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ABSTRACTTo acquire baseline data for a remote Pergau Hydroelectric Power Plant reservoir, a hydrological and water quality examination of feeder rivers and reservoir water was conducted in 2013. The water balance of the reservoir was determined, and gauging and sampling were carried out in dry and wet periods. Dilution gauging was used to estimate the feeder river discharge. The total water flow into the reservoir increases nearly fivefold between the dry and wet seasons, while river discharge increases two to fivefold. All of the river intakes had Class 1 NWQS water quality. The lake’s water quality was Class 1 up to the top 3 meters, but below that, at some places, the water quality deteriorated to Class II. In the dry season, the trophic status of Pergau Reservoir is eutrophic as measured by TP (59.21) and chlorophyll-a (52.36) and the TSI (SD) was 53.93 Eutrophication occurrences will cause serious limitations in water use applicability. This research contributes to the biogeographical and limnological understanding of the Pergau catchment, as well as laying the groundwork for more sophisticated hydro-ecological investigations. Anthropogenic activities, together with run-off from agricultural operations and the presence of algae, are some of the sources of contamination noted in the study. Stricter legislation, stricter enforcement of current standards, matching of non-technical and techno-social remedial actions, and education are among the recommendations made for the Pergau Reservoir’s protection.

Background The Temengor Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in Peninsular Malaysia. Located in the northwestern state of Perak, it was selected to develop a large-scale tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture facility within the Aquaculture Industrial Zone (AIZ) in 2008 due to its favourable environmental conditions. No record of tilapia has ever been reported in the natural waters prior to this. However, a post-establishment study recorded tilapia sightings in the natural waters of this lake. The cultured tilapia was easily recognizable with the elongated mouth and body, and long caudal fin. It is postulated that these were escapees from the floating cages that had invaded the natural waters and would negatively impact the native fish species. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the impact of the aquaculture facility on native fish diversity through a spatial design. Methods The study was focused on assessing the impact of tilapia culture at sites nearer to the AIZ vs more distant sites, the former with a greater likelihood of receiving escapees. Two major sites were chosen; within 5 km (near-cage) and within 5–15 km (far-cage) radii from the AIZ. Fish sampling was conducted using multiple mesh sizes of gill nets (3.7, 5.1, 6.5, 7.6, and 10.2 cm) deployed at the littoral zone of the sampling points. Species diversity, abundance, dietary habits, and habitat preference were investigated. Results The CPUE (individual/hour) of native fish species at the far-cage site of the AIZ Reservoir was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the near-cage site. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on diet and habitat preferences showed that the tilapia, O. niloticus had almost overlapping diet resources and habitat with native fish species. Conclusion We conclude that there is a correlation between the reduced catches of native species (based on CPUE) and the high presence of tilapia. Thus, appropriate actions must be implemented for strategic and effective planning in terms of native fish conservation.

Gracilaria red algae are notable for their economic importance as agrophytes, sold as salad vegetable, and used as the base for selected food and nonalcoholic beverages. A wild population of Gracilaria exists in coastal areas of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, but there is only limited knowledge on species diversity and its abundance leaving the untapped economic potential of this resource. This study was carried out to determine diversity of wild Gracilaria populations in Lawas, Santubong, and Asajaya, Sarawak, using the combination of morphological character examination and 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1-5P) gene analysis. Identification of the species using morphological characters revealed three species, namely, Gracilaria changii, G. blodgettii, and G. arcuata, had been collected from the sampling sites. However, based on 672 bp CO1-5P gene sequence analysis, all the three species were identified as G. blodgettii; besides, low genetic divergence values (0.17%–0.34%) were scored between samples in this study with the same species in GenBank. In the phylogenetic trees, all samples in this study group together with other G. blodgettii have high bootstrap values; thus, this species is monophyletic. This study implies that species identification of Gracilaria and other seagrass taxa which have a phenotypic plasticity problem should include the CO1-5P gene analysis as it is a reliable gene marker for species diversity assessment.

Out of the 1000 species of freshwater fish documented in the South-East Asian Tropics, 420 species can be found in Malaysia. Based on experimental gill net studies, Perak River recorded a total of 107 fish species, which comprises of 33 families with Cyprinidae as the dominant family, with 43 species. The fluctuating number of species and species replacement in the upstream direction in this river reflects the orientation of the River Continuum Concept. Gradient changes of salinity, habitat heterogeneity, water velocity and riverbed materials are some of the factors that may contribute to the fluctuation and species replacement.

An inventory study of fishes was carried out from June 2003 to May 2004 at Sungai Enam and Sungai Telang, which was last logged 40 years ago. In spite of the negative impacts of logging, the study recorded a total of 21 fish species in these headwaters, comprising nine families. Sungai Telang recorded 19 species with 11 species classified as “locally rare”, whereas Sungai Enam recorded 11 species with nine species classified as “locally rare”. When species from previous studies were included, the total number of species recorded in Sungai Enam and Sungai Telang was 28 and 27 species respectively. The presence of Devario regina, Neolissochilus soroides and Poropuntius smedleyi in all inventory studies conducted indicate that both headwaters are healthy, and function as sources of clean water, nutrient supplies and fish recruits for Temengor Reservoir.

Background: The Temengor Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in Peninsular Malaysia. Located in the northwestern state of Perak, it was selected to develop a large-scale tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture facility within the Aquaculture Industrial Zone (AIZ) in 2008 due to its favourable environmental conditions. No record of tilapia has ever been reported in the natural waters prior to this. However, a post-establishment study recorded tilapia sightings in the natural waters of this lake. The cultured tilapia was easily recognizable with the elongated mouth and body, and long caudal fin. It is postulated that these were escapees from the floating cages that had invaded the natural waters and would negatively impact the native fish species. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the impact of the aquaculture facility on native fish diversity through a spatial design. Methods: The study was focused on assessing the impact of tilapia culture at sites nearer to the AIZ vs more distant sites, the former with a greater likelihood of receiving escapees. Two major sites were chosen; within 5 km (near-cage) and within 5-15 km (far-cage) radii from the AIZ. Fish sampling was conducted using multiple mesh sizes of gill nets (3.7, 5.1, 6.5, 7.6, and 10.2 cm) deployed at the littoral zone of the sampling points. Species diversity, abundance, dietary habits, and habitat preference were investigated. Results: The CPUE (individual/hour) of native fish species at the far-cage site of the AIZ Reservoir was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the near-cage site. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on diet and habitat preferences showed that the tilapia, O. niloticus had almost overlapping diet resources and habitat with native fish species. Conclusion: We conclude that there is a correlation between the reduced catches of native species (based on CPUE) and the high presence of tilapia. Thus, appropriate actions must be implemented for strategic and effective planning in terms of native fish conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite the numerous advantages of the nursing process, nursing students often struggle with utilizing this model. Therefore, studies suggest innovative teaching methods to address this issue. Teaching based on real clinical cases is considered a collaborative learning method that enhances students’ active learning for the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In this method, students can acquire sufficient knowledge about patient care by accessing authentic information. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the experiences of nursing students and faculty members regarding the implementation of nursing process educational workshops, based on real case studies. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Participants 9 Nursing students and 7 faculty members from the Isfahan School of Nursing and Midwifery who attended the workshops. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was conducted from 2021 to 2023. Data was collected through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews using a qualitative content analysis approach for data analysis. Results After analyzing the data, a theme titled “Breaking Taboos in the Nursing Process” was identified. This theme consists of four categories: “Strengthening the Cognitive Infrastructure for Accepting the Nursing Process,” “Enhancing the Applicability of the Nursing Process,” “Assisting in Positive Professional Identity,” and “Facilitating a Self-Directed Learning Platform.” Additionally, thirteen subcategories were obtained. Conclusion The data obtained from the present study showed that conducting nursing process educational workshops, where real clinical cases are discussed, analyzed, and criticized, increases critical thinking, learning motivation, and understanding of the necessity and importance of implementing the nursing process. Therefore, it is recommended that instructors utilize this innovative and effective teaching method for instructing the nursing process.

Background: Nursing students’ safe medication administration is a crucial aspect of ensuring patient safety. Clinical simulation is a novel teaching method applied to reduce factors threatening medication safety in the education of nursing students. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a review study in this field. Materials and Methods: The present review was conducted using keywords of education, clinical competence, medication safety, medication error, nursing student, clinical simulation, and educational strategies. Suitable articles published between 2000 and 2023 were systematically searched in various national and international online databases, including SID, Magiran, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar in both English and Persian languages. Results: A total of 855 articles were retrieved from the initial search findings. After eliminating duplicate and irrelevant articles based on predetermined criteria, a qualitative selection was conducted using CONSORT, MMAT, and JBI critical appraisal checklists. Ultimately, a selection of 11 articles was made, specifically focusing on medication safety education for nursing students through clinical simulation. The findings showed that using clinical simulation improved medication safety and safety knowledge among nursing students. Additionally, this approach was found to enhance their competence in medication administration. Conclusions: Based on the findings, clinical simulation is a safe and effective approach for enhancing nursing students’ proficiency in medication safety and administration. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing education authorities implement these findings to improve nursing students’ knowledge, performance, and competency in safely administering medications.

The urban development planning process in Tehran municipality has been implemented for about two decades in the form of compiling four medium-term urban development plans of Tehran. Despite the efforts made, there are challenges to achieving the goals. This research has analyzed the barriers and identified solutions to improve the system of the development plan of Tehran by formulating the mess and using soft systems methodology during a systemic intervention by planning the learning process in practice. The innovative research method is the embedding of mess formulation in soft systems methodology. Formulating the mess analyses the barriers to identifying inefficiencies about aspects of how power, wealth, knowledge, value, and aesthetics are produced and distributed in a social system. Soft systems methodology is an action-research approach for learning human systems in complex problem situations. After a thematic review by referring to the key actors involved in formulating Tehran's urban development plan, first, the problem situation was analyzed, and a rich picture of the problem was drawn. According to formulating the mess, the obstacles were presented and discussed through some sessions in five subsystems of generation and distribution of power, wealth, knowledge, value, and aesthetics. Later, a conceptual model of the ideal system of urban development planning was designed. Then, desirable and executable system changes were identified based on a comparison of the ideal system and the current system, and they were proposed in the form of purposeful activities toward system improvement. Tehran's urban development planning requires a major change in the approach toward planning and solving complex urban problems. This study is an application of systems thinking approaches in learning in practice and managing the complexity of the diversity of views of urban planners in the experience of urban development planning in Tehran.

This study introduces a high-resolution, data-driven approach for optimizing district heating networks using source-load mapping, focusing on Stockholm as a case study. The methodology integrates detailed building energy performance data (2014–2022) with geographic data from the Swedish Survey Agency, employing advanced clustering techniques such as K-means Clustering, Agglomerative Clustering, DBSCAN, Spectral Clustering, and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) Clustering to identify optimal locations for distributed heat sources, including data centers, supermarkets, and water bodies. Quantitative results show that these environmentally friendly sources could supply 54 % of Stockholm’s total annual heat demand of 7.7 TWh/year, equating to 4.2 TWh from residual heat sources. Data centers contribute 0.48 TWh, water bodies provide 3.4 TWh, and supermarkets contribute 0.3 TWh annually. Economic analysis further reveals that 98 % of residual heat sources are economically viable, with marginal costs of heat (MCOH) for data centers, supermarkets, and water bodies estimated at 12.7 EUR/MWh, 16.0 EUR/MWh, and 20.0 EUR/MWh, respectively—well below the Open District Heating (ODH) market price of 22.0 EUR/MWh. The policy implications of these findings are profound. Policymakers can leverage this methodology to identify economically viable heat sources, enabling the creation of regulations that incentivize the integration of distributed heat sources into existing district heating networks. This can lead to reduced energy costs, enhanced sustainability, and more resilient energy systems. Practically, urban planners and energy utilities can use clustering insights to optimize the placement of new infrastructure, such as data centers, ensuring they are strategically located in high-demand zones. Furthermore, the study’s methodology can be replicated in other urban contexts, offering cities worldwide a scalable tool for improving the efficiency and sustainability of their heating networks. These findings support the transition to low-carbon energy solutions and provide actionable recommendations for the long-term development of urban energy systems.

Abstract Background Dilatation of common bile duct (CBD) is mostly pathological and mainly occurs secondary to mechanical causes. We aimed to explore the prevalence of CBD dilatation in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN) among patients referred to EUS. Methods A retrospective study of all patients who had an EUS diagnosis of IPMN from 2011 to 2019 at Galilee Medical Center were extracted. Control group including patients with other types of pancreatic cysts. Results Overall, 2400 patients were included in the study, of them 158 patients were diagnosed with pancreatic cysts, 117 patients (74%) diagnosed with IPMN (group A), and 41 patients (26%) diagnosed with other pancreatic cysts (group B). Univariate analysis showed significant association of IPMN (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3–11.5), resected gallbladder (GB) (OR 7.75, 95% CI 3.19–18.84), and age (OR 1, 95% CI 1.01–1.08) with CBD dilatation. Classifying IPMN to sub-groups using adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, only main duct-IPMN (MD-IPMN) significantly correlated with CBD dilatation compared to branch duct (BD)-IPMN and mixed type-IPMN (OR 19.6, 95% CI 4.57–83.33, OR 16.3, 95% CI 3.02–88.08). Conclusion MD-IPMN was significantly correlated with dilated CBD. Assessment of the pancreas is warranted in encountered cases of dilated CBD without obvious mechanical cause.

Telemetry is an emerging method to study fish ecology and a reliable tool that provides useful information for managing and conserving aquatic fauna and river habitats. However, the reliability of telemetry depends on several technical factors. Implantation of the acoustic transmitter is one of the major aspects that ensure the survivability of the animal subject when released into the wild. Studies on the technicalities involving telemetry methods are limited; therefore, this study investigated the surgical insertion of an acoustic transmitter into the peritoneal cavity of Channa lucius and Neolissochilus soroides or locally known as Bujuk and Tengas. A severity index was used to rate the appearance of surgical wounds observed on the day of release into the river. Fish mortality and complications such as bleeding were not observed in both species post-surgery. The progress and prognosis of wound healing of C. lucius were better compared to N. soroides, with generally lesser inflammation and more sutures shed. Despite visually severe inflammation on N. soroides on day-12 and day-19 postsurgery, there was a good indication that skin integuments were healing. This data suggests that C. lucius has faster wound healing abilities compared to N. soroides. All fishes implanted with the acoustic telemetry method survived up to 244 days upon release into the Tembat River, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia, and retained the tag throughout the tracking period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The nursing process is a systematic method for identifying the patient’s problems and planning to resolve them. It is also a crucial pillar of high-quality nursing care. Nursing internship students may lack the necessary skills to implement the nursing process due to the increased independence, the absence of constant professorial supervision, and limited experience. The clinical supervision model is a method of clinical education that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Objective This study was conducted to investigate the impact of the clinical supervision model on the performance of nursing internship students in each of the five stages of the nursing process, as well as overall. Method This experimental study was conducted in 2022. The 70 eligible internship students were conveniently selected and randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. In the present study, the clinical supervision model was implemented for the intervention group, while the control group received routine supervision. This was carried out over six sessions in three months. The data collection was conducted using a researcher-developed checklist of nursing process-based performance in both groups. Moreover, the Manchester questionnaire was used to evaluate the model in the intervention group. The variables considered as confounding factors included age, gender, marital status, number of monthly shifts, and grades of the nursing process credit completed in the third semester. SPSS version 16 software, descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), and analytical statistics (independent t-test, chi square, repeated measures Anova and LSD) were used to analyze the data. Results Intergroup analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the scores of nursing process steps and the total score before the intervention in the control and intervention groups, as well as in baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). According to the intragroup analysis, the intervention group showed a significant increase in both the total scores and scores of nursing process steps over time (P 0.05). Finally, the “P-Value Intervention” demonstrated the effectiveness of this training model in improving the performance of the intervention group based on the nursing process compared to the control group. The mean score of the Manchester questionnaire in the intervention group was 136.74, indicating the high impact of implementing the clinical supervision model in the intervention group. Conclusion The results indicated that the implementation of the clinical supervision model led to improved utilization of the nursing process by nursing internship students at all stages. Therefore, it is recommended that nurse educators utilize the clinical supervision model by providing feedback on errors in action during supervision sessions to enhance the quality of nursing care provided by nursing internship students and improve patient safety in clinical environment.

The aquaculture industry is crucial for sustainability and food security. Nevertheless, it is also one of the significant causes of water quality degradation, reducing water bodies' carrying capacity. One of the degradation factors is the improper discharge of phosphorus. This study aimed to evaluate the trophic state index (TSI) and carrying capacity for tilapia aquaculture development at the Temengor Reservoir, Malaysia, based on the Dillon–Rigler phosphorus budget model. The data permit the evaluation of the limit for fish production capacities that could retain acceptable water quality conditions. This study was carried out monthly from April 2014 to March 2015, focusing on cage sites within the Aquaculture Industrial Zone (AIZ). A total of 15 sampling points were established within a 5 km radius of the fish cages at 1 km horizontal intervals. The TSI values based on three indicators, total phosphorous, Secchi depth and chlorophyll‐a, showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among sampling points. Areas in the vicinity of the fish cages (<3 km) were at a eutrophic state. However, the current aquaculture production at 9.13 × 103 tonnes per year, which comprises three fish cage modules, has not yet reached the optimum capacity of 325.23 × 103 tonnes per year. Although the lake could accommodate another 105 fish cages, the eutrophic state near the cages signalled water quality deterioration. As there is a plan to increase the number of cages, it is hoped that these findings will be taken into serious consideration in the implementation of any aquaculture expansion in this man‐made lake. [Correction added on 13 September 2022, after first online publication: study date range has been updated.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the level of nine trace elements - As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in liver, gill and muscle of Oreochromis niloticus in Bukit Merah Lake (BML). The concentration of trace elements was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometers (ICP-OES). Cd and Ni were found below the detection level, while Cr was only detected in gill and muscle tissues. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) established were liver > gill > muscle. The ranking order of trace elements in the gills was Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > As > Cu > Cr. For the liver, the ranking order was Fe > Cu > Zn > As > Mn > Pb, while in the muscle, the ranking order was Fe > Zn > Pb > As > Cu > Mn > Cr. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for all the trace elements in this study was calculated based on 168 g.day-1 of Malaysians' fish consumption, indicating no potential risk. From the human health point of view, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk of individual trace elements as evaluated by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). As indicated by the Hazardous Index (HI), the cumulative effect of all trace elements also suggested no potential of noncarcinogenic risk. The carcinogenic risks assessed from Pb and As were also neglectable and there was no likelihood of getting cancer during one's life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several methods for indirectly detecting exoplanets, such as transit, radial velocity, astrometry, and the conventional gravitational microlensing approach. These methods rely on observing the effects of exoplanets on the emission or motion of observed stars. All these techniques have focused on the optical or infrared domains. However, an alternative method for exoplanet detection via microlensing events involves planets orbiting the source star, creating a binary source system. In this study, we explore a novel approach to detecting and studying exoplanets exclusively through their radio emissions resulting from magnetospheric processes. We propose utilizing the Roman telescope as a survey observer to detect microlensing events. Subsequently, we investigate the potential for detecting planetary radio signals through follow-up observations of these microlensing events in the radio band using the SKA telescope. This method is viable due to the comparable radio emission levels of exoplanets and their parent stars, unlike optical and infrared emissions. We conduct a Monte Carlo simulation to replicate the observations by the Nancy Roman Telescope, followed by a follow-up observation in radio frequencies using the SKA telescope. We determine that approximately 1,317 exoplanets exhibit detectable signals by the SKA telescope during the 7-season observations by the Nancy Roman Telescope. This result indicates that such a method cannot only facilitate the direct detection of exoplanets but also enable the measurement of their magnetic field strength through analysis of their radio emissions.

Background: Utilizing the nursing process within clinical settings serves to enhance the scientific stature of the nursing field. Nonetheless, various research findings suggest that nursing internship students encounter difficulties when it comes to implementing the nursing process and may lack the necessary proficiency. Objectives: The aim of this investigation is to identify the perceptions of nursing internship students and their faculty mentors regarding the complexities and hindrances associated with implementing the nursing process within the clinical setting. Design: A qualitative content analysis. Participants: Nursing internship students and their faculty mentors from the Isfahan School of Nursing and Midwifery. Methods: In this study, individual interviews were conducted with 13 participants. The data for this study were gathered through these semi-structured interviews and subsequently analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman method. To ensure the validity and reliability of the data, the evaluative criteria of Lincoln and Guba were employed. Results: The obstacles unveiled in this study can be categorized into three primary domains, each with its own subcategories: 1-Student role ambiguity (1-1 Lack of practical autonomy; 1–2 Insufficient proficiency in the nursing process; 1–3 Motivational deficiency). 2- Organizational Challenges (2-1 Shortage of nursing staff; 2-2 Suboptimal interpersonal dynamics); And 3- Gradual Erosion of the Nursing Process. Conclusion: Recognizing the paramount importance of the nursing process in enhancing patient care quality is universally accepted. Therefore, it is imperative to systematically identify and tackle the challenges associated with its application. This study highlights that these challenges stem from various factors, including the multifaceted roles assumed by nursing students, organizational shortcomings within healthcare institutions, and the neglect or erosion of the nursing process in specific clinical settings. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring the effective utilization of the nursing process within the nursing profession and for optimizing patient care outcomes.

Background: Medication errors are the most serious and common events threatening patient safety. Nursing interns make medication errors due to inexperience and inadequate supervision.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of the clinical supervision model (CSM) on medication safety competency and knowledge of nursing interns.Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in 2022 on 70 nursing interns. Data were collected using the Medication Safety Critical Element Checklist, the Medication Safety Knowledge Assessment, and the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale. The CSM and routine supervision were conducted in six sessions for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, and repeated measures analysis of variance.Results: Between-group analysis showed that the difference between medication safety competence and knowledge scores in the control and intervention groups was not significant at baseline (P>0.05). Within-group analysis showed that medication safety scores in the intervention group increased significantly over time (P

This study explored cumulative 127.5MW waste to energy (WtE) potential in five populous cities of Pakistan based on local waste characterization profiles and global standards. The 50MW WtE plant in Lahore using National electricity regulator codes and practices resulted in an attractive Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of US¢ 7.86/kWh over 25 years with a $151.5 million investment cost. The net savings to Lahore Waste Management Company can be $103.4 and $137.7 million respectively with and without tipping fees on account of waste disposal cost, bricks revenue using bottom ash, and waste fee. The project developers can get net savings of $16.9 and $51.5 million respectively with and without tipping fees other than LCOE. Furthermore, the greenhouse gas emissions of 216.6 million tons of CO2eq can be saved throughout plant life against 279 GWh/year energy generation, in terms of grid emission factor and current methane release into the atmosphere from the dumping site.

Energy consumption analysis has often faced challenges such as limited model accuracy and inadequate consideration of the complex interactions between energy usage and meteorological data. This study is presented as a solution to these challenges through a detailed analysis of energy consumption across UBC Campus buildings using a variety of machine learning models, including Neural Networks, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, Lasso Regression, Support Vector Regression, and K-Neighbors. The primary objective is to uncover the complex relationships between energy usage and meteorological data, addressing gaps in understanding how these variables impact consumption patterns in different campus buildings by considering factors such as seasons, hours of the day, and weather conditions. Significant interdependencies among electricity usage, hot water power, gas, and steam volume are revealed, highlighting the need for integrated energy management strategies. Strong negative correlations between Vancouver’s temperature and energy consumption metrics are identified, suggesting opportunities for energy savings through temperature-responsive strategies, especially during warmer periods. Among the regression models evaluated, deep neural networks are found to excel in capturing complex patterns and achieve high predictive accuracy. Valuable insights for improving energy efficiency and sustainability practices are offered, aiding informed decision-making for energy resource management in educational campuses and similar urban environments. Applying advanced machine learning techniques underscores the potential of data-driven energy optimization strategies. Future research could investigate causal relationships between energy consumption and external factors, assess the impact of specific operational interventions, and explore integrating renewable energy sources into the campus energy mix. UBC can advance sustainable energy management through these efforts and can serve as a model for other institutions that aim to reduce their environmental impact.

Life satisfaction depends on several life aspects, such as relationships, achievements, health, and work satisfaction. Theorists and experts contend that domain-specific factors and behaviors predict domain-specific satisfaction. Our study examines life satisfaction from the standpoint of behavior finance indicators by incorporating financial capability factors such as financial literacy, financial management behavior, and financial self-efficacy as antecedents to financial satisfaction and financial stress. Financial satisfaction and financial stress are further assumed to predict life satisfaction. Data are collected from 308 working women using a self-administered questionnaire in three different waves in Pakistan. By examining the fitness of the measurement model, we proceeded toward path analysis of the structural equation model. All the hypothesized relationships are supported except the paths between financial literacy to financial stress and financial management behavior to financial satisfaction. The results and implications are presented based on the findings of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background A error in intravenous injection in pediatric wards can cause irreparable injuries. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and performance of nurses in terms of preparation and injection of intravenous drugs in pediatric wards of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on 156 nurses working in pediatric wards. The data was collected with demographic information questionnaire and the knowledge and performance of the participants were determined using a researcher-made questionnaire, including the five rights of medication administration (preparation and injection, medication error, drug side effects, family empowerment, and documentation) using self-reporting and observation methods. Formal and content validity was calculated using the opinions of 10 experts and Cronbach's alpha with 40 samples. Results The mean and standard deviation of total nurses' knowledge and performance scores were 58.31 + 10.1 and 66.1 + 14.4, respectively. Moreover, the mean and standard deviation of nurses' knowledge scores were 63.55 + 14.3 for documentation, 46.1 + 7.9 for preparation and injection, 73.9 + 12.3 for drug side effects, 58.4 + 10.2 for medication error, and 69.4 + 9.4 for family empowerment. Besides, the mean performance was 69.1 + 17.6 for documentation, 61.3 ± 9.9 for preparation and injection, 78.21 + 12 for drug side effects, 58.6 + 15 for medication error, and 65.4 + 17.7 for family empowerment. Conclusion The results showed that the mean knowledge and pharmacological performance of nurses working in pediatric wards in different areas of the principles of medicine were not at the desired level, and this can affect children adversely.

As the adoption of wind energy as a key renewable energy source accelerates, precise power flow analysis becomes crucial for accurate power delivery forecasting. This paper addresses the inherent uncertainties in wind speed data at different wind farm locations by conducting a sensitivity analysis to assess wind farm pairs. The analysis accommodates various data sizes, namely, short, medium, and large, and diverse spatial relationships between wind farms. By leveraging National Renewable Energy Laboratory wind speed data from nine distinct wind farms, the dependence structure between wind farm pairs is modeled using copulas. This modeling takes both the wind speed knowledge level and the various spatial interplays among the wind farm pairs into consideration. The findings indicate an inverse proportionality between the strength of dependence and the distance separating the wind farm pairs.

The drastic changes in hydroelectric reservoir development created a completely new ecosystem that affects the river, particularly in the inundated area. In this study, five Neolissochilus soroides and Channa lucius were surgically implanted with a unique coded acoustic transmitter to observe the habitat utilisation and movement activity in Tembat Reservoir after the inundation process. All of the individuals were released into the transition zone of the reservoir and observed using passive and active acoustic tracking devices from April to December 2018. Kruskal- Walis test showed no significant difference between the average size of core area for N. soroides and C. lucius, x²(1) = 1.320, p = 0.251. The home range also showed a similar result for N. soroides and C. lucius where there was an insignificant difference, x²1) = 0.273, p = 0.602. However, duration wise, N. soroides spend more time in the transition zone, R1 (M = 2.71 hrs, SE = 0.38), and C. lucius in the riverine zone, R5 (M = 7.14 hrs, SE = 6.13) and R6 (M = 3.85 hours, SE = 6.36). From the active tracking survey, PCA identified three (62.32%) and four (71.19%) components with eigenvalues greater than 1 for N. soroides and C. lucius, respectively. Three most important habitat parameters for N. soroides were the size of river (r = 0.97), existence of canopy cover (r = 0.77), and substrate type (r = 0.79).While, for C. lucius were mesohabitat type (r = 0.79), distance to riffle (r = 0.97), existence of canopy cover (r = 0.90), and elevation (r = 0.90). A 24-hour movement frequency analysis for both species revealed two active hours of movement at dusk and dawn for both species. From the study, it is known that N. soroides and C. lucius respond differently towards the inundation of the reservoir. The findings in this study can be implemented for effective aquatic management and conservation plan to ensure sustainable dam development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals have contaminated various ecosystems. Omnivorous animals such as rodents with high fertility, abundance and low motility can be good indicators for heavy metal contamination of their habitat. Rural- agricultural areas around seven cities in Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces were selected to trap five brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from each region. After the preparation of serum samples, Pb concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, GIS software was used to survey the effect of environmental factors on the Pb distribution pattern. The average Pb concentration was similar in males and females. The average Pb concentrations in rural areas of Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces were 6.7 and 6.3 μg/dL, respectively (p≥ 0.05). The highest average Pb concentration (7.55 μg/dL) belonged to rats sampled in areas around Ghargomishan road (around Neka City), and the lowest average Pb concentration (5.20 μg/dL) belonged to rats sampled from Kaleh agricultural areas (between Bahnamir and Babolsar Cities). Using the sensitivity method of the linear multiple regression model, it was found that the temperature and humidity have the greatest effect and altitude and precipitation have the lowest impacts. The results of this study indicated Pb contamination of rural-agricultural areas of Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces and the transmission risk of this hazardous metal to humans and other animals living in these areas. Therefore, the communication of information to the authorities and the use of adequate measures to prevent Pb entrance to sampled areas seem necessary.

Abstract Various Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices are used to improve the power quality and reliability of power system. In addition to the technical constraints, the installation and maintenance costs limit the exploitation of such devices. To maximize the efficiency of FACTS, the least possible number of devices must be placed optimally in the network. In this vein, many types of research have been conducted to offer optimal placement solutions. Although these methods lead to optimal placement, they usually suffer from a huge amount of computational burden. Therefore, here, an intelligent optimal placement approach is presented, focusing on reducing computational volume. For this aim in the suggested method, the monitoring buses are limited, while monitoring other buses is carried out using an estimation approach. To avoid increasing calculations for this selection, applying the worst fault condition instead of all fault types, the least number of monitoring buses are selected. Moreover, high‐risk zones are indicated for each monitoring bus so that by applying different fault conditions in only these areas, the study is conducted, which results in an additional decrement in computational burden. Finally, the optimal placement problem is solved by employing the genetic algorithm.

Background: Incivility is a kind of disrespect to people. Students and faculty members agree on the growing trend of incivility. Uncivil behaviors in online nursing classes are a serious global issue that can influence the learning-teaching process and threaten patient safety in the clinical setting. This study aimed to identify incivility in the online learning environment from the perspective of nursing faculty members and students.Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 2021. A total of 20 participants were selected from among nursing students and faculty through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed via a qualitative content analysis approach.Results: Data analysis revealed five categories including ghost students, unconditional freedom, disruptive learning behaviors, academic dishonesty, and ignoring the rules of the online learning environment.Conclusion: Incivility in the online learning environment disrupts the teaching-learning process and undermines instructor-student relationships. Given that disrespectful and threatening behaviors, even to a small degree, can significantly affect the learning environment, it is essential to recognize such behaviors. As uncivil behaviors in virtual nursing education can affect education by developing inappropriate behavioral and communication patterns in students, leading to the violation of professional ethics and patients’ rights, it is necessary to pay attention to this critical issue by conducting further studies and designing interventions to correct it.

In this paper, first we prove a nonexistence theorem for α-harmonic mappings between Riemannian manifolds. Second, the instability of nonconstant α-harmonic maps is studied with regard to the Ricci curvature criterion of their codomain. Then, we estimate the Morse index for measuring the degree of instability of some particular α-harmonic maps. Furthermore, the notion of α-stable manifolds and its applications are considered. Finally, we investigate the α-stability of any compact Riemannian manifolds admitting a nonisometric conformal vector field and any Einstein Riemannian manifold under certain assumptions on the smallest positive eigenvalue of its Laplacian operator on functions.

Abstract This article suggests a non‐isolated high step‐up interleaved DC–DC topology for renewable energy applications. Two three‐winding coupled‐inductors along with two voltage multiplier cells are used to enhance the voltage gain significantly. One interesting aspect of this new topology is that high duty cycles are not required to achieve high voltage gains; this is done by adjusting the turn ratio of the coupled inductors. Moreover, the presented interleaved converter enjoys not only having less current stress due to the interleaving structure, but also showing 16% increase in voltage gain compared to the best similar boost topologies. Additional elements are designed for the purpose of soft switching and gain increase, which have little effect on the cost, weight and size of the proposed converter. Interestingly, the voltage stresses both on the switching devices and passive elements are much less than the output voltage. Furthermore, the coupled inductor's leakage inductance energy is recovered by employing a passive clamp circuit to minimize stresses across the semiconductors; therefore, efficiency is improved. The suggested converter is analyzed in the steady state, and a 400 W experimental setup was implemented; the outcomes verify the practicality of the proposed boost converter in accordance with the analysis.

Over the last decade, the issue of work-life balance has gained visibility internationally due to ongoing usage of ICT that creates technostress on employee. Work-life balance should be a key concept to all employers today, especially to those with an increasing number of people in the organization and due to the additional demand for work that they imply. The best work-life balance situation is when an employer can manage work timetables and schedules for some leisure activities in a way that suits the employees. Managing both work and life aspects by ensuring a good relationship between them should be the primary objective. It creates a quality of life for each individual. Therefore, work stress is undoubtedly one of the employees' most significant problems, especially involving computer technology such as mobile phone technology, car alarms, emails, calls, and voicemails. That is called technostress. Technostress is the term used to describe the stress phenomenon induced by the inability to manage, due to using computer technology. A range of literature exists that shows the relationship between technostress creator and work-life balance either based on online data, google scholar, and PhD theses. This systematic literature review had been conducted by using PICO criteria. The four elements included in the PICO used to formulating these research questions are population, intervention, comparison, and outcome. This paper presents a systematic literature review using PRISMA collection method, to provide collective evidence on their implementation and how important work-life balance is for employees. The review reports on 120 sources from 1300 articles, providing insights into the range of technostress creator and work-life balance in existence. It also highlights the benefits and challenges encountered through work-life balance policy implementation for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation study was conducted in Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR) for the assessment of arsenic concentration in the surface sediment in 23 sampling stations. The sediment samples were digested and analysed for arsenic using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Sediment parameters such as pH (4.42 ± 0.71), redox potential (121.77 ± 42.45 mV), conductivity (205.7 ± 64.07 µS cm-1) and organic matter (25.35 ± 9.34%) were also examined. The main objectives of this study are to determine the arsenic distribution and concentration and at the same time to assess the enrichment of arsenic using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF). This study shows the total arsenic concentration in the surface sediment of BMR is 4.302 ± 2.43 mg kg-1 and found to be below the threshold value of Canadian Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG). High arsenic concentration is recorded near the southern part of the lake where anthropogenic activities are prevalent. Based on Igeo, 13% of sampling stations are categorised as moderately polluted, 52.2% as unpolluted to moderately polluted and the rest is categorised as unpolluted. EF shows 78.3% stations are classified as extremely high enrichment and the rest as very high enrichment. This finding provides important information on the status of arsenic contamination in BMR and creating awareness concerning the conservation and management of the reservoir in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, post buckling behavior of thin steel and aluminum cylindrical shells with rectangular cutouts under axial loading was studied experimentally and also using the finite element method. Riks method is used for analyzing the cylindrical shells. The effect of longitudinal and circumferential stiffeners (ribs and stringer) was studied on the buckling load and the post buckling behavior as the stiffeners used individually and in combination with each other. It was shown that by adding stringer, the buckling load improves and the rib has a positive effect on the post buckling behavior of the structure. Some tests were performed by ZwickRoell tensile/compression testing machine and it was carried out for both types of steel and aluminum shells with and without stiffeners. Comparing the experimental results with the FEA results shows good agreement. Nonlinear analysis of cylindrical steel and aluminum shells with cutout have demonstrated that, in some cases, a local buckling called snap-back can be seen in the load-displacement path. Snap-back which is a decrease in the amount of both load and displacement indicates this local buckling. This phenomenon is because of appearing mode shapes sequentially during the numerical buckling analysis of shells. Although these local buckling happened, the structure is still endured the higher loads.

Abstract Background Nursing students are required to acquire the necessary clinical knowledge and skills to provide safe and quality care. The method of providing training, particularly for final-year nursing students, is of utmost importance. An internship is a program during which students work in shifts similar to nurses employed in a hospital; however, the number of their shifts and patients is less than nurses; a nurse and the faculty supervise the care they provide, and they are paid a monthly salary. This study was conducted to explore nursing faculty, managers, new graduates, and students’ experiences of nursing internship program implementation. Methods This descriptive qualitative study was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022. The participants were selected from among nursing managers, newly graduated nurses, nursing internship students (final-year undergraduate), and faculty of Iran. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis approach was used for data analysis. Results Participants in this study included 17 nursing internship students, 12 nursing managers, three faculty members, ten nursing preceptors, and five newly graduated nurses from the internship program, 47 participants in total. After analyzing the data, five themes, including ‘facilitation of socialization process,’ ‘filling the gap between theory and practice,’ ‘improving self-confidence and independence,’ ‘an opportunity for clinical skill training,’ and ‘Achilles’ heel of the clinical setting,’ and nineteen subthemes were extracted from the participants’ experiences. Conclusion Implementation of an internship program for final-year nursing students plays a role in preparing them for better professional performance, enhancing clinical skills, increasing self-confidence and independence, inspiring the nursing profession, strengthening professional commitment, and improving the chances of employment after graduation. In order to alleviate the identified challenges of the internship program, holding a briefing meeting with managers, supervisors, and faculty to determine working hours, performance standards, and amenities such as lunch, dinner, and resting place is efficient.

Textile auxetic materials with negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) have potential applications in protective textile, filtration, and energy absorbance. However, cotton core-spun based auxetic textile is rarely investigated. In this study, cotton core-spun (Lycra)-based helical auxetic yarn (HAY) was developed, and the effects of core filament linear density on the auxetic behavior were studied. Core-spun cotton yarns of 8/1 Nec containing core filament (180, 260, and 420 D) were developed. Then, these core-spun yarns were wrapped with 50 D Dyneema filament at 393 twist/m to make the HAY. The diameter, NPR, and tensile strength of HAY were increased with increasing linear density of Lycra filament. Image analysis of HAY containing 420 D Lycra showed 57% diameter increase with the change in axial strain from 0 to 15 mm. The maximum auxetic behavior with NPR of −3.97 and tensile strength of 26.71 cN/tex was observed in 420 D Lycra-based HAY. This study proved that the cotton core spun-based HAY can be produced with significant auxetic properties for practically potential use in wearable protective textiles.