Initial Test Research Articles

Smartphone-Facilitated In-Situ Hearing Aid Audiometry for Community-Based Hearing Testing.

Hearing loss prevalence is increasing, with an estimated 2.5 billion people affected globally by 2050. Scalable service delivery models using innovative technologies and task-shifting are World Health Organization priorities to improve access to hearing care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Smartphone-facilitated audiometry in the community using hearing aids covered by noise-attenuating ear cups ("in-situ") could support more accessible hearing care when provided by less trained individuals such as community health workers (CHWs). This study aimed to determine the validity of this method for potential hearing aid fitting. Study objectives included determining the maximum permissible ambient noise level (MPANL), inter-device reliability, clinical threshold accuracy, reliability, and performance in real-world settings. Experiment 1: 15 normal-hearing adult participants were evaluated to determine MPANLs for circumaural Peltor 3M earcups covering Lexie Lumen hearing aids with smartphone-facilitated in-situ audiometry. MPANLs were calculated by measuring the difference in attenuation between thresholds obtained with standard headphones and in-situ hearing aids. Experiment 2: Pure-tone frequency and intensity output of 14 same-model Lexie Lumen hearing aids were measured to determine inter-device reliability. Pure-tone stimuli were measured and analyzed to determine sound pressure levels in decibels and pure-tone frequency when connected to a test box 2cc coupler. Experiment 3: 85 adult participants were tested in a sound booth to determine the accuracy of automated in-situ pure-tone audiometry (PTA) compared to clinical PTA (500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 Hz) facilitated by an audiologist. The first 39 participants were tested twice to determine test-retest reliability. Experiment 4: In a community setting, 144 adult participants were tested with automated in-situ audiometry facilitated by CHWs using a smartphone app. These participants were subsequently tested with automated mobile PTA (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz). An additional 44 participants were tested twice to determine test-retest reliability. Experiment 1: MPANLs of the Peltor 3M earcup-covered hearing aids were higher than standard headphones across all frequencies, ranging from 24 to 47.3 dB SPL. Experiment 2: Inter-device performance reliability was high, with all inter-device differences across all intensities and frequencies less than 3 dB. Frequency output was consistent and differed less than 0.7% between devices. Experiments 3 and 4: 85.2% and 83.3% of automated in-situ audiometry thresholds were within 10 dB of thresholds obtained in the sound booth and in a community setting, respectively. Acceptable test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was evident across all thresholds obtained in a sound booth (ICC = 0.85 to 0.93) and in a community setting (ICC = 0.83 to 0.97). Smartphone-facilitated in-situ audiometry allows for reliable and valid community-based testing. A simple smartphone user interface and automated in-situ audiometry allow CHWs with minimal training to facilitate the testing. With the additional capability to program hearing aids via the smartphone after the initial test, this approach would have the potential to support widespread access to personalized hearing aid fittings facilitated by CHWs in low- and middle-income countries. This approach also supports self-fitting options based on in-situ thresholds, enabling testing and fitting via over the counter hearing aids.

Mothers' Perceived Co-Parenting and Preschooler's Problem Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Maternal Parenting Stress and the Moderating Role of Family Resilience.

Problem behaviors in preschoolers signals social adjustment challenges. This study investigates the mediating role of parenting stress in the relationship between co-parenting and these behaviors, and examines how family resilience impacts this dynamic. A detailed survey was conducted with 1279 mothers of 3-6-year-olds in Shanghai, China, focusing on co-parenting, family resilience, parenting stress, and children's behaviors. We employed SPSS 26 for initial tests and the Hayes PROCESS macro in SPSS 23.0 for advanced analysis, using bootstrap methods to assess mediation and moderation effects. The analysis revealed that maternal parenting stress mediates the relationship between co-parenting and children's problem behaviors. Specifically, unsupportive co-parenting or low levels of supportive co-parenting heightened maternal stress, which in turn increased children's problem behaviors. Family resilience was found to moderate this relationship, buffering the impact of unsupportive co-parenting on maternal stress. High family resilience levels were associated with lower parenting stress, regardless of co-parenting quality. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing family resilience and supportive co-parenting to mitigate parenting stress and reduce problem behaviors in children. It has practical implications for developing family-centred interventions and policies to strengthen family resilience and co-parenting skills.

Phenomenology of the inclusive potential of the family as a factor in the socialization of children with disabilities

Introduction. Lack of tools for studying the potential resources and capabilities of the family, as well as search for optimal strategies and mechanisms for the real inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of public life is on the current agenda of national and international initiatives. For a comprehensive analysis of inclusive potential of families raising children with disabilities, aspects of the rehabilitation potential of the individual and the environment, of educational potential, functionality and effectiveness of the family, and of competence, including inclusive competence, are considered. The emphasis is shifted to understanding the potential of the family as a factor in the socialization of children with disabilities. The article aims to systematize and scientifically analyze ideas about the potential opportunities and resources for the socialization of children with disabilities and their families, and to justify the criteria base and mechanism for assessing the inclusive potential of families. Materials and methods. Within the framework of interdisciplinary scientific discourse, a model of the criteria base and mechanism for analyzing and assessing the inclusive potential of a family raising a child with disabilities is proposed. The basis for constructing the model is the decomposition of groups of competencies through indicators of parental effectiveness based on formalization. Results and discussion. Based on the analysis of the terminological field related to the assessment and development of family potential in matters of socialization and development of a child with disabilities, the author’s positions on inclusive family potential are presented. Some socio-psychological phenomena are considered that reflect the capabilities and resources of both the children themselves and their social environment. Particular attention is paid to indicating the functional effectiveness of parents of children with disabilities. Conclusion. The discussed model for assessing the inclusive potential of families raising children with disabilities has a universal design, formed as a result of initial testing and expert assessment of the professional community. This approach allows analyzing individual indicators and assessing influence of certain factors on the effectiveness of accompanying children of different categories of disabilities. A systematic analysis of individual groups of parents’ inclusive competencies allows optimizing their inclusion in the comprehensive support of children with disabilities.

Combined Methods for Developing the Specific Strength of Women Long Jumpers U18

Background and Study Aim. It is well known that neuromuscular electrostimulation and plyometric exercises positively influence the gain of explosive force in the lower limbs. The combination of plyometric method and electrostimulation begins to gain a positive trend, being included in the modern training of athletes due to the important gain of explosive force. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of combining plyometric and electrostimulation methods in specific training for the development of lower limb muscle strength in long jumpers. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 15 women's long jump athletes, age category 18 years ± 1,622, with an average weight of 50.80 kg ± 3,932, height of 165.87cm ±3,292 and foot plant of 39.00 ±1,254. The group carried out the experimental training program for a duration of 12 weeks, with means specific to the two methods, three times a week, lasting 60 minutes. It was assessed: horizontal speed on the last 10m of the run up, 1 RM (a maximum rep for a squat); vertical jump; flight time and performance achieved in the competition. The maximum repetition for a squat was tested with the GykoRePower system, the vertical jump was determined with the OptoJump Next system, and the performance in the test was recorded during the competition. The vertical jump, the average value of power used to develop the explosive force and the length of the jump were evaluated. The recorded data on the muscle profile of the subjects were analyzed with the SPSS statistical analysis program Results. The statistical analysis performed with T-student obtained significant differences between the two tests of the experiment group (p ≤ 0.001): 1RM registers a progress of 10.476 kg with a progress rate of 18.07%, optimal load registers a progress of 3.627 kg with a progress rate of 8.93%, vertical jump achieves a progress of 4.567 cm with a progress rate of 16.09% with a flight time progress of 0.03833 s with a progress rate of 7.39%, and the speed on the last 10 m of run up progresses by 0.5234 s with a progress rate of 6.79%. Subjects recorded a progress for competition performance of 36.467 cm compared to the initial test with a progress rate of 8.50%. Conclusions. The research results are objective arguments that highlight that a specific training based on combining plyometric method with electrostimulation determines significant improvements in the development of explosive force of the lower limbs in long jumps with positive effects on sports performance for long jumpers.

Sorry to ask but … how is apology effectiveness dependent on apology content and gender?

While it is well understood that the content included in an apology matters, what constitutes an effective apology may differ depending on the gender of the person delivering it. In this article, we test competing theoretical perspectives (i.e., role congruity theory and expectancy violation theory [EVT]) about the relative effectiveness of apologies that include language that conforms (or not) with the gender stereotypes ascribed to the apologizer. Results of four studies supported an EVT perspective and showed that apologies were perceived to be relatively more effective when they contradicted gender stereotypes (i.e., communal [agentic] apologies by men [women]). Specifically, Study 1 provided an initial test of the competing hypotheses using celebrity apologies on Twitter. Then, results of three experiments (Studies 2, 3a, and 3b) built upon these initial findings and tested the psychological mechanisms proposed by EVT to explain why counterstereotypical apologies are beneficial (i.e., attributions of interpersonal sensitivity [assertiveness] and enhanced perceptions of benevolence [competence] for men [women]). Our contributions to theory and practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Influence of the Learning Cycle Learning Model on Students' Creative Thinking Skills in Science Learning

The issue of creative thinking skills in elementary school students is very basic because to achieve learning success in science learning at the elementary school level, it is necessary to increase creative thinking skills in elementary school students. The purpose of this study is to determine the development of the Learning Cycle learning model to improve the creative thinking ability of elementary school students in science learning. This research is an experimental study, which looks at the causal relationship. There were two groups of classes compared in this study, namely the control class and the experiment. Data collection is quantitative data obtained from pretest and posttest results in control classes and experiments. Then to see the improvement of students' abilities from the initial test to the final test using normal Gain scores. The results of the analysis can be concluded that learning with the Learning Cycle model can improve the creative thinking ability of grade IV elementary school students in science learning. In addition, conventional learning can also improve the creative thinking ability of grade IV elementary school students in science learning. However, based on quantitative data collection obtained from pretest and posttest results in control classes and experiments, there are very significant differences in the increase in creative thinking skills of grade IV elementary school students in science learning.

Effect of Co-Surfactants on Properties and Bactericidal Activity of Cu2 O and Hybrid Cu2 O/Ag Particles.

Nanomaterials based on metal oxides, especially Cu2 O, have received much attention in recent years due to the many unique properties of the surface plasmon resonance they provide. The report presented the co-precipitation method, a simple preparation method to produce Cu2 O oxide particles. In addition, to improve the unique antibacterial properties of Cu2 O, a proposed method is to attach Ag nanoparticles to the surface of Cu2 O particles. The Cu2 O and Cu2 O-Ag particles were synthesized based on redox reactions using ascorbic acid (LAA) as a reducing agent. Moreover, in this experiment, two surfactants, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), were added during the manufacturing process to create particle samples and particle combinations with better properties than the original sample. Changes in the characteristics and properties of particle samples are determined by many different physical and chemical methods such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), infrared spectroscopy (IR), noise X-ray radiation (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the activity against bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus, was also tested using the agar well diffusion method to determine the zone of inhibition. The results improved the particle size value, which decreased by half to 200 nm when two additional surfactants, PEG and SDS, were added. In addition, the antibacterial ability has also been shown to increase significantly when the diameter of the bacterial inhibition zone increased significantly, reaching values of 20 mm (Cu2 O/Ag/SDS) and 32 mm (Cu2 O/Ag/PEG) for the E. coli bacterial strain. The initial test sample was only about 14 mm in size. The S. aureus bacterial strain also had a similar improvement trend after adding Ag to the Cu2 O surface with the appearance of two surfactants, SDS and PEG. The inhibition zone diameter values reached the optimal value at 36 mm in the Cu2 O/Ag/PEG particle combination sample compared to only the initial 26 mm in the Cu2 O particle sample. Finally, the particle samples are added to the acrylic emulsion paint film to evaluate the changes. Positive results were obtained, such as improvement in adhesion (1.22 MPa), relative hardness (240/425), and sand drop resistance (100 L/mil) in the Cu2 O/Ag/PEG particle combination sample, which showed the correctness and accuracy of the research.

The Effect of Different Decontamination Methods on the Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin-Based Blocks to Resin Cement.

This study evaluates the impact of decontamination methods on Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) between resin cement and resin blocks. Twenty CAD/CAM resin blocks from two manufacturers were wet-polished, sandblasted, and ultrasonically cleaned. After blood and saliva contamination, blocks were divided into subgroups: control, water rinsing, acid etching, alkaline cleaning paste, or 10-MDP containing cleaner. Resin-based cement was then applied. After 24 hours, the blocks were sectioned to obtain bars for testing. Half of the specimens were tested immediately for μTBS, and the other half underwent artificial aging. The surfaces of the blocks were inspected with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three-way ANOVA was performed for μTBS values (α=0.05). In one of the substrates, the positive control subgroup obtained the highest value (56,01 MPa, SD:6,96) followed by 10-MDP cleaner and universal cleaning paste, when immediately tested, with significant differences respect to the water rinsing (p⟨0.041) and acid etching (p⟨0.048) groups. After thermocycling, higher values were found in the 10-MDP cleaner (47,57 MPa, SD:8,15), but differences were not significant. In the other substrate group, the 10-MDP cleaner subgroup showed highest bond strengths (64,46 MPa SD: 10,92) at the initial test. After thermocycling, 10-MDP cleaner (58,66 MPa, SD: 9,93) gave the highest μTBS value. Significant differences between water rinsing group and the rest of subgroups (p⟨0.001), and between 10-MDP cleaner and the positive control group (p⟨0.006) were observed. Cleaning after contamination improves bonding. 10-MDP containing cleaner can help to restore initial μTBS value and maintain it in the long-term.

The Effect of Knee Tuck Jump and Jump-To-Box Plyometric Training on Female Students’ Leg Muscle Strength and Flexibility in Volleyball Extracurricular Activity

Study purpose. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Knee Tuck Jump or Jump to Box plyometric training and to determine their effectiveness in increasing leg muscle strength and flexibility in female students participating in volleyball extracurriculars. Materials and methods. This study used a quasi-experimental design. Twenty-four female students were randomly selected as samples and then divided into two categories: 12 students receiving Knee Tuck Jump training (age: 17.08±0.51) and 12 students receiving Jump to Box training (age: 17.00±0.60). All participants performed the initial and final tests using the Vertical Jump and sit-and-reach tests. To analyze the data, the t-test was used to determine the differences in variables between the pretest and posttest in the experimental group. Results. In the Knee Tuck Jump group, a significant improvement in VJ (P=0.000) and sit-&-reach tests (P=0.000) was observed. In addition, Knee Tuck Jump was considered to be more effective in increasing the students’ flexibility, because the t value of sit-&-reach test (14.075) was higher than that of VJ (13.811). Similarly, the Jump to Box group also showed a significant improvement in VJ (P=0.000) and sit-&-reach (P=0.000) tests. However, Jump to Box was deemed to be more effective in increasing the students’ leg muscle strength, as the t value of VJ (26.086) was higher than that of sit-&-reach test (9.594). Conclusions. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that plyometric exercises, specifically KTJ and JB, have a significant and positive impact on the lower limb muscle strength and flexibility in female students participating in volleyball extracurricular activities. Despite both demonstrating significant positive effects, KTJ training is more effective in improving flexibility compared to JB, while JB is more effective in enhancing lower limb muscle strength compared to KTJ.

Exploring Educational Frontiers: Innovating with Chat-GPT while Upholding Traditional Values

This study investigates the impact of Chat-GPT on education, with a focus on personalized tutoring and academic support. While Chat-GPT offers numerous benefits, there is a risk of misuse for academic dishonesty. Therefore, this research aims to explore how educators can use Chat-GPT to promote academic integrity and encourage critical thinking. To accomplish this, the study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, beginning with a literature review. Interviews with instructors, students, and industry professionals provide different perspectives and reveal practical challenges. Additionally, performance indicators are used to compare Chat-GPT with traditional teaching methods. Initial tests demonstrate potential, but ongoing development requires educators to balance the advantages and risks, address concerns about academic honesty, and foster critical thinking skills in students.

Estimating Winter Cover Crop Biomass in France Using Optical Sentinel-2 Dense Image Time Series and Machine Learning

Cover crops play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by bolstering carbon sequestration through biomass production and soil integration. However, current methods for quantifying cover crop biomass lack spatial precision and objectivity. Thus, our research aimed to devise a remote-sensing-based approach to estimate cover crop biomass across various species and mixtures during fallow periods in France. Leveraging Sentinel-2 optical data and machine learning algorithms, we modeled biomass across 50 fields representative of France’s diverse cropping practices and climate types. Initial tests using traditional empirical relationships between vegetation indices/spectral bands and dry biomass revealed challenges in accurately estimating biomass for mixed cover crop categories due to spectral interference from grasses and weeds, underscoring the complexity of modeling diverse agricultural conditions. To address this challenge, we compared several machine learning algorithms (Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) using spectral bands and vegetation indices from the latest available image before sampling as input. Additionally, we developed an approach that incorporates dense optical time series of Sentinel-2 data, generated using a Radial Basis Function for interpolation. Our findings demonstrated that a Random Forest model trained with dense time series data during the cover crop development period yielded promising results, with an average R-squared (r2) value of 0.75 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.73 t·ha−1, surpassing results obtained from methods using single-image snapshots (r2 of 0.55). Moreover, our approach exhibited robustness in accounting for factors such as crop species diversity, varied climatic conditions, and the presence of weed vegetation—essential for approximating real-world conditions. Importantly, its applicability extends beyond France, holding potential for global scalability. The availability of data for model calibration across diverse regions and timeframes could facilitate broader application.

Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Response to Topical Tumor Necrosis Factor α Antagonist Licaminlimab (OCS-02) in Dry Eye Disease.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacogenomics of response to topical ocular tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitor licaminlimab in patients with DED. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Sjögren syndrome, 3 in the TNFα gene and 1 in the TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) gene, were assessed for association with response to licaminlimab in participants from a randomized, vehicle-controlled, Phase 2 study in which adults with DED and severe ocular discomfort persisting despite treatment with artificial tears received licaminlimab or vehicle for 6 weeks. Response was assessed for change from baseline in Global Ocular Discomfort score at Day 29 of treatment. The pharmacogenomic analysis was a prospectively specified exploratory objective of the study. mRNA expression for TNFα, interleukin (IL) 1β, and IL8 in conjunctival epithelium cells was determined. The relationship between SNPs and response to licaminlimab was assessed using a mixed model repeated measures analysis. SNP rs1800693 in the TNFR1 gene showed a significant effect on response to licaminlimab (P < 0.0001, initial association test); no effect was seen for any of the other SNPs tested. The CC genotype of rs1800693 was associated with much greater response to licaminlimab than the CT or TT genotypes: LS mean changes from baseline to Day 29 in Global Ocular Discomfort score were -29.5, -0.09, and -3.90, in patients with the CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively (P < 0.0001). No significant effect was observed in vehicle-treated patients. Improvements from baseline were seen in 3/4 licaminlimab-treated participants with the CC genotype. Conjunctival epithelium cell levels of mRNA for TNFα, IL1β, and IL8 decreased from baseline in participants with the CC genotype, but not with the CT or TT genotypes. Between-genotype differences in mRNA levels were not observed in participants receiving vehicle. The CC genotype of rs1800693, relatively common in patients with DED, was strongly associated with response to licaminlimab and decreased inflammatory cytokine gene expression in ocular surface cells during treatment. This study is one of the first to our knowledge to investigate pharmacogenomics in the treatment of DED.

Feasibility and acceptability of a pilot studying investigating multi-family parent-only guided self-help family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Family-based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). A parent-only guided self-help version of FBT (GSH-FBT) demonstrated preliminary efficacy in pilot investigations. To address challenges in access to care, we adapted GSH-FBT into a parent-only multi-family group format (MF-GSH-FBT) delivered via videoconferencing. This report details the feasibility and acceptability of a parent-only group-based multi-family GSH-FBT (MF-GSH-FBT) for adolescent AN delivered virtually. The MF-GSH-FBT intervention consisted of 12 weekly 60-min sessions facilitated by a clinician in addition to online FBT video content and recommended readings. Adolescents and parents completed assessments at baseline and post-treatment. Parents reported their child's weight each week. A total of 13 adolescents (15.57 + 1.63 years; 92% female; 23% Hispanic) with AN and their parents enrolled and initiated treatment. Four consecutive cohorts of groups of 3-4 families were completed from April 2022 to April 2023. Across cohorts, parents attended 85% of sessions. Most parents rated the treatment sessions as helpful (79%; agree/strongly agree) and felt supported by the other group members (84%). All parents (100%) reported MF-GSH-FBT helped their child, and most (90%) reported their child had improved by end-of-treatment. On average, adolescents gained 3.53 kg (SD: 3.76) from pre- to post-treatment, with percent estimated mean body weight increasing 5% on average. Parental self-efficacy also increased from baseline to end-of-treatment. MF-GSH-FBT for AN appears feasible and acceptable to parents participating in this pilot study. Challenges with recruitment and adolescent data collection remain questions for future investigation. This study describes initial pilot testing of a virtual guided self-help family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa delivered in a multi-family group format. This treatment aims to enhance access to family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa whilst providing additional support to parents.

Penerapan Model Team Assisted Individualization Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa

The objectives of this research are (1) to describe the teacher's ability to apply the Team Assisted Individualization type cooperative learning model to improve Indonesian language learning outcomes, (2) to describe students' Indonesian language learning outcomes through the application of the Team Assisted Individualization type cooperative learning model in class VIII students at State Middle Schools. 4 South Makale. The type of research used in this research is qualitative research. The data collection techniques used in this research were observation, interviews, tests, field notes and documentation. The results of this research show that 1) the teacher's ability to manage learning using the Team Assisted Individualization type cooperative learning model for students is classified as very good. This can be seen from the overall average score of 4.57 over the three meetings; 2) student learning outcomes increase with the Team Assisted Individualization learning model. This can be seen from the results of the initial test (pre-test) of 25 students, none of whom achieved a KKM score ≥ 70 because they only got an average score of 30.90, while in the final test (post-test) only 3 people did not complete it. of 25 students with an average score of 80.35. Classically and individually, students achieve completeness of the KKM score in the final test after being given treatment compared to the initial test before being given treatment.

Bone tumors: state-of-the-art imaging.

Imaging plays a central role in the management of patients with bone tumors. A number of imaging modalities are available, with different techniques having unique applications that render their use advantageous for various clinical purposes. Coupled with detailed clinical assessment, radiological imaging can assist clinicians in reaching a proper diagnosis, determining appropriate management, evaluating response to treatment, and monitoring for tumor recurrence. Although radiography is still the initial imaging test of choice for a patient presenting with a suspected bone tumor, technological innovations in the last decades have advanced the role of other imaging modalities for assessing bone tumors, including advances in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, scintigraphy, and hybrid imaging techniques that combine two existing modalities, providing clinicians with diverse tools for bone tumor imaging applications. Determining the most suitable modality to use for a particular application requires familiarity with the modality in question, its advancements, and its limitations. This review highlights the various imaging techniques currently available and emphasizes the latest developments in imaging, offering a framework that can help guide the imaging of patients with bone tumors.

Toilet effluent separation and brown water treatment: Survey and initial feasibility testing in Mexico

Separation of domestic effluents at the source and the utilization of low-flush toilets offer alternative approaches for developing efficient wastewater treatment systems while promoting energy generation through anaerobic digestion. This study focused on assessing toilet usage in Mexico and exploring the potential of anaerobic co-digestion of brown water (feces) and toilet paper as influential factors in wastewater treatment systems. A survey was conducted on a representative sample of Mexicans to gather information on toilet usage frequency, toilet paper use and disposal practices, as well as the type and quantity of commercial disinfectants and pharmaceutical compounds they use or consume. The survey revealed that per capita toilet paper consumption is 2.9 kg annually, that 58 % of respondents do not dispose used paper in the toilet, and that about 47 % use two to three cleaning and disinfection products. Notably, 97 % of the sampled Mexican population expressed a willingness to transition to more eco-friendly toilet options. Subsequently, in a second step, the anaerobic co-digestion of brown water with toilet paper was evaluated, demonstrating a relatively high production of volatile fatty acids but low methane production. This suggests an efficient hydrolysis/acidogenesis process coupled with restrained methanogenesis, probably due to pH decrease caused by acidogenesis. This study underscores that toilet paper and brown water are potential suitable substrates for anaerobic co-digestion. Furthermore, it sheds light on the behaviors of Mexican society regarding bathroom use and cleaning, contributing to the establishment of foundations for wastewater treatment systems with effluent separation at the source.

The use of ChatGPT to improve scientific article productivity of postgraduate students

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is increasingly promising. ChatGPT as an AI-based platform that can answer all questions can be a solution for learners. This article examines the use of ChatGPT in increasing the productivity of scientific articles of Postgraduate Students of IAIN Kediri. This study used a quasi-experimental design, with the experimental group engaging in scientific article writing using ChatGPT and the control group doing it conventionally. The sample of this study was 2nd semester Postgraduate Students of Islamic Education Management Study Program IAIN Kediri. Data were collected through initial and final tests in scientific article writing. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that the average score of the experimental group was 82.68 while the control group score was 68.83. Then the N-Gain value data of the experimental group is greater than the control group with the results of 53.30&gt; 23.01. These results explain the significant increase in scientific article productivity in the experimental group compared to the control group. This finding consistently supports the idea that the use of ChatGPT can increase the productivity of scientific articles for students. The implications of the results for scholarly writing practice are also discussed, along with recommendations for further research.

Gradient-Based Optimization for Intent Conflict Resolution

The evolving landscape of network systems necessitates automated tools for streamlined management and configuration. Intent-driven networking (IDN) has emerged as a promising solution for autonomous network management by prioritizing declaratively defined desired outcomes over traditional manual configurations without specifying the implementation details. This paradigm shift towards flexibility, agility, and simplification in network management is particularly crucial in addressing inefficiencies and high costs linked to manual management, notably in the radio access part. This paper explores the concurrent operation of multiple intents, acknowledging the potential for conflicts, and proposes an innovative reformulation of these conflicts to enhance network administration effectiveness. Following the initial detection of conflicts among intents using a gradient-based approach, our work employs the Multiple Gradient Descent Algorithm (MGDA) to minimize all loss functions assigned to each intent simultaneously. In response to the challenge posed by the absence of a closed-form representation for each key performance indicator in a dynamic environment for computing gradient descent, the Stochastic Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) is integrated into the MGDA algorithm. The proposed method undergoes initial testing using a commonly employed toy example in the literature before being simulated for conflict scenarios within a mobile network using the ns3 network simulator.

Multi-User System for Earth Sensing Spacecraft Attitude Calibration and Analysis

The Teledyne Multiple User System for Earth Sensing (“MUSES”) was developed for commercial Earth imaging and instrument technology development on the International Space Station (ISS). MUSES simultaneously hosts up to four Earth ensing instruments and provides inertial pointing and tracking to orient instruments toward planned targets on the ground. Up to four instruments are robotically installed on MUSES and periodically interchanged as warranted. MUSES was delivered to the ISS in June 2017, with initial testing successfully completed and subsequently documented in an initial requirements verification report. Assessing the performance of the MUSES attitude estimation system is challenging due to the lack of an independent attitude estimate of the platform attitude. A novel approach is introduced herein where the ISS attitude estimate, derived from ISS Global Positioning System sensors, is employed as an independent measure of MUSES platform attitude. Spectral decomposition methods are used to account for the contributions of ISS deformations to the variance in disparities between the ISS and MUSES attitudes and thus enable a less conservative estimate of the variance in MUSES attitude error. Implementing the spectral decomposition results in a best estimate upper bound on MUSES attitude errors of 34.5 and 27.7 arcsec, respectively, in the along-track and cross-track axes. Both the simulated and real results obtained from the spacecraft are presented.

Development and initial testing of mindful journey: a digital mindfulness-based intervention for promoting recovery from Substance use disorder

Background/Objectives There is a great unmet need for accessible adjunctive interventions to promote long-term recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). This study aimed to iteratively develop and test the initial feasibility and acceptability of Mindful Journey, a novel digital mindfulness-based intervention for promoting recovery among individuals with SUD. Patients/Materials Ten adults receiving outpatient treatment for SUD. Methods Phase 1 (n = 5) involved developing and testing a single introductory digital lesson. Phase 2 included a separate sample (n = 5) and involved testing all 15 digital lessons (each 30- to 45-minutes) over a 6-week period, while also receiving weekly brief phone coaching for motivational/technical support. Results Across both phases, quantitative ratings (rated on a 5-point scale) were all at or above a 4 (corresponding with ‘agree’) for key acceptability dimensions, such as usability, understandability, appeal of visual content, how engaging the content was, and helpfulness for recovery. Additionally, in both phases, qualitative feedback indicated that participants particularly appreciated the BOAT (Breath, Observe, Accept, Take a Moment) tool for breaking down mindfulness into steps. Qualitative feedback was used to iteratively refine the intervention. For example, based on feedback, we added a second core mindfulness tool, the SOAK (Stop, Observe, Appreciate, Keep Curious), and we added more example clients and group therapy videos. In Phase 2, 4 out of 5 participants completed all 15 lessons, providing initial evidence of feasibility. Participants reported that the phone coaching motivated them to use the app. The final version of Mindful Journey was a smartphone app with additional features, including brief on-the-go audio exercises and a library of mindfulness practices. Although, participants used these additional features infrequently. Conclusions Based on promising initial findings, future acceptability and feasibility testing in a larger sample is warranted. Future versions might include push notifications to facilitate engagement in the additional app features.