Open Stage Research Articles

Correction to: Early stages of gap opening by planets in protoplanetary discs

Correction to: Early stages of gap opening by planets in protoplanetary discs

Demonstrating almost half of cotton fiber quality variation is attributed to climate change using a hybrid machine learning-enabled approach

Understanding the effects of climate change on cotton fiber quality will reduce the risks to production caused by global warming. Machine learning algorithms are effective for forecasting climate impacts on crops. However, the impact of climate change on cotton fiber quality is unclear. Hence, a hybrid machine learning-enabled approach, the Bayesian model average (BMA) method with multiple machine learning algorithms (linear regressor, SVR, RFR, GBDT, LightGBM, and XGBoost) and bootstrap resampling, was developed to explore the impact and screen the important climatic factors affecting various traits of fiber quality. On the basis of fiber quality data from 1033 test stations across Xinjiang, China, from 2016 to 2022, the explained variance for climate change in the hybrid machine learning model was as follows: 44.72 %–50.55 % for white cotton grade, 44.06 %–53.95 % for length, 51.72 %–56.81 % for micronaire, 32.70 %–49.50 % for length uniformity, and 45.66 %–53.09 % for strength in the 1000 bootstrapping samples. In addition, recursive feature elimination with cross-validation (RFECV) was used to select the optimal feature set and calculate the contribution of each feature. The variability in micronaire in the hybrid model was affected primarily by climate factors, such as the daily minimum temperature, rainfall, and wind speed, whereas the other quality traits were affected mainly by radiation-related climatic indicators. The climate during the harvest stage in October had a significant effect on cotton quality, explaining 33.0 % of the variance in white cotton grade, 32.1 % in length, and 48.3 % in fiber strength. Conversely, the climate during the boll opening and early harvest stages in September had a greater influence on micronaire and length uniformity, accounting for 21.4 % and 37.2 % of the variance, respectively. This study highlights that climate change explains nearly 50 % of the variation in fiber quality, with the influence being notably more considerable during the later stages of the cotton growth period. These findings clarify the uncertainty in the impact of climate change on cotton fiber quality considering the uncertainty of the single machine model and model errors. Equally important, this information can be valuable for farmers and growers seeking to improve fiber quality under climate change.

A finite discrete element approach for modeling of desiccation fracturing around underground openings in Opalinus clay

Understanding and predicting potential failure mechanisms during the excavation and open drift stages of geological repository construction are among the crucial aspects of performance evaluation and safety assessment of nuclear waste storage facilities. The development of the Excavation Damage Zone (EDZ) and the generation of shrinkage-induced cracks during operational phases are prominent examples of failure mechanisms that can compromise the integrity of the repository systems. This study presents an integrated framework for investigating shrinkage-induced cracking of Opalinus Clay in niches and tunnels. To achieve this, the hybrid Finite Discrete Element Method (FDEM) is employed. The methodology incorporates a two-way staggered hydro-mechanical coupling scheme, where solid phase analysis relies on 2D FDEM and fluid flow is modeled using the nonlinear Richards’ equation and solved via Finite Volume discretization. To account for the effects of EDZ, characterized by a pronounced increase in hydraulic conductivity, a numerical simulation of tunnel excavation is first carried out. The resulting failure pattern around underground openings is then abstracted through the definition of an altered hydraulic conductivity field. Comparison of the numerical results with field observations demonstrates the framework’s ability to capture a wide range of failure mechanisms inherent in various stages of underground repository construction in Opalinus Clay.

Integrated deep banding and fertigation of phosphorus improves cotton yield by regulating root spatial distribution and growth

Context or problemTraditionally, 100 % phosphorus (P) fertilizer application as a band at various depths before sowing significantly influenced crop root growth and yield by reducing P fixation and optimizing its spatial distribution. However, with the advent of drip fertigation in Xinjiang, China, P fertilization practices have shifted from 100 % basal to a combination of basal and fertigation for enhanced P nutrition in cotton. Despite this, the impact of pre-sowing P band application on cotton growth under drip fertigation remains unclear. Objective or research questionThis study aimed to determine the optimal P fertilizer banding depth for cotton under a drip fertigation system. MethodsField trials were conducted comparing different basal P fertilizer application depths (5 cm, 15 cm, and 25 cm, denoted as D5, D15, and D25, respectively) with 50 % of the P rate and the remaining 50 % applied as topdressing via drip fertilization. A control (CK) involving 50 % broadcasted P fertilizer and 50 % topdressed P was included. The study focused on the effects of P application depth on soil P availability, root growth patterns, P utilization, and cotton yield. ResultsAt the boll opening stage, the D15 treatment exhibited a significant 18.69 %-49.76 % increase in available phosphorus in the 10–40 cm soil layer compared to the CK. During the peak boll to boll opening stage, the D15 treatment significantly outperformed the CK in terms of total root biomass density (11.62 %-17.54 %), total root length (16.75 %-24.81 %), total root surface area (23.07 %-37.59 %), and total root volume (20.69 %-26.23 %). Moreover, root activity and growth parameters were notably higher in the D15 treatment within the 10–40 cm soil layer. ConclusionsApplying 50 % of the P fertilizer as a band at a 15 cm depth before planting drip-irrigated cotton is optimal. This practice enhances soil P availability, stimulates root growth and distribution, and ultimately improves P utilization and cotton yield. Implications or significanceBanding P fertilizer at a 15 cm depth in combination with drip fertigation demonstrates superior yield benefits. This technology offers a novel approach to fertilizer application, enhancing nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity in drip-irrigated systems.

Identifying bottlenecks in the medical equipment procurement process of central equipment procurement agency of government of India (GOI) and suggesting remedial measures

BackgroundProcurement of equipments is a time-consuming process with an invariably long lead time due to a long procurement procedure. Long lead time may sometimes result in the procurement of an old equipment and may affect the modernization drive of any healthcare organization. Especially in Govt hospitals, it is noted with concern that there is a long lead time in equipment procurement. MethodsThe study was conducted on procurement processes of 4 different hospitals of Public and Private Health sector. The study compared the timelines in different stages of the procurement process i.e. Acceptance of Necessity (AON) to Tender stage, Tender to Technical bid opening (TBO) stage, TBO to Final Bid opening (FBO) stage and FBO to Supply Order (SO) stage. ResultsThis study on the medical equipment procurement process of the Central Govt organisation highlights significant delays, particularly between TBO to FBO stage, compared to much shorter durations in state health services and private hospital. Time taken by Central Govt organisation is more as compared to other healthcare organisations and the findings are statistically significant with p value less than 0.05. ConclusionThe study identifies major bottlenecks, including technical evaluation and retendering due to non-compliance with technical requirements, and suggests that detailed technical specifications, vendor compliance matrix and pre bid meetings, can mitigate these issues. The study also recommends regular training for personnel involved in procurement, enhancing inherent financial powers of competent financial authorities (CFA) and speedy process of files by integrated financial advisors (IFA).

Why Does Institutional Opening-up Promote the Enhancement of Innovation Capabilities in Chinese Enterprises?

China’s involvement in global economic governance has been a progressive and step-by-step ascent. While the domestic and international environment has undergone major changes, the process of economic globalization has taken on new trends, and China has entered a new stage of high-level opening up. This paper’s theoretical analysis suggests that high-level opening up helps enhance the quality of foreign capital utilization, thereby addressing the challenges associated with the lower technological benefits of previous foreign capital utilization and further facilitating the enhancement of innovation capabilities in Chinese enterprises. Guided by this theoretical framework, this study has measured the level of opening up in Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2022 using web crawling technology. Econometric tests conducted with Chinese enterprise panel data reveal that: firstly, First, it effectively promotes the improvement of the total innovation output of enterprises and significantly improves breakthrough innovation capabilities. This result still holds true under a series of robustness and endogeneity tests; secondly, it mainly improves local advantages and high-quality international The attraction of foreign capital and multinational companies enables local companies to achieve breakthroughs and catch-up in core technologies by learning and competing with advanced foreign companies, thereby enhancing their technological innovation capabilities; thirdly, for companies in different industries and different ownership attributes The impact of improving innovation capabilities may vary. This study helps promote a new paradigm of innovation-driven development in the context of high-level opening-up.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research on Effect of Flow Regimes for Refrigeration Performance of Wave Rotor

Abstract Wave rotors exchange energy through the interaction of fluids with different pressures to produce a cooling effect without the application of mechanical parts, which makes them suitable for the complex flow field environments. But the flow situation inside the wave rotor is complex, and research on the impact of various flow regimes for the refrigeration efficiency is currently incomplete. This study deals with the numerical simulation and the experimental verification of a four-port fixed rotor gas wave refrigerator. Various typical flow regimes within the wave rotor were obtained through simulation to analyze their impact on the refrigeration efficiency. To further demonstrate the effectiveness of the simulation results, experimental verification was conducted. The simulation results indicate that separation bubbles and vortices will be respectively generated on the upper and lower walls of the wave rotor tube during the gradual opening stage. Vortex affects the airflow flow and causes detachment of separation bubbles as the airflow moves, which results in the loss of pressure energy and kinetic energy of the incident gas. As a result, the loss caused by the gradual opening process leads to a decrease in the self-expansion ability of high-pressure gas during the gradual closing stage, thereby affecting the refrigeration effect. Therefore, reducing the influence of vortices plays an important role in improving the cooling efficiency of wave rotors. Finally, this study analyzes the main factors that affect the cooling effect within the wave rotor through flow regime and provides new insights for improving refrigeration efficiency.

A Patient and Public Engagement Project to Inform Dementia Care in a UK Hospital Trust.

The increasing prevalence of dementia in the United Kingdom presents significant challenges for healthcare, with projections estimating over a million affected individuals by 2025, costing the NHS £6.3 billion annually. Hospital admissions among dementia patients are common, occupying about 25% of UK hospital beds and leading to prolonged stays and diminished health outcomes. This paper presents the opening stages, part of a larger project where Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) was employed to understand and navigate what it means for hospital care for a person living with dementia. To understand hospital care for dementia patients, focus groups were conducted through dementia cafés in Essex and Suffolk from February to July 2023 engaging patients, carers and family members. Recognised processes for reporting PPIE and thematic analysis were used and identified six themes and 21 subthemes regarding hospital care: individualised care, role of carers, basic care, interpersonal communication, information sharing and staffing. The results from the PPIE will be used to inform and work with stakeholders through the next phases of the project, which involves examining care processes in the hospital, identifying touchpoints and evaluating these areas. The project continues to be informed by stakeholders including people living with dementia, carers and staff. Additionally, the results may inform other service providers for care enhancements, processes and delivery. Moving forward, the study emphasises the importance of building collaborative relationships with stakeholders involved in dementia care. Additionally, it provides insights to focus areas that are fundamental for acute care organisations when delivering care to people living with dementia. By incorporating insights from PPIE, this project seeks to identify inequalities in dementia care services, improve hospital care for people living with dementia, fostering a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment. The purpose of the study was to explore the most important issues around hospital care for people with dementia, their carers and families. Persons living with dementia, carers and family members were involved in the study through community dementia cafés and recruited to take part in focus groups to discuss hospital care for patients with dementia. The design of questions and materials for the discussions was developed through consultation with the university department's service user lead and dementia specialist and reviewed by a service user member living with dementia. A pilot focus group was conducted with a group of carers. We worked with the dementia café managers to coordinate recruitment and a suitable environment to run the focus groups. Not applicable.

Early stages of gap opening by planets in protoplanetary discs

ABSTRACT Annular substructures in protoplanetary discs, ubiquitous in sub-mm observations, can be caused by gravitational coupling between a disc and its embedded planets. Planetary density waves inject angular momentum into the disc leading to gap opening only after travelling some distance and steepening into shocks (in the absence of linear damping); no angular momentum is deposited in the planetary co-orbital region, where the wave has not shocked yet. Despite that, simulations show mass evacuation from the co-orbital region even in inviscid discs, leading to smooth double-trough gap profiles. Here, we consider the early time-dependent stages of planetary gap opening in inviscid discs. We find that an often-overlooked contribution to the angular momentum balance caused by the time-variability of the specific angular momentum of the disc fluid (caused, in turn, by the time-variability of the radial pressure support) plays a key role in gap opening. Focusing on the regime of shallow gaps with depths of $\lesssim 20~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, we demonstrate analytically that early gap opening is a self-similar process, with the amplitude of the planet-driven perturbation growing linearly in time and the radial gap profile that can be computed semi-analytically. We show that mass indeed gets evacuated from the co-orbital region even in inviscid discs. This evolution pattern holds even in viscous discs over a limited period of time. These results are found to be in excellent agreement with 2D numerical simulations. Our simple gap evolution solutions can be used in studies of dust dynamics near planets and for interpreting protoplanetary disc observations.

Biomimetic and Concise Total Syntheses of Prenylated and Bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane-Containing Indole Alkaloids Including Taichunamide A, Notoamide N and Versicolamide B.

Total syntheses of the title prenylated indole alkaloids together with seven others are reported. Biogenetic considerations have been employed in devising the reaction sequences leading to these targets with, in the opening stages, electrochemically-derived indole-3-carboxaldehyde 15 being subject to an aldol-type condensation reaction involving diketopiperazine derivative 19. This led, after prototopic shifts, intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition and hydrolysis/deprotection steps, to the racemic forms of the bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane-containing natural product stephacidin A (2) and its C6 epimer 3. Epoxidation of the last compound afforded, following rearrangement of the primary oxidation products, a mixture of (±)-taichunamide A [(±)-4] and (±)-versicolamide B [(±)-7]. Related protocols allowed for the conversion of (±)-stephacidin A [(±)-2] into (±)-notoamide B [(±)-5]. Analogous aldol condensation, nucleophilic reduction, and epoxidation steps led to the formation of (-)-notoamide E and its conversion into notoamide C as well as the indole fragmentation product amoenamide E. A late-stage chlorination reaction applied to (±)-stephacidin A provided access to the spirocyclic oxindole (±)-notoamide N [(±)-6].

Actualisation of Inclusive Values Through Religious Education in High Schools

This study aims to analyse the actualisation of inclusive values in religious learning and examine how the values of tasamuh, ta'awun, and justice are applied at SMA Karuna Dipa Palu, which has a diversity of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. The main objective is to assess how these values strengthen inclusive religious education and identify opportunities and challenges in their implementation. This study uses a qualitative field study method with a case study approach, collecting data through interviews, observations, and documentation analysis to understand the application of inclusivism values in religious education at Karuna Dipa High School, with data analysis carried out using the Miles and Huberman techniques which include data condensation, data presentation, and concluding. The formal-textual approach in religious learning actualises the values of inclusivity through the opening, core, and closing stages. In the opening stage, teachers from various religions prepare the class and motivate students. In the core stage, the values of openness, tolerance, mutual assistance, and justice are taught through each religion's teachings. In the closing stage, teachers and students summarise necessary materials and give assignments, thus creating solid social solidarity in the school. Karuna Dipa High School faces challenges in developing inclusivism values, such as limited technological resources, visualisation facilities for materials, and limited learning time. In addition, the lack of sustainable religious programs also hinders students' comprehensive understanding of inclusivism. This research implies that inclusivism values in religious education can strengthen social solidarity and inclusivity in diverse schools but requires increased resources, facilities, and sustainable programs for optimal results.

Phosphorus application under continuous wheat-cotton straw retention enhanced cotton root productivity and seedcotton yield by improving the carbohydrate metabolism of root

ContextStraw retention could reduce phosphorus (P) application without decreasing seedcotton yield but related physiological mechanisms were unclear. Cotton root is the first organ to sense the changes in soil environment, and its growth and development, especially carbohydrate metabolism, significantly affected the formation of seedcotton yield. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the responses of cotton root carbohydrate metabolism to straw retention combined with P application. ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the effects of straw retention combined with P application on root carbohydrate metabolism and its relationship with seedcotton yield. MethodsA field experiment (2020–2022) was conducted to evaluate the changes in seedcotton yield, cotton canopy apparent photosynthesis rate (CAP), biomass, root productivity, root carbohydrate contents and related enzyme activities under different straw management [removal (S0), retention (S1)] and P rates (0, 100, 200 kg P2O5 ha−1). ResultsStraw retention and P application both increased seedcotton yield and had a significant interaction effect on it. In the 5th-7th year of straw retention, straw retention reduced 24 %-26 % P application to reach a similar yield of S0 with 100 kg P2O5 ha−1. Analyzing the reasons: (1) Straw retention combined with P application increased cotton CAP, providing adequate assimilates for cotton development; (2) Straw retention combined with P application promoted the utilization of root carbohydrates, thereby increasing root productivity and seedcotton yield. Specifically, compared with S0 without P, S1 combined with P application increased the enzyme activities related to carbohydrate metabolism, especially sucrose synthase (7.6 %-59.4 %) and acid invertase (3.9 %-58.6 %), which reduced sucrose (3.3 %-32.2 %) and starch (4.3 %-28.7 %) contents at the peak boll setting stage. Efficient utilization of sucrose and starch enhanced root productivity, the ratio of root to shoot (R/S) reduced by 2.7 %-21.6 %, while the boll loading of root system (BLR) and boll capacity of root system (BCR) increased by 0.6 %-39.2 % and 3.1 %-50.6 % at the boll opening stage, respectively, favoring the formation of seedcotton yield. Furthermore, when the R/S, BLR, and BCR reached 0.12, 0.81 boll g−1, and 4.33 g g−1, cotton harvested the maximum theoretical yield of 3780, 3774, and 4069 kg ha−1, respectively. ConclusionsStraw retention combined with P application increased root productivity and seedcotton yield by promoting the utilization of root carbohydrates. ImplicationsThis study revealed the internal mechanism for straw retention combined with P application to affect seedcotton yield from the angle of root carbohydrate metabolism and provided a theoretical basis for rationally reducing P fertilizer under straw retention.

Comparison of survival and complications between minimally invasive and open staging surgeries in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare survival and complications between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery and evaluate related risk factors in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer. MethodsClinicopathologic characteristics; survival outcomes; complications; and prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival and overall survival were compared among patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent primary staging surgery using laparoscopic, robotic, or open abdominal surgery (2004–2017). ResultsIn total, 91 patients were included: 41 and 50 underwent minimally invasive surgery and open surgery, respectively. The minimally invasive surgery and open surgery groups showed similar progression-free survival (5-year progression-free survival rate, 58.7 % vs. 58.5 %; P = .925) and overall survival (5-year overall survival rate, 73.6 % vs. 80.3 %; P = .834). Intraoperative (7.2 % vs. 6.0 %; P = .111) and postoperative surgical complications (14.6 % vs. 26.0 %; P = .165) were similar between the groups. However, blood loss was lower (mean, 305.1 vs. 561.2 ml, P < .001) and hospital stay was shorter (mean, 8.2 vs. 15.4 days, P < .001) in the minimally invasive surgery group. Using multivariate analysis, lymphovascular space invasion was identified as poor prognostic factor for progression-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.054; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.521–6.132; P = .002) and overall survival (adjusted HR, 3.918; 95 % CI, 1.455–10.551; P = .007), whereas age ≥ 60 years was poor prognostic factor for only overall survival (adjusted HR, 5.0953; 95 % CI, 1.660–15.378; P = .004). ConclusionsSurgical outcomes did not differ between the minimally invasive and open surgery group in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer. Lymphovascular space invasion was a significant survival factor in this context.

Does transcriptome of freshly hatched fish larvae describe past or predict future developmental trajectory?

Transcriptomic analysis of freshly hatched fish larvae offers insights into phenotype development, yet it remains uncertain whether it reflects parental influence or predicts individual growth. This research scrutinizes the transcriptome of 16 Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) larval families (at mouth opening stage, coinciding in this species with hatching) alongside pre- and post-hatching zootechnical traits. Despite consistent fertilization rates, significant variations in embryonic development and larval performance highlight diverse phenotypes studied. It enabled us to bring our attention to the fact that transcriptome of larvae at mouth opening stage can serve as a window into both the parental contributions and the future performance of the larvae. Our analysis shed light on ribosome biogenesis, neurogenesis, and the cell cycle, as important processes shaping early larval performance. Additionally, we propose a set of predictive, validated gene markers associated with further larval performance and key aquaculture traits, such as selenoo (associated with cannibalism), trim16 (fulton's condition factor), slc15a1 (specific growth factor), and cipc (final weight). This study delves into the descriptive and predictive nature of the transcriptomic portrait of newly hatched larvae, paving the way to comprehend the intricate developmental pathways from fertilization towards juvenile stage.

Crack propagation process and lifetime prediction method of concrete-rock interface under constant loading

This study investigated the crack propagation processes and established the lifetime prediction methods of the concrete-rock interfaces under constant loading. Firstly, the constant loading tests were performed under three-point bending loading on the composite concrete-rock beams with three kinds of interfaces, i.e. natural, 4 × 4, and 7 × 7 interfaces, and under three constant load levels, i.e. initial cracking load, 80 % and 97 % of the peak loads. Then, the clip gauge method and digital image correlation method were employed to detect the crack lengths under constant loading. Finally, the effects of constant load levels on fracture properties of the concrete-rock interfaces were analyzed and the crack propagation processes under constant loading were discussed. The results indicated that the clip gauge method was an available and accurate method to detect the crack lengths of the concrete-rock interfaces under constant loading. Crack propagation processes and crack mouth opening processes under constant loading exhibited the three-stage feature, i.e. deceleration stage, uniform stage and acceleration stage. In addition, the logarithms of the constant loading lifetimes showed an approximate linear relationship with the logarithms of the crack mouth uniform opening rates, and a quantitative relationship was established by using the linear regression analysis to establish the lifetime prediction methods. This study proposed a practical method to predict the service life of concrete structure-bedrock interface. When the crack mouth uniform opening stage was recognized, the lifetime of concrete structure-bedrock interface in service can be predicted by substituting the crack mouth uniform opening rate into the pre-established prediction model. This study can provide the theoretical support for the safety assessment of the concrete structure-bedrock interface in service.

Successful School Principals in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Schools: A Grounded Theory Research from Turkish Context

The purpose of this study was to delve into the characteristics, professional competencies, leadership attitudes, and behaviors of successful school principals (SSPs) in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools. Utilizing a systematic grounded theory method (SGTM), we conducted research in the provinces of Amasya, Çorum, Samsun, and Tokat in Türkiye. Purposeful and theoretical sampling methods were employed to recruit successful school principals, deputy principals, teachers, students, and parents from secondary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). The data draws on unstructured individual and focus group interviews, as well as documents and observations. All the data obtained were inductively analyzed through open, axis, and selective coding stages. Based on the codes, sub-categories, categories, themes, and dimensions from the analyses, we designed the Contextual Successful School Principalship Model (CSSPM), which falls into four dimensions as follows: individual, managerial, organizational, and instructional. SSPs in this study mostly tend to display paternalistic leadership attitudes and behaviors in terms of dedication and self-sacrifice, serving, intrinsic motivation, and influencing stakeholders. They exhibit almost all the attitudes and behaviors of servant leadership, act according to some national and moral values, and experience national attitudes such as patriotism and nationalism intensely. By giving importance to the academic socialization of students' mothers, successful school principals exhibit transformational and instructional leadership behaviors. They act strategically to directly involve mothers in enhancing student achievement, demonstrating their commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PJBL) dalam Meningkatkatkan Kreativitas Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas IV SD IT Al Fikri Islamic Green School

This research aims to find out how the implementation of the Project Based Learning (PJBL) learning model increases student creativity in Indonesian language subjects for class IV SD IT Al Fikri Islamic Green School. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods which were carried out at SD IT Al Fikri Islamic Green School for the 2023/2024 academic year. The research was carried out through the opening stages of learning, planning projects and determining groups, preparing activity schedules, supervising the progress of projects and assessments. The research subjects were class IV of SD IT Al Fikri Islamic Green School, totaling 28 people. The research showed that teachers planned project based learning according to standards. module process Data was collected using sheets, knowledge tests, observation of student activities, documentation and interviews. The data collected was analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis.The results of the research show that the Project Based Learning (PJBL) learning model can increase the creativity of fourth grade students at SD IT Al Fikri Islamic Green School in learning Indonesian as evidenced by the increase in student scores which are better than before.

The Cretaceous to Eocene: a biostratigraphical review and a new detailed palynostratigraphy of Greenland and adjacent areas

The present paper compile and correlate for the first time Cretaceous to Eocene palynostratigraphies across the Arctic. It focus on Greenland and adjacent areas, including the Labrador–Baffin Seaway, onshore Nuussuaq Basin in central West Greenland, onshore southern East Greenland, central East Greenland, North-East Greenland, eastern North Greenland and the Danmarkshavn Basin, but also extends to Canadian Arctic Archipelago and the Barents Sea region off Norway. The paper compile data from more than three decades of detailed Arctic palynological analyses, based mainly on dinoflagellate cysts. The paper gives a historical overview of the Cretaceous to Palaeogene paleontological studies of Greenland and presents an overview of 85 palynological intervals and numerous events. The palynological assemblages from the Labrador–Baffin Seaway, Nuussuaq Basin and north-east Baffin Bay reflect the opening of the Labrador–Baffin Seaway from brackish to freshwater environment in a large embayment in the Early Cretaceous to an open marine seaway in the Late Cretaceous. Assemblages reveal in dinoflagellate cyst provincialism between the opening stages of the Labrador–Baffin Seaway and the already opened Greenland–Norwegian–Barents seaway. The Upper Cretaceous global Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) spanning the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary is recognised from Arctic Canada, north-east Baffin Bay, Nuussuaq Basin in central West Greenland, and North-East Greenland, and is mapped and correlated based on dinoflagellate cyst stratigraphy and carbon isotope (δ13Corg) curves. The dinoflagellate cysts assemblages of the Cretaceous/Palaeogene boundary are correlated from the Labrador Sea across to the Nuussuaq Basin in central West Greenland; in both areas the earliest Danian palynological assemblage is represented by incoming warm-water species. The presence of the global Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) in the Palaeogene successions in North-East Greenland and in exploration wells in the Labrador–Baffin Seaway is indicated by the incoming of the warm-water dinoflagellate cyst species Axiodinium augustum.

Game-Based Language Learning: Implementing Arabic Speaking Proficiency through Truth or Dare with Spin Wheel

Game-based learning, incorporating both digital and traditional methods, has been extensively researched over the past decade. The current research aimed to conduct an in-depth investigation into implementation of the Truth or Dare with Spin the Wheel game in Arabic speaking learning. This research employs a qualitative approach, integrating observation and interviews, conducted within a learning environment consisting of 34 students. The results revealed that the implementation of Truth or Dare with Spin the Wheel in Arabic speaking learning involved three stages. First, preparation included setting up the Spin the Wheel application and preparing Truth or Dare questions. Next, the opening stage introduced the learning flow using the game. Then, the core stage had students actively participating by responding to questions or challenges in Arabic, followed by evaluation of their responses in the final stage. The game was considered successful in increasing students' active engagement in speaking Arabic, this is supported by observational data showing a 40% increase in student participation during game sessions compared to regular class activities, with each student taking an average of 3 speaking turns per session with the game versus just 1 turn per session in traditional methods, alongside a 50% rise in peer interactions, a 35% increase in teacher-student interactions, and a notable boost in confidence levels, as evidenced by more students volunteering to participate without hesitation. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of using the Truth or Dare with Spin the Wheel game in Arabic speaking learning.

Anglo-German Relations in German Samoa as Reflected in German Reports from the Early Stages of World War I

Contemporary reports by German residents of Samoa to the German Colonial Office indicate that the opening stages of World War I in German Samoa played out in an atmosphere of Anglo-German camaraderie, highlighted by four developments: the petition presented by British residents of Samoa to Colonel Logan requesting that the Germans be treated with the same respect as had been accorded the British in Samoa; Logan’s invitation to all German civil servants to continue their governmental duties; the deployment of a division of New Zealand Engineers to put down the Chinese rebellion against the German plantation managers at Tapatapao; and Admiral Graf Spee’s decision on his arrival in Samoa not to pursue any hostilities against the British occupying forces.