Thermodynamic and Transport Excess Properties of Ethyl Benzoate + 2-Methyl-2-Propanol Binary Mixtures At (303.15–318.15) K

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Excess thermodynamic and transport properties of binary liquid mixtures composed of ethyl benzoate (X₁) and 2-methyl-2-propanol (X₂) were measured over the entire composition range at four temperatures: 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15 K at atmospheric pressure. Experimental properties including excess molar volume (Vᵉ), excess isentropic compressibility (Δβₐd), viscosity deviations (Δη), excess free length (Lᵉ), excess surface tension (πᵉ), excess acoustic impedance (Zᵉ), excess enthalpy (Hᵉ), excess Gibbs free energy (Gᵉ), and ultrasonic velocity (U) were systematically evaluated. The results indicate consistently negative Vᵉ, Δβₐd, and Δη values across all compositions and temperatures, with magnitudes that reach minima near equimolar composition, suggesting strong specific interactions between unlike molecules, especially dipole–dipole and hydrogen bonding effects. Temperature rise generally reduces the magnitude of excess properties, indicative of diminished molecular interactions and structural organization at elevated thermal energy. All excess functions were correlated using the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation, demonstrating excellent fit quality and enabling estimation of binary interaction parameters. The observed trends in excess enthalpy and Gibbs free energy reveal significant non-ideal behavior, likely due to disruption of self-association in 2-methyl-2-propanol clusters upon mixing with aromatic ester molecules. Comparisons with literature reveal qualitative agreement with related binary systems involving esters and alcohols, confirming the reliability of the measured data. Overall, this study provides comprehensive thermodynamic insights into molecular interactions in ester-alcohol mixtures, supporting improved modeling of solution behavior relevant to industrial and formulation applications.

Improving the Qualitative Detection of Porous Silicon Using CdO NPs

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This research describes a successful fabrication process for CdO NPs using pulsed laser ablation. It also describes a photodetector with heterojunction. A rapid analysis of the morphological, structural, and optical properties was performed. The production of cadmium oxide thin films was confirmed through structural and morphological characterization. The nanofilms were 10.84 nm thick. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a match with the material used. The surface properties and shape of the cadmium oxide were analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The laser ablation process produced very small, regularly arranged, hemispherical, pointed, and uniformly distributed nanoparticles with few single columns. The detector’s response spectrum showed good selectivity for detecting visible and near-infrared light. Therefore, CdO NPs could be a promising candidate material for photovoltaic applications.

Analysis Students’ Critical Thinking Ability in Solving Ratio Problems

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Critical thinking is one of the skills needed in the 21st century. Critical thinking skills are very important for students to have because with critical thinking skills, students can solve various problems. This study aims to describe students’ critical thinking skills in solving problems related to ratios. This study is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques used in this study were tests and questionnaires. This study involved 30 students in class VII-E at SMPN 1 Panti Jember. Data analysis techniques were carried out by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The data validity technique used triangulation methods. The test used in this study consisted of three questions. The results showed that the critical thinking skills of students were predominantly in the medium and low category.  Many students in class VIIE have high, medium, and low critical thinking skills, with 10, 12, and 8 students, respectively. Students with high critical thinking skills meet the criteria of focus, reason (R1 and R3), inference, clarity, situation, and overview. However, they still fall short on the criterion of reason (R2). Students with moderate critical thinking skills meet the criteria of focus, reason, situation, and clarity, but fall short on the criteria of reason (R2), clarity, inference, and overview. Students with low critical thinking skills meet criteria of focus, but still fall short on the criteria of reason, inference, situation, clarity, overview and therefore need improvement in all areas. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that learning methods, approaches, or models that can accustom students to critical thinking be implemented, or that learning tools that can improve critical thinking skills be applied.

Association Between Screen Time Duration and the Incidence of Dry Eye Syndrome Among Educational Staff at Nusa Cendana University

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Background: The rising intensity of digital device use in daily activities contributes to prolonged screen time, which may disrupt tear film stability through reduced blink frequency and increased evaporation. Educational staff represent a high-risk group due to the sedentary nature of their work and prolonged screen exposure in air-conditioned environments that can exacerbate ocular surface disturbances.

Objective: To assess the association between screen time duration and the occurrence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) among educational staff at the University of Nusa Cendana.

Methods: This analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted from September to October 2025. A total of 54 respondents were selected using cluster random sampling. Screen time duration was measured using the Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ), while DES symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman Rank test.

Results: Most respondents reported a moderate level of screen time exposure (46.3%) and normal ocular status based on OSDI (50%). However, 24.1% of respondents were identified as having severe DES. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation of moderate strength between screen time duration and DES severity (p = 0.003; r = 0.400). Respondents with high and very high screen time exposure tended to exhibit more severe symptomatic manifestations.

Conclusion: Screen time duration is significantly associated with the severity of Dry Eye Syndrome among educational staff. Interventions such as scheduled visual breaks and ergonomic adjustments in the workplace are recommended to reduce the risk of ocular surface disorders.

Development of Interactive Lift-The-Flap-Book Media Based on Deep Learning Principles to Enhance Elementary Students’ Reading Comprehension

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This study aimed to develop and examine the validity and effectiveness of a Lift-The-Flap-Book learning medium based on deep learning principles to improve elementary school students’ reading comprehension skills in historical narrative texts. The study was motivated by students’ difficulties in understanding abstract historical texts due to the dominant use of conventional textbooks and teacher-centered learning methods. This research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the 4D development model, consisting of define, design, develop, and disseminate stages. The subjects were upper-grade elementary students at SD Negeri Gucialit 02, Lumajang Regency. Data were collected through expert validation sheets, reading comprehension tests (pretest and posttest), questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The results indicated that the developed media was highly valid, with validation scores of 98% from media experts, 96% from language experts, and 95% from content experts. The effectiveness test showed a significant improvement in students’ reading comprehension skills, as reflected by N-Gain scores of 0.78 in the small-group trial and 0.77 in the large-group trial, both categorized as high. Therefore, the Lift-The-Flap-Book based on deep learning principles is valid, effective, and feasible for enhancing elementary students’ reading comprehension skills.

Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Neurological Complications: Review

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Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the chronic metabolic diseases with a prevalence that continues to increase globally. This disorder not only affects glucose metabolism but also causes multisystem complications, including neurological complications such as peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the latest empirical evidence regarding the relationship between type 2 diabetes (DMT2) and the risk of neurological complications.

Methods: This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach following the PRISMA method.

Results: The findings indicate that DMT2 patients have a higher risk of developing neurological complications, both peripheral and central. Certain antidiabetic medications, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, show protective effects in reducing the risk of dementia and neurodegeneration. Additionally, factors such as disease duration, age at diagnosis, and genetic status (e.g., APOE ε4) also contribute to variations in risk levels. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as regular physical activity and good metabolic control, have also been shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of neuropathy.

Conclusion: Based on the study results, DMT2 significantly increases the risk of neurological complications through mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance that affect nerve tissues. Pharmacological interventions with modern agents such as GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors show protective prospects against neurodegeneration.

Culture as an Expression of The Practice of Hindu Religion

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Hindu culture in Indonesia, particularly in Bali, reflects a deep interconnection between religious teachings and cultural expression rooted in the Vedic scriptures. This study explores how Hindu religious values, such as dharma, śraddhā, bhakti, critical thinking, diligence, and honesty, shape and animate various forms of cultural practices, including ritual arts, literary traditions, music, dance, architecture, and communal activities. Using a descriptive-analytical qualitative method grounded in literature review, this research examines primary Hindu texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Sarasamuscaya, and Bhagavad Gita, alongside academic works by Koentjaraningrat, Titib, and other scholars to uncover the philosophical foundations underlying Hindu cultural development. The results indicate that culture in Hinduism is not merely aesthetic but constitutes a living manifestation of sacred values that guide individuals and communities toward harmony, wisdom, and spiritual awareness. Cultural practices such as ngayah, yadnya, melasti, and sacred dances like Rejang Dewa exemplify how rituals function as vehicles for internalizing religious teachings and reinforcing communal cohesion. The study also highlights the moral responsibilities of Hindus in cultivating critical thinking (viveka), hard work (karma yoga), and fairness (satya), which are regarded as essential virtues for sustaining ethical behavior and spiritual growth. These values demonstrate that Hinduism encourages reflective reasoning, disciplined action, and truthful conduct as integral components of living dharma. Furthermore, the findings affirm that Hindu culture operates as a dynamic bridge between the seen (sekala) and unseen (niskala) realms, embodying cosmological principles and reinforcing the unity of Brahman in all existence. By integrating Vedic wisdom into artistic and social practices, Hindu communities in Bali maintain cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary challenges. Overall, this study underscores the vital role of culture as a transformative medium for transmitting ethical, philosophical, and spiritual principles, thereby contributing to the preservation and revitalization of Hindu identity in modern society

The Effectiveness of Macroprudential Policy in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review of Its Impact on the Stability and Strategic Performance of the Banking Sector

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This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of macroprudential policies in enhancing stability and strategic performance in the banking sectors of developing countries through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The primary focus is to assess the extent to which various policy instruments—such as the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB), and Reserve Requirements (RR)—contribute to mitigating systemic risk, reducing credit procyclicality, and influencing bank profitability and efficiency. Employing the PRISMA framework, the study analyzes 87 empirical studies sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost, published between 2010 and 2024. Thematic synthesis and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer were conducted to synthesize the findings. The results indicate that macroprudential policies are generally effective in strengthening banking sector resilience to external shocks and curbing systemic risk accumulation, although their efficacy is highly contingent upon institutional capacity and policy coordination within individual countries. Furthermore, a trade-off emerges between systemic stability and operational efficiency: stringent macroprudential measures tend to dampen short-term profitability while enhancing long-term resilience. This research contributes to the literature on financial management and strategic banking by comprehensively integrating macroprudential and microprudential dimensions and offering policy recommendations tailored to the institutional and economic contexts of developing economies.

A Gamified Mobile Health Framework for Pediatric Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence

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Tuberculosis (TB) treatment in children requires long-term adherence to anti-tuberculosis drug therapy (OTD), which often leads to boredom and refusal to take medication. Non-adherence to treatment can increase the risk of treatment failure, relapse, and drug resistance. This study proposes a mobile health-based gamification framework designed to improve treatment adherence in pediatric TB patients by integrating game elements into the therapy monitoring process. The gamification framework was developed using a user-centered approach by identifying factors influencing adherence through interviews with pediatric patients, medication supervisors (PMOs), and healthcare professionals. Aspects of medication adherence were mapped using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and classified into dimensions of behavior, motivation, knowledge, and memory. User characteristics were analyzed using the HEXAD gamification user types questionnaire to determine the dominant user type. The analysis showed that the dominant user type in pediatric TB patients was the player type, followed by the socializer type and the free spirit type. Based on these findings, a gamification framework was designed that includes points, rewards, challenges, reminders, and progress visualization mechanisms. Expert evaluation using the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and confidence that the proposed framework has the potential to improve treatment adherence. This study demonstrates that mobile health-based gamification design has strong potential as a behavior change strategy to support long-term pediatric TB treatment.

Mapping the Landscape of Qualitative Analysis: Thematic Analysis, Colaizzi’s and Giorgi Models

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Qualitative research offers rich means for exploring human experience, meaning, and interpretation. A central step in qualitative inquiry is data analysis—turning interviews, texts, or observations into interpreted findings. Over the decades, scholars have proposed multiple structured models to guide the analytic process.

This article reviews and compares several influential qualitative data analysis models: general thematic analysis (and its variants), the Braun & Clarke reflexive thematic analysis, descriptive phenomenological methods of Giorgi and Colaizzi (and variants), and related phenomenological approaches (e.g. van Kaam, Moustakas). For each method, description of its philosophical underpinnings, procedural steps, strengths/limitations, and illustrate by citing published empirical applications.