bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Species Diversity and Abundance Affects the Number of Arthropod Pests in Residential Landscapes
Authors: Raupp Michael , Shrewsbury Paula , Holmes John , Davidson John
Published: March 2022

An analysis of data collected from 212 residential landscapes in suburban Maryland, U.S., revealed significant positive relationships between the number of insect and mite pests in the landscape and the total number of plants and plant species at the site. The number of pests in a landscape increased very little in relation to the number of plants found in the landscape. However, the number of arthropod pests increased at a much greater rate as more species of plants were added. Two explanations for these results are likely. Relatively few plants harbored arthropod pests throughout the course of the season. Adding more plants of the same species had little effect on altering the number of pest species in a landscape. Arthropod pests tend to be relatively specialized in their host range. When different species of plants are added to a landscape, more opportunities are created for specialized insects and mites to colonize the site and increase the richness of the arthropod fauna. When used in conjunction with previous investigations involving monitoring approaches, these results help IPM and PHC monitors plan and conduct site inspections more efficiently and effectively.
Hardscape Damage by Tree Roots
Authors: Lesser Lawrance
Published: March 2022

Tree root damage to hardscape is a problem for most cities, costing millions of dollars annually statewide for repairs and associated legal expenses. There is a need to systematically identify which tree species are the most often associated with hardscape damage, so that urban tree managers can make appropriate species selections. This study uses TreeKeeper® data to compile a listing of those species most often associated with hardscape damage in three southern California cities, and compares results from another study.
Comparative Test of Six Ded-Tolerant Elms: A Preliminary Report on Nursery Performance
Authors: Kuser John , Polanin Nicholas
Published: March 2022

American elm (Ulmus americana) was the most popular street tree in the United States until the introduction of Dutch elm disease (DED) (Ophiostoma uimi). Now, several DED-tolerant clones have been identified, and there is hope that tolerant cultivars of the American elm will soon again be on the list of preferred urban forest species. But before the rush to plant, it is important to consider which clones are most tolerant, not only to DED but to other diseases, insects, and various environmental stressors. Local site adaptation as well as form and utility in the landscape also need to be evaluated. We have established several long-term comparison plots of clones of American elm that have shown DED tolerance. Plots are at the following U.S. locations: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania; EA. Bartlett Tree Expert Co., Charlotte, North Carolina; Shaker Heights, Ohio; and other sites. The plots will serve to demonstrate clonal differences in the following characteristics: field tolerance to DED; tolerance to elm yellows (phloem necrosis; samples tested by Rutgers University's Plant Diagnostic Laboratory), elm leaf beetle, any other pests or diseases and abiotic factors such as salt, drought, and air pollution; rate of growth, shape, and size of tree; appearance of general health and vigor, fullness of crown, leaf size and color; and possible G x E interaction (one clone better at one site, another somewhere else).
Equations for Predicting Diameter, Height, Crown Width, and Leaf Area of San Joaquin Valley Street Trees
Authors: Peper Paula , McPherson E. Gregory , Mori Sylvia
Published: March 2022

Although the modeling of energy-use reduction, air pollution uptake, rainfall interception, and microclimate modification associated with urban trees depends on data relating diameter at breast height (dbh), crown height, crown diameter, and leaf area to tree age or dbh, scant information is available for common municipal tree species. In this study, tree height, crown width, crown height, dbh, and leaf area were measured for 12 common street tree species in the San Joaquin Valley city of Modesto, California, U.S. The randomly sampled trees were planted from 2 to 89 years ago. Using age or dbh as explanatory variables, parameters such as dbh, tree height, crown width, crown height, and leaf area responses were modeled using two equations. There was strong correlation (adjusted R2 > 0.70) for total height, crown diameter, and leaf area with dbh. Correlations for dbh with age and crown height for several species were weaker. The equations for predicting tree sizes and leaf area are presented and applied to compare size and growth for all species 15 and 30 years after planting. Tree height, crown diameter, and dbh growth rates tended to slow during the second 15 years, but the leaf area growth rate increased for most species. Comparisons of predicted sizes for three species common to Modesto and Santa Monica trees suggest that pruning has a significant impact on tree size and leaf area, potentially more than climate and soil characteristics.
Influences of Community Characteristics on Municipal Tree Ordinances in Illinois, U.S.
Authors: Dickerson Shawn , Groninger John , Mangun Jean
Published: March 2022

While the overall objective of municipal tree ordinances is to provide safe and attractive community forests, the approach to addressing this issue varies profoundly among municipalities. This study explores the relationship between community characteristics and municipal tree ordinances using data from 151 Illinois communities. Results show significant correlations between ordinance provisions and comrnunity 'characteristics relating to wealth and education. Communities with higher mean income and level of education are more likely to have provisions biased toward the maintenance and protection of existing community trees, while communities where residents are less educated and poorer on average tend to have ordinances focused on community aesthetics and safety through resource improvement. Municipal governments, and the tree care professionals advising them, can use this information for guidance when revising or developing ordinances to match community preferences and objectives.
Regionalization of water quality parameters based on the landscape characteristics of small ungauged basins: a study carried out in south-eastern Brazil
Authors:   Embrapa Environment, Brazil, Garofalo Danilo , Ferreira Marcos ,   Institute of Geosciences, UNICAMP, Brazil
Published: March 2022

One of the main problems associated with the analysis of water quality parameters (WQPs) in developing countries is the low number of sampling sites in small watersheds. One of the strategies used to solve this problem involves estimating WQPs based on the extrapolation of measurements carried out in other basins using regionalization methods associated with landscape characteristics. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the associations between landscape characteristics and WQPs and to propose a methodology for the regionalization of WQPs based on landscape characteristic data obtained from basins where WQP data were sampled. The study area was the upper Piracicaba-Jaguari River basin located in south-western Brazil. The methodology was based on a survey of 27 environmental variables and 12 water quality parameters in 44 small sub-basins. The non-parametric k-nearest neighbour regression (K-NNR) algorithm was used to estimate the WQP values for the small sub-basins that lacked data. The results showed that the landscape characteristics of the studied sub-basins related to land use and cover significantly influenced the WQPs. The mapped regions showed significant differences among the total dissolved solids, chloride, electric conductivity, pH, salinity, resistivity, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate parameter values.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using artichoke waste extract
Authors:   Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, EL-CHAGHABY Ghadir , RASHAD Sayed ,   Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, EID Heba ,   Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
Published: March 2022

In the present work, a green method is proposed for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using artichoke processing waste extract as reducing agent. The formation of AgNPs was spectrophotometrically detected by the appearance of maximum peak at 430 nm. Transmission electron microscopic results confirmed the formation of AgNPs with different shapes with average particle size (88.94 nm). Phytochemical and gas chromatography/ mass results indicated the presence of important compounds especially phenols and flavonoids in the artichoke waste extract. AgNPs biosynthesized using artichoke waste extract were tested to determine their potential antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. The results showed that AgNPs have high antioxidant capacity (179.93 mgGAE/ml) and potent free radical scavenging activity (45.94 %). The results also showed that AgNPs have significantly high antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Escherichia coli with inhibition zone dimeter 17, 21, 17 and 17 mm, respectively. AgNPs showed anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line with a decline in cells viability with increase of AgNPs concentration and IC50 (144.29μmole/ml). Based on these results and the benefits of phytochemicals detected in artichoke waste extract, this waste could be effectively used for silver nanoparticles preparation.
The wing mites (Acari: Spinturnicidae) of the Turkish bats, including new records
Authors:   Department of Biology,Niğde Ö. H. University, Niğde, Turkey, Karataş Ahmet , Toprak Ferhat ,   Ümitköy Anadolu Imam Hatip High School, Çankaya-Ankara, Turkey
Published: March 2022

This study is based on 93 Spinturnicidae specimens collected on 312 bat specimens obtained from various parts of Turkey. As a result of the study, six mite species were identified: Eyndhovenia euryalis (Canestrini, 1884), Spinturnix acuminatus (Koch, 1836), S. myoti (Kolenati, 1856), S. psi (Kolenati, 1856), S. plecotinus (Koch, 1839), and S. punctata (Sundevall, 1833). Of these species, S. plecotinus and S. punctata are new records for the Turkish fauna.
Determination of the genetic diversity in populations of halophytic grass S. ioclados using PBA markers
Authors:   Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan., Ahmad Dawood , Zehra Afsheen ,   Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization (ISHU), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan., Jalal Abdullah ,   Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan., Ali Waqar ,   Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Lower Dir, Pakistan., Khan Muhammad S. ,   Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan.
Published: March 2022

The genetic structure of salt-tolerant halophytic grass Sporobolus ioclados collected from inland and coastal areas of Pakistan was determined using P450 based analog (PBA); the functional genomic markers. Our data revealed high polymorphism (96%) in the collected germplasm. The high genetic variability could be attributed to outcrossing, and sexual reproduction. An analysis of molecular variance depicted higher genetic diversity (80%) within the populations and lower (20%) among the populations. The low genetic diversity among the inland and coastal populations might be due to fragmentation and long physical distances. The dendrogram and principal component analysis clearly distinguished the genotypes of the two populations into two distinct clusters. Our data demonstrated that PBA markers are reliable and reproducible for assessing genetic diversity in halophytic grass and provides valuable insight for future breeding and conservation programs.
INSTABILITY OF ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETES AND ITS IMPACT ON SEX AND THYROID HORMONES IN MALE WISTAR RATS-A PILOT STUDY
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,  Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Osibemhe Martin , Orji Blessing O. ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,  Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Omaji Gloria O. ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,  Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Amune Elizabeth ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,  Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Ezekiel John ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,  Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Published: March 2022

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and sex and/or thyroid hormones has been well documented in both human and animal studies ditto auto-reversibility of alloxan. However, the correlation between unstable diabetes and these hormones has little or no information in the literature; hence, the focus of this study. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of freshly prepared alloxan. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats (weight 120-150 g) were used in this study. Alloxan was administered to 20 rats and 5 rats served as control. Alloxan-administered rats were further divided into two groups. One group (diabetic rats) was used as diabetic control and the other group served as reversed diabetic, which contained rats whose fasting blood glucose was confirmed to be normoglycemic post-diabetic. All rats were maintained on normal rat feed and water ad libitum and were monitored for 14 days. Blood glucose was monitored at intervals of 7 days after basal (before diabetes induction) and day 1(diabetes confirmation) values had been noted. Sex hormones: Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen (E) as well as thyroid hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were assayed after 14 days. Alloxan caused alteration in blood glucose levels of both diabetic and reversed diabetic groups. T4 level was lowered significantly in both diabetic (11.32 ± 0.26 μg/ml) and reversed diabetic (11.00 ± 0.16 μg/ml) groups in relation to the control. Other assayed hormones were not different significantly from the control. These findings indicate that influence of diabetes on these hormones may not be dependent on glucose gradation.
Monitoring land cover dynamics utilizing a change vector analysis approach: a case study of al Najaf Province, Iraq
Authors:   Department of Physics, College of Education for Girls, University of Kufa al Najaf, Iraq, AL-Khakani Ebtihal T , Hamid Huda M. ,   Department of Soil and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University Babylon, Iraq
Published: March 2022

Analysing information relevant to land cover changes is a fundamental issue in studies linked to environmental diversity. The use of multi-time satellite images at different scales allowed continuous observation of land cover changes. Due to significant changes in land cover, specifically in the decades 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, al Najaf Province was selected as the study area. This work aimed to study changes in land cover in Al Najaf Province from satellite imagery, using change vector analysis (CVA), through the last two decades (2000–2010 and 2010–2020). The enhanced vegetation index 2 (EVI2) and the dry bare soil index (DBSI) represented the vegetation and soil condition in the study region. They were estimated via images from the satellite Landsat-5 TM for March for the two years 2000 and 2010, and Landsat 8 OLI 2020 for the same month, then were considered the parameters for a land cover change analysis using the CVA. The outputs of the CVA were assessed on maps of land cover obtained through the supervised classification for the above-mentioned images. The results of the change vector magnitude found that the ratio of the changed area reached 46.58% and 56.35%, and the unchanged area was 53.42% and 43.65% for the periods (2000–2010) and (2010–2020), respectively. The results of the change direction revealed that the moisture reduction ratio was 26.93% and 4.85%, while the vegetation regrowth ratio was 15.81% and 38.79% for the same two periods, respectively. The results of the two periods considered exhibited that the EVI2- DBSI combination presented promising performance results with the overall accuracy of 0.90 and 0.92 and a kappa index of 0.867 and 0.852, respectively. As a result, the CVA technique offers a promising way to track environmental changes that are connected to the dynamics of land use/land cover in this region.
QoS based congestion evasion clustering framework of wireless sensor networks
Authors:   Dept. of Information Technology, JIS College of Engineering, West Bengal, India, Saha Soumyabrata , Chaki Rituparna ,   A. K. Choudhury School of Information Technology, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Published: March 2022

Congestion is a significant issue for event-based applications due to the continuous data collection and transmission by the sensors constituting the network. The congestion control technique monitors the process of adjusting the data and intends to manage the network traffic level to the threshold value. The information gathered from an intensive study is required to strengthen the knowledge base for devising a QoS based congestion evasion clustering framework of wireless sensor networks. In this scheme, the cluster heads are optimally determined and dispersed over the network. The data aggregation approach has been applied in a clustered network and set out a crucial paradigm for WSN routing. The proposal employs to mitigate congestion while messages are being forwarded via an alternate route to distribute the traffic and increase the throughput. This technique aims to balance the energy ingestion among the sensor nodes, reduce energy consumption, improve network lifetime, and achieve the quality of services. The result analysis revealed that the proposed scheme recommends 22.5% better throughput, 21% lesser end-to-end delay, 25.5% better delivery ratio, and efficiently relieves congestion while preserving the network's performance for attaining QoS in wireless sensor networks.
Investigation of V2O5-ZnAl2O4 Composite Nanoparticles for C-band Microstrip Patch Antenna Applications
Authors:   Department of ECE, Swarnandhra College of Engineering & Technology, Narsapur-534 280, West Godavari (AP), India., Siragam Srilali , Dubey R.S. ,   Advanced Research Laboratory for Nanomaterials & Devices, Department of Nanotechnology, Swarnandhra College of Engineering & Technology, Seetharampuram, Narsapur-534 280, West Godavari (AP), India., Pappula Lakshman ,   Department of ECE, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Greenfields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, India, Andhra Pradesh
Published: March 2022

This paper reports the prototype fabrication and characterization of microstrip patch antenna using the sol-gel derived composite nanoparticles of vanadium pentoxide oxide (V2O5) and zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4). The prepared composite nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which exhibited the dominant peaks of ZnAl2O4 and V2O5. The crystallite size of the nanoparticles was estimated to be 16 nm. The sample was also studied using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to examine the functional groups morphology and elemental composition present in the composite nanoparticles. Further, these nanoparticles were employed in fabricating the prototype microstrip patch antenna to evaluate its characteristics. The fabricated antenna showed its return loss of -17.13 dB at a resonant frequency of 4.64 GHz.
Plant Leaf Disease and Fertilizer Prediction using Image Processing and CNN Algorithm
Authors: Gaurav Dahake  , Vaishnav Karadale  , Sakolkar Rushikesh  , Niranjan Bankar  , Prof. Sonali Sethi
Published: March 2022

Agricultural products are the most basic requirement of every country. Infected plants have a negative influence on the country's agricultural production and economic resources. Early disease detection is critical in agriculture for a high crop yield. After recognizing the symptoms of leaf diseases, automatic methods for classification of plant diseases can also assist in taking action. Plant disease detection is critical in the agricultural sector because it affects the plant's robustness and health, both of which are important factors in agricultural productivity. These issues are prevalent in plants, and if suitable preventative measures are not implemented, the culture may be severely harmed. In the actual world, the existing approach of detecting disease relies on an expert's opinion and physical analysis, which is time-consuming and costly. We're introducing automatic plant leaf disease detection and classification based on artificial intelligence for rapid and easy disease diagnosis and classification. This main aim of our system is towards increasing the productivity of crops in agriculture. We followed numerous phases in this approach, including image collecting, image pre-processing, segmentation, and classification.
Psychopathic personality disorder and cybercriminality: an outline of the issue
Authors: Perenc Lidia
Published: March 2022

The rapid development of information and communication technologies has created a new dimension in interpersonal relationships, which is commonly called cyberspace. Structural features of cyberspace such as anonymity, the lack of non-verbal indicators of interaction, their asynchrony, a sense of impunity and the lack of specific norms of conduct cause that the behavior of some people online may differ significantly from their behavior in real life. Individuals with psychopathic personality disorder can use cyberspace for criminal activities such as cyberbullying, trolling, digital piracy, cybervandalism or data theft. This is a very significant problem, as some researchers predict that as digital communication develops, ‘cyberpsychopaths’ will become the dominant form of criminals. Currently, there is a lack of research on the relationship between the structural features of cyberspace and the expression of psychopathic personality traits and their role in committing cybercrimes.
Prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries among wheelchair athletes in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Fapojuwo Oluseun Akinleye , Kareem Rotimi Olanrewaju , Bejide Oluwatosin Helen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Participation in elite sporting competition for athletes with a disability has seen significant growth in recent years. There are relatively few studies on sports-related injuries in this population of athletes. Thus, detailed understanding of musculoskeletal injury in this complex area of sport remains poor. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and perceived risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries among wheelchair athletes in Lagos State, South West, Nigeria.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional survey involving 63 wheelchair athletes, recruited from various stadia in Lagos State. Data on musculoskeletal injuries were collated by using an adapted questionnaire. Frequency and percentages were applied to summarize data. The chi-squared test served to find associations between variables.

Results

The career, 12-month, and point prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among the wheelchair athletes were 93.7%, 61.9%, and 3.2%, respectively. The shoulder (66.7%) and forearm (31.7%) were the most common sites of injury. The most frequent perceived risk factors of musculoskeletal injury were fatigue (30.2%) and contact with other athletes (28.6%). No significant connections were found between the injured body parts and the 12-month injury prevalence in the wheelchair athletes (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among wheelchair athletes. The upper extremities are the major site of injury owing to their continuous use to propel wheelchairs during sports activities and activities of daily living, which makes them vulnerable to injury.
Investigation On, The Effect Of Polypropylene Fiber And Waste Glass Powder On High Performance Concrete
Authors:   Govt. Polytechnic College Bikaner (Tech. Education Department Rajasthan)., Singh Rathore Shivdayal
Published: March 2022

The process of producing the concrete by utilizing the waste and end-production of different industries gives rise to a new concrete which is known as “Green concrete or Sustainable Concrete”. All the raw materials of concrete can be replaced either partially (at different proportions) or fully which ultimately improves the various properties and characteristics of concrete. In current experimental study work, an attempt has been made to replace the cement with waste glass powder to obtain sustainable concrete so that the environment and raw material can be saved. Glass powder in proportion of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% was added to the concrete mix by replacing the cement along with the polypropylene fibre to enhance the tensile behaviour of concrete. It was concluded from the results that the concrete mix GP12 is the optimum concrete mix. GP12 having 12% Glass Powder and 0.5% PP fibre is recommended for future use to obtain maximum strength of concrete.
Dc Link Voltage Balance Of Grid Integrated Pv Module Using Pi-Awt
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering IIT (ISM), Dhanbad., Kumar Dash Dipak
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of a PV-based grid-connected system. In the suggested arrangement, there are two phases in the conversion process. The conversion of alternating current voltage to direct current voltage is the first stage. It is decided to use the usual two-level converter at this point. The second stage consists of converting the direct current voltage to alternating current voltage using a typical two-level voltage source converter (VSC). A control technique based on the Anti-windup tuned PI (PI+AWT) is being developed to govern the dc link voltage at VSC of the second stage conversion. The proportional resonant controller is used to control the current signals and also to regulate the reference signals in the pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme, which is described in detail below. The sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is used to regulate VSC switches. The suggested controller’s performance is evaluated under three different conditions: continuous irradiation, change of irradiation, and three-phase fault. MATLAB/SIMULINK is used to calculate the parameters of the results.
Teaching methods of sociology research and social work to students at Vietnam Trade Union University
Authors:   Viet Nam Trade Union University., Duc Huu Nguyen
Published: March 2022

Sociology and social work have the same focus – that is the study of people as the specialties of the social sciences. Despite this, Sociology is part of the Social Sciences, while Social Work is part of applied science and expertise. So, between these two disciplines in addition to the similarities, they also have some very different points in the approach to scientific research. This article analyzes the specific aspects of these two sciences in teaching practice for students at Vietnam Trade Union University
Bond Between Human And The Nature: A Critical Study On Willa Cather’s The Song Of The Lark
Authors:   Department of English, St.Peter‟s Institute of Higher Education & Research, Avadi, Chennai., Blessy Angelin Devarampati
Published: March 2022

Environmental themes are prominent in the narrative subtexts of several of Willa Cather’s early novels. However, Cather’s The Song of the Lark (1915) readings do not fully examine her use of love tales as an intentional narrative technique that ties individual people with one other and the country. We’ll focus on how the love tales in The Song of the Lark intertwine between people and the land to help readers establish a stronger connection with nature. Cather elevates the love tales well beyond their fundamental power to evoke readers’ emotions or display a symbolic depiction of the American landscape’s tremendous modification throughout the 1910s by accomplishing this. As a result, her use of love tales as a narrative technique helps the reader relate to environmental changes on an interpersonal and human level. It is also possible that this literary style might be very successful in today’s environmental debate because of its ability to persuade the reader to raise their environmental consciousness and perhaps affect future behaviour. The study argues that these bridges are built on one of the most fundamental tenets of the collective unconscious: the common situation of love and the shared experience of loss, and that this operates in Cather’s The Song of the Lark to traverse the divide to a true identifier with, respect for, and sustainable improvement of the connection between people and nature.
Demenzsensible Krankenhausgestaltung.
Authors: Holfeld Monika
Published: March 2022

Aufgrund der demografischen Entwicklung unserer Gesellschaft wird der Anteil älterer und damit auch demenzkranker Menschen im Krankenhaus weiter zunehmen. Vor diesem Hintergrund gewinnt eine sensible architektonische Gestaltung, die Sicherheit und Orientierung vermittelt, immer mehr an Bedeutung.

Um ein Verständnis für die Anforderungen älterer und kognitiv eingeschränkter Menschen zu wecken, beschreibt die Autorin zunächst die altersbedingten körperlichen Veränderungen und Sinneseinschränkungen. Einen besonderen Fokus richtet sie auf die milieutherapeutische Gestaltung des Krankenhausumfelds. Zu allen Bereichen einer Station werden konkrete Planungshinweise gegeben und demenzsensible Farb- und Lichtkonzepte vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus bietet das Buch Empfehlungen zu Organisationsstrukturen und Abläufen im Krankenhaus, die auf die speziellen Bedürfnisse von Patienten mit Demenz ausgerichtet sind.

Beispielhafte Pilotprojekte vervollständigen den Praxisleitfaden, der sich sowohl an Interessierte aus der Pflegewirtschaft wie auch an Architekten und Bauherren richtet.
The evaluation of integrated management of childhood illnesses training for learner nurses in KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing
Authors:   , Jacpasad Neervani
Published: March 2022

South Africa is one of 12 countries where the under-five child mortality rate has increased. In response to this challenge, the WHO and UNICEF in the 1990s developed Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), a strategy to reduce child mortality and morbidity. IMCI training was launched in South Africa in 1998. Health care workers trained in IMCI face many challenges when applying the new integrated case management approach. Training settings tend to differ from the actual work environment. Simulation is practiced in an enclosed environment and certain assessments are not possible for example chest in drawing, level of consciousness, oedema amongst others. In South Africa, there has been limited research on IMCI in-service and pre-service training and no research has been conducted regarding the training of student nurses on IMCI and follow up of these learners in the clinical field. Purpose of the study The purpose of this study was to evaluate the IMCI training of learners in the use of IMCI Guidelines in the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN). Methodology This study followed a descriptive quantitative approach and evaluates the training of the learners and the facilitation and training of lecturers with regards to IMCI in the KZNCN campuses. Data was collected using questionnaires for facilitators and learners on the three campuses. Results The findings of this study revealed that teaching and learning approaches used to facilitate IMCI were adequate except for clinical practice and theory which was reported to be insufficient.
A comparison of mobilisation and exercise in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain
Authors:   , Meyer Elsje Maria
Published: March 2022

Background : Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common condition that negatively affects cervical muscle functioning and activities of daily living. Combined exercise and mobilisation are currently recommended as the most effective treatment for this condition. Mobilisation, such as mobilisation of the cervical spine, provides short-term pain relief and affects neural activity, while the craniocervical flexion exercise provides immediate pain relief and activates the deep cervical flexors. The short-term effect of mobilisation and the craniocervical flexion exercise have not been compared. Objectives : This study aimed to compare mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise in terms of subjective and objective outcome measures at a short-term follow-up consultation for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain. The null-hypothesis was that the mobilisation group would not respond differently to the craniocervical flexion exercise group. Method : A group of thirty females between the ages of 20 and 35 complaining of non-specific neck pain for more than three months were randomly allocated into either the mobilisation or craniocervical flexion exercise groups. During the first two consultations, a mobilisation was administered to the mobilisation group. Whereas the craniocervical flexion exercise and a posture correcting exercise were taught to the participants of the craniocervical flexion exercise group. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, cervical range of motion and algometer readings were taken at each of the three consultations. The Patient Global Impression of Change Scale was administered at the last consultation one week after the first consultation. Results : Both the mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise groups showed significant improvements in all of the subjective outcomes. The Neck Disability Index score of the craniocervical flexion exercise group was the only subjective outcome that did not decrease enough to be considered clinically significant. The PGIC score of the mobilisation group was slightly higher than that of the craniocervical flexion exercise group. There was no statistically significant improvement in the objective outcomes of either group. All ranges of motion decreased in both groups, while pain pressure threshold improved in both groups. There was no significant difference between the results of the subjective and objective outcomes of the mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise groups. Conclusions and recommendations : The two interventions were found to have a similar effect in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain in terms of subjective and objective outcome measures. Participants of both groups indicated on the subjective scales that their conditions improved, even though objective outcomes showed no significant change. In future studies, a larger sample size should be used and the sample should be stratified for ethnicity to increase validity of the results.
The effectiveness of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow in the management of chronic non-specific neck pain : a controlled clinical trial
Authors:   , Jagarnath Kathleen
Published: March 2022

Background : A lack of peaceful sleep and adequate neck support during sleep has been described as a significant contributing factor to the development of chronic non-specific neck pain. Health-care practitioners often prescribe a cervical pillow for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain despite the ambivalent findings of several studies. Recently Simmons South Africa introduced the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow which it claims is able to support the cervical spine and promotes a restful sleep. This study, therefore, set out to determine the potential of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow in alleviating chronic non-specific neck pain. Objective : This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow compared to the participant’s usual pillow (the control) in terms of objective and subjective findings in the management of chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods : Forty individuals, aged 18 to 45 years of age, experiencing chronic non-specific neck pain were recruited via convenience sampling. The study was a single-blinded, cross-over interventional study. All participants underwent a case history, physical and cervical orthopedic examination. Objective (algometer and Cervical Range of Motion measurements) and subjective (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Sleep and pain diary) outcome measures were obtained at each of the five consultations over a four week period, with the cross-over occurring after two weeks. SPSS version 18.0 was used to analyze the data. Demographic data was analyzed using the Chi square tests and t-tests. The consultations were averaged for each phase of the cross over design to result in a two treatment, two period cross over design. Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on subjective and objective measurement according to the method of Dallal (Esterhuizen, 2011). The sleep and pain diary data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Wald chi square test. Results : A significant difference in the perceived comfort levels between the two pillows (p < 0.001) was observed with the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow having a higher comfort rating. A significant decrease in NRS scores (p = 0.018); NDI scores (p < 0.001); and NRS scores on awakening (p < 0.001); neck stiffness rating on awakening (p < 0.00); headache rating on awakening (p = 0.043) was observed in relation to the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow. A significant improvement (p = 0.001) in algometer readings was observed when using the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow when compared to participants usual pillow. A significant increase in mean right lateral flexion measurements was observed in both groups when using the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow (p = Conclusions : The Simmons Beautyrest® pillow was effective in improving chronic non-specific neck pain. It was regarded as comfortable and provided relief with regards to the clinical features of non-specific neck pain.
Calibration of Rogowski Coils at High Pulsed Currents
Authors:   Electrical Power Measurement Group, Djokic Branislav ,   Measurement Science and Standards,   National Research Council of Canada
Published: March 2022

Calibration of Rogowski Coils at High Pulsed Currents. The many applications of Rogowski coils include their use as current sensors in AC resistance welding. Weld quality depends on monitoring/controlling the welding currents. The accuracy of these current sensors matters, and so does the accuracy of their calibration. A high-accuracy system for calibrating Rogowski coils at continuous AC currents was previously developed at NRC. However, in AC resistance welding, high pulsed currents are used. A new calibration system was developed to calibrate current sensors and related equipment under high pulsed currents.
Automation Design of Multiple Intelligent Integration System
Authors:   Raytheon Company, System Verification Center - Metrology & Environmental, Van Nguyen Nghiem
Published: March 2022

Automation Design of Multiple Intelligent Integration System. The multiple system integrator automation (MSIA) is a business that builds computing systems based on the rapid advancement of integration automated technology for clients, by combining hardware and software products for multiple testing. The multiple system integrator automation (MSIA) could be applied to upgrade our metrology manual calibrations to be an automated system. In today's business environment, project teams are expected to do more and deliver higher quality systems in less time with fewer resources. And when companies tighten their budgetary belt, multiple system integration testing is often one of the first systems-development items to be done away within.œ Reduce cost of ownership by 45% to 60%.œ Reduce time to automate tests by 50% to 70%.Using the multiple system integrator automation (MSIA), a company can align cheaper, pre-configured components and off-the-shelf software to meet key business goals, as opposed to using more expensive, customized implementations that may require original programming or unique components. Multiple system integrator automation (MSIA) is a business that builds computing systems based on the rapid advancement of integration automated multiple testing technology.
Avoiding Measurement Errors from Manipulating Data in Software
Authors:   National Instruments, Kunitz Logan
Published: March 2022

In the age of digital technology, the act of calibrating a device nearly always requires the conversion of an analog signal into a digital representation that will be used and manipulated in software as a part of the calibration process. This conversion from analog to digital and the subsequent processing that occurs in the digital domain can introduce additional errors in the measurement. If the data types and methodologies are not properly controlled, the magnitude of these errors can add significant uncertainty to the calibration. The objective of this paper is to explore the various ways that software can introduce errors and uncertainty into measurements, with the purpose of raising awareness for developers about the choices that can be made when manipulating measurement data in software. This paper will investigate several sources of software error that apply across different programming environments, including excel, text-based, and graphical programming environments. The sources of error that will be discussed will include the following: •Rounding errors associated with datatype conversions and data truncation. •Numerical errors are related to the limitations of computers in representing numeric values. •Computational errors that can be introduced by common math functions and methodologies.
Lab2Lab Data Exchange Using ATML
Authors:   National Instruments, Ramachandran Suresh
Published: March 2022

Electronic Exchange of information between businesses (B2B) have reached levels of maturity over the years, establishing a backbone for electronic commerce built up on top of standards for data exchange such as UN/EDIFACT, ebXML and cXML etc. Standardizing electronic exchange of calibration information is becoming more and more relevant as assets are distributed across the world with limited centralization even within organizations. There are a number of vendor specific lab management tools and automated test equipment with a wide array of formats for capturing and storing calibration information. A protocol and standard that allows for electronic exchange of laboratory information will reduce the need for paper based calibration certificate and will help reduce the need for centralized asset tracking. This paper aims to cover the need for evolving a standard for electronic information exchange of calibration data across laboratories via the Internet in a secure fashion. This document covers the requirements and some of the use cases for real-time exchange of calibration information. The paper describes some of the approaches to building these standards using existing technology and infrastructure available such as using ATML and webservices. The paper addresses some of the challenges and known issues of sending information through the Internet.
Metering Technology Center Values Laboratory Services
Authors:   Consumers Energy Lab, Hass Edward
Published: March 2022

This paper was prepared for the National Conference of Standards Laboratories International Workshop and Symposium scheduled for 2014. It shares what was learned by CMS Energy’s Laboratory Services and its Metering Technology Center in regards to testing and certification verification of advanced metrology. It also defends the position that accredited laboratories are best suited to perform product testing as part of their services because those who have accreditation are accustomed to applying reference standards to secure, sustain, and accelerate acceptance of advanced technologies. In 2008, CMS Energy, the 4th largest energy utility company in the United States, temporarily transferred three employees from its accredited calibration laboratory to work at its testing facility to test high tech • newly designed Smart Grid Meter products. To this end, CMS constructed its own testing laboratory to verify vendors’ advertised claims that products adhered to C12 American National Standards Institute specification standards. In preparation for testing, CMS made the decision to upgrade its Alternating Current kilowatt-hour meter test equipment and today is uniquely recognized as the first laboratory in the United States accredited to calibrate electrical energy standards. Specific Company testing requirements are expected to subside in 2015 and CMS is looking for other new product assessment opportunities. Workforce synergies were gained and metrology dollars were prudently invested at CMS to assure capital intensive asset purchases were made wisely. What CMS learned in this process can be transferred to your facility to insure your investments are energy efficient and environmentally advanced.
Fleet Wide Monitoring: Sensors to Prognostics
Authors:   National Instruments, Johnson Preston T.
Published: March 2022

Next generation fleet wide asset monitoring solutions are incorporating machine failure prediction and prognostics technologies. These technologies build on signal processing of vibration time waveforms, process parameters, and operating conditions of the machine. For prognostics algorithms to work well, the signal processing algorithms need to be applied correctly and the results need to be reliable. This paper provides a survey of signal processing techniques as applied to specific machine component with a focus on the output and use with prognostics technologies. With properly organized outputs, prognostics algorithms transform the fleet condition and health management challenge into a deployable fleet health management solution. To arrive at the deployable fleet management solution, a systematic approach in the design of the prognostics system is preferable. This approach includes data and model driven failure patterns, sensory data connectivity from deployed assets, prognostics analytical applications, and advisory generation outputs which guide the asset owners and maintainers.
Traceability - We forgot the customer!
Authors:   Transcat, Sims Jeremy
Published: March 2022

Everyone in the field of metrology talks about traceability, what it means and how it relates to the calibrations they perform. How often do metrology labs talk about how it affects the customers? The customer is left to figure out what traceability means with little guidance from the people who are supposed to understand it the best, the metrology labs. Sure, there are papers that discuss traceability and many FAQ pages that attempt to help the customer understand the link to them. It’s understandable how the customer might be confused. We in the metrology field shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that a customer doesn’t understand what it means to be traceable to NIST especially since the phrases, “traceable to NIST” and “NIST traceable” are so deeply rooted in the US measurement community history. It isn’t a surprise when customers request copies of all the certs for all the assets used on their calibration because that is what they think is needed to show traceability even though the calibration lab may be accredited. We shouldn’t be surprised when customer’s look to us to help them understand. I can tell you first hand that pointing people to the NIST’s website of FAQs doesn’t help. In this paper, I will attempt to explain how the customer’s traceability is linked through the metrology lab process allowing the customer to understand how the traceability chain works and affects their process or product.