bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collecting Food and Drink Intake Data With Voice Input: Development, Usability, and Acceptability Study
Authors: Millard Louise A C , Johnson Laura , Neaves Samuel R , Flach Peter A , Tilling Kate , Lawlor Deborah A
Published: March 2023

Background

Voice-based systems such as Amazon Alexa may be useful for collecting self-reported information in real time from participants of epidemiology studies using verbal input. In epidemiological research studies, self-reported data tend to be collected using short, infrequent questionnaires, in which the items require participants to select from predefined options, which may lead to errors in the information collected and lack of coverage. Voice-based systems give the potential to collect self-reported information “continuously” over several days or weeks. At present, to the best of our knowledge, voice-based systems have not been used or evaluated for collecting epidemiological data.

Objective

We aimed to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using Alexa to collect information from participants, investigate participant acceptability, and provide an initial evaluation of the validity of the collected data. We used food and drink information as an exemplar.

Methods

We recruited 45 staff members and students at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom). Participants were asked to tell Alexa what they ate or drank for 7 days and to also submit this information using a web-based form. Questionnaires asked for basic demographic information, about their experience during the study, and the acceptability of using Alexa.

Results

Of the 37 participants with valid data, most (n=30, 81%) were aged 20 to 39 years and 23 (62%) were female. Across 29 participants with Alexa and web entries corresponding to the same intake event, 60.1% (357/588) of Alexa entries contained the same food and drink information as the corresponding web entry. Most participants reported that Alexa interjected, and this was worse when entering the food and drink information (17/35, 49% of participants said this happened often; 1/35, 3% said this happened always) than when entering the event date and time (6/35, 17% of participants said this happened often; 1/35, 3% said this happened always). Most (28/35, 80%) said they would be happy to use a voice-controlled system for future research.

Conclusions

Although there were some issues interacting with the Alexa skill, largely because of its conversational nature and because Alexa interjected if there was a pause in speech, participants were mostly willing to participate in future research studies using Alexa. More studies are needed, especially to trial less conversational interfaces.
INTERFACES PÚBLICO-PRIVADAS NO CONTEXTO POLÍTICO-INSTITUCIONAL LOCAL E OS DESAFIOS POSTOS À DEMOCRATIZAÇÃO DA GESTÃO EDUCACIONAL
Authors: Gaia Correa Raimundo Nonato , Andrade Monteiro dos Santos Terezinha Fatima
Published: March 2023

O artigo objetiva analisar as mediações por meio das quais as políticas públicas educacionais são transformadas em mecanismos de reprodução da lógica do clientelismo eleitoral, que alimenta uma forma patrimonialista de gestão, tomando como caso empírico a Rede Pública Municipal de Educação (RPME) de Cametá, no nordeste paraense. Fizemos uso da pesquisa bibliográfica, consultando a literatura especializada, e particularmente as produções que abordam as contradições na historicidade do município de Cametá e seus desdobramentos na gestão da educação pública local. Também lançamos mão da análise documental para o estudo da legislação educacional nacional e municipal. Os dados foram analisados pelo viés da análise de conteúdo, à luz do referencial teórico-metodológico marxista. Concluímos que, no âmbito da cultura política local, existe uma forma patrimonialista de gestão da coisa pública, nutrida pela utilização clientelista de políticas públicas educacionais, como a lotação de servidores, escolha e provimento de diretores escolares e a contratação de professores temporários. Essas práticas operam a submissão dos interesses públicos aos privados, criando as condições necessárias para o desvio da função social da educação municipal do atendimento das demandas sociais para a reprodução de práticas antidemocráticas e uma estrutura econômico-social e educacional desigual.
The judicial assessment of expert evidence in Polish criminal procedure
Authors: Solodov Denis
Published: March 2023

In the article, the author addresses the issue of the judicial assessment of expert evidence in Polish criminal proceedings. Over the years, the reliance of the criminal justice system on experts increased dramatically. Nowadays, expert evidence plays a pivotal role in court disputes, directly influencing the outcome of judicial proceedings. Experience, however, shows that erroneous expert reports and flawed testimonies may lead to erroneous judicial decisions inflicting irreparable personal and social harm. Unfortunately, the existing model of forensic expert services in Poland is not prone to manipulations and in its current shape cannot guarantee the reliability of expert evidence. Several procedural and structural solutions have been proposed to enhance the credibility of court-appointed experts over recent years. The author examines their advantages and limitations to identify the ones that are realistic and workable.
Editorial of dossier “Epistemic Injustice in Criminal Procedure”
Authors: Páez Andrés , Matida Janaina
Published: March 2023

There is a growing awareness that there are many subtle forms of exclusion and partiality that affect the correct workings of a judicial system. The concept of epistemic injustice, introduced by the philosopher Miranda Fricker, is a useful conceptual tool to understand forms of judicial partiality that often go undetected. In this paper, we present Fricker’s original theory and some of the applications of the concept of epistemic injustice in legal processes. In particular, we want to show that the seed planted by Fricker has flourished into a rich field of study in which the concept is used to analyze many different phenomena in law, not always following the original characterization provided by her. This has led to a distinction between what we will call the narrow version of the concept, which is closer to Fricker’s original account, and the wider version of epistemic injustice, which is a more controversial notion because it is always on the verge of morphing into other well-known concepts like sexism, racial discrimination, oppression, silencing, and gaslighting. We will show that the value of the narrow version is mostly theoretical, and that in order to use the concept of epistemic injustice one must adopt a more liberal understanding of it.
Examination of the Long-run relationship between Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: O Oloke Olufunnso , A Usman Owolabi , Moses Adebayo
Published: March 2023

Abstract: The study explores existence of long run relationship between human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria using secondary data obtained from CBN statistical bulletin for the period of forty years between 1981-2020. The following independent variables were used as the proxies and areas in which human capital could be enhanced and needed to be developed; Agriculture (AGR), Civil-Service (CIVSER), Education (EDU), Health (HLTH), Manufacturing (MANU) and Transportation (TRANSP) sectors of Nigerian economy from 1981 to 2020 as while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands for economic growth. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test statistic for ascertaining whether the variables have unit root and Johanson test of co-integration were employed to examine existence of long run relationship between the variables under examination. It was found that variables are stationary at first difference with the level of significance which is 0.0000 for all the variables. The Co-integration of the variables is shown in Tables 3 and 4 where the Unrestricted Co-integration Rank Test (Trace) and Unrestricted Co-integration Rank Test (Maximum Eigen value), respectively, show that the independent variables (all the proxies of Human Capital Development) are co-integrated to determine the dependent variable (GDP which is proxy for economic growth) adjudging that there is long run relationship between human capital development and economic growth.
An IoT-enabled Waste Management Solution
Authors: Srivastava Manya , Venkat Vaishnavi
Published: March 2023

Abstract: The proposed system provides real-time monitoring of garbage levels in smart bins using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, a Wi-Fi module, and ultrasonic sensors. Before being implemented, the smart bin prototype is modelled using proteus professional simulation software. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of a potential waste management and control solution.
Smart Mirror using Raspberry Pi
Authors: Saxena Mr. Tilak , Gangwa Sushant r , Singh Richa , Sengar Bhumi Singh , Chauhan Aman Singh
Published: March 2023

Abstract: This project has been developed within the context of a time where every day we see more and more connected devices. The Internet transformed our lives by connecting us more easily to information and other people in the virtual world. Mobile phones then became smartphones and since then this concept has erupted and morphed into the Internet of Things, things that connect us to everyday objects. There is no end to objects that could be made “smarter”, some being more suited to this than others. Mirrors, for example, provide a large surface ideal for displaying information and interacting with it. Most people have mirrors at home so the concept of a smart mirror that you can interact with is attractive and has been fantasized about in many futuristic movies. Smart mirrors, such as Magic Mirror and Home Mirror, have been only developed by people in the Maker community, with varying degrees of interactivity. However, so far, the features of these mirrors have been limited. This final year project describes how a smart mirror was built from scratch using a Raspberry Pi for the hardware and custom software built on top of Raspbian, a Linux distribution. The goal of the project was to create a Smart Mirror device that people could interact with but also to further develop the technology so that it would let you install and develop your own applications for it. Overall, results were good because a higher level of interactivity has been achieved by being able to use voice commands, gestures, and smartphones. A few problems arose in the construction and software side of the project, such as the glass not being reflective enough and the gesture recognition being unreliable, but these drawbacks can be addressed by doing more tests and trials to further develop the Smart Mirror
Challenges and strategies for gender mainstreaming policy in smart city development in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyudi Ruslan , Elanda Yelly
Published: March 2023

A smart city is an urban policy innovation that can improve the community's quality of life by promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. The involvement and participation of civil society in developing smart cities is a major issue in implementing inclusive smart cities. However, gender issues are often forgotten in developing sustainable smart cities. This article examines two issues. First, the importance of gender issues integration in the development of sustainable smart cities in Indonesia. Second, the importance of gender mainstreaming policy in the development of smart cities in Indonesia. This is a desk study or literature study. Data were obtained from research results published in national and international journals. Data was obtained through accredited journal search engines, namely google scholar, SagePub and Researchgate. The research results show that development of smart city in Indonesia is not yet gender responsive, causing gender inequality gender and excluding women from development.  To respond to this, thus there is a need for gender mainstreaming policies in developing smart cities through an overview of the challenges of gender mainstreaming in developing smart cities. Thus, this research recommends a gender mainstreaming strategy as a policy in developing smart cities in Indonesia. Gender mainstreaming policy in smart city development need to be to create a smart city life that is just, inclusive and involves women in development.
Examine the advantages of an integrated scalability approach at various cloud stack layers
Authors: Alobaidi Ahmed , Dashti SeyedEbrahim
Published: March 2023

The development of cloud computing has significantly altered how
services are built, deployed, and made accessible to users outside of
the organization. In actuality, the pay-as-you-go model of dispersed IT
supported by the cloud computing paradigm calls for the outsourcing of
software services and applications. In this situation, the capacity to
ensure effective cloud performance management and to facilitate
automated scalability become fundamental prerequisites. Users of the
cloud are becoming more and more interested in a transparent and
coherent image of the cloud, where performance is guaranteed in a
variety of situations and under a variety of loads. In this essay, We
examine the advantages of an integrated scalability approach at various
cloud stack layers, concentrating on the database and compute
infrastructure layers. In order to achieve this, we offer various
performance measurements and a set of rules based on them to assess the
cloud stack’s condition and scale it as needed to maintain stable
performance. Then, using a proof-of-concept architecture, we empirically
investigate three scaling scenarios for cloud performance: database
only, computing infrastructure solely, and the scenario where computing
infrastructure and database compete for resources.
Evolution of Grounding Failure-Insulation Failure of 10 kV Cable Joints: Prerequisites of an Explosion in Enclosed Cable Trench
Authors: Zhao Yifeng , Liu Gang , Guo Yaodong , Huang Chenglong , He Zhaoming , Hu Ran
Published: March 2023

An explosion accident in an enclosed cable trench caused by the
discharge of 10 kV three-phase cable joints is discussed. Combined with
the disassembly analysis, the fault recording data analysis, and the
validation of experiment, the evolution of the cable joint fault is
deduced and discussed. The results show that the trigger of the cable
joint fault is the creepage discharge at the XLPE-SiR insulation
interface. This results in the partial breakdown and the grounding
failure of three-phase cable joints. Under the long-term floating
potential and current thermal effect, the insulations are gradually
ablated and decomposed into a large amount of combustible gas. Finally,
the accumulated combustible gas is ignited by the arc caused by a
three-phase short circuit at the moment of the reclosing operation. The
analytical method and conclusions proposed in this paper can provide
suggestions and guidance for the analysis of similar fault accidents in
the future.
Molecular characterization of head and neck infection causing bacterial communities using 16S rRNA in eastern Indian population
Authors: Lenka Smarita , Swain Subrat , Sahu Basanta , Lenka Rajesh , Sahu Kundan , Sahu Mahesh , Swain Santosh , Dubey Debasmita
Published: March 2023

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a global threat due to either improper
diagnosis or overuse of antibiotics. Head and neck infections (HNI) are
serious diseases that involve several species of microorganisms. Common
complications of HNI developing through bacterial colonization that
leads to airway obstruction, pus collection, and sepsis. During this
study, we collected 264 clinical samples (2020–2022) from Odisha, a
state of eastern India to investigate bacterial communities associated
with HNI followed by their antibiotic susceptibility characteristics,
and the evaluation of their diversity by comparing with global isolates.
We found 218 positive bacterial isolates and 25 multidrug-resistant
bacteria, and accomplished their molecular characterization along with
phylogenetic analysis utilizing the 16S rRNA gene. Population genetic
parameters revealed the haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide
diversity (π) ranged from0.558-0.828 and 0.03236-0.28428 respectively.
This study helps to disseminate the prevalence of these neglected
pathogens within this rarely focused geographical area and its
transboundary potential to navigate better therapeutic approaches.
Association between Weight, Body Mass Index, and Breast Cancer Stage in Iranian Women
Authors: A Zarei
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Breast cancer is a type of cancer developed in the breast organ. Breast cancer occurs when breast tissue cells get out of the control of the cell cycle checkpoints and proliferate abnormally. Breast cancer rates are rising in developing Asian countries, especially Iran. Identifying people with early-stage breast cancer is of great importance, as it can prevent death. Materials & Methods: Data were extracted on the variables of height, weight, breast cancer stage, and body mass index (BMI) related to 109 female patients under treatment for breast cancer who had visited Namazi hospital, Shiraz, during the early stages of the symptoms between the years 2017-2019. In this study, the ANOVA test was used to compare the mean BMI scores at different breast cancer stages. Results: Our results showed a significant difference between mean BMI and breast cancer stage. As the stage of breast cancer in patients increased, the BMI increased as well. Entering advanced stages of breast cancer greatly increased the BMI. Age had no effect on the increase or decrease of BMI. Individuals with BMIs above 30 had stages 3 and 4 of breast cancer (P≤0.5). Discussion: Increased BMI and obesity are prognostic factors for advanced breast cancer stages and the mortality resulting from it. Therefore, early detection of the disease is an essential factor for prevention.
Multimodal digital extensive reading program: a reflection on literacy movement in madrasah and pesantren
Authors: Khoiriyah Khoiriyah , Ilmi Ach. Faridul
Published: March 2023

Over the years, ample studies on diverse school literacy movements have been discussed. However, multimodal digital extensive reading (MDER) has not been fully incorporated into literacy programs in Islamic private school (madrasah) and Islamic boarding school (pesantren). This study attempts to investigate how digital literacy and reading literacy in the form of MDER program in madrasah and pesantren can be deployed to build strong reading habits. This study employed a qualitative case study design. It involved nine novice teacher participants from ten madrasahs and pesantrens, and one supervisor. The data were garnered from the participants' reflective journals, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), documentation, and interview with the supervisor. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of this study showed three fundamental tenets of the MDER program in madrasah and pesantren: teachers’ efforts, the sustainable collaboration between teachers and students, and a long-term partnership among school members and stakeholders. The result sheds light on how to build a reading habit and digital literacy in madrasah and pesantren. It also implicates the role of leaders’ policy in achieving successful program implementation.
On Fibonacci Cordial Labeling of Some Snake Graphs
Authors: Sulayman Jolina E. , Pedrano Ariel C.
Published: March 2023

Let an injective function f from vertex set V of a graph G to the set (F0, F1, F2, ..., Fn), where Fj is jth the Fibonacci number (j=0, 1, ..., n), is said to be Fibonacci cordial labeling if the induced function f* from the edge set E of graph G to the set {0,1} defined by  f* (uv) = (f(u)+f(v)) (mod2) satisfies the condition |ef(0)- ef(1) ≤ 1, where ef(0) is the number of edges with label 0 and ef(1) is the number of edges with label 1. A graph which admits Fibonacci cordial labeling is called Fibonacci cordial graph.
Toward the next Edition of the International Vocabulary of Metrology
Authors: Pavese Franco
Published: March 2023

The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) is presently available in its 3rd Edition (2012) (VIM3). VIM3 has been a major achievement, with numerous comments found in the literature concerning the assessment of it that will be taken here as references for future developments.

The present paper is mainly based on the concept that such a Vocabulary is assumed to be of great help for practitioners in metrology, i.e., in general for people that must correctly apply the idiom of metrology according to the current meaning of its terms.

The core of VIM3, i.e., its few basic terms, which are those currently used in metrology (defined according to the paper’s Glossary), are identified, and their current meaning will be recalled together with the rationale of having chosen them.

The Author’s position will be given, as assuming that the Metrology Vocabulary is not supposed to be of much interest for the scientists whose activity already develops under the discipline of metrology, since they are supposed to be well-informed on its terminology. Rather, such a Vocabulary is assumed to be of great help for practitioners in metrology, i.e., in general for people that must correctly apply the idiom of metrology according to the current meaning of its terms.

In addition, the International Vocabulary is assumed being used in every Country of the World, accounting for the need of easy and unambiguous translations in many different languages as much as possible, when the local metrological idioms may be expressed differently, which is a major difficulty.

The core of VIM3, i.e. its main basic terms, which are those currently used in metrology, are identified as being: “Quantity” vs. “Amount”, “Magnitude”; “Quantity” vs. “Property”; “Value” vs. “Scale”. Their current meaning will be recalled, together with the rationale of having chosen them. The above-mentioned terms are compared with recently proposed changes for several of them, including some new terms to be introduced.

The analysis will also account for the fact that, for the basic terms, any substantial change in their meaning, or the suppression of some of them, should be carefully pondered for being strictly necessary, because it may entail unnecessary confusion for many users. In fact, it is possible and reasonable that in other disciplines the same terms might express different concepts and express differently according to the specific idiom of those disciplines − e.g., according to an idiom basically originating from branches of philosophy of science or from set theory, where important differences in the meaning could be inappropriate or difficult to understand in measurement science, and in metrology particularly.
Menarca, pubertà e riti di passaggio: la ri-definizione del (S)oggetto femminile in La ragazza di nome Giulio di Milena Milani (1964)
Authors: Tenderini Lisa
Published: March 2023

The article offers a study of the novel La ragazza di nome Giulio (A Girl Called Jules) by Milena Milani, which caused a scandal due to its alleged obscenity following its publication in 1964, by examining one of the central and most provocative themes addressed in the text, namely the menstrual cycle of the protagonist. Through her first menstruation and the related intratextual references, as well as considering the theoretical framework on puberty and the sociocultural significance of menarche provided by Simone de Beauvoir in Le deuxième sexe, the narrator’s search for identity leads to the definition of an autonomous Subject that distances itself from the socially defined female role as the ‘Other’ through the rejection of traditional patriarchal constructs and gender roles. By narrating the formation of a female Subject who rebels against the socially and culturally constructed role of woman-as-Other, Milani deconstructs the biological moment that determines the assignment of this role. By advancing a strong critique of patriarchy, the author stands out as an innovative feminist voice capable of assigning literary dignity to the menstrual cycle and its evident but unspoken socio-cultural and discursive significance.
Bacteria of genus Bacillus as antagonists of pathogens in aquaculture
Authors: Morozova Marina Aleksandrovna , Gorovcov Andrey Vladimirovich , Prazdnova Evgeniya Valerevna , Basankina Victoria Mikhailovna , Chistyakov Vladimir Anatolyevich , Pepoyan Astghik , Miralimova Shahlo , Grigoriyev Vadim Alekseevich
Published: March 2023

Due to the increasing resistance of aquaculture pathogens to antibiotics, the search for new approaches to the control of infectious diseases is of particular importance. A promising approach is the development of probiotic preparations based on antagonist bacteria. The paper studied the antagonistic activity of Bacillus strains that are promising for developing probiotics for fish. The strains were isolated from the bottom sediments of the Don River in the area of the Donskoy Fish Reserve, as well as from the intestines of cyprinids of natural populations, namely, from silver carp (Cyprinus gibelio), roach (Rutilus heckelii), and bream (Abramis brama). The inhibitory effect of Bacillus strains against causative agents of aeromonosis, pseudomonosis and bacterial hemorrhagic septicemia was studied by the method of delayed antagonism. Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species pathogenic for fish were isolated from sturgeons, cyprinids and salmons grown in pond farms and recirculating aquaculture systems in the Krasnodar Region, Rostov Region and the Republic of Adygea. It has been shown that sensitivity to the action of bacilli is not only a species, but also a strain-specific trait among bacterial pathogens of fish. Five strains were identified that exhibited the maximum antagonistic activity against the studied pathogens, and their species identification was carried out by molecular biological and mass spectrometric methods. It has been established that the most pronounced antagonism is exhibited by strains of bacilli isolated from bottom sediments. The growth of all studied strains of fish pathogenic species of Pseudomonas was suppressed only the B. subtilis R4 strain. Thus, strains of aerobic spore-forming bacteria suitable for the creation of probiotic preparations for aquaculture objects have been isolated and characterized.
KINSHIP POLITICS AND EMBODIMENT CONCEPT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE: TABANAN DISTRICT CASE STUDY
Authors: Sastra Wijaya Komang Adi , Suarka I Nyoman , Darma Putra I Nyoman , Tagel Eddy I Wayan
Published: March 2023

This research is a neo-institutionalism analysis study to political dynasty issue in the accordance with the embodiment concept of good governance in Tabanan district. As it is known that after the reformation, Tabanan was led by the same family generation. By focusing on the health service sector, this study will look at to what extent the dynastic politics has an impact on the public policy sector and the realization of good governance. In general, the health service policy pursued by the Tabanan Regency government is a non-populist policy. The local government chose to build international hospital rather than providing free health services for the poor. All this time, the study about political dynasty and the effect to the public policy sector in Tabanan is only seen as a mere political problem without looking at the deep state structure, the normative function and culture in it. This study found that there are a conflict between sociological institution, historical institution, and rational choice institution behind the strong dynastic politics as well as the struggles in realizing good governance in Tabanan Regency.

Keywords: political dynasty, good governance, neo-institutionalism, public policy, Tabanan district.
Persepsi Pengunjung terhadap Daya Tarik Wisata di Agrowisata Subak Sembung Pada Era New Normal
Authors: DAMAYANTI KADEK DWI , ANGGRENI I G. A. A LIES
Published: March 2023

Visitor’s Perception of Tourism Attraction in Subak Sembung Ecotourism in The New Normal Era

Denpasar city has environmentally based tourist attraction (ecotourism) subak agriculture in the middle of the city that is visited by many people. However, tourist behavior changes in the normal new era. So this study aims to determine the perception of visitors to the tourist attraction in Agrotourism Subak Sembung in the new normal era. The research was conducted at Agrotourism Subak Sembung in March 2021. A close questionnaire is used in data collection, which is distributed directly and filled out online through Google Form. A sample of 100 respondents are taken with nonprobability sampling techniques. The data is collected then analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques with likert scale and SPSS 21 software. The results indicate that the average percentage of the entirety description of the respondents' answers covering the three aspects in these variables are 71.3% in the agreement category that the Covid 19 virus prevention facilities and infrastructure in the Subak Sembung Agrotourism area have not met the standards. Visitors also agree that if the addition of these facilities and infrastructure will make visitors feel safer and more comfortable in visiting, even though some visitors have obeyed health protocols for themselves.
No Nut November: Needed? Or Just Nuts?
Authors: Garas Melody
Published: March 2023

This blog-style paper written for PSYC333 concerns the rampant misinformation regarding the safe and healthy sexual practices of masturbation, informed by research regarding masculinity, masturbation, and health. In today's society, especially amongst adolescents and young adults, the idea of “No Nut November,” amongst other trends where masturbation is discouraged, runs rampant and is a very common source of this misinformation. In this paper, the problematic roots of No Nut November are addressed, and the broader harmful implications of this misleading information are discussed. Previous research done regarding abstaining from masturbation is reviewed to demonstrate that masturbation has been empirically proven to have great health benefits, and little to no disadvantages. Research regarding the clinical benefits of abstaining from masturbation, is reviewed to illustrate that there have been no empirical findings to indicate that any significant clinical benefits can be yielded from abstaining from masturbation. The paper discusses the implications of these findings; shaming people for these healthy and natural sexual behaviors contributes to severe emotional and physical harm-especially when it concerns adolescents. This is a narrative that needs to be recognized as more than an internet joke, especially on campus; the first step to combatting it is to educate those most susceptible to harm.
How have wildfires affected forest basal area in Northern and Southern California during the 21st century?
Authors: Catherine Savard
Published: March 2023

Wildfires are unplanned and dynamic fires that occur in areas of combustible vegetation.  They can be natural or human-induced and play a vital role in ecosystem health. The severity and intensity of wildfires can change over time based on the weather, available fuel and topography. California is continuously experiencing longer wildfire seasons as a direct result of climate change, affecting the forest structure of the state’s forest. Forest basal area is used to determine forest stand density and is an indicator of annual growth potential (Nix, 2020). It is often used as the basis for making important forest management decisions. My research will determine how wildfire frequency and extent have affected the basal area of Northern and Southern California’s forests in 2000 and 2017. Fire perimeter and frequency data obtained from the United States Forest Service regional datasets website will be used to define fire characteristics in the regions. Tree basal area data obtained from the United States Forest Service regional-level datasets website will be used to quantify the basal area of critical forest types. Percent change in basal area, fire frequency and acres burned each year will be determined to compare the burn regimes of the two regions during the two years to see how that has impacted the forest’s basal area. The findings will give an idea of how the rate of wildfires has changed in the last two decades and its subsequent impacts, which can help us better prepare for the future of forests in an ongoing climate crisis.
Coastal Erosion and The Minas Bay: An Analysis
Authors: Flemington Hannah
Published: March 2023

Located on the Bay of Fundy, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs are lined with fifteen kilometres of exposed rock layers that hold relics of 300 million years (ENSECO, 2023). Characterized by extreme tides, turbulent currents, silt-laden waters, and a soft substrate, it is here that 100 billion tons of seawater rise and fall as much as 48 feet every day. Research indicates that erosion rates are expediting and dramatic tides are not stalling these processes. Erosion instigated by water processes is destructive, causing environmental degradation and posing threats to crops, pastures, and forests. However, under these conditions, the first definition of rare organisms preserved in their original ecological context, are under threat. Founders of modern geology, Charles Lyell and William Dawson, discovered tetrapods, amphibians, and reptiles, preserved in the upright fossilized trees (ENSECO, 2023). ArcGIS Pro and photogrammetry techniques have been used to georeference and transpose aerial photography and satellite imagery onto a digital elevation model (DEM). My hypothesis is that erosion rates have been increasing over time due to extreme climate events that have expedited environmental variables. The results of this research will indicate if changes in climate are leading to the escalation of erosion in this area. This is significant to determine how long we might have before this incredible archive of biological material is no longer available.
The Impact Of Urbanization on Water Quality and Riparian Land Cover Change in the Grand River Watershed
Authors: Hu Wenji
Published: March 2023

The research topic of my paper is the impact of urbanization on water quality and riparian land cover change in the Grand River watershed. Urban expansion could have unpredictable impacts on natural environment and resources. This watershed is comprised of lots of major rivers and tributaries in Canada which are significant hydrological resources to humans and nature, so it plays important roles in providing nearby residences water use and land irrigation. The watershed contains two First Nation territories and a total of 39 municipalities, including larger cities like Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, and Cambridge (GRCA 2008), so rapid urbanization could be one of the factors to degrade water quality and the underwater ecosystem. Moreover, due to the water quality change of the water, the riparian area land cover can correspondingly change over the years. Therefore, this study will mainly focus on studying water quality trends from 2000 to 2020, and data is collected from 12 water monitoring stations near the large cities in the watershed. The water quality will be defined by parameters like pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and other chemical elements. The land cover layer of 2000 and 2020 will be used to compare the riparian land cover change, illustrating the spatial relationship of urban expansion and riparian area with significant land cover change. Furthermore, more discussions will focus on if the riparian land cover change is closely related to water quality degradation caused by urbanization. The final deliverable would be presented by ArcGIS pro layouts and statistic charts.
Speckle Pattern Improvements for Digital Image Correlation to Capture Small Strains in Tensile Tests on Rock
Authors: Woodland Samuel , Gagnon Émelie , Packulak Timothy , Dobosz Agatha , Day Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a popular optical strain measurement technology for deformation analysis in rock mechanics laboratory testing. Although reliable and repeatable, traditional strain gauge and extensometer measurement techniques have drawbacks including high recurring cost and limited spatial distribution of data. DIC utilizes continuous photography and computer software to track paint speckle pixel displacements of a material deforming under load, producing a full-field strain map for each recorded increment. Although DIC presents an opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional methods, significant precision and care is required to track typical total displacements of 0.005 mm (0.01% strain) in Brazilian tensile stress (BTS) tests of igneous and sedimentary specimens measuring 47.6 mm diameter. For computer algorithms to precisely track individual pixels between frames, it is often necessary to apply a unique speckle pattern conforming to several criteria to the rock specimen. A variety of speckle application techniques have been reported in rock mechanics literature; however, the importance of a high-quality speckle pattern and resulting influence on the accuracy of DIC results is frequently overlooked. The laboratory testing program in this research utilized 2-Dimensional DIC on BTS tests to investigate the cost, efficiency, ease of application, and effectiveness for several speckle application methods. In addition to testing traditional spraypaint, airbrush, and stamp application methods, an innovative laser engravement speckle application technique was developed in this research that provides more reliable DIC results. This research provides practical speckle pattern application recommendations for small strain 2D DIC measurements.
The Creation of the Ol Medical Colouring Book
Authors: Kane Carolyn
Published: March 2023

The Ol Medical Colouring Book was inspired by the New York Academy of Medicine Library’s Colour Our Collections annual colouring festival, which was launched in 2016. In which libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions are invited to share images from their collections in the format of a colouring book. Queen’s W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections partnered with the Bracken Health Sciences library to create a colouring book focusing on medical content which emphasized the importance of mental health for students during the exam period (as well as other stressful periods). This proposed presentation would explore the creation process, the inspiration and need for the colouring book. While also addressing disinformation found in sources and how this was combatted with the proper information. The initiative of the colouring book is aimed at providing students with fun relaxation resources, the presentation would cover why there is a need for this specifically during exams, which has been born out of the advancement of technology.
Approaches to International Education
Authors: Rohrauer Ann Margaret , Al-Naib Aumama , Giraldo Natalia Ayala , Baillargeon Grace , McFadden Erin , Patterson David
Published: March 2023

The purpose of our collaborative research is to explore and assess international approaches to education beyond a country’s curriculum to deduce the primary factors that affect a child’s quality of and outlook towards education. Findings suggest that the elements of teaching training, assessment practices, technology use, and timetabling within schools offer a comprehensive view on the circumstances that impact a child’s education. Essentially, the content and learning goals outlined in the curriculum are not as important as the way in which they are implemented and presented in the classroom. Our findings do not suggest that one education system was necessarily better than another, but rather that each independent education system is characteristic of and influenced by the culture, philosophies, development, and traditional way of life within that country. Teachers can broaden their knowledge of how education systems around the world depend on the ideologies and internal control of the government behind each of these elements. Additionally, since Canada is multicultural, teachers can deduce how implementing another country’s approach in one or more of the four factors could improve Canada’s education system. Further research on this topic could extend to exploring more countries’ education systems and establishing a course of action towards systemic change. Our recommendations will support new educators by broadening their perspective on what education in Canada could look like in the future by considering approaches by other education systems around the world.
Environmental Impact of Road Salt on Inland Lakes in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Authors: Armstrong Miller
Published: March 2023

In Canada we use an annual amount of almost 7 million tons of sodium chloride to keep our roads ice free in the winter. Road salt is the mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCl), and it de-ices the roads by decreasing the freezing point of water. Most of this road salt ends up in the surrounding ecosystems and waterways. This contamination impacts ecosystem balance, the species in the area, and the drinkability of our water.  This research aims to determine if the excessive use of road salt in the winter influences the chloride levels of inland lakes in the township of Leeds and the Thousand Island and what effects this may have had.  The lakes looked at in the township are Temperance Lake, Gananoque Lake, Gananoque River, South Lake, Killenbeck Lake and Lyndhurst Lake. These lakes are all located next to a major roadway however, they vary in level of urbanization the area has experienced. Annual samples were taken from 6 lakes in the spring and summer. The same sample points were visited every year at similar times of year. Using statistical analysis and GIS software we are able to see if there is a reoccurring pattern in increasing and decreasing chloride levels in proximity to where the road salt is applied.
An Assessment of Phosphorus Fractions in the Canadian High Arctic Post-Permafrost Disturbances
Authors: Guan Erjia
Published: March 2023

Climate change is impacting all natural processes, and the phosphorus cycle is no exception. With the High Arctic warming at a significantly increased rate compared to the rest of the world, thawing permafrost could potentially release great amounts of carbon, which through cellular respiration in microbes and plants, would eventually enter the atmosphere creating a runaway positive feedback cycle. The purpose of this research is to determine the amounts of the different forms of phosphorus present in High Arctic soil after a permafrost disturbance. This project will be done as a chronosequence as opposed to a longitudinal study, as it is not practical to measure time over a period of 60-70 years.

Soil samples were collected from the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory on Melville Island in Canada. 3 sites were sampled, each with a different amount of time elapsed since a permafrost disturbance occurred. These 3 sites vary from the disturbance occurring 1-2 years ago, to 14 years ago, to 60-70 years ago. 3 replicates were taken from each site. Furthermore, each site had its own respective control, from which 3 replicates were also taken. Chemical analysis of the amount of phosphorus present in the soil samples will be done using the Hedley method of phosphorus fractionation. The Hedley method is a method of phosphorus fractionation that is done by sequentially adding stronger reagents to remove various forms of occluded,  non-occluded, labile, and resistant forms of phosphorus.

The results of this project are still unknown, as much lab work has yet to be completed. However, I expect phosphorus fractions results to vary between the different sites. This is significant as human disturbances and interference may cause accelerated permafrost thaw in the High Arctic, furthering altering ecosystems.
Trust, Deceit, and Disgust Within the Marriage Between Lucrezia and Nicia in La Mandragola by Machiavelli
Authors: Gibson Isobel
Published: March 2023

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 - 1527) is most famous for his instructional book, The Prince, however, he experienced greater success during his lifetime for his play La Mandragola. The play is centred around one man's efforts, Callimaco, in having sex with Lucrezia, a young woman who is married to an older man, Messer Nicia. Despite being married for six years, the marriage between Lucrezia and Nicia has not yielded a child - this was unusual. Trickery ensues, with the play ending with Callimaco successfully duping Nicia and ‘getting the girl,’ with Lucrezia and Callimaco confident in their ability to continue this affair going forward. The unfortunate marriage dynamic of Lucrezia and Nicia was not one that was created because it differed from the norm, but rather the typical marriage culture and gender expectations of the time contributed to the discord of their marriage. Neither partner has respect for the other; Nicia has a certain level of complacency, perhaps even avoidance or fear, of Lucrezia and being reproached. On the other hand, Lucrezia sees Nicia as dim-witted and seeks many opportunities to avoid physical contact with him. Machiavelli provides a rich and nuanced picture of married life, albeit exaggerated at times as part of the larger plot of La Mandragola. The marriage of Nicia and Lucrezia also reveals that there is much more behind prescribed gender roles of being fertile and economically capable when it comes to compatibility within the confines of typical marriages in Renaissance Italy. The disrespect and dislike seen in the marriage between Lucrezia and Nicia is amplified through neither character satisfying gender expectations, and existing in a marriage dynamic that was, while common, still problematic.
Distribution of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidade) species and human cases of leishmaniasis in the Province of Corrientes, Argentina
Authors: VILLARQUIDE Maria Lucrecia , ANDREO Verónica , SALOMON Oscar Daniel , SANTINI Maria Soledad
Published: March 2023

We updated the distribution of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) species and human cases of leishmaniasis in the Province of Corrientes, Argentina. Evandromyia correalimai (Martins, Coutinho & Lutz, 1970) is a new record for the province, reported in the urban area of Santo Tomé. We include the currently known distribution map of Phlebotominae sandfly species in Corrientes, and the localities where they were recorded, as well as a map of vector species and reported human cases of leishmaniases.
INFLUENCIADORES DIGITAIS INDÍGENAS: O INSTAGRAM COMO MÍDIA PARA MANIFESTAÇÃO IDENTITÁRIA E ATIVISTA DE INDÍGENAS DA AMAZÔNIA BRASILEIRA
Authors: Do Amaral Rios Layana , Silva Cláudia
Published: March 2023

Este artigo reside na análise de conteúdo de 239 posts, no contexto de dez perfis de influenciadores digitais indígenas da Amazônia brasileira. A amostra restringe-se à rede social Instagram entre 15 de março e 19 de abril de 2022. Diante do retrocesso dos direitos dos povos indígenas, que tem ocorrido no Brasil, e da imagem desta comunidade pautada na colonialidade do ser, muitas vezes representadas e imaginadas como populações que precisam estar estáticas em suas tradições para terem sua etnia reconhecida, este trabalho centra-se em explorar a seguinte pergunta: o que os influenciadores digitais indígenas têm manifestado no Instagram em relação à identidade cultural e ao ativismo digital? Os resultados desta pesquisa revelaram que 33,47% (n=80) dos posts possuem características ativistas e 29,29% (n=70) são de caráter identitário. Além disso, 3,77% (n=9) dos posts são parcerias pagas, o que demonstra uma tendência para o marketing de influência indígena, embora este ainda seja tímido na amostra pesquisada. Todos os dez perfis produziram algum tipo de conteúdo identitário e sete deles apresentaram conteúdos ativistas em relação ao movimento indígena, levantando temas de dentro e de fora dos sites de notícias on-line. Este resultado leva-nos a concluir que as redes sociais têm sido utilizadas como meio para manifestação de uma minoria étnica e como espaço de inclusão e discussão sobre a situação dessas comunidades, antes com pouca visibilidade e representatividade na mídia tradicional.