bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Resilience Based on Personality Traits of Female Adolescent Students
Authors: Sharma Sonam
Published: December 2021

In high school students’ anxiety is very common problem for all. Nevertheless, the students predict to be stressful increasing with several sources of stress especially with Academic stress. How to respond to stress and challenges affect the entire life of them. The current study tries to investigate the relationship between resilience and personality traits. Moreover, the other important objective is to examine whether big five personality traits predict resilience of high school female students or not. Till now, very limited studies have been conducted in India in context to high school female students. Enrolled in academic session 2020-21, 85 students studying Humanities in 12th standard, in GGSSS, Delhi, India were selected to participate in the study. The standardized questionnaires of the Ego Resilience Scale and Big Five Personality Test were used as the tool of the study. The data was collected using both the questionnaires and interpreted using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression at a significance level p<0.05. As a result of analysis, Pearson Correlation shows that all the personality traits E, A, C, O have a significant positive correlation with Resilience (r= .539, r=.734, r=.792 and r=. 751 respectively) but N has a significant negative correlation with resilience (r=-.684). Furthermore, the results reveal a statistically significant relationship between the variables of Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Agreeableness, and the participants’ resilience scores (R=.859, R2= .738, p<.05). These three personality traits together account for 73% of the total variance in resilience (F=75.94, p<.05). It is concluded that Understanding of the levels and relationship among Personalities and Resilience of adolescents can assist in predicting the performance level of the students and in future intervention programs can be developed accordingly for the students for a successful and satisfactory life.
Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Isolated from Oil Contaminated Soil and its Media Optimization for Enzyme Production
Authors: Chithra S.
Published: December 2021

Oil bio-degradation mechanism by microorganisms is requested for an effective microbial remediation of soil contamination by oil spills. The current examination pointed the identification of a biosurfactant producing bacteria for biosurfactant production from oil contaminated sites from Tamil Nadu. The biosurfactant testing screening methods were used to screen the potent strains and sequencing studies were used for Pseudomonas species identification. The bacterial isolate BS17 subjected to be the potent enzyme (Protease, Lipase and Esterase) producer. Among the tested production media, the ground nut oil cake was identified to be the optimum media for protease (0.47069 Unit/ml), lipase (9 Unit/ml) and esterase activity (3.891 Unit/ml) for bacterial isolate BS17. The bacterial isolate BS17 showed greatest lipase (15 Unit/mL) protease (0.8067 Unit/mL) and esterase (4.756 Unit/mL) enzyme activity at pH 9.0. At 35 ℃ bacterial isolate BS17 showed greatest enzyme action in protease (1.2772 Unit/mL), lipase (17 Unit/mL) and esterase (5.2972 Unit/mL) enzyme activity. At 48hrs of incubation period bacterial isolate BS17 showed most extreme enzyme activity in protease (3.361 Unit/mL), lipase (28 Unit/mL) and esterase (8.918 Unit/mL). The sequence of BS17 was deposited in NCBI and Accession number was received [MT337593.1]. Statistical analysis with the minimum significant difference (LSD) test of ANOVA was carried out to determine the oil degradation efficiency. This paper demonstrated the isolated P. aeruginosa (BS17) crude oil biodegradation from oil contaminated land soil sample. Strain BS17 was proved as potent bio-surfactant producer using crude oil by utilizing carbon and energy source in oil degradation mechanism.
Knowledge, Skill and Attitude of Nurses on the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abu Thiyab Ahmed Haydar Nasser
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in 2019. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and it is now recognized that SARS COV-2 may infect and spread among humans. During the pandemic situation, nurses and health care workers (HCWs) played a vital role in handling the infected patients and this study was carried out in Jazan city of Saudi Arabia among the nurses. The purpose of this study was to document nurses’ knowledge, skills, challenges, and information on the COVID-19. In this questionnaire-based study, we have enrolled 296 nurses based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 296 nurses involved in this study has shared their knowledge, experience, skills and challenges in handling the infected patients with COVID-19. Initially, 34.1% of nurses was expecting COVID-19 virus will be controlled by vaccine. The majority of nurses, 54.7%, were convinced that antibiotics could control the illness. In this study results, 97% of nurses were aware of COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Around 96.3% of the nurses were aware of the risk of chronic diseases in the elderly population, which may be at risk of COVID-19 infection. The 78.7% nurses believed that mask can protect from the infecting from COVID-19 and ~94% of the nurses believed that avoiding of gatherings at public places is the best method to control the virus. The majority of the 97% of nurses believed that isolation is the best method to control the COVID-19 virus in an infected person. Nurses played a critical role in the treatment of COVID 19 infected patients in Saudi Arabia, as nurses and HCWs were at risk of becoming asymptomatic carriers due to their role in disease transmission. This study recommends the nurses, HCWs and all the residents of Saudi Arabia to take the vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as new strains are developing in the global population
Influence of Microwave Radiation on Whiskey Distillate Quality Indicators
Authors: Borodulin Dmitry M.
Published: December 2021

The paper aims to evaluate the quality indicators of the whiskey distillate during its maturation under the influence of microwave radiation based on the method of multiple regression analysis to determine the optimal technological parameters for its production. In the course of solving the problem of product import substitution, we tested the patented technology for producing strong alcoholic beverages at the stage of their aging, using oak chips with various degrees of heat treatment. One of the promising areas for intensifying the process of whiskey distillate maturation is applying “green technologies”, with microwave heating being one of them. Positive results were obtained for the effect of microwave radiation on the process of target component extraction from oak chips with a water-alcohol solution. The duration of this extraction process was reduced by more than 2 times, which confirmed its intensity in relation to the classical method. The obtained regression models proved adequate, since the mean relative error varied within 10%. The chromatographic analysis of the whiskey produced at the optimal technological parameters showed that all physical and chemical properties and product safety meet the requirements of the applicable regulations and standards.
Control of Fusarium Wilt Using Streptomyces griseus with Plant Growth-Promoting Effect on Tomato
Authors: Anitha A.
Published: December 2021

The efficacy of antagonistic Streptomyces griseus was evaluated against tomato wilt disease incited by Fusarium oxysporum. Among the different formulations, Streptomyces griseus with chitin amended formulation showed effective increase in seed germination and seedling vigour. Further, talc-based formulations of S. griseus mixed with or without chitin was developed and tested under greenhouse conditions. Lowest disease severity of 19.1% was observed in plants treated with self fusant (SFSg 5) S. griseus suspension (root dipping – 9 x 108 cfu / mL) followed by 19.5% in treatment of chitin amended S. griseus (root dipping – 9 x 108 cfu/mL) was recorded over control. Plant growth of the treated traits were analyzed and compared with control. The shoot length, root length, leaf area was increased significantly over the controls by the treatment of self fusant (SFSg 5) S. griseus suspension followed by nearby values were reached in chitin amended S. griseus was recorded. The chemical treatments had less effect compared with these formulations. Histochemical studies showed that cambium layers, xylem vessels per bundle, and the vessel diameter decreased in the plants inoculated with F. oxysporum over control and changes in variables were observed in infected plants treated with S. griseus. In conclusion, S. griseus can be a potential biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum for better crop production practices.
On the Quality of Bare-Grained Oats and Influence of its Cultivation Technology Elements on the Yie
Authors: Yegushova Elena Anatolyevna
Published: December 2021

The research was carried out with the aim to establish the formation regularity of both yield and its elements, as well as to formulate technological and quality indicators of bare-grained oats under the influence of different sowing periods. The studies were carried out in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe zone of the Kemerovo region (Russia) on the territory belonging to the Kemerovo Research Institute of Agriculture, a branch of the SFNCA RAS in 2018-2019. The soil of the site is leached chernozem, heavy loamy in granulometric composition, of medium thickness. The object of research was the mid-season variety of bare-grained oats Bare-grained. The predecessor is pure steam. Sowing was carried out in three periods: early – on May 4 (when the soil was physically ripe, subsequent ones with an interval of 8-10 days, depending on the prevailing weather conditions), medium - on May 12 and 14, late - on May 20 and 24. Against the background of each sowing period, the seeding rates of 4.0 were studied; 4.5; 5.0; 5.5; 6.0 million crops/ha. It has been established that the optimal sowing time for obtaining high quantitative indicators (yield, number of grains, grain size) of bare-grained oats in the northern forest-steppe of the Kemerovo region is an early period (first decade of May); while a later period (third decade of May) is more promising for such high-quality indicators as protein content, fat in grain, essential and nonessential amino acids, etc. The optimal seeding rate for bare-grained oats at early sowing period is 4.0-4.5 million/ha. At a later period, it is advisable to increase the seeding rate to 5.0-5.5 million/ha.
Human Health Risk Surveillance of Organochlorine Pesticides in River Water and Fishes from Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan G. M. M. Anwarul
Published: December 2021

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are chlorinated hydrocarbons that used extensively in the last century for agricultural purposes. Excess use of OCPs results pesticide residues accumulation in the water and fishes and causes various health problems. The concentrations of Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in water and fish samples of six most contaminated rivers surrounding Dhaka, Bangladesh namely Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Sitalakhya, Bangshai and Dhaleswari were determined and assessed the possible health risks through consumption of accumulated OCPs in fishes from those rivers. .As we know, OCPs are non-biodegradable and thus remain in the environment as pollutants. Therefore, OCPs exposure must be monitored and controlled to reduce the human health risks. Risk assessment is an important procedure to quantify the potential health risks and provides information the risk managers to control the overuse of OCPs. The concentrations of OCPs residues were determined by Gas Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). After sample collection, sample was extracted and analyzed according to the validated method. Several OCPs residues including Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Eldrine ketone, p,p-DDD, Endrin, α-Endosulfan, Heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDT, Endosulfan sulfate and β-Endosulfan were detected in river water and residues including Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDD, Endrin and p,p-DDT were detected in fish samples. The Health risk index (HI) values of Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDD, Endrin and p,p-DDT from analyzed three fish species (Acanthobrama microlepis, Barbonymus gonionotus and Batasio tengana) were ranged from 0.036 to 1.696, 0.029 to 2.007, 0.022 to 1.117, 0.0231 to 0.721, 0.019 to 1.597 and 0.019 to 1.205 for Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Sitalakhya, Bangshai and Dhaleswari rivers respectively. OCPs are quantified in river water and fish samples and potential health risks are accessed. This study suggested that, there might have OCPs mediated health risks through long term exposure of OCPs residues from fishes of those polluted rivers. Although, our study provided estimation about the presence of OCPs in water and fishes from six contaminated rivers surrounding Dhaka city but, further studies are suggested to ensure the safety of peoples.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Beta-Lactam Resistant Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Clinically Isolated from CU Shah Hospital, Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel Vaibhavi
Published: December 2021

A simple explanation for antimicrobial-resistant opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients is Klebsiella pneumoniae which gradually being associated in insidious infections globally with high mortality rate. Eight hundred fifty-six antibiotic resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were collected over 3 years period (from different wards and different specimens) from the Microbiology department of C.U. Shah hospital, whose AST checked by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. To study AMR genes, virulome, interference of virulence gene with resistance gene, phylogenomic; 6 clinical isolates were proceeded for whole genome sequencing and bio informatics analysis. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunistic and one of delegate of ESKAPE pathogens groups. This pathogen causes nosocomial infections, urinary tract infections, liver abscesses, wound infections, meningitis. These strains obtain a multidrug resistant phenotype by way of horizontal transfer of ARG transported by either transposons or plasmids. This transfer is generally facilitated by Integrons. In this study antibiotic resistance profile and antibiotic resistance genes analysis as well as virulence gene of K. pneumoniae strains were investigated. The study was carried out using 853 clinical isolates collected during 3 years from C.U. Shah hospital of Surendranagar. Antibiotic resistance profile test was carried out by the VITEK 2 against 21 antibiotics. Out of that 6 samples were proceed for DNA extraction, WGS illumina sequencer and analysis of those raw sequences by TORMES pipeline. In this study antibiotic resistance profile included 13 beta lactam antibiotics which classified under 3 class (Penicillin, Cephalosporin, Carbapenem) of beta lactam and in AMR gene study got total 15 different ESBL resistance genes from 6 different klebsiella pneumoniae strain. All these genes detected with more than 90% identity by CARD. (TORMES Pipeline) CTX-M-15, NDM-5, OKP-B-6, PDC-2, OXA-1, OXA-181, OXA-362, OXA-50, OXA-9, SHV-1, SHV-11, SHV-187, TEM-1, TEM-150. In this study, we’ve analyzed the pattern of antibiotic resistance pattern as a phenotypic characteristic and antibiotic resistance genes as genotypic characteristic and co related the results. As multidrug resistance is a worrying matter, constant observation and regular clinical recognition of resistant bacteria are essential to avoid terrible public health incidents. So, our data should be inferred as a warning for need for prevention and control of the MDR K. pneumoniae in hospital settings.
Radiographical Measurements of Overeruption in Unopposed Posterior Teeth Among Selected Population of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Moaleem Mohammed M.
Published: December 2021

The suspended replacement of extracted teeth may disrupt the structural integrity of the whole dental arch, particularly in posterior maxillary or mandibular tooth/teeth. This phenomenon often has consequences of masticatory deficiency and temporomandibular joint disorders. This work aims to assess and measure the overeruption of posterior teeth from panoramic radiographs (OPGs) and its relation to gender, age, tooth type, arch, sides, and cause of tooth loss. A total of 100 OPGs were included in this in vitro study. The level of posterior overeruption was measured in mm using the panoramic digital radiograph machine and its software systems. Other variables such as gender, tooth/teeth involved, arches, and side were considered. All parameter values were inputted to a software program and assessed. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Males accounted for 63% of the OPGs. Age groups 18–30 and 31–45 years had the highest frequency and percentage (34%). Approximately 74% of the patients got their tooth/teeth extracted 4–6 years ago. The 0.7–1.2 mm overeruption subgroup had the highest proportion of 41%. The rate of overeruption in mandibular molars was 36%, which was the highest among the subgroups. Males had higher percentage than females in ≥60 and 31–45 age groups (84.65% and 76.5%, respectively), 4–6 years post-extraction time (85.7%), with significant differences, also, mandibular molars (85.0%) and mandibular arches (74.3%) were the higher among males. The highest level of overeruption was 0.7–1.2 mm, and mandibular molars were the most affected type. Significant differences between genders were detected in age groups, years after tooth loss, and arch side but not in cause of tooth loss, supra-erupted tooth type, and arch type parameters.
Population Status and Habitat Requirement of Endangered Migratory Waterfowl of Patisar Lake, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Authors: Tasleem Muhammad Wasim
Published: December 2021

Patisar lake is an important wetland for migratory birds in mid-winter which is located in the center of the Lal Suhanra National Park of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. In this study Patisar lake has been explored to find out the endangered bird species. We used a map, a pencil, a notebook, a watch that is used to show seconds and binoculars for the census. Point counting system is used for the monitoring of birds and their habitat requirement was also measured. Result of the study indicated that these population belonging to 6 different orders, 10 different families, 18 genera and 32 different species of waterfowl were observed (1) Podicipediformes iPodicipedidae; iTachybaptus iruficollis), (2) Pelecaniformes (Family: Phalacrocoridae; Phalacrocorax iniger; P. carbo; Family; Anhingidae, Anhinga melanogaster), (3) Ciconiiformes (Family: Ardeidae, Ardea cinerea, A. purpurea, Ardeola grayii, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta alba, E. garzetta, E. intermedia), (4) Anseriformes (Family: Anatidae; Anas acuta, A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. strepera, A. penelope, A. clypeata, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, A. nyroca), (5) Gruiformes (Family: Rallidae: Fulica atra, Porphyrio porphyrio, Gallinula chloropus) and (6) Charadriiformes (Family: Recurvirostridae, Himantopusi himantopus; Family: Charadridae, Vanellusi indicus, V. vanellus, V. leucurus, Charadrius dubius; Family: Scolopacidae, Tringa tetanus, T. nebularia, Actitis hypoleucus; Family: Laridae,Sterna aurantia). According to They all preferred fresh water layer of the lake and marshes near the lake as their habitat. It was concluded that Patisar lake is a prodigious natural resource for the migratory waterfowl and the number of waterfowl declining with the passage of time.
The Need for Production Volumes of Main Agricultural Products as an Integral Part of the Russian Agrarian Policy
Authors: Kolesnikov Andrey Viktorovich
Published: December 2021

The agrarian policy pursued in Russia is primarily aimed at ensuring food security, the main components of which are the economic and physical availability of food to the population. However, the indicators approved in the regulatory legal acts on food security monitoring do not contribute to its objective assessment. They can be used to assess the overall state of food security. A more in-depth analysis is needed for a more objective assessment of the economic availability of food to the population of the Russian Federation, which requires, among other things, changes in the methods of calculating food independence, taking into account the share of household disposable resources used to purchase food. It is also necessary to take into account the energy value of food, the quality of food consumed, etc. To do this, it is necessary to significantly expand the information base on the food consumed, including taking into account its quality and energy value. The paper attempts, based on the available analytical data, to assess the economic availability of food for households depending on their income, as well as in the context of socio-demographic groups, to identify the main factors constraining bringing the level of food consumption to rational norms.
Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Taif Chicken Ecotype Using Dense Microsatellites Panel
Authors: Sabry Ayman
Published: December 2021

The current study is the first comprehensive investigation to address the native chicken ecotypes of the Taif region to unravel the genetic diversity using a dense panel of 40 microsatellites (SSR). Blood samples were collected from 25 hens randomly sampled from a village farm at Taif governorate. A total of 147 alleles were detected, with an average of 3.7 alleles per locus. The overall mean of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.43. The average observed heterozygosity (Hobs) of 0.28 was lower than the expected heterozygosity (Hexp) of 0.48. Out of 40l ocionly11 loci showed insignificant deviation from Hardy Weinberg expectation. The ecotypes showed low genetic diversity (HS = 0.65) and a high level of inbreeding (FIS= 0.75). The high FIS is indicative of the endangerment potentiality of this ecotype. Nine SSR showed an inbreeding coefficient of one. The significant estimate of the inbreeding coefficient of the present study calls for an immediate breeding plan to preserve such endangered ecotypes. Results of the present study will provide an initial guide to design further investigations for the development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Taif ecotype genetic resources.
Advancing cement-based materials design through data science approaches
Authors: Rios Renee , Childs Chris , Smith Scott , Washburn Newell , Kurtis Kimberly
Published: December 2021

The massive scale of concrete construction constrains the raw materials’ feedstocks that can be considered – requiring both universal abundance but also economical and energy-efficient processing. While significant improvements– from more efficient cement and concrete production to increased service life – have been realized over the past decades through traditional research paradigms, non-incremental innovations are necessary now to meet increasingly urgent needs, at a time when innovations in materials create even greater complexity. Data science is revolutionizing the rate of discovery and accelerating the rate of innovation for material systems. This review addresses machine learning and other data analytical techniques which utilize various forms of variable representation for cementitious systems. These techniques include those guided by physicochemical and cheminformatics approaches to chemical admixture design, use of materials informatics to develop process-structure-property linkages for quantifying increased service life, and change-point detection for assessing pozzolanicity in candidate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). These latent variables, coupled with approaches to dimensionality reduction driven both algorithmically as well as through domain knowledge, provide robust feature representation for cement-based materials and allow for more accurate models and greater generalization capability, resulting in a powerful design tool for infrastructure materials.
URBANIZATION AND LAND USE CHANGES IN RURAL TOWN: GUAR CEMPEDAK, KEDAH
Authors: Othman Abdul Ghapar , Hj. Ali Kausar , Yin Izuandi , Tan Mou Leong , Mohd Jizan Nurul Hanisah
Published: December 2021

The change in land uses in rural areas is often associated with urbanization process. However, urbanization and industrialization also caused dramatic changes in the land use of rural areas and small towns, where a significant loss of agricultural land and an increase in the construction of rural settlements have led to transformation from non-built-up to built-up land uses. Factors influencing this transformation are many, ranging from physical, economic, social and environmental reasons. This paper intends to study land use changes from 2006 to 2020, determine land use growth parameters, and establish whether the identified physical factors conform to the land use growth and changes in Guar Cempedak, Kedah by applying the technique of overlay, AHP and fishnet using GIS. Findings of the study show that there were significant land use changes during the period of 2006 to 2014, where commercial, institution and public facilities and transportation experienced significant increase, while non-built land uses such as forest, lost more than 90% of its area to other land uses. Distance to transport network and distance to commercial activities identified as the main influencing factors, have been found to be consistent with the result of intensity analysis on land use changes in this small town.
TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS, TIME SPENT AT THE EXPRESSWAY JUNCTIONS, AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTIVITY: A PERCEPTION STUDY OF ILESA-OWO-BENIN EXPRESSWAY IN AKURE ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ogunyemi Omotayo Fatai , Mohamad Diana , Badarulzaman Nurwati , Othman Abdul Ghapar
Published: December 2021

The importance of the free flow of traffic, time spent in traffic at junctions, and individual productivity of road users along the Ilesa-Owo-Benin expressway in Akure Ondo State, Nigeria, cannot be overstated. While extant literature has shown that traffic congestion on roads significantly influences how road users perform their duties, few studies have explored the part played by the length of time they spend at junctions and how it impacts individual productivity. We collected data using a Questionnaire survey, comprising questions associated with traffic congestion at junctions of 203 respondents from across the residents (and travellers through Agbogbo/Irese/Futa junctions along Ilesa-Owo-Benin expressway in Akure). With an analysis of variance (ANOVA), we identified the differences in road users' perception of traffic congestions at junctions. We investigated the impact of traffic congestion on the productivity of road users. Finally, we identified potential solutions to the persistent traffic congestion experienced at the junctions. This paper offers a traffic congestion community with a better understanding of traffic congestions on road networks and aid in developing suitable methods and policies for road traffic congestion management.
SAFETY, SOCIAL RELATIONS AND SATISFACTION IN POSTDISASTER RESETTLED COMMUNITIES: A CASE OF KEDAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Isa Mohd Ismail , Marzbali Massoomeh Hedayati , Azizan Izzati Hilda
Published: December 2021

This research aims to study the changes in physical and social patterns among tsunami victims in Kedah, Malaysia by examining the relationship between their perceptions of safety and satisfaction. Data were obtained through a questionnaire survey on 109 respondents who live in Taman Permatang Katong, a new housing area built by the federal government. Results indicated the positive relationship between perception of safety and satisfaction. Meanwhile, social relations played a mediating role on the relationship between perception of safety and satisfaction. This finding implies that those who perceived the new resettlement area to be safer reported higher levels of social relations and, consequently, higher levels of satisfaction. Overall, the majority of residents in Taman Permatang Katong are satisfied with their new houses after the tsunami and feel safe in their area of residency. In conclusion, the resettlement programme should be well planned and should consider both social and physical aspects to improve the well-being of residents.
THE EVALUATION OF PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ON HAJJ CROWD BETWEEN ARAFAT AND MUZDALIFAH PEDESTRIAN STREET
Authors: Kadi Sadeq , Abdullah Alias , Bachok Syahriah
Published: December 2021

Makkah is the holy city of Muslims which is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. It is the being visited by pilgrims from all nationalities every year for the annual Islamic Pilgrimage (Hajj). Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which is the largest annual religious pilgrimage event in the world. The Hajj management authority specifies that the current pilgrimage’s performance is challenging due to the increase of pilgrims every year. Pedestrian conflicts and uncomfortable walking environment are the crucial issues that have been identified, which are due to insufficient pedestrian facilities. Hence, this paper presents the pedestrian facilities assessment between Arafat to Muzdalifah road. The objectives of the study are to determine the available pedestrian facilities for pilgrimage from Arafat to Muzdalifah, and to suggest the suitable solution for pedestrian facilities in every 5 minutes walks. Meanwhile, qualitative methods of site inventory and observation were applied to gather the related data on the selected study area. Possible pedestrian facilities design is suggested for the purpose of future Hajj improvement.
ISSUES FACED BY TENANTS IN HIGH-RISE STRATA RESIDENTIAL: CASE STUDY OF KLANG VALLEY
Authors: Rabe Noor Suzilawati , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Abdullah Muhammad Faris , Ponrahono Zakiah , Abdul Aziz Izlan Fitri
Published: December 2021

Recently, demand for high-rise residential has increased every year and shifted residential development patterns from vertical to horizontal development. Living in high-rise residential will require residents to share common facilities and resources. For that, a management body is known as Management Corporation (MC) or Joint Management Body (JMB) is established. This management body is responsible to collect the service charge from residents, as well as managing and maintaining the buildings and common property. However, a review of the literature has found out gaps between the MC responsibility and residents’ satisfaction. Driven by study objectives, this study focuses on exploring issues faced by the tenants living in the selected high-rise strata housing. Through a questionnaire survey, responses are randomly collected and analysed. A descriptive table, Relative Importance Index (RII) and correlation test are used in the analysis to provide findings for the study.
Effects of Land Cover/Use Change and Altitude on Soil NPK Nutrients in Selected areas in the North West Region of Cameroon
Authors:   Department of Development Studies, Pan African Institute for Development-West Africa (PAID-WA), Buea, Cameroon, Mbibueh Brenda T. , Fokeng Reeves M. ,   Department of Geography and Planning, The University of Bamenda, Cameroon, Tume Suiven J.P. ,   Department of Geography and Planning, The University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Published: December 2021

Land-use change is one of the main indicators of soil quality. Soil physical and chemical properties vary with land use change and altitude as inferred from transect surveys and toposequences. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are essential macronutrients for plant growth and soil nutrient balance. Their presence in the soil in appropriate quantities is important for maintaining crop yields and farmers income, particularly in developing countries where resources of soil chemical additives may be limited. This paper assesses the effects of land cover/use change and altitude on soil NPK nutrients in plots of 30 m2 in the North West Region of Cameroon for maintaining soil NPK levels and boosting crop yields. A total of 60 soil samples were collected at the 0-20 cm depth from the plots with various land cover/use types (eucalyptus plantation, farmland, grazing land, and natural forest). Soil samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents based on standard procedures. The concentrations of soil NPK nutrients were below the critical values for different land use types and the studied sites. The decline in soil NPK nutrient contents is partly linked to land use change, long-term nutrient mining through crop harvest, and rainfall-induced leaching of N and K nutrients. To increase food crop yields and sustain the livelihood of farmers, appropriate nature-based solutions of manure application, mulching, the intercropping of legumes, and sustainable use of appropriate chemical NPK fertilizers will help restore the soils and increase crop yields.
The Effect of Video Game–Based Interventions on Performance and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Bayesian Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Chao , Han Xiaolei , Jin Mingxue , Xu Jianhui , Wang Yiren , Zhang Yajun , Xu Chonglong , Zhang Yingshi , Jin Enshi , Piao Chengzhe
Published: December 2021

Background

The decline in performance of older people includes balance function, physical function, and fear of falling and depression. General cognitive function decline is described in terms of processing speed, working memory, attention, and executive functioning, and video game interventions may be effective.

Objective

This study evaluates the effect of video game interventions on performance and cognitive function in older participants in terms of 6 indicators: balance function, executive function, general cognitive function, physical function, processing speed, and fear of falling and depression.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for studies from inception to June 30, 2020. Randomized controlled trials and case-controlled trials comparing video game interventions versus nonvideo game control in terms of performance and cognitive function outcomes were incorporated into a Bayesian network meta-analysis. All data were continuous variables.

Results

In total, 47 studies (3244 participants) were included. In pairwise meta-analysis, compared with nonvideo game control, video game interventions improved processing speed, general cognitive function, and depression scores. In the Bayesian network meta-analysis, interventions with video games improved balance function time (standardized mean difference [SMD] –3.34, 95% credible interval [CrI] –5.54 to –2.56), the cognitive function score (SMD 1.23, 95% CrI 0.82-1.86), processing speed time (SMD –0.29, 95% CrI –0.49 to –0.08), and processing speed number (SMD 0.72, 95% CrI 0.36-1.09), similar to the pairwise meta-analysis. Interventions with video games with strong visual senses and good interactivity ranked first, and these might be more beneficial for the elderly.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive Bayesian network meta-analysis provides evidence that video game interventions could be considered for the elderly for improving performance and cognitive function, especially general cognitive scores and processing speed. Games with better interactivity and visual stimulation have better curative effects. Based on the available evidence, we recommend video game interventions for the elderly.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020197158; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=197158
A Mobile App With Multimodality Prehabilitation Programs for Patients Awaiting Elective Surgery: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Stanforth Philip R , Fleming R Y Declan , Wolf Jr J Stuart , Stanforth Dixie , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: December 2021

Background

Complying with a prehabilitation program is difficult for patients who will undergo surgery, owing to transportation challenges and a limited intervention time window. Mobile health (mHealth) using smartphone apps has the potential to remove barriers and improve the effectiveness of prehabilitation.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a mobile app as a tool for facilitating a multidisciplinary prehabilitation protocol involving blood flow restriction training and sport nutrition supplementation.

Methods

The app was developed using “Appy Pie,” a noncoding app development platform. The development process included three stages: (1) determination of principles and requirements of the app through prehabilitation research team meetings; (2) app prototype design using the Appy Pie platform; and (3) app evaluation by clinicians and exercise and fitness specialists, technical professionals from Appy Pie, and non–team-member users.

Results

We developed a prototype of the app with the core focus on a multidisciplinary prehabilitation program with accessory features to improve engagement and adherence to the mHealth intervention as well as research-focused features to evaluate the effects of the program on frailty status, health-related quality of life, and anxiety level among patients awaiting elective surgery. Evaluations by research members and random users (n=8) were consistently positive.

Conclusions

This mobile app has great potential for improving and evaluating the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary prehabilitation intervention in the format of mHealth in future.
COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors and Health Literacy, Information Evaluation, and Decision-making Skills in Japanese Adults: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiro , Yonekura Yuki , Danya Hitomi , Hagiwara Kanako
Published: December 2021

Background

Health literacy is important for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Research in Japan shows that health literacy is related to skills in evaluating information and decision-making (skills that are not necessarily limited to information about health). Such basic skills are important, particularly when individuals encounter new health issues for which there is insufficient evidence.

Objective

We aimed to determine the extent to which COVID-19 preventive behaviors were associated with health literacy and skills in evaluating information and making decisions.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted using a Japanese internet research company. The measures comprised 8 items on COVID-19 preventive behaviors, health literacy items (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire), 5 items on information evaluation, and 4 items on decision-making process. Pearson correlations between these variables were calculated. Multivariable analyses were also conducted using the COVID-19 preventive behavior score as a dependent variable.

Results

A total of 3914 valid responses were received.COVID-19 preventive behaviors were significantly correlated with health literacy (r=0.23), information evaluation (r=0.24), and decision-making process (r=0.30). Standardized regression coefficients (health literacy: β=.11; information evaluation: β=.13; decision-making: β=.18) showed that decision-making process contributed the most.

Conclusions

Although comprehensive health literacy is necessary for COVID-19 preventive behaviors, the skills to evaluate a wide range of information and to make appropriate decisions are no less important. Opportunities for people to acquire these skills should be available at all times.
The Role of Recipient Characteristics in Health Video Communication Outcomes: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lungu Daniel Adrian , Røislien Jo , Wiig Siri , Shortt Marie Therese , Ferrè Francesca , Berg Siv Hilde , Thune Henriette , Brønnick Kolbjørn Kallesten
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The importance of effective communication during public health emergencies has been highlighted by the World Health Organization, and it has published guidelines for effective communication in such situations. With video being a popular medium, video communication has been a growing area of study over the past decades and is increasingly used across different sectors and disciplines, including health. Health-related video communication gained momentum during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and video was among the most frequently used modes of communication worldwide. However, although much research has been done regarding different characteristics of video content (the message) and its delivery (the messenger), there is a lack of knowledge about the role played by the characteristics of the recipients for the creation of effective communication.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to identify how health video communication outcomes are shaped by recipient characteristics, as such characteristics might affect the effectiveness of communication. The main research question of the study is as follows: do the characteristics of the recipients of health videos affect the outcomes of the communication?

METHODS

A scoping review describing the existing knowledge within the field was conducted. We searched for literature in 3 databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) and defined eligibility criteria based on the relevance to the research question. Recipient characteristics and health video communication outcomes were identified and classified.

RESULTS

Of the 1040 documents initially identified, 128 (12.31%) met the criteria for full-text assessment, and 39 (3.75%) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies reported 56 recipient characteristics and 42 communication outcomes. The reported associations between characteristics and outcomes were identified, and the potential research opportunities were discussed. Contributions were made to theory development by amending the existing framework of the Integrated-Change model, which is an integrated model of motivational and behavioral change.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several recipient characteristics and health video communication outcomes were identified, there is a lack of robust empirical evidence on the association between them. Further research is needed to understand how the preceding characteristics of the recipients might affect the various outcomes of health video communication.
Exploring Reasons for Delayed Start-of-Care Nursing Visits in Home Health Care: Algorithm Development and Data Science Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zolnoori Maryam , Song Jiyoun , McDonald Margaret V , Barrón Yolanda , Cato Kenrick , Sockolow Paulina , Sridharan Sridevi , Onorato Nicole , Bowles Kathryn H , Topaz Maxim
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Delayed start-of-care nursing visits in home health care (HHC) can result in negative outcomes, such as hospitalization. No previous studies have investigated why start-of-care HHC nursing visits are delayed, in part because most reasons for delayed visits are documented in free-text HHC nursing notes.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to (1) develop and test a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm that automatically identifies reasons for delayed visits in HHC free-text clinical notes and (2) describe reasons for delayed visits in a large patient sample.

METHODS

This study was conducted at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY). We examined data available at the VNSNY on all new episodes of care started in 2019 (N=48,497). An NLP algorithm was developed and tested to automatically identify and classify reasons for delayed visits.

RESULTS

The performance of the NLP algorithm was 0.8, 0.75, and 0.77 for precision, recall, and F-score, respectively. A total of one-third of HHC episodes (n=16,244) had delayed start-of-care HHC nursing visits. The most prevalent identified category of reasons for delayed start-of-care nursing visits was no answer at the door or phone (3728/8051, 46.3%), followed by patient/family request to postpone or refuse some HHC services (n=2858, 35.5%), and administrative or scheduling issues (n=1465, 18.2%). In 40% (n=16,244) of HHC episodes, 2 or more reasons were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

To avoid critical delays in start-of-care nursing visits, HHC organizations might examine and improve ways to effectively address the reasons for delayed visits, using effective interventions, such as educating patients or caregivers on the importance of a timely nursing visit and improving patients’ intake procedures.
TERMAL TURİZMİNDE İMAJ HİZMET KALİTESİ VE TEKRAR TERCİH İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: YALMAN Fuat , SANCAR Tekin
Published: December 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın temel amacı; termal amaçlı seyahat eden bireylerin imaj ve hizmet kalitesi algıları ile tekrar tercih etme davranışları arasındaki ilişkilerin belirlenmesidir.
Yöntem: Araştırma verileri yüz yüze anket tekniği ile 400 kişiden toplanmıştır. Araştırmada kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS ve AMOS paket programları kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde doğrulayıcı faktör analizi, yol analizi, korelasyon analizi, t testi ve Anova analizleri uygulanmıştır.
Bulgular: Aynı zamanda doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ve yol analizi ile elde edilen bulgular, modelin yapı geçerliliğinin sağlandığını göstermiştir. Yol analizine göre, hizmet kalitesi algısının, destinasyon imajı algısını ve tekrar tercih etme davranışını istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde ve pozitif yönde etkilediği tespit edilmiştir.
Sonuç: Hizmet kalitesi algısı ile destinasyon imaj algısı arasında orta düzey; hizmet kalitesi algısı ile tekrar tercih etme davranışı arasında yüksek düzey ve destinasyon imaj algısı ile tekrar tercih etme davranışı arasında ise orta düzey bir ilişkinin var olduğu görülmüştür.
Pemodelan 3D Lapisan Dasar Laut Dan Identifikasi Ketebalan Sedimen Berdasarkan Kombinasi Data Pengukuran Sub-Bottom Profiler Dan Single Beam Echosounder (Studi Kasus: Alur Akses Timur Surabaya)
Authors: Hapsari Windy , Cahyono Bambang Kun
Published: December 2021

Pelabuhan merupakan salah satu fasilitas umum yang memiliki peran penting dalam keselamatan navigasi pelayaran. Shipping yang aman harus didukung dengan pemantauan dan pemeliharaan secara berkala untuk mendapatkan informasi terkini tentang kedalaman, dasar laut, dan sedimentasi. Jika sedimentasi terakumulasi secara terus menerus dalam waktu singkat di alur akses (jalur pelayaran), maka dapat meningkatkan kemungkinan terjadinya kecelakaan kapal. Kajian ini mencoba memetakan dan menganalisis kondisi batimetri dan sedimentasi untuk mendukung pemantauan dan pemeliharaan rutin alur akses Timur Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak Surabaya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah survei akustik berdasarkan data pengukuran Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP) dan Single Beam Echosounder (SBES). Data yang diperoleh kemudian dikoreksi oleh Sound Velocity Profiler (SVP), data pasang surut, dan draft transduser. Kualitas data kemudian diuji berdasarkan IHO SP-44 2008 dan uji t-studentized dengan tingkat kepercayaan 95%. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah model 3 dimensi, profil kedalaman, ketebalan, dan volume lapisan sedimen dasar laut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa alur akses Timur Surabaya memiliki empat lapisan dasar laut yaitu permukaan dan tiga lapisan sedimen di bawahnya. Kedalaman lapisan bervariasi antara 3 m sampai 16,8 m. Kualitas data kedalaman lapisan atas dikontrol oleh IHO S-44 2008 dengan nilai uji hitung 0,509 (nilai toleransi ± 0,509), sedangkan kualitas data SBP (diukur menggunakan t-studentized uji) mendapatkan nilai hitung sebesar -1,287 dengan toleransi ± 1,96. Artinya kualitas datanya bagus. Berdasarkan model 3d, rata-rata ketebalan lapisan secara berurutan adalah 5,84 m, 1,072 m, 0,758 m, dan 6.355 m, sedangkan total volume sedimen adalah 24.894.422,949 m3.