Higher Index Values Research Articles

Elastic anisotropy, mechanical, lattice dynamics, and electronic properties of MPdZ (M = Hf, Zr, Ti; Z = Sn, Ge, Si). DFT study

Elastic anisotropy, mechanical, lattice dynamics, and electronic properties of MPdZ (M = Hf, Zr, Ti; Z = Sn, Ge, Si) compounds have all been computed from first principles. All compounds are ductile according to Pugh’s ratio, Cauchy’s pressure, and Poisson’s ratio values. Based on the Born stability criteria, each MPdZ compound is mechanically stable. The high machinability index values of TiPdSn and ZrPdSi indicate their high quality of machinability. The hardness of the compounds is between 5.5 and 8.0 GPa, and the highest hardness is found in the HfPdSn (7.966 GPa) compound. The computed Kleinman parameter indicates that the bond stretching for all MPdZ compounds is minimal. The anisotropy indices incorporating graphical presentation indicate all MPdZ compounds are anisotropic. Young’s modulus elastic anisotropy is less compared to the Zener anisotropy index, equivalent Zener anisotropy measure, and anisotropy ratio of the maximum and minimum shear moduli. Prominent anisotropy for sound velocities is observed in HfPdSi, ZrPdSi, and TiPdSi compounds. With the exception of TiPdGe, other compounds in this work are dynamically stable due to the lack of imaginary phonon modes. HfPdSn, ZrPdSn, and TiPdSn have narrow energy band gaps among the compounds that were studied.

Моделирование суверенного кредитного риска с учетом экологической эффективности

This study contributes to the evaluation of the role of the eco-efficiency factor in explaining sovereign credit risk. The purpose of the study is to develop a model of sovereign credit risk taking into account the environmental efficiency factor. The sample includes the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, China, China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain. 58 % of the world’s countries are categorized as investment grade, indicating that more than half of the countries have high and very high solvency. Using the multiple regression method, the factors affecting the sovereign credit rating are identified: GDP per capita, annual change in inflation, international reserves, private sector credit, total public debt, and environmental performance. The results show a strong positive relationship between credit rating and GDP per capita, private sector lending volume, indicating that countries with better GDP per capita have lower credit risk. To prove the relationship between environmental and credit risk, two multiple regression models were constructed: without and with the environmental factor. The results show that including the environmental factor in modeling a country’s credit rating is appropriate because it improves the quality of the model. According to the two comparison criteria, the model including the environmental factor had better results; the coefficient of determination was larger and the approximation error was smaller. Countries have different environmental situations and different degrees of environmental policy management. There is a relationship between environmental and credit risk of countries, but the environmental situation of a country is not the only determinant factor affecting credit risk. If a country has a high environmental performance index value, it may have an average sovereign rating and vice versa. The scientific usefulness of the study lies in the fact that the constructed model can be used by investors, creditors, rating objects to calculate their own values of sovereign credit ratings.

Morphometric Analysis in Determining Body Score Index of Male Duroc Pigs

This research aims to determine the index score of male Duroc pigs. The research was carried out at Mitra Tani Farm, Wewiku District, Malaka Regency. The livestock used in this research were 80 1 year old male Duroc pigs. The variable observed in this research is the Salako cumulative index which consists of weight index, height slope index, length index, width slope index, depth index, foreleg length index, balance and cumulative index which will be analyzed using the Salako (2006) formula to see the cumulative index to determine the index score of the livestock. The results of the study showed that the average morphometric size of male Duroc pigs was body weight 46.56 ± 24.00 kg, body length 58.43 ± 16.88 cm, shoulder height 50.78 ± 11.83 cm, hip height 52.00 ± 12.66 cm, chest circumference 77.90 ± 26.50 cm, chest width 18.45 ± 5.78 cm, chest depth 36.32 ± 12.95 cm, hip length 16.36 ± 4.67 cm, and hip width 12.28 ± 2.24 cm. The average weight index, height slope index, length index, width slope index, depth index, foreleg length index, and balance of male Duroc pigs from the research were respectively 14882.30 ± 8387.32; 1.23 ± 1.97; 1.14±0.13; 0.75±0.32; 0.70±0.14; 14.56±7.90; and 1.29 ± 0.70 with a cumulative index of 5.20 ± 2.35. Based on the research results obtained, it was concluded that the high cumulative index value of male pigs can be used to determine the body index score in livestock selection. This can be used as one of the selection criteria in improving the quality of pigs at Mitra Tani Farm Wewiku, Malaka Regency.

Optimizing the structural, thermal, gas sensing and electrical properties of in-situ polymerized poly(thiophene-co-indole)/silicon carbide nanocomposites for energy storage applications

Conducting copolymer nanocomposites of thiophene and indole incorporated with silicon carbide nanoparticles [poly (thiophene-co-indole-SiC) (PPSiC)] has been developed by in-situ copolymerization and these nanocomposites were characterized by different analytical techniques. The FTIR peak at 865 cm−1 signifies the successful incorporation of SiC nanoparticles in the copolymer matrix. The intensity of the UV-Vis absorbance of the copolymer nanocomposites increased with the nanoparticle concentrations, and PPSiC7 showed the highest intensity. This was in correlation with its low optical bandgap energy (3.032 eV) and high refractive index (2.388) value. XRD revealed the consistent positioning of sharp and distinct crystalline peaks of SiC in the copolymer. SEM revealed the effective dispersion of nanoparticles throughout the matrix and uniform dispersion was obtained for PPSiC7 nanocomposite. HR-TEM images validated the presence of spherical-shaped particles in the nanocomposite with the nano-size distribution of SiC. The surface roughness of the copolymer nanocomposite was evident from AFM analysis. TGA and DSC revealed that PPSiC nanocomposites have better thermal properties than the copolymer. AC conductivity increased with frequency and temperature. The PPSiC7 exhibits a maximum conductivity of 1.5×10−2 S/cm at 106 Hz and an activation energy of 0.064 eV. PPSiC nanocomposites demonstrated excellent results in degrading dye and detecting ammonia gas at ambient temperature. All analyses showed that the PPSiC7 nanocomposite exhibited superior properties than the copolymer. These admirable properties can be exploited in developing optoelectronic devices, energy storage devices and gas sensors.

Dynamic connectedness of inflation around the world: A time-varying approach from G7 and E7 countries

Using advanced econometric techniques of the Time-Varying Parameters Vector Autoregression model with stochastic volatility (TVP-SV-VAR) and the Quantile Vector Autoregression (QVAR) model, this research investigates the dynamics of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) across G7 and E7 countries from January 1993 to January 2023, aiming to comprehensively analyze the international transmission of inflation. The study yields several key findings. Firstly, we ascertain that approximately 64% of inflation volatility can be attributed to international transmission. Secondly, our analysis consistently identifies Turkey and Russia as net exporters of inflation over the study period, while G7 countries and Mexico emerge as persistent net importers. Thirdly, we note a gradual increase in China's inflation connectivity with developing countries following the Asian financial crisis, coupled with a diminishing impact of Chinese inflation transmission to developed nations. Fourthly, we observe a heightened complexity in the inflation transmission network during periods marked by high Total Connectivity Index (TCI) values, compared to those with low TCI values. Lastly, our study underscores that the transmission of international inflation intensifies during periods characterized by extremely high or low international inflation rates.

Biodiversity in Swamp Ecosystem in Sukamaju Village, Malind District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province, Indonesia

Background: The level of diversity has a crucial role in the stability of the ecosystem. The higher the variety, the more stable an ecosystem, including agricultural land cultivated by farmers. Increasing of population affected the higher demanding of community towards their consumption activities. Especially, the natural resources that comes from local area such as Sukamaju District. Biodiversity of resources urgently needed to preserve the ecosystems meanwhile being the potential source to fulfilled nourishment of the people. This study aims to determine the diversity of peatland ecosystems by using a purposive sampling method in every selection of subject groups based on the characteristics or characteristics of a specific population. Methods: Field and Laboratory activities are needed in this research. Sample collection using several methods according to the targeted sample. Most of the sample using purposive sampling but also line intercept transect method. Fish sampling used a fishing gear called a gill net with a mesh size of 2-7 inches. The fish caught is placed in a labeled coolbox. Insect collection was running in the morning at 07.00-11.00 and in the afternoon at 3-5 pm (UTC+09:00). Sampling is held once a month for three months at predetermined coordinate points. Diversity was analyzed using Shannon-Wienner diversity, evenness index, dominance index and intensity on peatlands. Result: The results found seven orders and 30 families, with a total population of 1,231 individuals. The most dominant types of insects are the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. High diversity index (H'=3.021), high evenness index (E= 0.86243) and low dominance index (D=0.3101). Fish community structure obtained diversity index (H¢) included in the medium category, for uniformity values in the high class and dominance index values in the low sort. The dominant fish species found were Channa striata, Anabas testudineus, Lates calcalifer, Mugil cephalus, Plotosus papuensis and Toxotes chataerus, while Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Hexanematichthys sagor and Megalops cyprinoides. While the types of molluscs found to have the highest abundance were Pila ampullacea, Pomacea canaliculata and Pilsbryoconcha exilis.

Northern Svalbard Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element

Abstract The Northern Svalbard Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (CTSE) comprises Proterozoic, Early Paleozoic and Devonian sedimentary rocks preserved in northern Svalbard and on the adjacent shelf margin between complexes of metamorphic and crystalline basement rocks. The Northern Svalbard CTSE covers four main tectono-sedimentary elements: Tonian synrift, Neoproterozoic–Cambrian post-rift, Ordovician passive margin and late Silurian?/Devonian synextensional basins. The oldest documented sedimentary strata are greywacke and shale deposited after the Greenvillian Orogeny and assumed to be younger than 980–960 Ma. The present CTSE further includes Cambrian–Ordovician sedimentary rocks in Ny-Friesland and Nordaustlandet, while the dominant part of the CTSE are continental Old Red Sandstone sediments of the late Silurian?/Early Devonian Red Bay and Siktefjellet groups and the Early–Late Devonian Andreé Land Group onshore northern Spitsbergen. Locally, the Cambrian–Ordovician formations contain petroleum source rocks with moderate total organic carbon contents and relatively high hydrogen index values, suggesting a good potential for oil generation. There are possible reservoirs, seals and traps in some of the basins but the CTSE generally holds a very limited potential as a petroleum province, particularly as the region is under strict environmental protection.

Heavy Metals in Common Fishes Consumed in Dhaka, a Megacity of Asia: A Probabilistic Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Hazard.

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. In this study, six commonly consumed fish species namely Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Kachki (Corica soborna), Punti (Puntitus ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus), Meni (Nandus nandus), and Tengra (Mystus tengara) were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fish samples were collected from wholesale markets in Dhaka city, the main business hub of Bangladesh where the fishes converged from countrywide and are redistributed to the whole city. The metal concentration varied among the studied fish species. Hilsha, the national fish of Bangladesh, contained the highest As among the other fishes of this study, whereas Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni were the highest in Kachki, and Pb and Cr were the highest in Tengra. The probable source of metal accumulation in the fish species may be the river or marine water that can be contaminated by industrial waste, pesticide, and/or fertilizer use in agriculture and/or commercial fish feeds. All analyzed fish species showed serious heavy metal pollution, having high average pollution load index (APLI) values (> 1). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for the metals were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The hazard index (HI) for all the fish species was above 1 for adults, showing non-carcinogenic health risks. The targetcarcinogenic risk (TCR) values were below the acceptable limit (10-4) for most of the metals, indicating safe for consumption with respect to the risk of cancer.

Predicting Redox Conditions in Groundwater at a National Scale Using Random Forest Classification.

Redox conditions in groundwater may markedly affect the fate and transport of nutrients, volatile organic compounds, and trace metals, with significant implications for human health. While many local assessments of redox conditions have been made, the spatial variability of redox reaction rates makes the determination of redox conditions at regional or national scales problematic. In this study, redox conditions in groundwater were predicted for the contiguous United States using random forest classification by relating measured water quality data from over 30,000 wells to natural and anthropogenic factors. The model correctly predicted the oxic/suboxic classification for 78 and 79% of the samples in the out-of-bag and hold-out data sets, respectively. Variables describing geology, hydrology, soil properties, and hydrologic position were among the most important factors affecting the likelihood of oxic conditions in groundwater. Important model variables tended to relate to aquifer recharge, groundwater travel time, or prevalence of electron donors, which are key drivers of redox conditions in groundwater. Partial dependence plots suggested that the likelihood of oxic conditions in groundwater decreased sharply as streams were approached and gradually as the depth below the water table increased. The probability of oxic groundwater increased as base flow index values increased, likely due to the prevalence of well-drained soils and geologic materials in high base flow index areas. The likelihood of oxic conditions increased as topographic wetness index (TWI) values decreased. High topographic wetness index values occur in areas with a propensity for standing water and overland flow, conditions that limit the delivery of dissolved oxygen to groundwater by recharge; higher TWI values also tend to occur in discharge areas, which may contain groundwater with long travel times. A second model was developed to predict the probability of elevated manganese (Mn) concentrations in groundwater (i.e., ≥50 μg/L). The Mn model relied on many of the same variables as the oxic/suboxic model and may be used to identify areas where Mn-reducing conditions occur and where there is an increased risk to domestic water supplies due to high Mn concentrations. Model predictions of redox conditions in groundwater produced in this study may help identify regions of the country with elevated groundwater vulnerability and stream vulnerability to groundwater-derived contaminants.

111 First Kiko Buck Performance Test in Mississippi

Abstract Kiko is a meat breed of goats originating from New Zealand, they are recognized for their hardiness and parasite resistance. There is a lack of information on economically important traits for this breed in the US, particularly in the Southeast. The Kiko buck performance test allows producers to make educated breeding decisions through impartial data. These tests have occurred in the United States for years; however, this is the first buck test performed on commercial farm grazing conditions in Mississippi (MS). A goat that performs well in a test in another state may not perform well in high temperatures, humidity, ground moisture, and availability of parasites in MS. The objective of the test was to collect data on the performance of weaned Kiko bucks grazing under commercial farm conditions in south MS from July to October of 2023 (IACUC-23-138). Forty-five farmers from 14 different states (KY, OK, FL, NC, MS, AL, IN, IL, GA, TN, AR, VA, MO, and WV) consigned 88 Kiko bucks. Every 2 wk measurements were taken on the goats including body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA, and fecal count of nematode eggs (FEC expressed as eggs per gram of feces – EPG), also at the start and end of the test loin eye area (LEA) was measured through ultrasound. Forage samples were collected for quality analysis, the average values starting the test were 13% CP and 47.4 TDN. Upon arrival, the bucks were dewormed using a combination of drugs, and after 2 wk of confinement went out with only grazing to start the 10 wk of test. During the test bucks were dewormed using the following parameters: >2,500 EPG and FAMACHA 4 or 5 or BCS < 1.5, any goat falling in these criteria was not considered for the final ranking. Bucks were separated into two groups: those born on or before February 8th, 2023 (group 1-G1, n = 44) and those born after (group 2-G2 n = 34). Ratios of the average daily gain (ADG), nematode FEC, and the ratio of LEA/BW were used in the final index. As all values are considered of equal economic importance, they all contributed the same to the final index. For G1 ADG, FEC, LEA/BW was 60 g/d (SD 20), 832.75 EPG (SD = 504.32), and 0.88 cm²/kg (SD = 0.20), respectively. For G2 ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW was 50 g/d (SD = 40), 907.86 EPG (SD = 492.61), and 0.81 cm²/kg (SD = 0.19), respectively. Bucks were ranked by highest index value in the group, for G1 the 1st place buck was from MS with ADG, FEC, LEA/BW of 90 g/d, 175 EPG, and 1.41 cm²/kg, respectively. For G2 the 1st place buck was from IN with ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW of 140 g/d, 116.67 EPG, and 1.00 cm²/kg, respectively.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammatory index as markers of response to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Biomarkers that help to evaluate the immune system and could be useful in multiple sclerosis (MS) are the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII). The objective of this work is to evaluate the significance of the SII index, PLR, and NLR before and after transplantation in individuals with MS who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) at a single institution. Patients with MS who received an aHSCT between 2017 and 2022 were included in the study. NLR, PLR, and SII index were calculated prior to the transplant and 100 days after, and evaluation of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was done before the transplant and 12 months after. The cohort was divided into two groups: aHSCT responders (R) and nonresponders (NR). Fifty-eight individuals were examined: 37 patients in the responders group R group and 21 in NR group. There was no statistically significant difference in the SII, NLR, and PLR prior to the transplant, however at 100 days post-HSCT, NLR in the R group was 1.8 versus 3.1 in the NR group (p = 0.003), PLR was 194 versus 295, respectively (p = 0.024), meanwhile SII index was 489.5 versus 729.3 (p < 0.001). High NLR and SII index values after the aHSCT were associated with a worsening in the EDSS score. However, since this is the first ever study that compared NLR and SII index with the aHSCT response in persons with MS, further studies must be performed to corroborate this information.

Coping Strategies and Burnout Among Medical and Social Workers Providing Services to People with Limited Mobility

INTRODUCTION. The centerpiece of the development of occupational burnout is the individual’s ability to cope with stressful situations.&#x0D; AIM. To determine ways to cope with stress among employees of healthcare organizations and social service institutions providing services to low-mobility population groups, as well as to assess the correlations between individual coping strategies and burnout symptoms.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 81 employees of healthcare organizations (group 1) and 88 employees of a social service institution (group 2).&#x0D; We used COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory) questionnaire adapted by T.O. Gordeeva et al. to determine ways of coping with stress; Maslach Burnout Questionnaire adapted by N.E. Vodopyanova to determine symptoms of occupational burnout.&#x0D; RESULTS. Employees of a social service institution more often than the staff of healthcare organizations had high levels of coping strategies: positive reformulation and personal growth (in 80.7 % and 60.5 % respectively, p = 0.002), active coping (in 76.1 % and 58 %, p = 0.012), planning (in 76.1 % and 53.1 %, p = 0.002). At the same time group 1 representatives 2.1 times more often than group 2 representatives had high values of the integral index of occupational burnout: 50.6 % against 23.9 % (χ2 = 12.997, p 0.001).&#x0D; DISCUSSION. Ineffective coping-strategies, correlating with the levels of occupational burnout symptoms, appeared to be concentration on emotions and their active expression, mental disengagement from the problem, behavioural disengagement from the problem, and denial. Among the effective ones are active coping, planning, positive reformulation and personal growth.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. Burnout symptoms were more frequent in the surveyed sample of the healthcare workers than in the workers of social service institutions and were associated with insufficiently active use of effective ways of coping with stress.

Sustainable Biocatalytic Synthesis of a Second-Generation Biolubricant

Background: Biolubricants represent a category of lubricating substances derived from sustainable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and other bio-based materials. They are considered more environmentally friendly than mineral-based lubricants because they are biodegradable and nontoxic. Biolubricants derived from vegetable oils or animal fats were used as first-generation biolubricants. They have limited performance at extreme temperatures, both high and low, as well as low oxidative stability. Substitution of the double bonds by branching improves the performance and stability of the resulting second-generation biolubricants. Methods: In the past, the production of these compounds has relied on the chemical pathway. This method involves elevated temperatures and inorganic catalysts, leading to the necessity of additional purification steps, which decreases environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. A more environmentally friendly alternative, the enzymatic route, has been introduced, in accordance with the principles of “Green Chemistry”. Results: In this paper, the esterification of 2-methylhexanoic acid with 2-octyl-1-dodecanol and its optimization were developed for the first time. The synthesis was conducted within a jacketed batch reactor connected to a thermostatic bath in a solvent-free reaction medium and using Lipozyme® 435 as biocatalyst. Conclusions: The high viscosity index value of this new hyperbranched ester (&gt;200, ASTM D2270) suggests that it may be an excellent biolubricant to be used under extreme temperature conditions. Regarding sustainability, the main green metrics calculated point to an environmentally friendly process.

The Modeling and Detection of Attacks in Role-Based Self-Organized Decentralized Wireless Sensor Networks

This article discusses the modeling and detection of attacks in self-organizing decentralized wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that can be applied to various critical scenarios in practice. Security issues in this type of network have previously been studied to a rather poor extent. In particular, existing attack detection approaches and algorithms do not rely on the properties of self-organization and decentralization, which an attacker is able to exploit to compromise the network and its services. We propose, first, a model of a self-organizing decentralized wireless sensor network; second, a model of the attacks on such networks; third, algorithms for data collection and attack detection; and, finally, a technique for their application. The WSN model represents a formal specification of this type of network, defining the conditions and limitations of network self-organization and decentralization. The model is characterized by a proposed underlying role-based operation of network nodes and a set of their functional states. The proposed attack model covers the possible types of attacks that are relevant to a given type of WSN and are based on the exploitation of the self-organization and decentralization of the network. The developed algorithm for collecting data for attack detection presents specific types of data and their sources. The developed combined attack detection algorithm is formed of actions that detect relevant attacks on self-organizing decentralized WSNs using machine learning methods. The distinctive element of this algorithm is a set of highly specific features that are obtained by analyzing the data collected in the WSN and used to detect attacks. The proposed technique combines the constructed models and algorithms for the sake of tuning and deploying the attack detection module and the effective detection of attacks in practice. This technique specifies the main steps for the joint use of the models and algorithms and the assignment of data collection and detection parameters. The results of the experiments confirm the correctness of the constructed models, algorithms and technique due to the high values of the attack detection quality indicators. Therefore, the practical application of the proposed apparatus will facilitate improvements in the security of self-organizing decentralized WSNs. Experimental research has confirmed the practical applicability of our proposed solutions. In particular, it has shown that the proposed algorithms and the detection technique can detect both attacks implemented through the exploitation of the network’s properties of decentralization/self-organization and common variations in these attacks (i.e., without exploiting the decentralization property). In general, the experimental results expose a high quality of detection, with an f1-score equal to 0.99.

Forest thinning and prescribed burning treatments reduce wildfire severity and buffer the impacts of severe fire weather

BackgroundThe capacity of forest fuel treatments to moderate the behavior and severity of subsequent wildfires depends on weather and fuel conditions at the time of burning. However, in-depth evaluations of how treatments perform are limited because encounters between wildfires and areas with extensive pre-fire data are rare. Here, we took advantage of a 1200-ha randomized and replicated experiment that burned almost entirely in a subsequent wildfire under a wide range of weather conditions. We compared the impacts of four fuel treatments on fire severity, including two thin-only, a thin-burn, a burn-only, and an untreated control. We evaluated four fire severity metrics—tree mortality, average bole char height, percent crown volume consumed (PCVC), and percent crown volume affected (PCVA)—and leveraged data from pre-fire surface and canopy fuels to better understand the mechanisms driving differences in wildfire severity among treatments and how they changed with fire weather.ResultsWe found strong mitigating effects of treatments on fire behavior and tree mortality, despite 20 years having elapsed since mechanical thinning and 10 years since the second entry of prescribed fire. The thin-burn treatment resulted in the lowest fire severity across all four metrics and the untreated control the highest. All four fire severity metrics were positively associated with pre-fire canopy and surface fuel loads, with the exception that PCVC (a fire severity metric related to crown fire behavior) was not associated with surface fuel load. The fire weather conditions under which fuel treatment was most effective varied among fire severity metrics. Fuel treatment benefit was maximized at intermediate burning index values for tree mortality, intermediate to high burning index values for PCVA, and high burning index for bole char height and PCVC.ConclusionsWe conclude that reducing canopy bulk density via mechanical thinning treatments can help to limit crown fire behavior for 20 years or more. However, reducing surface fuels is necessary to limit scorching and the total crown impacts associated with tree mortality. Further, while fuel treatment effectiveness may decline under the most severe fire weather conditions for fire severity metrics associated with tree mortality, it is maximized under severe fire weather conditions for fire severity metrics associated with crown fire behavior (bole charring and torching). Our results provide strong evidence for the use of fuel treatments to mitigate fire behavior and resulting fire severity even under extreme fire weather conditions.

Mitochondrial DNA D-Loop Polymorphisms among the Galla Goats Reveals Multiple Maternal Origins with Implication on the Functional Diversity of the HSP70 Gene.

Despite much attention given to the history of goat evolution in Kenya, information on the origin, demographic history, dispersal route, and genetic diversity of Galla goats remains unclear. Here, we examined the genetic background, diversity, demographic history, and population genetic variation of Galla goats using mtDNA D-loop and HSP70 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. The results revealed 90 segregating sites and 68 haplotypes in a 600-bp mtDNA D-loop sequence. The overall mean mitochondrial haplotype diversity was 0.993. The haplotype diversities ranged between 0.8939 ± 0.0777 and 1.0000 ± 0.0221 in all populations supporting high genetic diversity. Mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis revealed three Galla goat haplogroups (A, G, and D), supporting multiple maternal ancestries, of which haplogroup A was the most predominant. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed considerable variation within populations at 94.39%, evidence of high genetic diversity. Bimodal mismatch distribution patterns were observed while most populations recorded negative results for Tajima and Fu's Fs neutrality tests supporting population expansion. Genetic variation among populations was also confirmed using HSP70 gene fragment sequences, where six polymorphic sites which defined 21 haplotypes were discovered. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant FST index value of 0.134 and a high FIS index value of 0.746, an indication of inbreeding. This information will pave the way for conservation strategies and informed breeding to improve Galla or other goat breeds for climate-smart agriculture.

IMPLEMENTASI LEAN SIX SIGMA UNTUK MENURUNKAN VARIASI DAN WAKTU PROSES PENGADAAN OBAT DI INSTALASI FARMASI RUMAH SAKIT ISLAM AMAL SEHAT SRAGEN

Background: Drug management needs to be done to prevent stock out, over stock, and drug purchases due to emergency conditions. Reports of drug management problems at Amal Sehat Sragen Hospital are stock outs resulting in immediate drug purchases and patients do not get the drug as they should. Lean Six Sigma combines two methodologies to help speed up certain processes so they can solve problems faster while creating more value for customers. When combined, these create a powerful methodology for managing a business and completing tasks on time, on budget, saving money, adding value and increasing productivity.&#x0D; Objectives: Assessing the implementation of Lean Six Sigma to reduce variation and processing time for drug procurement at the Pharmacy Installation of Amal Sehat Sragen Hospital.&#x0D; Methods: The method used in this study is a mixed methods with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach.&#x0D; Results: The results of the sample data that has variations and processing time are correlated with criticality, cost, and performance values to obtain Importance Index (II) values. Calculation of Importance Index (II), before implementation, 3 items with high Importance Index (II) values were obtained, namely "Gabapentin 300mg" (8.7), "Metformin 500mg (11.8), and "Lisinopril 5mg" (10.7) which decreased after implementation to “Gabapentin 300mg” (4.5), “Metformin 500mg (3.2), and “Lisinopril 5mg” (5.3). Assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of drug procurement by measuring the lead time in cycle I was 9 days 23 hours 25 minutes, decreasing to 4 days 7 hours 50 minutes in cycle III. The efficiency measure based on the Value-added ratio (VAR) in cycle I was 14% and increased to 34% in cycle III.&#x0D; Conclusions: The implementation of Lean Six Sigma with DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and Participatory Action Research approaches (three cycles) was able to reduce variations in the drug procurement process (critical criteria, performance, and cost) and overall lead time in the drug procurement process at Amal Sehat Sragen Hospital.

Mangrove gastropod distribution based on dominant vegetation classes and their relationship with physicochemical characteristics on fringe mangroves of Lembongan Island, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract. Ernawati NM, Dewi APWK, Sugiana IP, Dharmawan IWE, Ma’ruf MS, Galgani GA. 2024. Mangrove gastropod distribution based on dominant vegetation classes and their relationship with physicochemical characteristics on fringe mangroves of Lembongan Island, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 156-166. Mangrove ecosystems are important in supporting diverse marine life, offering refuge, reproductive grounds, and sustenance to various species. However, mangroves possess distinct zoning patterns determined by dominant species due to environmental variations that significantly impact the biodiversity of biota, particularly gastropods. A study on the Indonesian island of Nusa Lembongan revealed distinct communities of coexisting gastropod species in each mangrove vegetation zone. We discovered 29 distinct species of mangrove gastropods, with the Sonneratia mangrove zone having the most and the Lumnitzera zone having the least. Certain species, including Amphidromus perversus, Cerithium adustum, and Echinolittorina sundaica, were detected in only one of the mangrove zones. In each mangrove zone, the composition of gastropod species changed depending on the substrate type, e.g., soil, mangrove trunks, or mangrove leaves. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index values range from low to high diversity, and the community structure index values in mangrove zones vary. The evenness index varied by region, with Avicennia, Bruguiera, and Sonneratia having the highest index value. The findings indicate that mangrove vegetation zones are essential for maintaining diverse gastropod populations, with distinct composition and abundance patterns influenced by the distance of each mangrove zone from the ocean. This data may influence conservation efforts to preserve mangrove habitats and the diverse array of organisms that depend on them.

Effect of in vitro Digestion on the Bioaccessibility of Polyphenols and Potential Prebiotic Properties of Potato Peel.

Potato peel is a byproduct of the potato processing industry and a potential source of functional ingredients such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics. However, the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidants during in vitro digestion and prebiotic potential after in vitro digestion of potato peel flour has not been reported. The study was designed to assess the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and the prebiotic potential of potato peel flour. In this study, the changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during different phases of in vitro digestion, including salivary, gastric and intestinal phases were studied. Additionally, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic properties of potato peel flour by in vitro fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus. The findings revealed a significant increase in the recovery index for total phenolic content during both gastric (106.90%) and intestinal (102.71%) digestive phases. Furthermore, polyphenols in potato peel flour exhibited high residual intestinal digestibility index values (>90%). The antioxidant capacity increased by >50% during various phases of in vitro digestion. Regarding prebiotic properties, potato peel flour significantly increased L. acidophilus counts and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, specifically propionate and butyrate. This study suggests that potato peel flour has the potential to serve as a functional ingredient or nutraceutical that can enhance health and may help in reducing environmental problems.

Application of geochemical tracers for the investigations of groundwater resources in semi‐arid region (Central‐East Tunisia)

AbstractGroundwater resources in Mahdia‐Ksour Essef region, located in the central‐eastern part of Tunisia, suffer from intensive exploitation and degradation of water quality. The assessment of groundwater vulnerability, the well‐understanding of geochemical processes and the investigation of groundwater quality variations are of particular importance for water resources management in this semi‐arid region. The results of this multi‐disciplinary investigation show that groundwaters of Mahdia‐Ksour Essef region are flowing from El Jem and Boumerdes regions in the South, towards the Mediterranean Sea and the sebkha of Moknine in the North. The groundwaters are classified as either Na‐Cl or Ca‐SO4. Stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions (δ18O and δ2H) confirm a recharge by rapid water infiltration, evaporate surface water and water‐rock interaction processes in the salinity increase. The rock‐water interaction processes of the mineralization of groundwaters include the cation‐exchange reactions and the dissolution of carbonates and evaporate. The high values of the water quality index (WQI) and of the total dissolved solids (TDS) (3.7–11 g/L) of these groundwaters indicate their unsuitability for drinking purpose. Moreover, the combination of the WQI, TDS and nitrate results prove the vulnerability of the studied groundwater to the anthropogenic pollution linked to agriculture and domestic activities and to the salt water contamination.