bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Community- and Hospital Pulmonary Bacterial Infection Using Culture and PCR Panel in COVID-19
Authors: Winter Ronal , Sugianli Adhi Kristianto , Parwati Ida
Published: February 2024

Co-infection or secondary infection is associated with a worse outcome in COVID-19. Information concerning the distribution of pathogenic microbes in COVID-19 has yet to be widely studied. This study aims to evaluate the distribution of bacterial infection in COVID-19, detected using conventional culture and molecular methods. This study was conducted in March-May 2021 in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, with a study population of moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 patients. Microorganisms were identified and analyzed from expectorant sputum or Endotracheal tube aspirates using conventional culture methods (VITEK 2 Compact) and multiplex PCR pneumonia panel (Biofire). Data was presented in a table and figures to describe the organism profile among the two methods. From the 450 COVID-19 patients, 59 subjects were included. The positivity rate of microbial identification reached 79.7% in both methods, dominated by Gram-negative bacteria for both community and hospital-acquired infections. The pathogens most frequently detected using conventional methods and multiplex PCR were Acinetobacter baumanii (15.3%; 23.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.7%; 28.8%). The multiplex PCR method detected Haemophilus influenzae (15.3%) and respiratory viruses (3.4%), which conventional methods could not detect. Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent pathogen in COVID-19 in both populations. The multiplex PCR method has the advantage due to its shorter examination time. The application of both methods helps determine antibiotic therapy for COVID-19. Both methods identified Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumanii as the dominant bacteria in both populations. This study helps establish antibiotic management in COVID-19, thus preventing antibiotic resistance.
Analysis of Platelet Counts and Leukocyte Residues at Different Storage Times in Thrombocyte Concentrate
Authors: Pramudyawardhani Tania Aryadi , Samad Raehana , Muhiddin Rachmawati Adiputri
Published: February 2024

Thrombocyte Concentrate (TC) is one of the blood components given as therapy to patients. Ensuring the quality of TC products is essential to know if they can be transfused to patients. This study aimed to analyze platelet counts and leukocyte residues in TC products with different storage times. Cross-sectional research with a prospective cohort design was carried out at the Blood Transfusion Unit of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, in September 2022. The study samples were ten bags of TC products produced from whole blood using the buffy coat method. The average platelet count in TC products on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day were 50.65x109 (± 24.58); 66.24x109 (± 34.83); 47.34x109 per unit (± 37.75). Statistical tests showed no significant decrease between the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days. A meaningful decrease was obtained on the 3rd and 5th day (p < 0.05), while on the ratio of the 1st and 3rd day, there was no meaningful difference (p > 0.05). The average number of leukocytes is 0.0727x109 per unit (± 0.0659). The average number of platelets and leukocyte residues in TC products is by PERMENKES No. 91 of 2015 standards. Thrombocyte concentrate products can be used until the 5th day of storage.
Analysis of the D-dimer/Platelets Ratio in Sepsis Patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar
Authors: Yarianti Yarianti , Muhadi Darwati , Abdullah Agus Alim
Published: February 2024

Sepsis is a condition with a life-threatening organ dysfunction. This condition is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. This study aimed to determine the ratio and cut-off value of D-dimer/platelets in sepsis patients. This study was a cross-sectional observational study. This study took secondary data from the medical records of 142 patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital (RSWS) from January 2018 to December 2021. The results of this study showed that the D-dimer/platelet ratio was significantly higher in those who died (mean 0.151) compared to those who survived (mean 0.028) (p<0.015) with a cut-off value of 0.020.
Exploring ethical frontiers: Moral dimensions in the tapestry of contemporary Indonesian literature
Authors: Al-Ma'ruf Ali Imron , Arifin Zainal , Nugrahani Farida
Published: February 2024

Literary works have the potential to enhance a reader’s internal reservoir of life values without being dismissive. Contemporary Indonesian literature specifically imparts moral messages to its readers. This study aims to explain the moral dimensions present in this literature, utilizing descriptive qualitative methods. Purposive sampling was employed for data collection, covering words, sentences, and discourse representing morals from contemporary Indonesian literary works. This research relies on a literature study for data collection, employing the dialectical method for analysis by oscillating between literary texts and social reality. The findings reveal diverse moral dimensions within contemporary Indonesian literature, each contributing significantly to enriching the reader’s inner repertoire. These moral dimensions include (1) transcendental: aligning oneself to God, (2) struggle against evil (jihad fii sabiilillah), (3) nationalism, (4) getting closer to God (transcendental value), (5) gender equality as respect for women, (6) upholding the dignity of women, (7) remembering God (dhikr), (8) low morale leading to corruption, (9) upholding religion above worldliness, and (10) religious idea: life is a pseudo-game. The study’s implications suggest that contemporary Indonesian literature serves as a significant source for fostering moral values, contributing to readers’ inner development by highlighting themes such as spirituality, societal responsibility, and ethical conduct. This insight can inform educational and cultural initiatives to promote moral awareness and consciousness.
Insect Biodiversity in Mangrove Area of Tatengesan Village, Pusomaen District in Southeast Minahasa, North Sulawesi
Authors: Rante Feby Febrianty Toding , Mokosuli Yermia Semuel , Setyawati Iriani , Tumbel Ferny Margo , Lawalata Helen Joan
Published: February 2024

The existence of insects cannot be separated from the condition of their habitat. The mangrove area of ​​Tatengesan Village is one of the ecotourism site in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, that can support the survival of insects. This study aimed to determine the distribution and diversity of insects and the factors that influence the insect diversity in the mangrove area. The type of research used is descriptive quantitative research by conducting data collection activities, analyzing data and interpreting data with the aim of making a description of the events that occurred. The animals were exploratory collected by using insect nets (sweep net), beating cloth (beating), and bare hands (hand collecting). The results showed that there were 1225 individual insects consisting of 14 insect species, which were divided into 14 genera, 11 families and  6 orders of insects. The insect diversity index value was 0.27 which was classified as low. The dominance index value was 0.90 which was classified as high. The evenness index value was 0.10 which was classified as low.
The Influence of Sanitation and Hygiene Systems on The Existence of Escherichia Coli Bacteria in Products of Pindang Fish at Kusamba Centers, Klungkung, Bali
Authors: Ni Wayan Sulastri  , Ni Putu Pandawani  , Ketut Widnyana  , I Made Wahyu Wijaya
Published: February 2024

Hygiene and sanitation are essential factors in fish processing to ensure food availability and safety. Escherichia coli causes foodborne illness, originating from pindang fish from the Kusamba breeding center, Klungkung Regency, Bali. Availability and security of food cover cleanliness are essential to hygiene and sanitation, where Escherichia coli indicates food contamination. This study aims to determine the bacteriological quality of boiled pindang products and the effect of sanitation and hygiene on the presence of E. coli in pindang products conducted at the Fish Preservation Center in Kusamba Village, Klungkung, Bali in November-December 2022. The study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach and analysis. The laboratory uses the MPN (Most Probable Number). I was preparing a handling strategy with a SWOT analysis. The results showed that environmental sanitation and personal hygiene had a significant effect. MPN test results obtained a positive percentage of 93.1% and a negative of 6.9%. Of the 44 hospital wards, the results could have been better in environmental sanitation at 11.3 %, equipment sanitation at 6.8%, and personal hygiene at 8.1%. The implementation strategy to minimize the presence of E.coli bacteria is maintaining the unity of the quality system by carrying out sanitation and hygiene, starting from raw materials, processes, and products.
Design Development and Construction of Solar Powered Fresh Juice Extracting Machine
Authors: Dr. Muhammad Lawal Abdullahi  , Dr. Abubakar Saleh Jadas  , Mal. Ibrahim Abdulmalik Yahaya
Published: February 2024

One of the greatest problems of fruit farmers in Nigeria is their inability to process and add value to their produce. This results from the paucity of processing and preservation facilities or the prohibitive cost of imported ones, especially for low-income farmers who produce the bulk of the commodity. It therefore becomes imperative to design, develop and construct low-cost, durable, efficient and environmentally friendly machines to meet the needs of both the urban and, more importantly, the rural farmers with a view to improving their income and also making their produce available and affordable all year round. The machine components include feeding hoppers, a top cover, an auger conveyor housed in a cylindrical barrel, a juice sieve, a juice collector, a waste outlet, a transmission belt, a main frame, pulleys, bearings, 3hp DC motor, a control panel, a solar panel, 20Ah charger controller 100Ah Solar battery, breaker and control switch.
A Critical Evaluation of Parental and Peer Influence on Students’ Career Path
Authors: Ejuchegahi Anthony Angwaomaodoko
Published: February 2024

The influence of parents and peers on a student's career path is widely recognized by researchers and educators. Parents play a vital role in shaping their children's aspirations, while peers serve as important sources of support and influence during the decision-making process. This study showcases the role of parents and peer groups on students' career paths, which would aid in the removal of obstacles that would lead to career mismatch and ultimately lead to graduates who are unable to make meaningful contributions to society through a mismatched career. The critical evaluation aims to examine the impact of parental and peer influence on students' career paths, analyzing both positive and negative aspects and considering potential challenges and limitations.
Traditional Practices and the Social Responsibilities of Indigenous Women Organisations in 21st Century Nigeria
Authors: Margaret Sonia Archibong-Okonneh  , Sekinat  Adejoke  Kola-Aderoju
Published: February 2024

Some African traditional practices are inimical to the rights and status of the women folk as free-born in the society. Some of these traditional practices have lingered. Although there exist Pre-contact indigenous women organisations, which were formed mainly to protect the interest of women, a great number of these obnoxious practices are still being perpetrated unchecked, even in 21st-century Nigeria. The pertinent question this paper seeks to address is why these practices still exist despite the economic, psychological and psycho-social effects they bring upon the development of women. The paper utilised both primary and secondary sources. The case studies were based on selected communities in Nigeria. The paper argues that the continuous perpetration of these practices on women, which is a blatant disregard for human dignity and poses a serious threat to women's development, is due to the inability of these indigenous women's organisations to enforce their social responsibility roles. The paper recommends that to ensure substantial contributions by women to the sustainable development of the nation at large, certain debilitating traditional practices against women should be eradicated so that they can explore their full potential.
Mortgage Credit and House Price Nexus: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Steve Andele  , Nelson Obange
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mortgage credits on house prices in Kenya. Using correlational research design, the study employed a time series secondary data set for 2004 Q1 to 2017 Q4. This study found out that in the long-run, the mortgage loan (ß3 = 0.133144, p=0.0) has a positive and significant effect on residential house prices in Kenya. 1% increase in mortgage credit will cause a 0.13% increase in residential house prices. This study further established that any deviation from the long-run equilibrium is corrected at a speed of 40% in the next period. Therefore, the government should focus on policies that increase house supply, while to investors, the speed of adjustment does not seem to encourage arbitrage profit.
Analysis of Perceptions and Roles of Wives/Housewives of Business Actors on the Existence and Sustainability of Crossing Service Businesses in South Lembeh District, Bitung City, Indonesia
Authors: Victoria Era Nicoline Manoppo  , Olvie Vanda Kotambunan  , Christian Ronald Dien
Published: February 2024

Lembeh Island is an administrative area of Bitung City and is administratively divided into two districts, namely North Lembeh and South Lembeh Districts. The total population in Papusungan Village, South Lembeh District, Bitung City, in July 2019 was recorded at 3,129 people and those who work as fishermen were recorded at 380 fishermen, consisting of 140 fishing rod fishermen, 120 ring trawl fishermen, 110 business actors/crossing services, and 10 light boats. Especially for the crossing service business, it certainly has an important role in the economy of the local community.A business will not run smoothly if it is not supported by family roles, including the wife or housewife of the business actor in question. The views or perceptions of housewives towards the sea taxi crossing business and its sustainability need to be analyzed. The problem can be formulated as follows: How are the Perception and Role of Wives / Housewives of Business Actors on the Existence and Sustainability of Crossing Services in South Lembeh District, Bitung City? The time required from the data collection survey to the preparation of the final report is 8 months, from March – October 2023. The research method uses survey methods. Data come from primary and secondary data and are discussed and analyzed based on quantitative and qualitative descriptive analysis. Perceptual analysis is done using the Likert Scale scoring model. The results showed that the perception of wives/housewives was very good and very agreed with the statement. This is felt by the wife/housewife at the same time with her family that sea taxis are easy to run, and they do not spend much cost and energy because they always wait for queues or turns and the sea taxi business benefits when viewed in terms of time and cost and it has bright prospects and is easy to do because it is assisted by a driving machine. As a further explanation, they wait in the queue where sometimes 1 day is only 1 time for the opportunity to pick up passengers. However, according to the wife/housewife, it will be covered by their husband's work as a motorcycle taxi driver and impromptu laborer for stevedoring business actors at Bitung port. The role carried out by housewives in the family of sea taxi business actors in Papusungan village is an effort to help the family economy, which aims to meet family needs so that their economic resilience increases. The impact of the dual role of housewives working in the domestic sector has a major impact, especially in fulfilling daily needs, such as food needs, education costs, and other household needs.
Influence of Corporate Planning on Implementation of Tactical Decisions in the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Daniel Mbogo Ndiritu  , Dr. Florence Opondo  , Robert Mwebi
Published: February 2024

The strategy-making process, which entails carrying out strategic decisions, includes tactical decision-making. In county governments, the execution of tactical decisions is susceptible to unanticipated occurrences such escalating developmental needs, shifting limitations, and erratic resource flows. The Department of Trade had allocated USD 674,000 worth of projects. However, none of them was actually carried out, according to the Auditor General's report for the financial year 2017–2018 for Nakuru County. Only two of the 47 counties in the report received an unqualified report. Failure is quite likely when decisions are not made and actions are not taken to manage the counties successfully and professionally. Since devolution began, it has come to light that many counties in Kenya perform poorly in terms of providing services despite rising pressure to do better. The goal of this study was to determine how corporate planning affects how well tactical decisions are implemented in the Kenyan County Government of Nakuru. The study adopted the descriptive research design whereby senior officers from the 10 Nakuru County government departments, heads of the 11 sub-counties, and the 55 ward managers made up the target population, which totaled 116 people, of whom 89 served as the study sample. The correlation analysis results revealed that there was a positive and a strong significant association between corporate planning and the implementation of tactical decisions (r=0.725, p=0.000<0.05). The hypothesis test results show that corporate planning statistically influences the implementation of tactical decisions (β = 0.647, ρ = 0.000< 0.05). The results imply that product diversification improves financial performance.

The study recommends that commercial banks involved in mergers and acquisitions since 2010 in Kenya make only minor adjustments to their existing operations as the current diversification measures have been successful.
Operational Excellence Strategy and Firm Performance in Insurance Companies in Kenya
Authors: Raphael Kibichi  , Dr. Linda Kimencu
Published: February 2024

In Kenya, the insurance industry is one of the major sectors of the economy. The government has identified this sector as one of the components needed to stimulate and support economic growth. However, the sector faces numerous challenges. According to AIC Capital Ltd, the main challenges facing the insurance sector in Kenya are the low penetration and the high level of competition. The average level of insurance penetration in Kenya during the period 2013-2022 stood at less than 3% in an industry with approximately 56 firms. To increase penetration levels and enhance competitiveness, the insurance firms in Kenya have introduced operational excellence strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of operational excellence strategy on firm performance in Insurance Companies in Kenya. Operational excellence strategy was indicated using customer-centric strategy, innovation, agility, and developmental capabilities. Firm performance was indicated using the growth of market share, growth in customer base, and penetration level. The study was anchored by the dynamic capabilities theory, the theory of economic development, and the Deming theory. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population for the study were all licensed insurance firms in Kenya. The study used a census sampling technique and sampled 44 firms. The unit of observation in the study was the managers in charge of corporate strategy and firm performance. The study sampled one hundred and sixteen managers working at the respective insurance firms. The study data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires. The study data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The study established that the firms used customer-centric strategies because the firms' activities were focused on the customers' needs and expectations. The study established that the firm was continuously innovating its products, product mix, and services to better serve the customers. The study found that the firm has measures in place that were meant to adapt it to changing circumstances, including dynamic capabilities to detect external threats, competitive, responsive techniques, continuous adjustment and adaptations, and new strategic initiatives that rapidly respond to changing circumstances. These are indicators of agility. The study established that the insurance firms had various development capabilities, including research, training programs, increasing expertise and knowledge acquisitions. The results of the inferential analysis indicated that customer-centric, innovation, agility and development capabilities strategies had positive and statistically significant effects on the performance of the insurance firms surveyed in this study.
An Assessment of the Effects of Brand Equity on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions on Bokomo Brands in Namibia
Authors: Joy Shalom Chiriseri Nyathi  , Dr. Blessing Tafirenyika
Published: February 2024

In the dynamic and competitive global market, effective brand management has become imperative for business success. This explanatory study examined the impact of branding strategies on brand equity and its subsequent effect on consumer purchase intentions for Bokomo brands in Namibia. The research aimed to identify brand equity's key dimensions and components that significantly influence consumer behaviour. A sample size of 377 participants was selected, and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, were employed to analyse the data. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between branding strategies (coef. = 0.053, p < 0.001) and brand equity, indicating that effective branding strategies significantly impact brand equity. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate a strong positive association between brand equity (coef. = 0.048, p < 0.05) and consumer purchase intentions, suggesting that a higher level of brand equity leads to increased purchase intentions among consumers. These results provide valuable insights for Bokomo brands in Namibia to develop and implement effective branding strategies that enhance brand equity and ultimately drive consumer purchase intentions. The study further contributes to the existing literature on brand management and consumer behaviour by providing empirical evidence in the context of Bokomo brands in Namibia.
A Research Study of Factors Influencing the Proportion of Entrepreneurs among Immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Feyyaz Kerimo
Published: February 2024

This article delves into the dynamics of immigration and entrepreneurship in Sweden, focusing on the factors influencing immigrants' decisions to become entrepreneurs and the regional variations in immigrant entrepreneurship. The study seeks to understand the motivators and deterrents for immigrant entrepreneurship within the context of Sweden's socio-economic and cultural landscape. It also examines the impact of ethnic enclaves and internal migration on regional entrepreneurial trends among immigrants. Utilizing existing research, this investigation aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities and regional disparities in immigrant entrepreneurship in Sweden, highlighting its implications for economic growth and social integration.
Understanding Firm Performance in Microfinance Banks: Does Adaptive Capability Matter?
Authors: Mary Nyaguthii Kinyua  , Dr. Godfrey Muigai Kinyua
Published: February 2024

The microfinance banking sector plays a pivotal role by complementing the services of commercial banks by enhancing access to financial services. The complementary role played by the microfinance banking sector aids in mitigating the negative impact of escalating incidences of poverty and unemployment and spurs economic development among the unbanked segment of society. However, evidence drawn from annual supervision reports of the Central Bank of Kenya demonstrates that the performance of this sector has been gloomy, with losses registered in the last five years reviewed in this study. This unpleasant trend has been observed in a period that is marked by sustained growth in customer deposits in the sector. In the same period, the aggregate branch network for the sector has, on average, been observed to stagnate. Other notable concerns relating to the sector include the absence of customized customer solutions, delays in credit processing, and high cost of credit. In light of this, the study examined the effect of adaptive capability on firm performance. The resource-based view of the firm provided the theoretical foundation of the study and was complemented by dynamic capabilities theory. Explanatory research design served as a basis for guiding the research strategy for resolving the research questions. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from management employees deployed at the headquarters of Microfinance Banks. Descriptive statistics was used to aid in providing insights about the characteristics of the observed subjects in terms of percentages, frequency count, mean and standard deviation. Inferential analysis was also undertaken using a linear regression model, where the research objective was tested at ninety-five percent level of confidence. The presentation of findings was done in terms of figures and tables. The study confirmed that adaptive capability affected firm performance. Management teams should enact policies that would ensure that chosen strategic actions are sustainably synchronized in direction and magnitude with the ever-changing environment.
Effect of Classroom Learning Environment on Students’ Academic Performance of Mathematics Subject in Public Day Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Musanze District, Rwanda
Authors: Emmanuel Byiringiro
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine the effect of classroom learning environment on students' academic performance in Mathematics subject in public day Schools in Rwanda: A case of Musanze district. The study has a correlational research design, with both quantitative and qualitative research. The target population of the study consisted of education officers in the area, including students, teachers and school headmasters. Therefore, the total number of population was 1,600. A sample size of 320 respondents was selected using random sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Data analysis was supported by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the classroom learning environment (r=0.714, p=0.000) was positively and significantly correlated with students' academic performance. This correlation was also statistically significant as the p-value was less than 5%. In conclusion, the study provided recommendations to improve students' academic performance. The study recommends that the management of schools should frequently visit classrooms to assess participation, involvement, and understanding of the students and offer support to those teachers who lack the competencies required to improve the learning situation and environment in mathematics classrooms due to the size of the class.
Drivers and Barriers of Timber for Building Construction in Nigeria: A Case Study of Akure, Ondo State
Authors: Rhema Olajide Ajao
Published: February 2024

Timber, as a building material, when effectively maximized, can be used to ensure sustainability and low-cost housing. Timber, with its great qualities and abundance of availability in Nigeria, has predominantly been confined in its usage in building construction in Nigeria to the unseen and peripheral components of a building. It is sparsely used for structural reasons, mostly limited to the roof structure, furniture fittings, doors, and decorative purposes in some cases. As such, this research responds to that call. This paper aims to explicitly examine the drivers and barriers of its usage and adoption for building construction in Nigeria using Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, as the case study. The research confronts the topic by conducting a literature analysis of the possible use of timber in building construction, as well as its qualities and challenges as a building material. Questionnaires were also designed to investigate the factors that could promote its use and the barriers that are hindering its adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. A random sampling method was used to collect the required data from a total population size of 60 building professionals. A statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social science. Results indicated that timber is a recognized building material, but its utilization in the Nigerian construction industry is restricted. This limitation is attributed to perceived challenges, including concerns about susceptibility to water damage and fire and a lack of technical expertise in utilizing timber for various building components. The study recommends that the usage of timber should be advanced through collaboration and training about the use of timber among building construction experts and also that building codes that would guide the use of timber in building construction should be worked on and included in the Nigeria national building codes as this would help to improve its awareness and encourage its use in the building industry.
Performance Evaluation of Distribution System Interconnected with Solar PV Plants Using DIgSILENT
Authors: Moilwa Stella  , Setlhaolo Ditiro  , Sakala Japhet
Published: February 2024

Many African countries, such as Botswana, receive high insolation that can be used to generate electricity. However, they still rely on thermal power generation and imports from neighbouring countries through various African power pools. Thermal generation methods result in an increase in carbon footprint. Therefore, in pursuance of the global climate change goals, the Government of Botswana has subscribed to allow all end users with the capacity to install solar rooftops and sell extra electricity to the power utility. These interconnections of solar PV plants to the grid are bound to bring challenges to the steady state system performance. This research, therefore, evaluates the performance of the integrated system focusing on the greater Gaborone distribution system (GGDS), where five government projects are being piloted. The study has adopted two scenarios by providing a performance comparative analysis between the system baselines to a solar integrated system using DIgSILENT Power Factory software. The system studies conducted include power flow, effects on voltage and line loading. This research found out that integrating PV plants to GGDS distribution network improves voltage profiles and a decrease in overall percentage loading of the feeders and interconnectors. However, some notes could only permit a limited loading. In conclusion, the implications of the effects of solar PV on the distribution system differ from one circuit to another; therefore, it calls for utilities to conduct an intensive network assessment for each particular feeder before interconnecting with solar.
Penggunaan ZnO/Zeolit dalam Degradasi Fenol Secara Fotolisis dan Aplikasinya Pada Limbah Karet
Authors: Zilfa Z. , Wilda Putri Suhada  , Rahmiana Zein
Published: February 2024

Phenol is one of the organic compounds that are toxic and carcinogenic. In this study ZnO/zeolite was used to degrade phenol by photolysis and its application to rubber waste. Phenol analysis was performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), while the ZnO/zeolite characterization used FTIR and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the percentage of phenol degradation without a catalyst was 15.79% with UV irradiation for 75 minutes and increased to 79.63% with the addition of 0.4 g ZnO/zeolite. Phenol degradation in rubber wastewater samples using ZnO/zeolite obtained a degradation percentage of 58.28%. Phenol analysis before and after degradation showed a shift in wave number which indicated the occurrence of degradation. Characterization of ZnO/zeolite before and after degradation using FTIR and XRD showed that there was no change in the structure of ZnO/zeolite
Phytochemical analysis of root extracts of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume from the Eastern Ghats of India
Authors: Noorjahan Shaik , Rahamtulla M. , Khasim S. M.
Published: February 2024

Rhynchostylis retusa (Orchidaceae) is an important ethnomedicinal herb in Indian systems of medicine. Tribal healers commonly employ the roots of this epiphytic orchid to treat various ailments. In the present study, the shade-dried root powder of R. retusa was subjected to cold extraction with four solvents, such as n-hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The crude root extracts were then taken for qualitative phytochemical screening. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate and methanol root extracts was carried out. The methanol root extract of R. retusa showed a positive result for all the phytochemicals tested except for saponins. GC-MS analysis of R. retusa methanol root extract revealed the presence of 16 phytoconstituents. Major phytoconstituents such as 9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, [Z] Heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester, Ethanone,1-[4-(4-morpholyl benzylidene amino)phenyl]-, are recorded in the methanol root extract. In the present study, both methanol and ethyl acetate root extracts showed the presence of9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, [Z] as the major phytocompound. The phytocompounds identified in methanol and ethyl acetate root extracts exhibit various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Based on the findings of the current study, it can be inferred that the roots of R. retusa contain diverse bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. Further investigation of these R. retusa root extracts holds the potential for the discovery and development of innovative pharmaceuticals.
A pragmalinguistic analysis of Im/Politeness in selected Nigerian Open Letters
Authors: Ajadi Rasaq Atanda , Olagunju Faosat Biola
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine the pragmatic and linguistic aspects of politeness and impoliteness in Nigerian open letters. Its objectives are to: examine how linguistic choices indicate [im]politeness and investigate how common ground influences the expression of im/politeness in the selected open letters. The study employed the qualitative research method while it deployed the purposive sampling technique to select two open letters written to two sitting presidents in the Fourth Republic between 1999 and 2015. The Presidents were Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Only the letters that centred on political matters and the state of the nation were considered in this study. The study uses the pragmalinguistic framework of Geoffrey Leech (2014) to analyse how im/politeness is grammticalised in the selected open letters. The analysis showed that iterative lexical such as ‘never’, more, many and routine iterative lexis are deployed with the Irony Principle (innuendo) to activate face threatening acts to attack the recipient’s face. From the analysis, it was revealed that the use of the iterative verb ‘repeat’ presupposes the writers’ misalignments with the recipient’s allegation of breaching the maxim of quality, i.e., fabricating lies; the adverb ‘more’ reveals a determination to debunk the allegation of mediocrity, etc. The study concludes that the open letters grammaticalise im/politeness in such a way that an understanding of the political narrative background prompting the writing of the letters is indispensable.
Reseña de: García López, M. E. (2019). Familia y migración. La complejidad de la migración familiar en el mundo contemporáneo
Authors: Torres Alonso Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Reseña de: García López, M. E. (2019). Familia y migración. La complejidad de la migración familiar en el mundo contemporáneo. México: Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas-Tirant lo Blanch, 214 pp. ISBN: 978-84-9190-033-7
الإيقاع الداخلي في شعر الشريف الرضي و محمد سعيد الحبوبي دراسة نقدية موازنة أنموذجاً
Authors: جاسم المجمعي مريم محمد , أسعد نرجس خلف , أحمد ميناس شهاب
Published: February 2024

يشتمل هذا البحث على بيان "الموازنة النقدية" بين الشاعرين في(الإيقاع الداخلي) والكشف من خلالها عن مواطن التشابه بينهما في تلك النصوص الشعرية والحكم عليها وفق الأحكام النقدية ، فكان مدار البحث حول "الإيقاع الداخلي " لما  له أهمية عند الشعراء الجاهليين ،وامتداداً إلى الشعر الحديث،  نجد أن كلاهما أجادا في الإيقاع الداخلي إذ وجدنا أغلب مستوياته لها حضور عند الشاعرين  فالتكرار بأنواعه، تكرار الحرف، وتكرار الكلمة، وتكرار العبارة أو الجملة موجود لديهما فالجناس بنوعية (التام وغير التام)، وأجادا في توظيفهما فضلاً عن توظيفهم الطباق(السلب، الايجاب) رد الإعجاز إلى الصدور ، فهذا يدل على قدرة الشاعرين وبراعتهم إذ تمثل عند الشاعرين حضوراً بارزاً في الإداء اللغوي والموسيقي  .
المؤسسات التعليمية في المغرب الإسلامي من خلال كتاب معجم البلدان لياقوت الحموي(626هـ/1229م)
Authors: صالح المحمدي عثمان عبد العزيز , جاسم المحمدي حيدر أحمد
Published: February 2024

تميزت الحركة العلمية في المغرب الإسلامي بالنشاط والاستقرار والازدهار فكانت ذات طابع ديني في أغلب الأحيان ، هذا ما جعلها تنتشر وتأخذ مجالاً واسعاً ، بالإضافة إلى المجهودات الكبيرة التي بذلها الأئمة في نشر العلم بعدما أدركوا أهمية المؤسسات التعليمية في ترسيخ معالم الشريعة الإسلامية فذكر لنا ياقوت الحموي دور الكتاتيب والمساجد والربط في نشر العلم .
مهارات التعلم الذاتي وعلاقته ببعض المتغيرات لدى طلبة المرحلة الاعدادية
Authors: عمر بشرى خطاب , عبد الواحد الشمري فاطمة غسان
Published: February 2024

يستهدف البحث الحالي التعرف على مهارات التعلم الذاتي لدى طلبة المرحلة الإعدادية والفروق ذات الدلالة الاحصـائية في مهارات التعلم الذاتي وفقا لكل من متغير الجنس والتخصص ، وتحقيقا لأهداف البحث قامت الباحثتان ببناء مقياس مهارات التعلم الذاتي والمكون من (32) فقرة ولكل فقرة (3) بدائل هي (تنطبق علي دائما, تنطبق علي احيانا, لا تنطبق علي ابدا) وتم إستخراج الخصــائص الســـــيكومترية من تمييز وصــدق بأنواعه, أما الثبات فاستخرج بطريقتي إعادة الاختبار ومعامل الفاکرونباخ.
وتم تطبيق الأداة على عينة البحث التي اختيرت بطريقة طبقية عشوائية والمكونة من (300) طالب وطالبة من الصف الرابع والخامس من طلبة المرحلة الاعدادية,أما الوسائل الاحصائية المستعملة في البحث فهي(معامل ارتباط بيرسـون, ومعادلة الفا كرونباخ والاختبار التائي لعينة واحدة ولعينتين مستقلتين).
وقد اظهرت النتائج امتلاك طلبة المرحلة الاعدادية مهارات تعلم بمستوى متوسط ووجود فروق دالة إحصائيا في مستوى مهــارات التعلم الذاتي وفق متغير الجنس ولصالح الإناث وعدم وجود فروق وفق متغير التخصص، كما توصلت الباحثتان لعدد من التوصيات والمقترحات.
التنويع الاقتصادي ودوره في التخفيف من آثار تقلبات أسعار النفط العالمية على الموازنة العامة في العراق للمدة 2004-2020
Authors: رسولي المعمار محمد مجيد
Published: February 2024

يهدف البحث الحالي الى دراسة واقع حال الاقتصاد العراقي من خلال الموازنة العامة التي تشتمل على كل من الايرادات العامة والنفقات العامة، وسبل الخروج من السمة الريعية باعتماده بشكل كبير على الايرادات النفطية، وذلك من خلال اتباع سياسة التنويع الاقتصادي وتفعيل الايرادات غير النفطية وذلك بتنشيط وتطوير قطاعي الزراعة والصناعة وقطاع الخدمات فضلا عن اشراك القطاع الخاص جنباَ الى جنب مع القطاع العام.           استخدم الباحث الاسلوب الوصفي التحليلي للتعامل مع المعلومات والبيانات المتعلقة بموضوع البحث عبر مدة زمنية محددة وهي (2004-2020)، والاستعانة بالتقارير المحلية والعربية والدولية الصادرة عن الأمم المتحدة والبنك الدولي ومسوحات وزارة التخطيط العراقية-الجهاز المركزي للإحصاء ووزارة المالية -دائرة الموازنة والدراسات السابقة ذات الصلة.
A case that encapsulates the challenges of being a neurosurgeon in war-torn countries: Perspectives from Iraq
Authors: Alfawares Yara , Ismail Mustafa , Ramanathan Vishan P. , Andaluz Norberto , Hoz Samer S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The provision of healthcare services in Iraq has been negatively affected by a lack of resources, strained healthcare infrastructure, and low patient socioeconomic status. This paper describes a case of multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) that highlight the challenges of practicing vascular neurosurgery in Iraq.

Case Description:

A 57-year-old female presented with sudden-onset severe headache, photophobia, and drowsiness and was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cistern. Despite international guidelines recommending urgent treatment for suspected ruptured intracranial aneurysms, the patient’s healthcare team in Babylon advised against a CT angiogram (CTA). The patient’s family took responsibility for transferring her to a private facility for a CTA, which showed four aneurysms. Due to financial constraints, the family opted for open surgery, during which a ruptured aneurysm was found and successfully managed. The remaining two aneurysms were monitored with serial follow-up imaging.

Conclusion:

The case highlights the challenges of practicing vascular neurosurgery in Iraq and the impact of financial constraints on the management of MIA. It emphasizes the need for increased resources and expertise in the country’s healthcare system to provide optimal care for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Reinforcement Learning Review: Past Acts, Present Facts and Future Prospects
Authors: Kommey Benjamin , Isaac Oniti Jesutofunmi , Tamakloe Elvis , Opoku4 Daniel
Published: February 2024

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is fast gaining traction as a major branch of machine learning, its applications have expanded well beyond its typical usage in games. Several subfields of reinforcement learning like deep reinforcement learning and multi-agent reinforcement learning are also expanding rapidly. This paper provides an extensive review on the field from the point of view of Machine Learning (ML). It begins by providing a historical perspective on the field then proceeds to lay a theoretical background on the field. It further discusses core reinforcement learning problems and approaches taken by different subfields before discussing the state of the art in the field. An inexhaustive list of applications of reinforcement learning is provided and their practicability and scalability assessed. The paper concludes by highlighting some open areas or issues in the field
Exploring cardiovascular and respiratory fitness: A comparative study of adolescents involved in extracurricular activitie
Authors: Zubaida Ida , Ruhiat Yayat , Hendrayana Aan , Anugrah Sendy Mohamad
Published: February 2024

Background Problems: The critical importance of maintaining physical fitness among high school students to mitigate the potential health hazards associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Research Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of futsal and hadang extracurricular activities on adolescent cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. Methods: This research used an experimental study with pre-post design and control group. Ninety students from Serang City high schools were divided into three groups: Futsal Extracurricular, Hadang Extracurricular, and Control. Initial assessments established baseline fitness levels, followed by an 8-weeks program and post-program evaluations. Findings and Results: The results showed an increase in aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity after 8-weeks extracurricular program in both groups. The futsal extracurricular group experienced a higly significant increase aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity compared to the baseline. Meanwhile, the hadang extracurricular group experienced a significant increase aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity compared to the baseline. Conversely, the control group appears to exhibit a decline in both aerobic and respiratory capacities, although it is important to note that these changes did not reach statistical significance in our study. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into how futsal and hadang extracurricular activities impact adolescent cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. These findings were relevant for educators and policymakers, highlighting the role of extracurricular programs in enhancing students' overall well-being. Additionally, it contributes to our understanding of how specific activities can influence the cardiovascular and respiratory health of adolescents.
Unlocking twofold oxidation in phenothiazine polymers for application in symmetric all-organic anionic batteries
Authors: Wessling Robin , Koger Hendrik , Otteny Fabian , Schmidt Maximilian , Semmelmaier Arthur , Esser Birgit
Published: February 2024

Organic redox-active polymers stand out as electrode materials for alternative energy storage devices due to their potentially higher sustainability and the variability of their structures and charge storage mechanisms. Structural design of redox-active moieties can tune the electrochemical properties of a resulting material significantly. We showcase this strategy by synthesizing a phenothiazine (PT)-based polymer, in which the commonly inaccessible second oxidation (towards the dication) is unlocked for use in conventional carbonate electrolytes by donor-substitution of the PT-core. The resulting crosslinked polymer poly(N-styryl-3,7-dimethoxy phenothiazine) (X-PSDMPT) showed excellent performance over both oxidation processes in Li half-cells, which enabled the fabrication of a first-of-its-kind symmetric all-organic anion-rocking chair battery using the first oxidation as the reaction at the negative electrode and the second oxidation at the positive electrode. The resulting full-cell delivered a specific capacity of Cspec = 60.3 mAh/g at charging rates of 1 C and a capacity retention of 40% at ultra-high rates (100 C) as well as excellent cycling stability.
Influencia de la pandemia del Covid-19 en la sostenibilidad de las empresas mineras de la región Junín
Authors: López Gutiérrez Víctor , Hilario Berríos José Alberto , Cárdenas Paucarchuco Julio Braulio
Published: February 2024

El presente trabajo de investigación se ha desarrollado en vista del impacto que viene teniendo la pandemia del Covid-19 en la minería del Perú y, especialmente, en la región Junín. El inicio de la pandemia significa un evento inesperado y de mucha peligrosidad, cuyos efectos y consecuencias son motivos de constantes investigaciones que puedan generar una forma de poder protegerse; tal es el caso, del desarrollo de las vacunas para inmunizar a la población peruana. El problema de investigación es ¿De qué manera influye el avance de la pandemia del Covid-19 en la sostenibilidad de las empresas mineras de la región Junín? El objetivo general fue, determinar la manera en la que influye el avance de la pandemia del Covid- 19 en la sostenibilidad de las empresas mineras de la región Junín. La hipótesis general planteada fue: El avance y propagación del Covid-19 influye negativamente en la sostenibilidad de las empresas mineras de la región Junín. Se usó el método científico, como método general; el tipo de investigación fue la aplicada; el nivel, descriptivo-explicativo y; el diseño descriptiv simple. De los resultados de las entrevistas se pudo concluir que la pandemia del Covid 19 tuvo muchos impactos negativos en la parte económica y social, especialmente en los primeros meses de iniciada la pandemia; pero también, tiene aspectos positivos que alimentan la esperanza de que la minería nacional y regional se reactive, lo cual viene sucediendo y vuelva a ser la actividad extractiva más importante dentro de la economía peruana.