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INTRODUCTION: Quadriceps angle (Q-angle) is the angle formed from the intersection of quadriceps femoris muscle and patellar tendon. Q-angle can be used to assess mechanical aspects of the patellofemoral discomfort and attracts considerable attention from clinicians. Anterior knee pain (AKP) is defined as mild pain localised around the peripatellar area exacerbated by physical activity such as climbing stairs, squatting, jumping, running, and/or sitting with the knee flexed for long periods. A higher Q-angle is one of the risk factors for AKP. In addition, several studies have found a relationship between anthropometric parameters, especially body mass index (BMI), to the occurrence of AKP. This study aims to determine the Q-angle and several anthropometric parameters between the population with AKP and without AKP in the adult population in Indonesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, analyticexperimental study was performed on female population divided into the comparison group consisted of 40 patients aged between 18-25 years with right side anterior knee pain (Kujala score 82). Both groups had to be right-handed and had no history of knee fractures, knee surgery, congenital anomalies, or obesity. The Q-angle of the right knee was measured in all participants using a universal goniometer. RESULTS: The mean Q-angle in the comparison group was 20.60±1.26°, and in the control group was 14.85±0.99°. All of these differences were statistically significant (p

This study aims to determine the relationship between students' perception to the learning media, digital literacy skills, and self-regulated learning with students' cognitive learning outcomes in the rural area. This study was the ex post facto with quantitative data. The method used was differential causal comparative with multiple linear regression analysis. The three variables were measured using a questionnaire, cognitive learning outcomes was measured by test. The results showed that students' perception to the learning media, digital literacy skills, and self-regulated learning on students' cognitive learning outcomes had a moderate simultaneous relationship. The findings also showed that the contribution of self-regulated learning to the cognitive learning outcomes was the higher (71.42%). The contribution of the three variables to cognitive learning outcomes was 86.41%. Based on related facts, research recommendations can be expanded by measuring from several other rural areas and examining several other variables, especially those that support the learning process oriented towards empowering 21st century competencies by utilizing the latest technological developments and that can reach all regions of Indonesia, especially in rural areas so as to minimize the gap in the quality of education in Indonesia.

Motoyasu Kato,1,2 Fumiyuki Takahashi,1,2 Tadashi Sato,1,2 Yoichiro Mitsuishi,1,2 Ken Tajima,1,2 Hiroaki Ihara,1,2 Fariz Nurwidya,1,2 Hario Baskoro,1,2 Akiko Murakami,1,2 Isao Kobayashi,1,2 Moulid Hidayat,1,2 Naoko Shimada,1– 3 Shinichi Sasaki,1,2 Reiko Mineki,4 Tsutomu Fujimura,5 Toshio Kumasaka,6 Shin-ichiro Niwa,7 Kazuhisa Takahashi1– 3 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 2Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 3Leading Center for the Development and Research of Cancer Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 4Laboratory of Proteomics and Biomolecular Science, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 5Laboratory of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; 6Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; 7Link Genomics, Incorporated, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Motoyasu KatoDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8431, JapanTel +81-3-5802-1063Fax +81-3-5802-1617Email mtkatou@juntendo.ac.jpPurpose: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in the lungs. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β-induced ECM protein synthesis contributes to the development of IPF. Tranilast, an anti-allergy drug, suppresses TGFβ expression and inhibits interstitial renal fibrosis in animal models. However, the beneficial effects of tranilast or its mechanism as a therapy for pulmonary fibrosis have not been clarified.Methods: We investigated the in vitro effect of tranilast on ECM production and TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway in TGFβ 2-stimulated A549 human alveolar epithelial cells, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. In vitro observations were validated in the lungs of a murine pulmonary fibrosis model, which we developed by intravenous injection of bleomycin.Results: Treatment with tranilast suppressed the expression of ECM proteins, such as fibronectin and type IV collagen, and attenuated SMAD2 phosphorylation in TGFβ 2-stimulated A549 cells. In addition, based on a wound healing assay in these cells, tranilast significantly inhibited cell motility, with foci formation that comprised of ECM proteins. Histological analyses revealed that the administration of tranilast significantly attenuated lung fibrosis in mice. Furthermore, tranilast treatment significantly reduced levels of TGFβ, collagen, fibronectin, and phosphorylated SMAD2 in pulmonary fibrotic tissues in mice.Conclusion: These findings suggest that tranilast inhibits pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing TGFβ/SMAD2-mediated ECM protein production, presenting tranilast as a promising and novel anti-fibrotic agent for the treatment of IPF.Keywords: tranilast, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, TGFβ, SMAD2

Rotation plant can in a manner effective reduce fragility system plant. Rotation plant need consider Lots factor. If happen error in election type plants, can lower results plant next. moment This rotation planting is done only based on estimate. exists artificial intelligence technology with use the Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) method that can used for optimization scheduling rotation plant. SMART is method weighting and calculation on determination scheduling rotation plant with determine ranking plant replacement in rotation plant based on criteria already determined. The criteria used namely botanical family, availability and needs water, and cost. Addition criteria based on culture on scheduling land agriculture as in a research pilot project in the region Java east use culture planting with “Pranata Mangsa” java’s calendar. Research results show application system supporters decision rotation plant use SMART method has accuracy by 90%. Ranking results sorted from percentage biggest until smallest.

This study aimed to determine the influence of critical thinking skills on misconceptions using a five-tier instrument in mixed-method research. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. The data collection instrument used a critical thinking skills questionnaire, a misconception test of electric field material, and interviews. Data collection begins with quantitative data, providing a misconception test sheet and a critical thinking skills questionnaire. After that, the researcher took qualitative data in the form of interviews to strengthen data that had been obtained previously. Then from the results of the regression coefficients, there is an influence of critical thinking skills on misconceptions. The descriptive results of critical thinking skills data show that the mean of critical thinking skills is 68.50, which means that students' critical thinking skills are in a good category. Then from the results of the regression coefficients, there is an effect of critical thinking skills on a misconception, with the probability number obtained being significant. The limitations of this study are only to identify and see the impact.

This study aimed to determine the differences in science process skills in each class in the Physics Education Study Program. This research was a quantitative study with a comparison design. The sample was 108 students with details of 54 control class students who used conventional guidebooks, while the control class totaling 54 students used a science process skill guide. The data was obtained from observation activities using observation sheets of science process skills which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results showed that there were significant differences in the mastery of science process skills of students seen from the value of the average mastery of science process skills of students using guidebooks based on science process skills. The experimental class has an average science process skill that is better than the control class.

Slab-on-pile (SOP) have been constructed widely in many highway projects in Indonesia as it is preferable in soft-soil sites. This study is aimed to determine the optimal structural configuration by adding braced frame devices to the longitudinal direction of the slab-on-pile structure. The optimization process was carried out to obtain the minimum number of pile configurations, reducing construction costs. A total of three numerical models were compared, namely SOP-A, SOP-B, and SOP-C, representing SOP with configurations of 50 piles, 35 piles, and 35 piles plus thirty braced frames, respectively. The cyclic analysis procedure and structure design were executed based on ACI 374.1 and the Indonesian standard SNI 1725:2016. The results showed that all PM responses of the SOP-A and SOP-C structures met the cross-section capacity requirements, except for the SOP-B. The addition of braced frames in SOP-C facilitated a 38% energy dissipation improvement and caused a significant reduction of number of the spun piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Agriculture significantly contributes to global economies, yet it concurrently generates waste in the form of crop residues. Conventional waste disposal methods, such as open burning, contribute to atmospheric particulate emissions, impacting air quality regionally and potentially globally. Exposure to these pollutants poses substantial risks to human health, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality. This study aims to assess the environmental implications of biomass waste combustion in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Additionally, the study aims to investigate potential enhancements in biomass burning practices through experimental campaigns conducted in both open and closed burning conditions. METHODS: The study evaluates Yogyakarta's regional air quality using data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency for the period spanning from 2020 to 2022. Emission factors from open and closed burning practices are assessed using an experimental furnace equipped with real-time combustion parameters monitoring, including temperature, particulate matter concentration, and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The openburning experiments involve various combustion conditions for bagasse, leaf litter, and rice straw, encompassing variations in ignition location, initial mass, and air supply methods. Closed burning experiments explore variations in reloading frequency, air-fuel ratio, and air staging. FINDINGS: Yogyakarta's air quality assessment involves comparing rice harvest trends with atmospheric particulate matter concentrations during 2020-2022. Open burning practices in Yogyakarta exhibit a correlation with heightened rainfall, which in turn leads to higher emissions from April to August due to reduced rain frequency. Experimental campaigns have revealed that open burning practices result in a significant amount of emissions, ranging from 3 to 29 grams of particulate matter per kilogram of biomass. Meanwhile, the utilization of closed combustion systems has been demonstrated to decrease the emission factor within the range of 0.37 to 1.98 grams of particulate matter per kilogram of biomass. This highlights the importance of operating conditions altering particulate emissions. Moreover, the emission reduction by factor nine, emphasizing the efficacy of controlled combustion techniques in comparison to open burning methods, in mitigating particulate emissions. CONCLUSION: The study identifies that greater initial biomass mass, mid-ignition, and natural airflow contribute to lower emissions in open burning practices. o achieve optimal closed combustion conditions, it is recommended to reload biomass more frequently with100 percent excess air allocation, distributing 30 percent to primary air and 70 percent to secondary air. These findings not only propose better practices for disposing of agricultural waste and minimizing air pollution but also emphasize the potential of utilizing biomass waste for energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the correlation between tidal rhythms and marine organism behavior is crucial. This extends beyond fluctuations in chlorophyll a concentrations and includes various biological processes in the marine environment. Awareness is key for a comprehensive perspective on the role of tidal forces, affecting ocean's physical aspects and life form diversity. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between tidal movements and chlorophyll a concentrations in the northern Bay of Bengal, focusing on how tidal rhythms affect chlorophyll a concentrations. METHODS: The analyzed variables include tidal parameters, such as lunar semidiurnal tidal characteristics and Simpson-Hunter parameters, as well as sea level, tidal current, and current magnitude, obtained from the Tidal Model Driver. Additionally, hourly chlorophyll a data for January 2022 were acquired from the geostationary meteorological satellite Himawari-8, and the rate of change of chlorophyll a was determined through chlorophyll a calculations. This study employs wavelet analysis, applying continuous wavelet transform and wavelet transform coherence for chlorophyll a, rate of change of chlorophyll a, sea level, tidal current, and current magnitude, to explore oscillation patterns and temporal correlations within the marine ecosystem of the northern Bay of Bengal. FINDINGS: Lunar semidiurnal tidal amplitudes increase toward the north, peaking at the Sagar and Ramree Islands, and tidal phases rise from south to northeast. Most of the bay, categorized by <0.25 Formzahl values, experiences semidiurnal tides. Surface lunar semidiurnal elliptic currents, stronger in the north and east, flow clockwise and turn counterclockwise toward the south. The Simpson-Hunter parameter indicates heightened tidal mixing, particularly along the northern and eastern coasts. Region 2 showed the highest mean chlorophyll a concentration (12.58 milligram per cubic meter), whereas Region 1 showed the lowest mean chlorophyll a concentration (0.79 milligram per cubic meter). Similar trends were observed for tidal current and current magnitude. The continuous wavelet transform analysis provides data on chlorophyll a and the rate of change of chlorophyll a within 6, 12, and 24 hours, sea level changes within 8-16 hours, and consistent tidal effects on tidal current and current magnitude in the range of 5-7 hours. The wavelet transform coherence analysis highlights the relationships between chlorophyll a and sea level over 12 and 24 hours periods and between chlorophyll a and current magnitude. Furthermore, the wavelet transform coherence analysis examines the rate of change in chlorophyll a in relation to tidal currents over 6, 12, and 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Tides remarkably affect chlorophyll a concentrations. There are strong links between chlorophyll a concentrations and key tidal aspects, such as sea level and current magnitude. Higher tidal variables correlate with increased chlorophyll a concentrations and are related to the Simpson-Hunter parameter, indicating that regions with vigorous mixing show higher chlorophyll a concentrations. This finding highlights the major role of tidal forces and variations in the chlorophyll a concentrations in the Bay of Bengal. The wavelet transform coherence analysis of chlorophyll a, sea level, and current magnitude data in Regions 1, 2, and 3 show notable coherence in all areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lab-on-a-tip (LOT) has been constructed as a sensing platform for the detection of lead using a disposable pipette tip. The LOT has been constructed with optical fiber spectroscopy where the inside wall of a pipette tip is modified with a polymeric inclusion membrane (PIM) immobilized with dithizone as a chemical sensor for Pb(II) in herbal samples. Under optimal conditions, the LOT determined Pb(II) across a linear concentration range from 1.9 to 20 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.621 mg/L. The analysis of samples shows good agreement with the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]