Technology Facilities Research Articles

Facilely tuning the triazine-heptazine ratios in crystalline g-C3N4 for efficient photo-degradation of tylosin

Intrinsically, g-C3N4 has high-density defects, insufficient efficiencies of photogenerated charge carrier separation and transfer, and inadequate photocatalytic ability against antibiotics. A facile crystallinity engineering on g-C3N4 assisted by molten-salts and simultaneously fine-tuning the triazine-heptazine ratio led to forming type-II homojunctions, without introducing foreign atoms and being metal-free. It was successfully achieved through modulating the calcination temperatures and using KCl-LiCl. The salts accelerated deamination reaction kinetics, tuned the unit ratio, and improved the degree of carbon nitride polymerization. At a triazine-heptazine ratio of 74:26 obtained at 450 °C, 10 mg/L of tylosin was completely mitigated within 9 min by the catalyst. Active radicals including O2− and OH were boosted from charge carriers under visible light, and the recombination of photogenerated excitons was relieved on the interfaces of the homojunctions. Breaking glycosidic bonds and dropping off deoxyglycosyl moieties are considered the main degradation mechanism. The cytotoxicity and acute toxicity of the degradation product are classified as harmless. In addition, 3D-molecular docking between the transformation products and target proteins (L4 and L22) in ribosome confirms toxicity reduction. This work paves a way for efficient and harmless photocatalytic degradation of tylosin by facilely modulating the unit ratio and enhancing the crystallinity of carbon nitride without introducing foreign atoms.

Responses and Challenges of Indonesian Prospective Elementary Teachers Interacting with Australian Avatar Students

The quality of teaching is a critical factor in educational success, and innovative tools like SimLab offer promising opportunities for enhancement. This research aims to analyze how SimLab user responses contribute to the development of teaching skills among students and to identify the challenges encountered during its implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving bilingual PGSD students from Unesa as the subjects of the study. Data were collected through a combination of surveys, interviews, and observations, with analysis conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings indicate that SimLab significantly enhances various aspects of teaching proficiency, such as boosting self-confidence, improving the effectiveness of lesson delivery, engaging avatar students, interpreting avatar student body language and voice, providing constructive feedback, and fostering relationships with the avatars. However, the research also uncovers several challenges students face, including academic difficulties in adapting teaching methods to diverse student profiles, cultural obstacles related to the student's cultural adaptation, and technical challenges, such as unstable internet connections and limited technological facilities. The study concludes that while SimLab has substantial potential as a tool for preparing competent future educators, addressing these challenges is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.

Integrating Computer Science in Basic Education Curriculum: Enhancing Innovation and Sophistication for Global Competitiveness

In this study, the researcher investigated the perceptions of professional teachers in the Jolo municipality toward Integrating Computer Science into the Basic Education Curriculum (ICSBEC), including the teachers’ required capability on skills and experiences, pupils’ constructive learning and analytical thinking and technological resources, tools, and facilities to facilitate innovation and sophistication in global competitiveness. The findings showed an agreeable response with the chi-square tabular value , which means all professional teachers' perceptions of ICSBEC are about the same, dependent on the following: teachers’ capability on skills and experiences; pupils’ constructive learning and analytical thinking; and technological resources, tools, and facilities needed to meet the need for innovation and sophistication (great skills) in global competitiveness. The findings revealed strong overall support for integrating computer science into the basic educational curriculum, with a mean score of 4.447(185 or 88.94%). They indicated perceived skills and experiences needed for teachers to instruct pupils, with a mean score of 4.341 (180 or 86.54%), agreeing strongly. The constructive learning and analytical thinking skills, with a mean score of 4.515 (187 or 89.90%), strongly agreed. The availability of appropriate technological resources, tools, and facilities to prepare students for global competitiveness, with a mean score of 4.692 (195 or 93.75%), strongly agreed. These results showed positive evidence that the ICSBEC holds potential impacts in cultivating innovation and sophistication among students’ preparedness in a globalized world. The study employed a descriptive-evaluative approach. To gather quantitative data, the researcher utilized surveys distributed to 208 professional teachers and the FGD for qualitative data. The FGD was selected among the supervisors, principals and classroom advisers who possessed the information sought.

Oxygen vacancy defect engineering in MoO2/Mo-doped BiOCl Ohmic junctions for enhanced photocatalytic antibiotic elimination

Vacancy defect engineering is an effective strategy for improving photocatalytic activity, but controlling surface vacancies precisely remains a challenge. In this study, MoO2/Mo doped BiOCl (Mo-BiOCl) composites enriched with oxygen vacancies (OVs) were prepared by a facile defect engineering strategy with MoO2 hollow spheres as a precursor and molybdenum sources, where the slowly released Mo4+ ions in the reaction system resulted in the tailored formation of Mo-BiOCl. The optimized MoO2/Mo-BiOCl composite (BOM-3) demonstrated significantly improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency for Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) under visible light, with an apparent rate constant (k) 4.7 and 120 times higher than that of BiOCl and MoO2, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BOM-3 can be attributed to the presence of abundant OVs, which extend the light response range by creating intermediate defect level from OVs. Additionally, the formation of ohmic heterojunction between Mo-BiOCl and MoO2 with close interface contacts facilitates rapid separation of interfacial charge carries and efficient migration of photogenerated electrons from Mo-BiOCl to MoO2. The possible degradation pathway of TC using BOM-3 is proposed, and toxicity evaluation indicates that most intermediates have lower toxicity than TC. This work presents a straightforward approach for improving photocatalytic antibiotic degradation through the construction of a novel Ohmic-junction with tuned surface OVs.

Facile engineering of interactive double network hydrogels for heart valve regeneration

Regenerative heart valve prostheses are essential for treating valvular heart disease, which requested interactive materials that can adapt to the tissue remodeling process. Such materials typically involves intricate designs with multiple active components, limiting their translational potential. This study introduces a facile method to engineer interactive materials for heart valve regeneration using 1,1’-thiocarbonyldiimidazole (TCDI) chemistry. TCDI crosslinking forms cleavable thiourea and thiocarbamate linkages which could gradually release H2S during degradation, therefore regulates the immune microenvironment and accelerates tissue remodeling. By employing this approach, a double network hydrogel was formed on decellularized heart valves (DHVs), showcasing robust anti-calcification and anti-thrombosis properties post fatigue testing. Post-implantation, the DHVs could adaptively degrade during recellularization, releasing H2S to further support tissue regeneration. Therefore, the comprehensive endothelial cell coverage and notable extracellular matrix remodeling could be clearly observed. This accessible and integrated strategy effectively overcomes various limitations of bioprosthetic valves, showing promise as an attractive approach for immune modulation of biomaterials.

EXPERIENCE MUSEOLOGY AND EPHESUS EXPERIENCE MUSEUM

In the rapidly changing world of the 21st century, museums are not only places where exhibits are stored, but also turn into experience centers that offer more opportunities to their visitors. As a concept created by this transformation, the experience museum offers visitors the opportunity to interact not only by watching the works, but also by experiencing the artifacts and historical processes. In addition, in this process, concepts such as experience museology and immersive reality have emerged with the use of technological tools such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), AI (Artificial intelligence), hologram, simulation and 360-degree video mapping. With the technologies used in the Ephesus Experience Museum, an immersive environment has been created that appeals to the visual or auditory senses of the audience. While visiting the museum in this immersive environment, visitors also experience the historical process by listening to it through audio guides. In this article, by focusing on the museums developed in line with technological possibilities, the Ephesus Experience Museum was visited and examined in the context of experience museology, and the data obtained from the literature review were tried to be analyzed by comparing them with the experience museums in the west. A different exhibition atmosphere has been created with the technological facilities used in the Ephesus Experience Museum. Visitors' experience of the museum has also increased the information opportunities. At the same time, the deficiencies of the Ephesus Experience Museum have been identified. Celsus (Selçuk) Library, one of the important structures of the ancient city of Ephesus, and other historical buildings were not included in the storytelling, and this created a lack of stories. It is thought that this deficiency can be achieved with QR code or augmented reality applications.

Effectiveness of the Application of the Integrated Population Information System (Sintren) in the Issuance of Death Certificates at the Population and Civil Registration Office of Cirebon Regency

The Integrated Population Information System (SINTREN) is a collection of actions to organize and distribute death certificate documents and population data electronically or via the internet using existing technology, communication, and information facilities. The SINTREN system is used with the aim of providing convenience in population administration services related to death certificates in Cirebon Regency. This research aims to review whether the management of the application or website is able to cut the distance and time of users to be more efficient. The research employs a qualitative approach through observation, documentation, and observations, with a particular focus on informants who were directly involved in the application of the SINTEREN application for issuing death certificates. Data analysis was conducted using Budiani's theory of effectiveness, which includes evaluating the accuracy of program goals, the effectiveness of program socialization, the achievement of program objectives, and the monitoring mechanisms in place. The study contributes by analyzing and interpreting data collected from various sources, providing insights into its implementation, functionality, and impact on improving population and civil registration services. This study could help identify areas for improvement, enhance system efficiency, and inform future policy decisions regarding population information management in the region.

Navigating the Path to inclusive Education in Primary Schools in Arusha Region, Tanzania: A Descriptive-Correlational Study on Key Implementation Factors

This study navigated the path to inclusive education in primary schools in Arusha Region, Tanzania. The study used the descriptive correlational design. Out of the population of 14,881 stakeholders, the study had the sample size was 1,163 subject including 370 mainstream pupils, 278 mainstream teachers, 346 special needs learners and 169 special needs teachers. Sources of data were a questionnaire, an interview schedule, an observation schedule and Focus Group Discussions. Data analysis involved the thematic approach, descriptive statistics and regression analysis. While the running of inclusive education requires supporting tools and infrastructure, the schools did not have sufficient infrastructure and science and technology facilities to support the inclusive learning atmosphere. While primary schools had suitable classrooms, toilets, and playing grounds, the lighting, ventilation, and sound system were limited in quality. Based on the conclusions, the established shortcomings in infrastructure and technological equipment call for the school budget to include special education requirements. Finally, there is a need for schools to propagate appropriate cultural norms that cherish the value of humanity for both teachers and learners to respect special needs learners, providing necessary support for special needs learners to study comfortably without any discrimination.

Influence of Percentage Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Flexural Strength

Today's globe is seeing the creation of extremely complex and demanding civil engineering facilities. Being the most significant and commonly utilized material, concrete is frequently required to have extremely high strength and adequate workability qualities. In the field of concrete technology, attempts are being undertaken to create such concretes with unique qualities. Researchers worldwide are working to use fibers to create high-performance concretes. and other additives in concrete up to a specific percentage. This paper attempts to study the influence of the rate of glass fiber reinforcement in concrete on flexural strength. UTM tests are carried out to measure the strength of glass fiber- reinforced concrete beams. It was observed that there is considerable improvement in the flexural strength after adding glass fiber to concrete. Key Words: GFRC, Flexural Strength

Analysis of the effect of digital financial inclusion on agricultural carbon emissions in China

<p style="text-align:justify"><font _mstmutation="1">In the context of China's "dual carbon" goal, digital financial inclusion plays an important role in agricultural carbon reduction. Based on the provincial panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2012 to 2022, this paper analyzes the impact of digital financial inclusion on agricultural carbon emissions and its transmission mechanism. The results show that digital financial inclusion has a significant inhibitory effect on agricultural carbon emissions. From the perspective of mechanism, inclusive digital finance can reduce agricultural carbon emissions through the upgrading of agricultural industrial structure. In addition, in the mechanism of digital inclusive finance affecting agricultural carbon emissions, there is a threshold effect, and only when rural human capital is higher than a certain threshold, digital inclusive finance can show an inhibitory effect on agricultural carbon emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the multi-dimensional development of digital technology facilities, the development of digital inclusive finance and the upgrading of agricultural industrial structure, promote the green and low-carbon transformation of agriculture, comprehensively reduce agricultural carbon emissions, and realize the low-carbon and sustainable development of China's agriculture.</font></p>

Spatial distribution characteristics of relationship network of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal water engineering facilities based on Gephi

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, China’s oldest and most crucial water transportation project, ensures smooth operation and efficient water transportation through interconnected water engineering facilities. Studying the connections among the water engineering facilities of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is theoretically and practically significant for preserving and innovating canal heritage. Therefore, this study utilizes social network analysis to comprehensively examine the spatial connections and network status of water engineering facilities along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal across different channel structure. Gephi 0.10.1 was utilized in this study to construct a relational network of water engineering facilities along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, with each facility considered as a network node. By applying network analysis indices such as degree, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality, the correlation between water engineering facilities was thoroughly investigated. The study’s findings reveal that: (1) the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal possesses numerous overall network nodes with extensive coverage; however, its overall network density is relatively low, and the inter-node connection is weak. (2) Across the entire network, the spatial distribution of degree and betweenness centrality exhibits a clustered pattern. Their distribution patterns are centered on the Lake region section where Hongze Lake is located and the segment from Liucheng to Zhenjiang in the Lake region, the River transport confluence section, and the Nature river section, respectively. The spatial distribution characteristics of closeness centrality show a dispersed shape, with stronger areas mainly concentrated in the canal’s tributaries, especially the Nature river section, which shows more prominence. (3) Analyzed from a channel structure perspective, water engineering facilities in different sections assume distinct linking roles within the network. Facilities in the Lake region section play the strongest overall linkage role, partly due to its highest node proportion. Conversely, in the Nature river section, facilities primarily serve transshipment and direct connection functions, whereas in the River transport confluence section, they act mainly as intermediaries or “bridges”. Notably, water control facilities in the Nature river section and river engineering facilities in the River transport confluence section play pivotal driving roles in their respective sections, warranting special attention and protection as critical canal nodes.

Developing an institutional control framework for contaminated sites in China: An analytical case study

Institutional controls, as an important measure for risk management of contaminated sites, is widely used in site management by the United States, Canada and European countries. At present, some regions in China have also begun to explore the implementation of institutional controls, but its path, safeguard mechanism, and tracking evaluation are still unclear. Based on China's unique contaminated site remediation control system and land management system, this paper proposes a framework for the whole life cycle institutional controls of China's contaminated sites: (1) evaluate the need for institutional controls; (2) establish the objectives of institutional controls; (3) identify the restrictive requirements of institutional controls; (4) establish the implementation form of institutional controls; and (5) regularly review the effectiveness of institutional controls. To demonstrate the applicability of the institutional control framework, a case demonstration study was conducted at a petrochemical contaminated site in China. By analyzing the information on residual pollutants after the implementation of risk management measures at the site, the exposure pathways and hazards in case of re-release, and the engineering facilities, we proposed eight restrictive requirements, including the prohibition of disturbing and damaging the clean and planted soil layers of the site and the protection of long-term monitoring wells. At the same time, we constructed a multi-departmental pathway to implement institutional controls in conjunction with ecological environment, natural resources and housing departments to ensure effective implementation of institutional controls. Eventually, we summarized a set of replicable and generalizable institutional controls application models, which provide valuable theoretical and practical support for China and other local governments in the implementation of institutional controls at contaminated sites.

Teaching and Learning with Technology: Effectiveness of usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities in Public Primary Schools in Ondo State, Nigeria

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools is a worldwide requirements meant to replace traditional teaching methods with a technology- based teaching and learning tools and facilities which will assist teachers in their day to day activities of teaching, keeping of records among others. This study aims to analyze the importance of ICT usage to support teaching and learning process in the classroom and also to ascertain the Effectiveness of ICT usage for pupils learning. It also finds out the challenges of usage of ICT facilities in public primary Schools. The findings from the study revealed that computer and internet facilities affected the Educational system better than before. Usage of ICT facilities in public primary Schools will improve the teaching and learning process. The following challenges were revealed from the study: lack of technical support/ Skills, problem of electricity, network issues inadequate ICT facilities in schools among others. It was therefore recommended that the government should give utmost priority to training of teachers in ICT usage. ICT specialist should be recruited and posted to each public primary School to provide technical support to other members of staff, Electricity should be improved upon or solar panels to be provided to schools. Teachers and pupils should be provided with ICT facilities such as educational tablet to improve their ICT usage for teaching and learning.

Freeze-thaw landslide susceptibility assessment and its future development on the seasonally frozen ground of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under warming-humidifying climate

Exploring freeze-thaw landslide susceptibility on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) under warming-humidifying climate is greatly important for preventing and mitigating the risks of landslide hazards on engineering facilities. This study proposed a random forest-based freeze-thaw landslide susceptibility assessment model, where annual rainfall, annual average air temperature (AAAT), slope gradient, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), elevation, lithology, and plan curvature were fully considered. Selecting a study area of 324 km2 on the seasonally frozen ground (SFG) of QTP with 1059 freeze-thaw landslides, the model accuracy was validated. Low, moderate, high, and very high susceptibility zones were precisely classified, which accounted for 27.0, 27.5, 28.3, and 17.2%, respectively. Furthermore, its future development was explored under warming, humidifying, and warming-humidifying climates. Results indicated that when the AAAT or annual rainfall increased by 1.16 °C or 20 mm, both high and very high susceptibility zones increased by 2.0 or 1.0%, respectively. When AAAT and annual rainfall simultaneously increased by 1.16 °C and 20 mm, a higher increase in the high and very high susceptibility zones of 2.8% occurred. It was noteworthy that climate warming transitioned low and moderate susceptibility zones into high and very high susceptibility zones. These areas where freeze-thaw landslide susceptibility changed featured the AAAT of 4.29–6.15 °C, annual rainfall of 528.9–552.3 mm, slope gradient of 16–25°, and elevation of 3750-3940 m. Compared to climate warming, the humidifying climate and warming-humidifying climate expanded moderate susceptibility zones, and areas where freeze-thaw landslide susceptibility changed featured the gentler slope gradients of 8–16°. This study can provide a better guidance for safe engineering constructions influenced by freeze-thaw landslides on the QTP.

Variation in diagnostic methods, criteria, and treatment for chronic endometritis: A nationwide survey in Japan.

To investigate variation in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic endometritis (CE) at the national level in Japan. We performed a nationwide survey targeting all assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities across Japan between 2021 and 2022. Diagnostic methods, criteria, and first- and second-line treatment protocols for CE were collected via a questionnaire. Among 616 ART facilities, 437 responded to the survey (response rate: 70.9%) of which 339 (77.6%) implemented diagnosis and treatment of CE. In the diagnosis of CE, 214 (63.1%) facilities used CD138 immunohistochemical staining of endometrial tissue, while hysteroscopy was the most frequently used as an adjunct diagnostic method (241 facilities, 71.1%). The most frequent cutoff value of CD138-positive cells for diagnosing CE was 3-5 cells/20 high-power fields (50%), but 7.9% (17 facilities) and 5.1% (11 facilities) used cutoff values of 1 and 2 cells, respectively. The most common first- and second-line treatment methods were doxycycline (210 facilities, 61.9%) and ciprofloxacin + metronidazole (164 facilities, 48.0%), respectively. There is considerable variation in the number of CD138-positive cells used for diagnosing CE. Establishing unified diagnostic criteria and therapeutic methods for CE is essential to provide standardized medicine for CE at the national level.

Impact of Jet Fires on Steel Structures: Application of Passive Fire Protection Materials

Jet fires are the second most common fire scenario after spill fires. This type of fire is characteristic of gas and gas–oil fires occurring on oil platforms and gas production and processing plants. The consequences of such fires are characterized by high material damage; this is associated with extensive networks of technological communications, since there is a high density of technological facilities and installations in the territory where these fires occur. At such facilities, there is a large number of steel structures, which under the action of high temperature quickly lose their strength and deform. To protect steel structures in the oil and gas industry, fire protection is used, which consists of different types: boards in the form of flat plates, plasters, and epoxy paints. This paper compares three types of fire protection materials for steel structures under jet fire: board fireproofing, plaster composition, and epoxy coating. When comparing the efficiency in jet fire, cement boards were found to be the best. However, despite the better fire protection efficiency, their low application is expected due to their massiveness and the high cost of such protection and the difficulty of installation. Nevertheless, the development of fire depends on the place of its origin, the size of the initial fire zone, and the stability and massiveness of the metal elements of the vessel structure or the structure of the boards on which the equipment can be placed. Therefore, it is necessary to take these factors into account when selecting fire protection and to apply it depending on the required fire resistance limits of structures, which should be determined depending on the fire development scenarios.

Depletion Flocculation of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsion Inks: A Colloidal Engineering Approach to Develop 3D Printed Porous Scaffolds with Tunable Bioactive Delivery.

Flocculation is a type of aggregation where the surfaces of approaching droplets are still at distances no closer than a few nanometers while still remaining in close proximity. In a high internal-phase oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, the state of flocculation affects the bulk flow behavior and viscoelasticity, which can consequently control the three-dimensional (3D)-printing process and printing performance. Herein, we present the assembly of O/W Pickering high-internal-phase emulsions (Pickering-HIPEs) as printing inks and demonstrate how depletion flocculation in such Pickering-HIPE inks can be used as a facile colloidal engineering approach to tailor a porous 3D structure suitable for drug delivery. Pickering-HIPEs were prepared using different levels of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), co-stabilized using "raw" submicrometer-sized sustainable particles from a biomass-processing byproduct. In the presence of this sustainable particle, the higher CNC contents facilitated particle-induced depletion flocculation, which led to the formation of a mechanically robust gel-like ink system. Nonetheless, the presence of adsorbed particles on the surface of droplets ensured their stability against coalescence, even in such a highly aggregated system. The gel structures resulting from the depletion phenomenon enabled the creation of high-performance printed objects with tunable porosity, which can be precisely controlled at two distinct levels: first, by introducing voids within the internal structure of filaments, and second, by generating cavities (pore structures) through the elimination of the water phase. In addition to printing efficacy, the HIPEs could be applied for curcumin delivery, and in vitro release kinetics demonstrated that the porous 3D scaffolds engineered for the first time using depletion-flocculated HIPE inks played an important role in 3D scaffold disintegration and curcumin release. Thus, this study offers a unique colloidal engineering approach of using depletion flocculation to template 3D printing of sustainable inks to generate next-generation porous scaffolds for personalized drug deliveries.

Factors Inhibiting Persuasive Communication of Agricultural Extension Workers Through Internet Media in Accelerating Information Dissemination in Farmer Women Groups in Ponorogo Regency, Indonesia

The development of digital information technology today allows the use of various media for agricultural extension. The internet has become an important medium in disseminating information, including for agricultural extension workers and farmer women groups. Agricultural extension workers have a crucial role in conveying information persuasively and are expected to utilize internet media to support their tasks and accelerate the dissemination of information to farmers. This study examines the obstacles in persuasive communication carried out by agricultural extension workers using internet media to accelerate the dissemination of information to Farmer Women Groups in Ponorogo Regency. The method used is qualitative descriptive with data analysis through in-depth interviews and participatory observation. The informants in this study consisted of agricultural extension workers and members of farmer women groups in Babadan District. The results of the study showed that there were technical obstacles such as lack of technological facilities and uneven internet access, as well as time limitations due to the dual roles of group members. Low digital literacy is also an obstacle, influenced by age, low education, and lack of technological experience. Behavioral barriers include a preference for in-person counseling and age stereotypes, where older members lack confidence in using technology. The influence of the social environment also plays a role. The suggested solutions include increasing digital literacy, improving technological infrastructure, and handling stereotypes and negative social influences to increase the effectiveness of counseling.

Crack coalescence prediction and load-bearing mechanism of defective specimen based on computer vision recognition model

The coalescence of cracks in rock, triggered by external stress or geological activities, plays a pivotal role in determining the mechanical properties and stability of rock structures. Consequently, the prediction method of crack coalescence become critical tools in ensuring the safety and stability of geotechnical engineering facilities. In this paper, based on the strain field data obtained by digital image correlation (DIC), a set of programs was developed to automatically identify the values and percentage changes of different strain intervals in the strain field of the specimen. Then, a computer vision recognition (CVR) model is established to study the process and prediction of crack coalescence in sandstone specimens with open flaws. This method overcomes the limitations, subjectivity and unpredictability of the traditional method of identifying cracks through artificial vision. The results show that the increase of the flaw width causes the displacement trend to be squeezed and deflected along the width direction, thereby changing the angle of crack initiation and exhibiting different forms of crack coalescence. The increase in the inclination angle of the flaw leads to an increase in the effective compressive area (ECA) of sandstone, and the magnitude of ECA is positively correlated with the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the sandstone. Additionally, the CVR model identifies two types of numerical fluctuation signals before crack coalescence, namely the plastic characteristic signal (PCS) in the early stage of the experiment and the early-warning signal (EWS) near the period of crack coalescence, where EWS can be used as a predictive signal for crack coalescence. The research results provide a new algorithm technical support for the process analysis and prediction of crack coalescence, and provide a basis for early warning of rock mass engineering disasters.

Influence of Information Communication and Technology in Teaching of Senior Secondary School Students in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The research is based on the influence of information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities in teaching senior secondary school students and the challenges encountered in the use of the facilities. The use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in learning institutions is an order of the day in various parts of the world. The study examined the availability, functionality and utilization of ICT facilities for effective teaching by the teachers. The study adopted descriptive research design of the survey type which was questionnaire based. Findings from the study show that there are provisions for ICT facilities in the schools and there are provisions for studying staff development in ICT. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.