bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of Safety and Health in the Workplace: Sustainable Approaches to Welding Operations
Authors: Belmoro Bernadette Joy B. , Gumasing Ma Janice
Published: October 2023

Assessing the occupational health and safety (OHS) factors in the welding process is necessary to determine the workers’ perception of what contributes to their safety and health in the workplace. This would provide insight for stakeholders to aid them in their occupational safety and health programs. The non-probability sample technique utilized in this study is purposive sampling using an online survey. Welders in Singapore are the intended participants. The self-administered online survey was conducted using Google Forms. The hypothesis test’s beta coefficient and R2 results were used to evaluate the model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study’s results revealed that safety culture has the highest association with top management attitudes toward safety and health in the workplace. Similarly, safety training was also found to have a strong association with employees’ attitudes towards safety. Finally, factors such as compliance with safe working conditions, safety programs, and the absence of and lack of exposure to harmful agents were also proven to have a significant association with safety and health in the workplace. This study benefits not only those businesses conducting the welding process but also employees to better understand the factors contributing to their overall safety at work.
Bilateral Effects of the Digital Economy on Manufacturing Employment: Substitution Effect or Creation Effect?
Authors: Ding Chenhui , Song Xiaoming , Xing Yingchun , Wang Yuxuan
Published: October 2023

Understanding the substitution effect and creation effect of digital transformation on the manufacturing industry is crucial to safeguarding employment stability and advancing manufacturing sophistication in China’s contemporary context. In this study, a bilateral stochastic frontier model is used to examine the aforementioned effects drawing on provincial panel data of China spanning 2011 to 2020. The study reveals that: Firstly, the substitution effect of digital economy development on manufacturing employment outweighs the creation effect, culminating in a 7.80% decrease below the frontier benchmark, contrasted by a 4.15% increase attributed to the creation effect. The two effects possess an inverse relationship, collectively inducing a 3.66% decline in manufacturing employment as compared to the frontier. Secondly, the prevailing influence of the digital economy upon manufacturing employment is predominantly characterized by the substitution effect. However, projected medium to long term trajectories intimate a diminishing potency of this substitution effect and the creation effect will become more pronounced. Thirdly, in terms of geographical areas, the weakening of the employment-substitution effect due to the digital economy is most evident in the central region, followed by the western, and then the eastern regions. Conclusively, the impact of the digital economy on manufacturing employment exhibits variances contingent upon distinct economic maturation and disparate human capital stratification.
Compromised-Imputation and EWMA-Based Memory-Type Mean Estimators Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Alomair Mohammed Ahmed , Shahzad Usman
Published: October 2023

Survey sampling commonly faces the challenge of missing information, prompting the development of various imputation-based mean estimation methods to address this concern. Among these, ratio-type regression estimators have been devised to compute population parameters using only current sample data. However, recent pioneering research has revolutionized this approach by integrating both past and current sample information through the application of exponentially weighted moving averages (EWMA). This groundbreaking methodology has given rise to the creation of memory-type estimators tailored for surveys conducted over time. In this paper, we present novel imputation-based memory-type mean estimators that leverage EWMA and quantile regression to handle missing observations. For the performance assessment between traditional, adapted and proposed estimators, real-life time-scaled datasets related to the stock market and humidity are considered. Furthermore, we conduct a simulation study using an asymmetric dataset to further validate the effectiveness of the introduced estimators. The humidity data results show that the proposed estimators (Tpq(0.25), Tpq(0.45), Tpq(0.25)′, Tpq(0.45)′, Tpq(0.25)″, Tpq(0.45)″) have the minimum MSE. The stock market data results show that the proposed estimators (Tpq(0.85), Tpq(0.85)′, Tpq(0.85)″) also have the minimum MSE. Additionally, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed estimators (Tpq(0.45), Tpq(0.45)′, Tpq(0.45)″) have the minimum MSE when compared to traditional and adapted estimators. Therefore, in conclusion, the use of the proposed estimators is recommended over traditional and adapted ones.
The Importance of Resistance in the Context of Critical Infrastructure Resilience: An Extension of the CIERA Method
Authors: Rehak David , Flynnova Lucie , Hromada Martin , Fuggini Clemente
Published: October 2023

Technical sectors compose an inseparable and elementary part of a complex critical infrastructure (CI) system. Their provided services are essential to the functioning of all of the dependent sectors of CI on which society and states depend, especially in areas experiencing high levels of urbanisation. The initial point for effective CI elements’ protection is the permanent assessment and strengthening of their capacity for resilience to the negative effects of internal and external threats. The current perceptions of resilience focus primarily on repressive components responsive to incidents (i.e., robustness, recoverability, and adaptability), while minimal attention is paid to the preventative components. The article’s contribution to this literature gap is its definition of resistance, which can be considered as a CI element’s ability to prevent the occurrence of incidents. To this goal, the current study defines (1) the individual factors (variables and parameters) determining CI resistance and (2) the methodological procedure for infrastructure element resistance assessment in order to identify the weak points throughout a complex CI system and subsequently strengthen them. Moreover, a practical example of resistance assessment for a selected critical energy infrastructure element is presented. The main outcome of this article is the definition of the primary steps for the expansion of the CIERA method, via the enhancement of CI components’ resilience capacity in the prevention phase.
On the Effective Thermophysical Properties of Phase Change Materials Embedded in Metallic Lattice Structures with Generic Topological Parameters
Authors: Piacquadio Stefano , Soika Johannes , Schirp Maximilian , Schröder Kai-Uwe , Filippeschi Sauro
Published: October 2023

The recent literature has introduced the use of architected materials with a metallic lattice structure-based topology to enhance the thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCM). The potential of such structures lies in the freedom of design with complex geometries. This, however, has introduced novel challenges regarding the analytical description of these materials’ effective thermophysical properties, which are used in order to treat the composite as a homogenized material. Only a few limited works have been presented thus far that have holistically addressed the calculation of such properties. The wide variety of possible geometric parameters in these materials can only be appropriately treated via an adaptable approach that can be extended to upcoming lattice geometries. With this aim in mind, the present work introduces a method to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of the discussed composite PCM. A cell-based approach to calculate the effective thermal conductivity is introduced. The method makes use of Steinmetz’s solids as a basis from which one can derive the porosity of unit cells with variable geometric parameters. Empirical factors are introduced to account for limitations due to the complex geometry and eventual manufacturing imperfections of these structures. Thus, semi-analytical formulae to describe the effective thermal conductivity of the lattice cells are derived for a variety of cuboid and hexagonal prismatic unit cells with generic topological parameters. The formulae are validated against the models and experimental results present in the literature. Finally, an analysis and discussion of the limited validity of homogenization techniques for lattice structures is presented.
Correction: Lamb et al. Nose-Only Exposure to Cherry- and Tobacco-Flavored E-Cigarettes Induced Lung Inflammation in Mice in a Sex-Dependent Manner. Toxics 2022, 10, 471
Authors: Lamb Thomas , Muthumalage Thivanka , Meehan-Atrash Jiries , Rahman Irfan
Published: October 2023

In the original publication [...]
Urban Flora Structure and Carbon Storage Potential of Woody Trees in Different Land Use Units of Cotonou (West Africa)
Authors: Atchadé Assouhan Jonas , Kanda Madjouma , Folega Fousseni , Diouf Abdoul Aziz , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Dourma Marra , Wala Kperkouma , Akpagana Koffi
Published: October 2023

Urbanization is a current concern, particularly in Africa, where it is expected to continue and increasingly threaten the effectiveness of plant biodiversity, natural carbon sinks, and the sustainability of cities. This paper investigates the structural parameters and carbon storage potential of trees in the land use units of the city of Cotonou in southern Benin. A total of 149 plots at 2500 m2 each were randomly generated, and trees with a diameter ≥ 10 cm were inventoried. ANOVA revealed that the means of structural parameters (diameter and height classes) and carbon stock rate varied significantly (p < 0.001) across land use units in the city. Tree basal area is estimated at 4.52 ± 5.24 m2 ha−1, with an average of 12.72 (13) feet ha−1. The average diameter of the trees is estimated at 57.94 ± 29.71 cm. Approximately 1000 kg ha−1 (0.94 × 103 kg ha−1) of carbon is stored in the city of Cotonou. Green spaces (1.21 × 103 kg ha−1) and roads (1.19 × 103 kg ha−1) are the units that recorded the highest carbon stocks. Khaya senegalensis, Mangifera indica, and Terminalia mentally lead the top ten species with high stock potential. This study demonstrates the contribution of urban trees to global atmospheric carbon reduction, which varies by species, land use units, and tree density. Future research could investigate an i-Tree Landscape approach for urban carbon estimation. This could reinforce urban carbon data availability for urban ecological planning.
Small Heat Shock Protein (sHsp22.98) from Trialeurodes vaporariorum Plays Important Role in Apple Scar Skin Viroid Transmission
Authors: Chaudhary Savita , Selvaraj Vijayanandraj , Awasthi Preshika , Bhuria Swati , Purohit Rituraj , Kumar Surender , Hallan Vipin
Published: October 2023

Trialeurodes vaporariorum, commonly known as the greenhouse whitefly, severely infests important crops and serves as a vector for apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd). This vector-mediated transmission may cause the spread of infection to other herbaceous crops. For effective management of ASSVd, it is important to explore the whitefly’s proteins, which interact with ASSVd RNA and are thereby involved in its transmission. In this study, it was found that a small heat shock protein (sHsp) from T. vaporariorum, which is expressed under stress, binds to ASSVd RNA. The sHsp gene is 606 bp in length and encodes for 202 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 22.98 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.95. Intermolecular interaction was confirmed through in silico analysis, using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and northwestern assays. The sHsp22.98 protein was found to exist in both monomeric and dimeric forms, and both forms showed strong binding to ASSVd RNA. To investigate the role of sHsp22.98 during ASSVd infection, transient silencing of sHsp22.98 was conducted, using a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing system. The sHsp22.98-silenced whiteflies showed an approximate 50% decrease in ASSVd transmission. These results suggest that sHsp22.98 from T. vaporariorum is associated with viroid RNA and plays a significant role in transmission.
New-Onset Rheumatic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations until May 2023: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nune Arvind , Durkowski Victor , Pillay S. Sujitha , Barman Bhupen , Elwell Helen , Bora Kaustubh , Bilgrami Syed , Mahmood Sajid , Babajan Nasarulla , Venkatachalam Srinivasan , Ottewell Lesley , Manzo Ciro
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive, up-to-date systematic review (SR) of the new-onset rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (R-IMIDs) following COVID-19 vaccinations is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the demographics, management, and prognosis of new R-IMIDs in adults following SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, LitCovid, and Cochrane was conducted. We included any English-language study that reported new-onset R-IMID in adults following the post-COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 271 cases were reported from 39 countries between January 2021 and May 2023. The mean age of patients was 56 (range 18–90), and most were females (170, 62.5%). Most (153, 56.5%) received the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 50% of patients developed R-IMID after the second dose of the vaccine. Vasculitis was the most prevalent clinical presentation (86, 31.7%), followed by connective tissue disease (66, 24.3%). The mean duration between the vaccine’s ‘trigger’ dose and R-IMID was 11 days. Most (220, 81.2%) received corticosteroids; however, 42% (115) received DMARDs such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab, anakinra, IV immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, or rituximab. Complete remission was achieved in 75 patients (27.7%), and 137 (50.6%) improved following the treatment. Two patients died due to myositis. This SR highlights that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may trigger R-IMID; however, further epidemiology studies are required.
Novel Influenza Vaccines: From Research and Development (R&D) Challenges to Regulatory Responses
Authors: He Xiangchuan , Zhang Tianxiang , Huan Shitong , Yang Yue
Published: October 2023

Influenza vaccines faced significant challenges in achieving sufficient protective efficacy and production efficiency in the past. In recent decades, novel influenza vaccines, characterized by efficient and scalable production, advanced platforms, and new adjuvant technologies, have overcome some of these weaknesses and have been widely licensed. Furthermore, researchers are actively pursuing the development of next-generation and universal influenza vaccines to provide comprehensive protection against potential pandemic subtypes or strains. However, new challenges have emerged as these novel vaccines undergo evaluation and authorization. In this review, we primarily outline the critical challenges and advancements in research and development (R&D) and highlight the improvements in regulatory responses for influenza vaccines.
Emergent Molecular Techniques Applied to the Detection of Porcine Viruses
Authors: Flores-Contreras Elda A. , Carrasco-González Jorge Alberto , Linhares Daniel C. L. , Corzo Cesar A. , Campos-Villalobos J. Israel , Henao-Díaz Alexandra , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , González-González Reyna Berenice , Parra-Saldívar Roberto , González-González Everardo
Published: October 2023

Molecular diagnostic tests have evolved very rapidly in the field of human health, especially with the arrival of the recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the animal sector is constantly neglected, even though accurate detection by molecular tools could represent economic advantages by preventing the spread of viruses. In this regard, the swine industry is of great interest. The main viruses that affect the swine industry are described in this review, including African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine circovirus (PCV), which have been effectively detected by different molecular tools in recent times. Here, we describe the rationale of molecular techniques such as multiplex PCR, isothermal methods (LAMP, NASBA, RPA, and PSR) and novel methods such as CRISPR-Cas and microfluidics platforms. Successful molecular diagnostic developments are presented by highlighting their most important findings. Finally, we describe the barriers that hinder the large-scale development of affordable, accessible, rapid, and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic tests. The evolution of diagnostic techniques is critical to prevent the spread of viruses and the development of viral reservoirs in the swine industry that impact the possible development of future pandemics and the world economy.
A Post-Operative Follow-Up of an Endangered Saltwater Fish Lensectomy for Cataract Management in a Public Aquarium: A Case Series
Authors: Pujol Julie , Lamglait Benjamin , Vanore Maria , Rousseau Catherine , Vergneau-Grosset Claire
Published: October 2023

Mature cataracts can be a life-threatening condition in fish as it may result in anorexia. Lens extraction has been previously described in fish, but the long-term outcome of this procedure has not been evaluated. Eleven captive-bred adult fish housed in a public aquarium presented with unilateral (n = 3/11) or bilateral (n = 8/11) mature cataracts. All cases belonged to three endangered fish populations: striped bass (Morone saxatilis) originating from the Saint Lawrence River and Atlantic and spotted wolffish (Anarhichas lupus and Anarhichas minor). Pre-operatively, fish presented with anorexia, dark discoloration, abnormal position in the water column, skin abrasions, and/or decreased body condition scores. A lensectomy was performed in eleven fish, including a bilateral procedure in four fish, corresponding to fifteen eyes. Follow-up examinations were performed one to two weeks and one year post surgery. The main complication was self-resolving: corneal edema was present in 67% of eyes, persistent after a week in 47% of eyes, and resolved thereafter. Post-operatively, 73% of fish resumed feeding and regained a good body condition score. Persistent visual impairment post-surgery associated with anorexia required euthanasia in three out of eleven cases. The median time of death was 336 days post surgery (range: 27–1439 days) and three cases were still alive 1334 to 1425 days after the lensectomy. This was considered a favorable outcome for these older individuals with concurrent diseases.
Camera–Monitor Systems as An Opportunity to Compensate for Perceptual Errors in Time-to-Contact Estimations
Authors: Wögerbauer Elisabeth Maria , Hecht Heiko , Wessels Marlene
Published: October 2023

For the safety of road traffic, it is crucial to accurately estimate the time it will take for a moving object to reach a specific location (time-to-contact estimation, TTC). Observers make more or less accurate TTC estimates of objects of average size that are moving at constant speeds. However, they make perceptual errors when judging objects which accelerate or which are unusually large or small. In the former case, for instance, when asked to extrapolate the motion of an accelerating object, observers tend to assume that the object continues to move with the speed it had before it went out of sight. In the latter case, the TTC of large objects is underestimated, whereas the TTC of small objects is overestimated, as if physical size is confounded with retinal size (the size–arrival effect). In normal viewing, these perceptual errors cannot be helped, but camera–monitor systems offer the unique opportunity to exploit the size–arrival effect to cancel out errors induced by the failure to respond to acceleration. To explore whether such error cancellation can work in principle, we conducted two experiments using a prediction-motion paradigm in which the size of the approaching vehicle was manipulated. The results demonstrate that altering the vehicle’s size had the expected influence on the TTC estimation. This finding has practical implications for the implementation of camera–monitor systems.
Evaluation of the Groundwater Ecological Water Requirement in the Southeast Margin of Otindag Sandy Land Based on Allowable Groundwater Depth Drawdown
Authors: Zhang Gaoqiang , Cheng Yutong , Liu Haodong , Xiao Chunlei , Nie Hongfeng , Zhu Zhenzhou , Zhao Dan , Zan Yourang
Published: October 2023

Water resources in arid and semi-arid areas are limiting factors for ecosystem health and economic development. Therefore, an accurate and reasonable assessment of ecological water demand is crucial for efficient water resource utilization. In this study, we used vegetation coverage and groundwater depth to assess the state of vegetation growth in the Zhenglanqi, located at the southeastern edge of Otindag Sandy Land. Our results indicate the existence of a statistical power index function between vegetation coverage and groundwater depth scatter plots, where even minor changes in groundwater depth can have a significant impact on vegetation growth. In order to quantitatively assess the impact of subsidence on vegetation ecology, we propose a maximum allowable subsidence level under conditions that maintain normal ecological conditions, based on the initial subsidence depth and ecological guarantee rate. Our findings suggest that regions with shallower initial groundwater depths are more sensitive to changes in their environment than regions with deeper groundwater depths. The total groundwater consumption in the study area was 83 million cubic meters while maintaining an ecological guarantee rate of 80%; thus, while ensuring normal environmental conditions, human exploitation of shallow groundwater accounts for only 16 percent.
Compound Extremes of Droughts and Pluvials: A Review and Exploration of Spatio-Temporal Characteristics and Associated Risks in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Wheaton Elaine , Bonsal Barrie , Sauchyn David
Published: October 2023

The Canadian Prairies are associated with high natural hydroclimatic variability including the frequent periodic occurrence of droughts and pluvials. These extremes carry various risks including significant damage to the economy, environment and society. The well-documented level of damage necessitates further risk assessment and planned reductions to vulnerability, particularly in light of a warming climate. A logical starting point involves awareness and information about the changing characteristics of such climate extremes. We focus on the compound occurrence of droughts and pluvials as the risks from this type of event are magnified compared to the hydroclimatic extremes in isolation. Compound droughts and pluvials (CDP) are drought and pluvial events that occur in close succession in time or in close proximity in area. Also, research on CDP is limited even for the worldwide literature. Therefore, the purposes of this paper are to synthesize recent literature concerning the risks of CDP, and to provide examples of past occurrences, with a focus on the Canadian Prairies. Since literature from the Prairies is limited, global work is also reviewed. That literature indicates increasing concern and interest in CDP. Relationships between drought and pluvials are also characterized using the SPEI Global Monitor for the Prairies, emphasizing the recent past. Research mostly considers drought and pluvials as separate events in the Prairies, but is integrated here to characterize the relationships of these extremes. The spatiotemporal patterns showed that several of the extreme to record pluvials were found to be closely associated with extreme droughts in the Prairies. The intensities of the extremes and their dry to wet boundaries were described. This is the first research to explore the concept of and to provide examples of CDP for the Prairies and for Canada. Examples of CDP provide insights into the regional hydroclimatic variability. Furthermore, most literature on future projections strongly suggests that this variability is likely to increase, mainly driven by anthropogenic climate change. Therefore, improved methods to characterize and to quantify CDP are required. These findings suggest means of decreasing vulnerability and associated damages. Although the study area is the Canadian Prairies, the work is relevant to other regions that are becoming more vulnerable to increasing risks of and vulnerabilities to such compound extremes.
Application of the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index in Assessing Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of the South Gujarat Region
Authors: Patel Divya D. , Mehta Darshan J. , Azamathulla Hazi M. , Shaikh Mohdzuned Mohmedraffi , Jha Shivendra , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: October 2023

Groundwater is a natural resource used for drinking, agriculture, and industry, apart from surface water. Its quality should be assessed regularly, and the condition of water resources should be maintained accordingly. The most common analytical method for describing and assessing the general water quality is the Water Quality Index (WQI). This study aims to assess the South Gujarat Region’s groundwater quality using the WQI. Various physicochemical parameters like pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluorides, and total alkalinity are considered for the present study. The data period from 2018 to 2022 is considered for the same. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Technique is used to evaluate these data. For checking the potability of the parameters within the acceptable limit, the Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification code (IS: 10050-2012) is adopted. According to the study mentioned above, a few wells’ groundwater quality has been found to be higher than the WQI value. It is also observed that four wells were found unsuitable for drinking purposes in 2018. It is noted that if the WQI value of groundwater is above 51, it is considered harmful to human health; therefore, it requires some kind of processing before use. This study will be beneficial to the policymakers for identifying and providing details about groundwater quality in the form of a specific value, i.e., WQI.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Long-Term Rainfall in Semi-Arid Area Using Artificial Intelligence Models (Case Study: Ilam Province, Iran)
Authors: Moradpoor Navid , Najarchi Mohsen , Hezave Seyed Mohammad Mirhoseini
Published: October 2023

Ilam province is located in the southwest of Iran, and the primary motivation for this research is to study different dimensions of rainfall fluctuations in the Ilam province. This study is of great importance for the management of the environment in terms of the application of rainfall distribution in different areas. After collecting the data, first, the average number of rainfall months for each of the studied stations for a period was obtained. Then the data were arranged numerically in the order of Gregorian months. Ultra-innovative artificial intelligence methods were used to perform spatial–temporal analysis. The results show that in autumn and winter all three factors were influential on rainfall in the region. The equation method of regression line trend was used to express the changes in rainfall in the study period, and it was concluded that during this period the rainfall trend in March, June, and December in all stations was decreasing. In May, all stations had an upward trend except for Harsin station. In other months, there are decreasing and increasing trends among the stations. The general trend for rainfall during the study period is also one of decreasing. Regarding the results, the standard deviation for the simulation is equal to 10.22 for autumn and 12.35% for winter. This value is about 17.97% and 7.19%, respectively, for the observed rainfall. The results show there are no significant differences between the model and measured data, so the artificial network is applicable for the simulated monthly precipitation.
Assessing care quality in general practice: a qualitative study of GPs in Ireland
Authors: Chan Aaron , Hickey Louise , Finucane Kieran , Brennan John
Published: October 2023

Background

It is estimated that each year in Ireland, approximately 29 million consultations occur in general practice with a patient satisfaction level of 90%. To date, research has been lacking on how GPs assess the quality of care.

Aim

To examine how GPs assess care quality during routine practice with respect to the following pillars of quality improvement: effectiveness, safety, timeliness, equity, efficiency, sustainability, and person-centredness.

Design & setting

Qualitative study of GPs in Ireland.

Method

In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 GPs who were recruited via a snowball sampling strategy. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. Quality ‘assessment points’ were identified and themes were synthesised to produce a theoretical framework.

Results

Five female and five male GPs practising in a variety of settings were interviewed. The age range was 33–68 years. In total, 122 assessment points emerged from the data and were collated into the following eight themes: the GP as a professional person factors; the patient and coproduction factors; care team factors; direct care factors; outcome factors; practice environment and organisation factors; external environment factors; and improvement approach factors.

Conclusion

This is the first study to examine how GPs in Ireland assess care quality as a holistic construct during daily care. The qualitative approach applied yielded rich and diverse insights into the many assessment points that GPs use to inform their approach and actions as clinicians, managers, collaborators, and leaders to maximise patient care. The theory produced is likely useful and applicable for practising GPs, healthcare administration, policymakers, and funders in planning and executing changes for quality improvement.
Analisis Kelayakan Usaha Tani Hidroponik Bayam (Amaranthus tricolor) (Studi Kasus: Sufi Agrifarm, di Kecamatan Percut Sei Tuan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang)
Authors: Sitorus Siti Zubaidah , Tantawi Ahmad Rafiqi , Saleh Khairul
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the income and feasibility of hydroponic spinach farming and whether spinach hydroponic farming is feasible. This research was conducted from November to December 2020. The location of the research was determined purposively because it took into account where there had been a lot of conversion of agricultural land to non-agriculture. The population in this research is Sufi Agrifarm's hydroponic spinach farming, the data used is primary data. The analysis used in this study is income and feasibility analysis, in the feasibility analysis used the formula R/C B/C and BEP (Break Even Point). Amaranth hydroponic farming income is Rp. 25.153.166,67/month. The value of R/C Ratio hydroponic farming of spinach 2.64 1 and B/C 1.64 1 with a break-even point of spinach production of 171 kg 450 kg and a break-even point of Rp. 34.104/Kg Rp. 90,000 and can be said to be decent.
Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Terhadap Kunjungan Wisatawan Lokal Di Kebun Stroberi (Fragariachoiloensis L.) Kawasan Wisata Tongkoh Kabupaten Karo
Authors: Berutu Listra , Hermanto Bambang , Harahap Gustami
Published: October 2023

This Self Picking Strawberry Garden is one of the tourist locations for Strawberry plantations that offers a different feel from tourist attractions in general, namely buying strawberries by picking directly from the tree, and offering the cool air and the beauty of a neatly arranged strawberry garden. care for strawberries directly, so that our tour not only feels satisfaction with the place, but also gains knowledge about caring for strawberries properly that we can apply someday. This study aims to determine the factors that influence tourist visits to strawberry plantations in the Tongkoh Tourism Area, Karo Regency. This research is a quantitative descriptive research. This study uses questionnaire data taken directly from visitors who are visiting the strawberry garden in the Tongkoh Tourism Area, Karo Regency. The sample in this study amounted to 94 samples, using accidental sampling technique (accidental Sample). The analytical method used is Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Based on the results of research on Factors Affecting Tourist Visits at Strawberry Gardens in Tongkoh Tourism Area, the authors can conclude that: (1) Strawberry price variables have no significant effect on tourist visits. (2) The variables of strawberry quality, service quality, and location have a significant effect on tourist visits.
Produktivitas dan Efisiensi Usahatani Kopi Arabika di Kecamatan Dolok Pardamean Kabupaten Simalungun
Authors: Sidauruk Silvia Loren , Lubis Mitra Musika , Salqaura Siti Sabrina , Khairad Fastabiqul
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the factors that affect the productivity of Arabica coffee farming and to find out how the level of efficiency of Arabica coffee farming prices is in Dolok Pardamean District, Kabupaten Dolok Pardamean. Simalungun. This research is a quantitative descriptive study. This study uses questionnaire data taken directly from Arabica coffee farmers in Dolok Pardamean District, Simalungun Regency. The sample in this study amounted to 33 samples, using purposive sampling technique and taken proportionally. The analytical method used is Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Based on the results of research on factors that influence productivity and efficiency levels of Arabica coffee farming prices, the authors can conclude that: (1) Factors that affect Arabica coffee farming productivity in Dolok Pardamean District are seed variables (X2) and pesticide variables (X4) had a partial effect on the productivity of Arabica coffee farming, while the labor variable (X1) and fertilizer variable (X3) had no partial effect on the productivity of Arabica coffee farming. (2) The level of price efficiency for each factor of production is 17.96. The results of this calculation indicate that the use of labor productivity factors, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides has not been efficient in terms of optimizing factor input prices.
Pengaruh Aplikasi Kompos Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Vegetatif Bibit di Main Nursery
Authors: Walmadri Walmadri , Abdillah Muhammad Irfan , Sutanto Arief Setiawan , Khairad Fastabiqul
Published: October 2023

This research was carried out in the practice garden and Laboratory of the Indonesian Palm Oil Institute (ITSI) Medan. It will be carried out from March to June 2022 to get the growth and development of oil palm seedlings by applying empty palm fruit bunch compost as the use of organic fertilizer during the nursery period. This study used a Non-Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with one factor studied, namely variations in the application of compost to oil palm seedlings. Parameters observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, root volume, root fresh weight, shoot wet weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight. The data obtained was analyzed statistically by Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the results of observations and analysis of variance, it was shown that the application of empty palm fruit bunch compost had a significant effect on shoot wet weight and had a significant effect on shoot dry weight and had a significant effect on stem diameter growth at 16 WAP observations, and had no significant effect on plant height, number leaves, root length, root volume, root wet weight, root dry weight.
Pengaruh Lama Perendaman Benih Pepaya (Carica papaya L.) Dalam Ekstrak Bawang Merah (Allium ascolanicum L.) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit
Authors: Soleha Soleha , Akbar Yustitia , Sumbari Chika
Published: October 2023

Research in the form of a field experiment on "The Effect of Soaking Time of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) Seeds in Shallot Extract (Allium ascolanicum L.) on Seedling Growth. It has been carried out in the form of a field experiment that has been carried out in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Muhammadiyah West Sumatra, Tanjung Gadang Koto Nan Ampek Village, West Payakumbuh District, Payakumbuh City, with Inceptisol soil type, and has an altitude of ± 514 meters above sea level, this experiment was carried out in starting from June 2023 to July 2023. This experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications, in each treatment there were 4 plants and 2 were sample plants. Treatment of papaya seeds soaked in water for 1 hour, papaya seeds soaked in shallot extract for 2 hours, papaya seeds soaked in shallot extract for 3 hours, papaya seeds soaked in shallot extract for 4 hours, papaya seeds soaked in shallot extract for 5 hours. Observational data on papaya seedlings were averaged and statistically analyzed using the F test. Parameters observed in this study were field emergence (days), seedling height (cm), number of leaves (strands), leaf length (cm), width leaves (cm), stem diameter (cm), growing percentage (%). From the results of this experiment it can be concluded that due to long soaking of papaya seeds in shallot extract it has not been able to have a significant effect on the growth of papaya seedlings aged 45 HST.
Compact InGaAs/InP Single-Photon Detector Module with Ultra-Narrowband Interference Circuits
Authors: Yan Zhengyu , Shi Tingting , Fan Yuanbin , Zhou Lai , Yuan Zhiliang
Published: October 2023

Gated InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes are the most practical device for detection of telecom single photons arriving at regular intervals. Here, we report the development of a compact single-photon detector (SPD) module measured just 8.8 × 6 × 2 cm
3
in size and fully integrated with driving signal generation, faint avalanche readout, and discrimination circuits as well as temperature regulation and compensation. The readout circuit employs our previously reported ultra-narrowband interference circuits (UNICs) to eliminate the capacitive response to the gating signal. We characterize a UNIC-SPD module with a 1.25-GHz clock input and find its performance comparable to its counterpart built upon discrete functional blocks. Setting its detection efficiency to 30% for 1,550-nm photons, we obtain an afterpulsing probability of 2.4% and a dark count probability of 8 × 10
−7
per gate under 3-ns hold-off time. We believe that UNIC-SPDs will be useful in important applications such as quantum key distribution.
OUTCOMES OF INVESTMENTS IN SCIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT – CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Stančetič Veran , Tmušič Marko
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to review the inputs (investments) and the results of the policy of encouraging the development of science and research in Serbia and to compare these aspects with trends in Europe (i.e., in the EU-28) and the rest of the world. Based on the analysis of data related to this topic, adopted strategic documents, implemented activities, and achieved results, it was concluded that in the field of development of science and research in the Republic of Serbia during the last decade, there has been gradual progress, but also a permanent lag concerning the average observed values in EU. When it comes to global trends and tendencies in modern science and research activities, it is noticeable that they are recognized in the Republic of Serbia, which is manifested in the general goals and directions of activities written down in laws and strategic documents. However, in the field of realization of planned activities and even more, in terms of achieving goals, there are numerous challenges, the solution of which should be worked on in the future.

Keywords: public policy, science, research, Republic of Serbia, budget
VOTER BEHAVIOR IN THE EXAMPLE OF THE ORAVA REGION
Authors: Chovanec Marek
Published: October 2023

This article deals with voter behavior in a selected natural region of the Slovak Republic - Orava. The current administrative segmentation of Slovakia divides the Orava region between three districts – Dolný Kubín, Námestovo, and Tvrdošín district. The Orava region is also situated only in one self-governing region – Žilina self-governing region. The Orava region is known as a very religious part of Slovakia, so that´s why we are thinking citizens would vote more conservatively. The main goal of this paper is to analyze the voter behavior in three cities of the Orava region – Dolný Kubín, Tvrdošín, and Námestovo. All those cities are located in the Orava region, but two of them are more northern than others. We predict that the voters in two northern towns – Tvrdošín and Námestovo would vote more conservatively than the voters in Dolný Kubín, which is located in the southern part of the Orava region. The subject of the analysis was the parliamentary elections held in 2020 in comparison with the regional and municipal elections held in 2022.

Keywords: elections, Orava region , voters , voter behavior, parliamentary elections, combined elections
Clinical Manifestations and Associated Mortality Factors of COVID-19: A Large Population-Based Study in the Northeast of Iran During 2020-2021
Authors: Shakeri Mohammadtaghi , Moodi Ghalibaf Amir Ali , Ghodsi-Moghadam Masood , Ghorbannezhad Ghazaleh , Ahmadi Seyyed Parham , Mashahiri Setareh , Sadati Seyed Masoud , Abolbashari Samaneh , Salari Maryam
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest health problems of the 21st century. The current study was conducted to investigate COVID-19’s clinical manifestation, mortality factors, and their association with each other during the three devastating waves of the pandemic in Razavi-Khorasan province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological population-based study was performed in Razavi-Khorasan province, Iran from January 21, 2020, to March 20, 2021. The data, including demographic characteristics and clinical presentations of the patients, were extracted from the Medical Care Monitoring System (MCMS), disease management portal in the Deputy of Health and hospital information system (HIS) of the medical universities/faculties of the province. Results: Overall, 80499 patients were admitted to all hospitals of Khorasan-Razavi with the laboratory/ clinical COVID-19 confirmed disease. The male-to-female ratio and the mean age of our COVID-19 individuals were 1.10:1 and 55.67±23.27, respectively. The most frequently reported presenting symptoms in histories provided at the admission time were respiratory distress (58.2%), fever (36.7%), and cough (34.9%), while the less common ones were abdominal pain (2.7%) and alternation in smell/ taste (0.9%). Male gender (odds ratio [OR]=1.32, P<0.001), age over 60 (OR=2.59, P<0.001), and presence of at least one comorbidity (OR=1.32, P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Conclusion: Healthcare providers and public health managers can benefit from the findings of this study to detect and emphasize patients with poor prognoses.
The effects of Portulaca oleracea extract on 24-hour urine indices in patients with renal stone: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alirezaei Amirhesam , Karimi Toudeshki Kimia , Nouri Seyed Behnaz , Fazeli Seyed Amirhossein , Hatami Firoze , Miladipour Amirhossein , Montazeri-Ghominezhad Seyed Pedram
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Portulaca oleracea, or purslane, is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine, according to its various medical properties, as well as its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of P. oleracea powder on 24-hour urine indices in patients with nephrolithiasis and normal kidney function. Patients and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, eligible patients with nephrolithiasis were randomly assigned to receive P. oleracea or placebo capsules once daily for eight weeks. Twenty-four-hour urine indices, along with serum electrolytes, inflammatory and lipid components were measured, then compared between the two groups at baseline and the end of the trial. Results: A total of 54 patients, including 28 in P. oleracea and 26 in the control groups, were assigned. Their mean age was 42.2±9.8 years; there was no statistically significant difference between the mean age of the P. oleracea and placebo groups (42.1years versus 42.2 years, respectively; P>0.05). After eight weeks, the mean urine citrate level in the Portulaca oleracea subjects (674.82±94.56 mg/24 h) was significantly higher than placebo group subjects (579.19±85.06 mg/24 h; P<0.01). In addition, the mean urine calcium level in the P. oleracea group (176.32±27.40 mg/24 h) was significantly lower compared to the control group (194.26±25.17 mg/24 h; P=0.016). Within the groups, analysis revealed that in subjects in P. oleracea and control groups, mean serum triglyceride (TG) decreased after intervention (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively), as well as mean urine citrate level (P<0.01, P=0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The findings show that P. oleracea may be proposed as a medicinal plant that has a preventive effect on kidney stone formation by increasing urine citrate and decreasing urine calcium level. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20170725035305N4; https://en.irct.ir/trial/42388, ethical code; IR.SBMU.MSP. REC.1398.538).
PHÂN TÍCH DÒNG CHẢY TRÊN BỀ MẶT DỐC VỚI CÁC GÓC NGHIÊNG KHÁC NHAU
Authors: Long Nghiêm Hoàng , Duy Phạm Văn , Anh Lê Đình , Hùng Trần Thế
Published: October 2023

Bài báo khảo sát ảnh hưởng của góc nghiêng tới dòng chảy, áp suất bề mặt, vị trí tách, hợp dòng trên bề mặt. Phương pháp trung bình theo Reynolds (RANS) với mô hình chảy rối  k-ɷ SST được sử dụng cho mô phỏng. Kết quả số với góc nghiêng 25° được so sánh với kết quả thực nghiệm nhằm đánh giá mô hình. Ảnh hưởng của góc nghiêng được khảo sát cho 10 trường hợp cụ thể, từ đó xác định các đặc tính khí động đặc trưng như phân bố áp suất, dòng chảy trên bề mặt, vị trí tách và hợp dòng. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng mô hình rối cho độ chính xác cao trong mô tả dòng chảy trên bề mặt dốc. Mô phỏng số cho thấy hiện tượng tách dòng xuất hiện với góc vát trên 15°. Sau đó, dòng chảy hợp dòng lại trên bề mặt ngang và tạo ra vùng xoáy ngược. Chiều dài vùng chảy ngược tăng với góc dốc và đạt giá trị cực đại khoảng 7h cho trường hợp góc vát bằng 90°. Mối tương quan giữa dòng chảy trên bề mặt và phân bố áp suất được khảo sát chi tiết.
ĐỘ PHỨC TẠP TÔ PÔ BẬC CAO CỦA SẮP XẾP GENERIC
Authors: Minh Trần Huệ , Ninh Nguyễn Văn
Published: October 2023

Độ phức tạp tô pô bậc cao được Y.B. Rudyak đưa ra năm 2010, đây là một bất biến tô pô có nhiều liên hệ với các bất biến khác. Việc tính toán bất biến này trong trường hợp tổng quát là khó. Trong bài báo này, chúng tôi đưa ra kết quả về độ phức tạp tô pô bậc cao cho phần bù các sắp xếp generic trong không gian phức. Để đưa ra được kết quả này chúng tôi lần lượt đưa ra chặn trên bằng cách xây dựng các nhát cắt địa phương và đưa ra chặn dưới bằng cách sử dụng tính đẳng cấu giữa đối đồng điều của phần bù và đại số Orlik-Solomon của sắp xếp tương ứng. Kết quả chỉ ra rằng độ phức tạp tô pô bậc cao của phần bù các sắp xếp generic chỉ phụ thuộc vào số chiều của không gian và số siêu phẳng của sắp xếp. Kết quả được tính toán cho ta thêm một ví dụ để có thể khẳng định độ phức tạp tô pô của một sắp xếp các siêu phẳng có phụ thuộc tổ hợp hay không.