No abstract

Natural and accelerated weatherings were studied to inspect the effect of antioxidants to protect low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films for commercial application as greenhouse covering materials in Saudi Arabia. In this investigation, six different formulations of LDPE film with incorporation of antioxidants were prepared and compared with neat LDPE. The samples were extruded and blown into a film using twin-screw extruder and film blowing machine. The LDPE films were exposed for outdoor weathering in Riyadh during the period of 90 days (mid of June to mid of September) while the accelerated tests were performed by Weather-Ometer. The film having 0.2 wt% Alkanox-240 (AN-0.2) stabilizers showed the highest tensile strength among all samples during natural and 100-hour accelerated weathering (10.9 MPa and 21.8 MPa, resp.). The best elongation at break was witnessed in 0.2% Good-rite antioxidants which were 64% in natural weathering; however, 0.5% Good-rite antioxidants showed 232% in accelerated weathering. The film having 0.5 wt% Good-rite 3114 (GR-0.5) antioxidant could withstand 70 days during natural exposure before the tensile strength values were reduced to 2/3rd of the initial. The present study suggested that the addition of antioxidants Good-rite, Anox, and Alkanox can improve the mechanical strength, film’s life, effectiveness, and stability and they are suitable to be incorporated in LDPE for commercial greenhouse films.

Studies on the Al-Quran learning center TPQ which is an institution for teaching Islam at the primary level for elementary school children are still scarce. Regardless the number of TPQs is considerably large. This study aims to provide a preliminary assessment of learning effectiveness that evaluates the learning success of TPQ students. The source of data in this study is primary data obtained from the administrators of 269 TPQ located in Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research study carried out is quantitative by distributing questionnaires. There are various conditions in the TPQ of Gunungkidul Regency, including the lack of TPQ learning management such as the unavailability of a learning syllabus, the absence of a semester system, and the application of the report card system. On the subject of educator management, there are as many as 69.5% of less competent educators. In terms of managerial principles, 58% of TPQ do not have a clear vision and mission. This research acts as preliminary research to determine what affects learning effectiveness.

An early Al Quran teaching for children is in Indonesia usually initiated at TPQ (Taman Pendidikan Quran) as primary education institution. Studies on the TPQs to understand the effectiveness of education is still limited. On the contrary Indonesia has significantly large TPQs in number. This study's objective is to define the effectiveness of the learning and teaching that happen in TPQs. Data would be primarily collected from the administrators of 269 TPQs in Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research study undertaken is quantitative by distributing questionnaires. The survey shows that 58% of TPQs do not have a written vision and mission, and 18.6% of TPQs do not have good management structure. Meanwhile, 39.8% of TPQs have problems with teaching and learning process disturbances due to other classes, and 82.9% of TPQs do not have a clear learning time period, where this can affect students' learning motivation. This research is a first step to determine the determinants of the effectiveness of TPQ students' learning.