Sample Of Test Research Articles

PENGARUH KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR DAN KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL DITINJAU DARI KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH

This study aims to determine: (1) the effect of learning independence and emotional intelligence on problem solving abilities, (2) the effect of independent learning on problem solving abilities, (3) the effect of emotional intelligence on problem solving abilities. This research is a survey research because it does not provide treatment, but only reveals facts that occur naturally and are already ongoing. The research subjects were 74 grade VIII SMP YAPIDA students in the 2019/2020 school year. The data was collected using a questionnaire or questionnaire method. Questionnaire or questionnaire method to collect data on Independent Learning, Emotional Intelligence, and Problem Solving. The sampling technique in this study was simple random sampling. In this study, 54% of the total population was taken as a sample in class VIII SMP Yapida as many as 40 students, while the sample for the instrument test was 34 samples. The results of independent learning and emotional intelligence on problem solving have a probability value of 0.002 < (0.05). So it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and students' ability to solve mathematical problems. The results of independent learning on problem solving abilities show a significance value of Tcount 2.04 > 2.022 T table (significance level 5%) so that the conclusion is "There is a Positive and Significant Effect of learning independence on the Problem Solving Ability of Class VIII Students of SMP Yapida Gunung Putri Bogor". The results of the significance test of emotional intelligence on problem-solving abilities with the t-test obtained a Tcount of 3.62 and a T-table of 2.022. These results show a significance value of Tcount 3.62 > 2.022 T table (5% significance level) so that the conclusion is "There is a Positive and Significant Effect of Emotional Intelligence on the Problem Solving Ability of Class VIII Students of SMP Yapida Gunung Putri Bogor".

Association of parental death and illness with offspring suicidal ideation: cross-sectional study in a large cohort of university students.

The aim of this study was to (1) investigate the association of parental death and illness with suicidal ideation using a large sample of university students and (2) test whether associations were moderated by perceived family support. We used data from N = 15,008 French university students enrolled in the i-Share cohort (mean age, 20.5years; 77% women). Students self-reported information on parental death, including the cause, parental illness (cardiovascular, stroke, cancer, depression/anxiety, alcohol abuse), and perceived family support during childhood/adolescence. Twelve-month suicidal ideation was self-reported and categorized into no, occasional, and frequent ideation. Occasional and frequent suicidal ideation were, respectively, reported by 2692 (17.5%) and 699 (4.6%) students. After adjustment for age, gender, and parental education, we found associations between parental death and risk of occasional and frequent suicidal ideation (respectively, RR = 1.98 [1.81-2.17] and RR = 2.73 [2.30-3.24]). Parental deaths from illness, accidents, and suicides had the strongest associations. We also found associations for parental depression/anxiety (occasional, RR = 1.98 [1.81-2.17]; frequent, RR = 2.73 [2.30-3.24]), alcohol use problems (occasional, RR = 1.71 [1.5-1.94]; frequent, RR = 2.33 [1.89-2.87]), and cardiovascular diseases (occasional, RR = 1.22 [1.06-1.40]; frequent, RR = 1.83 [1.47-2.27]). For participants who experienced parental death and stroke, associations with occasional and frequent suicidal ideation (respectively) increased as perceived family support increased (Psinteraction ≤ 0.005). Students who experienced parental death and common parental illnesses were at risk of reporting suicidal ideation, especially if their family were perceived as an important source of support. As information on parental death or illness can be routinely collected during health visits, attention should be paid to students reporting such experiences.

Online-Based L2 Writing Courses and Practicing Metacognitive Strategies: Teacher-Regulated or Individualized?

Research findings show the usefulness of employing metacognitive strategies in writing classes. However, the approach toward teaching the strategies is not mainly addressed. The present study investigated the impact of two methods on metacognitive strategies in an online writing course. In doing so, 20 intermediate EFL learners (n1=n2=10) in two classes were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions. A sample of the IELTS test administered at the onset of the study verified the participants’ homogeneity regarding English proficiency. In one group, Teacher-regulated Metacognitive Instruction (TRMI), the teacher taught metacognitive strategies during the different stages of writing tasks. In the second group, Individualized Metacognitive Practices (IMP), the teacher did not teach the metacognitive strategies and only had a facilitating role. The learners used a questionnaire (Zhang & Qin, 2018) to practice the strategies. After the treatment, the groups sat for a writing posttest and answered a metacognitive strategies questionnaire. The independent samples t-test revealed that the IMP outperformed the TRMI in argumentative essay writing. The frequency count obtained from the respondents’ answers to the questionnaire showed that IMP used more strategies in the three levels of planning, monitoring, and evaluating. The study has implications for EFL/ESL teachers and scholars interested in reflective practices.

Mapping the distribution of natural ecosystems on peatlands through vegetation using the object-based image analysis (obia) method in bangko district, rokan hilir regency, riau.

Expansion of the use of natural ecosystems on peatlands is increasing rapidly in Bangko District, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau. This utilization tends to cause damage to the natural ecosystem of peatlands which has a major impact on the local environment (in situ) and the surrounding environment (ex situ), so a mapping is needed to detect the presence and ensure the distribution of the natural ecosystem of peatlands. This study aims to (1) map the distribution of natural ecosystems on peatlands through vegetation objects using Sentinel 2A and SPOT 7 using the OBIA method, (2) Compare the accuracy of Sentinel 2A and SPOT 7 in recognizing endemic vegetation types in natural ecosystems on peatlands with using the OBIA method. OBIA is used to detect the presence of peatlands, the detection is carried out through stretched endemic vegetation objects that grow in the natural ecosystem of peatlands. OBIA is carried out in three steps, namely Segmentation, Classification and Accuracy Test. In the classification process, building a ruleset is the key to interpreting the natural ecosystem of peatlands. The results obtained are (1) Sentinel 2A produces a more dominant distribution on the East, North and West edges while in the middle it tends to be less, the total area of natural peatland ecosystems in Sentinel 2A is 94,994 KM2. In the SPOT 7, the distribution of natural ecosystems of peatlands is more dominant in the eastern part while the western part tends to be small, the total distribution of natural ecosystems of peatlands in the SPOT 7 image is 281,443 KM2. (2) The accuracy rate of Sentinel 2A is 81.395% with an accuracy of 35 samples from a total of 43 samples of accuracy tests and SPOT 7 of 88.372% with an accuracy of 38 samples from a total of 43 samples of accuracy tests carried out.

The Effect of Gram Negative Bacteria on Semen Parameters of a Sample of Infertile Men and Antibiotic Susceptibility Tests

The most Gram statistically significant cause of male infertility is male urogenital tract infection, being related to 8%-35% of male infertility. The detrimental effect of bacterial infection on male infertility was in no whole agreement. The aim of this work showed the influence of Gram negative bacteria on semen quality among infertile males. A total of 50 semen specimens were collected from infertile men and 50 samples from the healthy individual as the control group were attending Kamal Al-Sammrai Hospital / Baghdad during the period 25 May 2020 to 15 October 2020. Bacteriospermia identification in semen specimens was first prepared by the classical culture methods and confirmed by Vitek 2 system. The present study revealed that 38% of isolates were Gram negative and 62% was no growth. Escherichia coli (22%) followed by Enterobacter cloacae (4%), Klebsiella pneumonia (4%), and each of Raoultella ornithinolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Citrobacter freundii at a percentage (2%) and only one (1%) unidentified. This work indicated that some Gram negative bacteria lead to poor health of seminal fluid. Record of Gram negative bacilli was sensitive to Vancomycin, Rifampicin, and Trimmethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination drug while Fusidicacid was resistant from most Gram negative bacilli. Semen investigation for bacterial detection in infertile males should be done regularly because bacteria may be hurting the semen quality.

Alleviating Heavy Metal Toxicity in Milk and Water through a Synergistic Approach of Absorption Technique and High Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma and Probable Rheological Changes.

In this study, we combined atmospheric pressure cold plasma, a novel treatment technology, with an absorption technique with soybean husk to remove Pb and Cd from milk. Different combinations of treatment duration, voltage, and post treatment retention time were used to determine the effectiveness of cold plasma. Soybean husk was used for metal extraction, and it was observed that when the milk samples were plasma treated with a discharge voltage of 50 kV for 2 min and held for 24 h, the highest mean elimination of about 27.37% for Pb and 14.89% for Cd was obtained. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced from plasma treatment were identified using Optical Emission Spectra analysis. A high voltage of 50 kV plasma for a 2 min duration could produce 500 ± 100 ppm of ozone concentration inside the treated package. The value of ΔE, which indicates overall color difference measurement, was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in all the treated samples than control samples. However, in the frequency range from 0.01 to 100 Hz, there was not much difference between the control and treated sample in the frequency sweep test. The identified functional groups at different wavenumbers (cm−1) in the treated samples were found to be similar compared to the control samples.

Die Wahrheit ist noch immer irgendwo da draußen: Sinnvolle Referenzstichproben und der Einfluss des Testortes bei familiengerichtlichen Begutachtungen

First data from the project to generate useful samples in the context of family law is presented (Bodansky &amp; Krüger, 2020). Children who were tested because of a psychological assessment for a family court differ from kids constituting the reference sample of customary psychological tests partly with a medium effect size. Alternative reference samples are provided free of charge to expert witnesses via homepage (sinnvolle-stich.psy.uni-hamburg.de). The gathered data was also used to test, if there is an effect of the test place. Medium to large effect sizes were shown. The meaning of a test place effect is discussed theoretically and hands-on implications, which result from the existence of such an effect, are presented. The authors conclude that assessments of children should be conducted within each of their relevant living environments to discover or counter biases.

Effect of Fasting during Ramadan on Inflammatory Markers in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Studies have recognized an association between inflammation and T2DM and its complications. Fasting is used as a medical treatment for a variety of ailments. For all healthy adult Muslims, fasting throughout Ramadan is a religious obligation.&#x0D; Aims: The goal of this study was to back up a recent discovery about the regulatory effects of Ramadan fasting on inflammation in T2D patients.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted.&#x0D; Date and Location of Study: The study was conducted in Benghazi Diabetes Center in April 2019, two weeks before the holy Ramadan. Methodology: Blood samples for inflammatory markers (WBC, hs- CRP, Fibrinogen) and glycemic control, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and HbA1C were collected from 72 patients with type 2 diabetes from Benghazi diabetic clinic two weeks before the holy Ramadan fasting.&#x0D; Following up (at least after the first ten days of Ramadan fasting), another sample of the same Laboratory testing was taken. The difference was tested using a paired T-test, with a P- value of less than 0.05 being considered significant. The trial was completed by 58 individuals, and 14 patients were dropped out.&#x0D; Results: Our findings revealed that there was no significant difference in FBS and hs-CRP levels before and during Ramadan fasting, but Fibrinogen levels were significantly different (P = &lt;0.001) before and during Ramadan fasting, with Fibrinogen levels being higher during fasting. Interestingly, WBC levels were lower during than before fasting, with the difference being slightly significant (P = .06). When it comes to differential counts (neutrophils P =.009, lymphocytes P = .746), The hemoglobin (P=&lt; 0.001) and platelets (P=.028) were significantly lower during Ramadan fasting compared to pre-Ramadan level.&#x0D; During Ramadan fasting, the mean value of fasting blood sugar, hs-CRP, and WBC was lower in a group of patients with HbA1C less than 7 compared to a group with HbA1C greater than 7, although the difference was not statistically significant. Fasting blood sugar during Ramadan was strongly connected with hs-CRP (Pearson correlation = 0.289, P =.032), but not with HbA1C, even after adjusting for age, waist circumference, and BMI.&#x0D; The interval of diabetes was not related to any of the inflammatory indicators examined in this investigation.&#x0D; Conclusion: Except for WBC count, fasting Ramadan (first ten days) had no significant effects on most inflammatory indicators.

Synthesis, characterization of ‎2-amino-pyran ‎and derivatives evaluation of the bacterial, ‎antioxidant and anticancer activity

Using ethanol as a solvent, heterocyclic hexagonal rings for 2-amino-pyran derivatives (I33-I40) were produced by reacting a mole of chalcones derivatives with a mole of malononitrile. Physical properties such as melting point, colour, and molecular weight and spectroscopic measurements such as the infrared spectrum, [1H-NMR], [13C-NMR] spectrum were used to confirm the accuracy of the prepared compounds' compositions. The biological activity of various produced compounds was investigated in two species of pathogenic bacteria, one of which is Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, and the other, Gram-negative, Escherichia coli. Chemical solutions for the two substances (I25, I32) with concentrations (0,01, 0.001, 0.0001) mg /ml were created using a solvent DMSO and Multer Hinton Agar growth medium. The antibiotic Ciprofloxacin was utilized as a control sample for the diffusion sensitivity test of the bacterial isolates used in the investigation. Using DPPH root and varied concentrations, the impact of chemical (I32) on the elimination of free radicals was also investigated. Breast cancer cells were taken from Baghdad's Medical City and used to test the efficiency of several produced chemicals against them.

Development of Microsoft Sway-Based Learning Media Materials for Class VII Physical Fitness Activities

TThis study aimed to produce learning media products based on Microsoft sway that were tested for feasibility and effectiveness to improve student learning outcomes for class VII physical fitness activity materials. This study uses the development method with 300 samples of feasibility tests and 250 samples of effectiveness tests, consisting of 11 schools located in six provinces on the island of Java. Product development procedures, namely, 1) Conduct a needs analysis by conducting interviews and questionnaire surveys with 3 PJOK teachers and 672 students from 3 schools in the city of Bandung. 2) designing learning media in the form of material to be presented, 3) developing with validation of material experts and media experts as well as small group trials to find out deficiencies and revise the initial draft, 4) implement media to students by conducting a feasibility test on 300 students who are consisting of 11 different schools in six provinces on the island of Java and testing the effectiveness of the product to 250 in the provinces of Central Java and West Java, 5) evaluation of the results of the feasibility test and effectiveness test to produce a product in the form of learning media based on Microsoft sway material for physical fitness activities class VII. This research produces learning media products that are easily accessible, practical and simple. The results of the feasibility test of material experts with a percentage of 95.62% in a very decent category, media experts with a rate of 94.15% in a very decent variety, then first user teacher with a percentage of 92.08% in a very feasible category and large group trials with a rate 76.95% with proper type. The effectiveness test results the results in an increase in student learning outcomes using media that have been developed.

Kinerja Perbankan Syariah di Indonesia Masa Pandemi Covid19

Social activity policies, in overcoming the Covid19 pandemic that hit the world, had an impact on economic activity in Indonesia, economic contraction had an impact on the business world in various sectors, one of which was the banking sector, therefore this research is to see the performance and growth of Islamic banking in Indonesia during the covid19 pandemic.&#x0D; This research is a quantitative study using Islamic banking statistics and a comparison of the pre-pandemic period with the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Paired two Sample for Mean Test.&#x0D; Research reveals that Islamic Banking did not experience significant obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in terms of Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Liquidity, Asset Quality, Funding Portion, Rentabilitas and Profitability as well as growth, CAR experienced a significant increase, Non Performing Loans as well as Classified Earning Assets decreased/improved, the percentage of operating costs to operating income (BOPO) decreased/improved during the pandemic, but growth in Capital, Financing and also Operating Income during the The second year of the 2021 pandemic has a downward trend in average growth compared to the normal period and the first year of the pandemic.

The Evolution of Concrete (Part 1): Submerged in Water and Its Compression Strength

This paper discusses about the water-submerged concrete on the concrete basemen that has been in the gorunding for about ten years. The purpose of this study was to determine the compressive strength and microstructural changes in water submerged concrete. The research was carried out experimentally. It was a case study at the State University Hospital, Lampung University, Indonesia. The compressive strength and microstructure of the submerged concrete compared to the concrete in the protected condition. The sample for the compression test was taken with a core drill 4 samples in each condition. The test data was processed by the outlying method. The microstructure of the concrete was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results showed that the compressive strength of submerged concrete was similar to the compressive strength of protected concrete. The elements that dominate the submerged concrete are Si and O, and in the protected concrete are Ca and O. The conclusion and novelty of this research are that submerged concrete can evolve into ceramics with SiO 2 as the main element and heterogeneous microstructure with the same compressive strength as protected concrete. This can be used as a reference and applied to concrete buildings that are in close contact with water such as dams, ponds, and other underwater structures. This research contributes to the science of concrete and its use, especially for underwater structures. Keywords: compressive strength, concrete, evolution, microstructure, submerged in water. DOI: 10.7176/CER/14-4-01 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Real-world analysis of the EGFR mutation detection in plasma ctDNA from patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

e21069 Background: Plasma sample has emerged as a promising surrogate sample for EGFR mutation detection in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In clinical practice, whether EGFR variants in pretreatment plasma ctDNA of advanced lung cancer can predict prognosis in addition to guiding targeted therapy remains to be further explored. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively enrolled 315 NSCLC patients from Beijing Chest Hospital, 94.9% of whom were in stage IIIB-IV. EGFR gene mutation data from tissue detected by ARMS-PCR (Amoy Diagnostics, Xiamen, China) and paired plasma samples within one month of admission detected by SuperARMS-PCR (Amoy Diagnostics, Xiamen, China) were collected. The patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and treatment information were also collected for further analysis. Differences in PFS of targeted therapy between patients with positive and negative pretreatment plasma ctDNA EGFR mutation were compared. Results: EGFR-positive rate of tissue and plasma ctDNA was 65.1% (205/315) and 43.8% (138/315), respectively. L858R, 19-DEL, T790M, G719X, 20-INS, and L861Q mutations were detected in both samples. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and concordance of ctDNA detection was 65.4%,96.4%, 97.1%, 59.9%, and 76.2%, respectively. In the study, patients’ pathological subtype was the factor affected plasma ctDNA EGFR alteration detection accuracy. The concordance in adenocarcinoma patients was obviously higher than that in non-adenocarcinoma (p = 0.02). 92 treatment naïve advanced patients with tissue EGFR mutation were received first and second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapies. 59.8% (55/92) patients also had EGFR mutation in plasma ctDNA, 40.2% (37/92) patients had no detectable EGFR mutations in plasma ctDNA. The median PFS in plasma ctDNA EGFR positive patients was 7.0 months versus 14.0 month in plasma ctDNA EGFR negative patients, with significantly difference (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Plasma sample could be a surrogate sample for molecular test when tissue sample was unavailable. The poor prognosis was observed in treatment naïve advanced NSCLC patients with baseline plasma EGFR mutation.

Reproductive tract disease in Irish grazing dairy cows: Retrospective observational study examining its association with reproductive performance and accuracy of 2 diagnostic tests

The detection of reproductive tract disease (RTD) 3 wk postpartum is important because of its effect on subsequent reproductive outcomes. Numerous methods for the diagnosis of RTD are described, some of which are more practical and instantaneous in terms of diagnosis. Two of these methods involve identification of purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) and evidence of ultrasonographic uterine changes indicative of endometritis (UE). The objectives of our retrospective observational study were (1) to assess the association of PVD or UE score at the prebreeding examination (PBE) with the hazard of pregnancy within the subsequent breeding season; (2) to determine the test sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) at the point of sampling of both tests using a Bayesian latent class model; and (3) to determine the effect of varying positivity thresholds on test accuracy. To achieve these objectives, we analyzed an initial data set of 5,049 PBE from 2,460 spring-calved cows in 8 herds between 2014 and 2018. Each PBE was conducted once between 25 and 86 d in milk. At each PBE, vaginal discharge was obtained with a Metricheck device (Simcro) whereas uterine contents were assessed using transrectal ultrasonography. Purulent vaginal discharge was scored on a scale of 0 to 3 depending on discharge character, and UE was scored on a scale of 0 to 4 depending on the presence and consistency of intraluminal fluid. Cows with scores of ≥2 in either test had received treatment. Fertility data were available from 4,756 PBE after data exclusion. The association between PVD or UE score at the PBE and subsequent hazard of pregnancy was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Cows with a PVD score of 2 or 3 were less likely to conceive than cows with a PVD score 0 [score 2 hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.94; score 3 HR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.51-0.84]. Cows with a UE score of 1, 2, 3, or 4 were less likely to conceive than cows with a UE score of 0 (score 1 HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73-0.93; score 2 HR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62-1.00; score 3 HR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.43-0.90; score 4 HR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.26-0.58). To determine the Se and Sp of PVD or UE score for diagnosis of RTD at the time of PBE, a Bayesian latent class model was fitted on 2,460 individual cow PBE. Flat priors were used for the Se and Sp of UE, whereas informative priors were used for PVD Se (mode = 65%, 5th percentile = 45%) and Sp (mode = 90%, 5th percentile = 80%) and RTD prevalence (mode = 20%, 5th percentile = 10%). Posterior estimates (median and 95% Bayesian probability intervals; BPI) were obtained using 'rjags' (R Studio). The optimal test thresholds (PVD and UE score ≥1) were selected by assessing the effect of different thresholds on test estimates and using a misclassification cost analysis. Based on these, median (95% BPI) Se for PVD and UE score ≥1 were 44% (29-60%) and 67% (33-100%), respectively. Median Sp for PVD and UE score ≥1 were 90% (86-93%) and 91% (86-93%), respectively. Higher scores in both tests were associated with impaired fertility, and UE scoring with a threshold of ≥1 had the highest test Se and Sp estimates although test Se was conditional on days in milk when the PBE occurred.

A smoking quitline integrated with clinician counselling at outpatient health facilities in Vietnam: a single-arm prospective cohort study

BackgroundLimited evidence is available about the combination of multiple smoking cessation modalities in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention that integrates follow-up counselling phone calls and scheduled text messages with brief advice from physicians in Vietnam.MethodsThis was a single-arm intervention study. Smokers were referred to the study Quitline after brief advice by physicians at three rural district hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. Following referral, participants received nine counselling phone calls in 12 months and a scheduled text message service that lasted for three months. Participants who reported smoking cessation for at least 30 days at the 12-month follow-up were invited for a urinary cotinine test to confirm cessation.ResultsThe Quitline centre had 431 referrals from participating hospitals. Among them, 221 (51.3%) were enrolled. After the baseline phone call, 141 (63.8%) participated in all 4 follow-up calls within the first month and 117 (52.9%) participated in all phone calls in 12 months. The median number of successful phone calls was 8 (interquartile range: 6 – 8). At the end of the study, 90 (40.7%) self-reported abstinence from smoking over the previous 30 days. Among them, 22 (24.4%) submitted a sample for cotinine test, of which 13 (59.1% of those tested) returned a negative result. The proportion of biochemically-verified quitters was 5.9%.ConclusionsThe integration of brief advice and referral from healthcare facilities, Quitline counselling phone calls, and scheduled text messaging was feasible in rural health facilities in northern Vietnam.Trial registrationACTRN12619000554167.

A procedure to monitor the critical aspects of the sampling in the authenticity tests by TL

Abstract This work addresses a contribution to specific objectives of a wide research project aimed at making operator-independent and at having an automatic system during the collection phase in authenticity test by Thermoluminescence. Here we dealt with critical aspects of the sampling regard the temperature monitoring during the drilling. A homemade system is built up to carry out the experiments and allow assessing correlation between the temperatures evaluated by elaboration of thermal images and the values of force measured from 5N to 30N in correspondence of hole generated in the brick and of the drill bit.

Flame retardation of vinyl ester resins and their glass fiber reinforced composites via liquid DOPO-containing 1-vinylimidazole salts

Aiming for obtaining flame-retardant vinyl ester resins (VER) and the composite, a kind of liquid 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide (DOPO)-containing 1-vinylimidazole salt (called VIDOP) was conveniently synthesized through the neutralization of the DOPO-derived acid and 1-vinylimidazole to be applied as flame-retardant crosslinking agents of VER. Curing behaviors, flame retardancy, thermal decomposition behaviors, thermal-mechanical properties, and mechanical performance of VER materials were investigated. With 25 wt% addition of VIDOP, the modified resin (VIDOP25/VER) and their glass fiber reinforced composites (VIDOP25/VER/GF) achieved UL 94 V-0 rating with a limiting oxygen index value of 32.1% and 38.3%, respectively. Both heat release and smoke release of VIDOP25/VER and VIDOP25/VER/GF decreased compared to those of the reference sample in the cone calorimetry test. VIDOP showed flame-retardant activities in both gaseous and condensed phases for the resin, while they didn't work well in the condensed phase for the composite. VIDOP/VER presented a little lower a glass transition temperature than VER with a relatively low crosslinking density, in which 1-vinylimidazoles covalently linked with the VER chain and the DOPO-derived group attached to the resin via ionic bonds. VIDOP/VER and the composite had better mechanical properties than the unmodified sample and outperform other systems in well-balanced performance.

An Evaluation of the English Teacher-Made Tests for the Fifth Preparatory Class of Iraqi Schools

Evaluation plays an enormous role in the teaching-learning process. It helps teachers and learners to improve teaching and learning. Evaluation is a continuous process and a periodic exercise. In learning, it contributes to formulation of objectives, designing of learning experiences and assessment of learners‟ performance. It is very useful to bring improvement in teaching and curriculum. It also provides accountability to the society, parents, and to the education system.A teacher-made test is one of the most valuable instruments in the hands of the teacher to achieve his purpose. It is designed to solve the problem or requirements of the class for which it is prepared and to measure the outcomes and content of local curriculum. It is very much flexible so that, it can be adopted to any procedure and material. It does not require any sophisticated technique for preparation. This study aims at: 1- identifying a set of criteria for efficient English teacher-made tests. 2- evaluating English teacher-made tests of the fifth preparatory class in the light of the criteria developed. The following procedures are followed in order to achieve these aims: 1.Designing a checklist which includes the most important criteria of efficient tests, namely: validity, reliability, practicality (scorability) and accuracy. 2-Selecting a sample of eighteen teacher-made tests for the fifth preparatory class.3-Evaluating the efficiency of the selected sample of teacher-made tests in terms of the identified criteria. 4-Interviewing a sample of EFL preparatory school teachers for revealing the reasons behind the errors that have been found in the evaluated test papers.The findings of the study identify a number of defects in teacher-made tests including, invalid questions, questions of low validity, affected reliability, affected scorability and inaccurate questions in punctuation and in grammar. Then the study ends up with some conclusions and recommendations for improving teacher-made tests.

Microstructural characterisation of creep tested advanced austenitic stainless steel super 304H

ABSTRACT Microstructural characterisation was performed on the gauge section of two creep rupture samples manufactured from Super 304H; an advanced austenitic stainless steel that is used as superheater and reheater tubes in power plants. The samples had been exposed to uniaxial creep tests (Sample A: 700°C and 75Mpa, Sample B: 650°C and 120Mpa) where both exhibited low creep ductility. Six phases were identified: MX (Nb-rich), sigma, Cu-rich, M23C6, modified Z phase and Fe (BCC). Quantification of Nb-rich and Cu-rich particles revealed ~10% and ~16% more Nb-rich and Cu-rich particles respectively in Sample A versus Sample B. The amount of sigma and the average particle size for the Nb and Cu-rich particles was similar for both samples. There appears to be an association between the sigma phase and creep cavities as shown in 2D microstructural characterisation which could have contributed to the low creep ductility exhibited by these two creep samples.

ELASTO-PLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF NATURALLY DEPOSITED CLAY DURING/AFTER SAMPLING

Changes in soil structure and overconsolidation in highly structured natural deposited clay as a result of sampling and setting in laboratory tests, together with their effects on the subsequent mechanical behavior, are numerically simulated in terms of unconventional elasto-plastic mechanics. To describe the mechanical behavior, a Super/subloading Yield Surface Cam-clay model is employed. This model allows a description of the decay of soil structure, loss/ increase of overconsolidation and evolution of anisotropy with ongoing plastic deformation from the process of the soil sampling through the unloading with swelling up to the subsequent tests. The sampled clay subjected to isotropic unloading and/or one-dimensional unloading with swelling down to the first stage of vertical loading level, displays a response to some degree, different from that of the soil at the original sampling site; for example, an overconsolidated sample subjected to isotropic unloading with swelling will display rewinding behavior in a subsequent undrained triaxial compression test, and secondary consolidation/delayed compression in a one-dimensional consolidation test. However, one-dimensional unloading with swelling, which is followed by one-dimensional compression test, will give better prediction of the in-situ consolidation yield stress than isotropic unloading. Artificially disturbed clay subjected to repeated undrained shearing after sampling suffers a significant loss of structure. This results in a drop in peak strength under subsequent monotonic undrained shearing tests, and in the compression index in one-dimensional compression tests, as described by Schmertmann.