bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health risk assessment related to cadmium and lead exposure from cigarette smoking among Indonesian smokers in Surakarta, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study
Authors:   , Mukti Panji
Published: June 2024

Indonesia is one of the developing countries that have the highest number of smokers and ranks third under China and India. Heavy metal such as cadmium and lead poses major health hazards which are found in tobacco smoke. This study aimed 1) to assess the cancer risk and non-cancer risk related to lead and cadmium exposure from cigarette smoking among Indonesian smokers 2) to find the association between socio-demographic, exposure factors, and health risk among Indonesian smokers. This study was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire to get the personal information and smoking behavior among Indonesian male smokers who lived in Surakarta city. The survey was conducted on 327 subjects aged 20-35 years old who continue to smoke for at least 6 months. The data analysis was using 4 steps of Health Risk Assessments for inhalation from the US EPA which were; step 1 Hazard identification, step 2 Dose-response assessment, step 3 Exposure Assessment, and step 4 Risk Characterization. For statictical analysis, chi-square was performed using SPSS software version 22 to find the associated factors. The results showed that most of the participants (13.5%) were smoking 7.85 + 5.47 cigarettes per day with an average of 3.18 + 2.56 years. Both cancer risk and non-cancer risk of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) exposure through inhalation were assessed and found the average cancer risk (CR) and non-cancer risk (HQ) of Cd were 4.62x10-6 and 128.2 which ranged from 2.00 x 10-6 to 5.48 x 10-6 and 5.28 – 152.1, respectively. The results found the average cancer risk (CR) and non-cancer risk (HQ) of Pb were 0.076 and 1.83 x 10-11 which ranged from 7.55 x 10-11 to 2.17 x 10-10 and 0.003-0.905, respectively. The mean Hazard Index (HI) result showed 128.3 and the mean Total Cancer Risk (TCR) shown 4.62 x 10-6. According to the risk assessment results, all of the respondents (100%) found non-cancer risk, while 87.7 % found cancer risk. While there were associations between weight, cigarette number, smoking times, and smoking duration in minutes to the cancer risk and non-cancer risk of cadmium and lead. This study concluded that cadmium and lead contained in cigarettes may pose adverse health risks to smokers for both cancer risks and non-cancer risks. These findings suggest that smokers should give more concerned on the frequency and duration of smoking, related to the heavy metals contamination in cigarettes that may cause non-cancer and cancer risk for long term smoking.
Human health risk assessment related with heavy metals contamination in rice: a case study in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors:   , Islamiati Dian
Published: June 2024

Heavy metal pollution is still one of the environmental problems globally, including Indonesia. One of these contaminations comes from agricultural products such as rice. Heavy metal contamination in rice is known to cause various health problems. This study aimed (1) To find Heavy metals concentration in Indonesian local rice (2) To find Non-cancer risk related to heavy metals contaminations in rice (3) To find cancer risk related to heavy metals contaminations in rice (4) To find association between associated factors with risk related to heavy metals contaminations in rice. The rice was collected from the 3 biggest local markets in Palembang, Indonesia. The total sample of rice was 6 samples with 2 types of rice, namely Pandan Wangi rice and Pulen rice. Rice was collected 100 grams per sample and then figured out the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Cu by the ICP analysis. In addition, respondent data was obtained using an online questionnaire. The results of this study indicated that the concentrations of all heavy metals were lower than safety standard for food. However, the health risk assessment showed Non-cancer risk for both types of rice according to the high consumption rate. The average HI was 1.38+0.70 (ranged 0.16 to 3.93) for Pandan Wangi rice, and 1.53+0.78 (ranged 0.18 to 4.36) for Pulen rice. Similarly for cancer risk, the average TCR was 3.10 x 10-3+1.5 x 10-3  (ranged 3.79 x 10-4 to 8.80 x 10-3) for Pandan Wangi rice, and 2.76 x 10-3+1.5 x 10-3  (ranged 3.38 x 10-4 to 7.84 x 10-3) for Pulen rice. For the Chi-square results, the significant associated factors of health risk were age, BMI, source of drinking water, and source of water for cooking (p<0.05). Risk prevention must be carried out to reduce potential risks that may occur in the future by decrease the consumption rate. Moreover, minimizing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers can be an effort to reduce contamination in the paddy fields also agricultural products.
Território do Bordado Artesanal
Authors: Rodrigues Monteiro Júnior Irami
Published: June 2024

O bordado artesanal chegou à região do Seridó pelo Arraial Queiquó, hoje conhecido como município de Caicó, principal entreposto comercial no final do século XVII e início do século XVIII. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar o processo histórico- geográfico da formação do território do bordado, com ênfase na análise da construção da cultura e da técnica do bordado artesanal de Timbaúba dos Batistas- RN. A metodologia está alicerçada na revisão bibliográfica e na pesquisa de campo. Foram aplicados 242 questionários as bordadeiras de Timbaúba dos Batistas para obter informações sobre a produção, história da atividade, qualificação e etc. Como resultado, identificou-se que as técnicas empregadas na confecção do bordado artesanal no município de Timbaúba dos Batistas foram aprimoradas ao longo do tempo, atribuindo aos produtos o reconhecimento como sendo o bordado fino da região do Seridó. Assim, com a ajuda da pesquisa de campo e 174 h de diálogos com as bordadeiras, intuímos o município de Timbaúba dos Batistas como o hipocentro do bordado artesanal na região do Seridó. Ademais, a produção do bordado artesanal ao longo do período histórico-geográfico de formação desse território foi penetrando no seio da sociedade timbaubense, sendo hoje a principal fonte de emprego e renda, com exceção do funcionalismo público, impactando na sua organização social, econômica, política e cultural.
Região do Seridó; Timbaúba dos Batistas; Tradição; Produção manual; Bordadeiras.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ENERGY
Authors: Kamboj Dr Monika , Saxena Nishtha
Published: June 2024

Civil society is built on an energy resource.  It is very essential for the survival of the modern world and it affects every aspect of life. To form steam from boiling water, nuclear power is a clean and efficient way. The steam generated turns turbines to produce electricity. In nuclear power, the radiation released into the environment is lesser as compared to any other major source of energy. Studies have been done that indicated that major industrial accidents are more destructive than the worst possible accident at a nuclear plant. Nuclear power is one of the few commercially tested sources of energy that is virtually free of greenhouse gas emissions. This automatically makes it of interest to climate change pundits. This article explores nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy and explains the process of nuclear fission, nuclear reactions, nuclear fuel, various nuclear reactor types, operations involved in nuclear reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, the fueling of nuclear reactors, and fusion power.
Agricultura urbana e periurbana como abordagem integrada sustentável para a segurança alimentar e nutricional: um estudo de caso
Authors: Santos Helen Mara dos , Silva Sarah Polezi , Batista Allyne Oliveira Morrone , Chaves Santana André Bento
Published: June 2024

A agricultura urbana e periurbana (AUP) contribuem para a segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) e desenvolvimento sustentável com práticas tecnológicas. No Brasil, as Organizações da Sociedade Civil de Interesse Público realizam atividades para a promoção da saúde e garantia da SAN. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a Organização Cidades Sem Fome e suas atividades para a realização de projetos em AUP. Para a realização da pesquisa foi conduzido o estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa, baseado em informações oriundas de sites oficiais, revisão de literatura e entrevista para caracterizar a organização como empreendimento social. A análise SWOT foi realizada para avaliação estratégica da organização, bem como a elaboração do modelo lógico estrutural da entidade. A partir da análise da trajetória da entidade e execução de projetos é possível afirmar que a Organização Cidades Sem Fome se caracteriza como uma entidade voltada para o empreendedorismo social de caráter inovador para a inserção social e sustentabilidade no ambiente agrário urbano. A realização de projetos a sob ótica social contribui para a promoção da saúde, educação alimentar e educação ambiental, além de almejar a sustentabilidade financeira para os empreendimentos sociais.
ON THE SPACE OF HOMOGENEOUS MODIFIED HARMONIC
Authors:   Katholische Universit¨at Eichst¨att-Ingolstadt, SYMEONIDIS ELEUTHERIUS
Published: June 2024

The functions on Rd−1 × (0,∞) (d ≥ 3) that are annihilated by the Laplace–
Beltrami operator corresponding to the line-element dl2 = x2
d(dx21
+. . .+dx2
d) are
called modified harmonic. In this note, we prove a conjecture of Heinz Leutwiler
concerning the space of homogeneous modified harmonic polynomials of a fixed
degree.
A bidomain model for the calcium dynamics in living cells
Authors:   Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor, RO-077125 Magurele, Romania, C. TIMOFTE
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to analyze, via periodic homogenization techniques, the effective behavior of a non-linear system of coupled reaction-diffusion equations appearing in the modeling of calcium dynamics in living cells under the action of buffering proteins. We obtain, at the macroscale, a calcium bidomain model governing the evolution of the concentration of the calcium ions and of the buffers in the cytoplasm.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: AN EXPLORATORY APPROACHIN THE REGION OF VALENCIA (SPAIN)
Authors:   Spanish Working Group of Local Development (Spanish Association of Geography-AGE). Local Development and Innovation DELEITE. Department of Human Geography, University of Alicante, Spain, MARTÍNEZ-PUCHE ANTONIO , HERNÁNDEZ MARIA ,   Spanish Working Group of Local Development (Spanish Association of Geography-AGE). Department of Regional Geographical Analysis and Physical Geography, University of Alicante, Spain
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses the exercising of local development in Spain, particularly in the Region of Valencia. At the end of 1980, a professional position was created to form part of the public administrations, who would be responsible for attracting economic resources, diversifying economic activities, taking advantage of the capacities and possibilities of the territories, and encouraging the creation of employment opportunities. These activities have been conducted from a holistic and integrated perspective, in which professional geographers participate from both an applied and training point of view. The objectives of this publication, based on a survey carried out in 2019 involving114 professionals belonging to the Federation of Technical Personnel in Local Development Management of the Region of Valencia (ADLYPSE) and in-depth interviews, are to explore: a) the academic profiles; b) the type of actions carried out in the territory; and c) the importance of these actions, highlighting the close relationship between Geography and the management of territorial resources. Among the results, it is worth highlighting that, despite the importance of these experts in the promotion and management of the territory's resources, they have no professional recognition in many of the region’s municipalities since they have been limited to managing subsidies and financial aid, and have an excess of bureaucratic tasks. Therefore, the professional profiles of technical staff in local development should be adapted to the real needs of the territories in which they work, since an industrial or tourist municipality will have different priorities to a rural municipality with a small population. The importance of training, in general, and geography training, in particularly, is also underlined. Of the five university master's degrees that are currently active in Spain, having a clear link to local development, three are led by geographers.
TOWARDS AN ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CULTURE-DRIVEN INTERVENTIONS ON INTEGRATED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: INSIGHTS FROM THE CASE STUDY OF PIRAEUS AVENUE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Authors:   Department of Geography, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Greece, TSEVA GEORGIA , DELLADETSIMA PAVLOS M. ,   Department, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Greece, SARMENTO JOÃO ,   Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Geography, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, Portugal
Published: June 2024

In recent years, culture has been addressed as a key component of integrated approaches to local development planning. In this context, it has been systematically combined with institutional and social aspects of local planning strategies and in support of local innovation/creativity systems. However, the articulation of these integrated approaches inhibits a wide typology of context-specific actions in European cities adopting different patterns of promoting culture as an innovative dimension of spatial planning. At the same time, recent discussion in the field suggests the adoption of more holistic frameworks that equally address the role of culture with differentiated aspects such as physical renewal, social relations and governance networks, hence recognising the integrated character of culture-driven interventions and explaining hindering development factors. The present paper aims to elaborate on the importance of such a holistic framework by testing its aspects in the context of the Piraeus Avenue area in Athens (Greece) and the (short-term and fragmented) emanating of developmental policies in support of the creativity and innovation that exist in this locality. The research focuses on the impact of cultural interventions in the Piraeus Avenue area in terms of the building of territorial efficiency, territorial quality, territorial identity and territorial capacity. In parallel, the research addresses the role of demographic and socio-economic parameters in this regard. To address these research aim issues, desktop research together with ten (10) semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders were conducted. Results indicate several positive impacts in the area mostly regarding spatial quality. However, in relation to territorial capacity building, a key finding is the need for activation towards building complementary uses and activities with other types of local stakeholders with accentuated decision-making powers. The research findings can serve to inform policy-making by identifying best practices and key challenges in the formulation of a holistic impact assessment framework towards culture-based spatial development planning in the European space.
SPATIAL CORRELATION BETWEEN SUFFOSION PROCESSES AND LAND USE IN SĂLCUȚA PLAIN (SOUTHWESTERN ROMANIA)
Authors:   Geography Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Dolj, Romania, TĂNASE GEORGE , MITITELU-IONUȘ OANA ,   Geography Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Dolj, Romania, VÎLCEA CRISTIANA ,   Geography Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Dolj, Romania, LICURICI MIHAELA ,   Geography Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Dolj, Romania, BOENGIU SANDU ,   Geography Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 13 A.I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Dolj, Romania
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to establish how the agricultural lands in Sălcuța Plain, a piedmont subunit of the Romanian Plain, are affected by the presence of micro-depressions on loess deposits. The formation of these micro-depressions is closely related to the chemical and mechanical compaction process, which is conditioned by several factors, including the thickness of the loess deposit, the quantity of carbonates in the deposit, local morphometry, paleogeographic evolution, and climatic conditions. Based on satellite imagery from the 2010-2019 period, 303 micro-depressions were identified. Out of the total number of depressions, 293 are located on agricultural lands, covering approximately 9.31 km2. On the surface of some of these depressions, soils with stagnant horizons (0.7 km2) have formed due to prolonged excess moisture. These types of soils gradually lead to the long-term degradation of agricultural lands. It is recommended to constantly monitor the evolution of soils with stagnant horizons and implement ameliorative agricultural measures in case an expansion of their area is observed in the long term.
Minimum Condition Requirements in Laser Driven ICF for Advanced Space Propulsion Applications
Authors:   Interstellar Research Centre, Stellar Engines Ltd, Long Kelvin
Published: June 2024

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is one of the candidate methods by which spacecraft can be propelled onto interplanetary and interstellar trajectories. In this paper we discuss the application of laser driven ICF to advanced space propulsion and present fundamental equations which relate the capsule mass and nozzle jet efficiency to propulsion parameters. This is also shown for the scenario of using expellant propellant for the purpose of thrust augmentation. Keywords: Inertial Confinement Fusion, Space Propulsion
Adjustment and regulation of high-pressure pumps on the BOSCH test bench
Authors: Bulatović Željko , Knežević Dragan , Biočanin Stojko , Timotijević Milica
Published: June 2024

During decades of work on the development and improvement of engines intended for combat and non-combat vehicles of the Serbian Armed Forces, original methods were developed for setting, testing and checking the functionality of various types of high-pressure in-line pumps that are installed on those engines. These activities are not performed continuously, yet are performed as required by the job, often with very lengthy breaks. Through current research, development and functional tasks or periodic technical assistance in the comprehension of overhaul and production, these activities are frequently handled by highly qualified and narrowly specialized research staff. The goal of this paper is to describe the developed methods and the acquired experiences in as much detail as possible and to standardize them in certain way, so that they are not forgotten, but could be permanently available to the research staff dealing with this issue.
DNA METHYLATION SEQUENCING: A PROMISING TOOL FOR PANCREATIC CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Authors:   Department of Tech Biosciences, Digianalix, South Samaj Street, Tharpakhna, Ranchi, India, Nitin Mukesh
Published: June 2024

Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification, plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Various research using DNA methylation patterns in pancreatic cancer tissues resulted in comparative evaluation of normal pancreas and cell lines resulted in the identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy. During DNA methylation case studies led to identification 807 genes and 1505 CpG sites. Also, 289 differentially methylated CpG sites were also reported suggesting their vital contribution towards pancreatic cancer. In current review tried to explore the methylation approaches to identify important genes linked to gemcitabine, a common chemotherapy drug, identifying potential markers for patient response. This study sheds light on the link between DNA methylation and pancreatic cancer, paving the way for novel therapeutic targets and improved patient outcomes.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TIMOLOL MALEATE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION USING VARIOUS PRESERVATIVES
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Pharmacy, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India., Rathore Garvendra Singh
Published: June 2024

Preservatives provide important and necessary antimicrobial activity and plays very important role in maintaining the sterility and shelf-life of multi-dose formulations of topical ophthalmic medications. Any drop delivered in a multi-dose format must have some mechanism for maintaining the sterility of the contents throughout its intended length of use. In topical preparations, antimicrobial activity is most often achieved through the addition of preservatives. The most commonly used preservative in topical drops of any form is benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Whilst it is known to be an effective antimicrobial agent, demonstrating efficacy against a wide variety of common pathogens, considerable evidence, often from its use in glaucoma medications, also exists detailing the deleterious effects it has on the ocular surface, particularly when used over an extended period of time. It can be argued that the undesirable effects of BAK have contributed to a movement into preservative-free topical preparations. BAK is quaternary ammonium compound and this compound has been shown to cause tear film instability, loss of goblet cells, conjunctival squamous metaplasia and apoptosis, disruption of the corneal epithelium barrier, and damage to deeper ocular tissues. The intend of the present study was to formulate a formulation for Timolol Maleate (0.5%) ophthalmic solution using different concentration of different preservatives to know other alternatives of Benzalkonium Chloride and which is less harmful than Benzalkonium Chloride. While selecting the type and concentration of preservatives, it was considered that added quantity of preservative must meet compendial requirement of Preservative Efficacy Testing. Various preservatives like Benzalkonium chloride, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Chlorbutol and Stabilised Oxychlorocomplex were used. All the formulations were evaluated and checked for effective antimicrobial activity without interference with the mechanism of action of the active ingredient.
An Ethnolinguistic Approach for Criticizing Indonesian Interpretations of the Quran
Authors: Abdurrahman Abdurrahman , Rozi Akh Fahrur
Published: June 2024

Understanding the holy texts, such as the Quran, requires interpretation. As a means of communication between readers and texts, interpretation is tied to language and culture. To understand the Indonesian interpretation of the Quran, this paper proposes an ethnolinguistic approach. There are two important questions about the position of this approach in research on the interpretation of the Quran in Indonesia and the appropriate research design for this purpose. By using de-contextualization and re-contextualization techniques in library research and meta-analysis techniques, the author succeeded in formulating an ethnolinguistic approach that offers linguistic analysis of interpretation in its cultural context. This allows us to understand the nuances of meaning and the social implications of interpretation. Ethnolinguistic research can help identify cultural and ideological biases in interpretation that open up new interpretive possibilities. This paper discusses appropriate research designs for applying an ethnolinguistic approach to the interpretation of the Quran in Indonesia. Research designs must consider Indonesia’s diverse cultural and linguistic contexts, as well as appropriate data collection and analysis methods. Ethnolinguistic research on the interpretation of the Quran in Indonesia has the potential to make an important contribution to a better understanding of Islam in Indonesia, and its relationship to local culture and language.
The Quality of the Public Library Service of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China
Authors: Li Guang , Sutthisai Watcharin , Kietjareon Somkiet
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: The purposes of this study were 1) to study the degree of the quality of the public library service of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China 2) to study the satisfaction of the people with the service of the public library of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China.3) to study the factors of quality of the public library service which affect the satisfaction of the people 4) to study the recommendations of the people to improve the quality of the public library service of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China.
Materials and Methods: The samples of this study were 288 persons (library visitors at Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, Hebei Province, China) calculated by Taro Yamane’s formula and selected through an accidental random sampling technique. The instrument used in this study was 50 items with five close-ended rating scale questionnaires with 0.91 reliability and open-ended for recommendations. The statistics encompassed frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation Pearson’s Product-moment Coefficient, and multiple linear regression.
Results: In general, the Hebei Shijiazhuang Library in Hebei Province, China received high marks for the quality of its public library services. People's overall satisfaction with the services provided by the public library of Hebei Shijiazhuang Library in Hebei Province, China, was rated as being very high. Customers' satisfaction with the public library service at Hebei Shijiazhuang Library in Hebei Province, China, was influenced by four factors: the quality of the information provided, the effectiveness of the system, the caliber of the staff, and the overall quality of the service.
"The public library should request the people to give their ideas after receiving the service of the library" was the sample recommendation that was made most frequently to improve the quality of the public library service at Hebei Shijiazhuang Library in Hebei Province, China.
Conclusion: The Hebei Shijiazhuang Library, located in Hebei Province, China, has been praised for its public library services. Factors that impact customer satisfaction include the caliber of staff, overall service quality, system effectiveness, and information quality. One common suggestion for enhancements was to ask users for feedback following their use of the library's resources.
The Effective of Specific Training Program to Improve Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity in Wushu Sanda Athletes
Authors: Chen Fan , Siriphan Chanchai
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: In martial arts sparring programs, athletes' specialized attributes include aerobic and anaerobic capacity. In contemporary Wushu sparring training, it is common to emphasize the need to achieve absolute strength, while often neglecting the specialized training of Wushu sparring. The lack of specialized training can lead to deficiencies in the practical combat ability of Wushu Sanda athletes. These deficiencies can adversely affect the athlete's overall athletic performance. This study aims to develop and implement a specific training program to improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity in Wushu Sanda athletes.
Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental study. The participants of this study can divided into 5 groups as follows: (1) To study the current situation and problems with the training program to improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity in Wushu Sanda, 60 Wushu Sanda athletes from the Guangdong Sanda team were invited to conduct a questionnaires survey, with the IOC value of 0.80, and 6 Wushu Sanda coaches were invited to conduct an interview, the IOC value for interview form was 0.8; (2) 7 experts invited to conduct expert interviews; (3) 12 experts were selected to conduct a focus groups for developing a special training program; (4) 7 experts were selected to evaluate and validate such special training program; (5) 60 Wushu Sanda athletes were participate in the experimental as a sample group. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks of training and aerobic and anaerobic tests were performed before training, after week 4 of training, and week 8 of training to analyze and compare the data. In this research, mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, and t-test dependent were used to analyze the data. The level of significant difference was 0.05.
Result： The results showed that after the experiment, there was a significant difference between the pre-test, after 4 weeks of training, and post-test of the VO2max test and Wingate 30s test. The Wushu Sanda special training program designed by the researchers was effective in improving the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the athletes.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of Wushu Sanda athletes can be effectively improved through the special training of Wushu Sanda, In Wushu Sanda competitions, better aerobic and anaerobic capacity can help athletes achieve better results.
Empowering small and medium-sized enterprises through effective additive manufacturing data management
Authors: Witherell Paul , Frazier William
Published: June 2024

This report summarizes the results of the workshop entitled “Empowering Small and Medium Size Enterprises Through Effective Additive Manufacturing Data Management.” NIST co-hosted the event in partnership with the National Manufacturing Innovative Institute for additive manufacturing, America Makes, the Regional Additive Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland (RAMPMD) and Pilgrim Consulting, LLC. The workshop explored how best to empower the productive working relationship of small and medium size Enterprises (SMEs) with top tier manufacturers through effective additive manufacturing (AM) data management by examining the AM data management “Pain Points” associated with SME interactions with large system integrators (LSI) and government procurement agencies. It has found that the complex, diverse and frequently parochial relations between LSIs, SMEs, and customers tend to inhibit facile working relationships. This increases the cost and time required to bring a product to market while concomitantly inhibiting innovation and profitability. The synopsis of the working group recommendations provides some specific actionable items for consideration.
The Influence of Organic Manures on Proximate Composition, Minerals, Anti-nutrients and Vitamins of Selected Legume Forage
Authors:   Akwa Ibom State University, Ekette Iko-Obong , Anyanwu Nnaemeka ,   Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, Essien Comfort ,   Akwa Ibom State University, Dickson Israel ,   Akwa Ibom State University
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the influence of three organic manure on the nutritional composition of three leguminous forages - Soybeans, Cowpeas, and Groundnuts, cultivated in the coastal Rainforest of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The four different organic manure used were poultry droppings, goat droppings, pig dung and a control (no manure application). Each organic manure represented a treatment group. Each group was replicated three times making a total of 12 experimental units. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Proximate analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in moisture, fat, ash, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and energy content. Manure type significantly (p<0.05) affected protein, carbohydrate, and moisture content. Poultry Manure had superior performance in Cowpea Forage, while Control excelled in Soybean Forage. The anti-nutrient analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in tannin, oxalate, saponin, and phytate content, impacting nutritional quality. Tannin content varied significantly (Groundnut: 65.78 mg/100g, Soybean: 109.78 mg/100g, Cowpea: 37.62 mg/100g), as did oxalate (Groundnut: 393.18 mg/100g, Soybean: 185.20 mg/100g, Cowpea: 357.13 mg/100g), saponin (Groundnut: 5.71 mg/100g, Soybean: 6.63 mg/100g, Cowpea: 6.63 mg/100g), and phytate (Groundnut: 160.89 mg/100g, Soybean: 30.63 mg/100g, Cowpea: 21.22 mg/100g). Vitamin analysis revealed variations in vitamin C (Groundnut: 57.94 mg/100g, Soybean: 58.31 mg/100g, Cowpea: 63.17 mg/100g) and β-carotene (Groundnut: 9.73 mg/100g, Soybean: 9.46 mg/100g, Cowpea: 7.51 mg/100g), indicating nutritional attributes of the studied leguminous forages. Based on the results, the treatment involving poultry dropping, goat dropping, pig dung and control all demonstrated good performance in terms of contributing to the nutritional composition of cowpea, groundnut and soybean. Thus, the use of poultry dropping and pig dung as organic manure for farmers in the region could be recommended.
Access to credit and its effect on poultry farmers’ productivity: A case study of layer chicken farmers in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors:   Lagos State University, Ojedokun Ajibola , Adelana Olorunishola ,   Lagos State University
Published: June 2024

Despite the relevance of the poultry sub-sector to the economy of Nigeria and the capital-intensive nature of poultry production, many poultry farmers are unable to access adequate credit which affects their productivity. This study was therefore conducted to understand the effect access to credit has on farmers’ productivity, with emphasis on layer producers in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 114 layer producers. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Total Factor Productivity, and Tobit regression model. The result of this study showed that though most of the layer producers had access to credit (87.6%), not all of them obtained credit (67.0%) from the sources where credit can be accessed. It also revealed that layer farmers with access to credit (4.88±1.99) were marginally more productive than layer producers without access to credit (4.22±2.22). The study finally revealed that while socio-economic variables such as sex of layer farmers, marital status of layer farmers, household size of layer farmers, and membership of cooperative association significantly influenced productivity of layer farmers, access to credit also significantly influenced the productivity of layer farmers. The study recommended that the government should enforce policies relating to ease of accessing credit from financial institutions.
Effect of Cumin Seed Powder on the Growth Performance, Carcass and Organ Characteristics of Broiler Chickens
Authors:   Akwa Ibom State University, Essien Comfort , Sam Idorenyin ,   Akwa Ibom State University, Marshall Anietie ,   Akwa Ibom State University
Published: June 2024

This study was carried out to determine the response of broiler chicken to various levels of cumin seed powder as feed additive on performance characteristics. A total of 160 one-day old chicks were utilized for this investigation. Four diets were compounded for the starter and finisher phases, incorporating cumin seed powder at levels of 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as treatment 1, treatment 2, treatment 3, and treatment 4, respectively. The chicks were divided into four groups of 40 birds each and assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further subdivided into 4 replicates of ten birds. Feed and water were provided without restriction, and the collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. During the starter phase, significant differences.
Program Kampanye Public Relations "Zero Waste" sebagai Upaya Menuju Kampung Bebas Plastik Di Keputih Surabaya
Authors: Romadhan Mohamamd Insan , Pradana Bagus Cahyo Shah Adhi
Published: June 2024

Sampah plastik merupakan salah satu penyumbang sampah terbesar. Salah satu bentuk produk plastik yang paling sering digunakan dan ditemui adalah kantong plastik. Kantong plastik memiliki sifat yang tahan air, ringan, dan mudah didapat membuatnya menjadi pilihan yang digunakan masyarakat dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Namun dibalik segala kelebihan dan kepraktisan plastik tersebut, sampah plastik juga menimbulkan ancaman yang cukup serius terhadap lingkungan dan manusia. Celakanya masih banyak Masyarakat yang kurang peduli terhadap bahaya plastik bagi lingkungan. Termasuk pada Masyarakat keputih Surabaya, di mana masih banyaknya penggunaan kantong belanja berbahan plastik yang digunakan khususnya oleh Ibu-ibu. Untuk itu maka Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat dengan judul Program Kampanye Public Relations "Zero Waste" sebagai Upaya Menuju Kampung Bebas Plastik Di Keputih Surabaya dibuat. Tujuan dari Program ini adalah untuk mengurangi penggunaan plastik yang ada di kampung keputih. Adapun metode yang dilakukan dengan melakukan sosialisasi secara langsung kepada warga dan dengan menggunakan media luar ruang seperti poster, fyler sebagai media kampanye “zero waste”. Hasil dari pengabdian ini menunjukkan adanya perubahan secara kognitif bagi Masyarakat kampung keputih terutama dalam hal pengetahuan tentang kondisi sampah plastik di Indonesia tepatnya di kota Surabaya, dampak sampah plastik bagi lingkungan dan manusia, serta keuntungan beralih menggunakan kantong belanja ramah lingkungan yang dibuktikan dengan hasil rekayasa sosial yang telah dilakukan. Hal tersebut juga menunjukkan bahwa dengan perencanaan kampanye public relations yang terukur dan tepat sasaran, maka keberhasilan dari program public relations juga dapat semakin meningkat
Assessing the Efficacy of Intermittent Intensive Physical Therapy in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Chitrada Rekha , Kamalakannan M , Natarajan Senthilkumar , Anbu Varsha , Venkat Akshaya , B. S Shathurshini , M Sai Nikesh , V. Sri Kanth ,   Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: June 2024

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting children worldwide, particularly boys, with spastic CP being the most common form. Despite its prevalence, effective rehabilitation strategies for severely disabled children with CP remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a 6-month rehabilitation program for severely disabled children with CP, utilizing alternating intense therapy sessions and rest periods, to enhance gross motor function. Methods: Employing a multiple-baseline design, the study assessed changes in motor performance using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Visual and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and paired t-tests, were conducted to evaluate outcomes. Results: Participants received an average of 60 treatments over the 20-week trial, exceeding expectations. Seven out of ten children exhibited significant increases in GMFM scores, with a mean improvement of 9.2% (range 3 to 15%; p < 0.05). Importantly, all participants maintained motor function during rest periods, with a high compliance rate of 93.1% during intense therapy. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of the proposed rehabilitation program to improve gross motor function in severely disabled children with CP. These findings provide valuable insights for developing more effective and sustainable rehabilitation strategies for this population
Athlete Adaptations to High-Altitude Training: A Behavioral Analysis
Authors: Fallah Sharif Saeedeh , Sepehr Rezaee Parastoo , Naser Sheikholeslami Zahra Sadat , Kazemi Seyed Vahid , Sajadi Teroujeni Seyyed Sajed
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the behavioral adaptations of athletes to high-altitude training, focusing on their physiological, psychological, and performance strategies, as well as social and environmental factors influencing their training experiences. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from 30 athletes who had undergone high-altitude training for at least three months. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of sports disciplines and training experiences. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, with thematic analysis employed to identify key patterns and themes. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the athletes' experiences. The analysis revealed four main themes: physiological adaptations, mental adaptations, performance strategies, and social and environmental factors. Physiological adaptations included increased lung capacity, enhanced oxygen uptake, higher hemoglobin levels, and improved muscle endurance. Mental adaptations involved enhanced mental resilience, effective stress management, and goal-setting strategies. Performance strategies highlighted the importance of high-intensity training, balanced nutrition, and the use of altitude simulation techniques. Social and environmental factors emphasized the role of peer and coach support, environmental adjustments, and logistical management in facilitating successful high-altitude training. High-altitude training requires athletes to adapt across multiple dimensions, including physiological, psychological, and environmental aspects. The findings underscore the importance of individualized training protocols, comprehensive support systems, and effective management of environmental factors. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the holistic impact of high-altitude training, providing valuable guidance for athletes, coaches, and sports scientists to optimize training outcomes and enhance athletic performance.
Designing Development Policies for the Social Security Retirement System with a Future Study Approach
Authors: Shamiri Mohammad , Amirnejad Ghanbar , Jaber Ansari MohammadReza , Derakhshan Rostam
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore and design development policies for the social security retirement system using a futures research approach, identifying potential future scenarios and formulating strategic responses. Methods: Utilizing a meta-synthesis of existing literature, expert surveys, and scenario analysis, the study systematically identifies key components, challenges, and opportunities within the retirement system, integrating futures research methodologies to project possible future states and policy implications. Findings: The study reveals a comprehensive set of governance, social, cultural, economic, and technological factors that are pivotal in shaping the future of the social security retirement system. It also outlines several potential future scenarios, ranging from optimistic to pessimistic, with corresponding strategic actions and policies designed to address the identified challenges and leverage opportunities. Conclusion: The research concludes that a holistic and adaptive approach to policy design, incorporating futures research, is essential for the sustainable development of the social security retirement system. It emphasizes the need for continuous reform, innovation, and stakeholder engagement to navigate the complexities of future societal and economic landscapes.
Designing an Investment Policy Analysis Model for Oil Production Using System Dynamics Method
Authors: Heydarinia Manochehr , Makvandi Foad , Ghasemiyeh Rahim , Chenari Vahid , Amirnejad Ghanbar
Published: June 2024

Objective: The objective of this research was to design a model for analyzing investment policies in oil production using content analysis and the Delphi method and the system dynamics method. Methodology: The statistical population for content analysis included upstream documents of the oil industry and articles related to investment in oil production available on the Ministry of Oil's website and a comprehensive article database, amounting to 29 articles related to investment in the oil industry. Based on the acquisition method, 9 articles were selected for content analysis. In the Delphi section, officials, managers, and deputies of this company, along with university professors in public administration in Khuzestan province, totaling 32 individuals, were included in the statistical population, and 15 individuals were selected as the statistical sample using a purposive stratified method. In the quantitative section, the statistical population included all employees, managers, official experts, and employed personnel of the National Iranian South Oil Company in Ahvaz, totaling 570 individuals. Using the simple sampling method and based on Cochran's formula and random method, 291 individuals were calculated as the statistical sample. Findings: After confirming the dimensions and components in the Delphi system dynamics section using Vensim software, 9 scenarios were considered: 1- Reduction of unfavorable monetary policies, 2- Improvement of financial assessments, 3- Improvement of investment source diversity, 4- Structural development of oil extraction and production, 5- Improvement of research and development policies in the oil industry, 6- Improvement of financing based on underground reserves, 7- Improvement of debt-based financing, 8- Improvement of intermediary financing, 9- Improvement of policies for the introduction of oil technologies. Conclusion: Therefore, in this loop, the assumption is that potential risks affect monetary policies, financial assessment, and investment management. Investment management reduces socio-cultural factors, and when socio-cultural factors decrease, it increases environmental neglect. The more environmental neglect increases, the production ceiling in the oil industry is likely to decrease. These factors ultimately cause the tendency to weaken investment policies in oil production.
Presenting a Model for Education of the Unlimited Generation in the Realm of 2050
Authors: Akbari Olaghi Aida , Zamani moghadam Afsaneh , Ghourchian Nadergholi
Published: June 2024

Objective: The present study aims to present a model for the education of the unlimited generation in the realm of 2050. Methodology: This research is applied in nature and is conducted using an exploratory method. Data collection is performed using a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative). Data collection tools include interviews with experts through specialized Delphi method interviews and questionnaires. Following the questionnaire execution, data analysis in the qualitative section is conducted using coding methods (open, axial, and selective). In inferential analysis, data is analyzed using factor analysis. Findings: The results indicated that the components: factors affecting the acquisition of professional competencies; professional planning; professional competencies; economic factors; actions of managers, policymakers, and educational planners; individual factors; groundwork and willingness to create change; social factors; physical factors; and finally, technological and virtual (technological) factors; were not excluded from the factor analysis process as none had a factor load less than 0.3. Conclusion: Ultimately, all 10 components, along with their indicators, were accepted as the dimensions and components of the education model for the unlimited generation in the realm of 2050. The model fit indices in the factor analysis confirm the model's fit.