bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 308 older-age participants in an English birth cohort: variability and correlates
Authors: Eastwood Sophie V , Orini Michele , Wong Andrew , Chiesa Scott T , King-Robson Joshua , Scott Jonathan , Chaturvedi Nishi
Published: June 2024

Introduction & BackgroundEpochs of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia may each increase risk of common chronic diseases and impair both cognitive and physical function even in people without diabetes. Older people may have greater frequency of adverse glycaemic excursions, partly due to disordered autonomic function and sleep quality. Data for older, non-diabetic people are however scant.
Objectives & Approach1) To describe blood glucose variability (completed) and 2) its socio-demographic and lifestyle correlates in a predominantly non-diabetic cohort of older adults (planned). Participants were recruited during 2021-2023 from an English birth cohort (the 1946 National Survey for Health and Development Study). They wore a continuous glucose monitor (Freestyle libre Abbott), which measured circulating glucose four times/hour, for seven days. Summary statistics and time outside range (4.4-7.8mmol/L) were calculated. Further information on glycaemic excursions and day-to-day variability will be gleaned using the R “iglu” package. For all CGM summary and excursion measures, future analyses will investigate: associations with HbA1c, socio-demographics, body composition, physical activity, diet and alcohol use. Results will be stratified by sleep/ wake time periods estimated from simultaneous actigraphy (Philips Actiwatch Spectrum Plus). Sensitivity analyses will exclude people taking hypo/ hyperglycaemic medications and those with diabetes.
Relevance to Digital FootprintsDerived summary measures can be used by future studies to give insights into glycaemic variability as a population-level risk factor. This work will bring together multiple data sources, i.e. from CGM, actigraphy and baseline cohort data.
ResultsParticipants were aged 75-76 years, 45% female and 10% had diagnosed diabetes; median (IQR) BMI was 26.8 (24.6-29.2) kg/m2. CGM data from 308 participants was collected, for a median (IQR) of 6.9 (6.7-7.6) days. Average glucose over the recording period was 5.7mmol/L (5.3-6.2mmol/L), standard deviation was 1.0mmol/L (0.8-1.3mmol/L), time outside range was 12.8% (6.2-24.7%) and 16% of participants spent ≥1 hour/day above and ≥1 hour/day below range.
Conclusions & ImplicationsCGM was feasible for this cohort of older adults, and demonstrated high levels of time outside range for a predominantly non-diabetic group. Future analysis will determine whether enhanced characterisation of glycaemic variability is a potentially more accurate tool for predicting future disease risk than isolated glucose measurements.
Challenges in access, representativeness, and bias in smart financial data relating to income volatility and economic insecurity.
Authors: Bourne Nathan , Spencer Michael , Berry Oliver
Published: June 2024

Introduction & BackgroundFinancial transaction data are highly valuable sources of digital footprints data for behavioural and economic research, but to properly create impact we must closely consider their limitations.
Financial institutions hold a wealth of consumer data with untapped potential for community intelligence. These datasets combine excellent coverage with extremely granular information on consumer finances, income and spending, yet these institutions face great challenges in leveraging this data for social good. Smart Data Foundry is a university-owned, non-profit organisation that facilitates safe access to these datasets for researchers and provides insights to enable government bodies to tackle today's major challenges including the cost-of-living crisis and climate change.
Objectives & ApproachWe will explore the opportunities afforded by these datasets for social and economic research. For example, using pseudonymised individual consumer banking data from NatWest Group, we have developed metrics for understanding income volatility and economic insecurity in collaboration with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. We can also use these data to study consumer spending patterns and responses to economic changes such as interest rate rises and the net zero transition. We will assess the limitations of the data including issues of representativeness, bias, and missing data, and describe methods and mitigations to account for these challenges. We also discuss the barriers to accessing this type of data, in both relationship development with data partners, and privacy and governance concerns.
Relevance to Digital FootprintsIndividual level customer transaction data provides a rich and novel form of digital footprint for behavioural and economic analyses. Every point of income or expenditure is recorded in a uniquely valuable digital footprint by financial institutions. These can provide a variety of insights, such as responses to macroeconomic shocks across demographic sets, emerging areas of financial distress, and help us better understand the drivers and risks of financial vulnerability. In both its aggregated and individual form, the data can provide an additional layer of understanding for trends we may see in other data, such as health or administrative data.
Conclusions & ImplicationsHaving addressed the challenges of data access and data quality, we demonstrate that consumer banking data is an incredibly valuable form of digital footprints data, capturing key information on consumer behaviour. We conclude with a call for further research to develop use cases of this data for social good.
Using social media metrics and linked survey data to understand survey behaviors
Authors: Al Baghal Tarek , Serodio Paulo , Liu Shujun , Sloan Luke , Jessop Curtis
Published: June 2024

Introduction & BackgroundLinking social media and survey data at the individual level has the potential to add evidence to a variety of research questions. To make this data openly available to others, social media data need to be converted into useful metrics that minimise issues of disclosure while maximising utility. This research explores linkages of Twitter data and survey data in the Understanding Society Innovation panel, focusing on the usage of non-disclosive metrics created from Twitter data alongside the similarly anonymised survey data.
Objectives & ApproachThe Innovation Panel asked for consent to link Twitter data to survey responses and data has been collected from the Twitter API. However, Twitter’s unstructured nature necessitates creating measures that can be used jointly with linked survey data. We have developed a framework to create social media metrics that can be combined with survey data that also remove any disclosive data, so these data can be widely shared for maximum utility. The current research analyses these data to understand what the metrics look like through presentation of descriptive statistics. We also begin to show these data may be used in combination with survey data through inclusion of a set of metrics in logistic regression models predicting attrition and measurement of mental health.
Relevance to Digital FootprintsSocial media is a prevalent aspect of social life and leaves a substantial digital footprint. However, there are a number of limitations to these data, including a lack of understanding of who is producing the data, and having the ability to relate these to a variety of specific (and possibly higher quality) measures for a representative sample of the population. Linkage to surveys address these problems and can lead to new research opportunities using digital footprint data.
ResultsWhile small sample sizes impact the power of some analyses, the methods developed are illustrative of ways to use this novel data source. Results show that there is high variation in the created metrics, and initial analysis shows that the inclusion of a set of user-level Twitter data is not significantly related to attrition. However, more accounts followed on Twitter and the number of user retweets are significantly related to higher levels of mental distress on the GHQ scale.
Conclusions & ImplicationsOverall, there is some evidence that social media helps to understand survey outcomes, perhaps more so on measurement outcomes. This study provides an initial start on how to use these curated linked social media and survey data, and we note there are other social media networks that we can apply this strategy to; for example, LinkedIn, particularly with changes made to Twitter (X).
Enhancing Cognitive Learning: A Comparative Analysis of E-Learning Media Tailored to Different Learning Styles
Authors: Winarti Atiek , Almubarak Almubarak , Sundari Titi , Sumardjoko Bambang , Nzuza Zakhele
Published: June 2024

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of e-learning media based on learning style in the form of e-posters, podcasts, and interactive videos on students' cognitive learning outcomes. This type of research is quantitative research. This study used a sample of 32 grade X PMIA 1 SMA Negeri 3 Banjarmasin students. This research uses Google Classroom as a platform for learning activities. Learning media in the form of e-posters, podcasts, interactive videos, and student learning outcomes can be downloaded and uploaded on Google Classroom. The research instrument used is a learning style questionnaire containing 30 statements. Data analysis in this study used a normality test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test. The cognitive learning outcomes of students with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles were 90.66%, 93.33%, and 87.33%, respectively, with ­N-gain  values of 0.75, 0.80, and 0.71. Based on data analysis, the results of this study show that e-learning media based on learning style is efficacious in improving the cognitive learning outcomes of students with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. This learning style-based e-learning media can be applied to other chemical materials or subjects. The study employed-N-gain values to analyst the learning outcomes of the students. The - N gain values for students with visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles were 0.75, 0,80 and 0.71 respectively.  Overall, the data suggests that the learning outcomes of the students were quite positive and that the use of various learning media and Google Classroom as a platform can be effective in enhancing students learning outcomes.
Empowering STEAM Learning Implementation through Investigating Indonesian Teacher Experts’ Views with a Delphi Method
Authors: Laksmiwati Pasttita Ayu , Lavicza Zsolt , Cahyono Adi Nur
Published: June 2024

STEAM education has been increasingly adopted by teachers globally in educational settings spanning from elementary school to high school level. However, the challenge is in ensuring that STEAM education adaptation remains relevant to students. In this study, we examined Indonesian teacher experts’ points of view on the pedagogical guidelines for assisting teachers in developing STEAM lessons that are relevant for their students in the Indonesian context. This study employed the Delphi method and involved the participation of eighty teacher experts during a series of three rounds of evaluation processes by analyzing the consensus levels and agreement between rounds. Data were obtained through an online form and subsequently analyzed by descriptive qualitative methods to investigate the quality of several design principles and acquire teacher experts’ recommendations. The findings revealed the consensus between the three rounds on the quality of the design principles. Moreover, the results of this study highlight main dimensions involving technology usage, assessment, contextual problems, integrated STEAM learning, and classroom implementation, which might contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of STEAM education. Therefore, the findings provide recommendations for future research and explorations by focusing on the main dimensions that should be prioritized.
conteúdos matemáticos para processos de produção de significados: uma possibilidade para formação de professores de matemática
Authors: Linardi Patricia Rosana , Oliveira Viviane Cristina Almada de , Santos João Ricardo Viola dos
Published: June 2024

Neste ensaio apresentamos uma discussão a respeito da formação (matemática) do professor de Matemática. Na primeira parte, destacamos apontamentos de algumas pesquisas que tratam do tema, delimitando um terreno para nossas discussões. Na segunda, apresentamos alguns trabalhos que abordam essa temática, os quais tomam como principal referência teórico-metodológica o Modelo dos Campos Semânticos. Na terceira e última parte, problematizamos e apontamos alguns delineamentos para a construção de outras possibilidades de formação para/com professores de Matemática. Uma delas seria uma organização de processos de formação de professores tomando como referência atividades baseadas em categorias do cotidiano. A partir de situações apresentadas a professores e futuros professores, discussões e problematizações podem ser produzidas por meio de compartilhamentos e ampliações de modos de produção de significados, em tentativas de um detalhamento das diferenças e não da substituição e hierarquização de conhecimentos, o que não exclui abordagens de conteúdos tidos como matemáticos e prescritos em currículos.
processo de validação em atividades de modelagem matemática
Authors: Almeida Lourdes Maria Werle de , Koalek Rosangela Maria
Published: June 2024

O artigo dirige-se à investigação da validação em atividades de modelagem matemática, tendo como objetivo a organização de um framework relativo à validação nessas atividades mediante uma triangulação de dados para dar coerência e coesão aos resultados. Para a organização do framework um quadro teórico relativamente à temática é capturado. Além disso, uma pesquisa empírica é realizada com alunos de um curso de Licenciatura em Matemática. A reunião dos dados empíricos e da estrutura teórica permite caracterizar entendimentos, a importância e modos de realizar a validação na modelagem matemática. Embora possa ser reconhecida como etapa final nos ciclos de modelagem, não se pode pensar a validação como processo cumulativo que só se inicia ao final da atividade e do qual apenas decorre aceitação ou refutação. Ao invés disso, ela pode atuar como agente de iteratividade e orientar os processos decisórios dos alunos, sendo que mecanismos de validação podem ser ativados em diferentes etapas da atividade. O que se pode concluir, portanto, é que, ainda que ações pontuais sejam reconhecidas, é na validação da totalidade da modelagem que reside a eficiência da validação como meio de gerar confiabilidade no que se pode dizer de uma situação da realidade por meio da matemática.
ANÁLISE DO COMPORTAMENTO DOS COLABORADORES NO HOME-OFFICE A PARTIR DOS NOVOS HÁBITOS GERADOS PELA PANDEMIA DO COVID-19
Authors: Matsuda Patricia , Almeida Fabíola Almeida , Rebouças Gabrielle , MacLennan Maria Laura Ferranty
Published: June 2024

Com o surgimento do Covid-19 e o alto índice de contaminação ao redor do mundo, fazendo com que a OMS (Organização Mundial da Saúde) decretasse uma pandemia em 2020, fez-se necessária a criação de diversas medidas de segurança e higiene por parte dos governos dos países do globo. Um recurso utilizado com o intuito de frear a disseminação do vírus é o distanciamento social e se teve então uma maior adoção do modelo de trabalho chamado home-office. Se definiu o objetivo central dessa pesquisa analisar o comportamento do colaborador no home-office, a partir dos novos hábitos gerados pela pandemia da Covid-19. Com o intuito de coletar as informações, foi aplicada uma pesquisa no formato survey para 100 (cem) colaboradores do ABC e São Paulo capital que migraram para o home-office na pandemia, a qual possuiu a finalidade de relacionar aspectos como dificuldades e benefícios do home-office. Através das análises finais, foi possível identificar que o home-office no cenário pandêmico gerou impactos positivos como o ganho no tempo de deslocamento até o trabalho e negativos como problemas psicológicos devido o distanciamento social para os colaboradores, mas que se explorado de forma estratégica pelas empresas, conseguirá trazer mais qualidade de vida no trabalho para eles.
Assessing the Impact of Modified Initial Abstraction Ratios and Slope Adjusted Curve Number on Runoff Prediction in the Watersheds of Sulaimani Province.
Authors: Abdulrahman Farhan Ahmad , Karim Tarq Hama
Published: June 2024

A popular way for describing the link between storm rainfall depth and direct runoff is the curve number (CN) method. It is a straightforward approach that has been extensively studied and widely adopted. However, there has been less focus on the impact of slope and the initial abstraction ratio, which is a crucial factor for accurately estimating direct runoff when utilizing the soil conservation service- Curve Number (SCS-CN) method. The initial abstraction ratio is typically assumed to be 0.20, as initially proposed by the method's developers. In this study, we analyzed daily rainfall data from seventeen watersheds in different physiographic locations in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, recorded between 2022 and 2023. Our aim was to assess the effect of slope adjusted curve number and modified the initial abstraction ratio (0.1) on estimation of direct runoff. The results demonstrated that adjusting the CN for slope and using a modified initial abstraction ratio increased the estimated runoff compared to the original method (without adjustment for slope and initial abstraction ratio=0.2). Therefore, when applying the SCS-CN method, it is crucial to correct the CN for slope in steeper areas and consider the initial abstraction ratio rather than relying on the suggested value of 0.2. this study highlights the importance of considering local conditions and estimating the initial abstraction ratio based on specific watershed characteristics to enhance the accuracy of direct runoff estimation using the CN method.
Exploring QSAR of FLAP inhibitors using kernel partial least squares modeling: Insights from molecular binary fingerprints
Authors: Nambiar Mandeth Kodiyil Geetha , Ahamed Thaikadan Shameera
Published: June 2024

FLAP (5-Lipoxygenase Activating Protein) inhibitors, offering targeted intervention in leukotriene biosynthesis and holding therapeutic promise for inflammatory diseases like asthma, are hindered by current inhibitors' off-target effects, limited efficacy, safety concerns, potential drug interactions, and accessibility issues. Given these challenges, computational methods, particularly Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) modeling, are vital for developing novel FLAP inhibitors. This study specifically investigates the QSAR of FLAP inhibitors using Kernel Partial Least Squares (KPLS) modeling. Leveraging a dataset of FLAP inhibitors, we employ KPLS within the Schrödinger Canvas environment to correlate molecular descriptors with biological activity. Out of the eight models developed, the "atom pairs" fingerprint yielded a statistically significant 2D QSAR model with outstanding regression coefficient values (R2=0.9624). The model demonstrated high predictive ability for external test set data (R2pred = 0.7105), underscoring its robustness and reliability in accurately predicting biological activity based on molecular structure. Additionally, we tried to visualize the relative contributions of individual atoms within FLAP inhibitors, providing insights into their favorable and unfavorable characteristics. Through the analysis of atomic contributions, we identify key structural motifs crucial for predicting FLAP inhibitor activity. Our findings not only advance our understanding of FLAP inhibitor SAR but also demonstrate the utility of KPLS modeling and atomic contribution analysis in drug discovery efforts. Furthermore, this study contributes to the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics by elucidating the structural determinants of FLAP inhibitor activity, with potential applications in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
ENGLISH DIPHTHONGS & STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION: AN ANALYSIS FROM PHONOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: Firghy Siti Aisyah Mutiara , Bochari Siska , Hastini Hastini , Mukrim Mukrim
Published: June 2024

Certain English sounds are absent from Indonesian, making pronating English diphthongs challenging for certain students. It is challenging for students to pronounce English diphthongs correctly due to various internal and external factors, including their ignorance of when to pronounce them based on their type and position. The researchers attempt to examine how difficult it is for the students and how they perceive English diphthongs based on the issue they are facing. This study's objectives are the most challenging diphthongs pronounced by students, the most difficult diphthong position, and the degree to which students struggle with pronouncing English diphthong sounds. The design of this study is quantitative and descriptive. Forty-two students comprise the study's sample, and their answers to an oral exam and questionnaire are used to gather data. The researchers found 97 errors in the closing type and 191 in the centring type of diphthongs uttered by the students. The most challenging position of diphthongs in their pronunciation is the centering position (eə, ɪə, ʊə). In addition, five factors are becoming the reason for students' difficulty in pronouncing English diphthong sounds. They are (1) the students have less confidence while pronouncing words, (2) each student has different and limited skills, (3) the lack of motivation from the students causes difficulties in the teaching and learning process, (4) the family environment is very influential in the language development of the students, and (5) the social environment is also one of the influences in the language development of the students. The implication of this study can be in the field of linguistics and education, for example, phonological theories and pedagogical strategies.
MULTILINGUAL CODE-SWITCHING IN THE CLASSROOM: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE TEACHER’S NARRATIVE
Authors: Ramdhan Fathin Al Farabi Muhammad , Hamamah Hamamah , Muttaqin Syariful
Published: June 2024

Code switching, the practice of alternating between languages in conversations, was of interest to researchers in sociolinguistics, especially in multicultural classrooms. This qualitative research utilized narrative interviews to explore code switching in the classroom, focusing on the teacher's narrative. Interviews were audio-recorded and supplemented with field notes. Data analysis involved narrative blocks. The research findings emphasized the effectiveness of multilingual code-switching and individualized instruction in enhancing students' English language learning. Embracing linguistic diversity, valuing students' native languages, and using creative learning approaches created a positive and inclusive environment, fostering comprehension, vocabulary retention, and cultural appreciation while motivating students. In conclusion, multilingual code-switching enhanced English learning by integrating native languages with instruction. Tailored teaching methods supported individual proficiency and learning styles, while creative code-switching boosted engagement and comprehension by linking English concepts to native languages.
The Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent, Prostitution and Pornography: The British Black Women’s Movement and Sex Work, 1970s-1980s
Authors: Cann Lucy
Published: June 2024

In recent years there have been some noteworthy attempts to remedy scholarly silences on the Black women’s movement. The issue of sex work, however, is only mentioned in passing despite the so-called ‘sex wars’ preoccupying the white feminist scene at this time. Grappling with the methodological issue of silence on multiple interconnected levels, this this article attempts to fill this gap by interrogating how, and indeed whether, activists in the Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent (OWAAD) approached issues of sex work. It asks why these activists rejected the interpretation of sex work as work taken by their contemporaries in the sex workers’ rights movement. It firstly proposes that Black woman activists made a conscious decision to remain silent on issues of commercial sex, dismissing prostitution, alongside other issues of sexuality, as the ‘luxury’ preserve of white middle-class feminists that were distinct from, rather than integral to, Black women’s ‘survival’. Piecing together activists’ increasing but piecemeal discussions of pornography from the early-mid 1980s, the second section of this article demonstrates how activists analysed pornography and prostitution as part of a historical tradition of the sexual exploitation of Black women. In doing so, it proposes that their approach to commercial sex was fraught with contradiction – they viewed prostitution, an issue with real-life implications, in symbolic terms. Overall, it argues that Black woman activists to turned a blind eye to the tangible implications of prostitution legislation for Black women as they navigated tensions and challenges around post-war British racism, respectability politics and the gendered legacy of colonialism. Together with work on the experiences of lesbian women, it raises questions about which women were welcome in the movement, reminding us of the need to push scholarship on Black women’s history beyond the act of recovery.
Synthesis and Characterization of 4-chloro-N'-2-(3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[f]indol-2-ylidene)-3-oxopropylidene) benzohydrazonamide and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Ali Nasir Zahra , Salman Abd Luma
Published: June 2024

Six derivatives of 4-Chlorobenzohydrazonamide have been successfully synthesized. The synthesis pathway was divided in two parts, the first part including synthesis of two starting materials 4-Chlorobenzohydrazonamide (3) and 2-(3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[f]indol-2-ylidene) malonaldehyde (4). The second part is the synthesis of of indole Schiff base (4) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (6) from (3). The structures of these compounds were characterized by their spectroscopic techniques such as, FT-IR, 1HNMR and 13CNMR.
A Review of Vehicle Accident Detection and Notification Systems Based on Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Hadi Nassar Duaa , Mustafa Al-Tuwaijari Jamal
Published: June 2024

The rabid growth of the vehicles accidents on our roads are increasing as well as the number of human lives lost and the costs of repairing damages due to these accidents in order to reduce the dangers associated with accidents. A lot of researchers and specialists turn to electronic systems based on machine learning, deep learning techniques algorithms or any other artificial intelligence methods to detect and generate an emergency signal can reduce the time gap between the accident happening and the arrival of medical help. The main purpose of this review article was to identify and collect all the studies that have been done previously to detect roads traffics based on using machine learning techniques particularly deep learning. This paper will present all the methods that have been used and the experimental results of these studies and the research gabs they contain. We are following a systematic search plan passed on selected the papers that have the most similar keyword to make sure that all paper are exactly matching this paper subject so we apply this plan by using Springer, Elsevier, Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) xplore ,Google scholar, Arxiv, Sciencedirect and Researchgate datasets. From the all previous mentioned datasets we found 37 papers only 26 of these papers are corresponded with the review subject.
Exploring the versatile production techniques and applications of nitrogen-doped activated carbon
Authors: Joia Reza , Atamanov Meiram , Umbetkaliev Kuanysh , Mohammadi Mohammad Hamid , Sarwari Sayed Reza , Modaqeq Taibullah
Published: June 2024

Carbon based materials are really an integral component of our lives and widespread research regarding their properties was conducted along this process. The addition of dopants to carbon materials, either during the production process or later on, has been actively investigated by researchers all over the world who are looking into how doping can enhance the performance of materials and how to overcome the current difficulties. This study explores synthesis methods for nitrogen-doped carbon materials, focusing on advancements in adsorption of different pollutants like CO2 from air and organic, inorganic and ions pollutants from water, energy conversion, and storage, offering novel solutions to environmental and energy challenges. It addresses current issues with nitrogen-doped carbon materials, aiming to contribute to sustainable solutions in environmental and energy sciences. Alongside precursor types and synthesis methods, a significant relationship exists between nitrogen content percentage and adsorption capacity in nitrogen-doped activated carbon. Nitrogen content ranges from 0.64% to 11.23%, correlating with adsorption capacities from 0.05 mmol/g to 7.9 mmol/g. Moreover, an electrochemical correlation is observed between nitrogen atom increase and specific capacity in nitrogen-doped activated carbon electrodes. Higher nitrogen percentage corresponds to increased specific capacity and capacity retention. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential of nitrogen-doped carbon materials and highlights their significance in addressing critical environmental and energy challenges.
Ocena natężenia oświetlenia w środowisku pracy zdalnej o charakterze biurowym
Authors: Karpińska Katarzyna , Maksym Piotr , Mróz Kamil , Jaguszewski Sebastian , Kachnič Ján , Wlazło Łukasz , Nowakowicz-Dębek Bożena
Published: June 2024

Oświetlenie jest ważnym czynnikiem na stanowisku pracy. Wpływa zarówno na ergonomię pracy, jak i zdrowie pracownika. Nieodpowiednie natężenie i równomierność oświetlenia może wpływać negatywnie na samopoczucie pracownika, wywoływać zmęczenie oraz prowadzić do błędów. Celem pracy było badanie kluczowych elementów oświetlenia na kilku stanowiskach pracy zdalnej. W tym celu stworzono siatkę pomiarową, a następnie określono natężenie w każdym punkcie pomiarowym. Otrzymane wyniki odniesiono do wartości określonych w Polskiej Normie. Na większości badanych stanowisk poziom oświetlenia nie spełnia minimalnych wymagań, jakie zostały określone dla bezpiecznej i komfortowej pracy.
Ocena znaczenia łęgów oraz innych zbiorowisk leśnych Poleskiego Parku Narodowego, stanowiących ekosystemy hydrogeniczne dla liczebności i występowania płazów jako alternatywnej bazy pokarmowej dla wydry (Lutra lutra)
Authors: Mieczan Tomasz , Grzywaczewski Grzegorz , Płaska Wojciech , Rechulicz Jacek
Published: June 2024

Zasadniczym celem badań była ocena znaczenia łęgów oraz innych zbiorowisk leśnych Poleskiego Parku Narodowego stanowiących ekosystemy hydrogeniczne dla liczebności i występowania płazów jako alternatywnej bazy pokarmowej dla wydry oraz określenie roli wydry w ograniczaniu występowania gatunków inwazyjnych ryb. Badania prowadzono na obszarze Pole-skiego Parku Narodowego na 9 stanowiskach badawczych. Potencjalną bazę pokarmową wydry analizowano na podstawie składu odchodów. W warunkach Poleskiego Parku Narodowego w badanym okresie płazy nie stanowiły alternatywnej bazy pokarmowej dla wydry, co prawdopodob-nie związane jest z dużą dostępnością ryb. Na podstawie analizy odchodów można stwierdzić, że wydry na obszarze Poleskiego Parku Narodowego mogą w pewnym stopniu kontrolować liczeb-ność gatunków inwazyjnych i obcych ryb, w tym sumika karłowatego oraz karasia srebrzystego.
Comparison the accuracy of thyroid sono-elastography vs. ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with thyroid malignancy diagnosis histopathology
Authors: Mahmoud Sarah Abd Elmageed , Enaba Mohamed Elsayed , Shareef Mohamed Moustafa , Hafez Yasser Moustafa , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: June 2024

Objective. The intend of the present study was to assess the diagnostic performance of strain elastography in investigating the thyroid nodule malignancy taking the surgical biopsy as a gold standard reference test.

Methods. The study included 120 patients with 123 thyroid nodules, of which 67 had total thyroidectomy. The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR-TIRADS) were evaluated for all nodules. All suspicious nodules were referred for a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) if they fulfilled the required size. Strain elastography was performed for each suspicious nodule. Ultrasound-guided FNAC was performed for all suspicious nodules. Total thyroidectomy was performed in those whom the suspicious nodules were proven by FNAC.

Results. Strain ratio had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of 84%, 81%, 95%, 85%, and 84%, respectively, with a cut point 1.96. Elasticity score had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of 100%, 80%, 95%, 85% and 87%, respectively, with a cut point 0.96. The elasticity score had a statistically significantly odds ratio for detecting the benignity 3.9 C. I (1.6–9.3).

Conclusion. Strain elastography has a high diagnostic performance in detecting the malignant as well as benign nodules, thus it can limit the rate of unneeded FNAC or surgery especially among B3 and B4 groups with indeterminate cytology.
The dynamics of financial development, environmental degradation, economic growth and population health in the Economic Community of West African States
Authors: Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng , Frimpong Joseph Magnus , Yeboah Samuel Asuamah
Published: June 2024

By exploring the nexus between financial development and population health in the ECOWAS region we contribute to the debate on population health and also examine the direction of causality between population health and its determinants. We utilised a panel dataset of 11 ECOWAS nations from 1990-2019. The study used the augmented mean group (AMG) estimator to examine the long-run associations among the chosen variables. The empirical results indicate that financial development and economic growth are positive drivers of population health. The analysis also demonstrates that lower population health is associated with increased environmental degradation (CO2 emissions) in the ECOWAS region. However, regarding the country-specific analysis, the impact of the determinants of population health varied per country. The empirical estimates of the Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality tests reveal a bidirectional causality between population health and its determinants. The empirical outcomes offer new insights for policymakers by means of financial development, environmental degradation, and income as economic tools to promote population health by guiding finance, growth, and environmental policies.
A spatial analysis of one of the regional logistics clusters in central Poland using GIS
Authors: Jażdżewska Iwona , Żerek Karolina
Published: June 2024

Logistics services are a consequence of increasingly rapid economic development and globalisation. More and more facilities with adequate transport accessibility are being created for the storage of goods, which form logistics clusters. They emerged later in Central and Eastern Europe than in the United States and Western Europe. Investment in Poland's first logistics parks can be linked to the political and economic transformation in 1989, Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, the development of motorways, and Poland's integration into the global economy. In the second decade of the 21st century, there are more than a dozen places in Poland that can be called logistics clusters. The purpose of this research was to geographically analyse a selected regional cluster located in Lodz voivodeship, as well as its links to the transport network of Poland and Europe. Geostatistical and GIS methods were used for spatial analysis. It was shown that its spatial distribution is strongly related to the A1 highway, the intersection of the A1 and A2 highways and the voivodeship city of Lodz. The characteristics of the geographic environment give reason to suggest that it has great development potential and is worthy of further observation and comparative studies.
ISM model for assessing critical productivity factors in the Jordanian construction industry post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alshdiefat Ala’a Saleh
Published: June 2024

The construction industry is a human-intensive industry despite the massive development in technologies. Nowadays, after crossing COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry is an important sector for saving the national economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new ways of thinking due to massive and unpredictable socioeconomic consequences. Thus, understanding the critical productivity factors after the COVID-19 pandemic will enhance the construction industry by improving the understanding of the professionals who are involved at an early stage of the project lifecycle. This study aims to determine the critical productivity factors after the COVID-19 pandemic for enhancing the construction industry in developing countries such as Jordan. A review of available literature similar to the related topics before the COVID-19 pandemic was explored, and then a questionnaire was distributed across the Jordanian construction industry to determine the main productivity factors post-COVID-19 pandemic. A focus group was used to determine the interrelationship among the factors with the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach. The obtained results indicated that 22 main productivity factors affected the Jordanian construction industry. The hierarchy of these factors is categorised into six levels of ISM whereas the sixth level has the greatest factors that influence productivity in the construction industry. Thus, enhancing productivity in construction projects requires solving problems related to factors in level 1, which will help to solve problems at the next level and so on.
The Nature of Airspace Surveillance Through Intelligence to the Defence and Security of the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia
Authors: Abbas Ilham , Bangsawan Andi , Rahman Sufirman , Husen La Ode
Published: June 2024

Objective: This research aims to analyze, criticize, and determine the nature of airspace surveillance through intelligence concerning the Defense and Security of the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia. It further seeks to assess the effectiveness of such surveillance and identify the factors influencing its success.
 
Theoretical framework: In line with its objectives, this research adopts a descriptive approach with a normative legal research methodology, supplemented by sociological legal research. By employing this framework, the study endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of airspace surveillance within the Indonesian context.
 
Method: To achieve its objectives, this study utilizes descriptive research methods, drawing upon normative legal research complemented by sociological legal research. Through this methodological approach, the research aims to gather empirical data and analyze legal frameworks to shed light on airspace surveillance practices.
 
Results and conclusion: The findings of this research indicate several key insights. Firstly, the nature of airspace surveillance through intelligence is primarily framed within the context of preventive measures within the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Secondly, while efforts are made, the effectiveness of airspace surveillance concerning the Defense and Security of the State Territory of the Republic of Indonesia is deemed inadequate. Thirdly, factors impacting effectiveness range from legal limitations to challenges in human resources coordination, infrastructure issues, community dynamics, and cultural attitudes.
 
Implications of the research: The implications of this study are multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights the urgent need to optimize airspace surveillance conducted by the Indonesian Air Force, supporting the enhancement of air defense capabilities through equipment reinforcement. Secondly, it underscores the necessity of drafting legislation on Airspace Management to strengthen law enforcement against airspace violations. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of community involvement in airspace regulation, including participation in spatial development planning processes.
 
Originality/value: This research contributes original insights into the nature and effectiveness of airspace surveillance through intelligence within the Indonesian context. By offering recommendations for improving airspace management strategies, the study provides valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders involved in national defense and security initiatives.
Sustainability in the eyes of students and academic teachers of the Institute of Biology of the Pedagogical University in Krakow
Authors: Mikołajczyk Justyna , Nodzyńska-Moroń Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

In 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals that relate to culture, education, and natural and social sciences. In this paper, the opinions of laboratory teachers and students regarding sustainable development were examined. Students completed an online survey in which they assessed the classes conducted at the Institute of Biology in terms of various aspects: energy consumption, production of toxic waste and its disposal. In the case of the instructors, the survey was divided into five parts regarding: expected performance and effort, social impact, facilitating conditions and behavioral intentions of the respondents. The results of the student survey indicate that students do not see much need to change their classes and at the same time express the need to discuss methods of waste disposal from classes. In the case of teachers, they are aware of the importance of sustainable development, but they are not convinced about the impact of the classes on the knowledge and awareness of students on this issue. Most academic teachers are willing to conduct their classes using the principles of sustainable development when the specificity of their classes allows it. The respondents do not know the opinion of the participants of their classes about the way they are conducted. In this case, getting feedback from students should be considered a compulsory part of the course. In addition, it would be recommended to modify the classes conducted using green chemistry or small scale chemistry. Future teachers and decision-makers in their future workplaces are educated at the Institute of Biology. Education with an emphasis on the conscious use of the principles of sustainable development could develop good practices of these ideas among students.
Investigation of Marketing Strategies of Ornamental Plants in Konya Province
Authors: Kapcı Beyza , Bayramoğlu Zeki
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the marketing strategies of ornamental plants in Konya province, to determine the target markets that the sector can best serve, and to evaluate all the components that can contribute to the development of the sector on a provincial basis. In this context, the sales and marketing strategies of the companies producing and selling in Konya province were identified, suggestions for improvement were presented and the potential of ornamental plants in the region was determined. It is believed that the study will make an important contribution to the literature in this area. The main body of the research consists of ornamental plant companies selling in Konya province. In order to answer the questions of the study, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 32 operators representing the main mass. Porter’s Diamond model was used to evaluate the competitiveness. As a result of the analysis of the data, it was observed that the competitiveness of the companies is low and they are not looking for alternative markets. The lack of legislation defining the sector, the problem of organisation, the fact that they consider their income to be sufficient and the lack of information at the point of sale are the main obstacles to competitiveness. In fact, the main priority for a company is to gain a competitive position in order to increase profit margins. For this reason, companies need to evaluate the opportunities that may present themselves, develop strategies to add value to customers in the long term, and determine strategies to be close to the market in order to create new markets.
Amelioration of the Detrimental Effects of Water Deficit Stress on Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) Through the Utilization of Poultry Litter-Based Compost
Authors: Islam Sanjida , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Sayed Md. Zakarya Ibne , Sikder Sripati , Chowdhury Abu Khayer Md. Muktadirul Bari
Published: June 2024

It is critical that Bangladesh faces water scarcity during the dry season, affecting lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) yield and some yield components during seedling and flowering stages. Thus, a two-factorial pot experiments (The experiment comprises Factor A: three fertilization levels i.e. F1 = Control [inorganic], F2 = poultry litter-based compost [20 ton/ha], F3 = poultry litter-based compost [30 ton/ha]; Factor B: two irrigation levels such as W1 = 100% field capacity [FC] and W2 = 70% FC) were designed at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, from November 2018 to April 2019. And it was investigated how the poultry litter-based composts affected the morpho-physiology, yield and yield components of the lentil (BARI Masur-4) variety under different irrigation stress levels. Obtained results revealed that the tallest plant (30.7 cm at 75 DAS) and maximum branch number per plant (14.1 at 65 DAS), leaf chlorophyll a (0.30 mg/g), highest RLWC (70.28%), lowest proline content (1.57 µ moles g-1 FW), maximum number of pods per plant (39.4 at 75 DAS) and total grain yield (3.62 kg/m2) were recorded from compost F3 (poultry litter-based compost 30 tons/ha) with W1 (100% FC). Results also showed that the yield contributing attributes and yield of lentils were drastically reduced by water stress conditions with different rates of fertilization. In drought conditions (W2 = 70% FC), F3 (30 ton/ha poultry litter-based compost) fertilization produced the highest plant height (30.20 cm at 75 DAS), number of branches (11.5 at 65 DAS), stem dry weight (0.35 g), lowest proline (3.88 µ moles g-1 FW), highest pod number per plant (33.1), weight of 100-seed (2.36 g), total grain weight (2.77 kg/m2), harvest index (58.84%) compared to other fertilizations (F1 and F2). In summary, F3 (30 tons), a compost made from poultry litter, provides better soil conditions under drought conditions compared to F1 and F2 in the year of 2018-19 at the 0 and 20 tons/ha, respectively under the field conditions.
Colic in horses: Effects of dietary factors
Authors: Evci Şevket
Published: June 2024

Studies on colic, an economically important metabolic disease in horses, have typically emphasized maintenance characteristics. However, recent research has demonstrated that nutrient content also contributes to the development of colic. Microbial fermentation of the diet begins in the stomach and continues through the hindgut. During this process, various substrates are produced, including acetate, propionate, butyrate, and methane. The gut contains bacteria such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, but the dominance of one over the other is influenced by the type of substrate available in the gut, such as oat, barley, wheat, corn, etc. Microbial fermentation in the equine cecum is markedly influenced by the pH balance of the nutrient metabolism. This has varying impacts on the cecal microbiota. Investigations into the effects of different feeding methods and nutrients have yielded diverse outcomes for the etiology of colic and post-colic nutrition. The objective of this review is to assess the impact of nutrition and diet composition on the etiology of colic in horses, investigate the role of additives in preventing colic cases, and analyze the results of several studies.