MA Level Research Articles

Combined effects of benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and styrene exposure on hearing loss mediated by oxidative stress at realistic low levels

The link between benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) exposure and hearing loss (HL) is not well-established. This study investigated 1694 petrochemical workers in southern China to examine the effects of BTEXS urinary metabolites on auditory function, considering oxidative stress (OS) as a potential cause. Using generalized linear models, elastic net regression, and quantile g-computation, we evaluated the single and combined effects of BTEXS, OS indicators, and HL. Subgroup analysis explored interactions between BTEXS and cumulative noise exposure (CNE), while mediation analysis assessed OS's role in BTEXS-related HL. Positive associations were found between hippuric acid (HA) and HL (OR = 1.20, P < 0.05) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) (OR = 1.22, P < 0.05). The ENET model linked 3&4-methylhippuric acid (3&4-MHA) with increased HFHL risk. The qgcomp model showed a 23% increased HL risk and a 20% increased HFHL risk per quartile increase in BTEXS exposure. Toluene metabolites (SBMA and HA) were significant contributors to HL, HFHL, and speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL). Higher BTEXS SBMA, MA and HA levels exacerbated HL risk in workers exposed to CNE. Interaction analysis revealed synergistic effects between tt-MA and other metabolites on HFHL risk. Total SOD (TSOD) significantly mediated the BTEXS-HL relationship. These findings highlight a dose-effect association between BTEXS exposure and HL due to oxidative damage, with toluene metabolites being critical pollutants. BTEXS exposure also synergistically increased HL risk with noise.

Metal artifact reduction tool and mA levels impact on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone-beam CT.

To evaluate the influence of different levels of metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool and milliamperage (mA) on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone beam CT (CBCT). Ten maxillary premolars were endodontically treated and positioned in the empty sockets of a human maxilla covered with wax. CBCT acquisitions were performed using the Eagle Edge device (Dabi Atlante, Brazil) adjusted to 120 kVp, FOV of 4 × 6cm, exposure time of 24s and voxel size of 0.2mm in 8 different conditions with different MAR (1, 2 and 3) and mA (3.2 and 6.3) levels. Crown-root fractures were simulated in the universal testing machine, and CBCT images were acquired again. Five radiologists evaluated the presence and extension of fractures with a 5-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance, Tukey and Kappa test (α = 0.05). Although different mA levels did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the diagnosis values for fracture presence and extension, when evaluated the different levels of MAR, AUC and sensitivity showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 using 6.3mA and kappa agreement showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 and 2 using 6.3mA. Although mA levels do not have a diagnostic effect when isolating the MAR level; in 6.3mA, MAR 0 and 2 can positively influence the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using CBCT. The isolate evaluation of dental fracture presence can overlook diagnostics error of its extension.

Activation of ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis improves cognitive dysfunction induced by isoflurane in mice via inhibiting oxidative stress

BackgroundLong-term inhalation anesthesia is known to be associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Our previous studies have confirmed that oxidative stress damage contributes to its mechanistic connection. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas axis plays a crucial role in balancing the classic Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) and regulating oxidative stress. This research aims to investigate the involvement of the ACE2/Angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas axis in the development of cognitive impairment induced by long-term isoflurane anesthesia. Methods3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control + Vehicle (C + Veh), Anesthesia + Vehicle (A + Veh), Control + Diminazene aceturate (C + DIZE), and Anesthesia + Diminazene aceturate (A + DIZE). Long-term isoflurane exposure was utilized to induce cognitive impairment. DIZE was administered intraperitoneally to mice 10 days prior to anesthesia to intervene ACE2. Cognitive function was administered using Y-maze and fear conditioning test. Flow Cytometry was used to measure the levels of ROS. Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of ACE2 and Mas, as well as the cognitive proteins such as phosphorylated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (p-NR2B) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). ResultsWe successfully constructed a long-term isoflurane anesthesia-mediated cognitive dysfunction model. Following long-term isoflurane anesthesia, there was a decrease in the levels of ACE2 and Mas in the hippocampus, accompanied by increased oxidative stress and significant cognitive impairment. Treatment with the ACE2 activator DIZE effectively restored the levels of ACE2 and Mas and decreased the content of ROS. Notably, DIZE treatment ameliorated cognitive dysfunction induced by long-term isoflurane exposure. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis could reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment. ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis may play a prophylactic role in mitigating isoflurane-induced cognitive decline and other cognitive impairments related to oxidative stress.

Anaerobic and Aerobic Metabolic Capacities Contributing to Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 2 Test Performance in Australian Rules Footballers.

This study aimed to identify the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic performance capacities contributing to Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) test performance. Nineteen recreational Australian footballers completed a Yo-Yo IR2 test, and on another day a treadmill peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit test in a randomised counter-balanced order. The maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) procedures included 5 × 5 min sub-maximal continuous runs at progressively higher speeds whilst VO2 was recorded; thereafter, speed was incrementally increased to elicit VO2peak. After 35 min of rest, participants ran at a speed equivalent to 115% of VO2peak until exhaustion, at which point expired air was collected to determine maximal accumulated oxygen deficit. Relationships between variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation and partial correlations. Maximum aerobic speed, relative intensity, and VO2peak were significantly correlated with Yo-Yo IR2 performance. High Yo-Yo IR2 performers also had higher MAS, relative intensity, and VO2peak levels. However, when higher maximum aerobic speed, relative intensity, and VO2peak were controlled for each other and analysed independently, neither maximal aerobic speed nor VO2peak correlated with Yo-Yo IR2 performance. Yo-Yo IR2 performance is the result of a complex interaction between several variables. Training programs should primarily focus on improving VO2peak, maximal aerobic speed, and relative intensity to optimize Yo-Yo IR2 test performance.

Management of Tahfizhul Qur'an Curriculum Development at the Tahfizh Putri Manba'ul Qur'an Islamic Boarding School

This development research aims to design the management of the Tahfizh Al-Qur'an program. This study uses the Borg and Gall research development method. The development design uses the inverted Taba model. The seven-step model that is applied is: The first stage in the management of developing the curriculum for the tahfizhul Qur'an program is diagnosing needs. The results of diagnosing the needs of the tahfizhul Qur'an program through field observations and documentation studies are in the form of: Implementation of tahfizhul Qur'an using varied and fun methods, setting targets for memorizing material, implementing effective evaluations. The second stage is formulating goals. The third stage is choosing content / material. After the objectives are formulated, then choose the content/material for tahfizhul Qur'an. The fourth stage organizes the content/material. The material for the tahfizhul Qur'an program that has been determined is compiled and classified into six levels for six years starting from MTs to MA level. The fifth stage is choosing a learning experience, the learning experience includes memorizing the Al-Qur'an, depositing the memorization to the teacher and doing murajaah. The sixth stage is organizing the learning experience, the learning experience is packaged into activity packages for the tahfizhul Qur'an program. The seventh stage is evaluating. evaluation of the tahfizhul Qur'an program which includes daily evaluations, monthly evaluations, semester evaluations and year-end quarantine for those who have completed memorizing 30 juz.

Secondary Sarcopenia and Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Associations and Health Outcomes

Background: Sarcopenia and spinal cord injury (SCI) often coexist, but little is known about the associations. This study aimed to assess the impact of SCI on muscle and bone mass and the correlations between the clinical characteristics of SCI patients and sarcopenia. Methods: A total of 136 patients with SCI admitted to rehabilitation hospital were included in this study. The type and severity of injury (AIS), level of spasticity (MAS), bone mineral density and Appendicular Lean Muscle Mass (ALM) were assessed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 cut-off points for ALM. Results: Subjects were divided into two groups: Group S-SCI (N = 66, sarcopenia group) and Group NS-SCI (N = 70, without sarcopenia). Mean ALM values in the two groups were 0.49 and 0.65, respectively. A total of 75% of women and 42.9% of men developed sarcopenia. The mean age was 35.8 years in the sarcopenic patients and 41.5 in the non-sarcopenia group. Over 55% of AIS Grades A and B cases, 69.7% of MAS level 0 cases and 51.6% of the patients with osteoporosis had sarcopenia. The mean number of comorbidities was 2.7 in the sarcopenia group. Conclusions: Gender, type of injury, presence of multiple comorbidities and age were directly associated with sarcopenia; meanwhile, surprisingly, spasticity level and the presence of immobilization osteoporosis were not.

Exploratory data analysis to reveal learning loss condition in Islamic religious education

One of the negative impacts of this prolonged distance teaching and learning activity during the pandemic is that students lag in absorbing lessons, known as learning loss. Islamic religious education (IRE) as value education, especially in Indonesia, can also cause learning loss. This study aims to identify possible indications of learning loss experienced by madrasa students in IRE. This study uses data science methods with an exploratory data analysis (EDA) approach. Respondents are students in the sixth grade of &lt;em&gt;Madrasah Ibtidaiyah&lt;/em&gt; (MI), the ninth grade of &lt;em&gt;Madrasah Tsanawiyah&lt;/em&gt; (MTs), and the twelfth grade of &lt;em&gt;Madrasah Aliyah&lt;/em&gt; (MA). The total respondents in this study were 38,326 MI students, 29,350 MTs students, and 13,474 MA students. The results of the EDA found that most madrasas in Indonesia experienced indications of learning loss in IRE subjects during distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, both at the MI, MTS, and MA levels. This study found that the learning loss condition is influenced by various states and readiness for distance learning, both the preparedness of students to learn independently, the availability of digital content that is interesting and easy to understand, as well as the availability of facilities and technology for distance learning.

A remote self-calibration design for three-phase power monitoring terminal

In view of the situation that the existing three-phase power metering device is prone to excessive error and inaccurate measurement during long-term operation, and the device must be removed for re-calibration, a self-calibration power monitoring terminal based on NB-IOT communication is proposed. The power monitoring terminal adopts an external voltage transformer and current transformer, and the input signal is mV and mA level AC small signal. The integrated design of single-chip microcomputer and metering chip is used in the power monitoring terminal. The single-chip microcomputer reads and writes the data collected by the metering chip and displays and transmits the power data. After the remote measurement instruction is issued, the three-phase sinusoidal signal generator chip inside the system is used to simulate the voltage signal and current model, and the external voltage and current input channel are switched with the analog signal channel through the analog switch to complete the internal self-verification work of the device. This scheme can significantly reduce the workload caused by dismantling, installing and verifying the instrument, ensure the measurement accuracy of the instrument for a long time, and has great practical value.

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide promotes the health of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) by promoting hemocyte phagocytosis, protecting hepatopancreas and enhancing intestinal barrier function

Plant polysaccharides as immunomodulators are considered one of the effective measures to reduce antibiotic therapy in aquaculture. The immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides (SMP) has been demonstrated and begun to be applied in vertebrates, but its potential effect on crustaceans is unclear. In this study, crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was fed with 0 %, 0.3 %, 0.7 %, 1.1 %, and 1.5 % SMP for 4 weeks to investigate the effects of SMP on hemocytes phagocytosis, hepatopancreatic function, and intestinal barrier function. The results revealed that hemocyte phagocytic activity was increased in all SMP groups. During the process of hemocytes phagocytic recognition and formation of phagosomes and phagolysosomes, the mRNA expression levels of mas, hem, rab3, ctsb, and lamp-1 were up-regulated mainly in the 0.3 % SMP group. During the clearance phase of phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, ROS level, T-SOD, CAT, GST, and LZM activities were mainly increased in the 1.5 % SMP group. Hepatopancreas AKP and GOT activity were no significant change in all SMP groups. ACP activity was significantly enhanced in the 1.1 % SMP group. The GPT activity of 0.3–0.7 % SMP group was significantly decreased. The 0.7 % SMP group had the highest intestinal fold height. The highest index values of OTUs, Ace, Chao, and Shannon were in the 0.3 % SMP group. The dietary addition of 0.3 % SMP led to a tendency of increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota at the phylum level, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level decreased. In conclusion, dietary SMP could promote crayfish health by enhancing phagocytosis, protecting hepatopancreas and enhancing intestinal barrier function. This study contributes to the theoretical foundation for exploring the potential application of plant polysaccharides in crustaceans.

Exploring sensory, motor, and pain responses as potential side or therapeutic effects of sub-2 mA, 400 Hz transcranial pulsed current stimulation

Background Various brain stimulation devices capable of generating high-frequency currents are readily available. However, our comprehension of the potential side or therapeutic effects associated with high-frequency transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), particularly concerning the new 400 Hz tPCS device, AscenZ-IV Stimulator, developed by AscenZion Neuromodulation Co. Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, remains incomplete. Objective This study examines preliminary parameters for the safe and comfortable application of 400 Hz tPCS at intensities below 2 mA. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 45 healthy participants underwent sub-2 mA 400 Hz tPCS to assess sensory, motor, and pain thresholds on the dominant side. Study 1 (N = 15) targeted the primary motor cortex of the right-hand area, while study 2 (N = 30) focused on the back of the right forearm. Results Study one showed that increasing the current intensity gradually resulted in no responses at sub-0.3 mA levels, but higher intensities (p &lt; 0.001) induced sensory perception and pain responses. Study two replicated these findings and additionally induced motor responses along with the sensory and pain responses. Conclusion Despite the theoretical classification of tPCS as a subsensory level of stimulation, and the expectation that individuals receiving this type of current should not typically feel its application on the body, this high-frequency tPCS device generates different levels of stimulation due to the physiological phenomenon known as temporal summation. These novel levels of stimulation could be viewed as either potential “side-effects” of high frequency tPCS or as additional “therapeutic benefits”. This dual capacity may position the device as one that generates both neuromodulatory and neurostimulatory currents. Comprehensive comprehension of this is vital for the development of therapeutic protocols that incorporate high-frequency tPCS.

Effect of different energy levels of X-rays on tyrosine-capped silver nanoparticles synthesis: A non-thermal approach

The present study illustrates X-rays as an eco-friendly and non-thermal energy source for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were synthesized using high energy (HE) with 3990 J (350 kV, 11.4 mA), medium energy (ME) having 2880 J (200 kV, 14.40 mA), and low energy (LE) with 1710 J (57 kV, 30 mA) levels of X-ray and irradiated at a dose of 10 kGy as reducing and tyrosine as a capping agent. UV–visible spectra of AgNPs exhibited the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 405 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of AgNPs revealed a 5–15 nm particle size. The Zeta potential (ZP) of LE-AgNPs displayed excellent stability (−60 mV), followed by the HE-AgNPs (−58 mV) and ME-AgNPs (-42 mV). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that all AgNPs showed potent antibacterial activity against Salmonella Typhimurium than Staphylococcus aureus. The present study exhibited that HE, ME, and LE-X-ray differently impacted the stability and antibacterial potency of synthesized AgNPs.

Forecasting of the true satellite carbon monoxide data with ensemble empirical mode decomposition, singular value decomposition and moving average

The forecasting of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere is essential as it causes the pollution of the atmosphere and hence severe health problems for humans. This study proposes a time-series prognosis EEMD-SVD-MA technique which incorporates Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, Singular Value Decomposition and Moving Average, to predict the prospects of carbon monoxide data taken from the Indian region. The collected data are non-linear. The technique can be applied for non-stationary and non-linear data. In this approach, there are three levels: EEMD level, SVD level and MA level. The first level deploys EEMD to fragment data series into a limited number of Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) components along with a residue. To denoise each IMF component, SVD is deployed in the second level. In the third level, each denoised IMF component is predicted by MA. The future values of the original data are obtained by adding all the predicted series of the components. In this study, we proposed two variants of the model: EEMD-SVD-MA(3) and EEMD-SVD-MA(4) and compared the results with other forecasting techniques, namely LSTM (Long Short Term Memory network), EMD-LSTM, EMD-MA, EEMD-MA and CEEMDAN-MA. The results show that the proposed EEMD-SVD-MA model is more efficient than other models.

Enhancing Energy Storage and Utilization of Triboelectric Nanogenerator by a Synchronized Charge Accumulation Circuit

As an energy harvesting technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) plays an increasingly important role in achieving the goal of green, low-carbon, and renewable development. In practical application, a power management circuit that matches the TENG with the load is also necessary. In this work, a synchronized charge accumulation circuit (SCAC) is designed, which improves the output current of TENG and the charging rate of capacitor, achieving efficient energy storage. The experimental results demonstrate that the energy conversion efficiency of SCAC is calculated to be 88.89%, the output peak current reaches the mA level (from 1 to 12 mA), the maximum output peak current is 240 times higher than the original current of TENG, and can light up 1280 parallel LEDs, compared with the original signal, the number of lights is increased by 6 times. At the same time, when charging the capacitor, the charging rate with SCAC is 10 times that without SCAC, this charging rate can stably and continuously supply power to the hygrothermograph and calculator. This study improves the energy storage rate of TENG and provides an effective method for the energy management and practical application of TENG.

Analysis of Increasing Understanding of Biology Learning through the Integration of Religious Values at the SMA/MA Level in Jambi Province

This study aims to explain the increased understanding of integrating religious values in Biology Learning at the SMA/MA level in Jambi Province. In this study, 31 biology teachers at the MA level were involved with the classification of five male teachers and 26 female teachers as respondents in Jambi province using a closed questionnaire. Based on the results of the questionnaire that the researchers distributed to 31 respondents, the results obtained were 1) The percentage of effort in the learning process that could be integrated with religious values was 90.3% 2) The percentage of learning difficulties integrated with religious values tended to be religious values themselves by 8.1%; 3) The percentage of integrating religious values with science is carried out simultaneously at 54.8%; 4) The percentage of integrating religious values needs special guidance of 67.7%; 5) The percentage of integration of religious values with science is believed to be able to instill religious character by 93.5%; 6) ) The percentage of integration of religious values with science is believed to be able to deepen understanding of science by 87.1%; 7) The percentage of integration of religious values with science is believed to be able to expand understanding of science by 90.3%; 8) The percentage of integration of religious values with science is believed to strengthen faith in their religion by 93.5%. Based on these data it can be concluded that the integration of religious values requires specific guidelines so that they can be used to guide the process of integrative learning of religious values, which are useful for deepening and broadening students' understanding of science.

Optimization of electromagnetic-triboelectric wind energy harvester based on coaxial reversed mechanism with tip discharge

In recent years, the development of triboelectric-electromagnetic composite energy harvesters has revolutionized low-power urban devices by providing a cost-effective and high-output energy solution. However, most triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have limited current output in the μA range, restricting their widespread application. Additionally, existing electromagnetic structures lack compactness and portability. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a compact triboelectric-electromagnetic composite wind energy harvester based on a coaxial reversing mechanism and tip discharge. It achieves gas ionization and increases the TENG's output current by utilizing TENG charge accumulation during rotation through a sidewall tip-copper structure. Compared to conventional TENGs, this harvester elevates the current from the μA level to the mA level. Moreover, it improves the output performance of the small volume electromagnetic generator (EMG) structure through the synchronous reversal of the magnet and coil at the same wind speed using two coaxial reversing propellers, intensifying the magnetic flux variation. Notably, the EMG structure outperforms a single rotating coil or magnet, achieving a remarkable 12% increase in output performance. At average urban wind speeds, this wind energy harvester can charge capacitors of 33 μF, 100 μF, and 220 μF to 2.5 V in 1.6 s, 2 s, and 3.6 s. Furthermore, it can power over 500 small LEDs and support the operation of temperature and humidity sensors. With its efficient wind energy harvesting technology, the proposed harvester holds great promise for self-powered Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Functional characterisation of Fe (II) and 2OG-dependent dioxygenase TcALKBH4 in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase ALKB homologue 4 (ALKBH4) is a member of the Fe (II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent ALKB homologue family that plays important roles in epigenetic regulation by alkyl lesions removal in mammals. However, the roles of ALKBH4 in insects are not clear. Here, TcALKBH4 was cloned and functionally characterised in Tribolium castaneum. Temporal expression revealed that TcALKBH4 was highly expressed in early embryos and early pupae. Spatial expression showed that TcALKBH4 was highly expressed in the adult testis, and followed by the ovary. RNA interference targeting TcALKBH4 at different developmental stages in T. castaneum led to apparent phenotypes including the failure of development in larvae, the reduction of food intake and the deficiency of fertility in adult. However, further dot blot analyses showed that TcALKBH4 RNAi does not seem to influence 6 mA levels in vivo. qRT-PCR was used to further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms; the result showed that TcALKBH4 mediates the development of larvae possibly through 20E signalling pathway, and the fertility of female and male adult might be regulated by the expression of vitellogenesis and JH signalling pathway, respectively. Altogether, these findings will provide new insights into the potential function of ALKBH4 in insects.

Medication Adherence among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Its Related Factors-A Real-World Pilot Study in Bulgaria.

Background and Objectives: The objective is to evaluate medication adherence level (MA) and the relevant determinants of MA among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) monitored in ambulatory settings by general practitioners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM monitored in a GP practice in Sofia, Bulgaria (September-December 2022). All patients were interviewed according to a predesigned questionnaire after granting informed consent. MA level was evaluated through the Morisky-Green four-item questionnaire, and health-related quality of life was evaluated by EQ-5D-5L and VAS (visual analogue scale). Data were aggregated and statistically evaluated. Results: The total number of observed patients was 93. Around 48.4% of patients were female, and 90.3% of patients were between 50 and 80 years of age. Multimorbidity was identified among 70% (n = 65) of the respondents. High and medium levels of MA were revealed in 64.51% and 33.3% of respondents, respectively. Patients treated with insulin secretagogues were most adherent to the therapy (n = 83.3%) in comparison with the other treatment groups. The onset of the disease, professional status, age, gender, number of therapies, and quality of life did not affect the level of MA (p > 0.05). VAS scores among nonsmokers (VAS = 63.16 ± 20.45 vs. 72.77 ± 14.3) and non-consumers of alcohol (VAS = 63.91 ± 19.34 vs. VAS = 72.54 ± 15.98) were statistically significant lower (p < 0.05). A significant related factor for MA was years lived with diabetes (OR = 3.039, 95% CI 1.1436-8.0759, p = 0.0258). The longer the disease duration, the more the odds for a high MA level increased. Conclusions: The number of nonadherent diabetic patients in Bulgaria is low, which might be evidence of patients' concern about their own health and understanding about the importance of prescribed therapy. Further comprehensive study with additional patients is required to confirm the results and investigate the predicting factors for a high level of MA.

An electric-field high energy harvester from medium or high voltage power line with parallel line

Abstract In order to effectively monitor transmission lines and transmission towers, a number of different types of sensors are needed. A lot of times, these sensors along with the transmission lines and transmission towers are in inaccessible or hard-to-access areas and replacing their batteries is difficult. Yet they need consistent power supply. By harvesting energy directly from these medium and high voltage power lines, these devices can become self-sustaining while the overall system is more friendly to the environment. This paper presents a novel approach to high energy harvesting based on capacitive coupling between the power line and the harvesting line. This technique has several advantages, namely high output voltage, easy adjustment of coupling coefficient, and low cost. The validation and implantation of this harvesting system are proposed with the support of experimental results. This energy-harvesting ability of W and mA levels is achieved for the power line monitoring devices, with higher power output depending on the length and the size of the harvesting line.

Arithmetic Word Problem-Solving and Math Anxiety: The Role of Perceived Difficulty and Gender

ABSTRACT A crucial component of mathematics curriculum in primary education is represented by the ability to solve arithmetic word problems. Previous studies investigated predominantly the cognitive factors underlying this skill, neglecting the role of emotional (e.g. math anxiety – MA) and metacognitive aspects (e.g. perceived difficulty). Some findings suggested that emotional factors could influence perceived task difficulty which would, in turn, impair students’ performance. However, the relation between MA, perceived difficulty, and math problem-solving has not been explored yet. Moreover, although many studies reported gender differences in MA levels, findings involving primary school children are contrasting. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of MA and perceived task difficulty on arithmetic word problem-solving proficiency in a sample of Italian primary school students, and to investigate gender differences in those variables. Results showed that MA had a direct and indirect effect through perceived difficulty on problem-solving performance. Furthermore, findings confirmed that girls exhibited higher MA levels, however no gender difference was observed in problem-solving accuracy nor in perceived difficulty. The study underlines the need to consider emotional factors when investigating children’s difficulties in math problem-solving and highlight the importance of MA interventions, especially for girls, already in primary education.

Mathematical Modeling of Time Response Analysis of Residual Current Devices with Electronic Switches

Today, relay contact and electronic residual current relays are used in order to protect human life against electrical shocks and machinery and equipment from malfunctions caused by excessive current. These residual current relays step in at 30 mA level and cut the current from the system. With the developed electronic switch and residual current device hybrid system, the human body residual current value and current cut-off response time were calculated using Monte Carlo Simulation frequency / intensity distributions. In the field of application, data sets were created in this study, which can be realized using physical and ambient data related to the human body resistance value. In this study, the reaction time of the system developed according to the amount of electric current, temperature of the human body, skin and moisture properties, shoes worn, decking, material type characteristics was modeled mathematically by using Monte Carlo simulation.