Fit For Use Research Articles

Standardizing Extracted Data Using Automated Application of Controlled Vocabularies.

Extraction of toxicological end points from primary sources is a central component of systematic reviews and human health risk assessments. To ensure optimal use of these data, consistent language should be used for end point descriptions. However, primary source language describing treatment-related end points can vary greatly, resulting in large labor efforts to manually standardize extractions before data are fit for use. To minimize these labor efforts, we applied an augmented intelligence approach and developed automated tools to support standardization of extracted information via application of preexisting controlled vocabularies. We created and applied a harmonized controlled vocabulary crosswalk, consisting of Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) codes, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) DevTox harmonized terms, and The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) end point vocabularies, to roughly 34,000 extractions from prenatal developmental toxicology studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and 6,400 extractions from European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) prenatal developmental toxicology studies, all recorded based on the original study report language. We automatically applied standardized controlled vocabulary terms to 75% of the NTP extracted end points and 57% of the ECHA extracted end points. Of all the standardized extracted end points, about half (51%) required manual review for potential extraneous matches or inaccuracies. Extracted end points that were not mapped to standardized terms tended to be too general or required human logic to find a good match. We estimate that this augmented intelligence approach saved hours of manual effort and yielded valuable resources including a controlled vocabulary crosswalk, organized related terms lists, code for implementing an automated mapping workflow, and a computationally accessible dataset. Augmenting manual efforts with automation tools increased the efficiency of producing a findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) dataset of regulatory guideline studies. This open-source approach can be readily applied to other legacy developmental toxicology datasets, and the code design is customizable for other study types. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13215.

Understanding Clinician EHR Data Quality for Reuse in Predictive Modelling.

It is imperative to build clinician trust to reuse ever-growing amounts of rich clinical data. Utilising a proprietary, structured electronic health record, we address data quality by assessing the plausibility of chiropractors, physical therapists and osteopaths' data entry to help determine if the data is fit for use in predicting outcomes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders using machine learning. For most variables assessed, individual clinician data entry positively correlated to the clinician group's data entry, indicating data is fit for reuse. However, from the clinician's perspective, there were inconsistencies, which could lead to data mistrust. When assessing data quality in EHR studies, it is crucial to engage clinicians with their deep understanding of EHR use, as improvement suggestions could be made. Clinicians should be considered local knowledge experts.

Development of Blended Learning Media Based on Openedx Integrated PBL on Rotational Dynamics Material

Learning physics, especially rotational dynamics, is often difficult for many students because of the complexity of the concepts and abstract approach. In situations like this, conventional physics learning often encounters obstacles to providing in-depth understanding to students. Transformation in the world of education is becoming increasingly important, significantly increasing student motivation in studying physics so that it can improve students' performance. To address this issue, open-source blended learning materials that include problem-based learning (PBL) in the Rotational Dynamics curriculum must be developed. The goals of this study are to identify the phases involved in the creation of learning media; identify appropriate standards for learning media; and assess the usefulness of the learning media under development. The development model known as ADDIE is the process utilized for development. Four experts validated the blended learning media developed and underwent revisions to obtain suitable results. This research shows that: the learning materials created have been deemed legitimate and fit for use in the educational process, with a very high category; The application of the learning materials created is user-friendly and practical, also with a very high category.

Montal app development: Mental monitoring for disability in adapting to the community environment

Technological developments can be used for a wide variety of benefits One of them is the use of assessment for students or someone independent of the community environment. This monitoring activity is not only carried out by the concerned, but also involves the homeroom teacher, teacher council, and parents/guardians Learners. The goal is that this activity is not only carried out in schools, in Parents also contribute to shaping the disciplinary character of their children. It is associated with people with disabilities and the importance of the role of the environment is enormous in fostering the mental health of people with disabilities. Good surroundings can be a critical success factor in mental health growth, because can facilitate people with disabilities to blend in and socialize. Montal’s application is carried out with media feasibility tests before being used by people with disabilities. Declared Fit for use with a number of 3.59 In the implementation of the MONTAL research in a trial with a total of 20 SLB Gedangan Students and 15 UNESA Students with disabilities getting results of 3.05 it was stated that this application could be suitable for special assessment of students or students with disabilities to be confident in the surrounding environment.

Translation and Re-Validation of Beck Depression Inventory Second (Edition BDI-II) for Hausa Population of Nigeria

This study translated and re-validated the Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) for the Hausa population of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study employed purposive sampling technique where four hundred and six (406) participants from six core Hausa States in Northwest Nigeria consisting of 322(81%) males and 72(19%) females. Were used for the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 42 years with a mean age of 28.01 (Std.=5.79). A total of 140(34.5%) were married, 212(52.2%) were single, 44(10.8%) divorced, 6(1.5%) were widowed while 4(1%) did not indicate their marital status. Statistical Analysis involved the use of Pearson’s correlation, Descriptive Statistics and Univariate Analysis. The result showed that the BDI-II Hausa Version yielded Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .86, the affective symptoms subscale of the Hausa BDI-II yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .78, the somatic symptoms subscale yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .75 and a corrected item-total correlation of.30. this indicated that the BDI-II Hausa version had a reasonably high internal consistency. It also indicated that the BDI-II Hausa Version significantly showed a high construct validity which demonstrated that the translation is appropriate for use in both medical and general population. It was concluded that the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II Hausa Version) is highly reliable, valid and fit for use among clinical and non-clinical samples in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that further re-validation should include comparing the BDI-II (Hausa version) with other instruments to establish its convergent and discriminate validity as well as check the item total correlations as has been the standard practice. This will enhance the reliability and validity of the translated version. The fact that age and sex as demographic variables made significant contribution to depression in this study calls for need to identify risk factors for depression for which future clinical or treatment decisions can be made. The fact that participants in the study area were found to have severe depression reveals the need for regular assessment and screening for mental health challenges among this group of people.

Islamic content-based learning: Kindergarten illustrated narrative song "Lulu and Tom"

Music education during early life is crucial and has beneficial impacts on the development and maturation of children during this formative period. Music profoundly impacts young children as it fosters their cognitive capacities, language proficiency, motor skills, and imaginative thinking. Teachers must cultivate kids' gross motor abilities by providing opportunities for them to engage in movement activities and songs. This will enable children to experience movement and directly enhance their overall movement proficiency. This research aims to create songs inspired by Islamic illustrated stories that have been demonstrated to be valid and practical. The utilized development model is 4D, incorporating a Tessmer formative evaluation approach that encompasses needs analysis, product design, and assessment stages. The evaluation stages involve self-evaluation, expert review, one-to-one evaluation, and small-group evaluation. The data analysis technique employs walkthroughs, observations, and checklists. The research findings indicate that the average product and media validity is very valid. Three children were assessed individually during the one-to-one evaluation stage, whereas nine children were assessed together during the small group evaluation stage. The averages for the convenient category were derived from both stages. A practical method to cultivate a joyful ambiance during recreational pursuits is to engage in the auditory experience of music and singing. Songs can enhance children's language development, making the learning process easier. Thus, developing songs based on Islamic illustrated stories is pronounced valid, practical, and fit for use.

A guide for the validation of DNA based species identification in forensic casework

Method validation is an essential step ahead of applying a method in forensic casework, to ensure the results will be admissible in court. However, unlike mainstream forensic disciplines, wildlife forensic labs often evolve from conservation-oriented units and may not have a strong foundation in generating data within a legal context. As such, the processes and principles of method validation may not be familiar or fully understood. In this paper we describe the process of method validation in a wildlife forensic science context. We provide guidance on the documentation required to take a DNA based method, which has been developed to identify a specific target species, through the validation process so that it is fit for use in forensic casework. This process has been agreed upon among members of the Society for Wildlife Forensic Sciences (SWFS) Technical Working Group (TWG) to illuminate the requirements for both practitioners and academics.

Validation of image stream hashing: A forensic method for content verification.

How do forensic examiners know if they have altered an image stream when converting a digital image from one codec or file container to another for analysis? Forensic standards and best practices recommend avoiding alteration or degradation of multimedia data during transcoding. An image stream hashing method was recently introduced to the forensic science community to answer the question above. This paper offers an initial validation study of image stream hashing method that may answer the question above. The first half of the study's experiments tested the image stream hashing method to measure fitness for use in forensic science while identifying errors and limitations. The study's second phase analyzed the systematic errors detected in initial tests to discover error causation. Causation analysis identified four method limitations subsequently used to develop proposed standard controls of method operations. The final study phase repeated the initial experiments used in the first phase while implementing the proposed standard controls of method operations. Initial test results indicated the method had significant error rates, limiting the effectiveness of the method to only three of the five file types used in the study. The final testing phase revealed that implementing proposed standard controls of method operations reduced the potential systematic errors to a negligible level when using the image stream hashing method for content verification. The validation study concluded that examiners could use the image stream hashing method for forensic science only by implementing error mitigation techniques that utilize the proposed standard controls of method operations.

Analysis of the profitability of oil palm processing techniques in Kogi State, Nigeria

The processing of palm fruit is one of the most prominent agricultural processing activities carried out in Nigeria. This paper ascertained the extent of oil palm processing profitability across the different categories of processors in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study estimate cost and returns of the processing enterprises; determined the profitability of the processing enterprises; and examined the determinants of the returns from the processing activities in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 80 oil palm processors comprising of 15 manual processors, 55 semi-mechanized and 10 mechanized processors in Kogi State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Ordinary least square regression model was used in the data analysis. The result of the study revealed that the gross marginal value of N80,093.70, N231,482.24 and N506,365.00 for manual, semi-mechanized and Mechanized processors with returns of N52,187.70, N142,078.61 and N365,965.00 per processor for manual, semi-mechanized and mechanized systems. The result revealed oil palm processing is a profitable enterprise irrespective of the processing technique, however, with the mechanized more profitable. The result of the regression estimates showed the F-ratio value statistically significant at (p<0.01), indicating that the model is fit for use in the analysis. The estimate showed a coefficient of determination (R2) value 68%. The regression output showed that the oil palm fruit cost, transportation cost and the cost of depreciation were statistically significant with inverse relationship with the processors net return. However, extraction cost and use of processing machines or technology were statistically significant with direct relationship with net returns from oil palm processing in the study area. The study concluded that oil palm processing is a profitable venture in the study area with great potential for poverty alleviation if the potential is harnessed. The study recommended that machines or technologies for processing should be subsidized to make it affordable to small-scale processors. Also, the capacity of the small-scale processors should be enhanced to enable use such machines.

A Decision Support System That Considers Risk and Site Specificity in the Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality (IrrigWQ)

Irrigators are increasingly challenged to maintain or even increase production using less water, sometimes of poorer quality, and often from unconventional sources. This paper describes the main features of a newly developed software-based Decision Support System (DSS), with which the fitness for use (FFU) of water for irrigation (IrrigWQ) can be assessed. The assessment considers site-specific factors, several non-traditional water constituents, and the risk of negative effects. The water balance components of a cropping system and the redistribution of solutes within a soil profile are assessed with a simplified soil water balance and chemistry model. User-friendly, colour-coded output highlights the expected effects of water constituents on soil quality, crop yield and quality, and irrigation infrastructure. Because IrrigWQ uses mainly internationally accepted cause–effect relationships to assess the effect of water quality constituents, it is expected to find universal acceptance and application among users. IrrigWQ also caters for calculating so-called Water Quality Requirements (WQRs). WQRs indicate the threshold levels of water quality constituents for irrigation at specified levels of acceptability or risk. WQRs assist water resource managers in setting site-specific maximum threshold levels of water quality constituents that can be tolerated in a water source before impacting negatively on successful irrigation.

The Roles of Electronic Health Records for Clinical Trials in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Scoping Review.

Clinical trials are a crucial element in advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments by establishing the evidence base for safety and therapeutic efficacy. However, the success of these trials depends on various factors, including trial design, project planning, research staff training, and adequate sample size. It is also crucial to recruit participants efficiently and retain them throughout the trial to ensure timely completion. There is an increasing interest in using electronic health records (EHRs)-a widely adopted tool in clinical practice-for clinical trials. This scoping review aims to understand the use of EHR in supporting the conduct of clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify its strengths and limitations. A comprehensive search was performed using 5 databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. We followed the latest version of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guideline to conduct this review. We included clinical trials that used EHR at any step, conducted a narrative synthesis of the included studies, and mapped the roles of EHRs into the life cycle of a clinical trial. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria: 13 were randomized controlled trials, 3 were cluster randomized controlled trials, 12 were quasi-experimental studies, and 2 were feasibility pilot studies. Most of the studies addressed infectious diseases (15/30, 50%), with 80% (12/15) of them about HIV or AIDS and another 40% (12/30) focused on noncommunicable diseases. Our synthesis divided the roles of EHRs into 7 major categories: participant identification and recruitment (12/30, 40%), baseline information collection (6/30, 20%), intervention (8/30, 27%), fidelity assessment (2/30, 7%), primary outcome assessment (24/30, 80%), nonprimary outcome assessment (13/30, 43%), and extended follow-up (2/30, 7%). None of the studies used EHR for participant consent and randomization. Despite the enormous potential of EHRs to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of conducting clinical trials in LMICs, challenges remain. Continued exploration of the appropriate uses of EHRs by navigating their strengths and limitations to ensure fitness for use is necessary to better understand the most optimal uses of EHRs for conducting clinical trials in LMICs.

INTEGRATION SCIENCE AND ISLAM: A NEW PRODUCT TO FACILITATE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN COLLEGE

The dichotomy between science and Islam later became the cause of the decline of Muslim civilization, especially in the field of knowledge. Therefore, some scientists have made an Islamic integrated learning model that will need integrated Islamic teaching materials as a tool and learning resources. This research aims to develop an integrated Islamic enrichment book on transition elements in inorganic chemistry courses. The research was done using the Four Steps Teaching Material Development (4STMD) method, which consists of four steps: the selection step, the structuring step, the characterization step, and the didactic reduction step. At the selection stage, the main source of teaching materials was a book by Sugiyarto, K.H., and Suyanti, Retno, D. (2010), titled Inorganic Metal Chemistry. While at the structuring step, concept maps, macrostructures, and multiple representations of the transition elements were found. In the characterization step, it was found that the concept has a straightforward character with an 85.8% understanding percentage, so the didactic reduction is unnecessary in this study. Teaching material has a percentage of 78% in the feasibility test; the details are 81% on aspects of language, 75% on presentation of the book, 75% on aspects of performance, and 83% on aspects of graphics. It can be concluded that the teaching materials developed are unfit for use. So, in this study, the didactic reduction is not necessary. Teaching material has a percentage of 78% in the characterization test, details 81% on aspects of language, 75% in the presentation aspect of the book, 75% on aspects of performance, and 83% in the graphic aspect. It can be concluded that the teaching materials developed are fit for use. Product development research is needed as a source and medium for integrated Islamic learning.

The effectiveness of iot-based learning media for supporting the expertise program of renewable energy engineering in vocational high school

The objectives of this study are: (1) the performance of developing renewable energy based on IoT (Internet of Things) in the renewable energy engineering expertise program in the subject of solar hydro-wind energy (Tesha) engineering at Vocational Schools, (2) the level feasibility of development renewable energy based IoT in the subject Tesha's learning at Vocational Schools, (3) level effectiveness development renewable energy based IoT in the subject Tesha learning at Vocational Schools. This research is a research and development research with ADDIE approach (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) (Branch (2009) with approach experiments that will used is Quasi Experimental Design with form Nonequivalent Control Group Design. Results from study this show: (1) the feasibility of learning media " Eligible " category. Analysis response user get "Very feasible " category with Cronbach's Alpha get "Very Strong" category so that this media is declared fit for use as a learning media, (2) different and difficulty test on the questions pre-test with medium category of 96.875%, difficult 3.125% and post-test with moderate category of 93.75%, easy 3.125%, and difficult 3,125%, (3) Learning media more IoT based effective in comparison without using IoT because score statistic 0.05 that is 0.044 with the post-test average value is greater than the specified KKM value (85.42 75), while without using IoT, the post-test average value almost same KKM value (75.96 75).Keywords: learning media, renewable energy, Internet of Things (IoT)

Investigation on the thermal properties of carbon fibres with silica-based aerogel composites

In this research, thermal protection systems of space hardware have prompted the development and study of silica aerogel composites bonded with a variety of Carbon fibres. Carbon fibres were woven into a matrix of tetra ethoxy silane (Ts) and vinyl tri-methoxy silane (Vs) to create these composites. Many different composites were developed, each with its own set of characteristics and capabilities because to the wide range of fibres used. The measured bulk density values were often relatively low, with the lowest recorded value being only 180 kg m−3. The thermal conductivity was reduced to below 30 mW m−1 K−1 and the stability was maintained up to 600°C. Nanocomposites consisting of longer fibres containing meta-Carbons are superior insulators, while short-fiber composites are stiffer and have lower thermal conductivities. The aerogel composites compliance with Space conditions was evaluated using standard Space materials qualification procedures like thermal cycling and outgassing, proving their fitness for use in this context.

Elevating the Fitness of Use of GBIF Occurrence Datasets: A proposal for peer review

Biodiversity data plays a pivotal role in understanding and conserving our natural world. As the largest occurrence data aggregator, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) serves as a valuable platform for researchers and practitioners to access and analyze biodiversity information from across the globe (Ball-Damerow et al. 2019). However, ensuring the quality of GBIF datasets remains a critical challenge (Chapman 2005). The community emphasizes the importance of data quality and its direct impact on the fitness of use for biodiversity research and conservation efforts (Chapman et al. 2020). While GBIF continues to grow in terms of the quantity of data it provides, the quality of these datasets varies significantly (Zizka et al. 2020). The biodiversity informatics community has been working diligently to ensure data quality at every step of data creation, curation, publication (Waller et al. 2021), and end-use (Gueta et al. 2019) by employing automated tools and flagging systems to identify and address issues. However, there is still more work to be done to effectively address data quality problems and enhance the fitness of use for GBIF-mediated data. I highlight a missing component in GBIF's data publication process: the absence of formal peer reviews. Despite GBIF encompassing the essential elements of a data paper, including detailed metadata, data accessibility, and robust data citation mechanisms, the lack of peer review hinders the credibility and reliability of the datasets mobilized through GBIF. To bridge this gap, I propose the implementation of a comprehensive peer review system within GBIF. Peer reviews would involve subjecting GBIF datasets to rigorous evaluation by domain experts and data scientists, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the data. This process would enhance the trustworthiness and usability of datasets, enabling researchers and policymakers to make informed decisions based on reliable biodiversity information. Furthermore, the establishment of a peer review system within GBIF would foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among the biodiversity community, as experts provide constructive feedback to dataset authors. This iterative process would not only improve data quality but also encourage data contributors to adhere to best practices, thereby elevating the overall standards of biodiversity data mobilization through GBIF.

Development of Communication and Creativity Competency Assessment Instruments in The Chempreneurship Course

This study aims to develop and produce an instrument for assessing students' communication skills and creativity in the Chempreneurship course. This research is a development research that uses the 4D model. This assessment instrument contains a theoretical description, a lattice of communication and creativity skills assessment instruments and communication and creativity skills assessment sheets that have been validated by experts and tested. The results of this study are a communication skills and creativity research instrument that is feasible to use, valid, and reliable. The instrument is declared fit for use if the results of the expert appraisal test with CVI obtain a score of ≥ 0.8. The results of the expert appraisal test for communication instruments with CVI obtained a score of 0.88 and a creativity instrument of 0.90. The results of the development testing of the communication skills instrument obtained 16 items, which were declared valid and reliable with a reliability value of 0.891. The results of the development testing of the creativity instrument show that all items are declared valid and reliable with a reliability value of 0.854. The result of the development instrument is feasible to measure communication skills and creativity.

Developing Science E-Modules based on Scientific reasoning Skills for Primary Education Course

This research was conducted to answer the need for teaching materials in natural science education lectures in elementary schools due to the importance of teaching materials that can answer the challenges of technological advances. Where at this time technology is needed to support learning in the classroom so that it is more interactive, interesting, fun and can be done anywhere and anytime. Based on the needs analysis, lecturers have not fully used electronic-based media in lectures, and have not been fully able to produce good and correct electronic-based media or teaching materials. In addition, there is still a lack of teaching materials that can improve students' scientific reasoning abilities. This study aims to develop electronic modules (E-Modules) based on scientific reasoning in natural science education lectures in elementary schools in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program. The research design used is research and development with the stages of the ADDIE model which consists of the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The findings of this research are products in the form of Scientific Reasoning E-Modules for natural science education lectures in elementary schools in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program. Based on the results of the validation test by the team of experts, the module was declared fit for use and met the criteria as an online teaching module. Based on the test results of the implementation of the use of the module, the module was declared feasible for use and able to facilitate the improvement of students' scientific reasoning abilities based on the results of the pretest and posttest, the t test results showed that t-count was greater than t-table which was (8.30 > 1.691). Therefore it can be concluded that the developed e-module is very useful and can meet the criteria for the need for natural science education lectures in elementary schools.

Ca-HELP: Adaptation of a Communication Tool to Help Geriatric Cancer Patients in Rural Settings Talk to Their Doctors About Pain.

Among the older adult population living in the rural United States, undertreated cancer pain is very common. The need for interventions targeting pain management communication between older adults with cancer in rural communities and their doctors outpaces the current evidence base. Adaptation of existing pain interventions may improve the speed at which clinicians can respond to pain in this vulnerable population. The Cancer Health Empowerment for Living without Pain (Ca-HELP) is an evidence-based communication tool that coaches patients to communicate about pain by asking questions, making requests, and signaling distress to their physicians in order to achieve improved pain control. Guided by the Method for Program Adaptation through Community Engagement (M-PACE) model, which utilizes detailed stakeholder feedback to guide the adaptation of an intervention for an appropriate target audience, we proactively adapted the Ca-HELP and its delivery for use among geriatric cancer patients living in rural settings using qualitative feedback from patients, informal caregivers, and providers as a planned step in a multiphase pilot study. All stakeholders agreed that the Ca-HELP was a promising candidate intervention to improve pain among older adults with cancer. They suggested modifications to the delivery, context, and content of the intervention. A multidisciplinary team of nurse leaders and researchers evaluated stakeholder feedback and recommendations before determining which adaptations were made. Adaptations were cataloged and reported using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model. Our multistakeholder team proactively modified the Ca-HELP intervention tool using end-user feedback with a goal to optimize fit for use by older adults with cancer in rural settings without compromising the active ingredients. Documenting and reporting modifications to interventions are critical to their implementation and will lay the groundwork for further testing of the efficacy of the adapted Ca-HELP intervention.

The Appsmart Learning Application Based on the PBL Model Assisted by Articulate Storyline 3 Material on Earth and The Universe

The decline in students' science learning outcomes was due to the need for more application of learning models that fit students' needs. This study aims to develop an Appsmart learning application based on the PBL model assisted by Articulate Storyline 3, which discusses Earth and the Universe material for fifth-grade elementary school. This research belongs to the type of development research which was developed using the ADDIE model. The ADDIE development model comprises five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The subjects involved in this study were four experts, three teachers, and 28 students. Data collection in this study was carried out using test and questionnaire methods, with research instruments in the form of evaluation tests and expert test questionnaires. The data obtained in the study were then analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques and the mean formula to determine the level of feasibility and practicality. The results of the application feasibility test reached 4.67, and the material feasibility test reached 4.65 so that it could be declared fit for use. The results of the practicality test for teachers and students reached 4.87 and 4.97, which were stated to be practical to implement. The significance value of the t-test shows the number 0.00. Based on these results, there is a significant influence from the PBL model-assisted Appsmart learning application assisted by Articulate Storyline 3 with an understanding of the science concept of Earth and the Universe material for fifth-grade students.

Resilience of biocide-free ETICS to microbiological growth in an accelerated weathering test

Biocide-free renders and coatings for external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) are now long-established on the market and contribute notably to the improvement of ETICS’ environmental properties. A low likelihood of microbiological growth is a relevant criterion when choosing ETICS. We examined whether a previously developed accelerated weathering test would be able to determine the ETICS’ resilience to microorganisms and be suitable as a standard instrument to check the fitness for use of biocide-free ETICS renders and coatings. 15 different combinations of renders and façade coatings, including both new and established products, were tested for 15 weeks under accelerated weathering. The used lifelike weather conditions derived from climate data on an average autumn day in Holzkirchen, Bavaria are favourable for microbiological growth. Specimens were inoculated with a spore suspension containing fungi and algae typical for buildings derived from the institutes' own collection of building-relevant organisms. The results clearly show that biocide-free ETICS’ coatings can be highly resistant to microbiological growth. Of the tested product variants, only two showed low or medium resilience. Additionally, we measured the formation of surface water condensation. Knowledge of the amount of condensation water accumulated during dew point shortfall usually confirms the results of the accelerated weathering test. However, contradictory results also exist. This can be explained by different evaporation times of condensation water on the surface of renders. The evaporation times depend on the render's inherent properties. Our results confirm that the used accelerated weathering setup is a suitable standard instrument to assess and compare the resilience of biocide free ETICS to microbial infestation.