors: Spathakis Michail , Tarapatzi Gesthimani , Filidou Eirini , Kandilogiannakis Leonidas , Karatzas Evangelos , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Spyrou George M. , Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Kolios George , Arvanitidis Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

Niclosamide is a commonly used helminthicidic drug for the treatment of human parasitosis by helminths. Recently, efforts have been focusing on repurposing this drug for the treatment of other diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Subepithelial lung myofibroblasts (SELMs) isolated from tissue biopsies of patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer were stimulated with TNF-α (50 ng/mL), IL-1α (5 ng/mL), added alone or in combination, and TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL). After treatment with niclosamide at 30 nM and 100 nM concentrations, expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin was studied by total RNA isolation and qRT-PCR and protein collagen secretion with the use of Sircol collagen assay. The migration of SELMs was assessed by a wound-healing assay. Niclosamide had no effect on baseline SELM fibrotic factor expression. When stimulated with TGF-β1, IL-1α, and/or TNF-α, SELM expression of collagen type I, type III, and fibronectin were upregulated, as was the secretion of total collagen in the culture medium. Treatment with niclosamide attenuated the effects of cytokine stimulation leading to a notable decrease in the mRNA expression of collagen type I, type III, and fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner. SELM collagen secretion was also reduced by niclosamide at 100 nM concentration when examined at the protein level. Migration of both TGF-β1 stimulated and unstimulated SELMs was also inhibited by niclosamide. In this study, we highlight the anti-fibrotic properties of niclosamide on SELMs under stimulation with pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus proposing this compound as a possible new therapeutic agent against lung fibrosis.
Ultrasound Strain Elastography Reliability in the Assessment of the Plantar Fascia and Its Relationship with the Plantar Thickness in Healthy Adults: An Intra and Interobserver Reliability Study in Novice Evaluators
Authors: Aguilar-Nuñez Daniel , Cervera-Garvi Pablo , Aguilar-Garcia Maria , Cuevas-Cervera Maria , Gonzalez-Muñoz Ana , Navarro-Ledesma Santiago
Published: July 2023

Purpose. This study was aimed at verifying both the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of measuring plantar fascia stiffness for a given image in healthy active adults. Methodology. This study is reported following the Guidelines of Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. A total of 20 plantar fascia from healthy volunteers were analyzed. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured vertically from the anterior edge of the inferior calcaneal border to the inferior border of the plantar fascia and the ultrasound elastography measurement was taken at the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia with the region of interest one centimeter away from the insertion. Results. The ultrasound strain elastography measurements: the right intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.9 and the left intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.78, while the right intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.91 and the left intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.83. Interobserver measurements showed excellent reliability with a right ICC value of 0.8 and a left ICC value of 0.9 for the plantar fascia thickness measurements. Discussion. The results of this study showed a strong correlation between left and right plantar fascia thickness. The intraobserver reliability was excellent for both plantar fascia ultrasound strain elastography and thickness measurements, with interobserver measurements showing excellent reliability.