Medium Intensity Research Articles

Farmer extension facilitators as a pathway for climate smart agriculture: evidence from southern Malawi

ABSTRACT Climate smart agriculture (CSA) is increasingly vital for enhancing agricultural adaptation to extreme weather shocks and sequestering carbon in the face of climate change. However, CSA adoption remains low in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other developing regions due to resource constraints and weak agricultural extension systems, among other factors. To reverse this trend and increase CSA adoption, the use of participatory extension services like farmer extension facilitators (FEFs) are increasingly viewed as a pathway to improving extension services in rural communities in SSA and elsewhere. Yet, rigorous analyses of the impacts of the FEF approach as a pathway for CSA adoption remain limited. Here we estimate the impacts of the FEF approach on CSA adoption in terms of resource intensity of CSA practices promoted by FEFs through a large CSA-related intervention in southern Malawi. We apply recursive bivariate probit regression to primary survey data from a sample of 808 households across five districts in the project area across southern Malawi in 2016, accounting for endogeneity and selection bias in farmer interaction with FEFs and the impact of the FEF approach on CSA adoption. Results show that interaction with FEFs had a positive and statistically-significant impact on CSA adoption; low, medium, and high resource intensity CSA categories increased by 42%, 87%, and 96%, respectively. The results suggest that the FEF approach can significantly enhance CSA adoption and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action in Malawi, similar contexts in SSA, and elsewhere. Key Policy Insights Participatory extension systems like the FEF approach can improve agricultural extension services in poor communities and thereby enhance CSA adoption in such areas. Smallholder farmer interaction with FEFs can enhance their adoption of resource-intensive CSA practices. Mainstreaming the FEF approach into national adaptation policies and programmes can help scale up CSA adoption in dryland communities. The FEF approach can enhance an achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action in dryland developing countries.

Cardiovascular response to postural perturbations of different intensities in healthy young adults.

The ability to regain control of balance is vital in limiting falls and injuries. Little is known regarding how the autonomic nervous system responds during recovery from balance perturbations of different intensities. The purpose of this study was to examine the cardiovascular response following a standing balance perturbation of varying intensities, quantify cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) during standing perturbations, and to establish the stability of the cardiac baroreflex during quiet standing before and after balance disturbances. Twenty healthy participants experienced three different perturbation intensity conditions that each included 25 brief posteriorly‐directed perturbations, 8–10 s apart. Three perturbation intensity conditions (low, medium, high) were given in random order. Physiological data were collected in quiet stance for 5 min before testing (Baseline) and again after the perturbation conditions (Recovery) to examine baroreflex stability. Beat‐to‐beat heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) analysis post‐perturbation indicated an immediate acceleration of the HR for 1–2 s, with elevated SBP 4–5 s post‐perturbation. Heart rate changes were greatest in the medium (p = 0.035) and high (p = 0.012) intensities compared to low, while there were no intensity‐dependent changes in SBP. The cBRS was not intensity‐dependent (p = 0.402) but when perturbation conditions were combined, cBRS was elevated compared to Baseline (p = 0.046). The stability of baseline cBRS was excellent (ICC = 0.896) between quiet standing conditions. In summary, HR, but not SBP or cBRS were intensity‐specific during postural perturbations. This was the first study to examine cardiovascular response and cBRS to postural perturbations.

Improvement of traction-traction fatigue properties of A100 steel plate-hole-structure by double shot peening

To reduce the stress concentration and improve fatigue resistance of A100 steel plate-hole-structure, double shot peening (DSP) of the primary shot peening with strong intensity iron shots and the secondary shot peening with weak intensity ceramic shots is carried on material surface and hole and the effect of surface integrity on fatigue properties is investigated. The results show that the surface of hole presents severe surface plastic deformation (SSPD) with increasing DSP intensity. A high intensity compressive residual stress (CRS) distributed in deep layer is generated. Meanwhile, the compressive residual stress is much more stable during the fatigue process, which is beneficial to improve fatigue properties by inhibiting fatigue crack initiation and early propagation. In addition, due to the reduced stress concentration at the edge of hole and higher compressive residual stress, the fatigue resistance of A100 steel plate-hole-structure is remarkably improved. The average fatigue strength of DSP-treated specimens with medium intensity primary shot peening was at least improved by 59.6%, and the fatigue notch sensitivity was reduced by 61%. However, it is also discovered the secondary shot peening cannot repair the rough surface and surface damage caused by excessive primary shot peening, which compromise the improvement of fatigue resistance.

Fan assisted extraction and HPLC-DAD-MS/MS identification of volatile carbonyl compounds as chemical descriptors of healthy and defective roasted coffee beans

In this work, the profile of the volatile carbonyl compounds in roasted coffee is performed. The assays focussed healthy coffee beans and the main typologies of defective beans (black, immature, sour and bored) of arabica and robusta species, roasted at light, medium and dark intensities. To perform the volatile compounds extraction, a fan-assisted extraction system was used. The experimental parameters temperature, sample treatment, sample mass and extraction period were evaluated. An efficient extraction of the volatile compounds could be accomplished after a 10 min period (RSD <10%). Twenty volatile carbonyl compounds were identified. Hexanal signal was of high intensity in roasted black beans. Butanal and 2-methylbutanal signals presented high intensity in sour and black robusta beans. Several compounds were of higher prevalence in healthy beans than in defective beans. Among them, furfural was considered the main indicator of healthy beans based on the highest signal difference observed between healthy and defective beans in arabica and robusta coffees at light, medium and dark roast degree.

Will intensity of forest regeneration measures improve volume production and economy?

ABSTRACT The prevailing regeneration methods in Scandinavian countries are artificial regeneration methods including measures such as site preparation and planting. These measures are considered to be a part of a more intensive forest management and require an initial investment. The use of artificial regeneration measures can, however, increase the growth of a forest stand. In this study, the purpose was to investigate if such an investment is profitable by comparing three different intensity levels (low, medium and high) applied during the regeneration phase, with aspect on both economics (LEV, land expectation value) and growth (MAI, mean annual increment) after a full rotation. The forest stands used in this study were regenerated between 1984 and 1988 and the future growth of the stands was simulated using Heureka StandWise. It was clear that naturally regenerated (low intensity) stands resulted in better economics than stands actively regenerated (medium and high intensity). However, actively regenerated stands resulted in both higher volume production and growth, and the uncertainty of regeneration success was reduced using artificial regeneration measures. These factors are important when considering both the ongoing mitigation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and future access to raw material.

Ultrasonic treatment of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse D-galactose-induced aging model.

Utilization of the biological macromolecule Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) as a functional ingredient is limited by its high intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight. The goal of the present study was to improve rheological properties of DOP by ultrasonic treatment. Such a treatment resulted in the degradation of DOP and consequent reduction of rheological properties. Among DOP samples treated with ultrasonication at low (L), medium (M), and high (H) power intensities (25, 50, 75 w/cm2), M‐DOP displayed the highest reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) radical scavenging activity in vitro. In a mouse D‐galactose (D‐Gal)‐induced aging model, M‐DOP significantly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in liver. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis indicated that M‐DOP upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of anti‐inflammatory/antioxidant proteins such as Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor), hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) in liver. In summary, M‐DOP displayed a strong radical scavenging activity in vitro, and ameliorated liver injury in the mouse aging model through the promotion of Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 signaling pathway.

Observations of Child Behaviors and Responsivity during Sensory Friendly Community Events

Sensory-friendly time (SFT) events modify community environments and activities to improve leisure participation for children with sensory processing differences, and are becoming increasingly popular. However, little evidence exists examining if SFT events successfully support community engagement for this population. An urban university and neighboring children’s museum designed multi-sensory SFT events for the community. This study explored what types and intensities of multi-sensory activities predicted behavioral responses from children with atypical sensory processing. A Child Engagement Observation Log documented activity interaction, affect, responsivity (arousal) and emotional response of children participating in SFT activities. Poisson regression models determined if sensory properties (sensory domain and intensity) of different activities significantly predicted observable behavior. Activities with a medium sound intensity, sight intensity and level of complexity; medium intensity of sight, touch, and complexity; and medium levels of movement and complexity were significant predictors of behaviors (p<.05). Results can guide future community SFT programming.

Об особенностях пространственно-временной изменчивости характеристик волн тепла последних трех десятилетий (Араратская долина, Армения)

The aim of this work to study, identify the repeatability and duration of heat waves of the study area. For it were suggested and decided the following tasks: Findings. The study of regularities of variability of the spatial-temporal distribution of characteristics of heat wave in conditions of regional and global changes of climate is current task of modern geographical science. Extremely high temperatures and heat waves of study area excessively conditioned by the influence of secondary thermal depressions from the Arabian Peninsula, a number of cases that last for 2-3 decades are significantly increased. Tropical thermal depression, forming of extreme hot summers and heat waves, have cycles of activation and weakening, periodicity of which is estimated at 20-22 years. Starting from July (sometimes from the second half of June) to the last ten days of August (sometimes to first half of September), weather conditions of Ararat valley are formed under influence of thermal depression. The invasion of southern and south-eastern tropical warm and dry air currents from the Arabian deserts is increasing. As a result in some years the air temperature in Ararat valley is increased to 40-43 °C, and relative humidity is low than 30%. Heat waves are dangerous weather phenomena, is threat for live and activity, are characterized with some negative consequences. They can be accompanied by droughts and dry winds, forest fires, desertification, disruption of the natural ecosystem, economic damage, decreased working capacity, psychological and sociological consequences, even deaths. Temporal tendencies in course of values of the characteristics of heat wave for last 2-3 decades have positive unambiguous character, more frequent heat waves and extremely warm summers. Heat waves of low and medium intensity have a particularly high frequency. The probability of strong waves is less. The study area is distinguished a characteristic regime and an almost uniform spatial distribution of summer extreme high temperatures. They range from 41,5 to 42,6 °C. The entire study area is vulnerable to heat waves. Heat waves can cause dangerous meteorological phenomena such as droughts or dry winds, which cause great damage to various sectors of the economy, especially agriculture. Therefore the results of the work can be used in the field of agriculture, mitigating and reducing the consequences of possible damage caused. They can also be used in agrometeorological forecasts. In the study area, summer conditions become warmer and drier, which should be taken into account when developing strategic programs for the future development of this area.

Quail and rain in semiarid rangelands: Does management matter?

AbstractRainfall is a strong driver of quail populations on southwestern rangelands and can account for a large portion (~70–95%) of the variability in regional quail production and abundance. Landowners have attempted to moderate these boom‐and‐bust fluctuations via management; however, presently it is unknown whether management can increase or stabilize quail populations in semiarid environments or whether rainfall remains as influential at small spatial extents. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of management at mitigating the effects of rainfall on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations on semiarid rangelands and to quantify the influence of rainfall on bobwhite density at smaller spatial extents. We conducted a study to evaluate these objectives during 2014–2020 in the Rio Grande Plains (n = 11 sites; 1,100‒6,500 ha) and Rolling Plains (n = 4 sites; 1,900‒4,000 ha) of Texas, USA. We estimated bobwhite density during late autumn (Dec‒Jan) on all sites using helicopter surveys within a distance‐sampling framework. We also obtained site‐level seasonal rainfall (Apr‒Aug) and quantified management intensity via landowner surveys and a scoring rubric to categorize sites into 3 classes (low, medium, and high management intensity). Bobwhite populations during this study experienced a boom‐bust cycle in both the Rio Grande Plains and Rolling Plains, with mean bobwhite density fluctuating considerably (0.57‒2.96 bobwhites/ha and 0.02‒2.88 bobwhites/ha, respectively). In the Rio Grande Plains, mean bobwhite density significantly increased from low to high management intensity in 2015 (1.12 ± 0.17 bobwhites/ha vs. 2.87 ± 0.39 bobwhites/ha, respectively), 2016 (1.06 ± 0.20 bobwhites/ha vs. 2.96 ± 0.36 bobwhites/ha, respectively), 2017 (0.73 ± 0.16 bobwhites/ha vs. 1.91 ± 0.32 bobwhites/ha, respectively), and 2019 (0.42 ± 0.14 bobwhites/ha vs. 1.01 ± 0.26 bobwhites/ha, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). In addition, rainfall at the site level accounted for a low amount of the variation in bobwhite density (r2 = 0.09; P &lt; 0.01). Similarly, in the Rolling Plains, mean bobwhite density significantly increased from low to high management intensity in 2015 (1.30 ± 0.27 bobwhites/ha vs. 2.20 ± 0.29 bobwhites/ha, respectively) and 2016 (1.26 ± 0.26 bobwhites/ha vs. 2.88 ± 0.34 bobwhites/ha, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Rainfall at the site level also accounted for a low amount of the variation in bobwhite density (r2 &lt; 0.02; P = 0.82). Our findings suggest that management can increase bobwhite density beyond that of less‐managed properties but does not completely eliminate inter‐annual fluctuations in semiarid environments. In addition, rainfall appears to exert less of an influence on bobwhite density at a site level (e.g., 2,000 ha) than has been documented at a regional level (e.g., ≥8 million ha).

Impact of Great Recession bank failures on use of financial services among racial/ethnic and income groups

AbstractUsing individuals'‐level data from the 2013, 2015, and 2017 unbanked and underbanked household surveys, we examine the effect of the magnitude of bank failures in the 2008–2011 period on individuals' use of financial services in the post Great Recession period. We find the intensity of local bank failure to reduce the probability of owning a bank account and increase the likelihood of using alternative financial services (AFS). We show that those exposed to medium intensity failures were 2.3 percentage points less likely to be fully banked (own a bank account and do not use AFS) and 0.5 percentage points more likely to be unbanked (do not own a bank account and use AFS). These effects are primarily driven by blacks and Hispanics in low and medium intensity Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Our results are explained by the effect that the intensity of bank failures had on branching. Moreover, we find bank failures to intensify impediments to banking due to lack of convenient location and hours and distrust in banks, and the effect is more salient for minorities.

Local OAM manipulation of a terahertz wave from the air filament by chirping the few-cycle vortex pump laser

We propose a scheme to manipulate the local orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the ultra-broadband (0.1-30 THz) terahertz (THz) waves from the laser-induced short air filament via chirping the few-cycle vortex laser pump. The simulation results show that either the THz vortex pulses with linear azimuth-dependent phases or the THz angular accelerating vortex beams (AAVBs) with nonlinear azimuth-dependent phases can be produced by tuning the chirp parameter of the pump. Thus, the dominant physical mechanism for THz generation can be determined. The THz temporal and transverse spatial distributions can be also controlled by the chirp parameter. Furthermore, their local OAM density distributions present very complex structures because most of the modulated azimuthal intensity and the corresponding local angular helicity distributions are not able to cancel out completely. Via analyzing the simulated THz results at the different pump intensities, we classify the initial pump intensity into three cases. For the low intensity case, the Kerr effect comes into prominence, so the generated THz radiation shall be vortex pulses. While for the high intensity case, the leading plasma effect dominates. In contrast, when the pump intensity is at the medium level, the Kerr nonlinearity and the plasma effect may be comparable and competitive. Basically, THz AAVBs are generated for both high and medium intensity cases. Our study will provide the possibility for studying the optically induced rotation technology more intuitively from the perspective of angular momentum transfer.

Effect of Aeration Intensity on Performance of Lab-Scale Quorum-Quenching Membrane Bioreactor.

Biofouling is one of the main drawbacks of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Among the different methods, the quorum-quenching (QQ) technique is a novel method as it delays biofilm formation on the membrane surface through disruption of bacterial cell-to-cell communication and thus effectively mitigates membrane biofouling. QQ bacteria require a certain concentration of dissolved oxygen to show their best activities. Despite the importance of the amount of aeration, there have not been enough studies on aeration condition utilizing the separate determination of pure QQ effect and physical cleaning effect. This research aimed to find the optimum aeration intensity by separation of the two effects from QQ and physical cleaning. Three bead type conditions (no bead, vacant bead, and QQ beads) at three aeration intensities (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 L/min representing low, medium, and high aeration intensity) were applied. From the results, no QQ effect and small QQ effect were observed at low and high aeration, while the greatest QQ effect (48.2% of 737 h improvement) was observed at medium aeration. The best performance was observed at high aeration with QQ beads having a 1536 h operational duration (303% improvement compared to the no bead condition); however, this excellent performance was attributed more to the physical cleaning effect than to the QQ effect.

Analysis of a tumbling motion using a clustering algorithm on dual-piv measurements: application to the in-cylinder flow of a miller cycle engine

This paper aims to study the internal aerodynamics of a Miller cycle gasoline engine. This cycle uses an over-expanded stroke to recover more work, for the same amount of fuel, than the classical Otto cycle. To achieve this, the effective compression stroke is made smaller than the expansion one by closing the intake valves prematurely. The in-cylinder tumble flow then stops being driven by the valve jet before the piston reaches the bottom dead center, which disturbs the movement. The flow is observed here on a motored single-cylinder transparent engine coupled to a dual-PIV system. This system allows two velocity fields per engine cycle to be measured. The temporal evolution of the flow structures could thus be followed, while keeping the high number of instantaneous fields measured by the traditional PIV systems. The data are then well adapted to statistical analysis. A clustering analysis method, using the k-means algorithm and adapted to dual-PIV data, is described here. The first part presents a method defining a criterion on the instantaneous center of rotation of the tumble motion that can improve the rotation rates by 17%. A second analysis classifies the velocity fields into three groups of strong, medium and weak rotation intensity. The evolution of the characteristic quantities of each group shows that the movements with high rotation rates, created upstream of the compression phase, can give high turbulence rates close to the top dead center of the piston.Graphical abstract

Hubungan Intensitas Penggunaan Media Sosial dengan Gejala Depresi pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas HKBP Nommensen

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Background: Social media is an inseparable component of human life, included medical students. Social media usage has both positive and negative benefits. Several studies showed excessive use of social media can cause mental health problems, such us depression. This study aims to evaluated the correlation between the intensity of social media use and the degree of depressive symptoms in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of HKBP Nommensen.&#x0D; Methods: Analytical observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted on 101 students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of HKBP Nommensen using questionnaires such us Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS) to measure the intensity of social media use, and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to assess the degree of depressive symptoms. Data analysis were done by using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test.&#x0D; Results: This study showed that 38.6% respondents had low intensity, 41.6% medium intensity, and 19.8% respondents had high intensity of social media usage. There were 81.2% of respondent had no depression, 10.9% had mild depression, 5.9% moderate depression, and 2.0% severe depression. The Spearman test results showed that there is no correlation between the intensity of social media usage and the degree of depressive symptoms (p&#x0D; = 0.882) with a very weak correlation value (r = 0.015).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is no correlation between the intensity of social media use and the degree of depressive symptoms in the Faculty of Medicine, University of HKBP Nommensen students.&#x0D; Keywords: Social media, depression, medical students.

Evaluation of Argulus indicus on striped snakehead (Channa striata) in Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Amriana, Sari KD, Sriwulan, Anshary H. 2022. Evaluation of Argulus indicus on striped snakehead (Channa striata) in Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1355-1362. Fish parasites are frequently present in wild freshwater fish populations, but data are limited on their distribution and impacts. This research aimed to investigate the severity of parasitic Argulus infestation on striped snakeheads (Channa striata) caught in Towuti Lake based on prevalence, intensity, and the bacteria associated with Argulus parasitizing C. striata. The research was conducted from March 2018 to February 2019 at Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Striped snakehead samples were captured using fish traps and gillnets. Samples of bacteria associated with Argulus were collected from four striped snakeheads (three infested and one non-infested control). Bacteria from Argulus attachment sites were identified through Vitek-2 Compact biochemical tests. Argulus prevalence on striped snakeheads was in the range 73.3-96.7%, with a mean intensity range of 2.18-14.43 and mean abundance 1.67-13.47. Water quality parameters measured in Towuti Lake remained within the Indonesian standards for freshwater fish habitat. The bacteria in striped snakehead mucus comprised two species in control (Staphylococcus xylosus, Pantoea sp.) and seven species in the parasitized fish (Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus mycoides, Acinetobacter baumannii, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pantoea sp., Aerococcus viridans, Staphylococcus arlettae). This study found a very high prevalence of striped snakehead infestation with parasitic A. indicus at low to medium intensity levels. The study also showed that A. indicus infestation was accompanied by and likely stimulated pathogenic bacteria, which can cause skin infections in fish. Therefore, A. indicus could be considered a threat to striped snakehead populations in Towuti Lake.

EVALUATION OF SEXUALITY AND ITS IMPACT ON 80 OUTPATIENTS FOLLOWED FOR A DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Sexual disorders are a major part of depression, making patient care difficult to manage by stopping antidepressants due to their unwanted sexual effects. We aim in this study to assess sexual function in patients with a major depressive disorder and study the sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual characteristics associated with sexual dysfunction, through a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study involving 80 outpatients followed in a psychiatric hospital in Ibn RochdUniversity Hospital and having been evaluated through the Female Sexual Function Index (for sexual function) scale and the Hamilton Depression Scale (for the severity of depression).The mean age was 37.1 years with extremes ranging from 18 to 58 years. The majority of women were aged between 29 and 39 years old, having a level of secondary education 53% and 47.5% with average socio-economic conditions. The depression was of medium intensity for most patients (50%), with an average duration of 5.8 months. Marital discord was reported by 48,7% of patients. No patient reported any sexual dysfunction in her partner. Sexual function was impaired in 60% of patients. Sexual desire is the most impaired phase in our patients 77,5%, followed by orgasm disorder among 60% of patients, then sexual dissatisfaction in 53.33% of patients. We found that the alteration of the overall sexual function and other phases were significantly correlated with the severity and duration of the depressive episode but not with the existence of marital discord.Satisfaction with sexual life is an important factor affecting the quality of life. Patients rarely deal with problems in sexual life, so questions about this area of life should not be overlooked during a medical and psychiatric interview.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 18F-labelled dopamine D3 receptor selective ligands

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is highly expressed in the limbic regions of the brain and closely related to a variety of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and drug-seeking behavior. In vivo imaging of D3R with radio-labelled tracers and positron emission tomography (PET) has become a powerful technique in related disorders. In this study, we synthesized three novel aromatically 18F-labelled phenylpiperazine-like D3R selective radioactive ligands ([18F]5b, [18F]8b and [18F]11b) and developed a simple, rapid and efficient 18F-labelling method by condition optimization. Radiosynthesis of [18F]5b, [18F]8b and [18F]11b was achieved by 18F-fluorination from nitroarene precursors. Final radiochemical purities of [18F]5b, [18F]8b and [18F]11b solution were > 99% and remained good stability (> 98% for up to 6 h) in PBS and FBS. PET imaging and cellular binding studies revealed that [18F]8b had a higher D3R affinity than [18F]5b and [18F]11b. Autoradiography and biodistribution studies of the brain showed that [18F]8b had medium intensity specific accumulation in the striatum and cortex. Meanwhile, the low skeletal uptake of [18F]8b revealed a good in vivo stability with negligible defluorination. These results indicated that [18F]8b might be a potential 18F-labelled D3R PET imaging agent.

The effect of transportation vibration on the microbiological status of bottled mineral water.

Microbiological status and stability are important in mineral waters because of increased global demand. An increase in distribution and supply chains has led to prolonged periods of transportation, causing microbiological changes. Therefore, this study examines the effect of vibration on mineral water quality. Freshly bottled and previously sterilized mineral waters inoculated with microbes isolated from freshly bottled water were tested. The water samples were exposed to random vibration using ASTM (D4169) truck level I, II and III standard vibration protocol for truck transportation at 4 × 1 h at 22 ± 1 °C. After agitation their microbiological status was determined. Under the influence of low-intensity mechanical impact, the growth rate of autochthonous species in the freshly bottled natural mineral water tripled (μcontrol =0.036 h-1 , μvibrated =0.093 h-1 ) and that of allochthonous species doubled (μcontrol =0.035 h-1 , μvibrated =0.069 h-1 ). The latter was also observed in the case of high-intensity vibration (μcontrol =0.102 h-1 , μvibrated =0.200 h-1 ). The effect of the medium intensity of the standard was manifested in the delay in microbial growth. The impact of transportation vibrations on microbiological status changes in mineral water could be observed when subjected to vibration. The native and allochthonous species of mineral water respond differently to changes in intensity. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Combining GOES-R and ECOSTRESS land surface temperature data to investigate diurnal variations of surface urban heat island

The surface urban heat island (SUHI) phenomenon is characterized by both high spatial and temporal variability, while its diurnal (i.e., diel) variations have rarely been investigated because traditional satellites and sensors flying on polar orbits (e.g., Landsat, MODIS) have no diurnal sampling capability. Here we combined land surface temperature (LST) data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-R) and the Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) to explore the diurnal variations of SUHI and thermal differentiation among various land covers over the Boston Metropolitan Area. With the combined use of the LST data from GOES-R and ECOSTRESS, we took advantage of the strengths of both GOES-R (i.e., high frequency in each day and night) and ECOSTRESS (i.e., much finer spatial resolution). The SUHI intensity of the urban-core and suburban areas both exhibited clear diurnal patterns for different seasons: a continuous increase in the SUHI intensity from sunrise to noon and a decrease thereafter to sunset, followed by a relatively low and constant intensity during nighttime. The LST contrasts among different land cover types were clearly larger in the daytime than at nighttime and peaked around midday. At noon in summer, the LST of ‘Developed, High Intensity’ was 2.6 °C higher than that of ‘Developed, Medium Intensity’, and about 4.6 °C higher than that of “Developed, Open Space” and “Developed, Low Intensity”. Controlling the percent impervious surface in construction land at a relatively low level (e.g., below ~49%) could effectively alleviate the impacts of SUHI. Compared with GOES-R data, ECOSTRESS LST is suitable for monitoring the diurnal variations of intracity thermal environment at the subdistrict (or neighborhood) scale. Our study highlights the value of the combined use of geostationary satellite and ECOSTRESS LST in exploring the diurnal cycling of the SUHI, and can help inform urban planning and land-based climate mitigation policies in the context of climate change.

Kepribadian Muhsin dan Tingkat Stres Mahasiswa Psikologi Islam UIN Antasari dalam Menghadapi Covid-19

The purpose of this study was to determine the personality level of Islamic Psychology Study Program students, to see the stress level of Islamic Psychology Study Program students and to see the relationship between the student's personality and the stress level of Islamic Psychology Department students. This research used field research with quantitative. The population of this study was the students of the Islamic Psychology Study Program at UIN Antasari Banjarmasin adding 565 students. The sampling technique uses probability sampling techniques. The research sample consisted of 113 students. The results of the study: 1) There is a significant relationship between Mushin personality and stress levels with a significance level of 0.001 (p &lt;0.050) and together it makes an effective contribution of 10.1%. 1% (25 people), medium intensity 58.4% (66 people) and low intensity 19.5% (22 people). 3) Data on the results of stress levels in the high category 26.5% (30 people), medium intensity 62.8% (71 people), and low intensity 10.6% (12 people).