Favorable Environment Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Utilizing Certain Ingredients that Enhance the Characteristics of the Old and Used Litter on the Productive Performance of Broilers

Research aims to determine if certain modifications can improve the quality of litter and the growth and health of broiler chickens. The trial used various litterimprovement agents selected for their antibacterial properties, moisture absorption, and ability to create a favorable environment for broilers. The study found that broilers raised on treated and reused litter performed considerably better than those raised on untreated litter. These additives reduced microbiological contamination and increased litter absorption, creating a cleaner environment for the broilers. Improved litter conditions also improved broiler development, feed efficiency, and health. Adding specific components to recycled litter may enhance broiler productivity. This benefits the poultry industry by providing a cost-effective and ecologically friendly way to maximize the use of aged and utilized litter and improve broiler performance. The research indicates that litter control is crucial for sustainable poultry production and the health and performance of broiler chickens.

Influence of Protected Cultivation Structures on Vegetable Crops

Protected farming is a new technology that is being utilized to grow high-value crops like flowers, vegetables, and other perishable commodities. In contemporary agriculture, protected structures offered an enormous chance for greater productivity and production. Protected cultivation, which is the most effective way to deal with climatic variation provide favourable environment for crop growth thereby achieving greater yield and high-quality produce. Protected cultivation structures such as polyhouses, low tunnels, shadow shade net houses, and green houses are frequently used for crop cultivation. Further, the vegetables grown under these structures possess better quality, decreased pesticide residue and higher yields than the ones grown under open-field conditions. As compared to open field cultivation, the reduction in irrigation water requirement was 35.6 % for shadow hall, 35.2 % for polyhouse and 25.5 % shade net house cultivation. Shadow hall is most suited for the cultivation of vegetables as depicted by higher growth and yield parameters, followed by polyhouse, shade net house. Thus, in terms of enhancing agricultural production, soil fertility, profitability, and sustainability, among other aspects, protected structures-based farming is more beneficial than open field conditions. The analysis of the evaluation showed that compared to open environments, the gross and net returns under protected structures (protective cultivation) were much greater.

A flow cytometric assay to detect viability and persistence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes in nuclease-free water at 4 and 25°C.

Salmonella spp. is one of the most isolated microorganisms reported to be responsible for human foodborne diseases and death. Water constitutes a major reservoir where the Salmonella spp. can persist and go undetected when present in low numbers. In this study, we assessed the viability of 12 serotypes of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica for 160 days in nuclease-free water at 4 and 25°C using flow cytometry and Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) plate counts. The results show that all 12 serotypes remain viable after 160 days in distilled water using flow cytometry, whereas traditional plate counts failed to detect ten serotypes incubated at 25°C. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that 4°C constitutes a more favorable environment where Salmonella can remain viable for prolonged periods without nutrients. Under such conditions, however, Salmonella exhibits a higher susceptibility to all tested antibiotics and benzalkonium chloride (BZK). The pre-enrichment with Universal Pre-enrichment Broth (UP) and 1/10 × Tryptic Soy broth (1/10 × TSB) resuscitated all tested serotypes on TSA plates, nevertheless cell size decreased after 160 days. Furthermore, phenotype microarray (PM) analysis of S. Inverness and S. Enteritidis combined with principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an inter-individual variability in serotypes with their phenotype characteristics, and the impact of long-term storage at 4 and 25°C for 160 days in nuclease-free water. This study provides an insight to Salmonella spp. long-term survivability at different temperatures and highlights the need for powerful tools to detect this microorganism to reduce the risk of disease transmission of foodborne pathogens via nuclease-free water.

Topology optimization of embracing fixator considering bone remodeling to mitigate stress shielding effect

The embracing fixator is one of the widely used internal fixation implants for bone fracture treatment. However, the stress shielding effect, a stress imbalance between the implant and bone caused by the mismatch in mechanical properties between them, is a significant and critical issue that may lead to treatment failure. Thus, it is of great importance to design the implant with an appropriate stiffness which can mitigate the stress shielding effect and provide the most favorable mechanical environment for bone healing and remodeling. To this end, a time-dependent topology optimization algorithm considering bone remodeling is proposed to optimize an embracing fixator used in the tibia fracture treatment. The change of callus density over time is simulated based on a bone remodeling model, and the callus density after a period of bone remodeling is selected to be the design objective to maximize. The design constraints include volume and the compliance of the whole fixation system. Meanwhile, the influence of the constraints on the regularity of material distribution of the optimized result is also studied. Besides, to test the effectiveness of the consideration of the bone remodeling in the embracing fixator design, a topology optimization concerning the minimization of the compliance of the entire system is also performed to make a comparison. Finally, the safety performance of optimized results considering bone remodeling is also verified by static analysis.

Bioinformatic analysis of endometrial miRNA expression profile at day 26–28 of pregnancy in the mare

The establishment of the fetomaternal interface depends on precisely regulated communication between the conceptus and the uterine environment. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in embryo-maternal dialogue. This study aimed to determine the expression profile of endometrial miRNAs during days 26–28 of equine pregnancy. Additionally, the study aimed to predict target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and their potential role in embryo attachment, adhesion, and implantation. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified 81 DEmiRs between equine endometrium during the pre-attachment period of pregnancy (day 26–28) and endometrium during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle (day 10–12). The identified DEmiRs appear to have a significant role in regulating the expression of genes that influence cell fate and properties, as well as endometrial receptivity formation. These miRNAs include eca-miR-21, eca-miR-126-3p, eca-miR-145, eca-miR-451, eca-miR-491-5p, members of the miR-200 family, and the miRNA-17-92 cluster. The target genes predicted for the identified DEmiRs are associated with ion channel activity and sphingolipid metabolism. Furthermore, it was noted that the expression of mucin 1 and leukemia inhibitory factor, genes potentially regulated by the identified DEmiRs, was up-regulated at day 26–28 of pregnancy. This suggests that miRNAs may play a role in regulating specific genes to create a favorable uterine environment that is necessary for proper attachment, adhesion, and implantation of the embryo in mares.

Peran Orang Tua dalam Membentuk Karakter Anak Usia Dini di Desa Sipaho Kecamatan Halongonan Kabupaten Padang Lawas Utara

This research aims to: (1) identify the role of parents in shaping a child's character (2) describe the exemplary behavior of parents in shaping a child's character (3) describe the habits of parents in shaping a child's character (4) describe the supporting and inhibiting factors of parents in shaping a child's character. This type of research uses a qualitative method. In collecting data, the researcher uses observation, interviews, and documentation methods. Based on the research results, parents play a significant role in the process of shaping a child's character. They focus on the child's conditions, understand their nature, and provide good examples to the child. The exemplary behavior and habits of parents in shaping a child's character include introducing God's commands to the child through worship, mutual respect, and courtesy. Children are also accustomed to applying these in their daily lives. Supporting factors in shaping a child's character include a good family and community environment, as well as support from the family. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include excessive television and smartphone use, children playing too much, parental busyness, and a less favorable peer environment. The results of this research are expected to help parents understand their responsibilities and obligations to their children, as well as to prepare good education from an early age to shape the character and behavior of the child for their future development.

Environmental education through the didactic game "treading the path of environmental equilibrium" in the teaching of biological sciences


 This study examines the use of educational game "Treading the Path Balanced Environment" as teachers to aid students in learning tool and Environment of content, Ecology and Environmental Education in the Life Sciences Education. This is qualitative-quantitative research used data collected through observations, evaluation questionnaires, application testing and filmic and photographic records in classes with 27 students of 3rd year high school students in a biology class of School Unit Professor José Kind in Teresina, PI. The research was based on theoretical as Piaget (1975) and Kishimoto (2000) that address the importance of play activities in cognitive development and demonstrate the learning of the contents in environmental education through educational game. It was found through statistical analysis, as the Hypothesis Testing (t test) that students improved their knowledge on environmental issues, demonstrating that the didactic game, combined with the lectures, presented contributions to the teaching-learning process. With the characteristics of a didactic game, provided a more fruitful and favorable environment for acquiring knowledge, promoted the motivation and socialization of students and teachers, allowed the discussion of environmental issues in context and interactively.

Measures of state support for small business

The article shows that the types of state support offered and provided to entrepreneurs should take into account the state of the business environment of the region in which the business is conducted. Within the framework of state regulation measures, a favorable business environment is being created, as a platform for doing small business.

On Approaches to the Formation of Reading Literacy Primary School Students

This article is devoted to the problem of developing reading literacy of primary school students. The author reviewed the research of scientists and teachers in the field of reading literacy and reading personality development. The idea of two interconnected lines in the process of child development has been studied: biological evolution and sociocultural formation in adolescence, namely in primary school with the creation of a favorable environment for the formation of interests and development of the child. Based on practical examples, the possibilities for effective development of reading literacy are shown.

Gender roles, perspectives, and issue attention in the Italian political twitterverse. An analysis of politicians’ network and top-down communication

ABSTRACT We investigate gender disparities in politics through an exploration of the Italian political Twitterverse. Using network analysis and structural topic models on a novel dataset of Italian politicians’ tweets (January 2020 - February 2022), we find that women are as well-connected to their political peers and as active as their male colleagues, and tweet on a wide range of topics emphasizing the sub-issues they care the most. These findings indicate that, as for women’s positioning within the politicians’ network, their activism and issue attention, Twitter seems to be a more favorable environment than more conventional arenas, where numeric under-representation, appointment to marginal positions, and gender gaps in issue attention are still detectable.

Iron-electrolysis assisted anammox/denitrification system for intensified nitrate removal and phosphorus recovery in low-strength wastewater treatment

Two iron-electrolysis assisted anammox/denitrification (EAD) systems, including the suspended sludge reactor (ESR) and biofilm reactor (EMR) were constructed for mainstream wastewater treatment, achieving 84.51±4.38 % and 87.23±3.31 % of TN removal efficiencies, respectively. Sludge extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) analysis, cell apoptosis detection and microbial analysis demonstrated that the strengthened cell lysate/apoptosis and EPS production acted as supplemental carbon sources to provide new ecological niches for heterotrophic bacteria. Therefore, NO3−-N accumulated intrinsically during anammox reaction was reduced. The rising cell lysis and apoptosis in the ESR induced the decline of anammox and enzyme activities. In contrast, this inhibition was scavenged in EMR because of the more favorable environment and the significant increase in EPS. Moreover, ESR and EMR achieved efficient phosphorus removal (96.98±5.24 % and 96.98±4.35 %) due to the continued release of Fe2+ by the in-situ corrosion of iron anodes. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that vivianite was the dominant P recovery product in EAD systems. The anaerobic microenvironment and the abundant EPS in the biofilm system showed essential benefits in the mineralization of vivianite.

Lipid droplets provide metabolic flexibility for cancer progression.

A hallmark of cancer cells is their remarkable ability to efficiently adapt to favorable and hostile environments. Due to a unique metabolic flexibility, tumor cells can grow even in the absence of extracellular nutrients or in stressful scenarios. To achieve this, cancer cells need large amounts of lipids to build membranes, synthesize lipid-derived molecules, and generate metabolic energy in the absence of other nutrients. Tumor cells potentiate strategies to obtain lipids from other cells, metabolic pathways to synthesize new lipids, and mechanisms for efficient storage, mobilization, and utilization of these lipids. Lipid droplets (LDs) are the organelles that collect and supply lipids in eukaryotes and it is increasingly recognized that the accumulation ofLDs is a new hallmark of cancer cells. Furthermore, an active role of LD proteins in processes underlying tumorigenesis has been proposed. Here, by focusing on three major classes of LD-resident proteins (perilipins, lipases, and acyl-CoA synthetases), we provide an overview of the contribution of LDs to cancer progression and discuss the role of LD proteins during the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and stemness of cancer cells.

The influence of the Cr2O3–Mn2O3 colorants system on the spectral characteristics of R2O–PbO–SiO2 glasses

AbstractThe focus of this paper centers on an exploration of optical glasses with high transmittance within the infrared spectrum at wavelength of 1 060 nm, while concurrently demonstrating full absorption within the ultraviolet and visible spectral ranges. The paper analyzes the present state of glasses demonstrating necessary transmittance at IR range, considering their inherent strengths and limitations. In this context, an R2O–PbO–SiO2 glass system with Cr2O3–Mn2O3 colorants system emerges as the subject of this research. Research was conducted to comprehensively assess the impact of this colorant system on the glass spectral characteristics, while considering the potentially detrimental influence of FeO.The principles underlying the industrial production of these glasses are systematically elucidated and presented. It was discovered that using gas heating during the cooling phase of glass melting resulted in the disruption of the spectral homogeneity of the glass, ultimately leading to defective product outcomes. Implementing the methodology of gasless temperature reduction (inertial cooling process) before glass pouring has created a favorable environment for producing high‐quality items. Glass samples from the laboratory tests were obtained, and the researched glass was integrated into serial production.

Carbon tax vs. carbon trading in China: which is better for promoting sustainable development of remanufacturing companies?

To accelerate achieving carbon neutrality, the promotion of low-carbon development in the manufacturing industry has been facilitated by the government's implementation of policies such as carbon taxation and carbon emissions trading. These measures have been put in place to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability within the manufacturing sector. Remanufacturing is an important direction for the low-carbon transformation of enterprises, and improving remanufactured product quality is crucial to the sustainability of remanufacturing enterprises. To elucidate the influence of policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions on the quality of remanufactured products, we developed a game model involving three key players: the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the remanufacturer (IR), and retailers. This model was constructed based on the heterogeneous consumer demand for both new and remanufactured products. The study delved into the effects of various governmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions on the quality-related decisions made by remanufacturing enterprises. Our primary focus was on the implementation of two specific policies: a high-level carbon taxation policy and a carbon trading policy characterized by elevated carbon pricing. These policies create a favorable environment for remanufacturers (IR) to enhance the quality of their products. The sales of remanufactured products are influenced by the purchasing preferences of consumers, and carbon reduction policies can be effective in reducing the total environmental impact of manufacturing. Carbon trading policy is most conducive to environmental protection and achieves a win-win situation for economic and environmental benefits for OEMs and IRs when the carbon tax per unit is compared with the carbon trading price. Hence, this situation is favorable for the sustainable growth of existing remanufacturing businesses. Consequently, the government's requirement for subsidies to enhance the quality of remanufactured products and boost the competitiveness of IRs in the market becomes less pronounced.

Impact of Solar Activity and ENSO on the Early Summer Asian Monsoon During the Last Millennium

AbstractThe Asian Monsoonal rainfall accounts for the majority of annual regional precipitation in East and South Asia and could be remotely regulated by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Besides, several paleoclimate records and simulations have indicated solar signals in the Asian Monsoon, implying the impact of solar activity on the regional monsoon precipitation. By conducting multi‐linear regression analysis to the solar irradiance forced single‐forcing experiment in the last millennium, this study presents the comparison of solar and ENSO effects on monsoonal precipitation in South and East Asia during early summer (May–June). Increased total solar irradiance during high solar activity years tends to trigger a favorable environment for developing monsoon onset, leading to more precipitation against ENSO‐related patterns over Southeast and South Asia before peak‐summer (July–August). The result supports reconstructed terrestrial records and underlines considerable influences of the solar cycle on the variation of the Asian Summer Monsoon.

A Study on Emotional Intelligence and Employee Engagement in IT Sector During Covid-19 at Chennai

Emotional intelligence in a workplace setting refers to individuals' capacity to effectively recognize, comprehend, and handle both their own emotions and those of others while navigating work-related scenarios. This paper focuses on emotional intelligence and employee engagement of IT employees in Chennai. Data were collected from 45 employees working in the IT sector within Chennai using questionnaire. The sample was selected using a simple random sampling method. Findings revealed that majority of employees are satisfied on human resources policies. They stated that the environment is more supportive to engage into their work. Majority of employees are able to manage emotions fully in workplace and believes that favorable working environment is the cause for increasing employee engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of emotional intelligence among employees. Those who possess a high level of emotional intelligence can navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic more effectively, fostering a positive work environment, supporting their colleagues, and contributing to the overall resilience and success of the organization.

PEER GROUP LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS IN RHINO CAMP REFUGEES SETTLEMENT, MADI–OKOLLO DISTRICT. A CROSS–SECTIONAL STUDY.

Introduction The purpose of the study was to examine how the peer group learning environment influences learners' performance in primary schools within the Rhino Camp Refuge Settlement. Methodology The study adopted a descriptive correlational and cross-sectional survey design, utilizing a mixed research approach. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. The target population of the study was 151 respondents, consisting of primary seven learners at three selected primary schools in the Rhino Camp settlement. The sample size of the study was determined to be 108 respondents. Results 71% of the respondents were male and 29% were female. There was a positive correlation between peer group learning environment and learners' performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.543**. This correlation was statistically significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). Peer group learning environment has a significant positive impact on learners' performance. A conducive and supportive learning environment within the peer group contributes to better academic performance. Conclusion Group learning in a peer environment has a positive influence on learners' performance in primary schools within Rhino Camp Refuge Settlement. It fosters a favorable learning environment, promotes active participation, enhances motivation, improves communication skills, fosters cultural understanding, and provides emotional support. These findings highlight the potential benefits of implementing group learning strategies in primary schools in refugee settlements. Recommendation Schools should create a conducive learning environment that promotes peer interaction and mutual learning.

Antimicrobial Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Foam Derived from Lignin for Wound Healing.

Medical dressings, as a cover for wounds, can replace damaged skin in the wound healing process to play a temporary barrier role, avoid or control wound infection, and provide a favorable environment for wound healing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for medical antimicrobial dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds. Although traditional polyurethane foam has been widely used in medical dressings, conventional polyurethane foams are primarily prepared using nonbiocompatible isocyanate-based compounds, which are potentially hazardous for both operators and applications in the medical field. Here, we propose nonisocyanate polyurethane foams naturally derived from lignin by enzymatic lignin alkylation, cyclic carbonation modification, and polymerization with diamine and the addition of a blowing agent. Silver nanoparticle solution was added during foaming to confer antimicrobial properties. This lignin-based nonisocyanate polyurethane/silver composite foam (named NIPU foam-silver) using a green synthesis method has good mechanical properties, which can be used to manufacture polyurethane/silver foams, and thermal and antimicrobial properties. Notably, NIPU foam-Ag showed more than 95% bactericidal efficacy against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus within 4 h. Evaluation of in vitro wounds in mice showed that this antimicrobial composite foam rapidly promotes wound healing and repairs damaged tissue. This suggests that this biobased biodegradable antimicrobial foam has significant scope for clinical applications in wound management.

Registered Nurses' Well-Being, Michigan, 2022.

Objectives. To examine nurses' well-being and identify individual and workplace factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods. We administered an e-mail survey to registered nurses in Michigan in March 2022. Outcomes included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-Exhaustion scale, self-harm thoughts (yes/no), and overall wellness on a 0 to 10 visual analog scale. Covariates included practice environment, psychological safety, workplace abuse, staffing adequacy, stress coping strategies, and demographics. We examined associations between covariates and exhaustion, thoughts of self-harm (both via logistic regression), and overall wellness (via linear regression). Results. Among surveyed nurses, 93.63% reported significant exhaustion, 9.88% reported self-harm thoughts, and the mean (SD) overall wellness score was 6.2 (2.3). Factors associated with exhaustion included inadequate staffing, lower psychological safety, and younger age. Factors associated with self-harm thoughts included recent workplace physical abuse and younger age. Factors associated with higher wellness scores included employer support, favorable practice environments, higher job satisfaction, and positive coping strategies. Conclusions. Negative well-being outcomes were prevalent among registered nurses and were associated with correctable workplace deficits. Nurses' well-being is a national public health problem that warrants comprehensive interventions at individual, workplace, and community levels. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S2):S180-S188. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307376).

The Significance of Work Motivation: The Impact of Organizational Culture and Work Environment on Employee Performance

The objective of this study is to ascertain and examine the impact of Organizational Culture and Work Environment on Employee Performance, with Work Motivation serving as an intermediary factor. This study employs quantitative methodologies. The study sample included all individuals employed by the hospital. The study used a purposive sampling strategy, specifically targeting personnel who were neither general practitioners nor specialists. The whole study sample consisted of 130 participants. Statistical tests were conducted using path analysis with the SEM-PLS software 4. Source of information: Primary data was collected by the distribution of questionnaires, which were sent to and returned from 130 respondents. The findings of this study suggest that both Organizational Culture and Work Environment have a favorable and substantial direct impact on employee performance. Work has a favorable and substantial direct impact on motivation, and work motivation in turn exerts a favorable and substantial direct impact on employee performance. The impact of organizational culture on employee performance is mediated by motivation. This mediation is fully positive, as the indirect influence of organizational culture through motivation is greater than its direct influence. Similarly, the work environment affects performance through motivation, with the mediation being fully positive as well, as the direct influence is stronger. Given its limited indirect impact, it is desirable for Gresik Hospital to maintain and enhance a good corporate culture, while also striving to provide a favorable work environment that fosters motivation and ultimately maximizes employee performance.