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Segmented radial seals are modern technologies used in aeronautic engines and space turbopumps. They consist of several circumferential segments assembled as an annular ring freely mounted on the rotor. A circumferential (garter) spring tightens the segments around the shaft. The segments can move radially relative to each other, sliding against a casing and following the dynamic displacements of the rotor. Two similar segmented seals made of different materials were tested. The results showed different leakage flow rates and different correlations between leakage and wear rate. For example, the leakage rate decreases with wear for one seal and increases for the other. For explaining these results, wear was correlated with the microstructure of the materials of the two seals. Profilometric analyses were made for the two seals, highlighting that wear was not localised in the same areas. Raman spectra maps were taken on the pads of the segment in contact with the rotor and microstructural changes caused by friction were enlightened. The evolution of residual stresses was measured for new and worn segments. These findings strengthen the results obtained from profilometric wear analyses. They also allow a more precise understanding of tribological degradation scenarios depending on the operating conditions and the properties of the material.

Abstract Background The relationship between liver fibrosis and left atrial (LA) remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. We examined the associations between the fibrosis‐4 (FIB4) index, an indicator of liver fibrosis, and both LA low‐voltage areas (LVAs) on electroanatomic mapping and AF recurrence postablation. Methods We recruited 343 patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) or cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for AF. First, the association between the FIB4 index and LA LVAs (5 cm2) compared to those without. Additionally, the quantitative size of LVAs showed a positive correlation with the FIB4 index (R = .642, p

In this work, we investigate a class of generalized affine fractal interpolation functions (FIF) with variable parameters, where ordinate scaling is substituted by a real-valued control function. Let $ {\mathcal S} $ be an iterated function system (IFS) with the attractor $ G_\Delta $, where $ \Delta $ is a given data set. We consider an affine transformation $ \omega(\Delta) $ of $ \Delta $, and we define the IFS $ \hat {\mathcal S} $ with the attractor $ G_{\omega(\Delta)} $. We give a sufficient condition so that $ G_{\omega(\Delta)} = \omega(G_\Delta) $. In addition, we compare the definite integrals of the corresponding FIF and study the additivity property. Some examples will be given, highlighting the effectiveness of our results.

Fractal interpolation function (FIF) is a fixed point of the Read–Bajraktarević operator defined on a suitable function space and is constructed via an iterated function system (IFS). In this paper, we considered the generalized affine FIF generated through the IFS defined by the functions $ W_n(x, y) = \big(a_n(x)+e_n, \alpha_n(x) y +\psi_n(x)\big) $, $ n = 1, \ldots, N $. We studied the shift of the fractal interpolation curve, by computing the error estimate in response to a small perturbation on $ \alpha_n(x) $. In addition, we gave a sufficient condition on the perturbed IFS so that it satisfies the continuity condition. As an application, we computed an upper bound of the maximum range of the perturbed FIF.

Mahasiswa yang kurang terampil dalam public speaking cenderung mengalami kesulitan saat harus melakukan presentasi di kelas. Hal ini bisa berdampak pada penilaian mereka karena presentasi sering kali menjadi bagian penting dari evaluasi akademik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji tingkat kemampuan public speaking mahasiswa sebelum dan sesudah diberikan konseling analisis transaksional. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif eksperimen, dengan pendekatan pre-eksperiment one-group pretest and posttest design. Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan angket kemampuan public speaking mahasiswa dengan analisis uji rank bertanda Wilcoxon. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan antara skor pretest dan posttest yang terlihat dari rata-rata nilai pretest yaitu sebesar 126 dengan kategori sedang dan posttest sebesar 186 dengan kategori tinggi. Dalam hal ini, konseling analisis transaksional efektif meningkatkan kemampuan public speaking mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat

Fractal interpolation function (FIF) is a new method of constructing new data points within the range of a discrete set of known data points. Consider the iterated functional system defined through the functions $ W_n(x, y) = \big(a_n x+e_n, \alpha_n(x) y +\psi_n(x)\big) $, $ n = 1, \ldots, N $. Then, we may define the generalized affine FIF $ f $ interpolating a given data set $ \big\{ (x_n, y_n) \in I\times \mathbb R, n = 0, 1, \ldots, N \big\} $, where $ I = [x_0, x_N] $. In this paper, we discuss the smoothness of the FIF $ f $. We prove, in particular, that $ f $ is $ \theta $-hölder function whenever $ \psi_n $ are. Furthermore, we give the appropriate upper bound of the maximum range of FIF in this case.

Linear increase in crystallite size (16–24 nm) of MnxZn1−xFe2O4 nanostructures and mixed behavior of lattice constant (8.429–8.462 Å) is reported. The system exhibits considerable promise for microwave applications due to its elevated dielectric constants and minimal dispersion losses from 20 Hz to 20 MHz. With x = 0.75, sample is good for energy storage devices like supercapacitors due to large specific surface area (53 m2/g) and dielectric constant. These samples exhibit maximum relaxation times ranging from 1.97 × 10−7 s to 2.43 × 10−4 s, with corresponding relaxation energy values spanning from 159.22 meV to 341 meV for x = 0 and x = 1 samples. The Cole-Cole plots reveal that grains exhibit conductive behavior at lower frequencies, while grain boundaries contribute significantly to the resistive behavior. Additionally, we have introduced Bode diagrams and equivalent electronic circuit models for the first time, offering valuable insights into the electrical behavior of the nanomaterial samples.

Clozapine, renowned for its efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is associated with rare yet potentially severe side effects, including hematological disorders, myocarditis, seizures and gastrointestinal obstruction. Dermatological adverse effects, though less serious, can profoundly impact patients’ quality of life. We present the first reported case of cholinergic urticaria induced by clozapine, in a 25-year-old male with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Four months into clozapine therapy, the patient developed intensely pruritic erythematous lesions triggered by sweating, significantly impairing his daily activities. Despite attempts at management, including dose reduction and antihistamine therapy, the urticaria persisted. However, a favorable outcome was achieved upon switching to quetiapine. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing treatment-related adverse effects, even when they arise late in treatment, and highlights the need for individualized therapeutic approaches.We discuss potential mechanisms underlying clozapine-induced cholinergic urticaria and emphasize the significance of patient-centered care in optimizing treatment outcomes in schizophrenia.

Sarcopenic dysphagia is characterized by weakness of swallowing-related muscles associated with whole-body sarcopenia. As the number of patients with sarcopenia increases with the aging of the world, the number of patients with sarcopenic dysphagia is also increasing. The prevalence of sarcopenic dysphagia is high in the institutionalized older people and in patients hospitalized for pneumonia with dysphagia in acute care hospitals. Prevention, early detection and intervention of sarcopenic dysphagia with rehabilitation nutrition are essential. The diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia is based on skeletal and swallowing muscle strength and muscle mass. A reliable and validated diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic dysphagia is used. Sarcopenic dysphagia is associated with malnutrition, which leads to mortality and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) decline. The rehabilitation nutrition approach improves swallowing function, nutrition status, and ADL. A combination of aggressive nutrition therapy to improve nutrition status, dysphagia rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other interventions can be effective for sarcopenic dysphagia. The rehabilitation nutrition care process is used to assess and problem solve the patient’s pathology, sarcopenia, and nutrition status. The simplified rehabilitation nutrition care process consists of a nutrition cycle and a rehabilitation cycle, each with five steps: assessment, diagnosis, goal setting, intervention, and monitoring. Nutrition professionals and teams implement the nutrition cycle. Rehabilitation professionals and teams implement the rehabilitation cycle. Both cycles should be done simultaneously. The nutrition diagnosis of undernutrition, overnutrition/obesity, sarcopenia, and goal setting of rehabilitation and body weight are implemented collaboratively.

In this paper we investigate an iterated function system that defines a fractal interpolation function, where ordinate scaling, that is Lipschitz constant in Banach contraction principle is substituted by real-valued control function. In such a manner, fractal interpolation functions associated with Matkowski contractions are obtained and provide a new framework of approximating experimental data. Furthermore, given a data generating function $ f $, we study a new class of fractal interpolation functions which converge to $ f $.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) lesioning is an innovative, safe and effective treatment which provides an innovative development in the field of minimally invasive stereotactic neurosurgery. Based on the application of focused ultrasound energy under full MR planning and thermal imaging control, unilateral lesioning of the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and globus pallidus is indicated for the treatment of movement disorders, including essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and dystonia. We started to apply this technique in February 2019 for the treatment of patients with movement disorders. The authors developed a diagnostic therapeutic care pathway, which is herewith proposed and applied as an explication of standard clinical practice in use. The project was the result of the application of different methods such as Health Technology Assessment (HTA), Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis (SWOT) and Demin -Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle. The aim of this project was to standardize the MRgFUS diagnostic-therapeutic pathway (DTP), describe its application and the appropriateness of different phases (patient selection, intervention phase and follow-up). Here, we described in detail our experience in the DTP application from 2019 up to now in 610 patients with movement disorders.

Voice recognition systems have become increasingly important in recent years due to the growing need for more efficient and intuitive human-machine interfaces. The use of Hybrid LSTM networks and deep learning has been very successful in improving speech detection systems. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel approach for the detection of voice pathologies using a hybrid deep learning model that combines the Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures. The proposed model uses a combination of temporal and spectral features extracted from speech signals to detect the different types of voice pathologies. The performance of the proposed detection model is evaluated on a publicly available dataset of speech signals from individuals with various voice pathologies(MEEI database). The experimental results showed that the hybrid BiLSTM-CNN model outperforms several classifiers by achieving an accuracy of 98.86\%. The proposed model has the potential to assist health care professionals in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of voice pathologies, and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Background: Breast milk and complementary feeding are important sources of nutrition in the first 1000 days of life, so nutritional deficiencies in this period of life cause problems in both short and long terms. Hence, investigating the association between breastfeeding, complementary feeding history, and toddlers’ nutritional status is important. Objective: This study aims to assess the influence of exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding on the nutritional status of children under five. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Public Health Centre (Puskesmas) in Medan, North Sumatera. Data regarding the toddlers’ height and weight were obtained through direct measurements, whereas information about breastfeeding and complementary feeding history was gathered through interviews with the toddlers’ mothers. Chi-square analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The study involved 50 toddlers, 30 boys and 20 girls. Among them, 58% received both exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding, while 42% did not. Among toddlers who received exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding, 82.7% demonstrated normal nutritional status, whereas 10% experienced malnutrition. Conversely, in toddlers not given exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary foods, only 38% had normal nutrition, with the remaining 62% facing malnutrition. There was an association between exclusive breastfeeding, timely complementary feeding, and toddlers’ nutritional status (P < 0.05). Toddlers receiving exclusive breastfeeding had 7.8 times higher odds of experiencing normal nutritional status compared to those without it. Similarly, toddlers exposed to timely complementary feeding had 4.3 times higher odds of experiencing normal nutrition. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding played an important role in the nutritional status of toddlers.

Conventional Copper Indium Gallium Di Selenide (CIGS)-based solar cells are more efficient than second-generation technology based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) or cadmium telluride (CdTe). So, herein the photovoltaic (PV) performance of CIGS-based solar cells has been investigated numerically using SCAPS-1D solar simulator with different buffer layer and less expensive tin sulfide (Sn2S3) back-surface field (BSF). At first, three buffer layer such as cadmium sulfide (CdS), zinc selenide (ZnSe) and indium-doped zinc sulfide ZnS:In have been simulated with CIGS absorber without BSF due to optimized and non-toxic buffer. Then the optimized structure of Al/FTO/ZnS:In/CIGS/Ni is modified to become Al/FTO/ZnS:In/CIGS/Sn2S3/Ni by adding a Sn2S3 BSF to enhanced efficiency. The detailed analysis have been investigated is the influence of physical properties of each absorber and buffer on photovoltaic parameters including layer thickness, carrier doping concentration, bulk defect density, interface defect density. This study emphasizes investigating the reasons for the actual devices' poor performance and illustrates how each device's might vary open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), power conversion efficiency (PCE), and quantum efficiency (QE). The optimized structure offers outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.83 % with only 0.80 μm thick CIGS absorber. The proposed CIGS-based solar cell performs better than the previously reported conventional designs while also reducing CIGS thickness and cost.

This research utilized a qualitative approach to providing a descriptive and in-depth exploration of elementary school students' mathematical and conceptual understanding of their learning interests. The study includes 20 participants, selected based on the categories of their learning interests, with three representatives chosen from each category. Participants are also selected based on their age, according to Piaget's theory, and communication abilities. Data collection techniques involve data reduction, data categorization, and data verification. Based on the research findings and discussions, it can be concluded that students with high learning interests demonstrate a strong understanding of mathematical concepts. Similarly, students with moderate learning interest exhibit a commendable grasp of mathematical concepts, while students with low learning interest tend to have lower conceptual understanding. For future research, it is recommended to explore the use of instructional media to assess children's learning interests.

Lead-free halide perovskites are a crucial family of materials in the fabrication of solar cells. At present, Solar cells are facing several challenges such as mechanical and thermodynamic instability, toxicity, unsuitable optical parameters, bandgap, and absorption coefficient. Ba3AsI3 is a halide perovskite which has demonstrated good efficiency and tremendous promise for usage in solar cell applications, and it offers a possible solution to these issues. In this study, the properties of the Ba3AsI3 perovskite solar cell were investigated using first-principles density functional theory (FP-DFT) calculations with the CASTEP (Cambridge serial total energy package) formulation. Most of its physical qualities, including its elasticity, electrical composition, bonding, optoelectronic characteristics, and optical characteristics have not yet been explored. In this work, these unexplored properties have been thoroughly investigated using density functional theory-based computations. The Born-Huang criterion and phonon dispersion characteristics have revealed that the material is mechanically stable. The bonding nature has been investigated using the density of states curves, Mulliken population analysis, and electronic charge density. Additionally, different elastic parameters demonstrate that Ba3AsI3 has reasonably high machinability and is mechanically isotropic. ELATE's three-dimensional visualization and optical properties also show isotropic behavior in all directions. The band structure shows that the bandgap is direct. Based on its direct bandgap, stability, large range of absorption coefficient, and suitable optical parameters, Ba3AsI3 is recommended as an absorber layer for solar cell fabrication in a near future.

Background Heterozygous mutations in the GBA gene, encoding the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the most frequent genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). GBA-related PD (GBA-PD) patients have higher risk of dementia and reduced survival than non-carriers. Preclinical studies and one open-label trial in humans demonstrated that the chaperone ambroxol (ABX) increases GCase levels and modulates α-synuclein levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).Methods and analysis In this multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial, we randomise patients with GBA-PD in a 1:1 ratio to either oral ABX 1.2 g/day or placebo. The duration of treatment is 52 weeks. Each participant is assessed at baseline and weeks 12, 26, 38, 52 and 78. Changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score and the frequency of mild cognitive impairment and dementia between baseline and weeks 52 are the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures include changes in validated scales/questionnaires assessing motor and non-motor symptoms. Neuroimaging features and CSF neurodegeneration markers are used as surrogate markers of disease progression. GCase activity, ABX and α-synuclein levels are also analysed in blood and CSF. A repeated-measures analysis of variance will be used for elaborating results. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat.Ethics and dissemination The study and protocols have been approved by the ethics committee of centres. The study is conducted according to good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki. The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.Trial registration numbers NCT05287503, EudraCT 2021-004565-13.

This study employs Machine Learning (ML) techniques to optimize the performance of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) by identifying the ideal materials and properties for high Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE). Utilizing a dataset of 3000 PSC samples from previous experiments, the Random Forest (RF) technique classifies and predicts PCE as the target variable. The dataset includes various features encompassing cell architecture, substrate materials, electron transport layer (ETL) attributes, perovskite characteristics, hole transport layer (HTL) properties, back contact specifics, and encapsulation materials. ML-driven analysis reveals novel, highly efficient PSC configurations, such as Fe2O3/CsPbBrI2/NiO-mp/Carbon, CdS/FAMAPbI3/NiO–C/Au, and PCBM-60/Phen-NaDPO/MAPbI3/asy-PBTBDT/Ag. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of crucial parameters like perovskite bandgap, ETL thickness, thermal annealing temperature, and back contact thickness on device performance. The predictive model exhibits high accuracy (86.4 % R2) and low mean square error (1.3 MSE). Notably, the ML-recommended structure, SnO2/CsFAMAPbBrI/Spiro-OmeTAD/Au, achieves an impressive efficiency of around 23 %. Beyond performance improvements, the research explores the integration of ML into the manufacturing and quality control processes of PSCs. These findings hold promise for enhancing conversion yields, reducing defects, and ensuring consistent PSC performance, contributing to the advancement of this renewable energy technology.

This study aims to determine the ability of mathematical representation of students in geometry material after learning with the help of GeoGebra. This research is motivated by students' difficulty in interpreting geometric shapes. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The subjects in this study were 3 (three) class XII students who had obtained three-dimensional material with the help of GeoGebra applications. Researchers carry out the data collection process by providing mathematical representation ability test questions, conducting interviews, and taking documentation. The data obtained in this study were analyzed using specialized triangulation-checking techniques. Based on the results of data analysis and the effects of interviews with all research subjects, it can be concluded that learning geometry with the help of GeoGebra applications can improve mathematical representation capabilities. Three mathematical representation abilities, namely visual representation, equation or expression, and written words or texts, are possessed by students after learning geometry with the help of GeoGebra applications.

Lead is a pollutant that is often found in various locations that may affect the behavior of living things. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of lead exposure on behavior changes in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were grouped into four levels of lead exposure: 0, 100, 150 and 200 ppm for two generations. Behavioral observations were made before and after lead exposure. The observed behavior was the ability of the pupae to climb through the pupa position assay and the success and speed of the imago climbing through the adult climbing assay. As a result, higher exposure to lead tends to increase the percentage of pupae in the low zone. Pupae with tilted orientation always have the highest percentage in all groups, both in generation 0 and generation 2. Furthermore, the results of the analysis of covariance inform that lead exposure have no significant effect on climbing duration and climbing success. Overall, lead exposure has the potential to affect the behavior of D. melanogaster. Further studies involving other behavioral assays need to be conducted to observe the effect of lead on all behavioral variables.

La surexploitation des nappes génère un coût économique et environnemental qui se traduit par la diminution de la disponibilité de l’eau et l’augmentation de son coût de pompage. Les études portant sur la distribution de ces coûts à travers les types d’exploitations et leur impact sur l’équité d’accès aux eaux souterraines demeurent limitées en Tunisie. À travers l’élaboration d’indicateurs par le modèle de programmation mathématique appliqué à des exploitations types, ce travail a montré que les coûts résultant de la surexploitation des nappes sont inégalement répartis. Les petites exploitations, disposant de moins de 3 ha, sont les plus affectées. Elles encourent des coûts de pompage de 1,25 à 1,5 fois plus élevés que les exploitations disposant d’une superficie beaucoup plus large. Le ratio bénéfice-coût de l’irrigation est également le plus faible dans cette catégorie, suggérant la non-rentabilité de l’irrigation dans un futur proche. Ce travail a révélé que l’accès économique à l’eau souterraine est désormais tributaire de la dotation de deux facteurs clés : le capital foncier et le capital financier. Les exploitations disposant de moyens fonciers et financiers vont continuer à profiter des eaux souterraines, tandis que les petites exploitations risquent d’en perdre rapidement l’accès, se trouvant ainsi exclues de leur part de cette ressource collective. Afin de préserver l’égalité d’accès pour toutes les catégories d’exploitations, et de prévenir une accentuation de la dégradation de la nappe, une politique robuste de gouvernance devrait être mise en place, avec une implication plus forte des usagers locaux et de l’administration agricole régionale.

In recent years, inorganic perovskite materials have attracted a lot of attention in the field of solar technology due to their exceptional structural, optical, and electronic properties. This study thoroughly investigated, using first-principles density-functional theory (FP-DFT), the impact of compressive and tensile strain on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the inorganic cubic perovskite Sr3AsI3. The unstrained planar Sr3AsI3 molecule exhibits a direct bandgap of 1.265 eV value at Γ point. The bandgap of the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is lowered to 1.212 eV when the relativistic spin-orbital coupling (SOC) effect is subjected in the observations. In addition, the structure's bandgap exhibits a falling prevalence due to compressive strain and a slight rise due to tensile strain. The optical indicators such as dielectric functions, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and electron loss function show that this component has a great ability to absorb in the visible range in accordance with band characteristics. When compressive strain is raised, it is discovered that the spikes of the dielectric constant of Sr3AsI3 move to lower photon energy (redshift), and conversely, while growing tensile strain, it exhibits increased photon energy changing behavior (blueshift). As a result, the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is regarded as being ideal for use in solar cells for the production of electricity and light management.

IntroductionDrought stress is one of the most devastating environmental stressors, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Considering the major constraints that drought stress poses to crop production and the consequent yield losses in food crops, breeding for climate-resilient crops is an efficient means to mitigate stress conditions. Materials and methodsThis study aimed at evaluating the response of four squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) landraces to drought stress at germination and at plant stage. Drought stress was induced by different concentrations of D-mannitol (-0.24, -0.47 and -0.73 MPa). The tested parameters at germination stage included germination percentage, seedling vigor index, seed water absorbance and seedling growth potential. At the plant stage, leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids content, chlorophyll fluorescence, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis activity and several biomarkers, namely malondialdehyde, proline, total phenols content, total flavonoids content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were evaluated in both roots and leaves.Results and discussionOur results indicate a magnitude of drought stress effects reflected via repression of germination and seedling growth as well as adjustments in physiological functions at later growth stages, in a genotype depended manner. Among landraces, "751" and "746" showed better performance, as evidenced by higher seed germination and seedling growth potential even at high stress levels (-0.47 and - 0.73 MPa), whereas "747" was the most sensitive landrace to drought stress at both tested stages. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of squash landraces selection for the identification of elite genotypes with increased tolerance to drought stress.

The use of treated wastewater (TWW) for crop irrigation is practiced in many countries worldwide as a strategy to offset water scarcity. Soil quality assessment is required to ensure that the application of this non-conventional irrigation water is sustainable over long periods. A relatively limited number of studies have used soil quality indexing approaches to investigate the impacts of TWW irrigation on soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of more than three decades of TWW irrigation on Fluvisol in semi-arid agrosystem to develop soil quality indices and evaluate their use as a practical tool to support TWW irrigation management. Overall, a total of 13 key soil attributes, used as soil quality indicators, were monitored in three TWW-irrigated plots and their adjacent non-irrigated control in eastern Tunisia. These selected indicators were used to develop a soil quality index (SQI) based on either a total data set (SQI-TDS) or a minimum data set (SQI-MDS) indexing approach. In comparison to the control, TWW application significantly increased saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) (+740%), saturation percentage (SP) (+20%), aggregate stability (AS) (+64%), field capacity (FC) (+52), electrical conductivity (EC) (+72%), phosphorous (P) (+472%), potassium (K) (+43%), organic matter (OM) (+90%) and basal respiration (BMR) (+117%) and decreased hydrophobicity (−17%), bulk density (BD) (−13%), cone penetration resistance (CPT) (−17%) and pH (−4%). The two developed SQI-TDS and SQI-MDS indices were sensitive to distinguish the impacts of TWW irrigation on soil quality in the study area. In comparison to the control, the TWW-irrigated soils exhibited higher SQI ratings by 42 and 52% based on SQI-MDS and SQI-TDS, respectively. Based on the monitored soil quality indicators in TWW-irrigated and control plots, this study indicates that long-term TWW application improved the overall soil quality and supports SQI-MDS’s efficiency in providing an adequate evaluation of soil quality in the study area.

In this study, the investigations of structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of a scintillating double perovskite halide (Cs2LiCeCl6) by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) is reported. The optimized lattice constant (a0) is fully consistent with the experimental results, and the ground state optimized energy confirms the cubic (Fm 3¯ m space group) stability of the compound. The electronic band structures and densities of states are analyzed within approximations of PBE-GGA and TB-mBJ to have precise and accurate results. In the spin-up channel the metallic behavior of the compound is confirmed, while in the spin-down channel there is a band gap of 3.83 eV with an indirect nature from Γ-X, so clarifying its behavior towards semiconductors and thus overall making the compound to be half-metallic, and hence, it is clear that the material exhibit spin polarization. The ferromagnetic behavior is verified by the asymmetric density of states in both spin channels and the optimized energy volume curve in spin-polarized calculations. The optical parameters are computed and it is found that the compound Cs2LiCeCl6 possesses high optical conductivity, absorption coefficient and compared in both approximations and analyzed in the energy range of (0–20) eV and hence predict the applications of this material in high-frequency ultraviolet devices and also for particle detection.

This research is motivated by the problem-solving ability of students is still low, and the teaching materials used cannot be studied independently. The purpose of this study was to determine students' profiles about students' problem-solving abilities seen from indicators of choosing and implementing the problem-solving strategies to solve mathematical and outside mathematics using open-ended-based virtual reality games. A virtual reality game through open-ended-based learning media is made with the concept of moving the situation of learning mathematics in the real world into a virtual world displayed through a computer. This research used a qualitative method with a case study design. The research instrument used is a question of mathematical problem-solving ability through open-ended-based and interview transcripts. The research subjects were six eighth grade Junior High School students consisting of two students with high knowledge, two with moderate knowledge, and two with common knowledge. The result showed that students have different mathematical problem-solving abilities from each indicator, namely 1) identifying the adequacy of data for problem-solving, 2) making mathematical models from everyday situations or problems, 3) selecting and implementing strategies to solve math and math problems outside of using virtual reality games through open-ended based.

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kesulitan pemahaman konsep pada materi Limit aljabar siswa kelas XII Program keahlian Farmasi Klinis dan Komunitas SMK Manbaul Ulum Cirebon. Subjek penelitian diambil dengan teknik purposive sampling sebanyak 3 orang siswa. Pemeriksaan validitas data dilakukan dengan triangulasi metode. Analisa data dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan yaitu observasi, test dan wawancara. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian bahwa analisis kesulitan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa kelas XII FKK pada materi Limit fungsi Aljabar adalah sebagai berikut: (1) siswa belum mampu mengenal sifat sifat limit fungsi aljabar, (2) siswa masih mengalami kesulitan pada saat memfaktorkan soal limit fungsi aljabar dengan benar (3) siswa belum mampu mengaitkan antar konsep yang terdapat pada soal. Kata kunci. Kesulitan Belajar, Pemahaman Konsep, konsep matematika

This research is motivated by the low understanding of students in studying the object of geometry study. The media that had previously been used in the form of a spatial framework made of bamboo or iron turned out to take up quite a lot of space and was not practical to carry in large quantities. Therefore, efficient and practical media are needed to help visualize concrete objects in learning. This research aims to implement Augmented Reality (AR)-assisted learning media on the material of three-dimensional shapes. This study uses an explanatory qualitative method. The participant in this study was one student from one of the junior high schools in the Cirebon Regency. Data collection techniques used are through interviews and documentation. The analysis technique consists of three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The results showed that the AR application could make it easier for the student to understand the material and solve the problem of three-dimensional shapes. However, the student still has a little difficulty using the application and is a little confused when identifying the parts of the cube because the image of the shape raised by the application is still not clear. This research implies that AR applications can make students' spatial abilities better.

Objectives To examine the national, 6-year trends in in-hospital clinical outcomes of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) who underwent clipping or coiling and the prognostic influence of temporal trends in the Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) capabilities on patient outcomes in Japan.Design Retrospective study.Setting Six hundred and thirty-one primary care institutions in Japan.Participants Forty-five thousand and eleven patients with SAH who were urgently hospitalised, identified using the J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination database.Primary and secondary outcome measures Annual number of patients with SAH who remained untreated, or who received clipping or coiling, in-hospital mortality and poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale: 3–6) at discharge. Each CSC was assessed using a validated scoring system (CSC score: 1–25 points).Results In the overall cohort, in-hospital mortality decreased (year for trend, OR (95% CI): 0.97 (0.96 to 0.99)), while the proportion of poor functional outcomes remained unchanged (1.00 (0.98 to 1.02)). The proportion of patients who underwent clipping gradually decreased from 46.6% to 38.5%, while that of those who received coiling and those left untreated gradually increased from 16.9% to 22.6% and 35.4% to 38%, respectively. In-hospital mortality of coiled (0.94 (0.89 to 0.98)) and untreated (0.93 (0.90 to 0.96)) patients decreased, whereas that of clipped patients remained stable. CSC score improvement was associated with increased use of coiling (per 1-point increase, 1.14 (1.08 to 1.20)) but not with short-term patient outcomes regardless of treatment modality.Conclusions The 6-year trends indicated lower in-hospital mortality for patients with SAH (attributable to better outcomes), increased use of coiling and multidisciplinary care for untreated patients. Further increasing CSC capabilities may improve overall outcomes, mainly by increasing the use of coiling. Additional studies are necessary to determine the effect of confounders such as aneurysm complexity on outcomes of clipped patients in the modern endovascular era.

Agroclimatic classification identifies zones for efficient use of natural resources leading to optimal and non-optimal crop production. The aim of this paper is the development of a methodology to determine sustainable agricultural zones in three Mediterranean study areas, namely, “La Mancha Oriental” in Spain, “Sidi Bouzid” in Tunisia, and “Bekaa” valley in Lebanon. To achieve this, time series analysis with advanced geoinformatic techniques is applied. The agroclimatic classification methodology is based on three-stages: first, the microclimate features of the region are considered using aridity and vegetation health indices leading to water-limited growth environment (WLGE) zones based on water availability; second, landform features and soil types are associated with WLGE zones to identify non-crop-specific agroclimatic zones (NCSAZ); finally, specific restricted crop parameters are combined with NCSAZ to create the suitability zones. The results are promising as compared with the current crop production systems of the three areas under investigation. Due to climate change, the results indicate that these arid or semi-arid regions are also faced with insufficient amounts of precipitation for supporting rainfed annual crops. Finally, the proposed methodology reveals that the employment and use of remote sensing data and methods could be a significant tool for quickly creating detailed, and up to date agroclimatic zones.

Indonesian as a mother tongue has characteristics that distinguish it from Arabic. The existing differences cause difficulties in learning Arabic. This study aims to conduct a contrastive analysis of adjective phrases between Indonesian and Arabic and explain the implications of the results in learning Arabic. This study is library research on Arabic and Indonesian literature by collecting data in adjective phrase examples using listening and note-taking method. The results of this study show similarities and differences between Indonesian and Arabic adjective phrases. The existing similarities include: 1) similarities in the order of forming elements of the adjective phrase, 2) similarities in the purpose of the phrase-forming elements, 3) similarities in the position of the phrase, specifically in mubtada', khabar, subject, object, and syibhu al-jumlah. Meanwhile, the differences between adjective phrases lie on the compatibility between the phrase-forming elements that exist in Arabic adjective phrases but are not applicable in Indonesian, which are muannats-mudzakkar, ma'rifah-nakirah, number and position of the phrase in a sentence. The results of this contrastive analysis in learning Arabic have direct implications for predicting students' errors when studying Arabic adjective phrase, sorting teaching materials and selecting learning strategies for Arabic adjective phrase.

Slow learner students cannot be seen physically, because there is no difference between slow learner students and normal students. Slow learner students must get special attention, especially if the student is a prospective teacher. Slow learner students have difficulties in the process, but the learning difficulties are not in accordance with the facts. This article aims to determine the learning difficulties of slow learners in terms of students' reflective abstractions. The research was conducted using qualitative methods with phenomenological methods. The study involved 8 slow learner students who were given a test to measure their reflective abstraction ability. Followed by interviews based on the results of the written test. The results of the research conducted were analyzed qualitatively. The results of tests and interviews, it is known that students' learning difficulties based on reflective abstraction measurements, are difficulties in remembering mathematical concepts, difficulties in mathematical reasoning, difficulties in providing mathematical explanations, difficulties based on mathematical problem solving strategies, time management difficulties, mathematical technical difficulties, and difficulties in understanding mathematical problems. Siswa slow learner tidak dapat dilihat secara fisik, karena tidak ada perbedaan siswa slow learner degan siswa yang normal. Siswa slow learner tentunya harus mendapatkan perhatian yang khusus, terutama jika siswa tersebut merupakan calon guru. Siswa slow learner memiliki keuslitan-kesulitan dalam proses pembelajaran matematis, namun kesulitan tersebut belum teridentifikasi sesuai dengan fakta di lapangan. Artikel bertujuan untuk mengetahui kesulitan belajar siswa slow learner ditinjau dari abstraksi reflektif siswa. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan metode fenomenology. Penelitian melibatkan 8 orang siswa slow learner yang diberikan tes untuk mengukur kemampuan abstraksi reflektif mereka. Dilanjutkan dengan wawancara berdasarkan hasil tes tertulis tersebut. Hasil penelitian dilakukan analisis secara kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil tes dan wawancara, diketahui kesulitan belajar siswa ditinjau dari pengukuran abstraksi reflektif, adalah kesulitan mengingat konsep matematis, kesulitan bernalar matematis, kesulitan memberikan penjelasan matematis, kesulitan mengatur strategi penyelesaian masalah matematis, kesulitan manajemen waktu, kesulitan teknis matematis, dan kesulitan memahami masalah matematis.

Erosion is the most dangerous phenomenon of environmental and economic threat to arable land. By FAO. 35 % of Tunisian land are threatened by water erosion and varies regionally. Quantification and estimation of soil loss by water erosion is now essential to install the best management practices. In our study, we used a continuous physical based simulation version of a hydrological and water erosion model ANSWERS-2000. The aim of this study is to investigate the introduction of land use parameters extracted by MODIS image. This study is focused on El Azire watershed, is characterized by a moderate Mediterranean climate and a high spatial heterogeneity of soil and land use proprieties. Describing, monitoring, and predicting land-use and land-cover change in the watershed is a difficult process. However, the usefulness of MODIS image with their daily temporal resolution and spatial resolutions of 250 m and 500 m can make utilization of continuous physical-based models easier for great scale watersheds. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on each application such that the variability in erosion map output and can be assessed and incorporated into the interpretation of results with an acceptable level of confidence.

The effects of mulching on soil characteristics and plant development for pepper crops conducted in organic farming were studied in the Sahel coast of Tunisia. The types of mulching used for tests are straw mulching, compost mulching, and plastic mulching which were compared with bare soil without mulching (control). The soil characteristics under these different mulching systems were evaluated by soil physical and biological parameters such as penetration resistance at 0-60 cm layer, microbial biomass, organic matter, and water content at 0-20 cm layer. Measurements were performed every week for 50 days. The obtained results showed that compost mulching led to a better growth rate and improved the structural and water state of cultivated soil by decreasing its resistance to penetration and increasing its organic matter content. It can be concluded that the "Beldi" organic pepper crop under conservation tillage and compost mulching has presented the best combination thus leading to motivating results such as the positive effects of soil physical properties and microbial biomass on the final crop yield.

In Tunisia, the cereal sector plays an important socio-economic role. This work is carried out to study the effect of fungicide on water use efficiency and yield components of old and new varieties of bread wheat. The final yield components as well as the water use efficiencies were statistically analyzed at the end of the experimental campaign. The results showed that the Kodss and Maktarus varieties presented better performance even in the absence of the fungicide treatment. This confirms their ability to resist the most devastating stripe rust in bread wheat. Nevertheless, the used fungicide (ogame) has proven its effectiveness in protecting crops against biotic stress and improving yields, water use efficiencies, and production quality. Thus, it is recommended to avoid fungal treatments on new varieties.

Durum wheat needs energy to accomplish the main metabolic and physiological functions; this energy is provided mainly by nitrogen which is also a fundamental constituent of the plant. Despite its importance and because of its high solubility, nitrogen is classified as a potential pollutant for the environment. The objective of this work is to study the response of four varieties of durum wheat (Karim, Razzak, INRAT100 and Dhahbi) to nitrogen treatment. The results showed that the new variety (Dhahbi) gave highest yield and water use efficiency either with or without fertilization thanks to the impact of genetic improvement. Thus, it is recommended to plant the Dhahbi variety to limit the use of nitrogen fertilizers, protect the environment and maximize gross income, especially for small farmers.

This research aimed to find students' and lecturers' needs for Arabic speech material design with an interactive electronic book (IE-Book) model for undergraduate students. Currently, books for this material are limited and do not fulfill the students' needs. This need analysis study used the descriptive analysis method: the data was collectedrom observation, interview, questionnaire, and other supporting documents. Then the data analysis technique used a judgment expert. There were four steps to analyze the data; data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion. This research indicated that 72% of the students had difficulty learning Arabic speech. At the same time, 73% of students struggle to make excellent and correct Arabic speech. IE-Book for Arabic public speaking design is the proper and best solution to be used as guidance for speech courses and learning processes in Arabic speaking material at universities based on the problem above and students’ needs analysis that showed the high level for designing of alternative materials.

Let ∂T be a super-critical Galton–Watson tree. Recently, the first author computed almost surely and simultaneously the Hausdorff dimensions of the sets of infinite branches of the boundary of ∂T along which the sequence SnX(t)/SnX˜(t) has a given set of limit points, where SnX(t) and SnX˜(t) are two branching random walks defined on ∂T. In this study, we are interested in the study of the speed of convergence of this sequence. More precisely, for a given sequence s=(sn), we consider Eα,s=t∈∂T:SnX(t)−αSnX˜(t)∼snasn→+∞. We will give a sufficient condition on (sn) so that Eα,s has a maximal Hausdorff and packing dimension.