Building Efforts Research Articles

Installation of an ultrafiltration plant in a multi-family house to reduce the hot-water temperature and energy demand: A case study in Germany

Hot-water generation complicates energy efficiency and emission reduction efforts in buildings. High water temperatures are designated for thermal disinfection to prevent human harm from pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, almost 200 Mt CO2 are annually emitted in the US, Germany and Canada. Heat pumps can replace fossil energies. However, lower temperatures are required to enhance efficiencies.In this case study, the hot-water temperature of the drinking-water installation of a retrofitted multi-family house was decreased by 5 °C to 50 °C. For physical separation of microorganisms, an ultrafiltration plant was installed in the hot-water circulation. To control hygienic safety, microbiological conditions were assessed by laboratory methods such as the cultivation of Legionella spp. and counting of total cells using flow cytometry. The filtrated hot-water was constantly Legionella-free. The cleaning effect of ultrafiltration was 91.15%. Cold-water was not filtrated so that contaminations occurred. As cold- and hot-water pipes (including circulation) are embedded in the same riser strands, temperature transfer occurred promoting bacterial growth. An energy demand calculation revealed that heat losses of the distribution network accounted for 55.25% of the total heat quantity required for hot-water generation. The actual heat up process of water and storage losses constituted 42.74% or 2.01%. Lowering the water temperature by 5 °C saved 7355 kWh yr−1 (equiv. to 1.77 t CO2e yr−1) in this multi-family house. Extrapolation of this case building results in a saving potential of 7.78–14.50 TWh yr−1 (equiv. to 1.87–3.48 Mt CO2e yr−1) in Germany alone, if the energy source is natural gas.

Incorporating multiple data sources to assess changes in organizational capacity in child welfare systems

Three federally funded Child Welfare Capacity Building Centers provide services to build the organizational capacity of public child welfare agencies to help meet federal requirements, improve practice, and improve outcomes for children and families. The aim of this study was to explore capacity outcomes in five dimensions – resources, infrastructure, knowledge and skills, culture and climate, and engagement and partnership – achieved by child welfare jurisdictions who received Center services. Analyses describe the capacities targeted for improvement and the amount and type of services provided by Centers; assess the relationship between services and capacity increase; and explore whether that relationship differs depending on the jurisdiction’s level of foundational capacity. Data collected through surveys and a service delivery tracking system reflect the perspectives of service recipients and service providers. Results reveal jurisdictions typically targeted capacity outcomes in the dimensions of knowledge and skills and infrastructure and received an average of 28 hours of direct services to support their capacity-building efforts. Dosage of service was positively associated with achievement of capacity outcomes, though no interaction was found between service dosage and foundational capacity in the effect on outcomes. Methodological lessons learned and implications for future evaluations of organizational capacity building efforts are offered.

Princip jednakosti pravnih sistema u međunarodnom privatnom pravu i njegov doprinos uspostavljanju i očuvanju mira

Private international law (PIL) might seem disconnected from peace building and peacekeeping efforts. However, this perception falls short. PIL, contrary to public international law's direct peacekeeping potential, indirectly contributes to peace by fostering mutual respect between states. The relationship between PIL and peace stems from the recognition and respect states show for each other's legal systems. PIL operates on the principle of comity, where states acknowledge the applicability of foreign laws to resolve cases. In essence, while PIL's impact on peace is indirect and modest, its emphasis on mutual respect and fair treatment contributes to peaceful relations between states, making it an important element in the broader context of peace building and peacekeeping efforts. Private international law (PIL) does not determine substantive fairness for parties but focuses on localizing cases at a meta-level of conflict-of-laws. This localization is guided by party, trade, and regulatory interests, and is rooted in neutrality and respect for other legal systems. While the principle of equivalence and neutrality remains foundational in PIL, exceptions and limitations have been established over time to address specific scenarios, ensuring a balanced approach that respects both foreign legal systems and fundamental legal principles.

The Oromo-Amhara Ethnic Conflicts in Gidda Ayana and Kiramu Districts, North- Eastern Wallagga: Integrating Instrumentalist and Primordialists Theories

This study investigates the Oromo-Amhara ethnic conflicts in Gidda Ayana and Kiramu districts of North-Eastern Wallagga, with a focus on integrating instrumentalist and primordialist theories. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the conflicts by examining the interplay between instrumentalist motivations, such as breaches of contractual agreements over land and differing interpretations of constitutional rights, and primordial expressions, including the crystallization of ethnic identities and historical resentments. The methodology employed in this study involves a combination of qualitative research methods, including literature review, analysis of historical documents, and interviews with key stakeholders from both the Oromo and Amhara communities. The findings reveal that the conflicts are driven by a complex interaction between instrumentalist and primordialist factors, with resource interests and power dynamics playing a significant role in shaping ethnic relations. The study underscores the malleability of ethnic relations in response to shifting resource interests and power dynamics, demonstrating the utility of ethnicity in these contexts. Based on the findings, the study recommends, first promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the Oromo and Amhara communities is crucial to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence. Second, addressing land disputes through fair and transparent mechanisms can help alleviate tensions. Third, enhancing economic opportunities for both communities can mitigate resource competition. Fourth, strengthening governance and the rule of law is essential to ensure equal representation and address grievances. Fifthly, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation can counter historical resentments. Lastly, supporting community-based conflict resolution mechanisms to facilitate sustainable conflict resolution and peace building efforts.

Abstract IA021: The All of Us Research Hub: A dataset for all of us

Abstract The All of Us Research Program is building one of the nation’s largest most diverse research platforms that is transforming the future of health by providing researchers expansive, integrated, diverse health data including populations historically underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR). The All of Us dataset is available through the All of Us Research Hub, a centralized, secure, cloud-based platform examining biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health and a broad range of diseases and conditions, including cancer. Participant data includes biological samples, health and social determinant surveys, electronic health records (EHR) and wearable data. Data is available through a private and secure tiered system, with anonymized aggregate data on an open-access public tier, and curated, individual-level, and genomic data on registered and controlled tiers. As of August 2022, the dataset includes over 518,000 participants, 80% UBR and 50% racial and ethnic minorities. Of the 227,000 participants who share EHR, over 42,000 indicate at least one form of cancer diagnosis and nearly 200 different cancer types. More than 2,800 researchers on the All of Us Researcher Workbench study this data, 21% of whom are underrepresented in the biomedical workforce (UBW) by race and ethnicity, from 393 institutions across 47 states. The diversity of research powered by All of Us data matches the diversity of its participants and researchers, as more than 150 projects have “cancer” in the project title and over 240 in the scientific question being studied. To date, there are five cancer-focused publications using the data—demonstrating the program’s early impact in cancer research. The program is intentional in ensuring data access to a diverse researcher community. These efforts include investing in the researcher pipeline and building capacity—from K-12 including educators, undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs and early stage investigators, seasoned researchers, and community and citizen scientists. At the collegiate level, one example is the Research Scholar Program (RSP), an annual offering of professional development workshops and curriculum, providing mentorship and training to support students in a research project utilizing All of Us data. RSP students present at the annual Minority Student Research Symposium, where in 2022, 27 UBW research scholars presented their findings to more than 300 attendees. For early-career investigators, the Baylor College of Medicine UBR Faculty Summit provides training on the Researcher Workbench and year-long support for attendees to continue research in teams utilizing All of Us data. Another capacity building effort is one with engagement partners RTI and the Community Campus Partnerships for Health to provide support for faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and students in six HBCUs to participate in an All of Us Researcher Academy that will provide training, technical assistance, and network-building for researchers and their mentors. Citation Format: Karriem S. Watson. The All of Us Research Hub: A dataset for all of us [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA021.

Management of Religious Character Education at MTS Sabul Hayat Jango, Central Lombok

Noble character is an important aspect in educating children. Even a nation's character is also determined by the moral level of the nation. In this view it is also stated about the formation of character, the formation of this character can be said as an effort to form character. Without character someone easily does anything that can hurt or misery other people. Character is the possession of good things. Parents and educators have a duty to educate children with character content through the subject matter being taught. Therefore, character building efforts are very important to manage students' personalities from negative things. It is hoped that the awakened character will encourage every human being to do something with his conscience. In cultural studies, values are the core of every culture. In this context, especially moral values which are a means of regulating social life, are very decisive in every culture. Especially in the era of globalization which has made relations between worlds widely open, the bonds of moral values are starting to weaken, society is experiencing a multidimensional crisis, and the crisis that is felt the most severe is a crisis of moral values. Currently, Indonesia is facing a very complicated problem in the form of symptoms of a decline in morality in the practices of the nation and state. This situation is really very ironic when this nation actually has.

Scale development for school administrators' corporate reputation building studies

PurposeThe aim of this research is to develop a scale that determines the views of teachers on the efforts of educational administrators to build corporate reputation within the scope of modern education paradigms.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a scale development method whose validity and reliability analyzes have been completed.FindingsAs a result of the research, a 1-dimensional and 15-item scale was obtained, which aims to evaluate the corporate reputation building efforts of school administrators from the perspective of teachers. When the literature is examined, there are many scales on corporate reputation; however, the literature determined that there is no scale that aims to determine the opinions of teachers about the reputation building efforts of education administrators.Originality/valueEducational administrators engage in efforts to build corporate reputation through stakeholder analysis, needs analysis, strategic plan development, organizational design and change management (Lawler et al., 2006). Specializing in this field is very important for training managers by taking training on human resources in order to carry out effective work in the process of corporate reputation formation, and the human resources of the institution are the groups that will best evaluate the reputation building efforts of the managers (Lockwood, 2007).

Who collaborates on urban resilience? An analysis of flood resilience planning networks in four coastal cities

ABSTRACT Cities are increasingly focused on building resilience. The literature on urban resilience governance emphasizes the importance of breaking down organizational silos and fostering collaboration between diverse actors. Yet few studies empirically examine whether existing resilience governance networks possess these theorized characteristics. This paper addresses this gap by focusing on flood resilience governance in four major U.S. cities and uses social network analysis to analyze the collaboration structures of organizations involved in resilience building efforts. Drawing on original survey data, results suggest that resilience governance is multi-level, with city, regional, state, and federal government organizations present in all city networks. The networks are also diverse, with nonprofit organizations, private firms, and educational or research institutions prominently featured. While these results are promising in terms of the potential for resilience to diversify participation in decision-making, we also find low levels of network density, meaning that the networks are generally sparsely connected. This suggests that the network is susceptible to fragmentation if organizations defect from the network.

Governors, states discuss prevention, resilience in youth MH

On Oct. 18–19, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah, National Governors Association (NGA) Chair, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Vice Chair, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, held the first of four roundtables to discuss the 2022‐2023 NGA Chair's Initiative: Strengthening Youth Mental Health, according to an NGA news release. A strong state contingent was represented, including Alabama, Arkansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, according to an NGA news release. Representatives from these states were joined by over 50 community leaders, academic experts, and representatives from partner organizations and funders. The convention centered on practical solutions for the first of the initiative's four pillars: prevention and resilience building. Discussions forged connections across the public and private sectors, shared best practices across states and territories to amplify their impact, and aligned on ways that governors can further support youth mental health. Discussions suggested that a set of common tools should emerge to successfully drive prevention and resilience building efforts and that.

Ancestral sea gardens supported human settlements for at least 3,800 years on the Northwest Coast of North America

The relationships between clam gardens and human settlement throughout the millennia reflects the inseparable links among human demographics, marine management systems, and the social-ecological contexts in which they are embedded. However, it can be difficult to assign causation between the initiation and development of eco-cultural innovations like clam gardens and the proliferation of human societies due to the temporal uncertainties associated with both. Here, we bring together data on the shape of the local relative sea level curve, clam garden wall elevation as determined by GIS and drone imagery, radiocarbon dates of clam garden walls, and ecological and archaeological field observations, to assign proxy ages for the clam garden walls of different tidal heights in Kanish and Waiatt Bay on northern Quadra Island, British Columbia, Canada. These data, combined with our mapping and dating of settlement sites, demonstrate a temporal relationship between clam garden building effort and the densification of human settlements. In Kanish Bay, where we have high resolution data, clam gardens begin to be constructed in significant numbers at least 3,800 years ago; this corresponds to a time of increased establishment of large human settlements. The corresponding increase in settlements and clam gardens reflects both the need to increase sustainable food production and the larger number of people who could sustain the ecological and social foundations of the production system. The correlation between number and area of clam gardens and the number of new, large settlements continues until ∼2000 years ago. After this time, existing settlements increase in size, but no additional large settlements were established. New clam gardens continue to be built but in seemingly lower numbers. This shift in settlements and clam gardens suggest that a threshold in social-ecological carrying capacity may have been reached in this land- and seascape. In the last few centuries, there is a dramatic decline in the number of clam gardens and evidence of human settlement, corresponding to social and ecological changes associated with European colonization. Taken together, these data demonstrate the strong linkages among Indigenous peoples, their lands and seas, and resilient food systems over the millennia.

Thinking Outside the Self-Report: Using Evaluation Plans to Assess Evaluation Capacity Building

In this study, we investigated the impact of the evaluation capacity building (ECB) efforts of an organization by examining the evaluation plans included in funding proposals over a 14-year period. Specifically, we sought to determine the degree to which and how evaluation plans in proposals to one National Science Foundation (NSF) program changed over time and the extent to which the organization dedicated to ECB in that program may have influenced those changes. Independent raters used rubrics to assess the presence of six essential evaluation plan elements. Statistically significant correlations indicate that proposal evaluation plans improved over time, with noticeable differences before and after ECB efforts were integrated into the program. The study adds to the limited literature on using artifacts of evaluation practice rather than self-reports to assess ECB impact.

Health professionals' readiness to implement electronic medical recording system and associated factors in public general hospitals of Sidama region, Ethiopia.

Electronic medical recording system is one of the information technologies that has a proven benefit to improve the quality of health service. Readiness assessment is one of the recommended steps to be taken prior to implementing electronic medical recording system to reduce the probability of failure. To determine the level of health professional readiness to implement Electronic medical recording system and associated factors in public general hospitals of Sidama region, 2022. A cross-sectional study design complemented with qualitative study was employed at three public general hospitals in Sidama region on a sample of 306 participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth interview was used for the qualitative study. Bivariate and multivariate Binary logistics regression was performed to determine predictors of readiness at α = 0.05, using an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative data collected through in-depth interview. The overall readiness for health professionals was 36.5%. Of the study participants, 201 (73.4%) were computer literate, 176(64.23%) had good knowledge, and 204 (74.45%) had favorable attitude towards EMR. Only 31 participants had previous training (11.3%), while 64 (23%) had previous experience. EMR knowledge (AOR = 3.332; 95%CI: (1.662, 6.682)) and attitude towards electronic medical recording (AOR = 2.432; 95%CI: (1.146, 5.159)) were statistically significant predictors of readiness to implement electronic medical recording. Qualitative analysis has revealed lack of training, ease of use concerns, information security concerns, and perceived inadequacy of infrastructures including internet connectivity and electricity as common barriers for health professional readiness to implement EMR. Health professionals' readiness in this study was low. Capacity building efforts to increase the awareness and skills of health professionals should be done before implementing the system.

Integrating climate information into decision making for building resilience: A case study on farming communities in Bihar, India

Effective utilization of available weather and climate information is important to develop efficient and sustainable agricultural production systems. National meteorological agencies supported by global and regional centers are trying to generate climate forecasts tailored to sector-specific operational applications for a wide range of potential users. However, the big challenge is to develop a mechanism that will effectively communicate the information in a language that could be easily understood at different levels to obtain the maximum benefits from the information they receive.The International Research and Applications Project (IRAP) was a research experiment aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural farmers in Bihar, India, by producing and providing them with tailored weather and climate information. Forecast Application for Risk Management in Agriculture (FARM) schools were conducted to improve the awareness of farmers about the need for climate information and climate adaptation interventions which was applied for Kharif crops in summer monsoon 2018. A communication mechanism was established with the support of local partners to disseminate the tailored forecast and advisories to farmers. Assessment results revealed that the climate information is strongly valued by farmers if provided through a mechanism that they trust. More vulnerable farmers have limited access and ability to use the information, thus capacity building efforts like FARM schools are immensely helpful. Farmers recognize the critical role of climate variability in determining livelihood outcomes and actively seek out information to manage variability. This intervention helped trained farmers to better adjust their farming decisions through enhanced uptake of weather and climate information.

Pembinaan Budi Pekerti Siswa melalui Latihan Memanah di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri 1 Cikarang Barat

This study aims to determine the teacher's efforts in fostering noble character in students at the State Vocational High School 1 Cikarang Barat. How the character and character of students in learning is one of the goals of successful student education. The type of research used is qualitative, with the research subjects being students of the State Vocational High School 1 Cikarang Barat. Data collection techniques in this study were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis uses data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of this study can show that archery activities are able to have a good impact on fostering student character and have an impact on student learning focus optimally. The values ​​identified from this activity are religious values, self-confidence, responsibility, respect for results, discipline and focus. Efforts in character building carried out by the school through archery training are able to have a good impact on students' character

Pembinaan Karakter Santri melalui Latihan Pidato (Muhadhoroh) di Pondok Pesantren Modern Darussalam Bekasi

This study aims to determine the efforts of educators in the process of fostering the character of students through speech training activities at the modern Darussalam Islamic boarding school. how the values of commendable characters affect the students and find out the various kinds of characters that develop and are formed in speech practice activities. The type of research used is qualitative, with the research subjects being teachers and students of the Darussalam Islamic boarding school, Bekasi. Data collection techniques in this study were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis uses data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of this study can show that speech training activities are able to provide optimal character development to students with discipline, responsibility, courage and ukhuwah Islamiyah. The values ​​that are internalized in this character building effort are religious values, independence, responsibility, discipline, self-confidence and respect for achievement. Efforts to build character through speech exercises are able to have a very good and positive impact on the personality of students and are welcomed by parents in seeking the best education for their children.

Pandemics, infodemics and health promotion.

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the accompanying infodemic are significant public health issues. The COVID‐19 infodemic has been prolific from early in the pandemic response, and has continued to escalate during vaccine rollout. COVID‐19 is the first pandemic in the social media era, expediting the need for effective measures to manage the high volume of information and misinformation. To address the infodemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and others have commenced a comprehensive program of work, building capacity, raising awareness and developing new tools and methods. As part of the WHO capacity building effort, they have developed a comprehensive infodemic manager training program. The authors of this paper are Australian alumni from the first two training courses, all authors have health promotion backgrounds. Health Promotion Practitioners are uniquely positioned to build on existing skills, knowledge and reach to develop preventative strategies to help mitigate infodemics. This paper offers our combined perspectives on why the infodemic is a significant health promotion concern and the role we believe Health Promotion Practitioners can play in managing and mitigating the infodemic.

Effect of Human Capital Investment on Economic Growth: Nigeria Perspective

The study was conceptualised to ascertain the effect of human capital investment on economic growth in Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was adopted because data relating both explained and predictor variables already exist in literature. T he data for the study were extracted from CBN statistical bulletin and analysed using and descriptive statistic and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) as well as cointegration regression analysis. The result revealed that only capital expenditure on education has a positive and significant association with RGDP. Capital expenditure on health and universal education has a positive but insignificant association with RGDP, recurrent expenditure on education and health have a negative and insignificant association with RGDP. We concluded that human capital investment on economic growth in Nigeria is not significant. The study recommended that Government and policymakers should show concerted and sincere effort in building and developing human capacity through adequate educational funding across all levels.

On the Corruption of Communication: A Theory of Deception

This article elaborates on the issue of communication corruption, namely communicative actions or events that reduce the audience's right to receive messages entirely and correctly, according to normative (objective) and contemplative (subjective) facts. The literature study and reflectivity methods point out at least four main aspects of communication corruption theory: message, media, context, and behavior. This study also proposes a formula to measure and assess the extent to which communication is corrupt, considering communication needs and desires, authority and opportunity, communicative power, audience rights, conscience, and moral responsibility. Three forms of communication are very vulnerable to communication corruption: persuasion, imaging (both in the effort of impression building and impression laundering), and deception. Future studies can use this study as a theoretical and methodological reference. Practically, the findings and propositions of this research are helpful as reflections and guidelines for anticipating and minimizing communication corruption practices in daily and professional activities.

Hot water plumbing in residences and office buildings have distinctive risk of Legionella pneumophila contamination.

To observe how Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent for legionellosis, can transmit through the hot water plumbing of residences and office buildings. Using qPCR, L. pneumophila and L. pneumophila Serogroup (Sg)1 were measured in hot water samples collected from 100 structures, consisting of 70 residences and 30 office buildings. The hot water samples collected from office buildings had a higher L. pneumophila detection frequency of 53% (16/30) than residences, with a 103 GU/L (median) concentration. An office building's age was not a statistically significant predictor of contamination, but its area (>100,000 sq. ft.) was, P = <0.001. Hot water samples collected at residences had a lower L. pneumophila detection frequency of 36% (25/70) than office buildings, with a 100 GU/L (median) concentration. A residence's age was a significant predictor of contamination, P=0.009, but not its area. The water's secondary disinfectant type did not affect L. pneumophila detection frequency nor its concentration in residences, but the secondary disinfectant type did affect results in office buildings. Legionella pneumophila's highest detection frequencies were in samples collected in March-August for office buildings and in June-November for residences. This study revealed that the built environment influences L. pneumophila transport and fate. Residential plumbing could be a potential "conduit" for L. pneumophila exposure from a source upstream of the hot water environment. Both old and newly built office buildings had an equal probability of L. pneumophila contamination. Legionella-related remediation efforts in office buildings (that contain commercial functions only) might not significantly improve a community's public health.

THE IAU-WOMEN IN ASTRONOMY WORKING GROUP AND INCLUSIVITY

The International Astronomical Union Women in Astronomy (IAU WiA) working group (WG) is a part of the IAU Executive Committee that supports the needs and endeavours of women astronomers and initiates actions to advance equality of opportunity for women and men in astronomy. The new organizing committee of the IAU WiA WG was set-up in August 2021 with a 4-point plan, to enhance (i) awareness &amp; sustainability via surveys, (ii) training and skill building, (iii) fundraising &amp; (iv) communication via dissemination of results in conferences, WG Magazines, newsletters, etc. to facilitate the career of women in astronomy. In this publication we provide an overview of IAU WiA WG activities with a special focus on the Training and Skill Building efforts that can be adapted for differently-abled and marginalised women researchers.