bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Teaching Competencies for Implementing Blended Learning in Higher Education: Experiences of Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Kaplarević-Mališić Ana , Dimitrijević Slađana ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Radojević Ivana ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Kovačević Milan ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia
Published: September 2022

One of the invariants for the education through the time is the effort for improvement and changes caused by different cultural, economic, and overall civilization circumstances. Nowadays, the huge impact of digital technology on educational systems and everyday practice is evident. The didactic theory still seeks guidelines for adequate use of new information communication technology. Higher education in Serbia also is a part of this process, as activities of ERASMUS+ project TeComp (Strengthening Teaching Competencies in Higher Education in Natural and Mathematical Sciences, 598434-EPP-1-2018-1-RS-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) testified. In this paper, we present some outcomes and experiences collected during the project with an aim to disseminate results and to contribute broad discussion in the HE community. We give a quick overview of teachers’ attitudes about ICT in their teaching practice as well as some important information and conclusions conducted from evaluations of trainings the most visited by teachers from the Faculty of Science, Kragujevac, concerning aspects of incorporating blended learning in HE in fields of natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and informatics as a way for strengthening teacher competences
The Combined Psychoactive Effects of Caffeine, Nicotine and MDMA on the Prefrontal Cortex of Juvenile Male Wistar Rats
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria, Ogbolu Victor , Fabiyi Sunday ,   Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria, Ogunbiyi Olubunmi ,   Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria, Owolabi Joshua ,   Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria,   Department of Anatomy, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
Published: September 2022

The juvenile is vulnerable to psychoactive agents and environmental influences. Caffeine, nicotine, and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) could influence the developing brain with potential consequences on mental attributes including memory, cognition, behaviour, and learning. This research studied the structural and functional changes attributable to the combined use of caffeine, nicotine and MDMA on the prefrontal cortex. Thirty-two juvenile male Wistar rats were grouped into four (n=8) and administered water-dissolved caffeine, nicotine and MDMA by oral gavages. An untreated group served as control. The second group received caffeine (100mg/kg bw) and nicotine (50mg/kg bw), the third group received caffeine (100mg/kg bw) and MDMA (10mg/kg bw) and the last group received nicotine (50mg/kg bw) and MDMA (10mg/kg bw). Treatments lasted thirty days, after which animals were sacrificed. The prefrontal cortices were fixed in formal saline, processed, and demonstrated using eosin and haematoxylin (H&E), Cresyl fast violet, and Luxol fast blue histological methods as well as glial-acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry. Representative photomicrographs were obtained and analysed. Combined ingestion of caffeine, nicotine and MDMA affected the brain causing neuronal morphological aberrations, aberrations in Nissl expression, and astrocyte reactions especially with the combination of caffeine + nicotine as well as caffeine + MDMA with mild aberrations in myelin integrity. Effects also included significant elevations in GABA and serotonin activities with the combination of nicotine and MDMA (p< 0.05). Results showed that the combined use of psychoactive agents could elicit peculiar effects
Pharmacological Review on Purification of Visha Dravyas (Poisonous Plants) According to Ayurveda
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Shri Ravi Patil Health and Education Society’s, Dr. Ravi Patil Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Honaga, Belagavi, Karnataka, India., N. Rabb Dr. Umakant
Published: September 2022

Visha possess properties of Vyavayi(Pervading or diffusing action), Vikasi(Dispersed through out the body causes destruction of Ojas and Dhatu Kshaya or depletion of the body tissues, Ushna(Heat), Teekshna(Penetrating), Ruksha(Dry), Sukshma(Minuteness), Ashukar(Quick or immediate action), Vishada(Clearness), Laghu(Light), Avyakta Ras(Taste sometimes palatable and sometimes not palatable or the taste is hidden) and Apaki(Not digestible). It distributes in the whole body immediately first and later undergoes digestion. Hence causes the vitiation of Dosha(Vata–Pitta–Kapha) and Dhatu(Rasa–Rakta–Mamsa–Meda–Asthi–Majja–Shukra) and produces the poisonous effects. The drugs which act against and subside poisonous effects on the vitiated Dosha(Vata–Pitta–Kapha) and Dhatus viz; Rasa(Plasma), Rakta(Blood), Mamsa(Muscle tissue), Meda(Fat), Asthi(Bones), Majja(Bone marrow), Shukra(Semen) are called as Vishaghna Dravyas. Visha has been defined as a substance which is destructive or life threatening and causes Shoka(Sadness). There are many poisonous drugs described in Ayurvedic classics along with their antidotes and their pharmacological actions after purification. Poisonous plants may be categorized under the chemical structure of the toxic constituents, their phylogenetic relationship viz; plants that are poisonous to eat, plants that are poisonous upon contact, plants that produce photo sensitization, and plants that produce airborne allergies conditions in the body. The phytotoxins, comprise a vast range of biologically active chemical substances, such as alkaloids, polypeptides, amines, glycosides, oxalates, resins, toxalbumins. The present review describes the different process of detoxification or purification methods (Sodhana) in Ayurvedic system of medicines. So here an attempt is made to screen the Visha Dravyas(Poisonous plants) and their purification methods in various media along with their Rasa, Guna, Veerya and Vipaka, Prabhava from the various Ayurvedic classical texts along with their pharmacological actions.
Concept Mapping - A Tool to Enchance Critical Thinking in B.Sc Nursing Students
Authors:   Faculty of Nursing, Gulf Medical University, UAE, Binoy Sija
Published: September 2022

Background: Critical thinking in present times is a profoundly esteemed instructive outcome after an educational course or program particularly corresponding to higher level of professional training. The main aim of the study was to compare the method of instruction and to enhance critical thinking among nursing students. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of concept mapping versus traditional method of instruction as a tool to enhance critical thinking among nursing students in medical surgical nursing (cardiovascular system). Pre-test and post-test control group design was used. B.Sc Nursing III year students were included as experimental group (n=97) and comparison group(n=94). The experimental group was initially given a session on concept mapping and its uses in nursing education. For both the groups instruction on cardiovascular conditions using concept mapping and traditional method was administered respectively. The experimental group and comparison group were assessed for the critical thinking ability using structured questionnaire. The concept maps were evaluated using McMurray’s method scoring criteria. Findings: The findings of the study suggest that the difference between pre-test and post-test mean knowledge scores in Concept mapping (variables- analysis, synthesis and evaluation) was found to be significantly higher than the traditional group at 0.05 level. There was significant improvement in construction of concept maps in criteria related to breadth, interconnectivity, and linkage. Majority of students coined the opinion which indicates high level of acceptance that ranges between 90 to 100%. Conclusion: It was concluded that concept mapping is an innovative strategy for enhancing critical thinking ability in nursing students.
Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Vended Water in Jerry Cans for Domestic Use in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Nura S.  , Shehu, A.U.  , Muhammad, A.A.  , Sharif U.  , Tijjani, R.B.
Published: September 2022

The practice of vending water in plastic jerry cans for domestic use has become a major source of household drinking water in Zaria due to inadequate pipe-borne water. The unhygienic practice of the water vendors and poor sanitary condition of the jerry cans and the water sources are of public health concern. Accordingly, this research was conducted to examine the bacteriological quality of vended water from jerry cans in Zaria city, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Water samples from five different vendors from twenty different locations were collected and used for isolation and enumeration of bacterial loads. The isolation and biochemical characterizations of the isolates revealed the presence of seven genera represented by eight bacterial species namely: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium sp, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundi and Bacillus subtilis. Escherichia coli is the most predominant bacterial species among the vended water samples (44.44%) followed by S. typhi (18.52%) while Proteus mirabilis, Corynebacterium sp and Citrobacter freundi are the least prevalent with 3.70%.  Most of the identified bacterial species in the samples were pathogenic. More so, the bacterial loads associated with the jerry cans water ranged between 1.0x106–8.0x106 CFU/mL from the plates count which is above WHO standard limit of ˂1.0x101 CFU/mL. It was therefore inferred that the bacterial counts associated with the jerry cans can pose public health risk. Proper sanitation and orientation on personal hygiene to the vendors are urgently needed.
EFFECT OF IDEALIZED INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATIONAL MOTIVATION OF THE CEO ON PERFORMANCE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN KENYA
Authors: Nyokabi Murage Susan , K’Aol Prof George O. , Njenga Dr. Kefah
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of idealized influence and inspirational motivation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on the performance of senior managers in the private sector in Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted the positivism research philosophy and descriptive correlational research design. The target population consisted of 984 senior managers reporting to the CEOs of 183 private sector companies under the umbrella of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). A sample size of 284 was drawn using stratified random sampling, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A response rate of 92% was realized. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies, means, and standard deviation.  Inferential statistics were also used in the analysis which included Pearson’s correlation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression.Results: Results of the multiple linear regression showed that the CEO’s idealized influence significantly predicted performance of senior managers R2= .505, F (1, 260) = 264.042, p < .05; β = .711, t (260) = 16.249, p <.05. Further, multiple linear regression results indicated that inspirational motivation of the CEO significantly predicted the performance of senior managers, R2= .564, F (1, 260) = 335.141, p < .05, β = .751, t (260) = 18.307, p<.05. Testing the influence of goal orientation as a moderating variable showed that goal orientation significantly predicted the relationship between idealized influence and inspirational motivation of the CEO and performance of senior managers R2= .839, F (2, 5) = 265.099, p < .05, β = .111, t = 3.900, p<.05. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study provides a unique contribution to the theory and practice of transformational leadership in a new context in terms how trаnsformаtionаl leadership behavior associated with the dimensions of idealized influence and inspirational motivation, affect performance of senior managers in private sector organizations. The findings are useful for private sector organizations and policy makers in explaining effective leadership behaviors that can be applied by the CEO for improving performance of senior managers. These will be useful in enhancing performance improvement strategies. Researchers and academicians will also find the study useful in defining new research dimensions by using the research results to expand related arguments in future.
EFFECT OF INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN REGULATORY STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA
Authors: Anyiko – Awori Benta Wandede , Namada Dr. Juliana Mulaa , Linge Prof. Teresia Kavoo
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of intellectual stimulation on employee performance in regulatory state corporations in KenyaMethodology: Descriptive correlation design was employed. Proportionаtе strаtifiеd rаndom sаmpling mеthod wаs usеd to sеlеct 130 senior level managers from the target population. Primary data was collected using a closed ended questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation and   regression techniques were used to analyse the data.Findings: The study revealed a positive and significant correlation between intellectual stimulation and employee performance (r = 0.776, p= 0.002 (p<0.05). Intеllеctuаl stimulation predicted еmployее pеrformаncе (β = .176, t =2.888, p < .05).Policy Recommendation: Thе study rеcommеnds that for high employee performance to be achieved, lеаdеrs must еmpowеr еmployееs аnd givе considеrаtion for whаt works for thе еmployееs by еncourаging thеm to tаkе somе risks аnd chаllеngе аssumptions.  Consеquеntly, аllowing for somе еxpеrimеntаtion аmong thе еmployееs in ordеr to аrrivе аt new wаys of doing puzzling tаsks would be necessary. These mаy howеvеr cаusе disruptions in businеss opеrаtions in thе short tеrm, but producе long tеrm improvеmеnts in orgаnizаtionаl еffеctivеnеss.
MODERATING INFLUENCE OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON BOARD LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN RWANDA.
Authors: Vianney Usengumuremyi Jean Marie , Iravo Mike , Namusonge Gregory
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to test the moderating influence of Legal Framework on board leadership practices and corporate governance performance in public institutions in Rwanda.Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive and explorative design. The target population for the study was 214 managers from 10 public institutions in Rwanda. Stratified random sampling technique was used to get a sample of 195 respondents who were selected from the top management and middle managers staff. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21.Findings: The R2 for Board composition practices before moderation was 57% but after moderation, the R2 increased significantly to 63.6%. The R2 for Ethical practices before moderation was 44% but after moderation, the R2 increased insignificantly to 49.6%. The R2 for Local Advocacy Practices before moderation was 65.8% but after moderation, the R2 increased significantly to 77.4%. The R2 for Decision-Making Practices before moderation was 44% but after moderation, the R2 increased insignificantly to 49.6%. The hypothesis was tested and the study found out that Legal Framework was a positive and significant moderating variable for Board composition practices0.02<0.05 and Ethical practices at 0.02<0.05. However, Legal Framework did not have a significant moderating effect on Local Advocacy Practices0.24>0.05.Contribution to theory practice and policy: Resource identification and utilization form the legal framework of are successful program. The utilization of these law must directly affect the immediate Moderating role of legal framework and corporate governance performance public institutions in Rwanda. It can therefore be concluded that respondents in the study utilized in public institutions in Rwanda in activities that directly and positively impacted on moderating role.
Leadership Styles, Organizational Performance and Effectiveness among Sub- Saharan African Employees
Authors: Folarin Kehinde
Published: September 2022

Purpose:  Leadership style is a strategy that an organisation can undertake to influence the performance of the employee positively, and alternatively the performance of the organisation. An organisation’s ability to influence employee performance not only lies with the leadership style but also with support for employee performance, communication and organizational culture (Adair I983).

Methodology: A qualitative study and research on the need of how organizations, agencies, parastatals, industries, and countries can get and operate effective leadership style within the circle of influence to achieve their set goals was looked into and recommendations proffered.  

Findings: There are vacuum of true conscious leaders, whether in politics, religion, organization, business, education, sports or institutions.  There is desperate need of competent, principle, sensitive, compassionate and conscious leaders (Adair I983).

Unique Contribution and Recommendation: In this research emphasis will be placed on the need to know what makes a leader and what makes a follower. What are the qualities that distinguish leaders from followers?  The various styles of leadership and how sets goals can be achieved. This research is about the missing link in leadership styles, with impact on the performance of the follower or employee of an organization with specific focus on Sub- Sahara Africa organisation.
The Importance of Leadership Development Across Borders.
Authors: Folarin Kehinde
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Globalization is the reality of our day and age. Globalization connotes the increasing economic, social, technical, cultural, and political interdependence between nations. People are more inter-connected now than ever. The availability of worldwide communication systems through rapid improvements in communication technology and the internet has led to more international trade and cultural exchange.

Methodology:  A qualitative study and research was carried out to consider the dynamics and diverse ways globalization has affected our lives and  with its own attendant challenges, including the need to design effective multinational organizations, and to identify and select appropriate leaders to manage those organizations with their culturally diverse employees (Northouse,2013).

Findings:  The research discovered that it is now incumbent on organizational leaders to understand how cultural differences affect their leadership performance and their leadership development systems.  Adler and Bartholomew (1992) assert that organizational leaders need to understand various business, political, and cultural environments globally, learn the perspectives, tastes, trends, and technologies of many other cultures, learn how to work with people from many cultures simultaneously, adapt to living and communicating in other cultures, and learn to relate with people from diverse cultural origins from a position of equality rather than cultural superiority.

Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy (Recommendation):  Every Successful leaders across borders in the globalized world are expected to embrace diversity by rising above cultural issues such as perceptual bias, discrimination, stereotyping, ethnocentrism, and prejudice.  This white paper explores the basic concepts of global leadership, the development of cultural agility, and the process of leadership development across borders.
Factors Influencing Voters’ Choice in Elections in Ghana: A Case study of the Kumbungu Constituency of the Northern Region
Authors: Achanso Adams , Benson George , Zuure David
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Globally, and most especially in Africa, researchers seem not to have sufficiently explained the underlying factors that influence electorates’ choices. Thus, studies often reveal a myriad of factors that determine this behavior of voters. While some scholars posit rationality as the underlying factor, others suggest idiosyncratic factors in that regard. These conflicting positions indicate that the motivation of electorates’ choices is multifaceted. In Ghana, few studies have investigated the phenomenon in the Northern part of the country. This study, therefore, explored the phenomenon with regard to elections in the Kumbungu Constituency of Northern Ghana.

Methodology: Underpinned by the three dominant theories; the sociological model, the psychological model and the rational-choice theory, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design to gather data thereof. A combination of purposive sampling methods was employed to select information rich cases. The selection of the study region and constituency was based on critical case sampling. Purposeful random sampling was used to select respondents for the survey and interviews. A total of 164 respondents were randomly selected for the survey. Ten key informant interviews were also conducted. Qualitative data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using Predictive Analytic Software by employing descriptive statistics and regression.  

Findings: The findings indicate that the voting behavior of electorates are not primarily influenced by stable and distinctive factors, such as ethnic or regional ties, but rather the electorate make voting decisions based on conscious evaluation of government performance, economic conditions, and campaign issues. Also, the developmental impact of government programs, ethnicity and ideological leaning of voters do play a role. Therefore, politicians need to heed this in their effort to win the hearts of voters.

Unique Contribution and Recommendation: This study recommends that ruling political parties should always endeavor to promote and foster policies and programs that improve the living standards of the Ghanaian electorates if they desire to retain and cling on to political power.
WHY YOU MUST VOTE IN AN AFRICAN DEMOCRACY
Authors: Bukusi Allan D M
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to draw attention of election managers in Africa to the negative impact of voter apathy on poll outcomes. It encourages all eligible voters to cast their vote in democratic elections. The instances of contested elections, poor governance, election of ineffective leadership and civic violence could be avoided if the electorate came out in full to give voice to the will of the people.    

Methodology: The researcher reviewed published literature discussing the performance of postcolonial democracy of independent nations across Africa. With specific reference to academic journals, electoral documents capturing voting patterns and historical records, the researcher uses descriptive statistics and thematic analyses of texts to highlight the effects voter apathy has on national leadership and governance.

Findings: Voter apathy compromises the expression of the will of the people and causes an erosion of citizen commitment to social responsibility. It also leads to the emergence of apathetic leadership and weak accountability of government institutions following general elections. The researcher suggests that voter apathy is one of the reasons for civil unrest, passage of unpalatable legislation and election of ineffective leaders.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The researcher calls for democratic governments and electoral bodies in Africa to note, examine and act to preempt the negative impact of voter apathy on election outcomes. Voters are called upon not to presume that a democratic election process will automatically guarantee effective governance outcomes without their participation. The paper also recommends that the process of voter empowerment should be formalized in electoral practice, policy and procedure.
Assessment of Awareness And Knowledge among Medical Students Regarding Radiation Exposure from Common Diagnostic Imaging Procedures
Authors: Hassan Qays Ahmed , Hussein Ali Shaker , Fadhil Ali Abbas , Kashash Mustafa Hakim , Khwam Abd-alrazak Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Objective: to assess the awareness and knowledge of our medical students regarding dose levels of imaging procedures and radiation safety issues, and to conclude how the curriculum of clinical radiology in the college medical program impacts such knowledge.
Subjects and methods:  this is a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 medical students in Alkindy College of Medicine between January 2021 to July 2021, regardless of their age or gender. The study included six grades according to the year 2020-2021. A questionnaire consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions was conducted via an online survey using Google Forms. The questions were divided into two parts (awareness concerning issues of radiation protection, and information about dose levels of frequent radiological investigations).
Results: Regarding their radiology knowledge, about one-third of all participants rated as average. Students who had not established training in radiology chose the inappropriate choice more often than individuals who had received training. Also, students without instruction/ teaching in diagnostic clinical radiology were more likely to connect MRI and ultrasound with an increased cancer possibility compared with those students receiving radiology teaching. About the desired educational method, 32% wanted a tutorial or workshops, 29% wanted a learning module, 25% chose a case study and 14% chose a lecture.
Conclusion:  With increasing years in medical school, the student’s alertness demonstrates better performance regarding the radiation exposures in imaging diagnosis. The greater part of medical students has inadequate knowledge about different aspects of radiation sources, hazard, and their safety. We think that adding more theoretical and practical programs to the educational radiology curriculum will advance awareness of radiation safety and increase knowledge among medical students regarding the doses of radiological examinations.
Business Outlook of Private Urban Forestry in the Northeast-Midwest Region of the United States
Authors: Hoy Morgan , Parajuli Rajan , Chizmar Stephanie , Joshi Omkar , Gordon Jason , Henderson James , Mehmood Sayeed , Khanal Puskar , Witthun Olivia , Buntrock Laura
Published: September 2022

Background: Urban forestry is a crucial sector of the green industry and increasingly a tool used to address ecological and sociopolitical challenges in urban landscapes. Along with a number of public agencies and nonprofit organizations, various private industry types are directly involved in the development and management of urban trees and landscapes. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the outlook of private green industry businesses on their urban forestry activities in the Northeast-Midwest region of the United States. Methods: Based on a survey of private businesses involved in the green industry in late 2020, we developed an empirical model by incorporating industry types, business metrics, and issues related to urban forestry perceived by private businesses. Results: Results from an ordered logistic regression model suggest that nursery and florist’s supplies merchant wholesaler businesses are less likely than other businesses to have a positive outlook on urban forestry activities. We found that survey respondents who reported a higher percentage of urban forestry employees had a higher likelihood of a positive outlook of their business. Conclusion: Many respondents referenced how COVID-19 has been an overall deterrent to economic growth, implying that the state of their business depends on the recovery of the economy. The findings provide useful policy and management insights on how private businesses perceive the future outlook of urban forestry. These study results benefit the private sector and public agencies involved in urban forestry for better planning and programming in the Northeast-Midwest region of the United States.
La política estudiantil: apuntes para una agenda de investigación
Authors: Guzmán-Concha César
Published: September 2022

Este ensayo tiene por objetivo principal ofrecer algunas reflexiones críticas para el estudio de lo que los estudiosos en la materia usualmente llamamos movimientos estudiantiles. El ensayo se compone de dos secciones. En la primera, reflexiono sobre las implicaciones que se derivan de usar el concepto “movimientos estudiantiles” para definir el campo de estudios, e invito a considerar el concepto alternativo de “política estudiantil”. En esa línea, sugiero considerar las dimensiones de representación, movilización y reproducción del actor estudiantil. En la segunda sección, me refiero a dos grandes áreas de investigación que pudieran ser abordadas para avanzar el conocimiento sobre el tema: las conexiones entre estado, capitalismo y universidad; y el acoplamiento (o desacoplamiento) del actor estudiantil, en tres planos: su conformación interna, con otros actores sociales y con el sistema de partidos. Las principales contribuciones de este ensayo consisten en la propuesta de una agenda de estudio sobre el tema, la que puede orientar futuras investigaciones, y en un balance crítico (aunque no exhaustivo) de la literatura, con un foco particular en Chile y algunas referencias a América Latina.
HUBUNGAN POLA PEMBERIAN ASI EKSLUSIF DAN ASUPAN GIZI MP-ASI DENGAN STATUS GIZI ANAK BADUTA
Authors: Picauly Intje , Djita Hege H.
Published: September 2022

Air Susu Ibu (ASI) eksklusif diberikan tanpa makanan dan minuman tambahan lain pada bayi berumur nol bulan sampai 6 bulan dan meneruskan pemberiannya sampai berumur 2 tahun. Proses pertumbuhan dan perkembangan lebih lanjut akan berimplikasi pada jumlah kebutuhan air susu ibu. Oleh karena itu anak membutuhkan tambahan makanan pendamping air susu ibu untuk dapat memenuhi kebutuhan gizi anak mulai dari umur tujuh bulan sampai 24 bulan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pola pemberian ASI ekslusif dan asupan gizi MP-ASI dengan status gizi anak BADUTA (Studi Epidemiologi gizi anak BADUTA di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Bolou, Kecamatan Sabu Timur, Kabupaten Sabu Raijua). Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian cross sectional study di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Bolou Kecamatan SabuTimur Kabupaten Sabu Raijua pada bulan April – Mei 2019. Besar sampel penelitian ini adalah 78 yang ditentukan dengan rumus Slovin (Notoatmodjo, 2010). Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan analisis Regresi Logistic Sederhana dengan tingkat kepercayaan95% (α 0,05). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pola pemberian ASI Ekslusif (pValue = 0,041< 0,005) dan asupan gizi MP-ASI (pValue = 0,030 < 0,005) berpengaruh terhadap status gizi anak baduta.
DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND BODY MEASURES BETWEEN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT OLDER SIBLINGS
Authors: Šerbetar Ivan , Peharda Patricija , Plečko Anamarija
Published: September 2022

Deterioration in children's physical fitness accompanied by unhealthy weight is a globally recognized problem. Among many other research directions related to factors that cause/influence a decline in physical fitness, there is presently an increase in the number of studies linked to family relationships and especially the influence of older siblings on the fitness of the younger children. The study attempted to determine whether having an older sibling(s) influences the physical fitness and anthropometric measures of the younger siblings, as compared to the children without older siblings. The study included 108 children aged 9 and 10, 55 of them with an older sibling(s). Height, weight, and 4 skinfolds were measured, and BMI was computed. Physical fitness was assessed by pull-ups, curl-ups, V-sit and reach, shuttle run, one-mile run, and handgrip strength. ANCOVA's on body measures as well as on physical fitness were applied. Based on the BMI values, results indicated that 40.7% of the overall sample of the children were in the categories of overweight or obesity and that on average, results in fitness tests were modest. The ANCOVA's, controlling for age, were computed with the intention to discover whether gender and/or the presence of older siblings influences physical fitness or body composition. Interactions were not significant, though, a significant main effect of having older siblings was obtained for the sum of skinfolds (F (1, 103) = 5.097, p = .026, partial η2 = .047) in ANCOVA computed for body measures. In ANCOVA for fitness measures significant main effects of having older sibling were obtained for pull-ups (F (1, 103) = 5.736, p = .018, partial η2 = .053) and shuttle run (F (1, 103) = 4.633, p = .034, partial η2 = .043), while the main effect of one-mile run was near statistical significance (p=.082). The results mostly support previous studies where the children with older siblings were at an advantage over the children without older siblings. Considering body composition, children with older siblings had significantly less subcutaneous body fat. The level of physical fitness was on average modest, children with older siblings outperformed children without older siblings in pull-ups and shuttle run, while the endurance test was near statistical significance. Older siblings may positively influence the healthy behavior of younger children in physical activity and siblings’ relationships may be one of the agents for improving the health-related fitness of the children.
Bayesian assessment of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and halon banks suggest large reservoirs still present in old equipment
Authors: Lickley Megan Jeramaz , Daniel John S. , Fleming Eric L. , Reimann Stefan , Solomon Susan
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Halocarbons contained in equipment such as air conditioners, fire
extinguishers, and foams continue to be emitted after production has ceased. These “banks” within equipment and applications are thus potential sources of future emissions, and must be carefully accounted for in order to differentiate nascent and potentially illegal production from legal banked emissions. Here, we build on a probabilistic Bayesian model, previously developed to quantify chlorofluorocarbon (CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113) banks and their emissions. We extend this model to a suite of banked chemicals regulated under the Montreal Protocol (hydrochlorofluorocarbon, HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-142b, halon 1211 and halon 1301, and CFC-114 and CFC-115) along with CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113 in order to quantify a fuller range of ozone-depleting substance (ODS) banks by chemical and equipment type. We show that if atmospheric lifetime and prior assumptions are accurate, banks are most likely larger than previous international assessments suggest, and that total production has probably been higher than reported. We identify that banks of greatest climate-relevance, as determined by global warming potential weighting, are largely concentrated in CFC-11 foams and CFC-12 and HCFC-22 non-hermetic refrigeration. Halons, CFC-11, and CFC-12 banks dominate the banks weighted by ozone depletion potential (ODP). Thus, we identify and quantify the uncertainties in substantial banks whose future emissions will contribute to future global warming and delay ozone-hole recovery if left unrecovered.
Tropospheric and stratospheric ozone profiles during the 2019 TROpomi vaLIdation eXperiment (TROLIX-19)
Authors: Sullivan John T. , Apituley Arnoud , Mettig Nora , Kreher Karin , Knowland K. Emma , Allaart Marc , Piters Ankie , Van Roozendael Michel , Veefkind Pepijn , Ziemke Jerry R. , Kramarova Natalya , Weber Mark , Rozanov Alexei , Twigg Laurence , Sumnicht Grant , McGee Thomas J.
Published: September 2022

Abstract. A TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) validation campaign
was held in the Netherlands based at the CESAR (Cabauw Experimental Site for
Atmospheric Research) observatory during September 2019. The TROpomi
vaLIdation eXperiment (TROLIX-19) consisted of active and passive remote
sensing platforms in conjunction with several balloon-borne and surface
chemical (e.g., ozone and nitrogen dioxide) measurements. The goal of this
joint NASA-KNMI geophysical validation campaign was to make intensive
observations in the TROPOMI domain in order to be able to establish the
quality of the L2 satellite data products under realistic conditions, such
as non-idealized conditions with varying cloud cover and a range of
atmospheric conditions at a rural site. The research presented here focuses
on using ozone lidars from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to better
evaluate the characterization of ozone throughout TROLIX-19. Results of
comparisons to the lidar systems with balloon, space-borne and ground-based
passive measurements are shown. In addition, results are compared to a
global coupled chemistry meteorology model to illustrate the vertical
variability and columnar amounts of both tropospheric and stratospheric
ozone during the campaign period.
Real-world wintertime CO, N2O, and CO2 emissions of a central European village
Authors: Haszpra László , Barcza Zoltán , Ferenczi Zita , Hollós Roland , Kern Anikó , Kljun Natascha
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Although small rural settlements are only minor individual sources of greenhouse gases and air pollution, their high overall
occurrence can significantly contribute to the total emissions of a region
or country. Emissions from a rural lifestyle may be remarkably different
than those of urban and industrialized regions, but nevertheless they have
hardly been studied so far. Here, flux measurements at a tall-tower eddy
covariance monitoring site and the footprint model FFP are used to determine the real-world wintertime CO, N2O, and CO2 emissions of a small village in western Hungary. The recorded emission densities, dominantly resulting from residential heating, are 3.5,
0.043, and 72 µg m−2 s−1 for CO, N2O, and CO2, respectively. While the measured CO and CO2
emissions are comparable to those calculated using the assumed energy
consumption and applying the according emission factors, the nitrous oxide
emissions exceed the expected value by a magnitude. This may indicate that
the nitrous oxide emissions are significantly underestimated in the emission
inventories, and modifications in the methodology of emission calculations
are necessary. Using a three-dimensional forward transport model, we further
show that, in contrast to the flux measurements, the concentration
measurements at the regional background monitoring site are only
insignificantly influenced by the emissions of the nearby village.
Statistical reconstruction of European winter snowfall in reanalysis and climate models based on air temperature and total precipitation
Authors: Pons Flavio Maria Emanuele , Faranda Davide
Published: September 2022

Abstract. The description and analysis of compound extremes affecting mid- and high latitudes in the winter requires an accurate estimation of snowfall. This variable is often missing from in situ observations and biased in climate model outputs, both in the magnitude and number of events. While climate models can be adjusted using bias correction (BC), snowfall presents additional challenges compared to other variables, preventing one from applying traditional univariate BC methods. We extend the existing literature on the estimation of the snowfall fraction from near-surface temperature, which usually involves binary thresholds or nonlinear least square fitting of sigmoidal functions. We show that, considering methods such as segmented and spline regressions and nonlinear least squares fitting, it is possible to obtain accurate out-of-sample estimates of snowfall over Europe in ERA5 reanalysis and to perform effective BC on the IPSL_WRF high-resolution EURO-CORDEX climate model when only relying on bias-adjusted temperature and precipitation. In particular, we find that cubic spline regression offers the best tradeoff as a feasible and accurate way to reconstruct or adjust snowfall observations, without requiring multivariate or conditional bias correction and stochastic generation of unobserved events.
Temperature sensitivity of dark CO2 fixation in temperate forest soils
Authors: Akinyede Rachael , Taubert Martin , Schrumpf Marion , Trumbore Susan , Küsel Kirsten
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Globally, soil temperature to 1 m depth is predicted to be up to 4 ∘C warmer by the end of this century, with pronounced effects
expected in temperate forest regions. Increased soil temperatures will
potentially increase the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from temperate forest soils,
resulting in important positive feedback on climate change. Dark CO2
fixation by microbes can recycle some of the released soil CO2, and
CO2 fixation rates are reported to increase under higher temperatures.
However, research on the influence of temperature on dark CO2 fixation
rates, particularly in comparison to the temperature sensitivity of
respiration in soils of temperate forest regions, is missing. To determine
the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of dark CO2 fixation and
respiration rates, we investigated soil profiles to 1 m depth from beech
(deciduous) and spruce (coniferous) forest plots of the Hummelshain forest,
Germany. We used 13C-CO2 labelling and incubations of soils at 4
and 14 ∘C to determine CO2 fixation and net soil respiration
rates and derived the Q10 values for both processes with depth. The
average Q10 for dark CO2 fixation rates normalized to soil dry
weight was 2.07 for beech and spruce profiles, and this was lower than the
measured average Q10 of net soil respiration rates with ∼2.98. Assuming these Q10 values, we extrapolated that net soil
respiration might increase 1.16 times more than CO2 fixation under a
projected 4 ∘C warming. In the beech soil, a proportionally
larger fraction of the label CO2 was fixed into soil organic carbon
than into microbial biomass compared to the spruce soil. This suggests
a primarily higher rate of microbial residue formation (i.e. turnover as
necromass or release of extracellular products). Despite a similar abundance
of the total bacterial community in the beech and spruce soils, the beech
soil also had a lower abundance of autotrophs, implying a higher proportion
of heterotrophs when compared to the spruce soil; hence this might partly explain
the higher rate of microbial residue formation in the beech soil.
Furthermore, higher temperatures in general lead to higher microbial
residues formed in both soils. Our findings suggest that in temperate forest
soils, CO2 fixation might be less responsive to future warming than net
soil respiration and could likely recycle less CO2 respired from
temperate forest soils in the future than it does now.
Intercomparison of methods to estimate gross primary production based on CO2 and COS flux measurements
Authors: Kohonen Kukka-Maaria , Dewar Roderick , Tramontana Gianluca , Mauranen Aleksanteri , Kolari Pasi , Kooijmans Linda M. J. , Papale Dario , Vesala Timo , Mammarella Ivan
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Separating the components of ecosystem-scale carbon exchange is crucial in order to develop better models and future predictions of the terrestrial carbon cycle. However, there are several uncertainties and unknowns related to current photosynthesis estimates. In this study, we evaluate four different methods for estimating photosynthesis at a boreal forest at the ecosystem scale, of which two are based on carbon dioxide (CO2) flux measurements and two on carbonyl sulfide (COS) flux measurements. The CO2-based methods use traditional flux partitioning and artificial neural networks to separate the net CO2 flux into respiration and photosynthesis. The COS-based methods make use of a unique 5-year COS flux data set and involve two different approaches to determine the leaf-scale relative uptake ratio of COS and CO2 (LRU), of which one (LRUCAP) was developed in this study. LRUCAP was based on a previously tested stomatal optimization theory (CAP), while LRUPAR was based on an empirical relation to measured radiation. For the measurement period 2013–2017, the artificial neural network method gave a GPP estimate very close to that of traditional flux partitioning at all timescales. On average, the COS-based methods gave higher GPP estimates than the CO2-based estimates on daily (23 % and 7 % higher, using LRUPAR and LRUCAP, respectively) and monthly scales (20 % and 3 % higher), as well as a higher cumulative sum over 3 months in all years (on average 25 % and 3 % higher). LRUCAP was higher than LRU estimated from chamber measurements at high radiation, leading to underestimation of midday GPP relative to other GPP methods. In general, however, use of LRUCAP gave closer agreement with CO2-based estimates of GPP than use of LRUPAR. When extended to other sites, LRUCAP may be more robust than LRUPAR because it is based on a physiological model whose parameters can be estimated from simple measurements or obtained from the literature. In contrast, the empirical radiation relation in LRUPAR may be more site-specific. However, this requires further testing at other measurement sites.
Insolation evolution and ice volume legacies determine interglacial and glacial intensity
Authors: Mitsui Takahito , Tzedakis Polychronis C. , Wolff Eric W.
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Interglacials and glacials represent low and high ice
volume end-members of ice age cycles. While progress has been made in our
understanding of how and when transitions between these states occur, their
relative intensity has been lacking an explanatory framework. With a simple
quantitative model, we show that over the last 800 000 years interglacial
intensity can be described as a function of the strength of the previous
glacial and the summer insolation at high latitudes in both hemispheres
during the deglaciation. Since the precession components in the boreal and
austral insolations counteract each other, the amplitude increase in obliquity cycles after 430 000 years ago is imprinted in interglacial
intensities, contributing to the manifestation of the so-called Mid-Brunhes
Event. Glacial intensity is also linked to the strength of the previous interglacial, the time elapsed from it, and the evolution of boreal summer
insolation. Our results suggest that the memory of previous climate states
and the time course of the insolation are crucial for understanding
interglacial and glacial intensities.