Mobility Factor Research Articles

Voter Participation in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Elections in Bengkalis Regency 2020

This study aims to describe and find out about the forms of voter participation in simultaneous regional head elections during the Covid 19 Pandemic Period in Bengkalis Regency in 2020. As well as to find out what are the factors that influence voter participation. This study uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive analysis method, as well as through a phenomenological approach, where this research can be started by paying attention to and examining the focus of the phenomenon to be examined, which looks at various subjective aspects of the object's behavior, namely the people in Bengkalis Regency who have the right to vote in the 2020 regional elections in accordance with the provisions of the law. The findings in this study are that community participation in the implementation of the 2020 regional head election during the Covid 19 pandemic in Bengkalis Regency increased by 11.50% when compared to the 2015 regional head election as well as the 2010 regional head election. The factors increasing community participation This is due to economic factors, the socialization factor of the organizers, the awareness factor of the voters themselves and also the first time voters, the political trust factor, the trust factor in the candidates, and the mobilization factor carried out by the candidates through the winning team, campaign team, and so on to the people in Bengkalis Regency. However, from all of these factors, based on the results of the research conducted by the researchers, the main factor that led to an increase in voter turnout was money politics or gifts in other forms carried out by election participants.

Biostimulant Application Alleviates the Negative Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Improves Growth Performance, Essential Oil Yield and Water-Use Efficiency of Mint Crop

The scarcity of water is limiting crop production and is one of the most important stressors that severely affects crop yield, and it may also decrease the quality of the final products. Most of the medicinal and aromatic plants are considered resilient to water stress and constitute a sustainable choice for crop production in arid and semiarid conditions. In the present study, we examined the effect of scheduled deficit irrigation (e.g., I1: 40% of field capacity); I2: 70% of field capacity; and I3: 100% of field capacity) combined with biostimulant application (four different products that consisted of nitrogenous compounds and carboxylic acids (M1); nitrogenous compounds and seaweed extracts (M2); humic and fulvic acids and seaweed extracts (M3); and CaO, SiO2, calcium mobilization and translocation factor and microminerals (M4)) on crop performance and essential oil production of mint plants (Mentha arvensis L.). Our aim was to define an irrigation regime that increases water-use efficiency and the biostimulant products that alleviate water stress effects. Our results indicate that moderate deficit irrigation (I2 treatment) and biostimulants that contained seaweed extracts and nitrogenous compounds and humic and fulvic acids (M2 and M3 treatments, respectively) significantly improved yield parameters in terms of fresh and dry herb yield and essential oil production. Moreover, the same biostimulant treatments significantly increased water-use efficiency of mint crops based on the various yield parameters tested in this study. In conclusion, our results indicate that selection of proper biostimulatory products may allow to apply deficit irrigation regimes in mint cultivation without compromising the crop performance in terms of both biomass production and essential oil yield. Therefore, the combination of these agronomic tools could facilitate water saving strategies in arid and semiarid regions and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.

Relationship between promoting effect of Zuogui Pills on angiogenesis of reproductive organs and mobilization factors GM-CSF, SDF-1, and their receptors of EPCs in early-aging rats

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the promoting effect of Zuogui Pills on ovarian and vaginal angiogenesis in early-aging rats and mobilization factors granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1), and their receptors of endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs) and explore the mechanism of Zuogui Pills in improving reproductive hypofunction in early-aging rats. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the chemical components of the extract of Zuogui Pills. Forty 14-month-old female early-aging rats with estrous cycle disorder were randomly divided into a blank group, a conjugated estrogen group(conjugated estrogen suspension, 65 μg·kg~(-1)), and low-(11 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(33 g·kg~(-1)) Zuogui Pills groups, with 10 rats in each group. In addition, 10 4-month-old female rats were assigned to the youth control group. The rats in the blank group and the youth control group were treated with 20 g·kg~(-1) distilled water by gavage, while those in the groups with drug intervention were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage, once a day for 15 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of SDF-1 and GM-CSF in the mobilization of EPCs in serum. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the changes in the number of ovarian follicles at all levels and corpus luteum, the number of vaginal epithelial layers, the number of vaginal folds, and the blood vessels of ovarian and vaginal tissues in the groups with drug intervention. Western blot was used to detect the expression of ER, GM-CSFR, CXCR4, and CXCR7 proteins in ovarian and vaginal tissues. As revealed by the results, the blank group showed decreased number of corpus luteum, gro-wing follicles at all levels, and blood vessels(P<0.05), decreased thickness of vaginal mucosa, the number of epithelial layers, the number of vaginal folds, and the number of vessels in the lamina propria(P<0.05), reduced content of SDF-1 and GM-CSF in the peripheral blood(P<0.05), and down-regulated levels of ER, CXCR4, CXCR7, and GM-CSFR proteins in ovarian and vaginal tissues(P<0.05). The groups with drug intervention showed increased number of growing follicles at all levels, corpus luteum, and blood vessels(P<0.05), decreased number of atresia follicles(P<0.05), increased thickness of vaginal mucosa, the number of epithelial layers, the number of vaginal mucosal folds, and the number of blood vessels in the lamina propria(P<0.05), increased content of SDF-1 and GM-CSF in the peripheral blood(P<0.05), and up-regulated levels of ER, CXCR4, CXCR7, and GM-CSFR proteins in ovarian and vaginal tissues(P<0.05). This experiment suggests that Zuogui Pills may promote ovarian and vaginal angiogenesis and improve the reproductive function of early-aging rats by up-regulating the levels of mobilization factors SDF-1, GM-CSF, and their receptors of EPCs.

Erratum for the Research Article "Light-induced mobile factors from shoots regulate rhizobium-triggered soybean root nodulation," by T. Wang et al.

Erratum for the Research Article "Light-induced mobile factors from shoots regulate rhizobium-triggered soybean root nodulation," by T. Wang et al.

Utilization of mobile health applications and determinant factors among health science students at Debre Markos University, northwest Ethiopia in 2022.

High penetration of smartphones and ownership among the young generation increased the utilization of mobile health applications for health management among university students more than ever. Compared to other health service provision mechanisms mobile health service has higher advantages in promoting a healthy lifestyle since it is not limited to time and space. Even though there are numerous studies conducted in the area of mobile health utilization, this phenomenon is not well studied among university students in Ethiopia, Hence this study aims to determine the level of mobile health applications utilization among health science students. A cross-sectional study was carried out at Debre Markos University from April 05 to June 25, 2022 among health science students. For this study, 423 students were recruited from health Science College using a systematic sampling method. The data was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Using SPSS version 26 software descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. A P-value of .05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. The questionnaire's validity was determined by expert opinion, and by calculating its reliability using cronbach alpha (α = .78). This study revealed that more than half 59% (144/244) of the study participants have installed and utilized 1-3 health-related apps. Among the students who have mobile health applications 38.6% utilize mobile health application several times a day while only 2.1% utilized rarely. Usage history shows that 40% of the study participants utilized the applications for a year, while 15.4% of the students utilized them for more than 2 years. Easiness of applications (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI: [2.1-11.2]), skill AOR = 4.2, 95%CI: [3.8-12]) and trust (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI: [1.6-4.8]) were among the factors that were associated with mobile health applications utilization. Students were asked about the barriers that limit the use mobile health applications and self-reported barriers includes Lack of knowledge and awareness of application benefits, and Lack of adequate time to use applications. The study shows that mobile health applications utilization is moderate relative to previous studies. Mobile health application developers for the young generation should consider healthy lifestyle related applications like fitness and weight loss apps.

Geochemical factors controlling the mobilization of geogenic cadmium in soils developed on carbonate bedrocks in Southwest China

Soils developed on carbonate bedrocks commonly contain high contents of geogenic cadmium (Cd). The bioavailability of Cd greatly varies among such soils and tends to be elevated in paddy soils compared to upland soils. However, the factors controlling the mobilization of geogenic Cd in paddy soils remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the processes and influencing factors of Cd mobilization in soils, by collecting upland soils and paddy soils from a carbonate region in Southwest China and analyzing the integrated soil properties and content, speciation and bioavailability of Cd. The results showed that the in-situ weathering of Cd-rich limestone (average of 0.66 mg/kg) resulted in the enrichment of Cd in overlying soils (4.75 to 13.2 mg/kg). Based on sequential extraction, ∼43%, 18% and 17% of Cd in paddy soils was retained by Mn oxides, Fe oxides and the residual fraction, respectively. Hence, the transformation of Mn oxides drove the redistribution of Cd. In the upper layers, Cd released from Mn oxides was sequestered by soil organic matter and carbonate. Based on extraction using diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), paddy soils presented a higher Cd bioavailability (27%) than upland soils (18%). Furthermore, both the bioavailability and mobility of Cd gradually increased toward the surface in the profiles. The bioavailability of Cd was significantly correlated with the content of soil organic matter in these soils, indicating that soil organic matter was another crucial factor controlling Cd mobilization in paddy soils. The outcomes of this study provided new evidence for understanding the mobilization of Cd in soils and are helpful for developing pollution-control strategies to combat geogenic Cd in paddy soils in carbonate regions.

Community sport as a factor of vertical social mobility of vulnerable groups: the example of taekwondo in Croatia

In a world that strives for superdiversity, it is very important that inclusiveness is present at all levels of social stratification and in different social groups. This paper provides a unique review of literature dealing with social mobility, community sport and the effects of martial arts, especially taekwondo, on the lives of children and young people. Ultimately, the aim of this paper is to provide a view of the possibilities of taekwondo as a sport and leisure activity, which could be an instrument for the vertical social mobility of children and young people who practice this sport. Likewise, the aim of the paper is to present the perspective of future research, especially in the Republic of Croatia since such research is lacking, and it is precisely these that are a possible foundation for community development in the context of equal opportunities for all.

What mobility factors are critical to include in a comprehensive mobility discharge assessment framework for older adults transitioning from hospital-to-home in the community? An international e-Delphi study

Purpose To prioritize and achieve consensus on mobility determinant factors [cognitive, financial, environmental, personal, physical, psychological, social] considered critical to include in the COmprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework (COMDAF) for older adults transitioning from hospital-to-home. Materials and methods We conducted a three-round modified e-Delphi process with 60 international experts (seven older adults, nine family caregivers, 24 clinicians, and 20 researchers) from nine countries with universal or near-universal health coverage. Expert members rated 91 factors identified from scoping reviews using a 9-point scale: not important (1-3), important (4-6), and critical (7-9). Result A total of 41 of 91 factors (45.1%) met the a-priori consensus criterion after three rounds: five cognitive, five environmental, two personal, 19 physical, six psychological, and six social factors. No financial factors reached a consensus. The older adult steering committee member recommended the addition of two environmental factors, resulting in 43 mobility factors included in the COMDAF. Conclusions We advanced a comprehensive mobility framework by developing, through consensus, 43 mobility factors to be assessed as part of a COMDAF. However, its use in hospital-to-home may not be feasible. Therefore, future research will determine the core mobility factors for COMDAF and which measurement instruments best measure these factors. Relevance An interdisciplinary discharge rehabilitation team can utilize the COMDAF during hospital-to-home transition. Implications for rehabilitation Mobility assessment following a hospital discharge is a complex process requiring an interdisciplinary discharge rehabilitation team. This study provided a comprehensive list of 91 factors across all seven mobility determinants (cognitive, environmental, financial, personal, physical, psychological, and social) for clinicians in other care settings to use as a starting point to determine which mobility factor should be assessed during older adults’ hospital-to-home transition. This international e-Delphi study identified 43 factors within mobility determinants (cognitive, environmental, personal, physical, psychological, and social) to be included in a Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework to assess older adults’ mobility during the hospital to home transition. Using these 43 factors, clinicians can identify which assessment tool is best suited to assess the factors while reflecting on the logistics and feasibility; this is the next phase of this project

Bank accounts, bank concentration and mobile money innovations

The present study investigates how increasing bank accounts and bank concentration affect mobile money innovations in 148 countries. It builds on scholarly and policy concerns in the literature that increasing bank accounts may not be having the desired effects on financial inclusion on the one hand and on the other, that bank concentration which is a proxy for market power is a relevant mobile money innovation demand factor. The empirical evidence is based on Tobit regressions. From the findings, it is apparent that boosting bank accounts is positively related to the three mobile money innovations (i.e. mobile bank accounts and the mobile phone used to send money). Moreover, some critical levels of bank account penetration require complementary policies in order to maintain the positive relationship between boosting bank accounts and positive outcomes in terms of money mobile innovations. Conversely, financial inclusion in terms of the three mobile money innovations is not significantly apparent upon enhancing bank concentration. Policy implications are discussed in the light of the provided thresholds for complementary policies.

Examining E- Satisfaction as Mediator between Banking Mobile Application Quality Factors and Consumers E-Loyalty

This research aims to assess the impact of electronic banking mobile application quality factors, such as application design, trust, and reliability, on users' electronic loyalty in Pakistan's commercial banking sector. In addition, the influence of e-satisfaction as a mediator in the link between the quality characteristics of e-banking mobile apps and users' e-loyalty was investigated. A convenience sample of 218 clients of conventional banks in Pakistan provided the data. The questionnaire was derived from previously published works. The results indicated that reliability and trust have a significant impact on e-loyalty, but the design of mobile applications had a negligible impact. This study employs Cognitive-motivational-relational theory to examine the current literature on e-banking through the mediation function of electronic satisfaction. The current research aims to provide recommendations for increasing consumer loyalty and customer satisfaction in the commercial banking sectors of emerging economies. The current research aims to provide recommendations for increasing consumer loyalty and customer satisfaction in the commercial banking sectors of emerging economies. The study contributes to the understanding of the importance of mobile application quality factors in enhancing e-satisfaction, which in turn leads to e-loyalty.

A Study on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Population Mobility in the Urbanization Process of Karst Regions : A Focus on Guiyang City of China

A Study on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Population Mobility in the Urbanization Process of Karst Regions : A Focus on Guiyang City of China

Social equity and public transit in the inland empire: Introducing a transit equity analysis model

Public transit is a critical part of transportation infrastructure and social equity. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on transit systems throughout the nation. The study area for this paper, the Inland Empire (I.E.) in Southern California, has a significant minority and disadvantaged population, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities and new means of transportation. The transportation system has been built to support automobile travel, but public transit is an important mobility factor for many people. This paper aims to study the performance of public transit services and their impact on underserved communities. Pre-pandemic, during and post-COVID-19 vaccination rollout time periods, were selected to analyze the impact on transit equity. A transit equity analysis model was built using multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) on demographic and transit-related data from 645 census tracts. This model creates a transit equity index (TEI), which includes a transit service index (TSI), a socially disadvantaged index (DAI), and a race index (R.I.). The transit equity index shows a strong relationship between TSI and R.I. on DAI, reflecting the region's lack of efficient transit services in racially marginalized census tracts. As a result, new policies are needed to promote public transportation, create adequate infrastructure, and envision urban planning to decrease public transit social inequities within the I.E.

Movable fluid evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs in lacustrine delta front setting: Occurrence characteristics, multiple control factors, and prediction model

The tight sandstone, deposited in a lacustrine delta front setting, constitutes substantial new petroleum reserves. Tight sandstone reservoirs' fluid mobility directly affects oil production and recovery efficiency. Consequently, it is crucial to quantitatively and synthetically characterize fluid mobility. This study presented a detailed investigation of the movable fluid of the Yanchang tight sandstone in the Ordos Basin. Multiple experiments were conducted to investigate movable fluid, including casting and cathodoluminescence thin section, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and high-pressure mercury intrusion. According to pore-throat structure investigation with petrographical observations, delta front sandstone was divided into four types of lithofacies, pore-throat structure, and three pore-throat spaces (nano-scale, submicron, and micron), which correspond to various occurrence characteristics of the movable fluid. The result shows that the fluid mobility of the micron pore-throat space is higher than the sub-micron scale, and the nano-scale is the lowest. The fluid mobility is driven by petrophysical property, pore-throat structure, diagenetic mineral, lithofacies, and sandstone strata pattern. With the deterioration of the pore-throat structure and petrophysical property, fluid mobility gradually decreases. Movable fluid content significantly correlates with quartz and feldspar content, showing that residual intergranular and feldspar dissolved pores can significantly improve fluid mobility. On the contrary, it is negatively correlated with clay and carbonate cement content. The carbonate cementation and clay mineral filling increase the proportion of nano-scale pore-throat, leading to the deterioration of the reservoir quality and pore-throat structure. Detailed researches on the spatial distribution of fluid mobility show it related to sandstone bed thickness, mudstone proximity, and mudstone/formation ratio. Typically, medium-grained sandstones forming thick beds in mudstone-poor sequences are commonly low in carbonate and clay mineral cement and highest in movable fluid content. In contrast, fine-grained sandstones occurring as thin beds or located near the mudstone-sandstone interface in mudstone-rich sequences generally exhibit high carbonate and clay cement. Hence, its movable fluid content is lowest. The frequent material exchange between sandstone and adjacent mudstone prompts the enhancement of the cementation of clay and carbonate minerals, which is a devastating factor for fluid mobility. The proposed model for predicting fluid mobility can be used for similar delta front sandstones of other lacustrine basins. These findings provide new insights into predicting the best reservoir sandstones with high fluid mobility and effectively exploiting tight sandstone reservoirs.

Study on the Relationship between Economic Growth of Animal Husbandry and Carbon Emission Based on Logarithmic Average Index Method and Decoupling Model: A Case Study of Heilongjiang Province

With the establishment of the action plan for the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, how to achieve high-quality agricultural development, help implement the construction of the green Longjiang River, reduce agricultural carbon emissions, and increase the level of agricultural carbon sink is a key problem that must be solved for Heilongjiang Province to achieve the goal of “double carbon”. This article uses the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to estimate the carbon emissions of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province and 13 cities from 2000 to 2020. By constructing the Tapio decoupling model, Kaya identity, and the LMDI model, the relationship between animal husbandry economy and carbon emissions in Heilongjiang Province and the driving factors affecting animal husbandry carbon emissions are explored. The results indicate that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the carbon emissions of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province showed an overall slightly upward trend. From the perspective of various emission links, the highest carbon emissions are from the gastrointestinal fermentation environment (42.49%), with beef cattle, cows, and live pigs being the main livestock and poultry in Heilongjiang Province with carbon emissions. (2) The Tapio decoupling model results indicated that from 2000 to 2020, the relationship between the economic development of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province and carbon emissions was mainly characterized by weak decoupling. (3) The main driving force behind the continuous increase in carbon emissions from animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province is the changing factors of agricultural population returns and changes in the production structure of animal husbandry; The driving factors that suppress the increase in carbon emissions from animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province are changes in animal husbandry production efficiency, population and urban development levels, and population mobility factors. Finally, based on the decoupling effect status and driving factors of decomposition between Heilongjiang Province and its various cities, it is recommended to implement countermeasures and suggestions for the transformation of animal husbandry in the province towards green and low carbon at the macro level. This can be achieved through the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly practices such as the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, promoting research and development in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry can also contribute to the transformation towards a more environmentally friendly industry.

Contextualizing Mobile Diffusion of the Sub-Saharan Region: Explanatory Analysis of Factors Affecting Mobile Diffusion in Sub-Saharan African countries

The study aims to challenge the prevalent assumption of technological determinism in the field of mobile diffusion research by utilizing a contextualized approach with quantitative variables. It conducted random effects analysis with the data of 40 sub-Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2017. The study finds that what has been generally accepted, as developed countries’ mobile diffusion factors may not have the same dynamics for the sub-Saharan region due to heterogeneity among countries where collectivistic societal cultures reside in values in the region, and feedback loop features of the mobile diffusion process of the sub-Saharan countries.

Patterns and Factors of Intergenerational Social Mobility by Education: A Case of Malay Agricultural Community in FELDA Trolak Utara, Perak, Malaysia

This study discusses the issues of intergenerational social mobility by education experienced by two generations of Malay families in a Malay agricultural community namely, FELDA Trolak Utara, Perak, Malaysia. The objectives of the study are to examine the patterns of social mobility and to analyse the socio-cultural factors that are responsible for the different patterns of intergenerational social mobility by education experienced by two generations of the Malay family organizations in FELDA. The study involved fieldwork conducted from December 2014 to August 2015 for a period of nine months. The study employed the qualitative method using participant observation and in-depth interviews, using an interview schedule with thirty families and two FELDA key personalities. The same informants were interviewed again in a follow-up study conducted in November and December 2022 to explore changes that might happen especially during the post-pandemic period which involved only e-mails, telephone calls, or text messages. The findings of the study show that the majority of the informants experienced a pattern of upward intergenerational social mobility in terms of their level of education. Although horizontal intergenerational social mobility was also observed, nevertheless the cases were very limited in number. Interestingly, no notable change in the pattern was found in the follow-up study during the post-pandemic period. Social factors such as family institutions, major roles played by the Malaysian government, and individuals’ positive attitudes towards education in particular, had contributed to the immense incidence of upward intergenerational social mobility. On the other hand, intractable factors such as war, poverty, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions were found to be the obstacles faced by the first-generation informants in particular. This study provides some fresh and interesting insights into the sociological body of knowledge, especially in intergenerational social mobility studies. Finally, this study further suggests a number of possible avenues for future research on intergenerational social mobility that could not be covered by this study. This includes comparative studies among different ethnic groups and areas of residence and large-scale studies using a quantitative approach.

Educational equity could be improved by better professional learning - a case study

Equal opportunities for children, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender, have been well publicised in recent times with equity in education recognised as an influential factor in social mobility. Progress in this area should not be left to chance; nor should it be dependent on which teacher a child is taught by, which school they attend or the quality of a school's professional development provision. Studies however repeatedly show significant variation in children's learning experiences when compared both within a school and between different schools. The effective leadership of professional learning can act as a positive change vehicle for improving teacher quality and consistency to support educational equity; yet ironically teachers, whose core purpose is to help their students learn, often experience ineffective professional learning opportunities themselves. This case study provides five key interdependent themes which can be used to inform effective leadership of professional learning within British Curriculum Primary schools.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Transport Properties in Cu-added Bi2Se3 Polycrystalline Alloys

The addition of Cu to layered Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric alloys has been studied as an effective way to enhance thermoelectric transport properties. In this study, the influence of adding Cu to Bi2Se3 alloys, which have the same rhombohedral crystal structure as Bi2Te3, was investigated by synthesizing a series of CuxBi2Se3 (<i>x</i> = 0, 0.004, 0.008, 0.012, and 0.016) alloys. The power factors of all the Cu-added samples were enhanced compared with that of the pristine Bi2Se3 sample, primarily because of the increase in electrical conductivity. The power factor for the Cu0.016Bi2Se3 sample (<i>x</i> = 0.016) was 0.80 mW/mK<sup>2</sup>, a 35% increase compared to 0.59 mW/mK<sup>2</sup> for the pristine sample at 520 K. A decrease in the total and lattice thermal conductivity was observed for the Cu-added samples, caused by additional point defect scattering after doping. The lattice thermal conductivity of the Cu0.016Bi2Se3 sample (<i>x</i> = 0.016) was 0.56 W/mK, a 42% reduction. Consequently, the zT values of all the Cu-added samples were enhanced, and the maximum zT value was 0.38 for the Cu0.016Bi2Se3 sample (<i>x</i> = 0.016) at 520 K, a 48% increase compared to that of pristine Bi2Se3. The phenomenological transport parameters, including density of state, effective mass, weighted mobility, and thermoelectric quality factor, were calculated to analyze the enhanced electronic transport properties of the Cu-added Bi2Se3.

Factors associated with continuity of care in hypertension and type 2 diabetes among forcibly displaced persons in the Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda: Protocol for a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.

Non-communicable diseases in humanitarian settings are generally under-researched, particularly in Africa and have been called a neglected crisis. Little is known about factors affecting access to and (dis)continuity of care for chronic conditions, such as hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes among forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Uganda. To investigate factors affecting access to and (dis)continuity of HTN and/or type 2 diabetes care among FDPs in the Bidibidi refugee settlement, Uganda. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design incorporating methodological and investigator triangulation will be conducted. The study aims to employ a community-based participatory research approach to equitably engage community members, researchers, and other stakeholders in the research process, recognising and maximising their diverse contributions. In phase 1, the quantitative arm of the study, 960 FDPs with HTN and/or type 2 diabetes will be interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics, health status, migration experiences, social capital, and awareness, treatment, and control of these diseases. Participants will be purposively recruited from phase 1 as well as village health teams, healthcare providers, and policymakers to participate in phase 2, the qualitative study, in order to gain more insight into how mobility and social factors affect (dis)continuity of care among FDPs with HTN and/or type 2 diabetes. The findings from phase 1 and phase 2 of the study will be integrated through a triangulation process to provide a more holistic and comprehensive insight into the factors affecting access to and (dis)continuity for HTN and/or type 2 diabetes care among FDPs. Understanding these factors is expected to pave the way for conceptualizing health-enabling environments and strengthening health systems for FDPs with chronic conditions. It is anticipated that the study will generate baseline evidence that might be beneficial in developing and implementing HTN and diabetes care models for FDPs in the region.

Heavy Metals Speciation, Mobility, and Bioavailability in Constructed Wetland Sediment Treating Polluted River Water: Implication for Environmental Safety

The presence of toxic heavy metals in sediments beyond allowable limits are often posing a serious threat to local environment. Constructed wetland sediments contamined with heavy metals can affect sediment-dewlling biota such as benthic organisms, wetland plants, aquatic life including amphibian and reptiles. The objective of this study was to investigate heavy metals, mobility and bioavailability, level of environmental risks, and it implication for environmental safety. The study was conducted using the horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetland (CW) sediments designed for treating polluted Little Akaki River water. The sediment samples were collected from the CW and heavy metals speciation determined following the European Community Bureau References (BCR) sequential extraction procedures. The results showed that the highest percentage of metal fractions: Zn = 71.67%, Cr =82.20%, Cd = 76.47% and Pb = 74.96% were bound to residual fraction(R), implying that majority of the metals were stable, immobile and not bioavailable. The mobility factor (MF) for Zn (27.60%); Cr (14.24%) Cd (18.82% and Pb (21.53%); indicating low percentage of metals found in mobile chemical form. Furthermore, the environmental risk assessment code (RAC %) value for all heavy metals in the sediment samples were ranged: 5.37 % - 8.51%, falling in low risk category (RAC=1-10%). Low mobility, bioavailability and risk assessment code may be attributed to slight alkaline pH, low organic matter, and caly dominated sediment particles. High residual fraction occurred due to clay particles which can form strong bounding matrix with metals. Thus, metals in the CW sediments may pose low toxicity to wetland plants and sediment living biota surrounding environment.