Digital Commons Network^™

Discourse In Youth Organizations Functioning In Poland: Constructing A Platform For Dialogue, Magdalena Cuprjak, Celina Czech-Włodarczyk

The Qualitative Report

Our research explores the degree to which youth organizations serve as platforms for open dialogue and examines how their discourse aligns with established principles of dialogism, as articulated by van Dijk (2001), Bakhtin (1982), and the 'authentic turn' concept proposed by Ostrowska (2017). In conducting this study, we anticipated finding variability in communication styles, expecting that some organizations—particularly those affiliated with the Polish Council of Youth Organizations (PROM)—would promote more inclusive, dialogic interactions. Conversely, we suspected that groups outside PROM, especially nationalist organizations like the All-Polish Youth, might display more exclusionary or ideologically driven messaging. Our expectations were rooted in …

Determination Of Latitude And Longitude Using Solar Radiation Simulation, Atif Idrees, Naeem Sadiq, Syed A. Hassan

Makara Journal of Science

Solar radiation is an important energy source needed by the Earth and its inhabitants. Solar radiation is divided into three components: direct beam solar radiation (BSR), diffuse solar radiation (DSR), and global solar radiation (GSR). The solar flux received at different locations on Earth depends on geographic coordinates, particularly latitude and longitude, as well as the reference meridian used for solar time calculations. In this study, we developed a solar radiation simulator in a spreadsheet incorporating spin buttons. The simulator can simulate all three types of solar radiation. The spin buttons control and vary the values of latitude and longitude …

Enhancing The Barrier And Mechanical Properties Of Kraft Paper For Food Packaging Using Poly (Lactic Acid) Coatings Via Dip-Coating Technique, Putu Hadi Setyarini

Makara Journal of Science

Moisture-resistant kraft paper is important for food packaging because it helps preserve product quality and extend shelf life. However, untreated kraft paper exhibits limited barrier performance owing to the porous and hydrophilic nature of its cellulose structure. Herein, the mechanical and barrier properties of kraft paper were enhanced by applying poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coatings using a dip-coating technique with PLA concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 g/100 mL and either single- or double-dip-coating cycles. The results showed that increasing the PLA concentration and applying a double dip-coating treatment consistently improved coating thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water resistance, …

Iterative Evolution And Innovation Of Simulation-Based Experimental Teaching In Software Engineering, Jun Guo, Yixian Liu, Lianbo Ma, Jian Liu, Chunyan Xu

Journal of System Simulation

In view of the structural disconnection between talent training and industry needs caused by the limitations of traditional computer experiment teaching in scenario authenticity, technological frontier, interdisciplinary integration, and student subjectivity, this paper proposed and practiced a new simulation-based experimental teaching system deeply integrating Chinese educational wisdom. Taking "incremental progress and learning by guided inquiry" as the core philosophy, through a four-in-one paradigm transformation of "task modularization, scenario virtualization, technological frontier, and integration deepening", this paper promoted the teaching to shift from closed skill verification to open engineering innovation and constructed a complete implementation path including "closed-loop iterative teaching process" …

Robot Friction Force Compensation Algorithm Integrating Temperature And Speed Factors, Jinwang Lü, Ankai Ying, Ming Li, Tao Song, Jie Zhang, Fanghui Qiu, Changcheng Shi, Guokun Zuo, Jialin Xu

Journal of System Simulation

Insufficient friction force compensation accuracy degrades motion smoothness, stability, and assistive compliance of elbow joint rehabilitation robots. To address this issue, an improved Stribeck friction force model integrating temperature and speed factors was proposed. The model employed an exponentially decaying friction factor to describe the characteristic that the increase rate of friction force slowed down with the rise of the robot's operating speed and designed a viscous function considering temperature effects to suppress friction force fluctuations caused by temperature changes. Experimental results indicate that the model achieves stable friction force compensation under different operating states of the robot and has …

Tea Polyphenol-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticle-Boron-Doped Diamond Nanoparticles For Theophylline Electrochemical Detection, Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, Adira Ainun Tsalsabilla, Angellita Wijaya Gunawan, Siti Wafiroh, Mohammad Kalimanjaro, Mai Tomisaki

Makara Journal of Science

Drug theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but precise monitoring is required to avoid side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a composite of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and boron-doped diamond nanoparticles using tea polyphenols (Ag-BDDTP/SPE) for detecting theophylline. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which showed a localized surface plasmon resonance peak at ~450 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed polydisperse nanoparticles with an average diameter of 39.94 nm. During the electrochemical detection of theophylline, square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was employed to evaluate signal-to-background (S/B) …

Mutation Screening For Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Dried Blood Spotted On In-House Cellulose-Based Cards, Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya, Farda Tsaqouva Ahza, Annisa Naufal Almaszahra, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra

Makara Journal of Science

Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). …

Phenomenological Dynamical Mean-Field Theory Of Temperature-Dependent Optical Conductivity And Metal-Insulator Transition In La0.7ca0.3mno3, Listiana Satiawati, Adam Badra Cahaya, Eddwi Hesky Hasdeo, Muhammad Aziz Majidi, Anto Sulaksono, Andrivo Rusydi

Makara Journal of Science

As an extension of our previous theoretical study, we perform temperature-dependent optical conductivity calculations on La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃ over a wide photon-energy range up to ∼22 eV, aiming to capture the metal–insulator transition while preserving the general temperature-dependent profile at higher photon energies. The system is modeled with simple Mn–O coordination via the tight-binding method, where some hopping integrals are considered functions of magnetization. Upon incorporating the static Jahn–Teller effect with Coulomb–Hubbard and magnetic exchange interactions, with the exception of a quantitative difference in the calculated of  K versus the experimental value (260 K) and discrepancies in …

Multiplex Pcr Assay To Distinguish Porcine And Non-Porcine Meats In Processed Foods Using Specific Primers From Nadh Dehydrogenase And Atp Synthase Gene, Kristianto Nugroho, Amalia Prihaningsih, Rerenstradika Tizar Terryana, Slamet Diah Volkandari, Mastur Mastur, Puji Lestari

Makara Journal of Science

Food safety issues, such as food adulteration between halal and non-halal meats, are among the most serious problems in Muslim countries like Indonesia. Food adulteration produces a mixture of products that cannot be detected visually by customers, and it could lead to several social and health problems. The availability of a detection method that can disti-nguish between porcine and non-porcine meats is very important, particularly one that can be utilized in small-scale labo-ratories. The aim of this study was to design and optimize species-specific primers that could distinguish between porcine and non-porcine meats in processed foods by utilizing NADH Dehydrogenase …

Lafe0.925ti0.075o3 Perovskite Coated With Ethyl Cellulose: A High-Stability, Low-Hysteresis Platform For Advanced Humidity Sensing, Akhmad Futukhillah Fataba Alaih, Djoko Triyono, Rifqi Almusawi Rafsanjani

Makara Journal of Science

Humidity sensors are pivotal in numerous sectors, such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and health-care. This study presents the fabrication and detailed evaluation of an advanced humidity sensor using ethyl cellulose (EC)-coated LaFe_0.925Ti_0.075O₃ (LFTO) perovskite nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. The LFTO nanopar-ticles exhibited a mesoporous structure with an enhanced surface area, which significantly improved their moisture adsorption capabilities. The innovative application of EC coating addresses critical substrate adhesion issues, enhancing mechanical stability without compromising sensor sensitivity. Comprehensive performance evaluations revealed minimal hysteresis (

Performance Of A Fertilizer Sludge Contaminated With Heavy Metals Collected From Two Wastewater Treatment Plants On (Lactuca Sativa), Leila Lila Belkhedim, Yamina Tahri

Makara Journal of Science

The improper management of sewage sludge poses a significant global risk to environmental and public health. In this study, the valorization of sludge as an organic fertilizer for lettuce cultivation was evaluated, offering a sustainable waste-to-resource solution. Sludge from two wastewater treatment plants (Mazouna and El Kerma) were collected between 2019 and 2021. Comprehensive physicochemical analysis was conducted to determine its nutrient value and contaminant levels. In addition, the efficacy and safety of the fertilizer were assessed by measuring lettuce growth and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues. The analyzed sludge, with an organic matter content of 9.91%–83% …

Microplastic Analysis In Fish Larvae (Family: Gonostomatidae And Myctophidae) From The Banggai Sea, Indonesia, Noer Kholis, Luqman Ilyas Ardito, Luqmanul Hakim, Augy Syahailatua, Agus Saleh Atmadipoera, Rina Zuraida, Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar, Mufti Petala Patria

Makara Journal of Science

Microplastic pollution is recognized as a threat to marine ecosystems, yet its impacts on early life stages of mesopelagic fishes remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic ingestion in fish larvae of the families Myctophidae and Gonostomatidae from the Banggai Sea, Indonesia. Morphometric measurements and microplastic content were analyzed in 40 larvae (20 per family). Gonostomatidae larvae, despite being smaller in total length, exhibited significantly larger mouth widths and ingested more microplastic particles (mean = 3.90 ± 0.72 particles) than Myctophidae (mean = 3.40 ± 0.38 particles). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between morphometric …

In Silico And Toxicological Evaluation Of Crescentia Cujete Aqueous Extract: Potential Anticancer Activity Against Breast Cancer, Rahma Diyan Martha, Fatimah Fatimah, Syahputra Wibowo, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Josephine Elizabeth Siregar, Elisabeth Farah Novita Coutrier, Alfia Fitrianita, Andri Pramesyanti Pramono, Ita Margaretha Nainggolan, Yudhi Nugraha, Danar Danar, Naufal Abiyyu, Lalu Unsunnidhal, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Hesty Parbuntari, Wimbuh Tri Widodo

Makara Journal of Science

Majapahit plant (Crescentia cujete), commonly found in Indonesia, has not been extensively explored for its medicinal properties. Given that many cancer treatments are derived from plants, this study aimed to examine the effects of plants on cancer chemical composition of the C. cujete fruit pulp extract, identify its primary compounds, and assess its potential as an antioxidant, anticancer agent, particularly for breast cancer. An insilico approach was used to evaluate the toxicity and interactions, of the compounds with cancer biomarker proteins, in addition to an in vivo Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) for BSLT, toxicity screening using six …

Morphometric And Genetic Analyses Of The Sheat Catfish Genus Ompok And Kryptopterus (Siluriidae) From The Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indone-Sia, Jusmaldi Jusmaldi, Rudhy Gustiano, Haryono Haryono, Rusdianto Rusdianto, Gema Wahyudewantoro, Syahroma Husni Nasution, Yulianto Yulianto, Muhammad Hunaina Fariduddin Aththar, Safar Dody, Amran Ronny Syam, Irin Iriana Kusmini, Yosmaniar Yosmaniar

Makara Journal of Science

Anthropogenic impacts within the watershed threaten the survival of sheat catfish. Therefore, species of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus should be conserved and domesticated to ensure their long-term persistence. Moreover, the accurate documentation of the existence and taxonomic validity of Ompok and Kryptopterus species is crucial. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the species diversity of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study was conducted between June and December 2014, with an update in August 2024. Fish samples were collected from the upstream and middle reaches of the Mahakam River. A total of …

Screening For The Suitable Signal Peptide For Secreted Nattokinase Expression In E. Coli Using An In Silico Approach: Precursor Vs. Mature Forms, Dewi Purwani Caya Ningsih, Kartika Sari Dewi, I Wayan Martadi Santika, Ade Andriani, Joko Pebrianto Trinugroho, Muhammad Yusuf

Makara Journal of Science

Nattokinase (NK), an enzyme with thrombolytic activity, has been widely used in treating cardiovascular disease. The expression of NK in the E. coli cell host is favored due to its several benefits, though it often results in inclusion bodies. Appropriate signal peptides can be attached to the N-terminus of a protein to initiate a secretory expression system, thus preventing the nascent protein from aggregating in the cytoplasm. This study aimed to identify suitable signal peptides for the secretory expression of active NK in E. coli and to investigate the impact of pre-protein in NK secretion using an in silico approach. …

Unraveling The Role Of Tree Species Diversity In Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study Of Ecuadorian Tropical Forests, Carlos Alfredo Salas-Macías, Ezequiel Zamora-Ledezma, Karime Montes-Escobar, Grover García-Saltos, Jerry Toth, Moises Tenorio-Mendoza, Juan Manuel Moreira-Castro, María Belen Vinces-Obando, Luis David Balarezo-Saltos

Makara Journal of Science

To address climate change, a crucial environmental challenge, strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential. This study examines the relationship between tree species diversity, aboveground biomass (AGB), and carbon storage across tropical forests. The research was carried out in the Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve and the Bosque Seco Lalo Loor Ecological Reserve in northwestern Ecuador, using 16 sample plots across five forest types: Mature Moist Forest (MMF), Cloud Forest (CLF), Early Succession Forest (ESF), Tropical Dry Forest (TDF), and Mature Semi-Deciduous Forest (MSF). To obtain indices of diversity and evenness, individual species were measured within plots, along with assessments of …

Ecological Patterns Of Culture-Recoverable Entomopathogenic Fungi From The Maize Rhizosphere Across Three Elevation Zones In West Java, Indonesia, Lilian Rizkie, Tjandra Anggraeni, I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, Agus Susanto

Makara Journal of Science

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important components of soil ecosystems and may support sustainable pest management in agricultural systems. This study characterized culture-recoverable EPF in maize (Zea mays L.) rhizospheric soils collected from 45 points across three elevation zones in West Java, Indonesia, using a spatially nested sampling design. Fungi were isolated by insect baiting with Tenebrio molitor larvae and direct soil plating. The isolates recovered were assigned to genera based on colony morphology and microscopic characteristics. Four EPF genera— Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Beauveria, and Metarhizium—were detected, with 34/45 samples (75.6%) positive for at least one recoverable …

Voces Rurales: Understanding The Latina Rural College Student Experience, April Mazón

The Rural Educator

This article integrates research with lived experiences to explore the educational and career transitions of Latina rural college students and the unique challenges they encounter in navigating higher education and the workforce. Drawing on the phenomenological study “Voces Rurales: Examining Latina Rural College Student Experiences in Navigating Transitions from College to Career or Post-Baccalaureate Studies,” which coupled semi-structured interviews and photo elicitation methodology, this article highlights the critical intersection of rurality, gender, and ethnicity in higher education. The study focused on Latina undergraduate students in a rural border county with two institutions of higher education: a community college and a …

Bullying Prevalence And Persistence In Rural And Urban Settings, Eric Landers, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Monika Krah, Meredith A. Rausch

The Rural Educator

Bullying is a serious issue in schools, affecting students’ physical health, academic performance, and mental well-being. It involves repeated, intentional aggression—physical, verbal, social, or online—that creates a power imbalance between the bully and the victim. Over time, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and even criminal behavior. Bullying varies by environment. Urban schools may see more peer aggression due to social instability, while rural schools face challenges like social isolation and unique power dynamics. Rural students face higher and more persistent bullying and repeated incidents at a higher rate than their urban peers. A growing concern is …

Redefining Rural: A Strengths-Based Framework For Enhancing Educational Policy And Practice, Dawn A. Rowe, Michele A. Schutz, Hilary E. Travers, Jon Borland

The Rural Educator

The lack of a consistent definition of “rural” in education research and policy limits equitable decision making and resource allocation for rural schools. This exploratory study used a Policy Delphi approach to elicit expert and practitioner perspectives on how rural can be conceptualized through the rural cultural wealth framework. Twenty participants across 13 states identified and refined factors shaping educational decision making in rural contexts. Results revealed strong agreement that socioeconomic status, rural culture, and community engagement are central to defining rurality. Participants’ preferred definitions emphasized familial, social, and aspirational capital, highlighting how community cohesion and resilience shape educational opportunities. …

Barriers And Solutions To Effective Mental Health Services In Rural Schools: A Delphi Study, Rawn Boulden, Anna Simmons

The Rural Educator

In response to a gap in the literature, this study examined barriers and solutions to effective school-based mental health services and supports in schools. Using a Delphi methodology with a panel of 30 rural educators (i.e., school counselors, teachers, and administrators), the study identified 126 consensus statements across multiple domains. Findings highlight systemic challenges such as workforce shortages, stigma, limited access to services, and structural inequities. Participants also proposed actionable strategies, including expanding school-based mental health staffing, fostering community partnerships, and integrating social-emotional learning into classroom practices. These results offer practical, research-informed guidance for strengthening mental health infrastructure in rural …

Resourcefulness, Ingenuity, And Community Strengths In Meeting Rural Youth Mental Health Needs: A Multiple Case Study, Aaron Leo, Jessie Tobin, Paul Guay, Kristen Campbell Wilcox

The Rural Educator

This study investigated how 133 educators in six rural schools experience and address youth mental health challenges and the adaptations they use to meet students’ needs. Interview and focus group data were examined through the lens of rural community wealth to draw attention to the ways educators support their students and the resources on which they draw in their efforts. Findings illustrate that rural educators shift to providing as many services to students as possible on their school campuses; increase the capacity of staff members to address students’ mental health through targeted professional development and training; and integrate social-emotional learning …

Challenges And Opportunities In Rural Education: The Case Of La Araucanía, Chile, Katerin Arias-Ortega, Viviana Villarroel

The Rural Educator

The article reports on the challenges that rural education has been facing in La Araucanía, Chile, from the perspective of Mapuche parents. The study’s methodology was qualitative and involved Mapuche families who sent their children to rural, single-teacher schools located in an Indigenous context. The findings indicate that Mapuche mothers perceive the education that their children receive in rural schools to be of lower academic quality. Furthermore, they acknowledge that rural education receives less economic support than education in urban settings, which creates a disadvantage for Indigenous and peasant children. This disparity limits their ability to acquire the same resources …

Who Gets Closed? Twenty Years Of Access-Restricting School Closures In Arkansas, Mara C. Tieken, Christine Murray

The Rural Educator

Many states are facing dropping enrollments, budget shortfalls, and pandemic-era learning loss, and, looking to maximize efficiency and strengthen academics, they are considering district consolidation and school closure. Yet school closure is a highly contested issue, and research suggests that closure can harm students and communities. This study used discrete time survival analysis to investigate the demographic and institutional factors associated with access-restricting closures of rural schools in Arkansas from the 2003–2004 school year to the 2022–2023 school year. We looked at these closures—nearly all of them preceded by district consolidation due to under-enrollment or academic or fiscal sanction—to explore …

Updates To The Definition Of Rural, Daniel Showalter

The Rural Educator

First appearing in “Why Rural Matters 2025: People, Place, and Possibility,” this essay explains how changes to U.S. Census Bureau definitions of “urban” after the 2020 census have significantly reshaped which school districts and schools are classified as rural. These updates—such as raising population thresholds and redefining density—have led to many districts shifting classifications, with far more becoming newly rural than leaving that category. As a result, rural student counts have increased substantially, although this increase mostly reflects reclassification rather than demographic change. These shifts have important implications for funding, research, and policy decisions related to rural education.

Deep Analysis In Excel Without Vba: Creating Transparent Portable User-Defined Functions With =Lambda, Tom Arnold, Timothy Falcon Crack

Finance Faculty Publications

Please note that this paper has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Wealth Management and hence only the abstract is currently available here.

You can exploit your current knowledge of Excel's formula language to build customized Excel functions. These user-defined functions are so fast and transparent that they may be useful for validating AI answers or replacing them altogether. You can now use loops that previously required VBA or JavaScript. The functions use Excel's new =LAMBDA and =MAKEARRAY functions. You can assign personalized names to functions and their input variables, and they are portable between Workbooks. We present …

His Brother's Keeper: Examining The Relationship Between Social Support Within The Black Barbershop And Help-Seeking Behaviors Among African American Men, Diarra Jana'e Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This study sought to examine the role the Black barbershop environment may play in lessening the gap between mental-health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among African American men. It is the first to examine the impact of peer-support received in the Black barbershop in comparison to a traditional medical setting on referral follow-through among this demographic. Black men experience significant physical health disparities in comparison to all other race-sex demographic groups in the United States. These health disparities are often due to systemic inequities like lack of access to health care, cost of care, and a lack of insurance. With much …

Contextualized Classroom Management For Local Philippine Higher Education: A Faculty-Driven Framework, Jestoni Pueblos Babia

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

Higher education classroom management is now recognized as an essential policy and pedagogical issue, especially in the Philippines, where local universities serve the diverse needs of Generation Z students. Participatory Action Research with 50 faculty members from a local university supports this study in developing a faculty-driven classroom management framework. Guided by Bandura's social learning theory, this framework emphasizes student involvement, restorative discipline, inclusion, digital integration, teacher leadership and institutional support. It draws on learning theory, Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory, and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, among others. Results indicate that systems combining faculty creativity with consistent …

Building Trustworthy Information Systems: A Unified Framework For Comparative Risk Detection, Parisa Momeni

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Risk detection in large scale information systems increasingly depends on heterogeneous data generatedby both centralized and distributed ecosystems. While centralized systems provide curated and validated reports, distributed environments produce large-scale and real-time observational evidence. Existing computational approaches analyze these ecosystems in isolation, limiting systematic comparison of risk repre-sentations across heterogeneous sources.

This dissertation presents a unified computational framework for comparative risk detection across centralized and distributed information systems. The framework provides a domain independent methodology for transforming heterogeneous risk reporting data into comparable multidimensional representations. To enable interpretable comparison of heterogeneous risk distributions, this work introduces the Geometric Overlap Score …

Factors Influencing Attitudes Toward Transgender Army National Guard Personnel And Policy, Michelle Lyn Branch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.