bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S.L.X. : Student’s online exchange
Authors:   UG Students, Department of Information Technology, Institute of Technology and Management Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India., Kashyap Rahul , Sharma Awnish Prasad , Sahu Yashi
Published: February 2024

Students online exchange (SLX) is a pioneering initiative designed to meet the unique needs of students by fostering a culture of mutual assistance and resource sharing. Addressing financial constraints and daily challenges, SLX provides a specialized platform where students can seamlessly exchange resources with the spirit of helping one another. Unlike traditional sharing models, SLX emphasizes the transformative power of mutual assistance over charity, promoting a community-driven approach. This synopsis offers insights into SLX's distinctive features, objectives, and societal impact, bridging existing gaps in the literature and presenting a novel resource-sharing paradigm. Through SLX, students collaboratively share academic materials and daily necessities, establishing a supportive environment for their educational journey. SLX endeavors’ to reshape the community narrative, making helping an integral part of student life. Key Word: Students online exchange (SLX), Mutual assistance, Resource sharing, Financial-constraints, Community-driven approach, Novel resource-sharing paradigm, Academic materials, Transformative power, Community narrative.
NGUYÊN NHÂN BỎ HỌC CỦA SINH VIÊN ĐẠI HỌC TỪ XA TRỰC TUYẾN TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC MỞ HÀ NỘI
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Hương An, Nguyễn Quỳnh Anh
Published: March 2024

Nghiên cứu đề xuất mô hình ba nhóm yếu tố là các biến độc lập ảnh hưởng đến một biến phụ thuộc là tỷ lệ bỏ học của sinh viên E-learning. Ba nhóm yếu tố bao gồm: (1) yếu tố thuộc về sinh viên (lý do cá nhân như tuổi tác, vấn đề sức khỏe, quản lý thời gian...; gia đình; công việc và tài chính), (2) yếu tố thuộc về nhà trường (chương trình đào tạo và giảng viên, hạ tầng công nghệ, học liệu, cố vấn học tập và hỗ trợ sinh viên, kiểm tra đánh giá), (3) yếu tố môi trường xã hội (nhận thức tiêu cực của xã hội đối với hình thức đào tạo từ xa, phản hồi từ người học trước, cạnh tranh từ các trường đại học khác). Khảo sát được gửi qua email tới các sinh viên EHOU đã bỏ học khóa học EHOU từ năm 2020 đến năm 2023, sử dụng phương pháp lấy mẫu ngẫu nhiên. Sau khi thu thập và chuẩn hóa việc lấy mẫu dữ liệu, phần mềm Smart PLS 4.0 được sử dụng để phân tích dữ liệu. Các phương pháp thống kê được sử dụng trong nghiên cứu bao gồm Cronbach's Alpha, Trích xuất phương sai trung bình (AVE) và Độ tin cậy tổng hợp (CR), hệ số tải ngoài và phân tích hồi quy bội (multiple regression analysis) được sử dụng để phân tích dữ liệu của 480 mẫu. Kết quả cho thấy rằng yếu tố Cố vấn học tập và hỗ trợ sinh viên có ảnh hưởng lớn nhất đến tỷ lệ bỏ học EHOU, tiếp theo là yếu tố Chương trình đào tạo & giảng viên và yếu tố Hạ tầng Công nghệ. Khả năng tài chính của người học cũng có tác động thuận chiều đến tỷ lệ bỏ học của sinh viên hệ đào tạo từ xa trực tuyến, tuy nhiên yếu tố Học liệu và Kiểm tra đánh giá có tác động ngược chiều đến biến phụ thuộc.
Factors influencing students’ attitude towards science subjects in Secondary Schools: A case study of Secondary Schools in Kisseka Sub County, Masaka District
Authors:   Institute of Open and Distance Learning College of Education Kampala International University, Uganda., Madina Namayanja
Published: March 2024

As a result of its earliest history, science has faced a minimal level of interest in secondary schools by students and few teachers qualified for teaching. The study, therefore, was about factors influencing students’ attitudes towards science subjects in secondary schools. The study was carried out in Kisseka Sub County, Masaka District. The study was aimed at analyzing factors that influence students’ attitudes towards the sciences, analyzing current teaching and learning practices in science and mathematics, and establishing strategies that have been adopted to improve students’ attitudes towards the science subjects. Various data collection methods were used to elicit information from the respondents. These included a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews, and a documentary review. The data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using a computer package known as Microsoft Excel. Excel was used to generate tables, charts, and graphs. From the findings, it was found that students’ attitudes towards science subjects were generally negative. The negative students’ attitudes toward science subjects were attributed to a lack of necessary laboratory equipment, a lack of confidence and trust that the students may have towards the teachers handling the subject, low commitment by teachers, old students influence, and poor teaching methods. The teaching methods used by science teachers were said to include the use of notes and explanations, the use of practicals in the laboratory, setting constant tests for the science students, and the use of discussions. These teaching methods varied according to different secondary schools and according to their different capacities. With the above background, there is a need to encourage science and mathematics teachers to improve their classroom practices and create a conducive learning environment for students to motivate them to offer science subjects. Also, the school head teachers, in conjunction with the district education department, should recruit more trained and qualified science teachers to effectively handle science students’ needs. Keywords: Students, Science teachers, Secondary schools, Teaching methods
The Intersection of Traditional African Matriarchy, Neo-Colonialism, and Gender Equality: A Decolonizing Perspective and Collaborative Approach for Societal Transformation
Authors:   Department of Education Kampala International University Uganda, Yari Adamu Mohammed
Published: March 2024

This research explores the enduring influence of colonialism in the form of neo-colonialism, particularly its disproportionate impact on women, constituting a dual tragedy. Focusing on indigenous perspectives, the study emphasizes the decolonization of gender as a prerequisite for achieving true gender equality. Through a re-evaluation of matriarchy in traditional Africa, the roles of both genders are illuminated, drawing attention to enduring values that warrant deliberate integration into contemporary society. The mistreatment of widows, reminiscent of traditional practices, persists in present-day Africa, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to liberate women from societal oppression. The integration of matriarchal principles with contemporary democratic values is proposed as a solution to cultivate a society that upholds equality for both men and women. Keywords: Colonialism, Neo-colonialism, Gender Decolonization, Matriarchy, Indigenous Perspectives, Gender Equality, Traditional African Values, Widows' Rights and Societal Oppression.
Assessing the Potential and Complexities of Social-Media in Influencing the Mental Health of Today's Youth
Authors:   Department of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda, Uduak Udom Okon
Published: March 2024

In the past two decades, the pervasive influence of new media has significantly shaped the lives of today's youth, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and unique challenges. Social networking platforms offer daily avenues for connecting with peers, classmates, and like-minded individuals. Extensive research has started to uncover the impact of social media experiences on adolescents' mental well-being. While acknowledging their developmental benefits, it's imperative to recognize the potential risks associated with excessive social media engagement, particularly concerning the emotional health of young individuals. This research delves into the potential and challenges posed by social media platforms on the mental health of youths. However, as the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, further investigation is essential. Present studies often rely on self-reported data on adolescent media usage, limited to singular time points, thereby hindering definitive conclusions on whether media use directly influences mental health outcomes or vice versa. Future research should adopt more comprehensive approaches, such as direct observation of adolescents' social media activities, and move beyond traditional notions of mere "screen time." It's crucial to explore specific social media experiences and individual traits that render certain adolescents more susceptible to the positive or negative effects of social media. Keywords: Social Media, Youth, Mental Health, Adolescents, Digital Influence
Unravelling Insecurity: Exploring Psychological and Societal Dimensions in Nigerian Novels
Authors:   Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University Uganda, Ugwu Jovita Nnenna , Hassans Amwiine ,   Faculty of Education Kampala International University Uganda, Kanyama Mwanaidi ,   Kampala International University Western Campus, Uganda, Eze Chidinma Esther ,   Faculty of Education Kampala International University Uganda
Published: March 2024

This comprehensive study navigates the intricate terrain of insecurity within the human condition, examining its multifaceted dimensions through the lens of psychological and societal factors. Utilizing selected Nigerian novels as a backdrop, the research aims to unveil the complex biological and psychological processes that drive characters' actions, ultimately leading to societal unrest. By dissecting fear as a fundamental biological process, the study explores how intrinsic insecurities manifest and contribute to both individual and collective challenges. Through nuanced analyses of characters such as Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" and Beatrice and Eugene in Chimamanda Adichie's "Purple Hibiscus," the research sheds light on the profound transformations from intrinsic insecurity to physical manifestations, offering insights into the intricate interplay between emotional, psychological, and societal factors. Keywords: Insecurity, Psychological Struggles, Societal Unrest, Nigerian Literature, Fear and Anxiety, Emotional Turmoil and Transformation in Characters.
Prevalence and risk factors of Preterm Births in Northern Uganda: A Hospital-Based Study at Lira Regional Referral Hospital
Authors:   Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus, Joshua Omach
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, proportions of early and late preterm births, and factors associated with preterm births among women delivering at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Northern Uganda. It was a hospitalbased cross-sectional observational and analytic study involving 382 women and their babies, with data collected via questionnaires and analyzed using STATA software version 14.0. Univariate analysis, as well as bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, were conducted to identify factors associated with preterm birth. The mean age of participants was 25.22 years, ranging from 16 to 40 years. The study found a preterm birth prevalence of 16.23% (95% CI: 12.52 – 19.94), with 66.13% (95% CI: 54.01 – 78.25) of preterm births categorized as late preterm and 33.87% (95% CI: 21.75 – 45.99) as early preterm. Factors independently associated with preterm birth included maternal age of 16 – 23 years (aOR 6.90, 95% CI: 2.08 – 22.94, P=0.002), antepartum hemorrhage (aOR 4.75, 95% CI: 1.82 – 12.40, P=0.001), prolonged pre-labor rupture of membranes (PROM) (aOR 5.70, 95% CI: 2.00 – 16.21, P=0.001), hemoglobin level <10g/dl (aOR 20.64, 95% CI: 6.19 – 68.89, P<0.001), and hypertension (aOR 7.51, 95% CI: 2.72 – 20.75, P<0.001). In conclusion, the preterm birth rate at Lira Regional Referral Hospital was 16.23%, with maternal age, antepartum hemorrhage, prolonged PROM, low hemoglobin levels, and hypertension identified as significant risk factors. Recognizing these risk factors can enhance awareness of high-risk pregnancies, improve preventive measures, and modify preterm care protocols in neonatal units. Keywords: Preterm births, Women, Maternal age, haemorrhage, Haemoglobin.
PREVALENCE OF AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PEOPLE WITH TUNGIASIS LIVING IN DANIDA VILLAGE, JINJA DISTRICT, UGANDA.
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda., Winfred Abio
Published: February 2024

Tungiasis, a parasitic skin condition caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, is characterized by the pregnant flea burrowing into the skin and toes, resulting in irritation and inflammation. This disease is prevalent in tropical regions such as America and Africa, commonly affecting areas like the feet, hands, elbows, and occasionally the buttocks. This study aims to assess the prevalence and demographic characteristics of individuals with tungiasis in Danida village, Jinja district, Uganda. A community-based cross-sectional and descriptive study design was employed, utilizing simple random sampling. A sample size of 268 was determined using Kish and Leslie’s formula. Data collection was carried out through self-administered questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using quantitative methods, including Microsoft Excel for creating charts and graphs. Additionally, analysis software was used for further processing, with results presented in tables and frequencies. The prevalence of tungiasis among participants was found to be 26.9%, with 72 out of 268 individuals affected. Among the participants, 57% had a primary level of education, and 82% of those infested were male. The age bracket most affected was 11-30 years, comprising 59.7% of cases. Furthermore, 63% of individuals with tungiasis came from families that reared animals. In conclusion, the prevalence of tungiasis in Danida village was notably high. Individuals with lower educational levels, aged between 11-30 years, males, and those from families involved in animal rearing were found to be the demographic groups with a higher incidence of Tunga penetrans infestation. Keywords: Tungiasis, Tunga penetrans, Animals, Education, Male gender.
The Relationship Between Shift Work Patterns and Cognitive Function Disorders in Health Workers at Hospital X, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Malau Bintang Leonard , Amilya Agustina  , Pukovisa Prawiroharjo  , Winnugroho Wiratman  , Retno Asti Werdhani
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Jobs with shift work patterns, especially irregular ones, can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep quality, which then impacts cognitive function. Despite its importance, research on cognitive domain vulnerabilities related to shift work patterns is still limited. Sleep quality and cognitive function are critical in the context of hospital health services, where decisions and actions must be taken quickly and precisely to support patient safety.

Methods: This research is a cross-sectional observational analytical study to determine the relationship between shift work patterns and impaired cognitive function. To measure sleep quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Indonesian (PSQI-Ina) is used, while cognitive function and cognitive domains were measured using Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) Indonesian (OCS-Ina), a cognitive instrument for stroke patients, which has been validated. The minimum sample size in this study was 72 samples. Correlation, principal component analysis, demographic analysis, and regression were used to characterize the relationship between PSQI-Ina, OCS-Ina, and other research variables.

Results: A total of 83 health workers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the research. The results showed that 16 respondents (19.3%) experienced impaired cognitive function in the Attention domain and 2 respondents (2.4%) experienced impairment in 2 cognitive domains (Attention and Number Management). The results of statistical analysis showed a significant relationship with health workers who had part-time jobs having a 12.8-fold risk (OR 12.8; 95% CI 1.7-91; p = 0.011) of experiencing cognitive impairment. Then health workers who experience poor sleep quality (with a PSQI value >5) have a 40.3 times greater risk (OR 40.3; 95% CI 2.2-708.1; p = 0.011) of experiencing cognitive impairment. Likewise, health workers with irregular shift work patterns have a 5.4 times risk of experiencing cognitive impairment (OR 5.4; 95% CI 0.1-26.6; p = 0.036).

Conclusion: There is a relationship between shift work patterns and impaired cognitive function in the workplace. Hospitals should prioritize ergonomic shift work schedules, emphasizing speed and clockwise rotation, to support the well-being of their healthcare workers.
Conferences as Spam? Liveblogging science hits the mainstream
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

I am probably supposed to be writing up some weighty blog post on some issue of importance but this is much more fun. Last year’s International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) kicked off one of the first major live blogging exercises in a mainstream biology conference. It was so successful that the main instigators were invited to write up the exercise and the conference in a paper in PLoS Comp Biol.
A funny thing happened on the (way to the) forum
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

I love Stephen Sondheim musicals. In particular I love the way he can build an ensemble piece in which there can be 10-20 people onstage, apparently singing, shouting, and speaking complete disconnected lines, which nonetheless build into a coherent whole.
Macmillan do interesting stuff
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

In short succession a series of new initiatives have come out of Macmillan. From Nature Publishing Group a new protocol exchange, providing a space to share, collect, and refer to research protocols. The ones Iâ€™ve looked at so far are connected to published papers, in a similar manner to the way Nature Protocols works largely as a repository for detailed methods from papers in the Nature Stable.
Metrics and Money
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Image via Wikipedia David Crotty, over atÂ Scholarly Kitchen has an interesting piece on metrics, arguing that many of these have not been thought through because they donâ€™t provide concrete motivation to researchers to care about them.
Why the web of data needs to be social
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

If youâ€™ve been around either myself or Deepak Singh you will almost certainly have heard the Jeff Jonas/Jon Udell soundbite: â€˜Data finds data. Then people find peopleâ€™. The naÃ¯ve analysis of the success of consumer social networks and the weaknesses of science communication has lead to efforts that almost precisely invert the Jonas/Udell concept.
The truth…well most of the truth anyway
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

I had a pretty ropey day today. Failing for 45 minutes to do some simple algebra. Transformation overnight that didn’t work…again…and just generally being a bit down what with the whole imploding British science funding situation. But in the midst of this we did one very cool and simple experiment, one that worked, and one that actually has some potentially significant implications. The only things is…I can’t tell you about it.
The trouble with business models (Facebook buys Friendfeed)
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

…is that someone needs to make money out of them. It was inevitable at some point that Friendfeed would take a route that lead it towards mass adoption and away from the needs of the (rather small) community of researchers that have found a niche that works well for them.
P â‰ NP and the future of peer review
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

The online maths community has lit up with excitement as a document, claiming to prove one of the major outstanding theorems in maths has been circulated. In response an online peer review process has swung into action that is very similar to the kind of post-publication peer review that many of us have advocated. Is this a one of, a special case?
Contributor IDs – an attempt to aggregate and integrate
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Following on from my post last month about using OpenID as a way of identifying individual researchers,Â  Chris Rusbridge made the sensible request that when conversations go spreading themselves around the web it would be good if they could be summarised and aggregated back together. Here I am going to make an attempt to do that – but I won’t claim that this is a completely unbiased account.
Itâ€™s not information overload, nor is it filter failure: Itâ€™s a discovery deficit
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

The idea that “it’s not information overload, it’s filter failure” combined with the traditional process of filtering scholarly communication by peer review prior to publication seems to be leading towards the idea that we need to build better filters by beefing up the curation of research output before it is published.
The Panton Principles: Finding agreement on the public domain for published scientific data
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

I had the great pleasure andÂ privilegeÂ of announcing the launch of the Panton Principles at the Science Commons Symposium – Pacific Northwest on Saturday. The launch of the Panton Principles, many months after they were first suggested is really largely down to the work of Jonathan Gray.
Reflections on Science 2.0 from a distance – Part I
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Some months ago now I gave a talk atÂ very exciting symposiumÂ organized byÂ Greg WilsonÂ as a closer for theÂ Software CarpentryÂ course he was running at Toronto University.
New Year – New me
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Over the holidays I set up my own web presence both to be able to put more content and tools up and also to explore how I present myself as a scientist on the web. In a Semantic Web world where I am represented by a URL, what should that URL look like?
Some (probably not original) thoughts about originality
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

A number of things have prompted me to be thinking about what makes a piece of writing “original” in a web based world where we might draft things in the open, get informal public peer review, where un-refereed conference posters can be published online, and pre-print servers of submitted versions of papers are increasingly widely used.
Open Research Computation: An ordinary journal with extraordinary aims.
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

I spend a lot of my time arguing that many of the problems in the research community are caused by journals. We have too many, they are an ineffective means of communicating the important bits of research, and as a filter they are inefficient and misleading. Today I am very happy to be publicly launching the call for papers for a new journal. How do I reconcile these two statements? Computation lies at the heart of all modern research.
Beyond the Impact Factor: Building a community for more diverse measurement of research
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Image via Wikipedia I know Iâ€™ve been a bit quiet for a few weeks. Mainly Iâ€™ve been away for work and having a brief holiday so it is good to be plunging back into things with some good news. I am very happy to report that the Open Society Institute has agreed to fund the proposal that was built up in response to my initial suggestion a month or so ago.
Driving UK Research – Is copyright a help or a hindrance?
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

The following is my contribution to a collection prepared by the British Library and released today at the Wellcome Trust, called â€œDriving UK Research. Is copyright a help or a hindrance?â€ which is being released under a CC-BY-NC license. The British Library kindly allowed authors to retain copyright on their contributions so I am here releasing the text into the public domain via a CCZero waiver.
A personal view of Open Science – Part I
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

For the Open Science workshop at the Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing I wrote a very long essay as an introductory paper. It turned out that this was far too long for the space available so an extremely shortened version was submitted for the symposium proceedings. I thought I would post the full length essay in installments here as a prelude to cleaning it up and submitting to an appropriate journal.
A personal view of open science – Part III – Social issues
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

The third installment of the paper (first part, second part) where I discuss social issues around practicing more Open Science.

Scientists are inherently rather conservative in their adoption of new approaches and tools. A conservative approach has served the community well in the process of sifting ideas and claims;
Everything I know about software design I learned from Greg Wilson – and so should your students
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Image via Wikipedia Which is not to say that I am any good at software engineering, good practice, or writing decent code. And you shouldn’t take Greg to task for some of the dodgy demos I’ve done over the past few months either.
The API for the physical world is coming – or – how a night out in Bath ended with chickens and sword dancing
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Last night I made it for the first time to one of the BathCamp evening events organised by Mike Ellis in Bath. The original BathCamp was a BarCamp held in late summer last year that I couldn’t get to, but Mike has been organising a couple of evenings since. I thought I’d go along because it sounded like fun, and I knew a few of the people were good value, and that I didn’t know any of the others.
Peer review: What is it good for?
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Image by Gideon Burton via Flickr It hasn’t been a real good week for peer review.
Proposed Reforms to the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSI
Authors: Sathe Tejas S.
Published: March 2024

This is a preprint of a manuscript currently under peer review. The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE  ®  ) is a multiple-choice exam administered yearly to surgical residents. The ABS provides the following information on its website: "The ABSITE is furnished to program directors as a formative evaluation instrument to assess residents’ progress.
What would you say to Elsevier?
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

In a week or so’s time I have been invited to speak as part of a forward planning exercise at Elsevier. To some this may seem like an opportunity to go in for an all guns blazing OA rant or perhaps to plant some incendiary device but I see it more as opportunity to nudge, perhaps cajole, a big player in the area of scholarly publishing in the right direction.
The personal and the institutional
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

A number of things recently have lead me to reflect on the nature of interactions between social media, research organisations and the wider community. What the first decade of the social web has taught us is that organisations that effectively harness the goodwill of their staff or members using social media tools do well. This approach is antithetical to traditional command and control management structures.
Third party data repositories – can we/should we trust them?
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

This is a case of a comment that got so long (and so late) that it probably merited it’s own post. David Crotty and Paul (Ling-Fung Tang) note some important caveats in comments on my last post about the idea of the “web native” lab notebook. I probably went a bit strong in that post with the idea of pushing content onto outside specialist services in my effort to try to explain the logic of the lab notebook as a feed.
Some notes on Open Access Week
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: March 2024

Open Access Week kicks off for the fourth time tomorrow with events across the globe. I was honoured to be asked to contribute to the SPARC video that will be released tomorrow. The following are a transcription of my notes – not quite what I said but similar.
The role of serum lipid profile in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension
Authors: Rafaqat Saira , Rafaqat Sana , Klisić Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Hypertension is a key contributor to the high global burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, due to its increasing prevalence worldwide. In clinical practice, dyslipidemia and hypertension often coexist, possibly because they share similar underlying causes, such as endothelial dysfunction and obesity. Consequently, this review article presents the collective findings on the role of lipid profile parameters in arterial hypertension. Individuals with hypertension often have significantly higher mean serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while exhibiting lower mean serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to those without hypertension. TC and HDL-C play an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. However, there is a lack of studies explaining the link between TG and LDL-C and arterial hypertension. Future studies are necessary to fully elucidate the exact mechanisms by which the mentioned lipid parameters contribute to arterial hypertension.
Performance and levels analysis of pollutant emissions when using biofuels in the PT6 engine
Authors: Mónico Muñoz , Avella Richard , Gonzalez Cruz
Published: March 2024

The Aircraft use jet engines, which have been optimized over the years to be more efficient, silent, generate higher performance and emit lower levels of polluting emissions. However, there is still a high dependence on fossil fuels, for which high-lights the need to strengthen the study of alterna-tive fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. To investigate the benefits of some biofuels, the different performances and emissions of biodiesel were theoretically studied in one of the most widely used engines in Colombia, the PT6-A. The results indicate that the use of this biofuel reduces NOX levels and maintains engine performance at acceptable levels. Analytical studies also indicate that the behavior of NOX levels is approximately quadratic in the studied interval and CO2 production is directly proportional to the percentage of biofuel in the blends.
Hypermedia in the teaching of Nature and Society
Authors: Župić Ajdina
Published: March 2024

Hyper medias make multi medial systems allowing non-linear connection i.e. texts exposure. It is the way users can combine, edit and process logically sounds, graphics, movable pictures and a computer software. It designates multi media's characteristics of a hypertext and union of three industries: TV, computer and publishing one. Hyper media are non-linear presentation of symbols (text, graphics, pictures, software code) with computer assistance. The contents of the subjects World around Us and Nature and Society, regarding their nature and character, require a need for different ways of introducing and preparing of pupils for new learning material processing, since they are complex, interdisciplinary and they belong to different areas of a curriculum. Besides finished multi media games that can be used, it is often very appropriate to create similar games in PowerPoint Program and enrich them with the contents, like films, cartoons, education series, news and audiovisual songs on the terms being studied within teaching of the subject Nature and Society (animals, plants, traffic and similar).
The impact of using ICT on the achievement of students in combined classes
Authors: Vukajlović Senka
Published: March 2024

The goal of this research was to determine the effectiveness of ICT on the achievements of students in combined classes, and same time on changing the way teachers work in the teaching process. The attitudes and opinions of teachers, students and parents about the use of ICT in teaching were examined. The research was related to the population represented in the so-called "small schools" in rural areas, which have combined or undivided classes, and therefore a small number of students. Using a non-experimental method, the data were collected on the attitudes of teachers, students and parents. A scale method was used, while the basic instruments for data collection were non-standardized surveys for students, teachers and parents. Results obtained are tabulated and presented graphically, while the percentage calculation method was used in the statistical processing. The test sample included 28 students, 8 teachers and 54 parents. The results obtained from the research will greatly help to improve the quality of teaching using ICT in combined classes. Teachers must be adequately rewarded, and classrooms must be better equipped. Significant differences were also observed regarding the effects of ICT in teaching, depending on the parents. It is necessary to train the parents of the students, so that the application of ICT gives even better effects.
Suggestions for improving leadership at different levels of the education system in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Kostadinović Saša
Published: March 2024

The content of this work is based on proposals for improving leadership at different levels of the educational system in the Republic of Serbia. As in most countries, four key levels can be distinguished in the Republic of Serbia that make up the basic structure of the education system: school, local self-government, school administration and the Ministry of Education and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Bearing in mind the importance of leadership in the educational system, this paper offers suggestions for its improvement at each of these levels. At the school level, teachers who recognize leadership as a skill and potential quality would be directed onto the leadership track with the aim being prepared in time for arriving at a leadership position. At the level of local self-government, we propose a sort of cooperation and exchange of experiences between leaders and teachers schools located in geographic proximity. At the school administration level, we offer presentations concerning successful leadership; that is, presentations of the work of a successful principal at the end of each school year. At the highest instance of the educational system, the Ministry of Education and Technological Development, we suggest mandatory education and training of future principals/leaders, so that they have a good starting position that would be improved on through practice. The goal of this paper is the acquisition of new, relevant and necessary leadership competencies, both in leadership positions and before arriving at a leadership position in order to have a good starting point that would be improved through practice.
Significance of determination of lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Lević Marija , Pavić Jelena , Sarić-Matutinović Marija , Milinković Neda
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an essential mediator of inflammation, which has a vital role in inflammatory diseases of the vascular system. It has a significant role in the occurrence of thrombosis, the main manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome. Aim: To investigate the values of Lp-PLA2 in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) regarding the distribution of all data, age, gender, disease duration, and type of disease. Material and methods: This experimental work analyzed samples of 74 patients diagnosed with APS. Concentrations of Lp-PLA2 were determined by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. Results: The activity of Lp-PLA2 was higher than the recommended referent values. There is no significant difference in the values of Lp-PLA2 concerning patients' age, gender, disease duration, and type of disease (p > 0,05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the patients' age and the disease duration (rho = 0.359; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Elevated values of Lp-PLA2, so as the correlation between the years of age and duration of APS can be important information to doctors in the appropriate treatment of these patients. It is up to future prospective studies to confirm the significance of Lp-PLA2 determination in patients with APS.
Application of contemporary computer methods in laryngeal cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Valjarević Svetlana , Jovanović Milan , Pantić Igor
Published: March 2024

Early detection of disease and accurate assessment of its extent are of paramount importance for the course of treatment and prognosis of larynx cancer. Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools have the potential to accelerate and improve diagnostic procedures in medicine, as well as to predict disease outcomes and response to specific therapies. Computer algorithms can analyze two-dimensional images obtained during procedures such as laryngeal spectroscopy and endoscopy. Radiological images can be evaluated using appropriate algorithms to determine whether the laryngeal tissue is benign or malignantly altered. In recent years, machine learning tools have been developed to determine the precise radiation doses, predict tumor radiosensitivity, as well as the possibility and severity of complications based on radiological image analysis. In the field of pathology, significant progress has been made by creating digital records of histopathological preparations, which can be further analyzed. This allows changes in intercellular interaction and tissue architecture that cannot be detected by conventional microscopic methods to be identified. With innovative computer techniques, it is possible to quantify tissue and cell structure parameters, which are calculated based on mathematical formulas and used to measure structural homogeneity and uniformity in both normal and pathologically altered tissue. Future multidisciplinary research aimed at developing new and innovative biosensors for the detection of discrete morphological changes characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx will make a significant contribution to the advancement of diagnosis and treatment in the field of otolaryngology. In the future, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could enable the fusion of algorithms that combine data obtained from radiological, endoscopic, and histopathological findings, which could significantly increase the accuracy and precision of diagnosis, facilitate the process of deciding on therapeutic options, and improve the success rate of larynx cancer treatment.
Pelatihan Penerapan Pembelajaran Berbasis Artificial Intelligence Di UPT SD Negeri 04 Sei Muka
Authors: Sahren Sahren , Ruri Ashari Dalimunthe  , Afrisawati Afrisawati , Muhammad Wahi Butar-Butar
Published: March 2024

Era Revolusi Industri 4.0 digitalisasi dan pemanfaatan kecerdasan buatan Artificial Intelligence ditandai dengan perkembangan teknologi yang masif di berbagai sektor kehidupan manusia, tidak terkecuali pada sektor pendidikan. Tujuan utama kegiatan PkM ini adalah meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran dengan mengintegrasikan teknologi Artificial Intelligence dalam proses pengajaran. Metode pelatihan melibatkan guru dan staf sekolah dalam pemahaman konsep dasar Artificial Intelligence serta penerapannya dalam pembelajaran Sekolah Dasar. Selain itu, dilakukan pelatihan praktis menggunakan alat bantu Artificial Intelligence  yang dapat disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan pembelajaran di sekolah tersebut. Evaluasi dampak pelatihan dilakukan melalui pengamatan langsung, dan penilaian partisipan. Hasil menunjukkan adanya peningkatan keterampilan dan pemahaman tentang Artificial Intelligence, serta efektivitas penerapan teknologi tersebut dalam meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran di SD Negeri 04 Sei Muka. Kegiatan PkM ini memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pengembangan pembelajaran berbasis Artificial Intelligence di tingkat sekolah dasar dan memberikan panduan bagi institusi sejenis untuk mengadopsi teknologi inovatif dalam pendidikan.
Mekanisme Pemberian Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) Pada BRI Unit Gending Dan BRI Unit Pasar Lumbang
Authors: Putri Catur Ayu Lestari  , Ummi Sa’idah  , Ummah Habibah
Published: March 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menyelidiki mekanisme yang digunakan oleh BRI Unit Gending dan BRI Unit Pasar Lumbang, dua bank yang termasuk dalam program Kredit Usaha Rakyat pemerintah yang bertujuan untuk membantu usaha kecil di Indonesia untuk meningkatkan perekonomian negara. Dengan mengumpulkan, menyusun, dan mengevaluasi informasi yang dikumpulkan, penelitian ini menggunakan analisis kualitatif. Wawancara dilakukan terhadap pihak bank yang memahami prosedur pemberian KUR. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa prosedur pemberian Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) di Unit Gending BRI dan Unit Pasar Lumbang telah dilaksanakan dengan baik dan sesuai dengan peraturan pemerintah, termasuk proses permohonan, pemeriksaan atau analisis kredit, keputusan tentang kredit, dan pencairan atau akad kredit.
Sertifikasi Tanah Wakaf Melalui Program PTSL Sebagai Upaya Mencegah Sengketa Kepemilikan Dan Batas Tanah Di Kantor Pertanahan Jember
Authors: Siti Nanik Kholifah  , Agung Parmono
Published: March 2024

Sertifikasi tanah wakaf adalah suatu hal yang sangat penting. Hal ini dikarenakan tanah wakaf memiliki peran yang sangat strategis dalam kehidupan masyarakat. Tanah wakaf merupakan salah satu sumber dana yang memiliki potensi  dalam pengembangan ekonomi umat. Selain itu wakaf juga terdapat sumber dana sosial lain seperti zakat, infak, dan sedekah. Amalan wakaf sangat besar artinya bagi kehidupan sosial ekonmi, kebudayaan dan keagamaan. Dalam kehidupan sosial ekonomi wajib terdapat pola distribusi berkeadilan untuk meminimalisir kesenjangan kekayaan di masyarakat. Metode pelaksanaan pengabdian ini menggunakan pendekatan yuridis normatis dan pengumpulan data menggunakan penelitian kepustakaan. Tujuan dari hasil pengabdian yaitu untuk mengetahui pentingnya sertifikasi tanah wakaf melalui program ptsl sebagai upaya mencegah sengketa kepemilikan dan batas tanah. Hasil dari pengabdian menunjukkan bahwa pentingnya sertifikasi tanah wakaf melalui program Pendaftaran Tanah Sistematis Lengkap (PTSL) yang dilakukan untuk memberikan kepastian hukum dan perlindungan kepada pemilik tanah wakaf, meningkatkan efektivitas dan efisiensi pengelolaan tanah wakaf, serta memudahkan dalam perencanaan pembangunan infrastruktur dan fasilitas umum.
STUDY ON THE ACTUAL SITUATION OF DOMESTIC WATER IN 24 MILITARY UNITS IN THE NORTHERN REGION IN 2022
Authors: Tran Quoc Luat  , Cao Thi Minh Ngoc  , Pham Van Son
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Study on the actual situation of domestic water in some military units in the Northern region in 2022.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with analysis and evaluation of seven basic physical, chemical and microbiological indicators on 113 samples of domestic water collected at 24 military units stationed in the Northern Region from July to October, 2022.
Results: The water used for consumption and daily activities in the studied units accounted for 58.4% from drilled wells and dug wells and 35.4% from water supplied by factories, in which 61.1% of the water was untreated before use. The proportion of water sources that did not meet the standards according to QCVN 01:2018/BYT for pH indicator was 29/113 samples (25.7%), and for turbidity was 10/113 samples (8.8%). A comparison of nitrite and ammonia standards between treated and untreated water sources showed approximate equality. The difference in permanganate criteria between treated and untreated water sources and the proportion of samples meeting standards according to QCVN 01-1: 2018/BYT was statistically significant with p < 0.05.
ANALGESIC EFFECT OF “DINH THONG PHONG” CAPSULES ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Authors: Tran Thanh Tuan  , Vu Ngoc Thang  , Dao Nguyen Manh  , Quach Thi Quynh  , Nguyen Hai Duong  , Dang Thi Minh
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Evaluate the analgesic effect of “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules on experimental animals.
Subjects and Methods: “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules, meeting the standard criteria, were evaluated for analgesic effect on white mice. In particular, the central analgesic effect was assessed using the hot plate model, peripheral analgesic effect was assessed using the writhing pain model.
Results: In the hot plate model, “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules at a dosage of 860 mg/kg and 2,580 mg/kg significantly increased the reaction time to heat (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The difference in reaction time to heat between the groups using “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules and the group using codeine phosphate at a dose of 20 mg/kg was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the writhing model, “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules at a dose of 860 mg/kg and 2,580 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of writhing episodes (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The difference in the number of writhing episodes between the groups using “Dinh Thong Phong” capsules and the group using aspirin at a dose of 150 mg/kg was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
EVALUATION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IN A COHORT OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED CANCER PATIENTS: A STUDY OF 67 INDIVIDUAS
Authors: Dang Thi Huong  , Vu Do Thao  , Nguyen Trong Hoa  , La Van Truong
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study of 67 newly diagnosed patients at the Department of Pain management and Palliative Care, 108 Military Central Hospital, from August to October 2023. The patient's level of distress was assessed by the Distress Thermometer - DT and the Problem List (PL) of NCCN February 2022, Vietnamese version.
Results: The average distress score among newly diagnosed cancer patients was 4.42 ± 2.237, with 3% reporting no distress, 44.8% experiencing mild distress, and 52.2% reporting moderate to severe distress (≥ 4 points). Common sources of distress among the participants included physical discomfort (94.0%), with 73.1% reporting sleep problems and 71.6% experiencing fatigue. Emotional challenges were prevalent as well (91.0%), with 49.3% reporting feelings of sadness and 47.8% experiencing anxiety. Additionally, concerns regarding self-care (53.7%) and financial worries (43.3%) were notable contributors to distress, accounting for 76.1% of the participants' concerns overall. The rate of moderate and severe distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients were statistically significantly related to age (more prevalent in patients  under 60), gender (higher in females) education level (more in those with secondary school education or less), income (higher in those with below-average incomes), health insurance benefits (higher in patients with less comprehensive coverage).