bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EQUITY CROWDFUNDING DALAM DISTRIBUSI ZAKAT
Authors: Ridwan Irwan Fauzy
Published: August 2024

Abstrak: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mencari saluran distribusi dana zakat yang tepat bagi mustahik dari asnaf fakir dan miskin, dengan memperhatikan prinsip pelarangan. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan melakukan kajian eksploratif terhadap saluran distribusi zakat dari beberapa sumber melalui kajian pustaka. penelitian terdahulu menawarkan saluran distribusi zakat bagi mustahiq ashaf miskin melalui penyaluran pinjaman dana bergulir. Sedangkan bagi mustahik dari golongan fakir penulis menawarkan Equity Crowdfunding sebagai salah satu saluran distribusi dana zakat yang diharapkan mampu menjembatani keterbatasannya bagi sebab amal ataupun udhur, untuk mengakses rejeki melalui penyertaan modal dalam platform urun dana di perusahaan UMKM, Waralaba atau pun properti.
Abstract: The aims of this study is to find the right distribution channel of zakat for mustahik from asnaf Fakir and Miskin, by observing the principle of prohibiting riba.  This research is a qualitative descriptive study by conducting an explorative study of the distribution channel of zakat from several sources through literature review. the study launched a zakat distribution channel for Miskin mustahiq ashaf through Revolving Loan Loans. While the mustahik of the group of writers offering Equity Crowdfunding as one of the zakat fund channels which is expected to bridge its limitations for amal or udhur reasons, to access the fortune through capital participation for a fund-raising platform at Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (UMKM), Franchises or even Property.
The Influence of an Environmental Cue and Exercise on Food Consumption in College Students
Authors: Hackbart Samantha , LeCheminant James , Smith John , Lox Curt
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an environmental cue (bowl size) on food consumption and to examine the influence of exercise on that relationship. This cross-sectional study included 286 college students attending a large Midwestern University. Upon arrival at an ice cream social for university students, participants were randomly given a small (8 oz) or large (12 oz) bowl and a 4-page survey addressing exercise and eating habits. At the social, participants were invited to dish themselves as much ice cream as they wanted and the amount consumed was determined by weighing the bowl with ice cream before and after consumption using a scale that measured to the nearest tenth of a gram. Participants who were provided the 12 oz bowl scooped and consumed significantly more ice cream than the participants provided the 8 oz bowl. Regular exercisers consumed more ice cream than non-regular exercisers regardless of statistical control for bowl size and body weight. Those participants who reported exercising previously that day also consumed significantly more ice cream than those not previously exercising; however, the difference was no longer significant after controlling for bowl size and body weight. Environment cues significantly influence food consumption and exercise may also influence subsequent food consumption but further research is needed.
Spatting restricts ankle motion more effectively than taping during exercise
Authors: Udermann Brian , Miller Kevin , Doberstein Scott , Reineke David , Murray Steven , Pettitt Robert
Published: August 2024

Ankle injuries, via plantarflexion (PF) and inversion, are commonplace today. To reduce ankle injuries, restrictive appliances such as taping and bracing have been employed. These appliances, however, have the disadvantage of potentially loosening considerably with mild activity. Spatting—applying tape over the shoe and sock—has been suggested as a viable alternative, yet its efficacy has not been researched widely. We examined the effects of taping or spatting the ankles on 17 men (age = 20.7 ± 2.1 years; height = 185.7 ± 5.7 cm; mass = 93.6 ± 16.2 kg) before, during, and after 60 minutes of exercise involving multi-directional activity. Active range of motion (ROM) for PF and inversion was measured via goniometry for each subject's dominant leg to establish baseline values. ROM was measured after the appliances were applied, then following a five-minute warm-up period, and after each of three, 20-minute exercise periods. The subjects also completed a 5-item, 5-point Likert-type scale survey regarding their perceptions of each ankle appliance with respect to comfort, effectiveness, and protective ability. Separate, two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures were used to assess differences in PF and inversion ROM relative to time. A series of Wilcoxon tests were used to assess the Likert-type scale survey. In comparison to spatting, taping loosened by ~5° for PF at 40 minutes and by ~3° for inversion at 20 minutes (both significant interactions, p < 0.01). Thus indicating that spatting is more restrictive than taping after 20 minutes of exercise. Interestingly, taping was perceived as more comfortable than spatting (Z = 2.03, p = 0.04); nonetheless, the perceived protection along with the perceived ability to move before, during, and after exercise was rated similarly between the appliances (p > 0.05). Despite an advantage of restricting PF and inversion during exercise with spatting, it is not known if the loss of tape-skin contact underscores the potential benefits associated with the neuromuscular reactivity that have been reported with taping. Additional research is needed to clarify this issue.
Etnisk minoriserede lærerstuderende som “space invaders”
Authors: Jensen Ditte Holch , Houlberg-Autzen Mette
Published: August 2024

ResuméArtiklen ser nærmere på etnisk minoriserede lærerstuderendes oplevelser af faglig integration på læreruddannelsen. Deres fortællinger belyser de barrierer og udfordringer i form af negative forventninger og normative forståelser af ”den rigtige lærer” og ”den rigtige lærerstuderende”, som de skal overkomme for at blive optaget i det faglige fællesskab de studerende imellem. Artiklen undersøger, hvordan disse oplevelser får betydning for denne gruppes udvikling af professionel identitet.
AbstractThis article investigates how ethnically minoritized student teachers experience professional integration in teacher education. Their accounts reveal the barriers and challenges related to low expectations and negative normative understandings of the right teacher and student, which they must overcome in order to be accepted as a part of the professional fellowship among the students. The article examines how these experiences have an impact on how this group of students develop a professional identity.
APPLICATION OF LEAN MANUFACTURING TO IMPROVE PROCESSES AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY OF PERU CASE STUDY
Authors: Alanya Beckin , Dextre Keila , Nuñez Victor , Marcelo Eloy , Alvarez José C. , Hatakeyama Kazuo
Published: August 2024

This study aims to improve the fabric-cutting process of cotton garment-exporting micro and small businesses by identifying and eliminating waste, defined as the processes that do not add value in cutting area of a textile company. In addition, the lean manufacturing approach is applied by employing tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), single-minute exchange of dies (SMED), and work standardisation. The proposed philosophy is based on data analysis, economic validation, and simulation using the historical data from the company under study. Consequently, a decline in default rework and delayed processes along with an increase in the productivity index is expected.
EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF TRANSACTIONAL DATA TO AID IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK DESIGN OF A FOOD BANKING NETWORK A CASE STUDY
Authors: Janse van Vuuren Ane , Vermeulen Euodia , Argueta Christopher Mejia , Grobbelaar Sara
Published: August 2024

This article applies a network lens to transactional data in order to improve a food banking network's supply chain design and planning. This study draws on data from FoodForward South Africa. This food bank has compiled a rich dataset of connections between supply chain partners (e.g., donors), the flow of stock (volume of food), and their beneficiary organisations. Our analysis showed an increase in the system's 'moving parts' (increased handling of donations), resulting in a significant imbalance between supply and demand. Additionally, in 2022, the organisation's warehouses received a larger number of smaller-volume donations from a wider variety of suppliers, placing an extra burden on the network.
Ana Marrades Puig (coord.): Los cuidados en la era COVID-19. Análisis jurídico, económico y político
Authors: Sevilla Merino Julia
Published: August 2024

Ana Marrades Puig (coord.): Los cuidados en la era COVID-19. Análisis jurídico, económico y político, Valencia, Tirant lo Blanch, 2021.
El gerundio no perifrástico en el habla del español de La Habana
Authors: Figueroa González Ailyn , Alfonso Vega Milagros
Published: August 2024

En este trabajo presentamos los usos de gerundio no perifrástico en entrevistas de PRESEEA-La Habana, dentro de los cuales detectamos una construcción novedosa, integrada por el verbo ser + gerundio. Para centrarnos en esta estructura particular, elaboramos un corpus ampliado con las Muestras del habla culta de La Habana y Ameresco-La Habana. El análisis, que aborda la función de la oración no finita, la clase de sujeto de los verbos involucrados, el aspecto léxico y gramatical, además de la estructura informativa, nos permite demostrar la interconexión entre diversos fenómenos gramaticales. Concluimos que la oración de gerundio desempeña la función de atributo, que hay un alto grado de genericidad tanto en el sujeto del verbo copulativo como en el de la forma no personal y que la imperfectividad intrínseca del gerundio se refuerza sintácticamente. Lo anterior nos lleva a proponer que este gerundio atributivo se comporta como un focalizador aspectual.
Algunas contribuciones de los corpus de la red PRESEEA al estudio del español en contacto con el catalán
Authors: Enrique-Arias Andrés
Published: August 2024

En este artículo ilustramos las posibilidades del empleo de los corpus de la Red PRESEEA para estudiar los efectos del contacto con el catalán en el castellano a partir de estudios que contrastan datos de Alcalá de Henares, Valencia y Palma de Mallorca entre otras comunidades. Los fenómenos considerados son la variación en el uso de los futuros (cantaré frente a voy a cantar) y en la distribución de las perífrasis de obligación haber de y tener que. El análisis contrastivo revela algunos efectos de la influencia del catalán en las comunidades bilingües: en el caso de los futuros, se da una mayor retención del futuro morfológico cantaré; respecto de las perífrasis de obligación, la influencia del catalán se traduce en un menor grado de diferenciación de las funciones de modalidad deóntica y epistémica en la distribución de haber de y tener que.
Quantitative modeling of the emergence of macroscopic grid-like representations
Authors: Bin Khalid Ikhwan , Reifenstein Eric T , Auer Naomi , Kunz Lukas , Kempter Richard
Published: August 2024

When subjects navigate through spatial environments, grid cells exhibit firing fields that are arranged in a triangular grid pattern. Direct recordings of grid cells from the human brain are rare. Hence, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies proposed an indirect measure of entorhinal grid-cell activity, quantified as hexadirectional modulation of fMRI activity as a function of the subject’s movement direction. However, it remains unclear how the activity of a population of grid cells may exhibit hexadirectional modulation. Here, we use numerical simulations and analytical calculations to suggest that this hexadirectional modulation is best explained by head-direction tuning aligned to the grid axes, whereas it is not clearly supported by a bias of grid cells toward a particular phase offset. Firing-rate adaptation can result in hexadirectional modulation, but the available cellular data is insufficient to clearly support or refute this option. The magnitude of hexadirectional modulation furthermore depends considerably on the subject’s navigation pattern, indicating that future fMRI studies could be designed to test which hypothesis most likely accounts for the fMRI measure of grid cells. Our findings also underline the importance of quantifying the properties of human grid cells to further elucidate how hexadirectional modulations of fMRI activity may emerge.
Defining cell type-specific immune responses in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis by single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Liu Youxi , Yin Meimei , Mao Xiaoting , Wu Shuai , Wei Shuangping , Heng Shujun , Yang Yichun , Huang Jinwen , Guo Zhuolin , Li Chuan , Ji Chao , Hu Liu , Liu Wenjie , Zhang Ling-juan
Published: August 2024

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a prevalent inflammatory skin disease, is elicited upon repeated skin contact with protein-reactive chemicals through a complex and poorly characterized cellular network between immune cells and skin resident cells. Here, single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the murine hapten-elicited model of ACD reveals that upon elicitation of ACD, infiltrated CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes were primarily the IFNγ-producing type 1 central memory phenotype. In contrast, type 2 cytokines (IL4 and IL13) were dominantly expressed by basophils, IL17A was primarily expressed by δγ T cells, and IL1β was identified as the primary cytokine expressed by activated neutrophils/monocytes and macrophages. Furthermore, analysis of skin resident cells identified a sub-cluster of dermal fibroblasts with preadipocyte signature as a prominent target for IFNγ+ lymphocytes and dermal source for key T cell chemokines CXCL9/10. IFNγ treatment shifted dermal fibroblasts from collagen-producing to CXCL9/10-producing, which promoted T cell polarization toward the type-1 phenotype through a CXCR3-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, targeted deletion of Ifngr1 in dermal fibroblasts in mice reduced Cxcl9/10 expression, dermal infiltration of CD8+ T cell, and alleviated ACD inflammation in mice. Finally, we showed that IFNγ+ CD8+ T cells and CXCL10-producing dermal fibroblasts co-enriched in the dermis of human ACD skin. Together, our results define the cell type-specific immune responses in ACD, and recognize an indispensable role of dermal fibroblasts in shaping the development of type-1 skin inflammation through the IFNGR-CXCR3 signaling circuit during ACD pathogenesis.
Temperature and land use change are associated with Rana temporaria reproductive success and phenology
Authors: Oliver Kat E. , Harrison Xavier A.
Published: August 2024

Chemical pollution, land cover change, and climate change have all been established as important drivers of amphibian reproductive success and phenology. However, little is known about the relative impacts of these anthropogenic stressors, nor how they may interact to alter amphibian population dynamics. Addressing this gap in our knowledge is important, as it allows us to identify and prioritise the most needed conservation actions. Here, we use long-term datasets to investigate landscape-scale drivers of variation in the reproductive success and phenology of UK Common frog (Rana temporaria) populations. Consistent with predictions, we found that increasing mean temperatures resulted in earlier initialisation of spawning, and earlier hatching, but these relationships were not consistent across all sites. Lower temperatures were also linked to increased spawn mortality. However, temperature increases were also strongly correlated with increases in urban area, arable area, and nitrate levels in the vicinity of spawning grounds. As with spawning and hatching, there was marked spatial variation in spawn mortality trends, where some sites exhibited steady increases over time in the proportion of dead or diseased spawn. These findings support previous work linking warming temperatures to shifts in timing of amphibian breeding, but also highlight the importance of assessing the effect of land use change and pollution on wild amphibian populations. These results have implications for our understanding of the response of wild amphibian populations to climate change, and the management of human-dominated landscapes for declining wildlife populations.
Seasonal dynamics of seed dormancy and germination in the weed Diplachne fusca
Authors: Song Guiquan , Liu Shufang , Jiang Xuelian , Gong Shuai , Hao Wenya , Cui Ying , Zhao Yueling
Published: August 2024

Background

Understanding the reproductive biology of weeds is crucial for managing them effectively. Diplachne fusca (Poaceae) is a widely distributed weed species that poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the soil seed bank of D. fusca responds to environmental shifts, and whether a dormancy cycle is present in this species.

Methods

We investigated how seed dormancy in D. fusca is broken and how it responds to natural environmental changes. The impact of incubation temperature, light exposure, cold stratification at 4 °C, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed germination/dormancy-break was investigated, along with assessing seasonal changes in germinability through monthly excavation and laboratory incubation of buried seeds over 2 years.

Results

Results indicated that newly ripened seeds of D. fusca were dormant, with germination facilitated by GA3, cold stratification, and after-ripening at ambient room conditions. Exposure to darkness inhibited germination. Seasonal patterns of germination were observed, with peak germination occurring in cooler months and a marked decline during the hot summer months. After 2 years of being buried, approximately 40% of the seeds remained viable.

Conclusion

In summary, seeds of D. fusca exhibit non-deep physiological dormancy and maintain a persistent soil seed bank. Seeds buried in the soil undergo a yearly dormancy/non-dormancy cycle. This dormancy cycle prevents seed germination and seedling emergence in autumn, which boosts the survival of seedlings in less favorable seasons, yet it also makes it more challenging to eradicate this weed.
Association between BMI and health-related physical fitness in adolescents with hearing impairment in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Xiaowan , Zhang Hanyue , Sun Tingting , Yu Jingjing , Jia Xiao
Published: August 2024

Background

This cross-sectional study aimed to address a critical gap in the understanding of the association between body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness levels in adolescents with hearing impairment (HI) in China. This study investigated how different BMI levels impact the physical fitness index (PFI) of HI adolescents.

Methods

This study employed a physical fitness test for HI adolescents attending special education schools. The test included eight components: height, weight, 50-m sprint, standing long jump, sit and reach, endurance run, bent-knee sit-up (for girls), and pull-up (for boys). Test scores for each student were standardized by age and gender. Individual Z-scores were then calculated, and the sum of these Z-scores constituted the PFI. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between BMI and PFI across different gender and age groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The linear regression model showed an inverted U-shaped relationship between BMI and PFI. At the same BMI level, boys exhibited superior physical fitness compared to girls with the same BMI (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in PFI levels were observed between normal-weight and obese males, as well as between underweight and obese boys (P < 0.05). In the 13–15 and 16–18 age groups, the increase in BMI has a greater impact on boys PFI than on girls.

Conclusions

Adolescents with HI generally demonstrated good physical fitness. Compared to individuals with normal weight, those who were underweight, overweight, or obese exhibited lower levels of physical fitness. Future interventions should focus on adolescents with HI with abnormal BMI.
Pedagogías de la práctica en acción para la formación docente
Authors: Müller Magdalena , Gaete Jocelyn
Published: August 2024

Uno de los principales desafíos en la formación docente es integrar los conocimientos teóricos y prácticos con las capacidades adaptativas necesarias para manejar las complejidades de la enseñanza. La investigación en formación docente basada en la práctica —centrada en las ‘pedagogías de la práctica’ (representación, descomposición y aproximación)— ofrece un marco para lograr esta integración. Este enfoque identifica las prácticas que todo docente novato debe dominar al finalizar su formación inicial, así como las metodologías para desarrollarlas durante su formación. Este número temático Hacia una formación docente basada en la práctica presenta siete estudios empíricos, realizados en Latinoamérica (6) y Europa (1), que abordan este tipo de formación desde diversas perspectivas y metodologías. Los estudios se centran en fenómenos como el modelamiento por parte de los formadores, el desarrollo de la habilidad de noticing, la observación de videos, las simulaciones, la tele-inmersión y la relación entre universidad y escuela. A partir del análisis de estos estudios, se discute la necesidad de incorporar la retroalimentación, la recomposición y la evaluación en las pedagogías de la práctica.
Clinical Profile of Acute Neurological Emergencies in Postpartum Mothers: A Hospital-based Descriptive Study
Authors: Selvi R , Joan A Beatrice , Vennila S
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Neurological disorders in pregnancy pose a major diagnostic challenge as they are a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity in pregnancy. Neurological complications may manifest at any time during pregnancy or puerperium even after what seemed to be a normal pregnancy. A thorough understanding of the patterns of these diseases is essential for prediction and early identification. Aim: To study the aetiology, clinical profile, morbidity and mortality patterns of acute neurological emergencies in postpartum women. Materials and Methods: This hospital- based descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Vellore Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India between February 2021 and August 2022. A total of 76 postnatal mothers who met the inclusion criteria were selected using consecutive sampling. Details pertaining to personal, demographic, antenatal risk factors, labour/delivery and postnatal events were recorded using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0, with the data expressed as frequency and proportion. Results: Among the 76 women included in the study, more than half were multiparous women 42 (55%) and the majority were young adults aged <25 years 48 (63.1%). The majority belonged to a low socioeconomic status (57, 75%), with headache 46 (60.5%) being the most common presenting complaint followed by seizures 45 (59%). The most common diagnosis observed was postpartum eclampsia 37 (48%). Around 34 (44.7%) of the women had associated anaemia, followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including Gestational Hypertension (GHTN) and severe pre-eclampsia together 33 (42%). Long-term residual morbidity was observed only in five of the survivors, two with fine motor weakness, two with remote amnesia and one with speech defects mainly attributable to irreversible damage to motor nuclei and hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Seven out of the 76 affected individuals succumbed to death during the hospital stay, all within seven days of admission. Conclusion: Neurological disorders in the postpartum period are a major contributor to maternal mortality, with eclampsia topping the list as the most common cause of seizures in the postpartum period.
Review on Inomics
Authors: Prabha V Vijay , Varsha N. , Vijitha S. , Shri A. Nisha , Rushitha A. Reshma
Published: August 2024

A high-throughput elemental profiling method called ionomics is used to look at the molecular processes governing the makeup of nutrients, minerals, and trace elements in living organisms. Significant strides have been made in identifying the gene networks that govern the ionome since the ionomics concept was first introduced over 11 years ago. In this update, we provide a summary of the ionomics approach's ten-year progress, which includes studying natural ionomic variation and forward genetics-based gene identification. We also go over how ionomics might be used to study how ionomic alleles work ecologically in terms of environmental adaptation.
Impact of Establishment Methods and Organic Manures on the Growth of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
Authors: George Shruti Grace , Singh Vikram , Singh Ekta
Published: August 2024

A field experiment was conducted in certified organic field SMOF, SHUATS during Kharif season (2021 and 2022) to study the impact of establishment methods, solid and liquid organic manures on growth of finger millet. The experiment was carried out in split-split plot design replicated thrice with 27 treatments. Treatments comprised of three establishment methods (Line sowing, Broadcasting and Transplanting), three solid organic supplements (100% FYM, 100% poultry manure and 100% vermicompost) each in combination with three different liquid organic supplements (3% panchagavya, 3% jeevamrutham and 3% vermiwash, respectively). All three parameters recorded no significant effect at 40 DAS. However, at 80 DAS significantly higher plant height 97.85 cm in second year, number of tillers 3.87 and 3.83 first year and pooled respectively, dry weight 49.54, 46.90 and 48.22 g/plant in first, second year and pooled respectively was recorded in Transplanting + Vermicompost + Panchgavya.
Screening of Bird's Eye Chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) for the Growth, Floral, Yield and Quality Traits in the Coastal Region of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Manasa Pasam , Arulananth R. , Haripriya K. , Venilla S.
Published: August 2024

The present study aims to observe the performance of ten landraces of bird’s eye chilli for various traits and to screen the best performing landrace for utilization in further breeding program. This investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, during the year 2022- 2023. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and ten different landraces of bird’s eye chilli. Significant variation was observed among the landraces for all the characters. Among the ten landraces, LR-1 (Green bird’s eye chilli) recorded the highest values for the growth characters viz., germination percentage (89.19%), seedling vigour index (993.57), plant height (63.02 cm) and number of primary branches plant-1 (16.01). The minimum number of days taken for 50% flowering (88.84 days) was registered in LR- 10 (Suryamukhi). For the floral characters, the peak period of anthesis and anther dehiscence was recorded between time periods 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., respectively. However, the maximum pollen viability (83.59%) was observed in the landrace LR-6 (Purple bird’s eye chilli). The maximum value for the yield characters viz., number of flowers plant-1 (74.86), number of fruits plant-1 (53.64) and fruit set percentage (71.65%) was recorded in the landrace LR-1 (Green bird’s eye chilli). The landrace LR-10 (Suryamukhi) recorded the maximum fruit length (5.54 cm), fruit girth (2.69 cm), average fruit weight (3.75 g) and number of seeds fruit-1 (23.77). Regarding the quality characters, the maximum ascorbic acid (141.08 mg 100 g-1) and capsaicin content (1.43%) were recorded in the landrace LR-8 (Thai bird’s eye chilli). Based on the overall performance of the landraces under study, the landraces LR-1 and LR-10 were found to be best with respect to yield indicating that these landraces can be considered for further improvement.
Flexural Strength and Deformations Capacity of Structural Beams Reinforced with Steel Bars Milled from Recycled Metals in Ghana
Authors: Biney Evans , Kankam Charles K. , Tongyem Enock , Akortia Vincent K. , Adzakey Peter , Mansal Edward C.
Published: August 2024

Steel is extensively used as a reinforcing material for concrete structures in Ghana. In order to meet this high demand, some local steel manufacturing companies use recycled scrap metals to manufacture steel bars to augment the quantity that is imported. However, the physical and mechanical properties of these reinforcing bars have recently been criticized by practitioners in the construction industry. This research assessed the strength and deformation behaviour of steel reinforcing bars locally manufactured in Ghana. Reinforcing steel bars from three local milling companies, randomly categorized herein as STSL, B5PL, and FBML were selected to evaluate their strength and deformation characteristics in structural concrete beams. Similar tests were also conducted on imported standard high yield bars categorized herein as AM. The results indicated that beams reinforced with AM bars under monotonic loading resisted the highest experimental failure loads (approximately 65 KN on average) as compared with beams reinforced with locally manufactured bars. This was attributed to the high tensile properties of AM reinforcing bars (497 N/mm2 strength and 763 N/mm2 maximum). The cracking loads of the AM-reinforced beams also averaged 10.5 KN and ranked high together with the FBML and B5PL-reinforced beams. The failure loads of B5PL-reinforced beams ranked next with an average of 56 KN, followed by FBML with 47 KN. The lowest value of 38.5 KN was recorded by STSL beams. The average cracking load was similar for AM, FBML, and B5PL- reinforced beams with a value of approximately 10.5 KN, but the STSL-reinforced beams had the lowest cracking load averaging 5.5 KN. The impressive performance of B5PL-reinforced beams among the three locally manufactured reinforcements could be attributed to their higher yield strength, higher rib height, and comparatively smaller rib spacing. This also showed in the strong resistance of B5PL to deflection as compared to the other two locally manufactured reinforcements. Under cyclic loading, AM reinforcements again recorded the highest cracking load (7.5 KN on average) and average failure load (93 KN) owing to its high tensile strength. Regarding the three locally manufactured reinforcing bars, the B5PL-reinforced beams again recorded the highest experimental failure load (55 KN average), followed by FBML-reinforced beams (54 KN on average) with beams reinforced with STSL again recording the least (41 KN).
The Evolution of the Sericulture Industry in India: From Tradition to Modernity
Authors: A Pavithra , J Rajashekar , K Saikrishna , B Shreya , M Pramod Kumar , A Thanuja , S Hariharan
Published: August 2024

Sericulture, the ancient practice of silk production, has evolved from its origins in China around 2600 BC to a modern, technology-driven industry. India, the world's second-largest silk producer, has seen this transformation enhance productivity, quality, and economic impact, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Women have played a pivotal role in this evolution, with sericulture providing significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The industry involves complex operations, from mulberry cultivation to fabric finishing, and recent advancements in high-yielding hybrids and seri-biotechnology have addressed challenges like pests and climate change, supporting sustainable development. Despite these advancements, India’s silk industry faces ongoing technological and market access challenges, yet it remains a vital contributor to rural economies and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Microbial and Physicochemical Assessment of Road-Side Roasted Plantain Sold in Isoko North Local Government Area, Nigeria
Authors: J. O. Orogu , N. J. Ehiwario
Published: August 2024

A research to investigate microbes present in roadside roasted plantain sold openly and freely in four different locations in Isoko North local government area, Delta State was analyzed. Samples were analyzed for bacteria and fungi using standard microbiological procedures. Five bacteria species and three fungi species were isolated from the samples; Corynebacterium species, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio species, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Mold species and Rhizopus oryzae respectively. The total bacteria heterotrophic plate count ranges from 7.6 ×103cfu/g to 47.6 ×104cfu/g. Proteus mirabilis has the highest heterotrophic plate count while Vibrio species has the least count. Proteus mirabilis has the highest percentage of occurrence of 43.50% while Corynebacterium species, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis has the least percentage occurrence of 25%. Statistical test reveals no significant difference (P>0.05) between bacteria count in heated samples A and cold samples B. Candida albicans and Mold species were the highest fungal isolate with the percentage occurrence of 43.75% while Rhizopus oryzae has the least percentage occurrence of 12.5%.  The total heterotrophic plate count for fungi isolates ranges from 2.5 × 103cfu/g to 12.6 × 104cfu/g. Statistical test reveals no significant difference (P>0.05) between fungi count in heated samples A and cold samples B due to heat resistance of these microorganisms. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were potassium, sodium, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite. Nitrite has a leading value than other chemical value. This can be due to post production or heat applied to samples. This study shows that road side roasted plantain contains a variety of microbes which may be dangerous or may have some health implications on consumers especially Proteus mirabilis which was obtained from this study.
Hourly Downscaling of Daily Climate Projection Data for the Nakdong River Basin using the Nearest Neighbor Search Method
Authors: Lee Taewoo , Kim Soojun , Lee Junhyeong , Kang Narae , Yoon Jungsoo , Hwang Seokhwan
Published: August 2024

Hydrological and water quality models have been continuously improved for assessing the impacts of climate change. Accordingly, meteorological data with high spatial and temporal resolutions are required. Current climate change scenario-based projections provide meteorological data on monthly and daily scales, which are too coarse for regional climate change assessments. In this study, we propose a temporal downscaling method based on the nearest neighbor search methodology for temporal downscaling from daily time-step meteorological data to hourly time-step data. To verify the temporal downscaling method, historical meteorological data from weather stations located in the Nakdong River basin were used, and the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) between observational and simulated data was calculated. Consequently, the simulation errors were approximately 2–4% for temperature and precipitation, and approximately 7–16% for wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation. Next, using the temporal downscaling method, hourly future climate projection data were derived from the daily SSP5-8.5 climate scenario projections retrieved from weather stations in the target area. According to the downscaled hourly climate projection results, under the SSP5-8.5 climate change scenario, the future annual maximum temperature is projected to increase by up to 7.0 ℃ and 5.6 ℃ at Daegu and Busan weather stations, compared to the reference period maximum temperatures of 36.2 ℃ and 33 ℃, respectively. The annual precipitation duration is projected to decrease by up to 103.3 h (21.25%) and 157.2 h (27.57%), compared to the reference period durations of 486.2 h and 570.2 h, respectively. Annual precipitation intensity is projected to increase by up to 0.71 mm/h (33.5%) and 0.83 mm/h (31.2%), compared to the reference period precipitation intensities of 2.12 mm/h and 2.66 mm/h, respectively. The temporal downscaling method presented in this study is expected to contribute to the preparation of meteorological input data to effectively simulate detailed hourly rainfall runoff and the behavior of water quality factors, thereby improving the assessment of climate change impacts.
Comparison of FLUMEN and HEC-RAS 2D Models for Flash-Flood Inundation Considering Land Cover and Building Presence
Authors: Jeong Chanjin , Chegal Sun Dong , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Seung Oh
Published: August 2024

The increased frequency and intensity of floods caused by climate change has exacerbated damage in urban areas. Flood-inundation maps, which is a nonstructural measure, is crucial in preventing and mitigating such damage. Two-dimensional flood-analysis models, such as FLUMEN and HEC-RAS 2D, are widely used to simulate urban flooding caused by complex factors such as buildings, land cover, and terrain. This study aims to compare the simulation results of FLUMEN and HEC-RAS 2D by considering land cover and building presence in a specific urban area. By comparing the simulation results under various roughness coefficients and the presence or absence of buildings, the uncertainties arising from model selection are examined, which highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate model for urban areas. The results of this study contribute to the decision making involved in selecting suitable numerical models for various urban-flood scenarios. In the future, a systematic approach must be established for selecting flood-analysis models and expanding their functionality through integration with hydrological models.
Estimating Direct and Indirect Damage to Industrial Facilities from Coastal Flooding: Case of Ulsan, Korea
Authors: Choi Mihee , Kim Minjung
Published: August 2024

As climate change accelerates, the damage caused by natural disasters to logistics and industrial facilities near coastal areas is expected to increase. This study estimates the economic damage caused by coastal inundation in Ulsan Metropolitan City in detail, based on the frequency of inundation and building types. An object-based analysis is conducted to calculate the damage by building type, and the results show that the ripple effect of the disaster accounted for the majority of the total damage. Ulsan's major industrial clusters are concentrated along the coastline, with factories accounting for 92% of the total direct damage. The results of an input-output analysis based on industry linkage tables showed that the indirect damages were 22.1, 8.6, and 3.8 times greater than the direct damages for petrochemicals, automobiles, and shipbuilding, respectively, which represent the main industries in Ulsan. The automobile industry has a large impact on employment, with ripple effects on both directly related industries and other industries. Unlike residential assets, industrial assets exhibit different damage characteristics, depending on whether coastal inundation affects a specific industry or the entire sector. Coastal areas are densely populated with multiple industries. Hence, the ripple effects on assets and employment are significant. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify industries that are highly interdependent with others in the development of effective disaster preparedness and recovery policies. The results of this study can be used as a basis for cost–benefit analyses of climate change disaster measures and policies in coastal cities.
Constraints on shear velocity in the cratonic upper mantle from Rayleigh wave phase velocity
Authors: Hirsch Aaron C. , Dalton Colleen A. , Ritsema Jeroen
Published: October 2015

Seismic models provide constraints on the thermal and chemical properties of the cratonic upper mantle. Depth profiles of shear velocity from global and regional studies contain positive velocity gradients in the uppermost mantle and often lack a low‐velocity zone, features that are difficult to reconcile with the temperature structures inferred from surface heat flow data and mantle‐xenolith thermobarometry. Furthermore, the magnitude and shape of the velocity profiles vary between different studies, impacting the inferences drawn about mantle temperature and composition. In this study, forward modeling is used to identify the suite of one‐dimensional shear‐velocity profiles that are consistent with phase‐velocity observations made for Rayleigh waves traversing Precambrian cratons. Two approaches to the generation of 1‐D models are considered. First, depth profiles of shear velocity are predicted from thermal models of the cratonic upper mantle that correspond to a range of assumed values of mantle potential temperature, surface heat flow, and radiogenic heat production in the lithosphere. Second, shear velocity‐depth profiles are randomly generated. In both cases, Rayleigh wave phase velocity is calculated from the Earth models, and acceptable models are identified on the basis of comparison to observed phase velocity. The results show that it is difficult but not impossible to find acceptable Earth models that contain a low‐velocity zone in the upper mantle and that temperature structures that are consistent with constraints from mantle xenoliths yield phase‐velocity predictions lower than observed. For most acceptable randomly generated Earth models, shear velocity merges with the global average at approximately 300 km.
Radiative transfer modeling of the OI 135.6 nm emission in the nighttime ionosphere
Authors: Qin Jianqi , Makela Jonathan J. , Kamalabadi Farzad , Meier R. R.
Published: October 2015

Remote sensing of the nighttime OI 135.6 nm emissions has been a widely used method for measuring theFregion ionospheric plasma densities. In this work, we first develop a comprehensive radiative transfer model from first principles to investigate the effects of different physical processes on the production and transport of the 135.6 nm photons in the ionosphere and then propose a new approach for estimating electron densities from the nightglow. The forward modeling investigation indicates that under certain conditions mutual neutralization can contribute up to ∼38% of the total production of the nighttime 135.6 nm emissions. Moreover, depending on the ionospheric conditions, resonant scattering by atomic oxygen and pure absorption by oxygen molecules can reduce the limb brightness observed by satellite‐borne instruments by up to ∼40% while enhancing the brightness viewing in the nadir direction by typically ∼25%. Further analysis shows that without properly addressing these effects in the inversion process, the peak electron density in theF region (NmF2) obtained using limb observations can be overestimated by up to ∼24%. For accurate estimation of the ionospheric electron density, we develop a new type of inverse model that accounts for the effects of mutual neutralization, resonant scattering, and pure absorption. This inversion method requires the knowledge of O and O2densities in order to solve the radiative transfer equations. Application of the inverse model to the nighttime ionosphere in the noiseless cases demonstrates that the electron density can be accurately quantified with only ∼1% error in NmF2 and hmF2.
Occurrence climatology of F region field‐aligned irregularities in middle latitudes as observed by a 40.8 MHz coherent scatter radar in Daejeon, South Korea
Authors: Yang Tae‐Yong , Kwak Young‐Sil , Kil Hyosub , Lee Young‐Sook , Lee Woo Kyoung , Lee Jae‐jin
Published: October 2015

A new 40.8 MHz coherent scatter radar was built in Daejeon, South Korea (36.18°N, 127.14°E, dip latitude: 26.7°N) on 29 December 2009 and has since been monitoring the occurrence of field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) in the northern middle latitudes. We report on the occurrence climatology of the F region FAIs as observed by the Daejeon radar between 2010 and 2014. The F region FAIs preferentially occur around 250–350 km at 18:00–21:00 local time (postsunset FAI), around 350–450 km near midnight (nighttime FAI), around 250–350 km before sunrise (presunrise FAI), and around 160–300 km after 05:00 local time (postsunrise FAI). The occurrence rates of nighttime and presunrise FAIs are maximal during summer, though the occurrence rates of postsunset and postsunrise FAIs are maximal during the equinoxes. FAIs rarely occur during local winter. The occurrence rate of F region FAIs increases in concert with increases in solar activity. Medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) are known as an important source of the F region FAIs in middle latitudes. The high occurrence rate of the nighttime FAIs in local summer is consistent with the high occurrence rate of MSTIDs in that season. However, the dependence of the FAI activity on the solar cycle is inconsistent with the MSTID activity. The source of the F region FAIs in middle latitudes is an open question. Our report of different types of FAIs and their occurrence climatology may provide a useful reference for the identification of the source of the middle latitude FAIs.
Whitecap lifetime stages from infrared imagery with implications for microwave radiometric measurements of whitecap fraction
Authors: Potter Henry , Smith Geoffrey B. , Snow Charlotte M. , Dowgiallo David J. , Bobak Justin P. , Anguelova Magdalena D.
Published: October 2015

Quantifying active and residual whitecap fractions separately can improve parameterizations of air‐sea fluxes associated with breaking waves. We use data from a multi‐instrumental field campaign on Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP) to simultaneously capture the signatures of active and residual whitecaps at visible, infrared (IR), and microwave wavelengths using, respectively, video camera, mid‐IR camera, and a radiometer at 10 GHz. We present results from processing and analyzing IR images and correlating this information with radiometric time series of brightness temperature at horizontal and vertical polarizations TBH and TBV. The results provide evidence that breaking crests and decaying foam appear in mid‐IR as bright and dark pixels clearly distinguishing active from residual whitecaps. We quantify the durations of whitecap lifetime stages from the IR images and identify their corresponding signatures in TB time series. Results show that TBH and TBV vary in phase during the active and in antiphase during the residual whitecap stages. A methodology to distinguish active and residual whitecaps in radiometric time series without a priori IR information has been developed and verified with corresponding IR and video images. The method uses the degree of polarization P (the ratio between the sum and difference of TBV and TBH) to capture whitecaps as prominent spikes. The maximum and zero‐crossing of the first derivative of P serve to identify the presence of active whitecaps, while the minimum of dP marks the transition from active to residual whitecap stage. The findings have implications for radiometric measurements of active and total whitecap fractions.