bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the links between Physics and Astronomy education teaching and learning in the Philippines
Authors: Guido R M , Orleans A
Published: January 2022

Students consider physics to be one of the most prevalent and troublesome topics since they find physics to be a challenging course in high school and become more deceptive when they have it as an undergraduate course. The Rizal Technological University (RTU) in the Philippines offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs in astronomy. The university utilizes physics diagnostic tests to classify students’ suitability towards the course as RTU houses the Philippines’ most advanced optical telescopes and the Center for Astronomy Research and Development. The latter was established through the Department of Science and Technology to promote a research hub in the field of astronomy and space science, as well as providing support for research funding and scholarships. The study performed causal-comparative research design and correlational analytics toward students’ attitude and motivation, study habits, learning styles, professor factors, social factors, and academic grades in physics and astronomy. The study explored the links between physics and astronomy and revealed their faith in their study habits in both astronomy and physics. The findings of this study provide evidence of the link of physics and astronomy education in students’ academic programs and its value from the previous learnings of students and teaching of teachers as a critical role in predicting student performance. The increased enrolment in the academic program demonstrates the validity of the above-mentioned statements, as it enticed students to pursue astronomy as their scientific career. Other efforts are discussed in detail in this paper.
Experimental study of the adaptive gain feature for improved position-sensitive ion spectroscopy with Timepix2
Authors: Bergmann B. , Smolyanskiy P. , Burian P. , Pospisil S.
Published: January 2022

In the present work, we study the Timepix2 pixels’ high energy response in the so-called adaptive gain mode. Therefore, Timepix2 with a 500 μm thick silicon sensor was irradiated with protons of energies in the range from 400 keV to 2 MeV and α-particles of 5.5 MeV from 241Am. A novel method was developed to determine the energy deposit in single pixels of particle imprints, which are spread out over a set of neighbor pixels (cluster). We show that each pixel is capable of measuring the deposited energy from 4 keV up to ∼3.2 MeV. Reconstructing the full energy content of the clusters, we found relative energy resolutions (

σ

E

) better than 2.7% and better than 4% for proton and α-particle data, respectively. In a simple experiment with a 5.5 MeV α-particle source, we demonstrate that energy losses in thin (organic) specimen can be spatially resolved, mapping out sample thickness variations, with a resolution around 1–2 μm, across the sensor area. The inherent spatial resolution of the device was determined to be 350 nm in the best case.
Branching processes with resetting as a model for cell division
Authors: Genthon Arthur , García-García Reinaldo , Lacoste David
Published: January 2022

We study the stochastic thermodynamics of cell growth and division using a theoretical framework based on branching processes with resetting. Cell division may be split into two sub-processes: branching, by which a given cell gives birth to an identical copy of itself, and resetting, by which some properties of the daughter cells (such as their size or age) are reset to new values following division. We derive the first and second laws of stochastic thermodynamics for this process, and identify separate contributions due to branching and resetting. We apply our framework to well-known models of cell size control, such as the sizer, the timer, and the adder. We show that the entropy production of resetting is negative and that of branching is positive for these models in the regime of exponential growth of the colony. This property suggests an analogy between our model for cell growth and division and heat engines, and the introduction of a thermodynamic efficiency, which quantifies the conversion of one form of entropy production to another.
Review of the algorithms used in exhaled breath analysis for the detection of diabetes
Authors: Paleczek Anna , Rydosz Artur
Published: January 2022

Currently, intensive work is underway on the development of truly noninvasive medical diagnostic systems, including respiratory analysers based on the detection of biomarkers of several diseases including diabetes. In terms of diabetes, acetone is considered as a one of the potential biomarker, although is not the single one. Therefore, the selective detection is crucial. Most often, the analysers of exhaled breath are based on the utilization of several commercially available gas sensors or on specially designed and manufactured gas sensors to obtain the highest selectivity and sensitivity to diabetes biomarkers present in the exhaled air. An important part of each system are the algorithms that are trained to detect diabetes based on data obtained from sensor matrices. The prepared review of the literature showed that there are many limitations in the development of the versatile breath analyser, such as high metabolic variability between patients, but the results obtained by researchers using the algorithms described in this paper are very promising and most of them achieve over 90% accuracy in the detection of diabetes in exhaled air. This paper summarizes the results using various measurement systems, feature extraction and feature selection methods as well as algorithms such as support vector machines, k-nearest neighbours and various variations of neural networks for the detection of diabetes in patient samples and simulated artificial breath samples.
Characterization of Air Pollution in Pre-COVID 19 Time Using the IVE Model Applied to Mobile Sources in Urban Areas
Authors: Cuba Carmen , Cuba Roberto , Arroyo Victor , Morales Jose
Published: January 2022

In this article we present the design of effective control strategies (IVE Model), to predict atmospheric pollutants, greenhouse gases and toxins, from mobile sources, made up of 800 motorized vehicles, obtained from the records of the transport office of the Provincial Municipality of Ica. through an inventory of emissions from mobile sources, emission factors, activity and distribution of the vehicle fleet. The results obtained are Carbon Monoxide (CO, 23235.23 t/year), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC: 12123.55 t / year), Nitrogen Oxides (Nox: 361.76 t/year), Evaporative Volatile Organic Compounds (COVevap: 455.2 t / year), Particulate Material (PM: 361.76 t / year) and Sulfur Oxides (Sox: 50.75 t / year). Where the highest CO emissions are cars and motorcycles, representing 45.72% and 36% of the total CO emissions released in the study area. It is concluded that prevention measures and actions such as transport management, control of vehicular emissions, promotion of the use of clean fuels, as a way of mitigating the atmospheric pollutants that could be generated, be established.
Analysis on the Influencing Factors of Methane Emission from Wetlands
Authors: Liu Yueqiao
Published: January 2022

Methane research has attracted much attention of the scientific community, not only in that its contribution to global warming is second only to carbon dioxide, but also because the value-added potential of single molecule methane is 15-30 times that of carbon dioxide. As a unique ecosystem, wetland is the “source” of methane (CH4), which is an important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Methane emission from wetlands is the result of the combined effects of methane production, transport and oxidation processes, in which methane production is the prerequisite for methane emission. This paper studied the effects of different factors on methane production in wetlands, including methanogens and methanotrophs, substrate, temperature, soil water, pH, and vegetation, in order to find out the main factors that affect methane emission from wetlands and their influence degree so that could provide some reference for the estimation and prediction of global greenhouse effect.
Rainstorm Disaster Prediction Based on Weather Research and Forecast (WRF): A Case of Nanjing, China
Authors: Niu Yuanying
Published: January 2022

Rainstorm disaster causes great damage to human lives, environment and economies. Many environmental catastrophes happened every summer in southern China as result of the rainstorm. Therefore, heavy rain prediction remains the main focus of many scholars’ attention. However, the weather forecast is inaccurate and not prompt enough, causing casualties and financial losses. Weather Research Forecast (WRF) is an effective method and is utilized in this study to predict the precipitable water vapor (PWV) in meso-and small-scale in Nanjing. Rain is formed because of the PWV in the atmosphere, and therefore precipitation could be predicted according to the PWV. A method is proposed that the amount of rainstorm precipitation could be predicted based on the PWV, which can be simulated by WRF. The experimental results are consistent with the actual rainstorm situation. It demonstrates that promising measures based on the reliable WRF model could be taken to reduce the impending disasters.
Characteristics of Surface Temperature and Its Relationship with Meteorological Elements in China in the Last 73 Years
Authors: Wu Jinhao
Published: January 2022

Climate, as the natural environment on which human life depends, is intricately linked to human society. This paper focuses on the characteristics of temperature and its relationship with meteorological elements in China in the last 73 years. The data of this research is from NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis Monthly Means. This study adopts the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) methods to study the surface temperature characteristics within China, and the synergistic variation between surface temperature and precipitable water content, wind field, and relative humidity in China. The results show that 1980s is a turning point for changes in surface temperature, precipitable water content, wind field, and relative humidity in China. Before 1980s, the temperature in China is low, while after this period, the temperature in China is high and China’s exposure to global warming has increased. Temperature is dominated by negative potential-phase oscillations with relative humidity and wind fields. In the north, temperature and precipitable water content have negative potential-phase oscillations, while temperature and precipitable water content have positive potential-phase oscillations in the south. In the central region of Xinjiang, temperature and precipitable water content have weak negative potential-phase oscillations, while temperature and wind field have positive potential-phase oscillations.
Effect of Drying Temperature on Drying Characteristics, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Slightly Sticky Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Sheet
Authors: Nungwongsa S , Sayasoonthorn S , Jaisut D , Chungcharoen T , Thakhiew W , Thuwapanichayanan R
Published: January 2022

Dried slightly sticky mango sheets is healthy sweet snack, having slightly chewy texture. The objective of this work was to study the effect of drying temperatures (60, 70 and 80 °C) on the drying characteristics, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (assessed by DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity assays) and specific energy consumption of the dried slightly sticky mango sheets. The experimental results showed that the times required to reach the desired final moisture content were 230, 150 and 120 min when drying was performed at the temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 °C, respectively. The total specific energy consumption (SECtotal) values of the drying at 70 and 80 °C were lower than that at 60 °C. However, the TPC and the antioxidant activities assessed by DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity assays were not significantly different amongst the samples dried at different temperatures.
Seismic Response Analysis of Shaft Tower Based on The Interaction of Soil-Well Bore-Shaft Tower
Authors: Han L T , Su Y P , Chen J W , Ge N
Published: January 2022

To study the influence of soil-well bore-shaft tower interaction on the seismic response of the shaft tower. A numerical analysis model of rigid foundation (without considering the interaction of soil-well bore-shaft tower ) and II site considering soil-well bore-shaft tower interaction is established by the finite element analysis method. The mode period, tower layer displacement and inter-story displacement of shaft tower are analyzed. The results show that, compared with rigid foundation, considering the interaction of soil-well bore-shaft tower, the mode period of the system is prolonged, the tower layer displacement and inter-story displacement of the shaft tower is enlarged. In the engineering design of shaft tower, the influence of the soil-well bore-shaft tower interaction on the seismic response of the shaft tower cannot be ignored.
The Effect of Corporate Water Disclosure on Financial Performance
Authors: Ali Inaliah Mohd , Husin Norhayati Mat , Alrazi Bakhtiar
Published: January 2022

Natural resources crises specifically the water crises are listed in the top ten global risk in 2021. Water demand and withdrawal increase as the population rise. To mitigate water scarcity, companies disclose more on water related information as an engagement to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Motivated towards exploring the impact of corporate water disclosures, this study aims to examine effect corporate water disclosures for five years to financial performance of the sample companies. The sample companies are the electric utilities companies that listed as the top 50 market capitalisation in the sector. The water related information disclosure in this study include resource reduction policy, policy of water efficiency policy of environmental supply chain, target water efficiency and environmental management team. This study found that corporate water information disclosures including resource reduction policy and policy of water efficiency) have positive significant relationship on earnings per share (EPS). However, the target water efficiency is negatively significant with EPS which explain the behaviour of electric utilities companies all this while.
Flexural Behaviour of Different Stiffener Section Area on Full Height Rectangular Opening Castellated Steel Beam
Authors: Ahyar M R , Setiyawan P , Adinata C T , Sukadana E
Published: January 2022

Vierendeel is one of failure mechanisms in a castellated steel beam. Vierendeel mechanism is the main failure that occurs in a full high rectangular opening castellated beam. Vierendeel decrease castellated flexural capacity compare to the original wide flange section beam. One solution to prevent the vierendeel mechanism is by installing a diagonal stiffener in form of a steel bar on a castellated beam. The research’s purpose is finding the effect of different size of steel bar diameter on the flexural capacity. Four different sizes of steel bar diameter used in this research: 10 mm, 12mm, 16 mm, and 19 mm. Castellated beam flexural capacity is analysed with the method of truss analysis and pushover analysis. This study shows it can be infer that the bigger size of steel bar diameter does not always determine the higher flexural capacity of the castellated beam. Optimum value of the beam’s flexural capacity is affected by the strength of the flange section. The largest increment of flexural capacity between original wide flange compare to the castellated beam is 139.4% by using 16 mm diameter of the diagonal stiffener.
Lightweight concrete as covers on floating house platforms made from expanded polystyrene system (EPS) material
Authors: Cahyono D B , Adi H P , Wahyudi S I , Pratikso
Published: January 2022

Floating houses can be utilized in coastal areas as they are equipped with platforms made from expanded polystyrene system (styrofoam) and lightweight concrete covers. A lightweight concrete cover on a floating house platform made from styrofoam can improve the feasibility of housing in terms of strength, comfort and cleanliness. This research aims to obtain mixture that meet the weight and compressive strength requirements of lightweight concrete and produce them as covers on floating houses platform. The compositions of lightweight concrete materials in this research use volume ratios of 1 Pc: 2 Sand: 3 Styrofoam, 1 Pc: 1.5 Sand: 2.5 Styrofoam and 1 Pc: 1.25 Sand: 2.75 Styrofoam. The research results show that the concrete made with styrofoam qualifies as lightweight concrete with average volume weight of concrete produced between 1000-1300 kg/m3. The lightest concrete weight (1097.88 kg/m3) could be obtained from variations of mixture of 1 Pc: 1.25 Sand: 2.75 Styrofoam, The highest concrete compressive strength results were obtained from the mixture of 1 Pc: 2 Sand: 3 Styrofoam (119.26 kg/cm2). The variations of concrete mixture of 1 Pc: 2 Sand: 3 Styrofoam can be considered as lightweight concrete (≤ 1900 kg/m3).
Evaluation of minimum ramp distance in efforts to improve performance on Jakarta - Cikampek toll road
Authors: Subiantoro W , Pratiksol  , Mudiyono R
Published: January 2022

Toll road ramps that connect toll roads and arterial roads are often crowded until they are jammed by the activities of workers and school deliverers. And the rush hour that occurs in the morning and evening causes congestion on toll access roads both on and off ramps. The purpose of this research to find out how the performance condition of the toll access road with the distance that is currently available.. The method used in this paper is descriptive quantitative. By using the results of the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) survey at the intersection of West Bekasi, Cibitung and West Kerawang during the morning and evening rush hours. The results of the survey and analysis using the 1997 Indonesian Road Capacity Manual (IRCM) standard obtained a ratio of volume to capacity (v/c ratio), speed and traffic density, these characteristics were then used to find the Level Of Service (LOS) obtained by LOS F (VCR >1). The conclusion from the analysis is that the performance of the connecting road/ramp often occurs during rush hour with the lowest LOS F values in the morning and evening, so it is necessary to evaluate the minimum ramp distance.
Infrastructure design and multi disasters-based land use as the main key to Palu resilience city
Authors: Kautsary J
Published: January 2022

Indonesia is located at the meeting point of three tectonic plates, making it at-risk to geological disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Earthquake disaster can cause a variety of crucial dangers, such as earthquakes, landslides, liquefaction, tsunamis, and other natural disasters, as one took place in Palu City in 2018. This study aims to identify key parameters that could increase Palu resilience in the face of calamity in the future. This study start with a literature review to determine the concept, parameters, and variables of resilience Palu City against disasters. These parameters and variables were then compared to the current condition. The findings of the literature review generated four main parameters for disaster-resilience cities: disaster risk reduction (improvement of infrastructure design and multi disasters-based land use planning), community recovery, efficient program implementation, and monitoring-evaluation. Furthermore, the comparison of these four parameters to reconstruction activities reveals that Palu city’s post-disaster reconstruction has not fully resulted in efforts to achieve the concept of a disaster-resilience city. This is because post-disaster management efforts in Indonesia are in accordance with applicable regulations, emphasizing recovery rather than mitigation in the following catastrophic events.
Analysis of Micro-Climate and Thermal Comfort in Campus Area (A Case Study: Unissula Campus, Kaligawe Semarang)
Authors: Yuliani E , Widyasamrati H , Wulandari N
Published: January 2022

The dynamics of air temperature cause thermal comfort to be unstable in the context of an urban micro-climate. One of the places affected by the urban micro-climate is the campus of Unissula. It lies on the main transportation route of the north coast of Central Java. To create a comfortable space in the campus environment, a local scale air temperature control method is required, one of which is the provision of green open spaces (GOS). Scenarios for providing green open space based on micro-climate dynamics must be developed to create thermal comfort. This study aimed to identify and analyze the correlation between micro-climate and thermal comfort based on the existing parameters. The research methodology employed a rationalistic quantitative deductive approach with micro-climate and thermal comfort variables, as well as rationalistic descriptive analysis technique. According to the findings of this study, the comfort of Unissula campus meets the criteria for morning air temperature of 25.42°C, daytime 31.35 °C, evening 29.92 °C. The morning humidity is relatively 73.92%, the daytime is 51.50%, and the evening is 60.57%. The thermal comfort level is moderately partly comfortable.
The human-elephant conflict: mapping the elephant area and the level of conflict vulnerability in the Mila Landscape, Pidie District, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Rachmawaty R , Abdullah A , Khairil K , Syafrianti D , Daud A M , Zulfikar Z
Published: January 2022

Elephants are designated as endangered animals because their population in the wild continues to decline. One of the causes of its extinction is the threat of conflict between elephants and humans. The conflict between Sumatran elephants and humans in Aceh continues to increase every year, but there is no resolution to this conflict. This study was aimed to analyse the level of risk of elephant-human conflict in the Mila area and map the conflict areas. The method used was the observation method with the purposive sampling technique. The data was analysed using the disaster risk formula. The results of the analysis of the risk level of elephant-human conflict in Mila District showed that the high-risk level was in Tuha Lala Village (35.24%), Babah Jurong Village (35.22%) and Kumbang Village (35.04%). The level of risk was moderate in Krueng Lala Village (27.64%), Andeue Mosque Village (30.38%) and Dayah Andeue Village (33.38%). Meanwhile, areas with a low-risk level were Kulu Village (21.65%) and Dayah Sinthop Village (20.32%). The mapping of conflict risk areas was coloured red for high risk, yellow for medium risk and green for low risk. The conclusion in this study is that Tula Lala Village, Babah Jurong Village and Kumbang Village are areas with high conflict marked in red. Krueng Lala Village, Andeu Mosque Village and Andeue Dayah Village are areas with moderate conflict which are marked in yellow. Meanwhile, Kulu Village and Dayah Sinthop Village are areas with low conflict marked in green.
Evaluation of consumer acceptance and nutritional value from opak crackers with the addition of triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata)
Authors: Sufiat S , Indani  , Azmi U , Safrida S
Published: January 2022

Triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata) is one of the fish types which can be used inopakcrackers for the additional nutrition. This research aims to determine (1) the consumer acceptability and (2) the nutritional value of the triggerfishopakcrackers. The method used in this study is an experimental study using a completely randomized design with two treatments and three repetitions. The experiment using 3 levels of triggerfish addition; 0%, 20%, and 40% respectively. The result of experiments that have been conducted on 30 respondents who are the students at Faculty of Teacher Training and Education by using 5 levels of hedonic scale shows that theopakcrackers with the addition of triggerfish is the most preferable and the experiment proves that the nutritional level increased as well. The result of the acceptance showed that almost all consumers likeopakCrackers in the (AI) treatment with the addition of 20% triggerfish because it had triggerfish characteristics such as aroma, crunchy texture, and the taste. However, when it comes for the color, respondents preferred the A0 formula, which is the crackers without the addition of triggerfish. The proximate test result reveals that the triggerfishopakcrackers contains 83.32% carbohydrate, 8.42% protein, 1.99% fat, 0.47% ash, and 3% water.
Experimental research concerning the possibility of the cow manure conversion into biogas
Authors: Halmaciu I A , Ionel I , Vetres I
Published: January 2022

Cow manure has been used since ancient times as an organic fertilizer in agriculture. Being rich in micronutrients, especially zinc, it is suitable to be used for all types of crops. The increase in the number of inhabitants generated the need for a larger amount of food and associated ever growing need of energy supply. Thus, an increase in the number of farms and cultivated agricultural areas was necessary, as well ever-growing secure energy sources. The strict laws on waste management, on reduction of greenhouse gases emission and in general addressing the decrease of the manmade pollution are some of the reasons that have led to the developing and application of alternative energy solutions. This paper aims to shed light on another much more beneficial feature of cow dung through its modern use, by production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. The experimental work is performed on an ultra-modern laboratory installation, capable to generate in 6 separate digesters of the biogas, according todivers receipts. In order to create a favourable environment for the growth of bacteria, the digestate was kept at a temperature of 37° C, thus creating mesophilic conditions. Throughout the experiment the pH value was monitored and recorded, as well the amount of generated methane.
Water aeration researches using fine air bubble generators
Authors: Sima Nicolae Vlad , BĂran Nicolae , Albu Nicoleta Dorina , PetroȘel Mihaela , Constantin Mihaela
Published: January 2022

The paper presents experimental researches able to demonstrate that the aeration installations with mobile fine bubble generators are more efficient than the classic ones with fixed, fine bubble generators. The paper develops water aeration researches by introducing two types of fine air bubble generators:

I. Fixed fine air bubble generators, which generate Ø <1 mm bubbles;

II. Mobile fine air bubble generators that move in the volume of water subject to aeration.

The theoretical and experimental results are presented for the two versions. According to experimental data, aeration with mobile FBG is more efficient in terms of oxygen transfer from atmospheric air to a stationary water mass.
Optimization of a Suspension of a Micromechanical Accelerometer in an Angular Velocity Measurement Unit
Authors: Iznairov I A , Efremov M V , Barulina M A
Published: January 2022

Optimization of the suspension of the micromechanical accelerometer, which is a part of an angular velocity measurement unit, was considered. This problem was faced because of the need to improve the design of the existing device to meet new technical requirements. Shock loads up to 1 000 g exceed ultimate loads for micromechanical accelerometers by several orders of magnitude. During the study, it turned out that the measurement unit shell works as a resonator, so the shock loads on the micromechanical accelerometer can even exceed 1 000g. In this case, suspensions of the micromechanical accelerometer are deformed in the plane of the accelerometer, which causes their destruction. The solution to this problem was hampered by the strict limits on the overall dimensions of the device. The existing shock dampers that could absorb such shock loads simply did not fit into the attachment points. Therefore, an original spring was designed and manufactured for this purpose. At the final stage, an additional system of passive heat outlets from the accelerometer to the device shell was designed and installed.
Experimental Study of Nuclear Gyro Bias Compensation Using the Quality Factor Estimation
Authors: Chalkov V.V. , Shevchenko A.N.
Published: January 2022

The possibility for bias compensation of nuclear gyro using the quality factor estimation is shown. The corresponding method is described. A description of its application for a nuclear gyroscope in the angle sensor mode is given. The results of experiments confirming the effectiveness of the presented method of nuclear gyro signal refinement are presented.
Mechanical response of aluminum foam sandwich structure under impact load
Authors: Lu Wenke , Zhang Junyan
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the mechanical response of aluminum foam sandwich panels, sandwich cylindrical shells, and sandwich shallow shells under impact loads. First, a finite element model of the sandwich panel was established, and an impact load was applied. The numerical results were compared with theoretical and experimental results to verify the model’s effectiveness. Second, the energy absorption efficiency and overall deformation of sandwich panels, sandwich cylindrical shells, and sandwich shallow shells under the same impact load were studied. The research shows that the energy absorption performance of the sandwich shells is better than that of the sandwich panels, and the overall deformation is less than that of the sandwich panels. The effect of increasing panel thickness on the two types of sandwich shell studies is based on this basis. The conclusions describe that increasing the panel thickness will significantly reduce the structure’s energy absorption efficiency and deformation. Finally, the effect of single-and double-layer structure on the impact resistance of sandwich shells was studied when the total thickness of the sandwich structure was unchanged. The results show that compared with the single-layer structure, the energy absorption efficiency, overall deformation, and contact force between the projectile and structure of the double-layer structure will be reduced.
Awareness and product knowledge of service stakeholders involved in the importation and distribution of HCFC-22 in Botswana
Authors: Kudoma Bongayi , Tekere Memory
Published: January 2022

Environmental problems such as global warming, ozone depletion and climate change remain universal subjects of concern, with baneful effects on both the environment and human health. The consumption and venting of ozone depleting substances (ODS) into the atmosphere are the chief anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion. One such manmade ODS with high global warming potential Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). The MP targeted to phase-out HCFC-22 with obligatory cut-off timelines for its use by 2040 for developing nations. To comply with the HCFC-22 phase-out timelines, meant at embarking on national communications to disseminate information on HCFC-22 phase-out through key stakeholders’ involvement. The achievement of HCFC-22 phase-out strategy depends on participation of key stakeholders in the implementation process. the level of awareness and product knowledge of service stakeholders in the importation and distribution of HCFC-22 in Botswana. customs officers, officers and industrial consumers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit key stakeholders’ views, opinions and perceptions on HCFC-22 phase-out awareness and product knowledge. Results revealed that 87% of the stakeholders are learned and knowledgeable in ODS related service provision. The level of HCFC-22 knowledge and awareness among stakeholders is moderate with distinguished inter-group differences. In particular, industrial consumers had the highest median level of HCFC-22 awareness than other stakeholders, indicating gaps in HCFC-22 phase-out awareness raising and training. About 67% of respondents had low levels of awareness of the HPMP and alternative technologies to HCFC-22. This proposes gaps in information dissemination to key stakeholders and this remains a crucial disparity between the country’s HPMP success lead and lag indicators. There is need to carefully select communication media used in line with the media consumption habits of target markets. Use of popular and commonly accessed social-media platforms would ensure that the HCFC-22 phase-out messages have high chance of reaching targeted stakeholders and the general population.
Dispersion size-consistency
Authors: Nguyen Brian D , Hernandez Devin J , Flores Emmanuel V , Furche Filipp
Published: January 2022

A multivariate adiabatic connection (MAC) framework for describing dispersion interactions in a system consisting of N non-overlapping monomers is presented. By constraining the density to the physical ground-state density of the supersystem, the MAC enables a rigorous separation of induction and dispersion effects. The exact dispersion energy is obtained from the zero-temperature fluctuation–dissipation theorem and partitioned into increments corresponding to the interaction energy gained when an additional monomer is added to a K-monomer system. The total dispersion energy of an N-monomer system is independent of any partitioning into subsystems. This statement of dispersion size consistency is shown to be an exact constraint. The resulting additive separability of the dispersion energy results from multiplicative separability of the generalized screening factor defined as the inverse generalized dielectric function. Many-body perturbation theory (MBPT) is found to violate dispersion size-consistency because perturbative approximations to the generalized screening factor are nonseparable; on the other hand, random phase approximation-type methods produce separable generalized screening factors and therefore preserve dispersion size-consistency. This result further explains the previously observed increase in relative errors of MBPT for dispersion interactions as the system size increases. Implications for electronic structure theory and applications to supramolecular materials and condensed matter are discussed.
Cell complexes, poset topology and the representation theory of algebras arising in algebraic combinatorics and discrete geometry
Authors: Margolis Stuart , Saliola Franco , Steinberg Benjamin
Published: January 2022

In recent years it has been noted that a number of combinatorial structures such as real and complex hyperplane arrangements, interval greedoids, matroids and oriented matroids have the structure of a finite monoid called a left regular band. Random walks on the monoid model a number of interesting Markov chains such as the Tsetlin library and riffle shuffle. The representation theory of left regular bands then comes into play and has had a major influence on both the combinatorics and the probability theory associated to such structures. In a recent paper, the authors established a close connection between algebraic and combinatorial invariants of a left regular band by showing that certain homological invariants of the algebra of a left regular band coincide with the cohomology of order complexes of posets naturally associated to the left regular band.

The purpose of the present monograph is to further develop and deepen the connection between left regular bands and poset topology. This allows us to compute finite projective resolutions of all simple modules of unital left regular band algebras over fields and much more. In the process, we are led to define the class of CW left regular bands as the class of left regular bands whose associated posets are the face posets of regular CW complexes. Most of the examples that have arisen in the literature belong to this class. A new and important class of examples is a left regular band structure on the face poset of a CAT(0) cube complex. Also, the recently introduced notion of a COM (complex of oriented matroids or conditional oriented matroid) fits nicely into our setting and includes CAT(0) cube complexes and certain more general CAT(0) zonotopal complexes. A fairly complete picture of the representation theory for CW left regular bands is obtained.
Introduction: Adaptation as Revision
Authors: Schwanebeck Wieland
Published: January 2022

This is a brief introduction to the special issue on ‘Adaptation as Revision’, which argues for the concept of revision (as opposed to appropriations or spinoffs) to characterize adaptations that go ‘against the grain’, i.e. against the premise of the original.
The experiences of dietitian’s working in care homes in England: a qualitative study
Authors: Romano Vittoria , Minns Lowe Catherine J
Published: January 2022

Background

The provision of appropriate nutritional care in care homes is a priority for health services in England. There is limited evidence demonstrating the role of dietitians within older people care homes. This study explores the experiences of dietitians working with care homes for older people in England.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews was conducted. Criterion and snowball purposive sampling recruited six dietitian participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive diary was completed, and data analyses followed interpretative phenomenological analyses. Constant comparison, code–recode audits, independent coding by a supervisor, supervisory support and peer review were used to promote rigour.

Results

Two key themes and three subthemes were identified: Theme 1 is collaboration with multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals and its two subthemes are as follows: using support strategies (pathway/standards implementation, training/education and resident dietetic assessment) and delivering value (by benefitting more residents, demonstrating unique dietetic skills, nutritional prescription savings and meeting other professional’s knowledge gap). Theme 2 is communication with MDT professionals and its subtheme is the understanding of the dietitian’s role and of nutritional care.

Conclusion

Dietitians believe that they play a key role in supporting care homes with nutritional care, identifying themselves as experts and leaders, working with MDT professionals. The findings highlight the importance of a consistent approach to managing nutrition and the need for dietitians to share outcome data to improve the limited evidence-base. There is a need to agree a defined dietetic service provision to care homes in England.
Stability of HIV-1 Nucleic Acids in cobas Plasma Separation Card for Viral Load Measurement
Authors: Vubil Adolfo , Nhachigule Carina , Zicai Ana Flora , Meggi Bindiya , da Costa Paulino , Mabunda Nédio , Viegas Sofia , Sitoe Nádia , Jani Ilesh
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Our study aimed to evaluate the stability of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) RNA on cobas plasma separation card (PSC) specimens for viral load (VL) testing after being exposed to varied temperatures and storage times.

Methods

For this purpose, venous PSC specimens were collected and stored at 25ºC to 42ºC for a period of up to 28 days. Plasma VL at baseline was used as reference, against which PSC VL was compared at different time points.

Results

From the 30 patients included in the study, 600 PSC and 30 fresh plasma specimens were obtained. Plasma VL at baseline was fewer than 1,000 copies/mL in 16 patients, and 99.4% of PSCs from these patients yielded nonquantifiable VL at all temperature ranges and time points. During the study period, minor variation of VL was observed in PSCs obtained from 13 patients with plasma VL fewer than 1,000 copies/mL at baseline. For the patient with plasma VL at 1,000 copies/mL, the PSC VL varied from undetectable to 1,670 copies/mL.

Conclusions

Our results show minor variation of VL in PSC specimens in the study conditions. HIV RNA is stable in PSCs exposed to high temperatures for up to 28 days.
A review on the application of bioinformatics tools in food microbiome studies
Authors: Chelliah Ramachandran , Banan-MwineDaliri Eric , Khan Imran , Wei Shuai , Elahi Fazle , Yeon Su-Jung , Selvakumar Vijayalakshmi , Ofosu Fred Kwame , Rubab Momna , Ju Hum Hun , Rallabandi Harikrishna Reddy , Madar Inamul Hasan , Sultan Ghazala , Oh Deog Hwan
Published: January 2022

There is currently a transformed interest toward understanding the impact of fermentation on functional food development due to growing consumer interest on modified health benefits of sustainable foods. In this review, we attempt to summarize recent findings regarding the impact of Next-generation sequencing and other bioinformatics methods in the food microbiome and use prediction software to understand the critical role of microbes in producing fermented foods. Traditionally, fermentation methods and starter culture development were considered conventional methods needing optimization to eliminate errors in technique and were influenced by technical knowledge of fermentation. Recent advances in high-output omics innovations permit the implementation of additional logical tactics for developing fermentation methods. Further, the review describes the multiple functions of the predictions based on docking studies and the correlation of genomic and metabolomic analysis to develop trends to understand the potential food microbiome interactions and associated products to become a part of a healthy diet.
Unilateral Sanctions: Kind and Degree; Long-arm and Strong-arm Jurisdiction; Real Intent and “Could-be” Intent
Authors: Yee Sienho
Published: January 2022

This paper sketches out a normal analysis of unilateral sanctions. This consists of three steps: first, whether the sanctions measures are authorised or prohibited or not as unilateral sanctions, or as a course of conduct under a different name; second, whether they may be legitimately couched as another kind of lawful action, almost or apparently as a kind of “defence”; and third, whether unilateral sanctions in any category are prohibited or not collaterally by some special legal regimes. In each step, there is a question of kind as well as a question of degree. The jurisdictional regime may be of importance in the analysis. Sometimes the assertion of the so-called long-arm jurisdiction to justify a measure is so weak and so oppressive at once that it is better called “strong-arm jurisdiction”. In any event, a possible jurisdictional justification does not for this reason alone make a sanctions measure lawful. In each step of the analysis, the real intent behind the measure at issue settles the question of “kind” and should be carefully identified. The particular real intent, which is unique, qualifies that act as a unique international act. This would debunk the argument that the intent involved in a sanctions measure also “could be” the one required for treating it as a lawful measure. If, for the sake of argument, two different kinds of intent are present in a measure so that the measure can be qualified as, for example, a countermeasure by the imposing State and, at the same time, as unlawful intervention in the sovereign affairs of the target State, there may exist a conflict of norms to be resolved. Ultimately, of great importance is the level of scrutiny or standard of review that a decision-maker would apply to the assessment of intent.
PDAY risk score predicts cardiovascular events in young adults: the CARDIA study
Authors: Gidding Samuel S , Colangelo Laura A , Nwabuo Chike C , Lewis Cora E , Jacobs David R , Schreiner Pamela J , Lima Joao A C , Allen Norrina B
Published: January 2022

Aims

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction equations apply to older adults. For this study, the Pathobiologic Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) risk score, based on post-mortem measurements of atherosclerosis in 15–34-year olds dying accidentally, was used to predict ASCVD events, specifically myocardial infarction and revascularization, in middle age, from risk measured at ≤40 years of age.

Methods and results

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) collected longitudinal cardiovascular risk data, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, and ASCVD data beginning at age 18 and 30 years with 30-year follow-up. Predictive accuracy for ASCVD of the PDAY risk score, calculated at baseline (mean age 24) and at all six CARDIA examinations up until year 15, was examined. We also examined whether the presence of CAC improved model discrimination. The cohort for this study comprised 5004 Black and White men and women, at baseline and 3558 with data at year 15. Each standard deviation increase in PDAY score, at each examination, was significantly associated with future ASCVD. Hazard ratios (per standard deviation) increased from 1.74 to 2.04 from year 0 to year 15. C-statistics ranged from 0.771 to 0.794. Coronary artery calcium measurement at age 33–45 years improved risk prediction only if the score was 0. Cumulative risk exposure over the first 15 years of the CARDIA study also had high-predictive value (c-statistic 0.798, 95% confidence interval 0.762–0.835).

Conclusion

The PDAY risk score may be used in young adults, prior to age 40 years to predict ASCVD events.
Detection of NS1 protein from dengue virus in excreta and homogenates of wild-caughtAedes aegyptimosquitoes using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Rodriguez Maria Carmen , Cime-Castillo Jorge , Argotte-Ramos Rocío , Vargas Valeria , Correa-Morales Fabian , Sánchez-Tejeda Gustavo , Lanz-Mendoza Humberto
Published: January 2022

Dengue fever is one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide. Development of methods for dengue virus (DENV) detection in mosquitoes to assess prevalence as a preliminary screen for entomological surveillance in endemic regions of DENV will certainly contribute to the control of the disease. A monoclonal antibody against the NS1 (nonstructural protein 1) viral protein was generated using recombinant NS1 protein and used to detect and analyze DENV in both excreta and total homogenates from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Results demonstrated expression of NS1 in excreta of DENV laboratory-infected mosquitoes and homogenates from field mosquitoes infected with DENV. The immunodetection method reported here represents a first-line strategy for assessing the prevalence of DENV in mosquitoes, for entomological surveillance in endemic regions of dengue. Detection of DENV prevalence in field mosquitoes could have an impact on vector surveillance measures to interrupt dengue transmission.