bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating International Students’ Wellbeing
Authors: Ramia Gaby , Marginson Simon , Sawir Erlenawati
Published: February 2022

Using international and cross-country comparative analysis, this book explores how governments influence international student welfare, and how students shape their own opportunities.
Regenerating Deprived Urban Areas
Authors: Hohmann Rene Peter
Published: February 2022

This book compares the impacts of area-based initiatives (ABIs) in two deprived urban areas in England and Germany on organisations and development actors at the neighbourhood level. It applies a mixed method approach to help the reader with a wider spectrum of illustrations and is aimed at those studying and working in the field of urban regeneration and planning.
The Political and Social Construction of Poverty
Authors: Romano Serena
Published: February 2022

This topical book examines the social and political construction of anti-poverty programmes in Central and Eastern Europe, and their transition from communist rule to the current economic crisis. It illustrates how the distinction between different categories of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor has evolved as the result of changing paradigms.
Production Performance of Seed Spices in Rajasthan
Authors: A.V. Mhaskey,
Published: February 2022

"For analyzing the production performance of the seed spices in Rajasthan, the current study was undertaken which covered the period from 1998-99 to 2017-18. The entire period was divided into three sub-periods viz. Period I (1998-99 to 2007-08), Period II (2008-09 to 2017-18), and Overall Period (1998-99 to 2017-18). Four major seed spices mainly coriander, cumin, fennel, and fenugreek were considered for the analysis. The necessary data on the area, production, and productivity were gathered from various annual publications of Government of Rajasthan. This study aimed to analyze the growth rate and instability. For this, analytical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate and Instability Index (Cuddy-Della- Valle Index) were used. The study revealed that all the seed spices except the coriander showed a high growth rate during the overall period. The analysis of the instability indices revealed that the coriander was the most stable crop while fennel was highly unstable. Research-Oriented strategy, latest varieties along with an improved package of practices are necessary to develop as well as strengthen this sector"
"Pricing Decision of Green Tea Leaves Produced by Small Tea Growers in Golaghat District of Assam"
Authors: Kakoty Anitabh
Published: February 2022

"The present study has a focus on the pricing decision of green leaves which is interlinked with different stages of marketing. The small tea growers of Golaghat district of Assam has grown rapidly from the 1990s due to various stimulus present in the tea market. It is viewed that the small tea growers in Assam is almost 15000 in numbers produce only green leaves which is the basic raw material for tea . The green leaves price is dependent on the bought leaf factories decision, role of collection agents and estates factories price fixation, and it is seen that small tea growers are a price taker. The price of the small tea growers is also impacted by its quality and various agro-climatic, agronomic, and pricing formulas. The correlation of prices of tea in different forms in different markets has shown a good degree of importance now a days. However, the price of tea as green leaves is being seriously affected by the rising cost of inputs. The study has recommended for the better quality of tea to gain good price which starts with fine plucking which should be accompanied by orientation towards organic with a lesser degree of absorption of soil with optimal management of tea bushes"
BIOMASS-BASED SOIL IN ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE: CHARACTERISTICS AND WHEAT GRAINS DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Authors: TĂTARU-FARMUȘ Ramona Elena , Zaharia Carmen , ȘUTEU Daniela , BLAGA Alexandra Cristina
Published: February 2022

The biomass-based soils are used in the ecological agriculture, being already proposed in sustainable organic production systems with reduced costs for assuring the good cropping productivity, and also high quality of the crops. For the elimination of the synthetic inorganic fertilizers’ utilization on soil, the use of certain types of residual biomass in mixture with the reference soil was proposed as they have a positive impact on the adsorption and absorption of nutrients and water for the nutrition of plants. The aim of this paper is to present four mixtures of reference soil and residual biomass, considered as biosoil used as support for development of wheat seeds. These biosoils were characterized in terms of real density, actual and potential pH, content of total organic carbon, humus, exchangeable calcium, total and available nitrogen and phosphorus, and the trends of grain seeds germination and plants growth were registered in association with the evolution of soil pH for a period greater than a month. The results encourage the use of these biosoils (mixtures of soil with residual biomass) as support for plants cropping.
INTEGRATING CASHEW (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE) WITH FOOD CROPS: PERCEPTIONS OF FARMERS AT AMOMA, IN THE KINTAMPO SOUTH DISTRICT OF THE BONO EAST REGION OF GHANA
Authors: OFORI Louisa Adomaa , NIMO Eunice , AFELE John Tennyson , AGBENYEGA Olivia
Published: February 2022

Income maximization from cashew products and proper utilization of resources has significantly evolved in Amoma, as a result of cashew diversification with food crops. The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of farmers on integrating cashew with food crops. The study aimed to identify the type of food crops intercropped with cashew, as well as reasons and its associated challenges. A total of 83 respondents were purposively sampled from four communities (Asesase, Kukuroase, Tutuoase and Afapemu). The results indicated that all farmers had knowledge on food crops integration with cashew. Amongst the food crops cultivated with cashew include yam, maize, cassava and groundnut. Reasons stated for integration of food crops include weed control, subsistence use and also financial safety nets. Farmers’ major challenge was financial and also weeds control on their farm. The study concluded that yam was the commonest intercrop of cashew followed maize. Key challenges encountered by farmers were weed invasion and inadequate disposable cash for maintenance practices, such pruning and weeding. In pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), the study recommends that farmers be trained on proper food crop integration methods at Amoma to boost yield, financial stability and enhance living conditions.
Pemilihan Karyawan Terbaik Pada PT. Shippindo Teknologi Logistik Dengan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Prasetyo Raka , Riska Riska , Erdiana Novita Putri
Published: February 2022

In determining the best employees who are skilled and able to contribute to the success of the company, it is necessary to evaluate work performance for all forms of work that have been carried out by these employees. The results of work performance can be used as an opportunity for employees and companies to see the potential from the internal side. From these results, the company can have and see the best employees from all existing employees. And from the employee's point of view, seeing the potential to get rewards from the achievements they make, so that the selection of the best employees becomes a passion for employees and improving work quality. The AHP method is the most widely used because the method is conceptually simple, easy to understand, computationally efficient, and can measure the performance of decision alternatives in a simple mathematical form. Data was collected using interviews, observations, and literature studies. From these results obtained the order of the best employees including Sigit Purnomo ranks first with a percentage of 24.76%, Ajat Rusmanto ranks second with a percentage of 23.99%, Nursan ranks third with a percentage of 19.01%, Taufik Solehudin ranks fourth with a percentage of 17.53%, and Dede Kurniadi ranks fifth with a percentage of 14.71%. The results of the study using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method placed Ajat Rusmanto as the best packing operator
Implementasi Flex Sensor Dan Wireless Module Sebagai Alat Bantu Pasien Afasia Motorik
Authors: Hendri Halifia , Andrianof Harkamsyah , Andrica Putra Okta , Awal Hasri , Novrizal Dendi
Published: February 2022

In the era of technology developing rapidly as it is today, of course, there are many new things being done by the health sector. As a form of convenience in the health sector. With that, the health sector utilizes and applies and develops existing technology as a tool to facilitate and support new adaptations. One of them is by implementing a motor aphasia patient communication system that utilizes the basics of hand kinematics with nurses. This study was conducted aimed at motor aphasia patients and nurses in the health sector. The system is used as a communication tool between motor aphasia patients and nurses. The tool is equipped with a sensor flex as input expenditure command aphasia patient motor by utilizing the basic kinematics of the hand which will then be sent via wireless to the hardware nurse who later dihardware nurses as the output will be sounding the command through the speakers is detected by the sensor flex
VKORC1 gene polymorphism (-1639G>A) in warfarin therapy patients of Pakistani population
Authors: Muhammad Bilal Ghafoor  , Faiza Yasmeen  , Abdul Wadood Khalid  , Ghulam Mustafa  , Shagufta Khaliq  , Shahida Mohsin
Published: February 2022

Objective: To observe vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-1639 G>A polymorphism in patients resistant to warfarin therapy, and to calculate the allele frequency of the polymorphism in local patients.
Method: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, from 2013 to 2014, and comprised patients with heart valve replacement. Thy were divided into warfarin-resistant group 1 taking 10mg/day, 70mg/week, and control group 2 taking a standard dose of 5mg/day, 35mg/week. The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-1639 G>A polymorphism analysis was done by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
Results: Of the 146 patients, there were 73(50%) in each of the two groups.  In group 1, there were 37(50.68%) males and 36(49.32%) were females with an overall mean age of 33±12 years, while group 2 had 36(49.32%) males and 37(50.68%) females with an overall mean age of 37±13 years. There were no significant differences in mean values of age, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and albumin levels between the groups (p>0.05). The G allele was the most frequently found in both groups, with 140(96%) in group-1 and 137(94%) in group-2. Overall, the homozygous GG genotype was significantly higher in the sample 132(90.4%) (p<0.05).
Conclusions: There was evidence found that vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-1639 G>A polymorphism alone may not be the dominant genetic factor associated with warfarin response variability.
Key Words: Warfarin, VKORC1 gene, Single nucleotide polymorphism, PCR-RFLP.
Perspective on newborn screening (NBS): evidence sharing on conditions to be included in NBS in Pakistan
Authors: Majid Hafsa , Jafri Lena , Ahmed Sibtain , Humayun Khadija , Kirmani Salman , Ali Natasha , Moiz Bushra , Khan Aysha Habib , Afroze Bushra
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Newborn screening aims at detecting treatable disorders early so that the treatment can be initiated to prevent mortality and morbidity. Such programmes are well established in most developed countries, and all newborns are screened for selected metabolic, endocrine and other disorders based on disease epidemiology, testing and treatment availability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Even in developing countries, such screening programmes are initiated using heel prick capillary blood collected on filter paper. The current narrative was planned to provide a perspective with evidence in favour of starting newborn screened for different disorders. The programme project should be initiated nationwide, taking one disorder, congenital hypothyroidism, as the prototype and a newborn screening panel can then be extended to include other disorders. A task force should be set up to recommend disorders to be included in the panel, develop the national plan policies, and define procedures to strengthen the testing.
Efficacy of Flaxseed and Fish Oils on Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Safeena Amjad  , Nighat Ahmad  , Asma Afreen  , Shazia Ashraf  , Zaheer Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Objective: To assess the relative efficacy of flaxseed and fish oils in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: The comparative study was conducted in the outpatient department of Rheumatology at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Shadman, Lahore, Pakistan, from July to December 2017, and comprised rheumatoid arthritis patients who were divided into group A receiving 3g/day of flaxseed oil and group B receiving 3g/day of fish oil for 90 days. Blood samples were taken at baseline and post-intervention to note the difference on biochemical parameters. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Results: Of the 60 patients, there were 30(50%) in each of the two groups. Overall, there were 8(13.3%) males and 52(86.7%) females. Both groups showed significant change in all biochemical parameters compared to baseline values (p<0.05). Intergroup comparison showed that flaxseed oil treatment was significantly more effective than fish oil treatment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: While both forms of intervention were found to be effective, flaxseed oil was significantly more effective than fish oil in reducing the inflammation of joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Synovial joints, Flax, Fish oil, Omega 3 fatty acids.
Demographic variables of Vestibular schwannoma’s patients presented in Radio Surgical out- patient department of Cyberknife Robotic Radiosurgery, JPMC Karachi
Authors: Kadri Shazia , Ahmed Naveed , Ghulam Muhammad Aneeta , Saeed Kamran , Ahmad Hashmi Syed Furqan , Mahmood Tariq
Published: February 2022

Objective: To determine the age, gender and sites of vestibular schwannoma cases using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
Method: The retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Cyberknife Robotic Radiosurgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, and comprised data of patients with vestibular schwannomas from January 2016 to September 2018. Some of them were histologically proven and rest were radiologically proven. Cases were reviewed on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 (SPSS) was applied.
Results: Of the 500 cases of vestibular schwannomas identified with 515 tumours, 300(60%) were males and 200(40%) were female. The overall mean age was 42.7+/-14.4 years (range: 17-85 years). Out of 515 tumours, the commonest site was the right cerebellopontine angle in 340(66%) cases. There were 15(3%) cases of radiologically-proven neurofibromatosis type 2.   Overall, 490(98%) patients had main clinical complaint of progressive unilateral hearing loss, 5(1%) had vertigo and 5(1%) had facial palsy.
Conclusion: Vestibular schwannomas were found to be more common among adults, with male preponderance and right cerebellopontine angle being the common site.
Key Words: Vestibular schwannoma, VS=, Cerebellopontine angle, P angle, MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging, Neurofibromatosis type II, NF II.
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Predictors of sleep paralysis and relationship of sleep paralysis with sleep quality in university students of Islamabad
Authors: Mehwish Riaz  , Muhammad Hamza Rabbani  , Muhammad Junaid Sabir  , Musarat Ali Khan  , Nauman Manzoor  , Muhammad Nauman Chaudhry
Published: February 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of sleep paralysis among university students, and to determine the association between sleep paralysis and sleep quality along with different predictive factors leading to sleep paralysis.
Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June to October, 2019, and comprised adult students of either gender who had experienced at least one episode of sleep paralysis in the past. Demographic variables were obtained using Google Form, while experiences of sleep paralysis were assessed using the Waterloo Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed with the Sleep Condition Indicator. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
Results: Initially, 440 students were assessed/ Of them, 233(53%) were males, 207(47%) were females, 208(47.3%) were aged 20-23 years, and 129(29.3%) were studying in the third year of their university programme. Of the total, 130(29.5%) subjects had experienced sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime. The most frequent sensation experienced was feeling of floating 22(16.9%). Mean age at the time of the first experience was 9.7±3.1 years, and 66(50.8%) had experienced the episodes while lying on their back, while 32(24.6%) had positive family history of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis had significant relationship with sleep quality (p<0.001).
Conclusion: About one-third of the sample had experienced sleep paralysis once in their lifetime. The relationship between sleep paralysis and insomnia was significant.
Key Words: Insomnia, Sleep paralysis.
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Mother-NICU: An approach to reducing the Neonatal Mortality Burden
Authors: Siddiqua Ayesha , Haniya Waseem
Published: February 2022

Respected Mam,
Pakistan ranks 3rd on highest newborn deaths by WHO. 75% of all neonatal occur during the first week of life, with the  most common causes being preterm birth, birth asphyxia, infections and birth defects.(1) Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one of the best options to provide care for premature babies in low socioeconomic countries (LSIC).It involves continuous skin-to-skin contact of the  infant with the mother and feeding of exclusively breast milk. It reduces neonatal mortality, improves weight gain, reduces hospital stay and promotes mother-infant attachment. Currently, WHO recommends initiation of continuous KMC sessions when an infant has stabilized (2), which is usually after the first week of life in which most neonatal deaths happen. Previously studies showed that immediate KMC (iKMC) during incubator care before stabilization improves the survival of preterm (LBW) low birth weight infants (3, 4). A recent multicenter trial(5) was conducted WHO KMC study group in five LSIC to study the efficacy of iKMC among LBW infants. The results showed significant improvement (25%) in neonatal survival. The trial was stopped early owing to the finding of reduced mortality among infants receiving iKMC. For the provision of iKMC, establishment of mother- Neonatal Intensive Care Units (M-NICU) is essential. In standard NICU, the mother is only a visitor but in M-NICU, she is a permanent resident with mother’s beds alongside the baby’s warmer/incubator. This facilitates longer iKMC sessions and she becomes an active caregiver to the baby. (6) Currently there are only 17 established KMC wards in Pakistan where UNICEF provides necessary equipment and training to healthcare staff. The establishment of M-MICU’s reduce the neonatal mortality rate in LSIC like Pakistan. It involves the collaboration of administration and funding stakeholders to convert existing NICU to M-NICU’s. Team work of Gynae/Obs and Neonatology departments is needed to provide post-delivery care to mothers in M-NICU’s, KMC training to health care staff, surrogates for mothers who are unable to provide iKMC due to major post-op complications and awareness campaigns to make the concept of KMC more acceptable in our society.
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Patient Satisfaction Service Experience Influence at Pertiwi Special Hospital for Mothers and Children, South Sulawesi
Authors: Nurfitriani Nurfitriani , Paradilla Mene , Jariyah Ainun
Published: February 2022

Patient satisfaction must be obtained in order to compete in the hospital sector, which tends to develop at a faster rate than current demands. The purpose of this research is to examine if Service Experience has an influence on patient satisfaction at the Mother and Child Regional Special Hospital in South Sulawesi Province's inpatient installation. This is a quantitative study that combines an observational design with a cross sectional study design. Using the Accidental Sampling technique, the samples in this research consisted of 65 respondents who were inpatients at the Mother and Child Hospital of the Motherland. The findings indicated that service experience as measured by functional clues, mechanic clues, humanic cues, and perceived value all had an influence on patient satisfaction. It is advised that all officers, including management and staff, maintain the dimensions of a positive service experience. Ascertain that expectations, wishes, and requirements are met in accordance with hospital standards, particularly in the dimensions of functional and humanic signals, by enhancing the sensitivity of nurses in handling/care that may assist with complaints. Patients, there has to be an increase in customer value initiatives so that patients experience a sense of pride while seeking care at the hospital.
VARIED MANIFESTATION OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN
Authors: Lenka Subismita , Choudhury Swagatika , Pattanayak Shibani
Published: February 2022

Men and women might experience various kinds of depression in varied ways, and while they do share many signs and symptoms, experts argue that deeper insights into distinctions can benefit affected individuals. The death rate amongst women due to depression has been twice the rate of men during the Covid 19 pandemic, be at home or at frontlines. Our paper aimed to evaluate the disparities found at the onset of Covid 19 in the areas of mental health and domestic violence between men and women. During Covid-19 pandemic very limited research was conducted on the mental health issues of women. We believe that this paper will contribute to recognise the role that women play both at home and at work.
The Airport Disaster Preparedness Program: A Lesson Learned from Recent Indonesia’s Earthquake in 2018
Authors: Herqutanto Herqutanto , Pakasi Trevino A. , Wijaya Albert , Anthony Garry
Published: February 2022

Introduction. In the event of a disaster, an airport serves two essential roles, as the central hub for incoming supplies such as food and medication and provide a lifeline to the affected communities, and as a coordination and information center to register, brief, and task for the incoming humanitarian organizations and rescue teams. What happens if the disaster itself impacts the airport? This paper describes the conditions at Palu airport during an earthquake and the state one year after.

Method. This is a qualitative study, utilizing information gathered from interviews, articles in newspapers, and reports from official websites. Findings from the official websites were confirmed with findings from newspapers or other printed media and were also confirmed with the results of the observations and interviews. The interviews were conducted with several key informants at the airport. Data were then analyzed verbatim and written in a narrative description.

Result and Discussion. Many factors contributed to the chaos at Palu Airport. The earthquake's impact was significant enough for a small airport such as Palu Airport. There was no clear incident command system and coordination between institutions within the airport and the city. There was a lack of disaster readiness planning and regular training before the earthquake. The first initial training in 2009 was not followed up.

Conclusion. The 2018-earthquake in Palu was a big disaster that impacted the airport. Lack of capacity was related to the discontinuity of the 2009 training into a continuous disaster management program. The unclear management system inside the airport and the local authority worsened the impact of the disaster on both the airport and the community.
Environmental Pollution towards the Workplace in the Philippines
Authors: Lu Jinky Leilanie
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Air pollution is an emerging global concern, especially in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions; smoke-belching and emissions from vehicles on the road are associated with air pollution. In the Philippines, the Clean Air Act of 1999 was passed to address the growing concern for poor air quality to cover mobile sources such as vehicles.

Objective. This study aimed to come up with a descriptive analysis of emissions of vehicles as this has an impact on air pollution and road-environmental safety.

Methodology. This study analyzed a secondary database of vehicle emissions violation cases from the Land Transportation Organization (LTO) office in Region 11, the Philippines. The study was retrospective in nature and involved a review of traffic violation cases. The data were encoded and analyzed using the SPSS ver. 23 software program.

Results. Two hundred eighty-two vehicle emission standard violations were recorded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from 2018 to 2019. Most cases were from 2018 (72.7%), with January (30.9%) recorded the highest number of unsafe vehicle emission standard violation cases. Of the apprehended drivers, the majority (88.3%) were of the driving professional license category. All the drivers (100.0%) were caught due to the violation of smoke-belching (V16). In comparison, a small proportion was also seen as cases of driving without a valid driver’s license or conductor’s permit (1.8%) and failure to carry driver’s license/OR/CR (0.8%). All the violators were caught on daytime working and rush hours, between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm. More than half of the apprehended drivers’ vehicles (55.3%) were classified as for hire, while the remaining (41.8%) were classified as private vehicles. The majority (99.3%) of the vehicles did not pass the first emissions standards. Meanwhile, the most common vehicles caught for unsafe emissions were UV vehicles (n = 239). The vehicles caught for dangerous emissions were more than ten years old, with one-third (35.9%) of the vehicles were between 10 to 19 years old. The mean years of use or age of the vehicle were 15.724 ± 8.553 years. Opacity results for the first emission testing were 6.691 ± 2.404, while the Average Light Absorption (ALA) coefficient for the second emissions testing was 1.102 ± 0.577.

Conclusion. This study provided an overview of unsafe vehicle emissions within an urban city and suggested a need for more robust monitoring of vehicle emissions within safe limits. Vehicles that do not meet safety standards should not be allowed on the road, and disposal of old inefficient running vehicles may be beneficial in reducing dangerous air pollution.
New records of Psocoptera species from Bulgaria
Authors: Georgiev Dilian
Published: February 2022

Four Psocoptera species are reported as new records for Bulgaria: Valenzuela corsicus (Kolbe, 1882) (Ihtimanska Sredna Gora Mts), Reuterella helvimacula (Enderlein, 1901) (Rila Mts), Mesopsocus helveticus Lienhard, 1977 and Hyalopsocus contrarius (Reuter, 1893) (both from Sakar Mts). After this article there are a total of 71 psocid species known from the country.
Involvement of Women And Minorities in The Urban Forestry Profession
Authors: Kuhns Michael R. , Bragg Hope A. , Blahna Dale J.
Published: February 2022

In a nationwide U.S. study, we found that 10% of urban forestry professionals were women and 5% minorities. Women generally were younger, better educated, and had less time in their profession than white males, and they most often held public or private nonprofit positions. Minorities were older and less educated than women or white males. Compared to white males, there was a considerably higher proportion of minorities and a lower proportion of females in higher income categories (above US$50,000 per year). We describe the profession’s demographics and discuss reasons for and implications of a relative lack of diversity in this profession.
Trees And Wind: A Bibliography For Tree Care Professionals
Authors: Cullen Scott
Published: February 2022

Arborists and urban foresters frequently refer to “wind loads,” “sail areas,” and so forth but may have limited knowledge of the forces and underlying concepts involved. While there is extensive tree-wind literature, very little has appeared in tree care publications. This article presents a collected tree-wind bibliography and some comments on its use.
Characteristics of Trees According to Community Population Level and By Land Use in the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Iakovoglou Valasia , Thompson Jan , Burras Lee
Published: February 2022

Long-term urban tree growth is crucial because of the need for tree-derived benefits and high placement costs. This study was conducted in five U.S. midwestern states to examine how tree characteristics are related to community population level and land-use type. Age, height, diameter, and average growth rates for the last decade were measured on 328 trees. When evaluated in terms of community population, trees in rural parks were older than trees in small, medium, and large towns. Adjusted mean growth rate was lower in rural parks than in small, medium, and large towns. When evaluated in terms of land use, both mean age and mean growth rate were higher for trees in city parks than in commercial sites. Trees in residential areas had intermediate age, size, and growth rate characteristics. Of the five species studied, silver maple, honeylocust, and hackberry performed well in a variety of settings.
Missouri Urban Forest—a Ten-Year Comparison
Authors: Gartner Justine T. , Treiman Thomas , Frevert Tim
Published: February 2022

A follow-up urban tree survey of 44 Missouri, U.S. towns was completed in 1999 by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These sample plots were first surveyed in 1989 in cooperation with the American Forestry Association and the USDA Forest Service as part of a nationwide survey of urban forests. Information recorded included tree location, a categorical variable for “right tree in the right place,” a tree history (topped or not), and individual tree data such as species, size class, and condition. A comparison of data shows significant changes in Missouri’s urban forests. Results show more trees but a decline in their condition. Missouri’s urban forests are becoming more diverse. The top six tree species constitute 37% of those surveyed in 1999, as compared to 48% found in 1989. The average value of a Missouri street tree increased by US$642.
Wind, Size, and Tree Safety
Authors: Niklas Karl J.
Published: February 2022

To persist and survive in any environment, a tree must be mechanically reliable and achieve a reasonable factor of safety. This safety factor, which must be adjusted over the course of plant growth, can be computed for stems and roots based on the quotient of the working load and load-bearing capacity of each organ. This method is illustrated for the stems of cherry trees(Prunus serotina)and for the root systems of an arborescent columnar cactus(Pachycereus pringlei)differing in size. The factor of safety of these organs decreases with increasing plant size. The susceptibility of stems and roots to mechanical failure thus increases as plants grow in mass or height. However, the risk of wind-induced tree failure is reduced in the case of cherry trees by the selective wind-failure of small peripheral branches, which reduces the overall drag forces and bending moments acting on trunks. In the case of the columnar cactus, the demand for root water absorption/ storage may take precedence over anchorage as plants increase in overall size. These two case studies illustrate that manifold factors of safety must be considered and ranked simultaneously in terms of the probability of damage or death for different environmental risk factors.
Branch Morphology Impacts Compartmentalization of Pruning Wounds
Authors: Eisner Nathan J. , Gilman Edward F. , Grabosky Jason C.
Published: February 2022

Branch diameter relative to the trunk diameter (aspect ratio) impacted the amount of discolored wood that developed in the trunk after branch removal in seedling-propagated red maple (Acer rubrumL.) and live oak (Quercus virginianaL.). More discoloration resulted from removing codominant stems than removing branches that were small compared to trunk diameter. Limbs with aspect ratios greater than 0.39 and 0.59, for live oak and red maple, respectively, resulted in severe trunk discoloration after removal. The presence of branch collars was an indicator of strong compartmentalization potential in both species. Branches having pith that was continuous with trunk pith developed more extensive discoloration after removal than those without pith connections for both red maple and live oak. Pith connections could be predicted in both species based on the presence of branch collars and angle of branch attachment. There was more variability in discoloration among individual live oak trees than among red maples. Cambium dieback, which is often associated with removing codominant stems, was not affected by any of the branch characteristics measured including aspect ratio.
COVID-19: A Developing Crisis for Quantitative Reasoning
Authors: Grawe Nathan
Published: February 2022

Assessment data show substantial learning losses resulting from pandemic-era teaching and learning. While all learning domains have been affected, mathematics performance shows particularly large losses among elementary and secondary school students. Advocates for quantitative reasoning in high schools and colleges should anticipate weaker levels of basic numeracy among entering cohorts for a decade to come. As a consequence, the urgency to reform curricula and student support has never been greater.
Bladder cancer in Saudi Arabia: a registry-based nationwide descriptive epidemiological and survival analysis
Authors: Alghafees Mohammad Ali , Alqahtani Meshari A. , Musalli Ziyad F. , Alasker Ahmed
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Our understanding of the risk factors, prevalence, incidence rate, and age distribution of bladder cancer (BC) in Saudi Arabia is insufficient due to limited data.

OBJECTIVE:

Describe the epidemiology and analyze factors associated with survival in patients with BC in Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN:

Retrospective medical record review.

SETTINGS:

Registry-based nationwide study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study included all records in the Saudi Cancer Registry of patients diagnosed with a primary BC from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. Collected data included year of diagnosis, gender, age, marital status, region and nationality, tumor site of origin, tumor histological subtype, tumor behavior, tumor grade, tumor extent, tumor laterality, the basis of the diagnosis, and survival status. Factors predicting survival were tested by a Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Mortality status on last contact.

SAMPLE SIZE:

3750 patients.

RESULTS:

The overall incidence of BC was 1.4 per 100 000 persons. Significant differences in the distribution of survival were observed by age, gender, nationality, place of residency, tumor morphology, tumor grade and extension. The adjusted predictors of decreased survival were age, squamous cell carcinoma, Grade III and IV bladder tumors, regional direct extension, regional lymph node extension, combined regional lymph node and direct extension, and distant metastasis. Male gender and being widowed were predictors of improved survival in the unadjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION:

This study provides further understanding of BC in a region with a high prevalence of risk factorsuch as smoking. Highlighting these factors, specifically in Saudi Arabia, improves evidence-based practice in this region and may facilitate appropriate care to optimize outcomes.

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective study and underreporting.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.
Evaluation of two common source estimation measurement strategies using large-eddy simulation of plume dispersion under neutral atmospheric conditions
Authors: Ražnjević Anja , van Heerwaarden Chiel , Krol Maarten
Published: February 2022

Abstract. This study uses large-eddy simulations (LES) to evaluate two widely-used observational techniques that estimate point source emissions. We evaluate the use of car measurements perpendicular to the wind direction and the commonly used Other Tracer Method 33A (OTM33A). The LES study simulates a plume from a point source released into a stationary, homogeneous and neutral atmospheric surface layer over flat terrain. This choice is motivated by our ambition to validate the observational methods under controlled conditions where they are expected to perform well since the sources of uncertainties are minimized. Three plumes with different release heights were sampled in a manner that mimics sampling according to car transects and the stationary OTM33A method. Subsequently, source strength estimates are compared to the true source strength used in the simulation. Standard deviations of the estimated source strengths decay proportionally to the inverse of the square root of the number of averaged transects, showing statistical independence of individual samples. The analysis shows that for the car transect measurements at least 15 repeated measurement series need to be averaged to obtain a source strength within 40 % of the true source strength. For the OTM33A analysis, which recommends measurements within 200 m from the source, the estimates of source strengths have similar values close to the source, which is caused by insufficient dispersion of the plume by turbulent mixing close to the source. Additionally, the derived source strength is substantially overestimated with the OTM33A method. This overestimation is driven by the proposed OTM33A dispersion coefficients, which are too large for this specific case. This suggests that the conditions under which the OTM33A dispersion constants were derived, were likely influenced by motions with length scales beyond the scale of the surface layer. Lastly, our simulations indicate that, due to wind-shear effects, the position of the time-averaged centerline of the plumes may differ from the plume emission height. This mismatch can be an additional source of error if a Gaussian plume model (GPM) is used to interpret the measurement. In case of the car transect measurements, a correct source estimate then requires an adjustment of the source height in the GPM.
A flux tower dataset tailored for land model evaluation
Authors: Ukkola Anna M. , Abramowitz Gab , De Kauwe Martin G.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Eddy covariance flux towers measure the exchange of water, energy,
and carbon fluxes between the land and atmosphere. They have become
invaluable for theory development and evaluating land models. However, flux
tower data as measured (even after site post-processing) are not directly
suitable for land surface modelling due to data gaps in model forcing
variables, inappropriate gap-filling, formatting, and varying data quality.
Here we present a quality-control and data-formatting pipeline for tower
data from FLUXNET2015, La Thuile, and OzFlux syntheses and the resultant
170-site globally distributed flux tower dataset specifically designed for
use in land modelling. The dataset underpins the second phase of the Protocol for the Analysis of Land Surface
Models (PALS) Land Surface Model Benchmarking Evaluation Project (PLUMBER), an international model
intercomparison project encompassing >20 land surface and
biosphere models. The dataset is provided in the Assistance for Land-surface
Modelling Activities (ALMA) NetCDF format and is CF-NetCDF compliant. For
forcing land surface models, the dataset provides fully gap-filled
meteorological data that have had periods of low data quality removed.
Additional constraints required for land models, such as reference
measurement heights, vegetation types, and satellite-based monthly leaf area
index estimates, are also included. For model evaluation, the dataset
provides estimates of key water, carbon, and energy variables, with the
latent and sensible heat fluxes additionally corrected for energy balance
closure. The dataset provides a total of 1040 site years covering the period
1992–2018, with individual sites spanning from 1 to 21 years. The dataset is
available at http://doi.org/10.25914/5fdb0902607e1
(Ukkola et al., 2021).
New gridded dataset of rainfall erosivity (1950–2020) on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Yueli , Duan Xingwu , Ding Minghu , Qi Wei , Wei Ting , Li Jianduo
Published: February 2022

Abstract. The risk of water erosion on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), a typical fragile ecological area, is increasing with climate change. Rainfall erosivity maps are useful for understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall erosivity and identifying vulnerable regions. This study generated a gridded annual rainfall erosivity dataset of the TP for 1950–2020 using a new approach based on 1-min precipitation observations at 1787 weather stations and 0.25° hourly European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5 (ERA5) precipitation data. We conclude that ERA5 is generally useful for mapping annual rainfall erosivity on the TP, considering the high correlation coefficient and consistent spatiotemporal patterns between the ERA5-based and observed annual rainfall erosivity. In addition, obvious underestimation of the ERA5-based annual rainfall erosivity was found. After correction by a multiplier factor map, the annual rainfall erosivity values for 2013–2020 are in good agreement with the observed values in terms of the correction coefficient and probability density. Finally, a new annual rainfall erosivity dataset for 1950–2020 was produced after the ERA5-based annual rainfall erosivity values were corrected. We found that the area-averaged mean annual rainfall erosivity on the TP is 307 MJ·mm·ha−1·h−1 and tends to decrease from southeast to northwest. Key regions with large rainfall erosivity potential are concentrated in the Bomi–West Sichuan and Dawang–Chayu areas. This new annual rainfall erosivity dataset could extend our knowledge of rainfall erosivity patterns and provide fundamental data for quantifying soil erosion in the TP.
CO-REGISTRATION OF TLS POINT CLOUDS WITH SCAN-PATCHES AND BIM-FACES
Authors: Gruner F. , Romanschek E. , Wujanz D. , Clemen C.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. To geometrically compare point clouds with Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, they must be transformed to the same coordinate system. The determination of the transformation parameters is called registration. If another model is used instead of control points, the term co-registration has recently been established. The plane-based (relative) registration of point clouds from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is successfully used in practice with high accuracy and quality assurance. Based on this, we present a special co-registration approach, that makes use of planes from BIM models. Most buildings have a large number of planar faces, so it is obvious to use faces from BIM. We present intermediate research results of an approach that uses the local planes (patches) of the TLS point clouds also to determine the transformation parameters for the registration to BIM. The aim is to avoid the need of ground control points. The approach requires a (partially) existing BIM model in which the highly precise point cloud is to be registered. In the long term, the procedure is developed for automated construction progress documentation.
BIM AND GIS DATA INTEGRATION FOR THE EVALUATION OF BUILDING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kadhim N.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Building performance and condition assessment necessitate the integration of a variety of data sources, including building features, element/system properties, and supporting documentation. Previous research has concentrated on locating these data and establishing a building performance analytical framework using various techniques. However, due to challenges with traditional methods in monitoring the performance of a building within the default life of its construction, the maintenance procedure takes time and effort. This issue reflects the widespread omission of the appearance and progression of structural and non-structural faults in buildings, as well as a lack of methods for radical and speedy treatment. To overcome this issue, this research proposes a technique for integrating BIM and GIS data for building performance assessment. This will enable better-informed judgments about how to accelerate and optimise in-service asset operations and maintenance. The findings are also important for the advancement of GIS and BIM linked structural integrity evaluation solutions in the future. There are some important conclusions to be derived, as well as some possible future research subjects.
GEOSPATIAL MONITORING OF ENGINEERING STRUCTURES AS A PART OF BIM
Authors: Shults R.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Among the various civil engineering tasks, geospatial monitoring of engineering structures takes an essential place. In the digital era, the concept of geospatial monitoring needs a total re-definition. The widespread dissemination of BIM creates new opportunities and challenges simultaneously for the monitoring problem. The presented paper aims to develop the new concept of geospatial monitoring tailored to BIM features and possibilities. The interrelationship of BIM, building life cycle, and geospatial monitoring of engineering structures has been demonstrated. The critical element of geospatial monitoring is its workflow. Up today, BIM is considered separately from monitoring workflow. However, the main stages of geospatial monitoring cannot get by without BIM. That is why the new monitoring workflow with BIM support has been suggested. The workflow takes into account three main stages: design, data collection, and analysis. For each of these stages, the role and application of BIM have been examined. The question of geospatial monitoring design has been addressed, and the new approach to monitoring design with BIM involvement has been suggested. It was pointed out the meaning of BIM for the data collection stage and especially for analysis. The refined concept of geospatial monitoring has been considered as a case study of high-rise building monitoring.