bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetry of Daytime and Nighttime Warming in Typical Climatic Zones along the Eastern Coast of China and Its Influence on Vegetation Activities
Authors: He Guangxin , Li Zhongliang
Published: November 2020

In this dissertation, the author adopted the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and meteorological data from 1982 to 2016 of the typical climate zones in coastal areas of China to analyze the influence of daytime and nighttime warming asymmetric changes in different seasons on vegetation activities during the growing season period according to the copula function theory optimized based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The seasonal daytime and nighttime warming trends of Guangdong, Jiangsu and Liaoning over the past 35 years were significant, and the daytime and nighttime warming rates were asymmetric. In spring and summer of Guangdong province, the warming rate in the daytime was higher than that at night, while, in autumn, the opposite law was observed. However, the warming rate in the daytime was lower than that at night in Jiangsu and Liaoning provinces. There were latitude differences in diurnal and nocturnal warming rate. (2) The daytime and nighttime warming influences on vegetation showed significant seasonal differences in these three regions. In Guangdong, the influence of nighttime warming on vegetation growth in spring is greater than that in summer, and the influences of daytime warming on vegetation growth from strong to weak were spring, summer and autumn. In Jiangsu, both the influences of daytime and nighttime warming on vegetation growth in summer were less than that in autumn. In Liaoning, both the influences of daytime and nighttime warming on vegetation growth from strong to weak were autumn, spring and summer. (3) In Guangdong, Jiangsu and Liaoning provinces, their maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) and the joint probability distribution functions of NDVI, all had little effect on NDVI when Tmax and Tmin respectively reached their minimum values, but their influences on NDVI were obvious when Tmax and Tmin respectively reached their maximum values. (4) The smaller the return period, the larger the range of climate factor and NDVI, which has indicated that when the climate factor is certain, the NDVI is more likely to have a smaller return period, and the frequency of NDVI over a certain period is higher. In addition, the larger the climate factor, the greater the return period is and NDVI is less frequent over a certain period of time. This research can help with deep understanding of the dynamic influence of seasonal daytime and nighttime asymmetric warming on the vegetation in typical coastal temperature zones of China under the background of global climate change.
Unsupervised Change Detection Using Spectrum-Trend and Shape Similarity Measure
Authors: Tian Yi , Hao Ming , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2020

The emergence of very high resolution (VHR) images contributes to big challenges in change detection. It is hard for traditional pixel-level approaches to achieve satisfying performance due to radiometric difference. This work proposes a novel feature descriptor that is based on spectrum-trend and shape context for VHR remote sensing images. The proposed method is mainly composed of two aspects. The spectrum-trend graph is generated first, and then the shape context is applied in order to describe the shape of spectrum-trend. By constructing spectrum-trend graph, spatial and spectral information is integrated effectively. The approach is performed and assessed by QuickBird and SPOT-5 satellite images. The quantitative analysis of comparative experiments proves the effectiveness of the proposed technique in dealing with the radiometric difference and improving the accuracy of change detection. The results indicate that the overall accuracy and robustness are both boosted. Moreover, this work provides a novel viewpoint for discriminating changed and unchanged pixels by comparing the shape similarity of local spectrum-trend.
Shrub Fractional Cover Estimation and Mapping of San Clemente Island Shrubland Based on Airborne Multispectral Imagery and Lidar Data
Authors: Warkentin Kelsey , Stow Douglas , Uyeda Kellie , O’Leary John , Lambert Julie , Loerch Andrew , Coulter Lloyd
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to map shrub distributions and estimate shrub cover fractions based on the classification of high-spatial-resolution aerial orthoimagery and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for portions of the highly disturbed coastal sage scrub landscapes of San Clemente Island, California. We utilized nine multi-temporal aerial orthoimage sets for the 2010 to 2018 period to map shrub cover. Pixel-based and object-based image analysis (OBIA) approaches to image classification of growth forms were tested. Shrub fractional cover was estimated for 10, 20 and 40 m grid sizes and assessed for accuracy. The most accurate estimates of shrub cover were generated with the OBIA method with both multispectral brightness values and canopy height estimates from a normalized digital surface model (nDSM). Fractional cover products derived from 2015 and 2017 orthoimagery with nDSM data incorporated yielded the highest accuracies. Major factors that influenced the accuracy of shrub maps and fractional cover estimates include the time of year and spatial resolution of the imagery, the type of classifier, feature inputs to the classifier, and the grid size used for fractional cover estimation. While tracking actual changes in shrub cover over time was not the purpose, this study illustrates the importance of consistent mapping approaches and high-quality inputs, including very-high-spatial-resolution imagery and an nDSM.
Perceptions of Stress of Swedish Volunteer Youth Soccer Coaches
Authors: Hertting Krister , Wagnsson Stefan , Grahn Karin
Published: November 2020

Background: The work of a coach can be stressful, and little is known about how volunteer coaches in child and youth soccer perceive stress. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to explore perceptions of stress among Swedish volunteer youth soccer coaches. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 1514 soccer coaches of which 688 (78% men and 22% women; 4% < 30 years, 34% 31–40 years; 57% 41–50 years and 5% > 51 years) with non-profit positions responded. Results: Findings indicate that participants in general do not feel excessively stressed by being a volunteer youth soccer coach (M = 2.20; SD = 0.93; Min = 1; Max = 5), and no significant differences in perceived stress level were found based on gender, age, ethnicity, educational level or occupation. Multiple regression analysis showed that demands from employment (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), difficulty catching up with the family (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), not having enough time to plan activities (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), feeling pressured when selecting the team (β = 0.09, p = 0.013) and own demands to achieve good results (β = 0.07, p = 0.045), significantly contributed to perceptions of stress among the investigated youth sport coaches. Conclusions: The results shed light on the important aim that sport clubs develop holistic strategies when recruiting and retaining coaches and for other functions concerning child and youth soccer teams.
Effect of an Essential Oil Blend on Dairy Cow Performance during Treatment and Post-Treatment Periods
Authors: Al-Suwaiegh Shaker B. , Morshedy Sabrin A. , Mansour Abdallah T. , Ahmed Mohamed H. , Zahran Soliman M. , Alnemr Tareq M. , Sallam Sobhy M.A.
Published: November 2020

Essential oils (EOs) and their active components are attracting a lot of attention as sustainable feed additives due to their known antimicrobial properties against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. They also have biological therapeutic, antioxidant, and flavor properties. They can be used for modifying the rumen environment and improving animal productivity. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of supplementation with 2.5 and 5 g/head/day of an essential oils blend (EOB) of clove, oregano, and juniper in equal proportions on milk production and quality, and physiological status of early lactating Holstein dairy cows for 8 weeks of treatment followed by 8 weeks of posttreatment. The results revealed an improvement in milk yield (p ≤ 0.02) and feed efficiency (p ≤ 0.001) with EOB at a dose of 2.5 g/head/day. The percentages of milk protein and lactose were increased (p ≤ 0.03) with a high dose of EOB inclusion during the treatment period as compared with the control group. Milk fat percentage, fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk were not significantly affected by EOB supplementation. The supplementation of EOB tended to decrease milk total bacterial and somatic cell counts when compared to the control group. The supplementation of EOB at both doses increased serum total protein (p ≤ 0.02) and globulin (p ≤ 0.05), and decreased cholesterol level (p ≤ 0.001) and creatinine (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, the results show that the low dose of EOB had more desirable effects on milk yield, milk total bacterial count, milk somatic cell count, and feed efficiency than the high dose, suggesting that lower doses may not inhibit rumen microbial populations. Moreover, the low doses of EOB could be used as sustainable natural alternatives to antibiotics in livestock diets.
Investigate Tourist Behavior through Mobile Signal: Tourist Flow Pattern Exploration in Tibet
Authors: Zhong Lina , Sun Sunny , Law Rob , Yang Liyu
Published: November 2020

Identifying the tourist flow of a destination can promote the development of travel-related products and effective destination marketing. Nevertheless, tourist inflows and outflows have only received limited attention from previous studies. Hence, this study visualizes the tourist flow of Tibet through social network analysis to bridge the aforementioned gap. Findings show that the Lhasa prefecture is the transportation hub of Tibet. Tourist flow in the eastern part of Tibet is generally stronger than that in the western part. Moreover, the tourist flow pattern identified mainly includes “(diverse or balanced) diffusion from the main center”, “clustering to the main center”, and “diffusion from a clustered circle”.
Boosting Sustainable Innovation in Densely Populated Areas: A Milieux Innovateurs Approach
Authors: Vecchio Yari , Adinolfi Felice , Albani Claudia , Bartoli Luca , De Rosa Marcello
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with innovation adoption, with the purpose of analyzing the uptake of sustainable innovations among young farms working in urban and periurban contexts. Our hypothesis is that innovative milieus (IM) play a fundamental role in boosting sustainable innovation. In order to analyze the uptake of sustainable innovation, we will make reference to the two logics of the IM approach: the logics of interactions and the logics of learning. The former is focused on the socio-institutional domain, more precisely on relational assets and coordination mechanisms activated by the farms. The latter makes reference to the profile of innovation adopted and on various impacts innovation have under economic, social and environmental points of view. A questionnaire has been submitted to young farms participating to the Oscar Green Coldiretti Awards. In total, three dimensions of innovation are taken into account: economic, social and environmental. Data are processed through statistical tools aiming at describing the diversified set of interaction-learning mechanisms. Results evidence different innovative milieus which pave the way to diversified paths of innovation with different degree of sustainability and impacts.
The Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Identify Determinants of Donation Intention: Towards the Comparative Examination of Positive and Negative Reputations of Nonprofit Organizations CEO
Authors: Kim Hyun Hye , Han EunKyoung
Published: November 2020

Using the extended theory of planned behavior, this study examined individuals’ cognitive and psychological determinants of their intentions to donate to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) with either a positive or negative chief executive officer (CEO) reputation. With the use of online survey data (n = 371), the similarities and differences in the relationships between the determinants were analyzed for the two NPO CEO reputations. To verify the hypotheses, multiple regression was used to analyze the data. The results reveal that for NPOs with positive CEO reputations, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, moral norms, past behavior, and identification had positive effects on the intention to donate. In contrast, for NPOs with negative CEO reputations, subjective norms and identification had positive effects on the intention to donate. Attitude toward the NPO was not related to donation intentions regardless of the CEO’s reputation. These findings suggest the need for strategies to increase the public’s intentions to donate to problematic NPOs with negative reputations. Additionally, a strategy to further strengthen the intention to donate in the case of a positive CEO reputation is proposed. Theoretical and managerial implications of the results are also discussed, highlighting important considerations for CEO reputations and NPO management in the short and long terms.
Electromyography: A Simple and Accessible Tool to Assess Physical Performance and Health during Hypoxia Training. A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Adams David P. , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , Fernández Araque Ana , Cano García Alicia , Fernández-Lázaro Cesar I.
Published: November 2020

Hypoxia causes reduced partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and induces adaptations in skeletal muscle that may affect individuals’ physical performance and muscular health. These muscular changes are detectable and quantifiable by electromyography (EMG), an instrument that assesses electrical activity during active contraction at rest. EMG is a relatively simple and accessible technique for all patients, one that can show the degree of the sensory and motor functions because it provides information about the status of the peripheral nerves and muscles. The main goal of this review is to evaluate the scientific evidence of EMG as an instrument for monitoring different responses of skeletal muscles subjected to external stimuli such as hypoxia and physical activity. A structured search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in Medline/PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library Plus. The search included articles published in the last 25 years until May 2020 and was restricted to English- and Spanish-language publications. As such, investigators identified nine articles that met the search criteria. The results determined that EMG was able to detect muscle fatigue from changes in the frequency spectrum. When a muscle was fatigued, high frequency components decreased and low frequency components increased. In other studies, EMG determined muscle activation increased during exercise by recruiting motor units and by increasing the intensity of muscle contractions. Finally, it was also possible to calculate the mean quadriceps quadratic activity used to obtain an image of muscle activation. In conclusion, EMG offers a suitable tool for monitoring the different skeletal muscle responses and has sufficient sensitivity to detect hypoxia-induced muscle changes produced by hypoxic stimuli. Moreover, EMG enhances an extension of physical examination and tests motor-system integrity.
An Evaluation of the Tourism-Induced Environmental Kuznets Curve (T-EKC) Hypothesis: Evidence from G7 Countries
Authors: Ișik Cem , Ahmad Munir , Pata Uğur Korkut , Ongan Serdar , Radulescu Magdalena , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Bayraktaroğlu Engin , Aydın Sezi , Ongan Ayse
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes the legitimacy of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for a group of seven (G7) countries over the period 1995–2015. In addition to testing the EKC speculation, the authors also would like to understand the ways in which increases in renewable energy consumption and the international tourism receipt affect the CO2 emissions in G7 countries, because the energy and tourism sectors may have considerable direct impacts on CO2 emissions. In this investigation, a panel bootstrap cointegration test and an augmented mean group (AMG) estimator were applied. The empirical findings indicate that the tourism-induced EKC hypothesis is valid only for France. Additionally, it was detected that a rise in renewable energy consumption has a negative (reduction) impact on CO2 emissions in France, Italy, the UK, and the US. However, an increase in the receipt of international touristm has a positive (additional) impact on Italy’s CO2 emissions. Hence, this country’s decision-makers should re-review their tourism policy to adopt a renewable-inclusive one for sustainable tourism and the environment.
Prototype of a Low-Cost Compact Horticultural Chamber for Indoor Cultivation of Tropical Highland Wetland Flora
Authors: Wrazidlo Mateusz , Bzymek Anna
Published: November 2020

An environmental chamber is a specialistic device used for testing effects of given controlled conditions on a variety of objects. In case of plant growth chambers, the conditions are controlled usually for plant cultivation and propagation or botanical examination undertaken on living plant material. The aim of the project was to design and build a prototype of a desktop device with a control system capable of being used as a chamber supporting plant cultivation and propagation processes by the means of partial automation of environment control. The conditions controlled in the chamber are based on the environmental requirements of plant genera, such as Heliamphora, Drosera, Orectanthe, Cyrilla, Stegolepis, Maguireothamnus, or Utricularia. These plants occur naturally in the Guiana Highlands region of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, especially around the upper parts of table-shaped mountain massifs called tepuis. The chamber was designed to simulate some of the peculiar natural factors and phenomena occurring in the high-tepui and surrounding mid-elevation wetland habitats, being the most significant for amateur-level plant cultivation, keeping the design as simple and low cost as possible. It was proven on the basis of the results of several tests made during the evaluation phase that the designed prototype of the chamber operates in a satisfying way, providing basic functionality matching the base assumptions.
CXCL10 Signaling Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Arthritogenic Alphaviruses
Authors: Lin Tao , Geng Tingting , Harrison Andrew G. , Yang Duomeng , Vella Anthony T. , Fikrig Erol , Wang Penghua
Published: November 2020

Emerging and re-emerging arthritogenic alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and O’nyong nyong virus, cause acute and chronic crippling arthralgia associated with inflammatory immune responses. Approximately 50% of CHIKV-infected patients suffer from rheumatic manifestations that last 6 months to years. However, the physiological functions of individual immune signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of alphaviral arthritis remain poorly understood. Here, we report that a deficiency in CXCL10, which is a chemoattractant for monocytes/macrophages/T cells, led to the same viremia as wild-type animals, but fewer immune infiltrates and lower viral loads in footpads at the peak of arthritic disease (6–8 days post infection). Macrophages constituted the largest immune cell population in footpads following infection, and were significantly reduced in Cxcl10−/− mice. The viral RNA loads in neutrophils and macrophages were reduced in Cxcl10−/− compared to wild-type mice. In summary, our results demonstrate that CXCL10 signaling promotes the pathogenesis of alphaviral disease and suggest that CXCL10 may be a therapeutic target for mitigating alphaviral arthritis.
JCPyV T-Antigen Activation of the Anti-Apoptotic Survivin Promoter—Its Role in the Development of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Del Valle Luis , Sweet Thersa , Parker-Struckhoff Amanda , Perez-Liz Georgina , Piña-Oviedo Sergio
Published: November 2020

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease of the CNS, resulting from the lytic infection of oligodendrocytes by the human neurotropic polyomavirus JC (JCPyV), typically associated with severe immunocompromised states and, in recent years, with the use of immunotherapies. Apoptosis is a homeostatic mechanism to dispose of senescent or damaged cells, including virally infected cells, triggered in the vast majority of viral infections of the brain. Previously, we showed upregulation of the normally dormant anti-apoptotic protein Survivin in cases of PML, which—in vitro—resulted in protection from apoptosis in JCPyV-infected primary cultures of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In the present study, we first demonstrate the absence of apoptotic DNA fragmentation and the lack of caspase activity in 16 cases of PML. We also identified the viral protein large T-Antigen as being responsible for the activation of the Survivin promoter. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay shows a direct binding between T-Antigen and the Survivin promoter DNA. Finally, we have identified the specific region of T-Antigen, spanning from amino acids 266 and 688, which binds to Survivin and translocates it to the nucleus, providing evidence of a mechanism that results in the efficient replication of JCPyV and a potential target for novel therapies.
Efforts to Improve the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Cianci Rossella , Newton Estelle E. , Pagliari Danilo
Published: November 2020

Seasonal influenza is an acute syndrome, principally involving the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses that are globally present [...]
Generation and Characterization of Universal Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Candidates Containing Multiple M2e Epitopes
Authors: Kotomina Tatiana , Isakova-Sivak Irina , Kim Ki-Hye , Park Bo Ryoung , Jung Yu-Jin , Lee Youri , Mezhenskaya Daria , Matyushenko Victoria , Kang Sang-Moo , Rudenko Larisa
Published: November 2020

Influenza viruses constantly evolve, reducing the overall protective effect of routine vaccination campaigns. Many different strategies are being explored to design universal influenza vaccines capable of protecting against evolutionary diverged viruses. The ectodomain of influenza A M2e protein (M2e) is among the most promising targets for universal vaccine design. Here, we generated two recombinant live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) expressing additional four M2e tandem repeats (4M2e) from the N-terminus of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein, in an attempt to enhance the M2e-mediated cross-protection. The recombinant H1N1+4M2e and H3N2+4M2e viruses retained growth characteristics attributable to traditional LAIV viruses and induced robust influenza-specific antibody responses in BALB/c mice, although M2e-specific antibodies were raised only after two-dose vaccination with LAIV+4M2e viruses. Mice immunized with either LAIV or LAIV+4M2e viruses were fully protected against a panel of heterologous influenza challenge viruses suggesting that antibody and cell-mediated immunity contributed to the protection. The protective role of the M2e-specific antibody was seen in passive serum transfer experiments, where enhancement in the survival rates between classical LAIV and chimeric H3N2+4M2e LAIV was demonstrated for H3N2 and H5N1 heterologous challenge viruses. Overall, the results of our study suggest that M2e-specific antibodies induced by recombinant LAIV+4M2e in addition to cellular immunity by LAIV play an important role in conferring protection against heterologous viruses.
Vaccine Hesitancy in China: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholders’ Perspectives
Authors: Yang Ronghui , Penders Bart , Horstman Klasien
Published: November 2020

A series of vaccine incidents have stimulated vaccine hesitance in China over the last decade. Many scholars have studied the institutional management of these incidents, but a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perspectives on vaccine hesitancy in China is missing. To address this lacuna, we conducted in-depth interviews and collected online data to explore diverse stakeholders’ narratives on vaccine hesitance. Our analysis shows the different perspectives of medical experts, journalists, parents, and self-defined vaccination victims on vaccination and vaccination hesitance. Medical experts generally consider vaccines, despite some flaws, as safe, and they consider most vaccine safety incidents to be related to coupling symptoms, not to vaccinations. Some parents agree with medical experts, but most do not trust vaccine safety and do not want to put their children at risk. Media professionals, online medical experts, and doctors who do not need to align with the political goal of maintaining a high vaccination rate are less positive about vaccination and consider vaccine hesitance a failure of expert–lay communication in China. Our analysis exhibits the tensions of medical expert and lay perspectives on vaccine hesitance, and suggests that vaccination experts ‘see like a state’, which is a finding consistent with other studies that have identified the over-politicization of expert–lay communication in Chinese public discourse. Chinese parents need space to express their concerns so that vaccination programs can attune to them.
Are Sterols Useful for the Identification of Sources of Faecal Contamination in Shellfish? A Case Study
Authors: Florini Styliano , Shahsavari Esmaeil , Aburto-Medina Arturo , Khudur Leadin S. , Mudge Stephen M. , Smith David J. , Ball Andrew S.
Published: November 2020

This work aimed to identify the major source(s) of faecal pollution impacting Salcott Creek oyster fisheries in the UK through the examination of the sterol profiles. The concentration of the major sewage biomarker, coprostanol, in water overlying the oysters varied between 0.01 µg L−1 and 1.20 µg L−1. The coprostanol/epicoprostanol ratio ranged from 1.32 (September) to 33.25 (February), suggesting that human sewage represents the key input of faecal material into the estuary. However, a correlation between the sterol profile of water above the oysters with that of water that enters from Tiptree Sewage Treatment Works (r = 0.82), and a sample from a site (Quinces Corner) observed to have a high population of Brent geese (r = 0.82), suggests that both sources contribute to the faecal pollution affecting the oysters. In identifying these key faecal inputs, sterol profiling has allowed targeted management practices to be employed to ensure that oyster quality is optimised.
MRI spectrum and prevalence of lumbar spinal degenerative disease in patients with non-traumatic low back pain
Authors: Singh Neha , Singh Deepak Kumar
Published: November 2020

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a frequent cause of global disability and activity limitation. In the majority of cases, LBP is nonspecific, yet diagnostic confirmation is required to rule out serious underlying pathologies such as infection, tumour, fracture or degenerative disease. It can be done by a number of imaging techniques. Of all available techniques, MRI is currently the imaging modality of choice owing to lack of radiation, multiplanar reformation capabilities and high contrast resolution.
Objectives: To determine various MRI patterns and the common sites of spinal degenerative lesions among patients with LBP.
Method: This study was conducted on 622 patients suffering from non-traumatic LBP, referred for MRI of the lumbar spine. MRI database of the study population were analysed using axial T2-weighted, sagittal STIR, T1and T2-weighted and coronal STIR images. After excluding patients with h/o prior surgery and MR findings suggesting infective or neoplastic etiologies, 598 patients constituted the sample size of our study.
Results: A review of 598 patients with LBP revealed that degenerative changes in intervertebral disc were the most common abnormality detected. Among these, Disc bulge was the most common abnormality followed by disc desiccation, protrusion, extrusion, HIZ/annular tear, reduced IVD space and Schmorl’s nodes. Other non- disc degenerative findings were Modic endplate changes, facet joint arthropathy, osteophytes, Spinal canal stenosis and Ligamentum Flavum hypertrophy.
Conclusions: Results reported the common occurrence of lumbar disc degenerative disease in patients with low backache. Research efforts should attempt to trim down risk factors and perk up the quality of life.
Venerable Nonfiction Magazine Proves It’s Still in the Game; Review of Creative Nonfiction, Issue 72
Authors: Peterson Bria
Published: November 2020

Creative Nonfiction magazine is “true stories, well told.” Each issue works to prove that interesting narratives can make any subject meaningful through the adaptive essence of narrative nonfiction. In issue 72, titled “Games: The Power of Play,” they achieve this goal through long and short-form essays along with columns that examine the craft, style, and trends of writing true stories.
“I Will Take Every Opportunity to Encourage Others”: A Chat with Heather Cuthbertson, Editor of Gold Man Review
Authors: Cuthbertson Heather , Gonzalez Sydney
Published: November 2020

Gold Man Review is an annual literary journal serving and supporting a community of authors residing on the West Coast. It highlights diverse and passionate writers of short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The journal’s founder and Editor-In-Chief, Heather Cuthbertson, has overseen all issues and has ensured that they abide by Gold Man Review’s mission, “Creativity Becomes Community.” The journal’s 9th, and most recent, issue delightfully walks the line between playful and serious with a varied collection that has something for everyone. Issue 9 offers readers tales of love gained and lost, poignant reminders of how words affect others and sometimes the future, and examinations of human behavior in all its tragic forms. Each issue presents new voices and themes, and they are all available to download. Small literary journals are always in need of support! If you are interested, download or buy an issue of Gold Man Review, or two, or three.
Changes in patient experience associated with growth and collaboration in general practice: observational study using data from the UK GP Patient Survey
Authors: Forbes Lindsay JL , Forbes Hannah , Sutton Matt , Checkland Katherine , Peckham Stephen
Published: November 2020

Background

For the last few years, English general practices — which are, traditionally, small — have been encouraged to serve larger populations of registered patients by merging or collaborating with each other. Meanwhile, patient surveys have suggested that continuity of care and access to care are worsening.

Aim

To explore whether increasing the size of the practice population and working collaboratively are linked to changes in continuity of care or access to care.

Design and setting

This observational study in English general practice used data on patient experience, practice size, and collaborative working. Data were drawn from the English GP Patient Survey, NHS Digital, and from a previous study.

Method

The main outcome measures were the proportions of patients at practice level reporting positive experiences of both access and relationship continuity of care in the GP Patient Survey. Changes in proportions between 2013 and 2018 among practices that had grown and those that had, roughly, stayed the same size were compared, as were patients’ experiences, categorised by whether or not practices were working in close collaborations in 2018.

Results

Practices that had grown in population size had a greater fall in continuity of care (by 6.6%, 95% confidence interval = 4.3% to 8.9%), than practices that had roughly stayed the same size, after controlling for other factors. Differences in falls in access to care were smaller (4.3% difference for being able to get through easily on the telephone; 1.5% for being able to get an appointment; 0.9% in satisfaction with opening hours), but were statistically significant. Practices collaborating closely with others had marginally worse continuity of care than those not working in collaboration, and no differences in access.

Conclusion

Larger general practice size in England may be associated with slightly poorer continuity of care and may not improve patient access. Close collaborative working did not have any demonstrable effect on patient experience.
Diagnosing colorectal cancer in primary care: cohort study in Sweden of qualitative faecal immunochemical tests, haemoglobin levels, and platelet counts
Authors: Högberg Cecilia , Gunnarsson Ulf , Jansson Stefan , Thulesius Hans , Cronberg Olof , Lilja Mikael
Published: November 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnostics are challenging in primary care and reliable diagnostic aids are desired. Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been used for suspected CRC in Sweden since the mid-2000s, but evidence regarding their effectiveness is scarce. Anaemia and thrombocytosis are both associated with CRC.

Aim

To evaluate the usefulness of qualitative FITs requested for symptomatic patients in primary care, alone and combined with findings of anaemia and thrombocytosis, in the diagnosis of CRC.

Design and setting

A population-based cohort study using electronic health records and data from the Swedish Cancer Register, covering five Swedish regions.

Method

Patients aged ≥18 years in the five regions who had provided FITs requested by primary care practitioners from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 were identified. FIT and blood-count data were registered and all CRC diagnoses made within 2 years were retrieved. Diagnostic measurements were calculated.

Results

In total, 15 789 patients provided FITs (four different brands); of these patients, 304 were later diagnosed with CRC. Haemoglobin levels were available for 13 863 patients, and platelet counts for 10 973 patients. Calculated for the different FIT brands only, the sensitivities for CRC were 81.6%–100%; specificities 65.7%–79.5%; positive predictive values 4.7%–8.1%; and negative predictive values 99.5%–100%. Calculated for the finding of either a positive FIT or anaemia, the sensitivities increased to 88.9–100%. Adding thrombocytosis did not further increase the diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

Qualitative FITs requested in primary care seem to be useful as rule-in tests for referral when CRC is suspected. A negative FIT and no anaemia indicate a low risk of CRC.
Peningkatan Kesiapsiagaan Anggota Nasyiatul Aisyiyah (NA) Cabang Ngawen Klaten Terhadap Bencana
Authors: Diana Willis , Aristyasari Yunita Furi , Faizah Restu , Hartono Edi
Published: November 2020

Increasing the skills and abilities of individuals, families and communities in the face of disasters need to be carried out continuously, because of the high potential for threats and the increasing number of people exposed to disaster risk. Women have a strategic role in disaster management and are very effective in transferring their knowledge to the next generation. In this community service activity, the Nasyiatul Aisyiyah branch of Ngawen, Klaten, Central Java, chosen as a partner. The purpose of this activity is to improve women's preparedness capacity and to reduce people's exposure to disasters. The activities are not only in terms of physical preparedness but also spiritual preparedness. This community service activity consist of three stage, which are,the first stage is preliminary survey to assess the knowledge of participants on disaster preparedness, the second stage is giving disaster preparedness education with facilitators guidance, providing disaster preparedness pocket books, and discussions, and the final stage was an assessment of disaster preparedness after participants are given education/training. The assessment was done using a questionnaire. The result of the prelimanary survey show that the participant are at the level of moderate preparedness. The disaster preparedness education increasing all the disaster preparedness parameters index. The knowledge parameter index increased by 5%, the family preparedness plan parameter index increased by 15%, the parameter index of disaster warning knowledge increased by 6%, the resource mobilization parameter index increased by 10%. The socialization or simulation is needed about the importance of evacuation, relief and rescue, and campaign about the disaster is also needed through various media that are in accordance with the conditions of the community.
Pemanfaatan IPTEK Dalam Kegiatan Belajar Mengajar Untuk Masyarakat Pela Mampang Di Masa Pandemi
Authors: Saryoko Andi , Sari Retno , Rianto Verry , Rosyida Susy
Published: November 2020

Di masa pandemi covid-19 saat ini, masyarakat terutama anak-anak yang bersekolah maupun orang tua dipaksa untuk bisa menggunakan teknologi untuk melakukan kegiatan belajar mengajar secara daring. Kegiatan belajar daring ini membuat sebagian anak-anak atau orang tua mempelajari teknologi yang digunakan secara otodidak. Kami selaku Dosen dan PPPM (Pusat Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat) Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer Nusa Mandiri ingin melakukan pengabdian masyarakat dengan memberikan  pelatihan kepada warga RT 008/010 Pela Mampang dengan tema pemanfaatan IPTEK dalam kegiatan belajar mengajar untuk masyarakat pela mampang di masa pandemi. Bentuk dari kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat yang akan dilaksanakan adalah berupa webinar memberikan pengetahuan dan keterampilan dasar belajar menggunakan aplikasi pembelajaran daring yaitu Google Classroom untuk menunjang kegiatan belajar secara daring selama pandemi covid-19 kepada warga RT 008/010 Pela Mampang, Melakukan penyampaian materi berkenaan dengan pengenalan Google Classroom, Menjelaskan bagaimana langkah-langkah memulai Google Classroom dan apa saja yang dapat dilakukan dengan Google Classroom, Memberikan latihan mengakses Google Classroom dan memulai kegiatan belajar. Hasil dari kegiatan pelatihan ini adalah Peningkatan keterampilan peserta terhadap pengenalan penggunaan Google Classroom yang memudahkan sebagai tambahan ilmu yang bisa diterapkan pada kegiatan belajar, Para peserta dapat mengoperasikan Google Classroom untuk mendukung proses belajar secara daring selama pandemi, Para peserta dapat mengajari teman-temannya yang lain, yang belum bisa mengoperasikan Google Classroom untuk kegiatan belajar di sekolah..
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Kayubulan Melalui Implementasi Teknologi Pengolahan Eceng Gondok dan Sedimen Danau Limboto
Authors: Salimi Yuszda , Kadir Yuliyanti , S. Tangio Julhim
Published: November 2020

Laju sedimentasi dari beberapa sungai yang bermuara di danau Limboto semakin tinggi sehingga menyebabkan pendangkalan. Pertumbuhan eceng gondok yang sangat cepat menutupi permukaan danau menyebabkan perubahan ekosistem danau dan kerugian finansial bagi nelayan lokal. Program Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (KKN PPM) di kelurahan Kayubulan bertujuan untuk mengedukasi masyarakat melalui implementasi teknologi pengolahan eceng gondok dan sedimen danau Limboto. Kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui 5 (lima) tahapan yakni tahap persiapan, tahap sosialisasi, tahap pelatihan, tahap pendampingan dan tahap evaluasi. Metode yang digunakan berupa  FGD (forum group discussion), perencanaan partisipatif dan metode praktek. Hasil kegiatan ini memberi pemahaman pada masyarakat tentang pentingnya menjaga danau. Pemahaman masyarakat kelurahan Kayubulan tentang pengolahan eceng gondok menjadi biogas, briket, pupuk dan sedimen menjadi batako, batu bata dan pot tanaman meningkat secara keseluruhan hingga 48%. Kegiatan ini berdampak positif pada peningkatan pengetahuan dan ketrampilan kelompok Alata sebagai mitra sasaran.
Program English Fun Activities untuk Mengembangkan Speaking Skills Siswa SDN Sukamulya
Authors: Fitriani Meiliana Nur , Permana Rahmat , Saleh Yopa Taufik , Pratiwi Anggia Suci , Hendrawan Budi , Fahmi Nugraha Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Program English Fun Activities ini bertujuan untuk menciptakan suasana yang menyenangkan (fun) pada pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris di sekolah dasar, khususnya untuk mengembangkan kemampuan berbicara (speaking skills) siswa SDN Setiamulya. Bahasa Inggris merupakan salah satu mata pelajaran yang sangat penting untuk dikuasai oleh siswa namun kebanyakan siswa menganggap bahwa mata pelajaran ini sangat sulit untuk dikuasai. Cara pengucapan yang berbeda dengan penulisannya, makna yang sulit untuk dihafal, serta tata bahasa yang dianggap rumit menjadi tantangan sendiri bagi siswa sehingga mereka merasa bosan dan enggan untuk mempelajarinya. Kegiatan ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode dan strategi khusus yakni dengan membuat program English fun activities. Program ini diikuti oleh siswa SDN Setiamulya, mulai dari kelas 4 sampai dengan kelas 6 selama 3 hari. Penyampaian pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris ini dilakukan dengan cara yang menyenangkan seperti permainan (games) berbahasa Inggris, menyanyi dan menari. hasilnya Program ini berjalan dengan lancar, siswa sangat antusias belajar dan berperan aktif selama pembelajaran berlangsung. Program English fun activities ini membuktikan bahwa belajar Bahasa Inggris itu sangat mudah dan menyenangkan.
Pengaruh Model Value Clarification Technique (Vct) Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Dan Hasil Belajar Siswa
Authors: Suttrisno Suttrisno , Riyanto Yatim , Subroto Waspodo Tjipto
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan besarnya pengaruh model pembelajaran Value Clarification Technique (VCT) berbasis kearifan lokal Madura terhadap motivasi belajar dan hasil belajar siswa kelas IV SDN Karduluk I. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif eksperimen dengan jenis penelitian Quasi Experimental Design dengan desain penelitian yaitu Prestest- Posttest Control Group Design. Responden penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas IV A sebanyak 20 siswa sebagai kelas eksperimen dan 20 siswa IV B sebagai kelas kontrol. Pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen angket motivasi belajar dan tes hasil belajar. Analisis data menggunakan uji-t dengan rumus Independent Samples T-Test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (a) Ada pengaruh yang signifikan penggunaan model VCT berbasis kearifan lokal madura terhadap motivasi belajar dari hasil analisis uji independent sample t-test adalah 2,512 Nilai ttabel pada (df.38) signifikansi 0,05 sebesar 1,686, apabila dibandingkan maka thitung > ttabel dengan hasil Sig. 2-tailed sebesar 0,16 < 0,05 maka Ha diterima dan H0 ditolak. (b) Ada pengaruh yang signifikan penggunaan model VCT berbasis kearifan lokal madura terhadap hasil belajar siswa dari analisis hasil uji independent sample t-test setelah dilakukan perlakuan menunjukkan bahwa nilai thitung adalah 6,047 Nilai ttabel pada (df.38) signifikansi 0,05 adalah 1,686, apabila dibandingkan maka thitung > ttabel dengan hasil Sig. 2-tailed sebesar 0,000 < 0,05 maka Ha diterima dan H0 ditolak.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Kesadaran Ekologis Siswa Pada Pembelajaran Berbasis Ekopedagogik di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Hendrawan Budi , Nugraha Mohammad Fahmi , Nugraha Fajar
Published: November 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kesadaran ekologis siswa pada pembelajaran ekopedagogik di sekolah dasar. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif. Metode deskriptif yang digunakan untuk memetakan factor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kesadaran ekologis siswa melalui pembelajaran berbasis Ekopedagogik di Sekolah Dasar. Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian yang telah dilakukan factor-faktor dapat mempengaruhi kesadaran ekologis siswa diantaranya adalah dihapuskannya mata pelajaran PLH pada kurikulum 2013, kurangnya sarana dan prasarana yang mendukung dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran PLH di Sekolah Dasar diantaranya lahan hijau di sekolah khususnya di sekolah perkotaan, kurangnya alat dan media pembelajaran, kurangnya sumber belajar PLH baik dari aspek pendidik maupun sumber belajar berupa buku pelajaran tentang ekopedagogik, kurang strategi atau metode dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran ekopedagogik di Sekolah Dasar, tidak adanya role model atau contoh dalam kehidupan sehari-hari siswa dalam pelestarian lingkungan, dan kurang rasa peduli siswa terhadap lingkungan sekitar. Maka, dapat diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa ada beberapa factor yang mempengaruhi kesadaran ekologis siswa dalam pembelajaran ekopedagogi yang utama adalah Kebijakan landasar pembelajaran PLH di kurikulum, Sarana dan Prasarana pembelajaran, Sikap Siswa terhadap Pembelajaran PLH dan media, alat, Metode pembelajaran PLH.
Working Students in Higher Education: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Tumin Tumin , Faizuddin Ahmad , Mansir Firman , Purnomo Halim , Aisyah Nurul
Published: November 2020

The current study explores the experiences of working students, especially in higher learning institutions in coping with the challenges of working while studying. It is expected that the suggestions and recommendations from the study can improve working students’ experiences to be successful in both working and studying. This qualitative research investigates the experiences of working students at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Some working students were purposively chosen and interviewed to know the challenges they faced and how they overcome the problems. The findings of the current study show that the informants fully understood the concept of working while studying and considered it as a financial necessity and self-improvement. The informants exposed several challenges of working students such as time constraints and commitment to their studies. Despite the challenges, the informants considered working while studying as a motivation to further develop themselves and acquire necessary skills for better employment. This study is important as many college students are working while enrolled in higher education. They may experience time constraints managing the responsibilities of both student and worker. Thus, it is significant to understand their experiences that may affect the future of their academic studies. This study provides some implications and recommendations for working students to overcome the challenges. They include time management, commitment, discipline, and responsibility.
The Leadership Role of the Principal as Supervisor in Conflict Management at Muhammadiyah 2 Madiun High School, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Aula Nurfaza , Ikhwan Afiful , Nuraini Nuraini
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to find out how the role and implications of the principal in carrying out his role as a leader, supervisor and administrator in combating conflict in educational institutions. This type of research is a qualitative descriptive study. The results of this research which is focused on SMA Muhamadiyah 2 Madiun are that as leaders, supervisors, and administrators have been going well. As for the supporting factors for the principal in carrying out his role, namely teachers, students, programs or plans, and curriculum, the inhibiting factors are discomfort in making decisions, facilities and infrastructure, teachers who do not have maximum scientific discipline, funding standards are still minimal, and the number of students who little influence on the financing standards of operational assistance funds received. Conflict resolution is carried out by the principal by means of deliberation and taking the middle way, advising, strengthening ties of friendship, compromising everything with various parties.