bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial planting changes soil microbial community dynamics
Authors: Tao ZiWei , Li JinJuan , Wang XiangTai , Du Guozhen
Published: February 2022

The artificial planting of grassland serves as the most important means
of grassland ecological restoration; however, the impact of artificial
planting on soil microbial communities is not well understood. In this
study, the evolution of the microbial community structure was studied
using 16S and ITS gene sequencing techniques, and the microbial
community differences between different forage grasses were analyzed,
including different density cropping schemes, multi-year degraded
grassland and natural grassland. It was found that the high-density
planting scheme of multiple pastures exerts a great impact on soil
nutrients as well as on the soil microbial community, effectively
increasing the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Basidiomycota,
while the microbial community structure was found to be similar to that
of natural grassland. However, in artificial planting treatment, the key
node microflora group was noted to be bacteria, which was different from
that in natural grassland, in which the key node microflora group was
fungi. In comparison, fungi were found to be more sensitive than
bacteria to different plantings.The rise in soil fungal diversity did
not improve phosphate mineralization.Overall, this study may contribute
to understanding the influence of artificial grassland on soil
properties as well as the succession of microbial communities, How to
accelerate the succession process of grassland ecosystem. which are of
great significance in promoting artificial technology to restore the
ecological environment.
Discover the effect of stand structure modification on soil microbial and nitrogen loss in a water source area
Authors: Wang Rongjia , Zhang Jianfeng , Cai Chunju , Lei Gang
Published: February 2022

Water pollution is an increasingly prominent global problem. Soil
nitrogen (N) loss in water source areas is the main cause to result in
eutrophication. But how can we control soil N loss effectively? To
address this, we took initiatively a moso bamboo stand in the catchment
area of Fushi Reservoir in Anji County—an important water source in
the Taihu Lake Basin in China—as a test plot. Through field
observations and analysis, it was found that by interplanting broadleaf
trees in the bamboo plantation and thus modifying the stand structure,
it could inhibit bacterial nitrification and consequently decreasing
nitrate-N (the main form of soil N loss), accordingly alleviating N
loss. The results indicate that through optimization of stand structure,
the soil microbial community can be influenced, soil physical and
chemical properties can be changed, and N loss can be reduced. This
means that the code to halt N loss through modifying stand structure is
revealed. No doubt, building a well-structured water source conservation
forest is an effective and practicable measure to control N loss. Thus,
it is expected that this novel research will help in controlling
non-point source pollution and ensuring drinking water safety worldwide.
Sternal Closure with Rigid Plate Fixation for Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Can Sternal Plating Increase the Feasibility of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Usage in High-Risk Patients?
Authors: Nakano Jota , Kaku Yuji
Published: February 2022

Objectives Long-term survival after coronary artery bypass
grafting (CABG) appears superior with bilateral internal thoracic artery
(BITA) grafting over grafting a single internal thoracic artery. BITA
grafting is recommended in CABG without excessive risk of infection.
However, there is concern about an increased risk of sternal wound
infection when BITAs are harvested. A recent report demonstrated that
sternal closure with rigid plate fixation provided better sternal
healing and fewer complications. Thus, a retrospective study was
performed to investigate whether BITA grafting can be safely performed
in CABG with rigid plate fixation for patients at high risk of sternal
wound infection. Methods From June 2017 to December 2018, a
total of 31 patients who were deemed preoperatively to be at high risk
of sternal wound infection underwent isolated CABG ± pulmonary vein
isolation. BITAs were skeletonized, and the chest was closed with rigid
plate fixation in all cases. The surgical results were retrospectively
reviewed, and the incidence of sternal wound complications was
evaluated. Results Each patient had at least 2 risk factors,
and the average number of risk factors per patient was 3.1. A total of
14 patients (45%) had obesity, with mean BMI of 31 ± 8.1 kg/m
, and 27 patients (86%) had diabetes mellitus, with
mean HbA1c of 7.6 ± 1.5%. There was one patient with superficial
sternal wound infection (3%) and one with wound dehiscence (3%); they
were medically treated at the outpatient clinic without readmission.
There was no incidence of deep sternal wound infection.
Conclusions BITA grafting could be performed in high-risk
patients without increasing sternal wound complications. Rigid sternal
plating fixation may increase the feasibility of BITA grafting in
high-risk patients.
Multiple Symptomatic Giant Coronary Aneurysms
Authors: Vukomanovic Damir , Unzek Samuel , Reichert William , Mookadam Farouk
Published: February 2022

We present a rare case of symptomatic giant coronary artery aneurysms
due to Kawasaki disease in an elderly patient. Giant coronary aneurysms
are uncommon; even more is their association with ischemic symptoms and
left coronary system involvement. Treatment can be challenging, and we
discuss the management taken in this case.
Exchange Rate and Stock Price Nexus: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Arhenful Peter , Fosu Richard , Owusu-Mensah Mathew
Published: February 2022

This study aimed at investigating the link between the Ghanaian exchange rate and stock prices from July 2007 to December 2019, to establish whether appreciation in exchange rate causes stock price increases or otherwise. The Ghana Stock Exchange's (GSE) All-Share Index; served as a proxy for stock prices, while nominal monthly exchange rates for the Ghana Cedi in terms of the US Dollar were utilized as a proxy exchange rate. The Pearson's Product Moment Correlation test was employed to evaluate the link between the two variables, and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was employed to determine the data's stationarity qualities. The series were all non-stationary since they had unit roots; however, stationarity was attained at the first difference. The results of the regression and correlation analysis conducted revealed that the two macroeconomic variables are negatively connected in the Ghanaian context. In view of the negative association between the exchange rate and stock prices in Ghana, the study advises policymakers to be cautious when implementing exchange rate measures.
Nrf2 Regulates β-cell Mass by Suppressing β-Cell Death and Promoting β-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Baumel-Alterzon Sharon , Katz Liora S. , Brill Gabriel , Jean-Pierre Clairete , Li Yansui , Tse Isabelle , Biswal Shyam , Garcia-Ocaña Adolfo , Scott Donald K.
Published: February 2022

Finding therapies that can protect and expand
functional b-cell mass is
a major goal of diabetes research. Here we generated b-cell-specific
conditional knockout and gain-of-function mouse models and used human islet
transplant experiments to examine how manipulating Nrf2 levels affects b-cell
survival, proliferation and mass. Depletion of Nrf2 in b-cells results in decreased
glucose-stimulated β-cell proliferation ex vivo and decreased adaptive
β-cell proliferation and β-cell mass expansion after a high fat diet in vivo. Nrf2 protects b-cells from apoptosis after a high fat diet. Nrf2 loss-of-function decreases Pdx1 abundance and
insulin content. Activating Nrf2 in a β-cell-specific manner increases β-cell
proliferation and mass and improves glucose tolerance. Human islets
transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunocompromised mice and treated
systemically with CDDO-Me, an Nrf2 activator, display increased β-cell proliferation. Thus, by managing ROS levels, Nrf2 regulates β-cell mass and is an exciting
therapeutic target for expanding and protecting b-cell mass in diabetes.
Psoriatic Skin Lesions after Apalutamide Treatment
Authors: Miyagawa Fumi , Akioka Nobuya , Yoshida Noriko , Ogawa Kohei , Asada Hideo
Published: February 2022

Abstract is missing (Short communication)
Fatigue is Associated with Reduced Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life Five Years After Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: De Vries Elisabeth A. , Boerboom Wendy , Van den Berg-Emons Rita J.G. , Van Kooten Fop , Visser-Meily Johanna M.A. , Ribbers Gerard M. , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka H.
Published: February 2022

Objective: To determine whether fatigue is associated with participation and health-related quality of life 5 years after perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage.Design: Multicentre cross-sectional study.Subjects: Forty-six patients with perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage.Methods: Fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale, participation (frequency, restrictions, satisfaction) with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation, healthrelated quality of life with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale-12, symptoms of depression and anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and coping with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations.Results: A total of 46 patients were included (63% men, mean age 50.4 ± 9.4 years), with a mean time of 4.7 ± 1.6 years after perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage onset. Fatigued patients (33%) had worse participation (p < 0.01) and health-related quality of life (p < 0.001) than non-fatigued patients, and more often had hypertension, depression, anxiety and emotion-oriented coping (p < 0.05). Fatigue severity was inversely and independently (p < 0.005) associated with participation frequency (B = –3.62), satisfaction (B = –4.54), having restrictions (odds ratio = 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.079–5.685), and health-related quality of life (B = –0.19), adjusted for depression, anxiety, and/or hypertension.Conclusion: Five years after perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage, one-third of patients still reported fatigue, which was associated with worse participation and health-related quality of life. Future studies should examine whether these patients may benefit from rehabilitation aimed at fatigue.
LAY ABSTRACTA subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a subtype of stroke. Of all patients with SAH, approximately 10% are diagnosed with non-aneurysmal perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage (PM-SAH). PM-SAH is generally considered a benign form of SAH; however we have previously found that one-third of patients with PM-SAH are still fatigued 5 years after PM-SAH. Fatigue may be related to reduced participation and health-related quality of life, both of which are considered important rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, this study examined whether fatigue is associated with participation and health-related quality of life after PM-SAH. The results showed that, 5 years after PM-SAH, fatigued patients had worse participation and quality of life than non-fatigued patients. In addition, more severe fatigue was associated with worse participation, regarding frequency, satisfaction and restrictions, and with worse health-related quality of life. Further studies are necessary to determine whether patients with PM-SAH may benefit from rehabilitation aimed at fatigue.
Kommersiell sporing – nasjonal risiko
Authors: Wilhelmsen Vivi Ringnes
Published: February 2022

Omfattende kommersiell datasporing og salg av svært detaljerte digitale profiler for markedsføring kan utnyttes og manipuleres av fremmede makter for spionasje, sabotasje og subversion. Datasettenes digitale natur medfører større detaljgrad, maskinlesbarhet optimalisert for automatisering, lange tidsserier, sanntidspotensial og mindre ressurskrevende datainnhenting sammenlignet med analoge metoder. Et globalt, uoversiktlig datamarked er sårbart for dataangrep og manglende verdikjedekontroll. Påstått anonymisering er ikke tilfredsstillende, og økt lagrings- og prosesseringskraft gjør datasettene stadig mer sårbare for reidentifikasjon. Samfunnsdigitalisering, smarte enheter og overvåkningskapitalismen intensiverer og forenkler inntrengningen i den private sfære. Morgendagens ledere kan i teorien spores fra vugge til grav, den store datamengden kan utlede informasjon som burde være gradert. Overvåkningskapitalismen, i kombinasjon med åpenhetens dilemma, tilsier at store datamengder i fri dressur derfor bør være en kilde til bekymring. Samlet vil de strategiske effektene av persondata kunne få potensielle konsekvenser for både samfunns- og statssikkerheten. I det digitale rom blir derfor personvernsikkerhetsdilemma en falsk dikotomi. En demokratisk stat vil aldri kunne kontrollere borgernes totale digitale liv. Stadig økt overvåkning vil alltid møte kritikk knyttet til at det utfordrer demokratiske prinsipper. Og statens overvåkningsmonopol er utfordret. Artikkelen konkluderer derfor med at vi i større grad bør anse personvern som et kollektivt anliggende, og at sterk personvernlovgivning kan være et verktøy for nasjonal sikkerhet.
Abstract in English:Digital Tracking – a Matter of National SecurityMore complex threat actors and risk assessments, e.g., hybrid threats, are often met with calls for increased government surveillance, which is of concern for democratic integrity. The two are therefore often presented as opposite poles. However, surveillance capitalism and the sale of extensive digital profiles can be manipulated and exploited by foreign powers for espionage, sabotage and subversion. The strategic effect is likely to increase as digitalization of governance, Smart Cities and IoT, as well as data storage and processing capacity, increase. The large amount of data can uncover information that should have been subject to clearance, tomorrow’s leaders can in theory be tracked from infancy. In essence, the sale of personal data can have strategic effects on national security. As Surveillance capitalisms challenge the government surveillance monopoly, we should view privacy as a collective value for national defense.
The Trend of Sickness Absenteeism among Health Care Workers
Authors: Izadi Nazanin
Published: February 2022

Background: Sickness absence is an important issue in the hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate sickness absenteeism trend during 3 years after implementing occupational health office. Material and Method: This study was conducted using sickness absenteeism data of hospital staff from a teaching hospital in Tehran from 2014 to 2016. Demographic and occupational characteristics were measured by a questionnaire survey. Results: In our study, mean days of absence was 11.64 and 508 episodes occurred during the 3 years. There was a decreasing trend of all sickness absence parameters during the study period. The most common causes of sickness absence were respiratory problems and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The study abounds in the implications of active workplace intervention such as implementing a monitoring system based on scientific guidelines such as an occupational health office, providing principles of infection control program and ergonomic interventions are effective in reducing sickness absence.
Infection Prevention and Control in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Sudan
Authors: Omer Shouna Ghada
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a priority area identified by the Government of Sudan and development partners. This paper is part of a study in Sudan using the available documents covering relevant fields pertaining to AMR and interviews with key informants from World Health Organization office Sudan, Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of General Education. Documents were obtained from relevant websites for policies, strategies, guidelines, reports, and plans as well relevant international and government agencies in Khartoum. The study was guided by the World Health Organization’s five strategic objectives of Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. This paper focuses on the third objective on reducing the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures. The findings reveal, among others, weak collaboration among the relevant sectors to play their role in infection control and poor adherence to existing guidelines especially at health facilities in addition to scarcity of resources in terms of soap, water and other means to safeguard against infection. The study revealed that training workshops, regulatory measures, education and raising the awareness of the public play a complementary role in reducing infections. In conclusion, there is a need for strong collaboration between different ministries to deal with the problem of AMR under the concept of ‘one health’. Similarly, establishing regulatory measures enhancing compliance with the existing guidelines and the development of a roadmap to establish a national AMR surveillance system in Sudan and setting up laboratory-based nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is essential in order to establish a robust system to tackle the problem of AMR in the country.
Role of Demographic Factors on National Health Insurance Uptake among Informal Sector Workers in Vihiga Sub County, Vihiga County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Agiza Muranda Marion
Published: February 2022

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the role of demographic factors on uptake of National Health Insurance among the informal sector workers in Vihiga Sub-County. Subject and Methods: The target population for the purpose of this study was the informal sector workers from Vihiga Sub County drawn from the four wards in the Sub County. Sampling was done using cluster sampling and simple random sampling techniques, to obtain a representative sample of 384. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to test for associations (p<0.05). Results: The mean age of respondents who participated in the study was 42.42. The results showed that older persons above 50 years, women, high level of education, high income, female headed households and formal employment were significantly associated with uptake of national health insurance. Conclusion: age, gender, gender of the household head, level of education, employment status and household monthly income had significant influence on uptake of national health insurance. Enrollment should be encouraged among the youth and the male category, this will ensure that they have access to recommended care, receive quality care, and experience better health outcomes.
Better Understand Professional and Family Attitudes and Practices: A Survey in Neonatal Service in Health Centers in Dedougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Arcens Some Marie-Therese
Published: February 2022

In Burkina Faso, mothers and children are the most vulnerable groups. The maternal mortality ratio is 320 per 100,000 births in 2017.
Survivors from Cervical Cancer: Impact of an Educational Program on Self-Knowledge and Body-Image
Authors: HH Elzeblawy
Published: February 2022

Background: Body image relates to how one mentally perceives and subjectively experiences his or her body. Cervical cancer affects all aspects of a patient’s life, including body image. Aim: The current study is conducted to evaluate the impact of an educational program on self-knowledge and body-image among survivors from cervical cancer. Methods and Design: A quasi-experimental design. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, a scoring system for women’s knowledge about cervical cancer, Body Image Scale, and supportive educational booklet. Results: The results of the study revealed improvements in women’s self-body-image and self-knowledge regarding cervical cancer post-program compared to pre-one. Conclusion: The teaching program was very effective in improving knowledge and body image for women with cervical cancer. Recommendations: Women’s counseling activities for women regarding cervical cancer need to be popularized and facilities and decision-making aids are made available to those who need them.
Comparative Analysis of the Spread of the COVID 19 Epidemic in Berlin and New York City Based on a Computational Model
Authors: Below Denis
Published: February 2022

A simple calculation method is proposed based on the approximate spread model of COVID 19. A comparison of the calculation results for NYC and Berlin with observational data on the development of the epidemic in these cities shows a good match. The calculation method uses two empirical coefficients. One of them for a certain strain of the virus depends only on the population size. The second coefficient is determined by the intensity of contacts between carriers of the virus. The correlation of this coefficient with quarantine conditions and socio-demographic characteristics of cities makes it possible to use the proposed methodology not only for calculating epidemic growth but also for operational forecasting. The analysis of the passage of different epidemic waves in NYC and Berlin allows us to draw some preliminary conclusions about the effectiveness of epidemic control in both cities. The proposed model can be an additional simple and reliable tool for city administrations to continuously monitor the development of the epidemic, especially in its early stages.
Essential Drugs Inadequacy is an Impediment to Utilization of Universal Health Coverage; the Case of Seme Sub-County in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Ojwang Hellen
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Many countries have been putting more effort in Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health systems to provide affordable, safe and high quality care. The Kenya government prioritized attainment of Universal Health Coverage which aimed at cushioning citizens against out of pocket expenditure on health services, though faced with challenges of staffing and inadequate medical supplies for proper implementation. Aim: This was a descriptive cross sectional study design which examined the factors influencing utilization of Universal Health Coverage utilization in Seme Sub County. Subject and Methods: The study targeted both community members and health facility managers. The health facilities were stratified according to their levels of care and randomly selected. The catchment population was stratified by administrative locations and a proportionate sampling technique applied giving a computed sample size of 377 participants, determined by Fischer’s formula. The descriptive statistics were organized and summarized using tables and charts, while logistic regression analysis determined relationship between variables. Results: The study revealed that availability of essential drugs in health facilities contributed positively in utilization of UHC as the availability of drugs in health facility is 2.52 times more likely to make people solely use UHC (OR=2.52, 95%CI=1.36- 4.69, p<0.05). Conclusion: Essential drugs have direct significant influence on utilization of UHC services by community members. Considerable progress will only to materialize through improved supply of adequate essential drugs and procurement of essential medical equipment in the government health facilities in Kisumu County.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging for Accelerated Response in Dual Pandemics of TB and Covid-19
Authors: kharat Amit
Published: February 2022

The world is facing dual pandemics of TB and Covid-19 simultaneously. Digital Chest X-ray is the mainstay for screening chest TB. In community setting for TB screening, its likely that Covid-19 and similar community acquired pneumonia are likely to be detected. The key milestones of TB elimination need recalibration under the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic. Technological innovations like deep learning or computer assisted detection (CAD) can assist in instant screening and triage for TB in such situations. Innovative solutions like these have the potential to reduce the burden on the healthcare ecosystem and ensure access to healthcare imaging to the global population. Organizations will need to think through well while deploying and integrating these solutions seamlessly in the existing workflows. Organizations should understand the challenges AI solutions face and have safeguards to mitigate these risks. Reliable technological solutions are the best hope mankind has to empower experts and ensure imaging is accessible, affordable and available to all.
Bullying Behaviors among University Students in Palestine
Authors: Hanani Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Background: The problem of bullying in schools and universities is an issue of every nation around the globe. Researchers around the globe pointed out an abundance of negative impacts on students involved in bullying and require the focus and attention of adults to address and resolve bullying incidents among students. Objectives: The purpose of the study investigating the prevalence rate of bullying and victimization and causes of bullying among university health sciences students in Palestine. Method: The current survey design study was directed on samples were randomly and the total number of sample was 191 students (the male was 81 and the females were 110). Bullying was assessed by using a questionnaire developed from the literature by the researcher. Result: As a result, it causes psychological disorders in the long-term, such as depression, anxiety, and aggression, whether it is directed toward the self, or toward others. In this study, the sample was randomly selected from one governorate in the West Bank of Palestine. Conclusion: The study concludes that the common type of bullying behavior among male university students was physical and verbal bullying the highest among female university students. Also, the participants in the study mention that stress, jealousy, and revenge were from the common reasons for the bullying.
Review of Expectations around Public Safety in the Covid-19 Era
Authors: Garcia Lirios Cruz
Published: February 2022

The objective of this work was to contrast a model for the study of organizational security. A cross-sectional, correlational and confirmatory study was carried out with a non-probabilistic selection of 100 micro entrepreneurs from central Mexico. A three-dimensional factorial structure was found that explained 76% of the total variance, suggesting the extension of the study to other scenarios and samples, as well as the inclusion of other variables that the literature identifies as confidence in technology and leadership.
Miscarriage and Associated Factors: a Hospital Based CrossSectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Rashed
Published: February 2022

Miscarriage is one of the common, however devastating pregnancy outcomes. In this study experience of miscarriage is investigated from a socio-demographic view point in Bangladesh context. The principal aim is to identify the determinants of miscarriage experienced by currently pregnant women. Primary data used for the analysis and it’s extracted from one public and another three private hospitals and clinic at Rajshahi City in Bangladesh to a purposive sample of 418 ever married women aged 15-49 years. A contingency analysis was first constructed to identify the important relations based on experience of miscarriage by various selected socio-demographic characteristics. Then binary logistic regression analyses were integral to evaluate the significance of these interactions along with the individuals risks factors. The study results showed that 11.2% ever married currently pregnant women were having of experience of miscarriage. Duration of pregnancy period mean score is 9.34 weeks and the number of child score is 0.66, and most of important thing around 44% women have no child but they are currently pregnant and among them 45 women experience of miscarriage. The study shows that the women who are in the age group 30 years and above they are higher risk of miscarriage compare in the women of age 15-19 years (OR 63.04 with 95% CI, 3.35 - 1.37E3). Similarly higher educated women are higher risk of miscarriage compare to illiterate women (OR 18.01 with 95% CI, 2.19-1.169E3). Controversial result shows well-balance diet during pregnancy period and its reveal that the women get well-balance diet during pregnancy has higher risk of miscarriage compare to the women who get regular foods (OR 2.06 with 95% CI, 1.21-14.23). Besides knowledge and skills, education might also increase awareness about miscarriage. Finally, it can be concluded that an opportunity to improve a reproductive health education for public health intervention. Marriage would be done in appropriate time and get babies within couple of days after marriage. Global pre-conception healthcare programs successfully provide health promotion strategies to increase knowledge and awareness about miscarriage. In Bangladesh, it would also be relevant to implement global programs and strategies on pregnancy care as well as on the prevention of miscarriage.
Fine-scale changes in flight effort revealed by animal-borne loggers
Authors:   , Garde Baptiste
Published: February 2022

The movements of the air are central to the life of flying birds, because they can determine whether the costs of flight are closer to resting or sprinting, and whether birds are able to reach their destination. Yet for species relying mainly on flapping flight, studies about the effects of weather on flight effort have mainly focussed on wind, with other atmospheric factors receiving less attention. In addition, with the development of new technologies to measure flight effort, it has become clear that some methods need standardisation and further verification. The goal of this PhD is to provide insight into how atmospheric conditions affect flight costs more broadly and study the extent to which birds prioritise energy expenditure over other currencies, such as time and risk. I used high-frequency data-loggers to explore the combined effects of wind and thermals, as well as air density, on flight effort over fine scales, as well as how birds adjust their behaviour to these factors. Results showed that pigeons (Columba livia), which are not limited by energy expenditure, prioritise speed over energy savings, and use a very costly flight style which could serve as a predator-avoidance strategy. I also found that wind support was a strong predictor of whether chick-rearing tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda) use thermal soaring to save energy during foraging trips, suggesting that birds were weighing up the trade-off between energy and time, and chose to save energy only when this would not cost them too much time. Comparison of air density between seasons also revealed that the flapping flight of tropicbirds was more costly during summer, when air density was lower. This finding shows that the effect of seasonal changes in air density on flight costs is significant, outweighing the influence of both wind and thermal availability. It also sheds new light on how flight costs (particularly those in tropical birds) might be affected by global change. Finally, the analysis of the accelerometer data showed that the type of tag used, as well as differences in the longitudinal position and attachment method, affected the amplitude of the signal, which has implications for the robustness of acceleration-based proxies for flight effort. Nonetheless, the adoption of standardized calibrations should facilitate the comparison of these metrics between study sites and through time, improving the prospect that they can be used to study the effect of a changing climate on flight costs and avian ecology.
Flexographic printed nanogranular LBZA derived ZnO gas sensors: Synthesis, printing and processing
Authors:   , Lewis Aled
Published: February 2022

Within this document, investigations of the processes towards the production of a flexographic printed ZnO gas sensor for breath H2 analysis are presented. Initially, a hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) based, microwave assisted, synthesis method of layered basic zinc acetate (LBZA) nanomaterials was investigated. Using the synthesised LBZA, a dropcast nanogranular ZnO gas sensor was produced. The testing of the sensor showed high sensitivity towards hydrogen with response (Resistanceair/ Resistancegas) to 200 ppm H2 at 328 °C of 7.27. The sensor is highly competitive with non-catalyst surface decorated sensors and sensitive enough to measure current H2 guideline thresholds for carbohydrate malabsorption (Positive test threshold: 20 ppm H2, Predicted response: 1.34). Secondly, a novel LBZA synthesis method was developed, replacing the HMTA by NaOH. This resulted in a large yield improvement, from a [OH-] conversion of 4.08 at% to 71.2 at%. The effects of [OH-]/[Zn2+] ratio, microwave exposure and transport to nucleation rate ratio on purity, length, aspect ratio and polydispersity were investigated in detail. Using classical nucleation theory, analysis of the basal layer charge symmetries, and oriented attachment theory, a dipole-oriented attachment reaction mechanism is presented. The mechanism is the first theory in literature capable of describing all observed morphological features along length scales. The importance of transport to nucleation rate ratio as the defining property that controls purity and polydispersity is then shown. Using the NaOH derived LBZA, a flexographic printing ink was developed, and proof-of-concept sensors printed. Gas sensing results showed a high response to 200 ppm H2 at 300 °C of 60.2. Through IV measurements and SEM analysis this was shown to be a result of transfer of silver between the electrode and the sensing layer during the printing process. Finally, Investigations into the intense pulsed light treatment of LBZA were conducted. The results show that dehydration at 150 °C prior to exposure is a requirement for successful calcination, producing ZnO quantum dots (QDs) in the process. SEM measurements show mean radii of 1.77-2.02 nm. The QDs show size confinement effects with the exciton blue shifting by 0.105 eV, and exceptionally low defect emission in photoluminescence spectra, indicative of high crystalline quality, and high conductivity. Due to the high crystalline quality and amenity to printing, the IPL ZnO QDs have numerous potential uses ranging from sensing to opto-electronic devices.
Nanoand micro-modification of cement stone with complex additives based on SiO2
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Shvedova M. A. , Artamonova O. V. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Rakityanskaya A. Yu. ,   Voronezh State Technical University
Published: February 2022

The research considers the features of the influence of nano-, ultra- and micro-additives based on SiO2 on the processes of hydration, setting, structure formation and strength gain of cement hardening systems. There was used a complex nano-scale additive based on silicon dioxide, sodium liquid glass and metakaolin. It is established that the additives used accelerate the processes of setting and hydration of cement hardening systems. The start time of setting of all modified cement systems is 210 minutes with the corresponding values of plastic strength of 577-582 kPa. Concurrently, the cement system, modified with a complex nano-scale additive based on silicon oxide after 28 days of hardening is characterized with the highest value of the hydration degree (93 %), as well as it has the high strength indicators throughout the entire hardening time (65 and 93 MPa on the 1-st and 28-th day, respectively), which is due to the formation of low- and high-base calcium hydro-silicates of various morphologies capable of forming a dense, amorphous-crystalline structure.
Analytical methods of information modelingof decision-making processes in the operational control system of the St. Petersburg Metro
Authors:   State unitary enterprise «St. Petersburg Metro», Kozin E. G.
Published: February 2022

The author offers the application of analytical methods of information modeling to ensure the effectiveness of complex interrelated processes of maintenance and current repair in the system of operational control of the St. Petersburg Metro. The Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) method and application models developed on its basis can be successfully used for analyzing information situations and making control decisions in systems that require objective analytical processing of «large data bases». One of the most important advantages of using the analytical methods of information modeling in the field of operational control is a significant reduction of the risks of emergency situations due to subjective factors associated with the influence of the final beneficiary of the activity, namely, the citizen.
Analysis of the construction control documentation system in comparison with foreign approaches
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Motylev R. V. , Karpushkin A. S. ,   Academy of Construction and Architecture of the Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Education «V. I. Vernadsky KFU»
Published: February 2022

The article provides a comparative analysis of domestic and foreign forms of construction control system documentation. The principal differences in the work control and preparation of post-completion documentation are highlighted. Recommendations for optimization of the domestic control documentation system are given.
Pengolahan Tanaman Singkong Menjadi Produk Es Krim Untuk Masyarakat Desa Kepek Kecamatan Saptosari Kabupaten Gunungkidul
Authors: Kristiawan Yanuarius Benny
Published: February 2022

Cassava or cassava is one of the largest food sources in Indonesia. Cassava is an alternative food that is rich in carbohydrates. In Kepek Village, Saptosari District, there are many crops produced from agriculture, namely rice, corn, cassava, peanuts, and soybeans. This journal will discuss the process of making ice cream with cassava-based ingredients, as well as a discussion of the mapping of village potentials owned by Kepek Village, Saptosari District. The method of making cassava ice cream is by utilizing the harvest products owned by Kepek Village, Saptosari District, by peeling and washing cassava. Then do soaking in water for 24 hours. Combine water, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, refined salt, sweetened condensed milk, and emulsifier in a saucepan. After that, the ice cream was put in the freezer for 24 hours with a temperature parameter of 4°C. The results of the development of making ice cream using cassava as a base ingredient can find out another effective and interesting process regarding the utilization of agricultural products, namely cassava.
Pengolahan sabun berbahan dasar susu kambing sebagai potensi usaha di Desa Logandeng
Authors: Praharsiwi Caecilia Santi
Published: February 2022

Abstract — Logandeng Village is located in Playen District, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. This village is well known because every person or tourists who want to travel to Gunung Kidul Beach will pass it. Logandeng Village has several village products that have been developed, including processed food and handicraft products. This village, which is mostly farmland, is not making use of the yields of this potential. Therefore, this study aims to develop village potential that focuses on livestock products, namely processed goat milk which is used as natural soap as its basic ingredient.Keywords — Goat Milk, Natural Soap, Logandeng Village, Yogyakarta Abstrak — Desa Logandeng terletak di Kecamatan Playen, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. Desa ini cukup dikenal karena setiap orang atau wisatawan yang hendak berpergian ke Pantai Gunung Kidul akan melewatinya. Desa Logandeng memiliki beberapa produk desa yang sudah dikembangkan, antara lain hasil olahan berupa makanan dan olahan kerajinan tangan. Desa ini yang sebagian besar merupakan lahan peternakan justru kurang memanfaatkan hasil dari potensi tersebut. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan potensi desa yang berfokus pada hasil peternakan yaitu olahan susu kambing yang dijadikan sabun alami sebagai bahan dasarnya.Kata Kunci — Susu kambing, Sabun Alami, Desa Logandeng, Yogyakarta
Produksi video ramah anak bersama Sumbu Pakarti
Authors: Setiawan Lukas Deni
Published: February 2022

Minimnya tontonan ramah anak mengilhami Sumbu Pakarti memproduksi materi pembelajaran audiovisual secara mandiri untuk anak-anak dampingannya. Pengabdian ini bertujuan membangun kolaborasi untuk proses produksi materi audiovisual tersebut. Metode diskusi dan aplikasi digunakan untuk menggali potensi kolaborasi dan praktik yang memadai untuk menghasilkan produk prototipe. Hasilnya berupa video prototipe yang menjadi bagian dari kurikulum pembelajaran. Tiga kesimpulan pun dapat diraih. Pertama, fokus pada kebutuhan anak-anak menjadi orientasi utama. Kedua, kolaborasi menghasilkan proses produksi yang lebih sistematis dan ramah anak. Ketiga, persiapan produksi menjadi kunci keberlangsungan keseluruhan proses produksi.
Pelatihan Guru Biologi dan Siswa SD-SMA/SMK di Pontianak untuk Meningkatkan Pengalaman Belajar di Bidang Bioteknologi
Authors: Mursyanti Exsyupransia
Published: February 2022

Abstract — Pontianak is the center of education in the province of West Kalimantan. In the implementation of education and learning, the interaction between competent teachers and active students can improve the quality of education. Therefore, a service activity was made that aims to ensure quality educational services in accordance with the times. This service activity is entitled Training and Assistance for Biology Teachers and Elementary-SMA/SMK Students at Karya Yosep Elementary School, St. Peter's Middle/High School, St. Mary's Vocational School with the theme Biotechnology and its Applications for the Welfare of Human Life. The method used is contextual learning which is packaged with a webinar model which includes 2 sessions, namely the delivery of material and discussion sessions. This activity is divided into 3 stages, namely the preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. Overall, the activity went smoothly. This activity can increase the knowledge of Biology teachers and students in partner schools about the field of biotechnology, and participants can practice and apply the material received in everyday life. More than 85% of the participants from the group of teachers, elementary-junior high school students, and high school/vocational school students thought that the material provided was in accordance with the needs.Keywords — training, teachers, students, biotechnology.
Peningkatan Digitalisasi Pariwisata di Wilayah Desa Purwoharjo, Kulon Progo
Authors: Murti Desideria Cempaka Wijaya , Kusumastuti Zikrina Ratri , Handoko Victoria Sundari , Wijaya Antonius Bima Murti
Published: February 2022

Purwoharjo merupakan suatu kawasan desa yang terletak di daerah Pegunungan Menoreh, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. Situasi pandemic COVID-19 membawa dampak bagi keberlanjutan pariwisata di kawasan Desa Purwoharjo. Penurunan jumlah pengunjung dalam dua tahun masa pandemic akibat dari kebijakan PKKM dan PSBB mendorong Wisata Desa Purwoharjo untuk beradaptasi. Pandemi merupakan suatu permasalahan fenomena alam yang perlu dihadapi dengan pendekatan yang adaptif antara manusia dan alam. Melalui empat komponen dalam pendekatan human and ecological well-being, digitalisasi dipilih sebagai langkah alternatif inovasi dari permaslaahan yang ada. Yang mana digitalisasi ini dapat bermanfaat bagi upaya peningkatan nilai produk wisata Desa Purwoharjo dan mempertahankan pariwisata setempat sebagai ecosystem service. Pada proses ini berupaya menggabungkan ide dan pemikiran dari masyarakat pengelola wisata dan kelompok diluar pengelola untuk menciptakan inovasi serta meningkatkan nilai produk wisata setempat. Dengan metode Community-based Tourism (CBT) yang diguakan melibatkan kelompok pengelola desa wisata secara aktif dan juga kelompok lain sebagai fasilitator diharapkan dapat memberikan wawasan dan berinovasi bersama untuk pengembangan desa wisata Purwoharjo. Dengan proses fasilitator pelatihan digitalisasi dengan kelompok- kelompok di luar pengelola wisata.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Peduli Makanan Sehat Melalui Deteksi Berbasis IPTEK Menggunakan Senyawa Bahan Alam pada Bahan Tambahan Pangan Berbahaya
Authors: Fatisa Yuni , Utami Lisa
Published: February 2022

Along with the increasing need for non-perishable foodstuffs, hazardous chemical food additives (FA) such as borax and formalin are widely used in the food industry, such as in making wet noodles, meatballs, rice cake, tofu, and others. This dangerous chemical FA is usually used as a food preservative, even though these chemicals are poisonous and dangerous to human health so that their use is strictly prohibited by the government. In order to anticipate the wider negative impact of the use of hazardous chemical FA added to foodstuffs, it is necessary to carry out counseling and socialization activities regarding healthy food free of hazardous chemical FA by mastering the technology for identifying food additives and handling them. This activity uses a method of mentoring the community learning process in the form of counseling and training. The target of the socialization activity was the majelis taklim of Babussalam Mosque, Tampan District, Pekanbaru City. The overall implementation of the activity exceeded the desired target because 96% of the participants understood food additives, 83.3% understood tips on recovering healthy and hazardous FA-free food, and 84% were interested in making hazardous chemical FA detection tools.
Pendampingan Penerapan Social Media Marketing Untuk Promosi Produk Industri Kecil dan Menengah di Kabupaten Bengkalis
Authors: Lubis Evawani Elysa , Awza Rusmadi , Rumyeni Rumyeni
Published: February 2022

Bengkalis adalah salah satu kabupaten yang memiliki jumlah Industri Kecil dan Menengah (IKM/UKM) terbanyak di Provinsi Riau. Namun demikian beberapa tahun belakangan perolehan laba dari IKM/UKM di wilayah tersebut telah mengalami penurunan. Kondisi ini menjadikan IKM/UKM tersebut dituntut untuk lebih gencar melakukan kegiatan promosi agar produk-produk dari daerah tersebut lebih banyak dikenal dan dibeli oleh konsumen. Penggunaan media sosial sebagai media promosi sangatlah penting untuk diterapkan guna meningkatkan penjualan. Tujuan dari kegiatan ini adalah untuk memberikan pendampingan tentang penerapan pemasaran melalui media sosial (social media marketing) sebagai media promosi untuk produk-produk yang dihasilkan oleh pengusaha IKM dan juga Dinas Perindustrian dan Perdagangan (Disperindag) di Kabupaten Bengkalis. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan selama empat bulan dengan kegiatan utama dilaksanakan di kantor Disperindag Kabupaten Bengkalis. Peserta yang hadir lebih dari empat puluh orang yang terdiri dari para pengusaha IKM yang ada di Bengkalis serta para staf dan pegawai Disperindag itu sendiri. Respon yang positif telah diberikan para peserta atas kegiatan tersebut. Dari kegiatan ini diketahui bahwa tidak seorang pun dari peserta yang menggunakan media sosial sebagai media promosi produk mereka. Sebagian besar peserta juga belum memiliki pengetahuan yang baik dalam menggunakan teknologi informasi berbasis internet. Melalui kegiatan pendampingan ini, para pengusaha IKM mendapatkan pengetahuan baru serta kemampuan awal dalam penerapan social media marketing yang sangat bermanfaat bagi pengembangan usaha terutama dalam hal promosi produk mereka.