Evaluation of Soil Water Content Using SWAT for Southern Saskatchewan, Canada

Soil water content (SWC) is one of the most important hydrologic variables; it plays a decisive role in the control of various land surface processes. We simulated SWC using a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in southern Saskatchewan. SWC was calibrated using measured data and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Level-4 for the surface (0–5 cm) SWC for hydrological response units (HRU) at daily and monthly (warm season) intervals for the years 2015 to 2020. We used the SUFI-2 technique in SWAT-CUP, and observed daily instrumented streamflow records, for calibration (1995 to 2004) and validation (2005–2010). The results reveal that the SWAT model performs well with a monthly PBIAS < 10% and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) and R2 ≥ 0.8 for calibration and validation. The correlation coefficient between ground measurement with SMAP and SWAT products are 0.698 and 0.633, respectively. Moreover, SMAP data of surface SWC coincides well with measurements in terms of both amount and trend compared with the SWAT product. The highest r value occurred in July when the mean r value in SWAT and SMAP were 0.87 to 0.84, and then in June for r value of 0.75. In contrast, the lowest values were in April and May (0.07 and 0.04, respectively) at the beginning of the growing season in southern Saskatchewan. Furthermore, calibration in the SWAT model is based on a batch form whereby parameters are adjusted to corresponding input by modifying simulations with observations. SWAT underestimates the abrupt increase in streamflow during the snowmelt months (April and May). This study achieved the objective of developing a SWAT model that simulates SWC in a prairie watershed, and, therefore, can be used in a subsequent phase of research to estimate future soil moisture conditions under projected climate changes.

Development of Psi Factors for Thermal Bypass Due to Insulation Gaps in Low-Slope Roofing Assemblies

In commercial roofs, the presence or formation of gaps could be due to improper installation, thermal expansion, and dimensional changes in the insulation boards. The heat loss from these gaps could lead to higher thermal transmittance in the roof assembly. The current research study conducted around 70 experiments to investigate the effect of gap height, gap width and gap offset on the thermal transmittance of the roofing assembly. The measured data showed that in a staggered insulation layout with a joint offset of 610 mm (24 in), formation of 6.4 mm (1/4 in) to 12.7 mm (1/2 in) gaps at the insulation joints could contribute to an average decrease of 2% to 9% in the effective R-value of the roof assembly. As the insulation thermal resistance increases or becomes thicker, the thermal losses in the roof assembly increase. Generalized gap impact curves were developed to provide the relation between gap parameters (i.e., gap widths and height) and the thermal performance of the roof assembly. The experimental data were further analyzed using the psi factor approach of linear thermal bridging generating thermal transmittance data to support the calculation of thermal bypass from gaps in the thermal roof design.

METHOD VALIDATION OF SIMVASTATIN IN PCL-PEG-PCL TRIBLOCK COPOLYMER MICELLES USING UV-VIS SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC FOR SOLUBILITY ENHANCEMENT ASSAY

Objective: This study aims to increase the solubility of simvastatin (SIM), a hydrophobic drug, by incorporating it into PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymer micelles and validating the assay method used, namely Uv-Vis spectrophotometric. Methods: The shake flask method was used to determine the increase in solubility experienced by SIM after being incorporated into the micellar system. The values ​​of maximum wavelength (λmax), linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, and precision were used as parameters measured to assess the validity of the assay method used. Results: The results showed that PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymer micelles could increase SIM solubility by 9.7 times (89.49±5.75 µg/ml) compared to SIM without modification (9.19±0.24 µg/ml). The validation results show the λmax value of 239 nm, a linear calibration curve with an R-value of 0.9994, LOD and LOQ of 0.33 µg/ml and 1.00 µg/ml, accurate measurement with recovery at concentrations of 80%, 100%, and 120% were 102.93±1.32%, 100.78±0.40%, and 104.58±0.79% and also had good precision ​​with RSD<2%. Conclusion: The PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymer micelles can increase SIM solubility and the Uv-Vis spectrophotometric method has been validated successfully for the quantitative analysis of SIM in PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymer micelles.

Influence of Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis in Cerebral Infarction on Coagulation Index and Thromboelastogram and Its Risk Factors

Cerebral infarction is a serious brain injury disease, which is mainly caused by the blockage of blood circulation in patients’ brains; thus, the patient’s brain appears ischemia and hypoxia state, and large-scale nerve cell death occurs immediately. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) on coagulation indexes and thromboelastogram (TEG) after cerebral infarction. Altogether, 67 patients with cerebral infarction complicated with LEDVT in our hospital from April 2017 to August 2019 were collected as the observation group (OG) and 58 patients with cerebral infarction without lower extremity deep venous thrombosis as the control group (CG). The R, K, angle, and MA values in PT, APTT, TT, FIB, and TEG indexes were compared between the two groups. The ROC curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of R value, K value, angle value, and MA value in the occurrence of LEDVT in patients with cerebral infarction. Logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the independent risk factors of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in cerebral infarction. PT, APTT, and TT in the OG were evidently lower than those in the CG, while FIB in the OG was evidently higher than that in the CG, R value and K value of the OG were evidently lower than those of the CG, and angle and MA values were higher than those in the CG. The AUC of R value, K value, angle value, and MA value of the ROC curve of LEDVT in patients with cerebral infarction was 0.735, 0.713, 0.790, and 0.819. Multivariate analysis showed that high FIB, angle, and MA were risk factors, while R and K values were protective factors. PT, APTT, and TT are lower and FIB is higher in patients with cerebral infarction with LEDVT. TEG has a certain diagnostic value. FIB value, angle value, and MA value are independent risk factors of LEDVT in patients with cerebral infarction, while R value and K value are protective factors.

Effect of the Aeration Strategy on NOB Suppression in Activated Sludge and Biofilm in a Hybrid Reactor with Nitrification/Denitrification

The purpose of the study was to analyse the impact of aeration strategies defined by the changes in the duration of aerated sub-phases, the ratio between non-aerated and aerated sub-phase times (R), and dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO) on the suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in activated sludge and biofilm developing in a hybrid reactor with nitrification/denitrification. The primary factor causing NOB suppression both in biofilm and in activated sludge was an increase in the R-value (from 0 to 1/4 and from 1/4 to 1/3). After reducing the DO from 3 to 2 mg O2/L, there were no changes in the frequency of NOB occurrence, and no reduction in the nitrite oxidation rate was recorded. The abundance of Comammox bacteria was considerably affected by the change from continuous to intermittent aeration. Activated sludge showed a substantial increase in the quantity of clade A and B, whereas the quantity considerably decreased in biofilm.

Validasi Metode Analisis Matriks Patch Domperidon Maleat dengan Perbedaan Polimer Menggunakan Spektorfotometri UV-Vis

Uv-Vis spectrophotometry is an analytical method that can be used to determine the levels of domperidon maleate contained in transdermal patches with different polymers. The analysis method needs to be validated to prove that it can provide measurement results that match its designation. The purpose of this study is to prove that uv-vis spectrophotometry methods can provide the specificity, linearity, thoroughness, and precision that meet the requirements. In this study, linearity was known by calculating the r value on the curve of the relationship between levels and absorbance. Precision is obtained based on rsd value. Accuracy is calculated based on the return value. Selectiveity is known by means of identity confirmation that calculates the absorbance ratio at different wavelengths. The results showed that the method meets the requirements with a value of r=0.999; RSD precision results at a level of 10 ppm obtained RSD 0.236%. The accuracy values of 80%, 100%, and 120% in the matrix of transdermal domperidon maleate patches with PVA and PVP polymers respectively recovery was 99.50%, 101.15%, and 99.13%.. In the matrix of transdermal patches domperidon maleate with polymers HPMC and Na-CMC respectively recovery was 100.91%, 100.31%, and 100.67%. In the matrix of transdermal domperidon patches with HPMC and EC polymers respectively recovery was 98.00%, 98.00%, and 99.00%. The identity confirmation results on the transdermal domperidon patch matrix with PVA and PVP polymers, HPMC and Na-CMC, as well as HPMC and EC respectively have ratio value close to the standard solution with an average value of 0.800; 0,806; and 0.808. It can be concluded that the method of analyzing the levels of domperidone maleate in matrix of transdermal patches has qualified for good validity.

Karakteristik Morfometrik dan Produksi Telur Itik di Sentra Peternakan Itik Kabupaten Tolitoli

This research aimed to identify the morphometrics characteristic and egg production of duck in the center farming area in Tolitoli Regency. There are four districts chosen as the research sample location, which are Dampal Selatan, Lampasio, Galang, and Dako Pemean. In each district, 250 female ducks were used. Parameters was observed is body weight, body length, pubis width, shank length, chest circumference, wings length, neck length, and egg production based on Hand Day Production. The correlation between morphometrics and HDP analyzed by IBM Statistic 25 software. The results showed that pubis width have a strong positive correlation with egg production (r value 0.37 – 0.45). The body weight have negative correlation with HDP (-0.31 to -0.22), chest circumference (-0.13 to -0.05), body length (-0.01 to 0.03), wing length (-0.12 to 0.03), neck length (-0.03 to 0.02), and shank length (0.02 to 0.03). The morphometrics characteristic and egg production in duck center farming area are uniform with an HDP at 63%. Keywords: Correlation; Duck; Egg; Morphometrics; Production Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik morfometrik dan produksi telur itik di sentra peternakan itik Kabupaten Tolitoli. Terdapat empat kecamatan yang dijadikan lokasi sampel pada penelitian ini yaitu Kecamatan Dampal Selatan, Lampasio, Galang, dan Dako Pemean dijadikan sampel penelitian. Masing-masing 250 itik betina yang digunakan. Parameter yang diamati yaitu bobot badan, panjang badan, lebar pubis, panjang shank, lingkar dada, panjang sayap, dan panjang leher serta produksi telur berdasarkan Hen Day Production (HDP). Hubungan morfometrik dengan produksi telur dianalisis menggunakan analisis korelasi menggunakan IBM Statistic 25. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lebar pubis memiliki korelasi yang positif dan cukup kuat dengan HDP dengan nilai korelasi antara 0,37–0,45. Bobot badan berkorelasi negative dengan HDP (-0,31 sampai -0,22), lingkar dada (-0,13 sampai -0,05), panjang badan (-0,01 sampai 0,03), panjang sayap (-0,12 sampai 0,03), panjang leher (-0,03 sampai 0,02), dan panjang shank (0,02 sampai 0,03). Karakteristik morfometrik dan produksi telur itik pada sentra peternakan yang diteliti seragam dengan nilai HDP sebesar 63%. Kata kunci: Itik; Korelasi; Morfometrik; Produksi; Telur

Kecemasan pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Meningkatkan Tekanan Darah Lansia

Pandemi Covid-19 dapat menjadi stressor bagi lansia sehingga menimbulkan kecemasan. Kecemasan dapat meningkatkan tekanan darah pada lansia sehingga menimbulkan kejadian hipertensi. Kejadian hipertensi pada lansia di UPTD Puskesmas DTP Argapura Kabupaten Majalengka tahun 2019-2020 mengalami kenaikan yaitu dari 25,7% menjadi 28,4% atau naik sebesar 2,7%. Penelitan ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi pengaruh kecemasan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 terhadap peningkatan tekanan darah lansia di Wilayah Kerja UPTD Puskesmas DTP Argapura Kabupaten Majalengka. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Subjek pada penelitian ini yaitu lansia di wilayah kerja UPTD Puskesmas DTP Argapura Kabupaten Majalengka sebanyak 92 orang pada bulan Mei-Juni 2021. Pengumpulan datanya untuk kecemasan menggunakan instrumen Zung Self Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), sedangkan untuk mengukur tekanan darah menggunakan Sphygmomanometer dan stetoskop. Analsis data menggunakan uji chi square. Kurang dari setengah (27,2%) lansia pada masa pandemi Covid-19 mengalami cemas sedang dan lebih dari setengah (54,3%) lansia mengalami hipertensi stadium 1. Terdapat pengaruh kecemasan lansia pada masa pandemi Covid-19 dengan peningkatan tekanan darah pada lansia di wilayah kerja UPTD Puskesmas DTP Argapura Kabupaten Majalengka dengan r value = 0,000. Kecemasan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 terbukti meningkatkan tekanan darah pada lansia.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN GRAMMAR COMPETENCY AND SPEAKING ABILITY OF THE EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS IN SMPN 1 PALU

This research was motivated by the problems experienced by some of the eighth grade students in SMPN 1 Palu. The students still had some difficulties when expressing their ideas or feelings by using English. They had various reasons for this. Most of them said that grammar is one of the causes of their difficulties in speaking English. This research was a correlational design, the technique of collecting data using test. There were two kinds of test such as written test and oral test as the research instrument. The written test was used to measure students’ grammar competency and oral test was used to measure students’ speaking ability. The researcher used Pearson Product Moment Correlation in analyzing the data by using SPSS program 26 version. Based on the results of the correlation analysis between the students’ grammar competency and the students speaking ability, the r value was obtained at 0.407 (r > 0.361) with p = 0.023 (p <0.05) indicating that there was a significant positive correlation between students’ grammar competency and students’ speaking ability. This supported the alternative hypothesis to be accepted and the null hypothesis to be rejected. It could be concluded that there was a correlation between grammar competency and speaking ability at the eighth grade students of SMPN 1 Palu in the academic year of 2020/2021.

Evaluation of Seismic Response Modification Factor (R) for Moderate-Rise RC Buildings with Vertical Irregular Configurations

Most international design codes consider the nonlinear seismic performance of a structure by the concept of reduction/modification factor (R). Then, an elastic static force-based method can be normally used for seismic design to create earthquake resistant RC buildings. The response modification factor (R) is sensitive to many aspects such as overall ductility, over-strength, damping, and redundancy levels. Indeed, these factors are severely affected by geometric irregularity of the structural system. So, R-value does not become a constant number for the all types of structures with the same lateral load resisting system, as many standard codes noted. It depends on types, combination, and degrees of geometric vertical irregularity. This research assesses the actual values of R for regular and familiar vertical irregularity cases in RC buildings with moment-resisting frames (MRF) systems. Also, it takes into account the reduction percent that may occurs in R-value due to these studied vertical irregularities. The vertical irregularity cases, such as set-back and soft story, are essentially needed to be studied greater than ever due to the wide propagation of these types of buildings in Egypt, recently. In addition, the potential analytical methods that may be used to calculate R-value in comparison with Egyptian code’s value. Nonlinear static pushover analysis is carried out using ETABS via three-dimensional numerical models. The findings prove that vertical irregular models have poor seismic capacities, in comparison with regular one, due to their sudden change in lateral stiffness than that with regular aspect. So, the response modification factor (R) must be re-calculated or even scaled-down before design stage with 15% and 25% for single and combined vertical irregularity, respectively. In addition, this investigation derives a vital equation between R values with vertical irregularity ratios in each studied model. This equation shall be a guide for seismic design codes, structural design engineers, and researchers. Accordingly, the response modification factor R does not become a fixed value regardless vertical irregularity aspects of the buildings, but it has a variable value that depend on their inelastic seismic performance of the lateral load resisting systems.