Minor Scale Research Articles

Azimuthally-distributed wavy inner wall treatment for high subsonic jet noise control

The noise generated by subsonic jet nozzles, commonly encountered in civilian aircraft, is rather significant and propagates in both the upstream and downstream directions due to large-scale and fine-scale turbulence structures. In this paper, a distinctive inner wall treatment strategy, denoted as the Azimuthally-distributed Wavy Inner Wall (AWIW), is proposed, which is aimed at mitigating jet noise. Within this strategy, a circumferentially dispersed treatment wall characterized by a minute wavy pattern is substituted for the smooth inner wall in proximity to the nozzle outlet. To assess the effectiveness of the AWIW treatment, we conducted numerical simulations. The unsteady flow field and far-field noise were predicted by employing Large Eddy Simulations (LES) coupled with the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) integration method. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the noise reduction facilitated by the AWIW treatment, it examined physical parameters such as the Lighthill source acoustic source term, the turbulent kinetic energy acoustic source term, and the shear layer instability. The results reveal that the AWIW treatment expedites the instability within the shear layer of the jet, leading to an early disruption of the jet shear layer, and consequently turbulent structures in varying sizes are generated downstream. This process effectively regulates the generation and emission of jet noise. By controlling the minor scale turbulence through the AWIW treatment, the mid- and high-frequency noise within the distant field can be significantly reduced. In the context of the flow field, the introduction of AWIW also leads to a decrease in drag on the inner wall surface of the jet, thereby improving the overall aerodynamic performance of the nozzle. Considering these attributes, the AWIW strategy emerges as a viable technique for the reduction of jet noise.

Exploring galaxy properties of eCALIFA with contrastive learning

Contrastive learning (CL) has emerged as a potent tool for building meaningful latent representations of galaxy properties across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from optical and infrared to radio frequencies. These latent representations facilitate a variety of downstream tasks, including galaxy classification, similarity searches in extensive datasets, and parameter estimation, which is why they are often referred to as foundation models for galaxies. In this study, we employ CL on the latest extended data release from the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey, which encompasses a total of 895 galaxies with enhanced spatial resolution that reaches the limits imposed by natural seeing (FWHMPSF ∼ 1.5). We demonstrate that CL can be effectively applied to Integral Field Unit (IFU) surveys, even with relatively small training sets, to construct meaningful embedding where galaxies are well separated based on their physical properties. We discover that the strongest correlations in the embedding space are observed with the equivalent width of Hα, galaxy morphology, stellar metallicity, luminosity-weighted age, stellar surface mass density, the [NII]/Hα ratio, and stellar mass, in descending order of correlation strength. Additionally, we illustrate the feasibility of unsupervised separation of galaxy populations along the star formation main sequence, successfully identifying the blue cloud and the red sequence in a two-cluster scenario, and the green valley population in a three-cluster scenario. Our findings indicate that galaxy luminosity profiles have minimal impact on the construction of the embedding space, suggesting that morphology and spectral features play a more significant role in distinguishing between galaxy populations. Moreover, we explore the use of CL for detecting variations in galaxy population distributions across different large-scale structures, including voids, clusters, and filaments and walls. Nonetheless, we acknowledge the limitations of the CL framework and our specific training set in detecting subtle differences in galaxy properties, such as the presence of an AGN or other minor scale variations that exceed the scope of primary parameters such as the stellar mass or morphology. Conclusively, we propose that CL can serve as an embedding function for the development of larger models capable of integrating data from multiple datasets, thereby advancing the construction of more comprehensive foundation models for galaxies.

Pain after 1940 nm Laser for Unilateral Incompetence of the Great Saphenous Vein.

Background: To investigate postprocedural pain after using an endovenous 1940 nm laser for great saphenous vein incompetence. Methods: A total of 72 patients were treated for symptomatic unilateral great saphenous incompetence using a 1940 nm laser device. All patients were treated using a standardized procedure under local anesthesia and investigated for postprocedural pain for 4 weeks using a visual analog scale (VAS 0-10). Results: Moderate pain was reported. A total of 17 patients reported minor scale 1 after the first day. On average, pain regressed to minor 1 after day 6. No significant complications were observed. Conclusions: Our results support the atraumatic character of this higher wavelength laser. In terms of patient comfort, higher wave lengths such as 1940 nm should be preferred for endovenous laser ablation. Using a combination of wavelengths could be the future solution to providing both safe ablation and minimum postprocedural pain.

Melodic diversity in Iraqi rural singing

Melodic diversity is an essential pillar in Iraqi country singing because of its highly influential qualities and features in singing performance methods in a manner consistent with the nature and setting of popular heritage in the Iraqi countryside.Hence, the researcher attempts to study melodic diversity in one of the important lyrical phases, which is "Subbi Mood " as a lyrical style discovered by the Iraqi structure with high levels of expressive performance accuracy.The researcher seeks to study this topic by formulating the question as follows: What are the mechanisms of melodic diversity in Subbi Mood? The significance of the research and the need to determine its goal are thus represented as follows: Detecting the mechanisms of melodic diversity in Subbi Mood, the researcher presents the most important terms contained in the subject matter of the study, that is melodic diversity to be determined linguistically, philosophically and terminologically. The researcher then moves to define the terms procedurally in accordance with the research procedures. Chapter Two, entitled “The Theoretical framework” contains two sections, one entitling, “The Concept of Melodic Diversity,” and the other, “The Singing of the Iraqi countryside: A Study in Origin and Evolution,” all the way to topics that involve the literature review and the most key conclusions resulted from the theoretical framework.As for Chapter Three, the researcher addresses the research community and its sample in a way that meets the goal of the research and its requirements, not to mention the use of the research methodology represented by the descriptive analytical approach, leading to the research tool through which the researcher can analyze the research sample.In Chapter Four, the researcher reached the most important findings from the sample analysis, including (1) musical scale: The Subbi mood is built from the melodic scale of Nahawand, which raises the sixth scale degree of the natural Nahawand when ascending and returns it to the standard scale of the Nahawand when descending, (2) melodic range of the seventh is built from the seventh minor scale. The researcher then seeks to interpret the findings under the heading, “Conclusions,” that includes some of the following points:1) The lyric poem takes Subbi mood as a launch pad to express the the spirit of the country environment.2) The seventh minor scale gives the singer the ability to perform Subbi mood easily and conveniently. As the end of the Chapter, the researcher comes up with key recommendations, suggestions and most important sources and books cited by the researcher in this study.

Melody Analysis of Jepin Selendang Dance Music accompaniment

Musical accompaniment in a dance performance has an important role. Accompaniment music serves to clarify the accent of the movement in the dance, so that the message of a dance work can be conveyed. The aim is to describe, note and analyze the melody that is found in the accompaniment of the Jepin Selendnang dance music. The method used is descriptive analysis method and uses a musicological approach. Data collection was carried out by conducting observations and interviews with the researcher's data collection tool as the main instrument and using auxiliary instruments in the form of observation sheets and interview guidelines. Checking the validity of the data is done by using the method of triagulation and persistence of observation. The results of this study found that the melody has several forms that are played with repetition. Played on a Bb=Do basic note with the original G minor scale, 4/4 measure and with the Moderato tampon. there are two cadres, namely Authentic cadres and Plagal cadres. This research is expected to increase interest in preserving traditional arts, especially the Jepin Selendang dance music in Siantan Hilir, North Pontianak District.

Algorithmic Composition of Music Utilizing the Digits of Pi

As a matter of fact, algorithmic composition, the fusion of computational methods with music creation, has a rich history dating back to Pythagoras. On this basis, this paper explores the innovative intersection of mathematics, algorithms, and music, focusing on the translation of Pi's digits into a musical composition. Through a combination of manual and automated techniques, the research successfully crafts a melody using the minor pentatonic scale and traditional Chinese instruments, enriched by an algorithmically generated counter-melody. According to the analysis, the study reveals both the potential and limitations of this approach, with the fixed nature of the accompaniment and strict adherence to the pentatonic scale constraining musical diversity. Nevertheless, the research offers a novel perspective on mathematical representation in music, contributing to the broader field of algorithmic music composition. The findings open new avenues for personalized music creation, educational tools, and artistic exploration, highlighting the limitless possibilities when art and science converge.

The effects of cognitive-emotional music listening in ear training on acquired knowledge and liking of the lessons

Previous research has shown that a cognitive-emotional approach (CEA) to music listening can improve music teaching in general education schools. This study tested it in music school ear training lessons. The aim was to compare the standard teaching approach (STA), which focuses more on cognitive and analytical tasks, and CEA, which also incorporates emotional, multimodal and interdisciplinary elements, on children’s knowledge acquisition and their liking of the lessons. Both approaches involved Dvořák’s music (an excerpt from the 4th movement of Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95 ‘From the New World’) and had the same learning outcomes in two lessons, one related to the E natural minor scale and the other to rhythmic elements and duration. The sample consisted of 423 pupils, who were on average 10.5 years old and attended third grade in 16 Croatian music schools. Half of them participated in lessons prepared in STA, while the other half received lessons in CEA. Findings reveal that implementing CEA in ear training results in increased liking of the lessons, while the knowledge acquired in the lessons remains similar or better than that gained in STA. The implications of including music listening in ear training lessons were further discussed.

PROSES MENGISI PERMAINAN GITAR PADA KARYA MUSIK INDAH PULAU DEWATA PROJECT MAGANG DI BALI TV

Beautiful Island of the Gods is a song inspired by the beauty of the island of Bali. This song tells about the beauty, beauty, and natural beauty of Bali. Through this song the writer tries to pour out his heart and thoughts about the author's opinion on the island of Bali. The lyrics of the songs are in Indonesian as well as the choice of words and tones used are of great concern.
 The guitar playing in this song is adjusted to the effects used in order to support the message the writer wants to convey to listeners. In this song, especially the guitar solo using a blues scale, the writer wants to mix cultural and modern nuances. A touch of distortion emphasizes the dynamics and the use of the blues scale balances between firm and sweet tones which makes for a pleasant melody to listen to. As for the selection of chords used in the verse, pre chorus, and chorus, use simple chords so that they go in the same direction as the guitar solo in the interlude section.
 One of the musicians the writer has inspired is John Mayer, because some of the songs he created are major nuanced songs but his guitar solo uses a minor blues scale, one of which is a song called Gravity. This is what made the writer interested in using the blues scale in the guitar solo of the song Indah Pulau Dewata.
 
 Keywords : Beautiful Island of the Gods, Scale Blues, Guitar Solo

"Guitar Thinking" and "Genre Thinking" among an Online Community of Guitarists

Researchers and performers have long intuited that popular music’s organizational features are linked to the physical-tonal properties of the electric guitar. Yet current evidence is either too broad or too specific to support reliable generalizations. Ongoing corpus studies offer remarkable explanatory power in clarifying stylistic trends from a listener’s perspective but are not currently equipped to address the kinesthetic aspects of instrument performance.
 In this study I employ statistical methods of corpus analysis to explore how popular-music guitarists navigate the fretboard. I do so via a digital collection of guitar tablature: 257 rhythm-guitar parts sampled from seven decades of songs (1954–2019). An analysis of fretboard transitions reveals a highly idiomatic fretboard profile that aligns best with the minor pentatonic scale. This empirically supports standing intuitions about the relationship between pentatonicism and guitar performance, while underscoring the methodological and potential ethical shortcomings of a strictly harmonic perspective on popular music’s organization.

Anterolateral knee complex considerations in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) was first described in 1879 in the context of Segond fractures, which correlate with a 75-100% chance of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or a 66-75% chance of a meniscal tear. The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated comprehensive review on the anterolateral ligament complex of the knee focusing on the: (1) anatomy of the ALL/ALC; (2) associated biomechanics/function; and (3) important surgical considerations in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A systematic review of studies on ALL was conducted on Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases (May 7th, 2020 to February 1st, 2022), with 20 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were anatomical/biomechanical studies assessing ALL function, cadaveric and computer simulations, and comparative studies on surgical outcomes of ALLR (concomitant with ACL reconstruction). Eight studies were included and graded by MINOR and Newcastle-Ottawa scale to identify potential biases. The anatomy of the ALL is part of the anterolateral ligament complex (ALC), which includes the superficial/deep iliotibial band (including the Kaplan fiber system), iliopatellar band, ALL, and anterolateral capsule. Multiple biomechanical studies have characterized the ALC as a secondary passive stabilizer in resisting tibial internal rotation. Given the role of the ALC in resisting internal tibial rotation, lateral extra-articular procedures including ALL augmentation may be considered for chronic ACL tears, ACL revisions, and a high-grade pivot shift test. In the context of TKA, in the event of injury to the ALC, a more constrained implant or soft-tissue reconstruction may be necessary to restore appropriate knee stability.

Musicological analysis of the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha in the musically-performed congregational worship

The Qur’anic recitation with melodious vocals and melodies has a significant role in implementing congregational prayers in a mosque. Musical recitation by a competent Imam can increase the worshipers’ comfort during the prayers. However, little is known to the general public about what is behind the beautiful recited voice. Some Muslims believe that the recitation of the Qur’an in prayer could not be included as music, even though some musicological aspects support its aesthetics. Although the artistic significance of the Qur’an’s recitation is not uncommon among Muslims and even contested openly, the musicological aspects of its recitation in congregational prayer rarely be discussed. The problem discussed in this study is what underlies the recitation of a trained Imam so that the worshippers sincerely feel comfort in following the congregational. This study aims to identify the scale modes within recited Qur’anic verses by the Imam during the congregational prayer at the Jogokariyan Mosque in Yogyakarta. This research uses qualitative methods with a participating observation as its approach. The analysis unit of this study is the Al-Fatiha Chapter recitation by one of the best Imams of the mosque while leading the congregational prayers during the month of Ramadhan this year. Data disclosure uses musicological analysis involving field data recording transcription and theoretical methods. The research stage includes the field research process, transcription from the Qur’anic reading by the subject, theoretical analysis, and formulating findings. This study has resulted in an array of knowledge concerning the Imams and Muadzin management system and the characteristics of the Qur’anic recitation performed by the research subject. From a Western musicological perspective, the music transcription showed varieties of Qur’anic recitation tunes produced by the Imam within the framework of major and minor scale modes. The Imam clarified that the recitation implemented Islamic music theory known as maqam types. In conclusion, the Bayati maqam applied by the Imam resembles the Phrygian Mode of Medieval mode. Meanwhile, the Hijaz maqam resembles the Phrygian Dominant scale. Implication: While for some circles of Islamic society, music is controversial in reality, many valued aspects of Islamic religious activities can contribute to the development of musicological studies.

Origin of lithium-rich salt lakes on the western Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from hydrogeochemistry and lithium isotopes

Lithium-rich salt lakes have attracted much attention as important lithium resources. The source and enrichment mechanisms of lithium in salt lakes are fundamental to uncovering the genesis of brine-type lithium deposits. However, the origin of lithium in salt lakes has been controversial, especially for lithium-rich brines associated with hard rock lithium ore has not been concerned by scholars. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the lithium isotope and hydrochemical composition characteristics of a lithium-rich salt lake (Kushui Lake) and a series of surrounding water samples in the lithium pegmatites district of West Kunlun, Xinjiang, China. Hydrochemical composition shows that different samples in the basin are rich in Li, Na, and K and poor in Mg and Ca. The water chemistry of the Kushui River, the largest river within the catchment, changes from carbonate type to sulfate subtype through evaporation. The precipitate of sulfate and chloride minerals is also gradually increasing. In addition, Li, B, Sr, Rb, Cs, U, Ti, V, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, and REE are abnormally enriched in the rivers and lakes of the basin, especially in the spring water, which is several times higher than in the rivers. Likewise, dissolved Li and δ7Li showed ranges of 0.01–287.86 mg/L and 3.28–16.44 ‰, respectively. These data were used to determine the origin of lithium and its enrichment process in salt lakes. The results show that the source of Li in Kushui Lake is closely related to the surrounding felsic volcanic rocks, pegmatite-type lithium ore and deep fluids, whereas the water–rock interaction in the deep crust and the chemical weathering in the supergene environment play an influential role during the formation of Li-rich fluids. In addition, the spring samples in the northwestern of Kushui Lake have inherited the lithium isotopic signature of lithium-bearing source rocks from the water–rock reaction process in the deep crust, allowing us further to isolate the source of Li in the target waters. With the movement of water, lithium exhibits a trend of continuous enrichment under the influence of evaporation and mixing. At different stages of evaporation, the Li/Na ratio in water in this catchment shows a trend of increasing, decreasing, and increasing due to the adsorption of 6Li by secondary minerals and the crystallization of Na. It suggests that strong evaporation under arid conditions is the main mechanism responsible for the rapid enrichment of Li in salt lakes. Moreover, the positive relationship between Li content and the δ7Li value of rivers along the discharge path indicated that the adsorption of 6Li by secondary minerals still existed even at a minor watershed scale, resulting in the fractionation of lithium isotopes in river waters. This study may contribute to a deeper understanding of lithium sources and their enrichment processes in Li-rich salt lakes. In addition, it is also beneficial to search for new lithium resources based on the source relationships among the various lithium reservoirs.

INVESTIGATION OF SCALE FORMATION ON GLASS PIPE COATINGS

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of the influence of scale deposits on heat exchange processes in vitrified pipes washed by seawater are presented. Experimental studies have shown that during long-term operation of heat exchangers, minor scale deposits with a layer thickness of up to 0.4 mm are observed on the surface of glass coatings of pipes, while a strong scale layer up to 2 mm thick is formed on the inner surfaces of metal pipes. The practical absence of deposits in vitrified pipes is explained by the increased cleanliness of the glass surface and its resistance to aggressiveness of substances dissolved in sea water. This eliminates the formation of large foci of scale on the glass surface and washing off the formed scale with a stream of seawater.

Optimal Scale Selection and an Object-Oriented Method Used for Measuring and Monitoring the Extent of Land Desertification

Desertification has become a major problem in the field, affecting both the global ecological environment and economy. The effective monitoring of desertified land is an important prerequisite for land desertification protection and governance. With the aim of addressing the problems of spectral confusion as well as the salt and pepper phenomenon concerning the successful extraction of desertification information by utilizing the pixel-based method in the studies, Landsat remote sensing images obtained from the year 2001 to 2021 were selected in this study as the data source, and then, the object-oriented random forest classification method was improved by using different optimal segmentation scale selection techniques and combining multi-thematic index characteristics for measuring the extent of land desertification. Finally, the improved method was applied to study the dynamic changes in desertification in the Mu Us Sandy Land Ecological Function Reserve. The results show that the optimal scale determined by different optimal segmentation scale selection methods is not entirely consistent, and a minor scale should be selected as the optimal scale. Compared with the pixel-based classification method, the overall accuracy of object-oriented classification based on the optimal segmentation scale was improved by 8.06%, the Kappa coefficient increased by 0.1114, and the salt and pepper phenomenon was significantly reduced. From 2001 to 2021, the area of desertified land decreased by 587.12 km2 and the area of severely desertified land decreased by 4115.92 km2, indicating that the control effect was remarkable. This study can provide effective decision-making evidence and support for the successful governance of desertification.

Deformation Episodes in Iron Formation of Eastern Province of North Odisha Iron Ore Craton, Eastern India

Banded Iron Formation (BIF), a bi-component rock of the Precambrian period is exposed along with iron ore in distinct geographical entities encircling the North Odisha Iron Ore Craton (NOIOC) in Odisha – Jharkhand states, eastern India. Iron formation of the eastern province is confined to Badampahar-Gorumahisani-Sulaipat belt. The litho assemblages belonging to this Iron Ore Group comprise of banded cherty quartzite, banded magnetite quartzite, banded magnetite grunerite quartzite, tremolite-actinolite schist and fuchsite quartzite. Deformations in phases affected the BIF members and associated rocks of the area resulting in successive fold structures. The first generation folds (F1) are characteristically tight and isoclinal having NE plunging axes. The second phase fold (F2) structures in the area with reference to first fold are co-axial, upright and tight to open in nature profusely overprinting the F1 folds are parallel to the general trend (NE-SW) of the belt. Axial plane of the third phase folds (F3) are gentle and broad warps having NW-SE trending axial planes and are found to be the last traceable ones in the area. trending in NW-SE direction are found to be the last traceable ones in the area having gentle and broad warps. The co-axial F1 and F2 folds along the general trend (NE-SW) of the belt are superposed by NW-SE trending F3 fold, which exhibits a geometric configuration as F1 // F2 F3. Such type of multiphase deformed terrain has produced many interference fold patterns in minor scale out of superposition i.e. dome and basin structures, hook shaped patterns, eyed fold and S, Z, and M shaped folds. The paper discusses the episodes of structural events and their signatures in the interference fold patterns in the eastern province of the NOIOC. Keywords: Banded Iron Formation, Badampahar-Gorumahisani-Sulaipat Belt, Deformation Episodes, NOIOC

HEADS, SKULLS, AND SACRED SCAFFOLDS. NEW STUDIES ON RITUAL BODY PROCESSING AND DISPLAY IN CHICHEN ITZA AND BEYOND

AbstractChichen Itza stands as a monumental landmark of late Pre-Columbian Maya and Mesoamerican religious complexes. Among the enigmatic aspects of Chichen Itza's ceremonial innovations count skull racks (known as tzompantli in Nahuatl), where the heads of sacrificed victims would be exhibited. Here we combine the scrutiny of death imagery and human skeletal remains, including skulls with marks of bilateral or basal impalement and mandibles with perimortem decapitation from “New” Chichen, the Osario complex, and from Chichen's astronomical Caracol complex. Our combined skeletal and iconographic data confirm the increased practice of corpse processing and head exhibition at Chichen Itza when compared to Classic-period Maya centers. Most of these body treatments were not foreign introductions, as generally believed, but followed local practices, long carried out at the Yucatecan urban centers of Nohpat, Kabah, Uxmal, and Dzibilchaltun. Although on a minor scale compared to Chichen, these demonstrate the display of human body segments, not only skulls, which renders the term tzompantli problematic. In the context of the totalitarian rhetoric of Chichen's central spaces, the massified violence and corpse display herald late religious cults at the cadences of battles won, astronomical cycles, and the perpetual movement of the Feathered Serpent.

Analisis Musikal dan Teknik Permainan Biola Minuet Karya Luigi Boccherini

This study analyzes the musicological Minuet by Luigi Boccherini which focuses on the analysis of rhythm, melody, form and structure of the work. This research includes qualitative research with a content analysis approach. Data were collected through literature study, observation, labor and documentation. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the minuet by Luigi Boccherini was written in 48 bars, using 3 major strokes starting with 3/4 time signature. The form of the work consists of two macro parts (large) A consists of 4 forming characters, 3 phrases and 14 motifs and B consists of 5 forming characters, 3 phrases and 10 motifs. The work is processed through the formation of motifs with their own characters and developed by literal repetition, ascending sequences, descending sequences and repetitions with variations. In addition, it was found the use of acciaccatura ornamentation in the formation of motif 1 with a combination of the use of syncopation and trill rhythms, shifting the basic notes (modulation) to the a minor scale of part A in character 4. The shifting of basic notes to 2 sharp at the beginning of part B with a characteristic use staccato signs.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PPT INTERAKTIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA KELAS II SD

Based on pre-research data obtained through interviews and observations It is known that the learning interest of student of class II were still low and there were a lack of media in learning Indonesian. This research was aimed to develop learning media for Bahasa Indonesia course in an Interactive PPT. The subjects in this study were 2nd grade students of SD Negeri Bintoro 4 Demak. The research was conducted in January – May 2021. The independent variable in this study was an interactive PPT learning media, the dependent variable in this study was the increase in students' interest in learning Indonesian. The research design used Research and Development. The development model used was the development model in Sugiyono 2015. The technique used test and non-test using data collecting instruments such as written test, questionnaire, interview, and documentation. The results had shown that the Interactive PPT media had been in very decent category with 87,5% percentage of material expert, 85% percentage of language expert, and 100% of media expert. Interactive PPT media was able to improve the learning outcomes from the minor scale of 15% to 100%, and the major scale of 40% to 68%. The conclusion of the research had shown that the use of Interactive PPT media was successfully developed, as well as able to improve students’ interest and learning outcomes

Summary of geotechnical activities in response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake; follow-up of my TC203 Ishihara Lecture in 2019

The devastating earthquake in Tohoku Region of Japan in 2011 caused many geotechnical problems and the recovery from them was an unforgettable experience. This paper describes first the seismological background of that extreme event whose return period was longer than 1000 years, producing unprepared situation among people. The geotechnical effect of this earthquake consists mainly of collapse of sea walls due to overtopping of tsunami water and liquefaction-induced damage of levees and residential lands, while landslide was fortunately of minor scale. Much efforts were made after the earthquake on establishing hazard assessment methodology for residential land and ground improvement under existing houses. The recovery from the nuclear incident is still going on. These issues were presented during the 2019 Ishihara Lecture during the seventh International Conference on Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering in Rome organized by the Technical Committee 203 of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering and were published in the conference proceedings. However, there is a tradition that every Ishihara Lecture has been published in this International Journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. In view of this, the original publication was totally rewritten and new information was added so that a second publication might be possible as a follow-up.

Traditional Chinese medicine based on Tongjiang methodology combined with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) step-down in treating non-erosive reflux disease: a study protocol for a multicentered, randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundNon-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is characterized by typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation but an absence of esophageal mucosal damage during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the first line therapy, almost 50% of patients with NERD fail to respond to this treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can better relieve the symptoms of NERD. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to investigate the efficiency of TCM granules based on Tongjiang (TJ) methodology combined with PPI step-down therapy for NERD patients who did not respond to PPIs alone.MethodThis multicentered, double-blinded, RCT with two parallel groups will recruit 174 participants who will be randomized into the TCM granules combined with PPI step-down group (n = 87) and the TCM granules placebo combined with PPI step-down group (n = 87). Both groups of participants will receive 6 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up, and all participants will be assessed for related symptoms, mental health status, and quality of life at each visit. The primary outcome measurements include visual analog scale (VAS) for heartburn and regurgitation and the major symptoms scale. The secondary outcome measurements include PPI withdrawal rate, symptom recurrence rate, minor symptoms scale, SF-36, PRO, SAS, SDS, GERD–HRQL, and TCM syndromes scales.DiscussionPrevious research has shown that TCM is capable to alleviate NERD symptoms. This trial will help to provide a better understanding of the synergistic efficiency of the combination of TCM and PPIs, to explore whether the dosage of PPIs can be reduced after the supplement of TCM granules and to provide a feasible plan to reduce dependencies or withdraw NERD patients from PPIs. The outcome of this trial is expected to reduce the symptom recurrence rates, lessen patients’ physical and psychological burdens, and achieve good social benefits.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT04340297. Registered on April 9, 2020