Additional Material Research Articles

Tradeoffs and synergy between material cycles and greenhouse gas emissions: Opportunities in a rapidly growing housing stock

AbstractManagement of building materials’ stocks and flows is a major opportunity for circularity and de‐carbonization. We examine the relationship between material consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under different scenarios in Israel, a developed country with an already high population density that expects tremendous growth in its housing stock by 2050. We created scenarios of varying housing unit sizes and additional material efficiency practices: fabrication yield, lifetime extension, material substitution, recycling, and their combination, resulting in 18 scenarios. In each scenario, the material flows and stocks needed to supply the housing demand and the resulting life‐cycle GHG emissions are quantified. No single material efficiency practice achieves a reduction in all indicators, suggesting a potential conflict between circular economy and decarbonization policies: The material substitution scenario allows for the biggest reduction in material consumption (12%–40% concrete reduction and 15%–51% steel reduction in 2050 compared with the baseline), while the recycling scenario achieves the biggest reduction in GHG emissions (22%–43% reduction in 2050 compared with the baseline). In the long‐term, the life‐extension scenario reduces most demolition waste. These findings can help policymakers and stakeholders consider the impacts of raw materials consumption and implement this knowledge in light of their priorities in policy packages. The results suggest a narrow window of opportunity within the next decade to influence material consumption and emissions to 2050. The findings could also shed light on the sustainability trajectories of other countries with similarly rapidly developing building stock, which have received little attention in this field.

Study on the Influence of Walnut Shell Coarse Particles on the Slurry Permeation and the Air Tightness of Filter Cake.

Slurry shields rely on the formation of a compact filter cake to maintain excavation face stability and ensure construction safety. In strata with high permeability, significant slurry loss occurs, making filter cake formation and air tightness maintenance challenging. In this study, light organic walnut shell was selected as an additive coarse particle material for slurry. Slurries incorporating two types of coarse particles, sand and walnut shell, were prepared, and tests on slurry permeation and air tightness of the filter cake were conducted in three different strata. The results indicate that the addition of coarse particles effectively improves filter cake formation and air tightness in high-permeability strata. It is essential to use graded particles in highly permeable strata, with controlled maximum and minimum particle sizes. As the content of coarse particles increases, the air tightness of the filter cake initially increases and then decreases. Notably, the air tightness of filter cakes containing walnut shell is superior to those containing sand. Replacing sand with walnut shell as a slurry plugging material enhances filter cake quality in high-permeability strata. For highly permeable strata with a permeability coefficient greater than 1.0 × 10-3 m/s, an addition of 30 g/L to 40 g/L is recommended.

Improving the photoswitching performance of a transistor with amorphous metal oxide semiconductor thin film by a gradient annealing approach

Metal oxides are attracting attention as electronic mate rials in research and industry. Thin films of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) exhibit low absorbance in the visible spectrum, making them ideal components in transparent electronics. To widen the scope of use for thin film transistor (TFT) devices based on a-IGZO in on-chip sensing applications, photoresponsive behavior has been achieved by proper engineering of the active layers by either introducing a photosensitive top layer or using a method to generate localized states inside the band gap. In this paper, we propose a bilayer structured with the use of thermal annealing of a-IGZO film at different temperatures. Thermal annealing has been shown to improve the electrical performance of the TFT devices because of the improved film quality but negatively affects the photoresponsivity by removing tarp sites that play an important role in both charge generation and photomultiplication via the photogating effect. Therefore, here we propose an a-IGZO film with a high temperature-annealed bottom layer and pristine top layer. The bottom layer plays a vital role in the charge transport behavior, resulting in a low threshold voltage and subthreshold swing similar to the device with a fully annealed film, while the photoresponse of the device is driven by the higher density of gap states in the pristine top layer. This proposed method is advantageous to previously published procedures due to the simplicity of using no additional materials and complex steps to introduce trap sites into the photoactive layer, but only differential annealing temperature.

Installation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for children. The tactics of a nurse

The article is based on the data and experience of the Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, obtained during endoscopic practice. Currently, the number of pediatric patients requiring installation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is significantly increasing, due to the increase in treatment regimens and the expansion of the range of indications for its installation. PEG combines endoscopic and surgical stages. The nurse must know the difference and differences of each stage, as well as have all the basic and advanced knowledge about all indications, contraindications and any complications during and after surgery. Compliance by the nurse with all the rules of asepsis and antisepsis, knowledge of SANPIN, is the foundation of her professionalism. Interest in the process will undoubtedly influence the quality of medical care provided. The nurse must study and know all the instruments, consumables and additional materials for performing endoscopic surgery. Her clear actions and orientation in what is happening guarantees the speed and success of the manipulation. The purpose of this work will be to emphasize the importance of professional development for nurses. To achieve the goal, we use all facets of a nurse’s work: knowledge of the concept of «sterility», orientation in all stages of manipulation from preparing the room to its complete routine cleaning after the intervention, all theoretical knowledge about the reasons for installing a gastrostomy tube and free orientation in any types of complications, etc. All of the above guarantees that the operating room endoscopic nurse is interested in the process, which will undoubtedly affect the quality and convenience of the doctor’s work, and subsequently the patient’s quality of life. The main goal of the entire operating team is to improve the patient’s quality of life. Understanding the meaning of all surgical endoscopic interventions obliges the nurse to constantly improve their skills and engage in self-education.

Sociological study of the digital culture of a university teacher (using the example of the Moscow State Linguistic University)

In the article, based on the study conducted by the sociological laboratory of the Moscow State Linguistic University (hereinafter referred to as MSLU), the essence and level of digital culture of a university teacher are determined, problematic areas of digitalisation of the educational process are identified, which require urgent measures to improve the current situation in the higher education system of the Russian Federation. The study has proved that the digital culture of the university teacher is their digital social competence formed in the course of professional activity as well as the driving force that determines the attitude towards the digitalisation of the educational process. The development level of the digital culture of a teacher at a linguistic university is below average. The majority of respondents have digital skills and use basic digital technologies in the learning process. The level of proficiency among teachers of the MSLU is comparable to the level of development of these skills among teachers at other Russian universities. At the same time, in terms of the level of competence in developing online courses and using their materials as additional educational material, teachers of the MSLU lag behind the all-Russian indicators. The main problematic areas of the digitalisation of the educational process are: low degree of equipment of audiences with modern technical means; low quality and availability of Internet communications on the territory of educational buildings; insufficient opportunities to improve the level of the digital culture of teaching staff in the field of modern digital technologies, etc.

Optimizing Membrane Performance using Various Filler Materials in Membrane Fabrication for Enhancing Gas Separation Efficiency: A Review

The membrane technology has been receiving significant interest in both research and industrial applications, particularly in the separation of CO2/CH4. These methods, as published, aim to overcome the limitations of pure polymeric membranes and offer an alternative approach in separation techniques where membrane technology can overcome the constraints of conventional methods such as Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE). Fabricating membranes using fillers as adsorbents can enhance membrane separation performance due to their porous nature. Hence, the selection of suitable fillers is crucial to maximize membrane efficiency in separating analytes. This paper will review 3 types of fillers-metal-organic frameworks, carbonaceous nanomaterials and mesoporous molecular sieves-from various research papers published in recent years. HIGHLIGHTS Additives introduced to polymeric membrane to increase the membrane performances in terms of selectivity and permeability. Short review of materials used for fabrication of mixed matrix membrane. Modification of selected additives used to study its effects on membrane performances. Recent advancement of hybrid additives materials, combining MOF and carbonaceous materials. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Factors Shaping Academic Study Skills of University of Rwanda Undergraduate Students

This study examined factors that shape study skills of University of Rwanda undergraduate students, specifically at the National Police College. Using a qualitative cross-sectional design, the study involved 60 homogeneously sampled students from a total of 398 across three programs. Data was collected through focus group discussions and analyzed thematically. The findings identified both positive and negative influences on students' study skills under three key categories. Institutional factors include the living environment, rules and regulations, teaching methods and examination timetables. Student-related factors encompass individual personality traits, social media usage, demographic characteristics and challenges related to English language proficiency. Teacher-related factors involve practices, such as prohibiting note-taking in class, providing only soft copies of notes before sessions and not incorporating additional reading materials into assessments. There is a clear need for a holistic approach to enhance students' study skills, considering the diverse influences at play. A close collaboration between UR and NPC should be established to tackle challenges related to quality learning. Additionally, University of Rwanda should initiate a comprehensive campaign across all its colleges to raise awareness about the importance of study skills in higher education.

Assessing suitability and stability of materials for a head and neck anthropomorphic multimodality (MRI/CT) phantoms for radiotherapy.


This study aims to identify and evaluate suitable and stable materials for developing a head and neck anthropomorphic multimodality phantom for radiotherapy purposes. These materials must mimic human head and neck tissues in both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and maintain stable imaging properties over time and after radiation exposure, including the high levels associated with linear accelerator (linac) use.
Approach:
Various materials were assessed by measuring their CT numbers and T1 and T2 relaxation times. These measurements were compared to literature values to determine how closely the properties of the candidate materials resemble those of human tissues in the head and neck region. The stability of these properties was evaluated monthly over a year and after radiation exposure to doses up to 1000 Gy. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify any significant changes over time and after radiation exposure.
Main Results:
10% and 12.6% Polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-c) both exhibited T1 and T2 relaxation times and CT numbers within the range appropriate for brain grey matter. 14.3% PVA-c and some plastic-based materials matched the MRI properties of brain white matter, with CT numbers close to the clinical range. Additionally, some plastic-based materials showed T1 and T2 relaxation times consistent with MRI properties of fat, although their CT numbers were not suitable. Over time and after irradiation, 10% PVA-c maintained consistent properties for brain grey matter. 12.6% PVA-c's T1 relaxation time decreased beyond the range after the first month.
Significance:
This study identified 10% PVA-c as a substitute for brain grey matter, demonstrating stable imaging properties over a year and after radiation exposure up to 1000 Gy. However, the results highlight a need for further research to find additional materials to accurately simulate a wider range of human tissues.&#xD.

Autologous platelet concentrates in root coverage procedures.

Gingival recessions are vastly prevalent among the general population. With regards to their treatment, recent advancements in periodontal and microsurgical procedures, focusing on minimal invasiveness and patient-centered therapies, have propelled a shift in their contemporary treatment, highlighting the field of biologics and bioactive mediators. Among different classes and types of biologics, autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), also referred to as autologous blood-derived products, are commonly used and preferred among many clinicians. These are essentially obtained via venipuncture (intravenous access) followed by centrifugation, for which numerous protocols and preparation methods have been used, leading to varieties of blood-derived products. In this review, via a systematic search, we explored the efficacy of the different utilized preparation methods and centrifugation protocols of APCs (e.g., platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), leucocyte-PRF, advanced-PRF, concentrated growth factor (CGF), etc.) for the treatment of type 1 gingival recessions (RT1, without interproximal attachment loss or noticeable tooth displacement), as well as their effectiveness relative to a common control (treatment with flap advancement alone without any additional material). Based on the available literature from randomized trials found in our systematic search, we observed that utilization of PRF can significantly enhance treatment outcomes when performing a coronally advanced flap, in terms of the amount of root coverage. The improvement in root coverage was further enhanced in the presence of baseline keratinized tissue width, and with an increasing relative magnitude (the more the baseline keratinized tissue width, the better the root coverage outcomes when using PRF). The efficacy of these products needs to be further explored with different graft substitutes and matrices, as well as relative to other commonly applied biologics, through well-conducted and adequately-powered randomized clinical trials.

Value orientations of youth and the formation of cultural memory in the region (On the example of the Chechen republic)

The article analyzes the characteristics of the Chechen youth, their value attitudes and roles in the formation of cultural memory. The methodological framework covers theoretical and methodological areas of research of two social phenomena that are important signs of the changing world at the beginning of this millennium: cultural memory and the attitude of the younger generation towards it. The analysis of these phenomena is studied on the example of a specific region as a social space at a certain stage of socio-public transformation, where the foundations of traditional society with the prevalence of vertical connections continue to play an important role. At the same time, young people have a special place in the perception and transformation of values, experiencing at the same time a great influence of globalization and information technologies. The empirical basis of the study was socio-demographic data on the Chechen Republic, quantitative and qualitative methods of surveying the youth of the republic: an online survey was conducted among students (N = 92) aged 19-24 years and in-depth interviews among young people (N = 21), whose average age was 30 years. Additional materials were data from the database of surveys and focus groups collected in recent years. The results of the study showed that the transformation of cultural memory in the region is influenced by both structural factors, primarily demographic, migration dynamics, socio-economic living conditions of the population, etc., and cultural and institutional factors that determine the value attitudes of various segments of the population, the discourses prevailing in the society, attitudes to history, politics, etc. The value landmarks of young people play an important role in the formation of the cultural memory of the Chechen society and act as means of stabilizing and renewing the society. A key feature of the Chechen society is a respect towards elders. The succession of values is under threat of breaking intergenerational ties and subject to an unprecedented information aggression. The issues of an objective attitude to history, developing a position on the modernization of the society are acute.

Estudo das dificuldades encontradas por laboratórios brasileiros na implementação de métodos alternativos ao uso de animais: avaliação de irritação ocular e o teste de Permeabilidade e Opacidade da Córnea Bovina (BCOP)

Introduction: Ensuring the safety of products causing ocular irritation is crucial. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test is an accepted alternative method for ocular irritation assessment in regulatory contexts. Objective: This study aimed to identify the main challenges and technical limitations faced by professionals when implementing alternative methods, particularly for ocular irritation assessment. Method: A qualitative research approach was employed using questionnaires (n = 22 respondents) and interviews (n = 7), followed by discourse analysis. Results: Findings reveal that 71% of alternative method practitioners encounter significant difficulties, primarily due to high validation/implementation costs (62%), driven by consumable expenses. Limited access to training (62%) and importation of reagents and equipment (43%) were also noted. Key BCOP limitations include restricted access to bovine eyeballs (50%), less precise risk classification (43%), and substantial eyeball waste (29%) due to damage. Interviews supported these conclusions, highlighting challenges such as travel to slaughterhouses, insufficient technical details in the OECD Guide, the need for additional support materials, and a lack of experienced professionals. These results underscore the need for expanded training opportunities for test implementation. The high cost of imported materials indicates greater validation expenses in Brazil than in other countries. Conclusions: Addressing these challenges requires an open innovation environment, fostering collaboration among the Triple Helix (Companies, Scientific and Technological Institutions, and Government).

Analysis of Grammatical Cohesion of Reading Texts in "Paragraph Writing" Textbook

This study aims to find out the types of grammatical cohesion in the reading texts in “Paragraph Writing” textbook. The data were the reading texts taken from a textbook entitled “Paragraph Writing” and analyzed using the theory proposed by Halliday & Hasan (1976). This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive qualitative design and documentary technique as data collection procedures. The findings show that all types of grammatical cohesion are found in the total 22 reading texts. From 211 sentences, 569 data are classified as grammatical cohesion items and all types of it are found. The reference occurs 442 times, ellipsis 17 times, substitution only once, and conjunction 109 times. To sum up, “Paragraph Writing” Textbook is a good supplementary teaching material for lecturers in teaching grammatical cohesion, and a suitable additional learning material for students in mastering discourse analysis, especially the grammatical cohesion.

PENERAPAN MEDIA PAPAN HITUNG (PAHIT) DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA PERMULAAN KELAS 2 DI SDN 22 AMPENAN

Teaching aids are objects that are used to assist in the process of conveying information, demonstrations, learning tools, or demonstrations of a particular concept or concepts. In this article the author will explain one of the teaching aids, namely, the Calculation Board. A counting board or PAHIT is a teaching aid used to calculate repeated multiplication, division, addition and subtraction materials. Using this counting board can train children to think quickly and more easily understand the concepts of multiplication and division. At the concrete operational age (7-11 years), elementary school age children generally have difficulty understanding abstract mathematics. Therefore, learning media is needed that can provide solutions to increase students' interest in learning. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods through observation, interviews and documentation. This writing aims to develop calculating board learning media as a medium that can help students' understanding of starting calculations in mathematics subjects. Through this multiplication board media, it is hoped that class II students will be able to think actively in understanding the concepts of multiplication and division so that students can improve their mathematics learning outcomes.Key Word : arithmetic concept, counting board media, mathematics.

Current status and challenges of lightweight design and manufacturing technology for aerospace structures

Lightweight technology refers to the technology of reducing the structural mass by optimizing materials, structures and manufacturing processes while meeting the requirements of structural performance. It has become one of the key technologies for the development of the new generation of aerospace equipment. This paper first analyzes the development history of lightweight technology. Secondly, from the perspectives of design principles, composition methods and optimization methods, three types of lightweight design methods are introduced: bionic structure design, cellular structure design and efficient topology optimization design. Then, from the perspective of lightweight manufacturing processes and modes, the application of additive manufacturing, collaborative manufacturing and composite material manufacturing in lightweight manufacturing of aerospace structures is explained. Finally, the challenges and future development of lightweight technology are discussed.

Modification of the Surface Topography of Additive Materials under Ar+ Ion Irradiation

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a modern developing group of technologies based not on the removal of material, but on the layer-by-layer growth and synthesis of an object according to a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model. The main disadvantages of objects manufactured using AM technologies are a high degree of porosity and surface roughness. This work examines the possibility of modifying the surface of additive materials Ti6Al4V and AlSi10Mg using irradiation with Ar+ ions with energies in the range from 2 to 9 keV. Using SEM, the surface topography was obtained before and after irradiation and mechanical polishing. A reduction in surface porosity and roughness was demonstrated, as well as the influence of beam energy on the final surface topography.

Penggunaan Media Papan Pintar untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas 3 pada Materi Bilangan Cacah di SDN 1 Babakan

This research was motivated by the low learning outcomes of Mathematics in addition and subtraction materials in grade 3B students at SDN 1 Babakan. This shows that the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM) set by the school, which is 70, has not been achieved. The purpose of this study is to determine the improvement of Mathematics learning outcomes of addition and subtraction materials using smart board learning media. This study uses the Classroom Action Research (PTK) method based on the theory developed by Kemmis and McTaggart which includes the process of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The research was carried out in class 3B of SDN 1 Babakan, Sumber District, Cirebon Regency with a total of 29 students (14 women and 15 boys). Data collection techniques are carried out through observation and tests. Data analysis was carried out descriptively on all research data. The results of the study show that student learning outcomes in learning have improved. In the first cycle, student learning outcomes reached 62% and in the second cycle, student learning outcomes reached 83%. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the use of Smart Board Media can improve student learning outcomes in Mathematics learning in grade III of SDN 1 Babakan

A Reference Database of Reptile Images

While there are millions of reptile images available online, they are not well organized and not easily findable, accessible, interoperable, or reproducible (FAIR). More importantly, they are not standardized and thus hardly comparable. Here we present a reference database of more than 14,000 standardized images of 1045 reptile species (969 lizard and 76 snake species) that are based on preserved specimens in 20 different collections, including 533 type species of genera and type specimens of 72 species. All images were taken with standardized views, including dorsal and ventral body shots as well as dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of the heads and other body parts. Although only 11 out of the 20 collections are cross-referenced in VertNet, some others are indexed in GBIF, and this fraction will certainly grow in the near future. The utility of this and similar image collections will further grow with additional material and further cross-referencing, e.g., to DNA sequence databases or citizen science projects. The images are searchable and freely available on Morphobank (Project 5121) and on Figshare.

DNA barcode polymorphism within a common widespread rove beetle Quedius molochinus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Phylogenetic assessment of COI barcodes from 22 specimens identified as Q. molochinus based on external morphology and shape of the aedeagus revealed three non-sister clades within this recently revised species, with large molecular distance (6.3–7.8%) among them, suggesting their species status. On the contrary, preliminary study of the aedeagal internal sac (endophallus) of the available males from these clades and from the more numerous additional non-sequenced materials of Q. molochinus did not reveal notable variants. We report this case here because firstly, this goes against some cases observed in other beetles where endophallic characters may be the only morphological traits supporting molecular-based cryptic species, and secondly, these molecular clades are unexpected within a species we thought to be well-known. DNA barcoding, exploration of nuclear DNA markers and an in-depth examination of the fully everted endophallus for a wider sample of freshly collected specimens are required for further study and explanation of the detected molecular polymorphism of Q. molochinus. An illustration of the everted internal sac as a reference and new distributional data for this species are provided.

Latent classes of learners in people with type 2 diabetes, stratified by educational status: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveResearch suggests that people with type 2 diabetes (PWT2D) exhibit different approaches to learning about disease-management. This study’s aims to identify distinct learner groups among PWT2D and stratify them by educational status (ES). MethodsCross-sectional data from 227 PWT2D, collected through 46 Likert-scale questions on learning behaviors, preferences, and attitudes, were analyzed using latent class analysis, to identify learner groups. Participants were recruited via healthcare practices in central Germany and a countrywide online survey. Group membership was displayed according to low, medium, and high ES, defined by years of schooling. ResultsFour learner groups were identified: casual, versatile, insecure, and theorist learners. Insecure learners accounted for almost half of all respondents in the low ES group (46 %), casual learners were most prevalent among PWT2D with a medium (27 %), versatile (34 %) and theorist (29 %) learners among those with a high ES. ConclusionThis study sheds light on learner groups among PWT2D, which differ by ES, suggesting social disparities in diabetes care. Further research is needed to validate these findings. Practice ImplicationsUnderstanding individual learning preferences and motivations is crucial for developing effective diabetes self-management trainings, which may involve providing additional background material for theorists and practical applications for insecure learners.

Hildenbrandia ardreae sp. nov. (Rhodophyta), recorded before as Hildenbrandia dawsonii (nom. inval.)

Four species of the red algal genus Hildenbrandia have been recorded from Pacific Mexico: H. dawsonii reported on the west coast of Baja California and Jalisco; H. occidentalis with one record from the west coast of Baja California; H. prototypus occurring all along the coast, including the Gulf of California; and the most common and abundant species, H. rubra from Pacific Baja California to Oaxaca, in tropical Pacific Mexico. All four species have been studied morphologically and molecularly using representative specimens. The molecular status regarding the phylogenetic position of H. dawsonii in relation to other species is unclear. H. dawsonii nomenclatural status was analyzed, and additional material from the University Herbaria at UC-Berkekley (UC) was reviewed. Hildenbrandia dawsonii is an invalid name because its alleged basionym (Hildenbrandia canariensis var. dawsonii) is invalid. Therefore, a new species is described: Hildenbrandia ardreae sp. nov., selecting a Dawson specimen from Punta Norte, Cedros Island, Baja California, as the holotype. Furthermore, morphological characters, once used as diagnostic at the species level, are considered irrelevant. The new holotype proposed in this study shows the same characteristics stated by F. Ardré in her original publication (1959) and could be a potential source for DNA extraction for comparative studies.