bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Advantage and the Impact of Government Intervention Policy in Dairy Production in Iraq
Authors: Al-Khazraji Z S , Ahmed A F
Published: December 2023

Food industry is a major element of the economy because of its ability and effectiveness to revive and stimulate the overall economic processes in the country to produce milk and enhance the value surplus. Food industries are characterized by their capacity, multiplicity of patterns, and techniques and complexity of the various processes. The dairy industry is one of the branches of the important food industry, as it works to improve the health status of the population and give rural people wide opportunities for work and reduce unemployment rates. The aim of the research is to shed light on dairy industry to investigate comparative advantage in Iraq and its local efficiency as well as to know impact of the policy of government intervention. Policy analysis matrix (PAM) has shown that the value of the cost factor of the local supplier (DRC) is (0.54) which is less than one. This means that dairy production has a comparative advantage of utilizing local resources and that this production is socially profitable. The also study conducted sensitivity analysis by imposing a 10% increase in costs for traded inputs as well as reducing revenue by border prices for one ton of production. After calculating the transactions for both cases, the interpretation of coefficients did not change. The study concluded that dairy projects in Iraq for the sample in the period of study was profitable in terms of both private and social prices and there is a comparative advantage according to the domestic resource cost which was less than one.
Carbon stock potential in rehabilitated mangrove in Lubuk Kertang Village, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Basyuni M , Pandiangan P , Amelia R , Al Mustaniroh SS , Larekeng S H , Sumarga E , Slamet B , Arifanti V B
Published: December 2023

Mangrove forests are one of the most productive and efficient long-term natural carbon sinks, tropical natural resources that have social, economic and ecological benefits. Even though the area of mangrove forests is relatively large in of the world, the consequences of various anthropogenic cause various damages. Given their global significance as a large carbon sink, preventing mangrove loss would be an effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy. This research was conducted to analyze carbon stocks in mangrove forests resulting from the rehabilitation of former pond land in Lubuk Kertang Village, West Brandan District, Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The census method was applied in this study, to calculate the value of carbon stocks using an allometric equation with DBH > 5cm. The aboveground biomass was 15.54 Mg/ha. Soil sampling for organic carbon content by collecting a sub-sample 5 cm from the center of the core. The total value of the total carbon stock above and below the soil surface is 9.42 Mg/ha1 and soil carbon is 685 MgC/ha1.
Belawan Harbour Environmental Monitoring Supports Welfare of Fisherman
Authors: Tarigan Simon , Rauf Abdul , Rahmawaty  , Harahap R Hamdani
Published: December 2023

Belawan Harbour is located in Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The interaction between Belawan Harbour and the local community sometimes creates a controversy that can still be tolerated. The controversy is usually caused by the effect of activities in Belawan Harbour on the environment, which can be seen from social, economic and cultural aspects. Harbour Management did an observation of that component to recognize the rate of achievement of environment management which is carried out routinely every semester of year. The observation was done by conducting interviews using questionnaires to 70 participants. The research parameter is the advantages and disadvantages that local communities have. Participant determination was done by purposive sampling, by the distribution of 21.4% government apparatus, 7.14% public figures and 71.42% local communities. Based on the advantage aspect; the most dominant statement was; the economic improvement for the local area is 51.42% and working chances of improvement is 41.42%, meanwhile from the disadvantage aspect, the participants mostly stated that there was air pollution (50%) and noise pollution is 14.28%. %. In conclusion, the environment management done by PT Pelindo Regional 1 towards the Belawan Harbour operation is quite good, indicated by the high percentage of advantages in Belawan Harbour.
The Role of Actors in Forest Management in West Sulawesi Province
Authors: Asgaf M , Kurniawan MA , Halis A
Published: December 2023

Forest Management is an important key to balancing the needs of human life with environmental sustainability. The needs of human life, which continue to increase every day, will certainly put more pressure on forest sustainability, so managing forests in a fair, wise, and prudent manner will certainly bring greater benefits. West Sulawesi Province has a total forest area of 1.06 million hectares, or around 63% of the total land area of West Sulawesi. As time goes by and the population increases, forest management becomes increasingly complex and creates many existing problems and challenges. To answer these problems and challenges, the role of each existing stakeholder is required. Stakeholders can also be said to be actors who have power, roles, relationships, power and interests; therefore, it is very important to research related actors who play an active role and have great power in forest management in West Sulawesi using actor analysis methods. This method will later map and capture every actor involved in forest management in West Sulawesi into groups that have power and interests. So by knowing their power and interests, it is hoped that forest management in West Sulawesi will get better in the future.
Analysis of Flood Susceptibility Using Frequency Ratio Method in Paremang Watershed
Authors: Amaliah Rizki , Syabandi Muh. Alif
Published: December 2023

The flood in the Paremang Watershed caused damage to the road that connected several districts in South Sulawesi. In addition, it also inundated rice fields and residential areas, causing losses to residents. Therefore, this research was carried out to identify floods, find out the causes of floods that influence the occurrence of floods in the Paremang Watershed, and make a flood hazard map in the Paremang Watershed. This study uses SAR Sentinel-1 imagery to identify floods that occur in the Paremang watershed and frequency ratio analysis to look at the causative factors that influence flooding in the Paremang watershed and project a flood susceptibility map based on the causes of flooding. The results of this study show that in 2017–2021, an area of 3,446.12 ha was affected by flooding from the Paremang Watershed area of 92,717 ha. The land cover factor in the paddy field class with a frequency ratio value of 4.83, the slope factor in the 0-8% class with a frequency ratio value of 4.32, and the altitude factor in the 0-200 masl class with a frequency ratio value of 4.08 are the factors that most frequently occur in that factor. The flood hazard map in the Paremang watershed shows that the downstream part of the Paremang watershed is an area of high and very high susceptibility.
The Effect of Land Cover Changes on Surface Runoff Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool in the Bila Watershed
Authors: Wahyuni  , Salimin F
Published: December 2023

Changes in land cover have a negative impact on land and water resources that occur in the watershed area. This study aims to analyze changes in land cover in 2016 and 2021 and their effects on surface runoff in the Bila Watershed. Analysis of land cover change using the Geographic Information System approach, and then analyzing the effect of land cover change on surface runoff from the results of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Model. The results showed that the land cover of Bila Watershed when experiencing the highest change was in shrubs of 680.29 ha, dryland agriculture covering an area of 520.99 ha and secondary dryland forest covering an area of 155.76 ha. The effect of land cover changes on surface runoff varies. The highest increase in surface runoff was in shrub cover change to agricultural land and open land while the lowest increase in surface runoff was with changes in primary dryland forest land cover to secondary dryland forest. The surface runoff coefficient of the Bila Watershed in 2016 was included in the good category with a value of 0.16 while in 2021 was included in the moderate category with a value of 0.26.
The Influence of Community Participation on Health Trends in the Mangrove Forest of Labuhan Maringgai District, East Lampung Regency
Authors: Nurfaizi Mohamad Ilham , Safe’i Rahmat
Published: December 2023

The health trend of mangrove forests is influenced by community participation around the forest. Communities have a role in managing mangrove forests. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of community participation on the health trend of mangrove forests. The stages of this research are: Assessment of forest health based on ecological indicators and data analysis using the FHM method; collection of participation data with questionnaires to the public; and data analysis using the multiple linear regression method. Based on the results of the study, the final value of forest health at CL 1 was 4.11 (bad), CL 2 was 6.95 (good), CL 3 was 6.69 (good), and CL 4 was 7.4 (good). The average value for forest health is 6.29 in the moderate category. The significant values obtained are.023* (preparation),.321 (implementation), and.851 (evaluation). The planning aspect has an influence on the health condition of mangrove forests. Community participation affects the condition of forest health from an ecological perspective. So the role of the community is very important to support the preservation of mangrove forests.
Population Abundance of Macaca fascicularis and potential human-wildlife conflicts in Bonerate and Kalao Island
Authors: Nasri N. , Hidayatullah M. Y. , Suwanto M. A. , Sigit M. , Hamzah A. S. , Maulany R. I.
Published: December 2023

Recently, conflicts between human and wildlife have emerged more frequently with high escalation and widely spread due to increasing human population growth, agriculture expansion, land conversion, infrastructure development, and climate change. Raising conflicts were prominent between human and primates. The long-tailed macaque, M. fascicularis is known to face conflicts in many areas in Indonesia. The species is also found on Bonerate Island and Kalao Island nearby one of Wallacea hotspots the island of Sulawesi. This research aims to: (1) monitor the population of M. fascicularis in relation with its influences to potentially creating conflicts and (2) identify conflicts between human and the macaques through perceptions of people inhabited Bonerate and Kalao Islands. Population data was collected by observing the M. fascicularis habitat by using the concentration count method to estimate population density. To identify conflicts, data on public perceptions of M. fascicularis was collected by interviewing local people of the two islands. The research results showed that the number of individuals M. fascicularis found on the observation route was 1,064 individuals in an observation area of 54.46 Ha at Bonerate Island and 618 individuals in an observation area of 66.02 Ha at Kalao Island. The population density value of M. fascicularis is 20 individuals/ha in Bonerate Island and 9 individuals/ha in Kalao Island. There were conflicts emerged between the community and long-tailed monkeys in Bonerate Island and Kalao Island. The community perceived the long-tailed monkeys as pests or enemies that had to be exterminated. There is a need to resolve the conflict between the people of both islands and long-tailed macaques through persuasive efforts to control the long-tailed macaques population.
Characteristics of soil physical, dust content, and estimation of soil carbon in the reclamation area of PT Semen Bosowa Maros
Authors: Najib Nardy Noerman , Ura’ Resti , Sallata Markus Kudeng , Ansari Fajri , Suhartati  , Allo Merryana Kiding , Hak Bisjoe Achmad Rizal , Muin Nurhaedah , Isnan Wahyudi , Amru Khaerul
Published: December 2023

Mining activities can cause problems with physical properties and decrease soil fertility, air pollution, and increased carbon emissions. Land reclamation is one way to overcome these problems. PT Semen Bosowa Maros (SBM), as a public company engaged in the mining and cement processing industry has succeeded in carrying out post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities. Post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities are expected to reduce environmental damage, so some important aspects studied include soil physical quality, dust content, and soil carbon. The study aimed to determine the characteristics of soil physical properties (soil texture, permeability, bulk density, organic matter), dust content, and soil carbon in the reclamation area of PT Semen Bosowa Maros, South Sulawesi. The research was conducted in Barugae Village, Bantimurung District, Maros Regency, through data collection in the form of soil samples, dust content, and soil carbon content in 4 observation plots. The study used a field observation method followed by analyzing sample results in the laboratory. The results showed that the soil texture class was dominated by clay texture, the highest soil permeability data was 6.12 cm/hour, the highest bulk density was 0.71 g/cm3, and the highest organic matter was 2.11%. While the highest dust content value is 0.00251 g/cm2. As well as the highest estimated value of soil carbon at 44.73 g/cm2. Information from this research is important for PT Semen Bosowa Maros. In particular, it can improve land conditions through post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities.
Biomass by an organ in understory vegetation: Study comparison among upper story tree species
Authors: Dalya N , Tsuzuki H , Oue H
Published: December 2023

The biomass of trees older than 40 years was calculated for three species:Swietenia macrophylla,Pinus merkusii, andAcacia auriculiformis. To estimate the tree biomass, we considered the diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height (h) as significant variables. Cutting down trees in the study area was strictly prohibited to prevent irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Our strategy is to implement a non-destructive approach to estimate the biomass of each tree in the plantation forest. On the other hand, we perform separation and destruction of the understory parts to obtain a more specific green weight by an organ. Hence, measuring upper-story tree biomass using a non-destructive approach through existing equations is suitable for the conditions at the site. The main plot was 0.25 ha for each plantation and divided into subplots of 25 m2to measure the understory. We found theS. macrophyllaplant had a larger stem biomass than the other plants but had a small understory. In contrast,A. auriculiformishad the biggest understory but the smallest stem biomass. It is necessary to create more effective and non-destructive approaches to predict and quantify tree biomass broadly to facilitate better quantification of carbon sequestration.
Surface burning effectiveness of five commercial wood species in makassar againts Schizophyllum commune Fr.
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Muin Musrizal , Arif Astuti
Published: December 2023

Wood as a natural material is known to be susceptible to various biodeterioration agents. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of wood surface burning on the physical changes of wood and the attack of Schizophyllum commune Fr. The research was conducted in several steps, starting with the collection of wood samples from a Timber TradingUnit (UD) in Makassar City. The samples were prepared with dimension of 5 x 2,5 x 1,5 cm3, and each side of the samples was evenly burned using a torch for two to five minutes, resulting in a uniform thickness of 1-2 mm for the burned surface. Five types of wood were used for the surface burning, namely white teak (Gmelina arborea), sengon (Albizia chinensis), bayam (Intsia bijuga), teak (Tectona grandis) and meranti (Shorea spp). The research consisted of two treatments, one without burning and the other with burning. The results showed that the moisture content of all five wood species decreased after the burning process, with moisture content reductions of 15,61% for G. arborea, 14,30% for A. chinensis, 14,33% for I. bijuga, 11,37% for T. grandis, and 20,43% for Shorea spp. Regarding the aspect of fungal attack, the burning process did not inhibit fungal spread from the sides to the middle of the wood surface, but the burning treatment contributed to a lower weight reduction in the test samples compared to the untreated ones.
Effect of Lignin Concentration on Crystallinity of TPS/Lignin Biocomposite
Authors: Syahidah  , Arif Pratama Muh Rezki , Arif Astuti , Rahayu Diza Lestari Andi Sri , Taskirawati Ira , Makkarennu  , Sulaeha  , Triwulandari Evi , Restu Witta Kartika , Fatriasari Widya , Anita Sita Heris , Ghozali Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Several alternatives have been considered to minimize the environmental impact caused by conventional polymers. The integration of lignin into the starch matrix is one extensively used substitute. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how much lignin influences how crystallin the palm starch biocomposite is. In a twin-screw extruder, palm starch, glycerol, stearic acid, and lignin are extruded. The properties of the palm starch crystals were examined using XRD. According to the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), palm starch has a type C crystal structure. Palm starch, TPS, and TPSL have percentages of crystallinity of 57.6%, 51.9%, 55.7%, 56.3%, 60.1%, 63.4%, and 66.4%, respectively. The addition of lignin to the starch matrix can increase along with the increase in lignin content.
Foraging Activities, Environmental Factors, and Increment Weight of Tetragonula biroi Colonies in Beekeeping with Different Hive Materials
Authors: Prastiyo Andi , Nuraeni Sitti , Budiaman
Published: December 2023

Tetragonula biroi is one of the stingless bee species that has many benefits for human life besides producing honey, propolis, and 13 derivative products. Another important service provided by this bee is as a plant pollinator. This research aims to determine the relationship between the foraging activity of T. biroi bees, environmental factors, and colony development in hives made of different materials. The study was conducted in Rompegading Village, Maros Regency. This research method used a completely randomized design consisting of four different hive materials, namely glass, triplex, cement, and tree hollows, and each treatment was repeated three times. Parameters observed were the number of worker bees leaving and entering the hive throughout the day, colony weight gain, and environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and light intensity). The results showed that the highest foraging activity of worker bees and colony weight gain occurred in natural hives (tree hollows) in the fourth week of observation and in artificial hives made from cement materials. The peak of bee activity entering and leaving the hive occurred in the morning from 07:00–10:00 and in the late afternoon from 13:00–16:00. In the morning, more bees leave the hive, while more enter in the afternoon. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light affect the foraging activity of worker bees.
Species Diversity of Fungi Decomposers of Rhizophora stylosa Leaf Litter in Mangrove Ecosystem Pulau Sembilan Langkat Regency
Authors: Yunasfi  , Sihite Y , Dalimunthe A , Lestari S , Samosir PA , Auri MRA , Ramadhan YI , Noer Z , Fadhilah A
Published: December 2023

Litter decomposition is a process of decomposing litter which is an important component of the nutrient cycle process because it can contribute greatly to soil fertility. Fungi are one of the microorganisms that play an important role in the decomposition process. The purpose of this study was to identify the number of species and diversity index of fungi, determine the rate of decomposition, and analyze the protein and carbohydrate content of decomposed R. stylosa leaf litter. This research was conducted on Pulau Sembilan, Langkat Regency and at the Forest Cultivation Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, University of North Sumatra. Carbohydrate and protein analysis was carried out at the Medan Industrial Research and Standardization Center. This research method uses Litter-bag. There are 4 types of fungi namely Aspergillus sp, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, and Trichoderma sp. The index value of fungal diversity in R. stylosa leaf litter is 1.49. The decomposition rate of R. stylosa leaf litter is 7.7. The highest protein content was found in R. stylosa leaf litter that underwent decomposition for 30 days at 5.76% and the highest carbohydrate content was found in the control at 10.4%.
Status, Diversity, and Feeding Guilds of Avifauna in the Mining Area
Authors: Hamzah Andi Siady , Nasri N , Ardiansyah Andri
Published: December 2023

Birds contribute to the ecosystem by delivering a variety of ecological services. Birds help the ecology by performing a number of ecological functions. Specific habitats determine bird distribution and community structure. The variety and feeding guilds of birds in various land covers were studied at PT. Vale Indonesia’s mining concession. We studied birds’ variety, status, and feeding guilds in three distinct land covers using the point count methods: i) primary dryland forest; ii) secondary dryland forest; and iii) shrubs. Data were obtained from January 20th to February 24th, 2020. There were 38 species from 24 families reported. We discovered 11 Sulawesi endemic species, and 1 vulnerable species. Secondary dryland forest species composition was more similar to primary dryland forest than to shrubs. Carnivores, frugivores, granivores, insectivores, nectarivores, and piscivores make up the fowl. The insectivore bird composition was the highest, while the piscivore bird composition was the lowest. The availability of food supplies and vegetation characteristics may be critical to the diversity of birds in any ecosystem. As a result, this study indicates that land-cover alteration and modification may have an impact on bird diversity structure. Maintaining vegetation as a source of food and habitat for birds is crucial for bird conservation.
Carbon storage potentials and soil characteristics of casuarina (Casuarina junghuhniana) stand in toraja highlands, South Sulawesi
Authors: Paembonan Samuel A , Soma A S , Rampisela D A
Published: December 2023

Casuarina junghuhniana is a species that grows well in the highlands of Toraja with altitudes ranging from 700 to 1200 m above sea level (asl). This study aims to determine the carbon stock of C. junghuhniana and the characteristics of the soil beneath when associated with the age of the stand. Determination of the sample plots using purposive method in plots size of 25 x 25 m at different ages of stands, namely 5, 12, and 22 years old. Tree biomass and carbon values were calculated using allometric equation by measuring the tree diameter. Besides that, analysis was also carried out on the physical and chemical properties of the soil under the casuarina stands based on the difference in the age of the stands and soil depth. The results showed that there was an increase in the average carbon value of stands based on the increasing age of the stands. The average carbon stock of trees at the age of 5 years was 13.40 tons/ha, 12 years old was 37.15 tons/ha, and at 22 years old was 93.37 tons/ha. physical properties of the soil did not show a significant difference when associated with the age of the stand and soil depth. However, the chemical properties of the soil show slight differences according to the depth of the soil.
Assessment of Under Ground Water Resources through RS and GIS Techniques
Authors: Choudhary Sangeeta , Jangeed Denis , Sharma Sachin , Chaudhary Maya , Gupta Pooja , Pandey Priyanka
Published: December 2023

Water resource management is of utmost importance due to climate change and increased water demand. With 98% of the world’s freshwater being ground water, monitoring its distribution is crucial. These modern-day tools aid in assessing changing land use patterns, mapping water resources, and analyzing hydrogeological data. This paper explores the role of RS and GIS applications in exploring and assessing groundwater resources, estimating natural recharge distribution, analyzing hydrogeological data, and monitoring processes. The study area is situated in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, characterized by a dry region with sand dunes, alluvial areas, and scattered hillocks. To analyze groundwater potential zones, various spatial datasets such as rainfall, land use, land cover, soil type, and slope were prepared using topographic maps and satellite imagery through integrated RS and GIS techniques. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) integrated with ArcGIS software was used to estimate run off and groundwater recharge through water balance ratios. The research findings demonstrate that GIS and RS layers were analyzed, including factors such as watershed, land use, slope, soil type, temperature, solar radiation, and rainfall data. The water balance ratio was found to be a driving force impacting soil erosion, plant growth, and sediment movement. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of RS and GIS techniques for assessing groundwater recharge. The results obtained through these tools provide valuable insights for decision-makers in managing water resources and understanding the potential impacts of human activities on groundwater quality.
Urban sustainable intervention to address the physical factor for degradation of visual place quality in the hilly urban region: A case of Manali town, Himachal Pradesh.
Authors: Bharmoria Rahul , Sharma Vandna
Published: December 2023

The depletion of urban aesthetics is a major issue in the urban hill town due to the rapid growth in urban infrastructure. The potential for growth in the urban hill town is at a very rapid state, which affects the local population and its ecological environment. Urban sustainable development in urban hill towns is a crucial challenge. This type of uneven development leads to a degradation of the visual quality of place in hill towns, which defines the overall evaluative image of the town’s urbanscape. Manali is located in the northern part of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. This study intends to investigate the physical parameters of this decline and assess possible solutions for improving hill towns’ visual quality. The study’s thorough grasp of the problem and its possible solutions is based on the author’s integration of concepts from several different domains, such as urban design, planning, and architecture. This research emphasises the vital role of visual aesthetics in enhancing quality of life of both inhabitants and visitors to the region. Furthermore, it determines the adverse effects of decreased perception. The research proposes approaches to enhance the deteriorated visual quality of the urban environment in Manali, a hilly town. These strategies comprise augmenting public spaces, giving priority to pedestrian infrastructure, and encouraging community participation in the design procedure. The research is based on enhancing the visual place quality of areas within Manali town, including Manali town, old Manali, the ISBT, the Tibetan colony, and the mall area, utilising surveys based on questionnaires and dimensions of visual place quality. The study implemented the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology to evaluate and rank various physical factors. The results yielded viable solutions, such as the enhancement of street squares, sidewalks, and widths, as well as the revision of planning and development regulations and legislation. The findings of the research may have potential applications in identical topographically undulating areas.
Red mud and foundry sand industry wastes for reducing NOx in plasma activated diesel exhaust
Authors: Sahu Apoorva , Rajanikanth B S
Published: December 2023

Solid waste in association with plasma was explored as an alternate to commercial catalyst/adsorbents. We have demonstrated reuse of foundry sand and red mud wastes for adsorption of gaseous pollutant from plasma treated diesel exhaust. A novel dielectric barrier discharge reactor with dual metal film is designed to explore the oxidation potential of surface discharge plasma effect onto the exhaust. The metal film was subjected to high voltage pulse/AC energization to assess the effect of plasma in oxidising NO to NO2. A separate reactor filled with industry wastes was cascaded with plasma reactor to test its efficacy in NO2 adsorption. It was observed that some amount of NO was also reduced owing to some visible light-enabled photocatalytic activity. About 85 % NOx (oxides of nitrogen) reduction was observed with red mud waste compared to half of that with foundry sand.
An Investigation of Climate Change, Eco-Anxiety and Risk Perception in The Context of Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Arya B , Kumar H
Published: December 2023

Climate change, risk perception, and eco-anxiety are subjects of growing research interest in the modern time. However, there is paucity of research about these variables and their overall impact. Additionally, these variables have been studied in a limited nature in the context of Theory of Planned Behaviour. The current study aimed to confirm whether measures of eco-anxiety and risk perception capture distinct emotional responses to climate change. Additionally, it also aimed to examine how all these constructs can be understood in the light of Theory of Planned Behaviour. It was found that attitude, norms, PBC, risk perception and eco-anxiety has a significant positive correlation with Climate Change Adaptation Behaviour Intention. Implications suggest that the understanding of the sub-components of Theory of Planned Behaviour along with a deep understanding of risk perception and eco-anxiety may help to create psycho-education modules which may help to promote Climate Change Adaptation Behaviour Intention.
Microplastic Pollution in Oceans: A Barrier to Achieve Low Carbon Society
Authors: Sainger Garima
Published: December 2023

A society is known as low carbon society where individuals cut down the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from different human activities without affecting any development needs. The increasing presence of carbon emissions has increased the need for urgent actions in this regard. To mitigate the effect of climate change ocean’s contribution is remarkable. But humans are treating oceans to dispose of their waste, which is affecting the ocean’s capacity of carbon sequestration. Out of all the pollution entering into oceans, (micro) plastic pollution is the most observable impacting the ocean’s capacity of carbon absorption. The evitable exposure of microplastics in oceans emphasized the need to know about the harmful effect of microplastics and measure to control them. Therefore, this review primarily focuses to define the role of oceans in achieving low carbon society and how microplastic is acting as a barrier to reduce oceans capacity to absorb and process atmospheric carbon into oxygen. The measures such as less use of plastic in production, education and awareness about the use of eco-friendly usages and activities, life cycle assessment and less consumption of plastic and strategic waste management method, recycling, and waste-to-energy recovery were suggested to solve the global problem of microplastics pollution.
Dispersion of Particulate Matters from Separated Plume Stacks using Discrete Phase Modelling
Authors: Ajay Adithya , Yadav Aditya , Paul Akshoy Ranjan
Published: December 2023

Dispersion of particulate matter from plume stacks of industries is crucial in analysing the extent of air pollution. Particulate matter is highly influenced by gravity causing it settle quickly. Dispersion of pollutants from dual plume stack separated by a certain distance is analysed here. Dual stack is effective in shielding the downstream plume causing it to spread vertically higher than single stack. PM10 particles are emitted along with gaseous pollutants from the stack in to the atmosphere having a temperature gradient of -0.2K/100 m. Particles from the stack disperse to higher distance from the ground when there is pollutant gas along with it. Furthermore, presence of discreet plumes causes splitting of the upstream one in horizontal direction causing the particles to spread more. Present study helps to monitor the spreading of particulate matter from plume stacks.
Cooling Tower Plume and Drift Concentration in presence of Urban Canyon
Authors: Baliyan Roopak , Verma Shalini , Paul Akshoy Ranjan
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a computational analysis of the cooling tower plume and drift emitted by mechanical draught cooling towers situated in urban areas. The data from the Wang X (2019) and Briggs plume lift height formula are used to prove results obtained from computational Modeling of cooling tower drift and it was found to be effective. The simulation setup uses a multiphase mixture model for plume analysis and DPM for analysis of drift in the Ansys fluent. The CFD simulation results are accurate within 50 to 100 m with the Briggs plume lift height formula. The effect of wind coming from urban canyons on the cooling tower results in decreased plume lift height and increase drift concentration and deposition rate on the ground.
The possibility of creating an ICSID protocol for the establishment of a multilateral investment tribunal: A flexible or complex process.
Authors: Alkhayer J , Gupta N , Gupta C M
Published: December 2023

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was introduced in 2015 with its 16th goal which has targeted enhancing the concepts of the rule of law and universal access to justice. This goal, along with the current trend of directing investment projects towards sustainable development, has brought the mechanisms for investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) into the spotlight in the realm of global investment.

Recently, based on a different vision that was supported, especially by the European Union, a new approach to ISDS emerged that is characterized by fundamental differences from the well-known approach represented in the ICSID system. Whereas providing facilities to settle and arbitrate the investment disputes between a state member and investors belonging to another state member over several decades by the ICSID system made it a key player in the administration of the ISDS system. The fundamental differences adopted by the new EU’s model represent a serious challenge to the ICSID system. Especially if this new system proves to be effective and widely used and inserted in future international investment agreements (IIAs), the ICSID will be required to make adjustments that are compatible with this new system.

Due to the complexity of the process of amendment to the ICSID convention, as it requires unanimous consent by all member states, the present paper, by analysing some historical stations of the functional and administrative context of the ICSID, examines the flexibility of the ICSID convention to establish a protocol that includes the features of the new system without resorting to amending the convention. The paper concludes that the ICSID enjoys the flexibility necessary to establish this protocol. Finally, the paper presents the motives and benefits envisioned for the establishment of this protocol.
Contributing Factors for the Increased Inter-arm Systolic Blood Pressure Difference in Different Age Groups
Authors: Zhu Ying , Cao Qhuan , Dong Wenli , Tian Qi , Mu Ruiwa , Qin Di , Zhang Xinlei , Yang Hui , Wu Shouling
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

To explore the contributing factors for the increased inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) in young, middle-aged, and elderly people.

METHODS

A total of 51,428 workers in Kailuan who underwent arteriosclerosis detection of extremities during physical examination from 2010 to 2020 were selected as the subjects. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the age segment proposed by the World Health Organization: young, middle-aged, and elderly group. Each age group was subsequently divided into 2 groups according to whether the IASBPD was increased: IASBPD 15 mm Hg and IASBPD >15 mm Hg group. The detection rate of IASBPD >15 mm Hg in each age group was calculated, and the contributing factors of IASBPD >15 mm Hg in different age groups were analyzed via multifactor logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The detection rate of IASBPD >15 mm Hg was 15.65% in all the subjects, and it was 12.90%, 15.28%, and 20.69% in the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, respectively (χ2 = 343.83, P < 0.01). In all the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, the risk factors for IASBPD >15 mm Hg included decreased ankle–brachial index (ABI), elevated body mass index (overweight and obesity), male, elevated brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and hypertension. Furthermore, elevated high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was a risk factor for increased IASBPD in young people (odds ratio [OR] = l.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.04). And elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was a risk factor (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15) for increased IASBPD in middle-aged people, and the high level of education was a protective factor (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94). Diabetes (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.42) and old age (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02) were risk factors for increased IASBPD in the elderly people, and high level of education (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.95) and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.93) were protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection rate of IASBPD >15 mm Hg increases with the increase of age in the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups. Decreased ABI, elevated overweight obesity, male, elevated baPWV, and hypertension are common risk factors for increases IASBPD in 3 age groups. Furthermore, elevated hsCRP, elevated LDL-C, diabetes mellitus, and old age are risk factors for increased IASBPD in young, middle-aged, and elderly group, respectively.
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Private International Law in 2022
Authors: HE Qisheng
Published: December 2023

This survey contains materials reflecting the Chinese practice of private international law in 2022. Firstly, the changes in the statutory framework of private international law in China include two legislative acts and one administrative regulation. Moreover, three international treaties in this regard were ratified by the National People’s Congress. Secondly, three judicial interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court (“SPC”) were adopted or amended, and 56 typical cases in six judicial documents on different topics were issued by the SPC. Thirdly, four typical cases on Chinese courts’ jurisdiction; 14 cases on choice of laws on various issues such as foreign investment contracts and negative lists, rights in rem, life insurance contracts and mandatory rules; one case on international judicial assistance rendered to an Argentinean court; three cases on interim measures; three cases on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments; nine cases on international arbitration including international sports arbitration and foreign awards, are selected in this survey for their emerging significance. Fourthly, the provisions regarding the extraterritorial application of Chinese laws have been identified for the first time in this series of surveys, shedding light on this aspect of private international law in China. They include those contained in, inter alia, China’s Anti-Monopoly Law, Anti-foreign Sanctions Law, Export Control Law, Securities Law, the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures, as well as the Provisions on the Unreliable Entity List.
Key Recommendations for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: Takeaways From the CAPTURA Project
Authors: Aboushady Ahmed Taha , Sujan Mohammad Julhas , Pham Kien , Clark Adam , Marks Florian , Holm Marianne , Joh Hea Sun , Poudyal Nimesh , Stelling John
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health challenge associated with 4.95 million deaths in 2019 and an estimated 10 million deaths per year by 2050 in the absence of coordinated action. A robust AMR surveillance system is therefore required to avert such a scenario. Based on an analysis of country-level AMR data in 8 Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) countries, we present a list of key recommendations to strengthen AMR surveillance. We propose 10 primary considerations under 3 broad categories, including recommendations on (1) laboratory and testing practices, (2) data management and analysis, and (3) data use.
CAPTURA Regional Workshop Proceedings (28–30 June 2022, Virtual)
Authors: Joh Hea Sun , Dolabella Brooke , Early Emmanuel , Stelling John , Ak Gabriella , Upadhyaya Madan Kumar , Rahman Aninda , Chuki Pem , MacWright William R , Ondoa Pascale , Sarkar Satyajit , Moore Catrin , Holm Marianne , Leslie Toby , Zellweger Raphaël M , Paing Giyoung , Kwon Soo Young , Marks Florian , Poudyal Nimesh
Published: December 2023

In response to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) project worked with microbiology laboratories, pharmacies, and local governments in South Asia and Southeast Asia to expand the volume of historical and current data available on AMR and antimicrobial use and to identify gaps in data and areas for quality improvement. When the CAPTURA project completed its country-level engagement in the first half of 2022, the consortium brought together local, regional, and global AMR stakeholders for a virtual regional workshop to review data outputs from the project and share strategies to inform national and regional efforts to combat AMR. This paper summarizes the main topics presented in the workshop held from 28 to 30 June 2022. As such, it highlights lessons learned from the project and strategies to fight AMR. Although CAPTURA has been invaluable to countries and information from the project is already being used, barriers concerning data quality and sharing remain. Regional-level initiatives should continue to build on the momentum gained from the CAPTURA project in supporting national-level surveillance and data quality improvements to inform critical decisions around planning, policies, and clinical care. Project findings have highlighted that issues with antimicrobial resistance and use are wide ranging across countries. Going forward, building on the current foundations and tailoring approaches to meet local needs and capacities will be fundamental in combatting AMR.
Methodological Approach to Identify and Expand the Volume of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Data in the Human Health Sector in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Asia: Implications for Local and Regional AMR Surveillance Systems Strengthening
Authors: Joh Hea Sun , Yeats Corin , Shaw Alina , Poudyal Nimesh , Gallagher Patrick , Kim Jong-Hoon , Shaikh Affan , Seo Hye Jin , Chi Kyu-young Kevin , Prifti Kristi , Cho Alyssa , Sujan Mohammad Julhas , Eraly Emmanuel , Pham Kien Duc , Shrestha Subha , Aboushady Ahmed Taha , Pak Gideok , Jang GeunHyeog , Park Eun Lyeong , Seo Hyeong-Won , Abudahab Khalil , Taylor Ben E W , Clark Adam , Dolabella Brooke , Yoon Hyein , Han Jihyun , Kwon Soo Young , Marks Florian , Stelling John , Aanensen David M , MacWright William R , Holm Marianne
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted global health problem disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Capturing data on Antimicrobial resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) project was tasked to expand the volume of AMR and antimicrobial use data in Asia. The CAPTURA project used 2 data-collection streams: facility data and project metadata. Project metadata constituted information collected to map out data sources and assess data quality, while facility data referred to the retrospective data collected from healthcare facilities. A down-selection process, labelled “the funnel approach” by the project, was adopted to use the project metadata in prioritizing and selecting laboratories for retrospective AMR data collection. Moreover, the metadata served as a guide for understanding the AMR data once they were collected. The findings from CAPTURA's metadata add to the current discourse on the limitation of AMR data in LMICs. There is generally a low volume of AMR data generated as there is a lack of microbiology laboratories with sufficient antimicrobial susceptibility testing capacity. Many laboratories in Asia are still capturing data on paper, resulting in scattered or unused data not readily accessible or shareable for analyses. There is also a lack of clinical and epidemiological data captured, impeding interpretation and in-depth understanding of the AMR data. CAPTURA's experience in Asia suggests that there is a wide spectrum of capacity and capability of microbiology laboratories within a country and region. As local AMR surveillance is a crucial instrument to inform context-specific measures to combat AMR, it is important to understand and assess current capacity-building needs while implementing activities to enhance surveillance systems.
The Southern European Atlantic diet and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a European multicohort study
Authors: Carballo-Casla Adrián , Stefler Denes , Ortolá Rosario , Chen Yuntao , Knuppel Anika , Kubinova Ruzena , Pajak Andrzej , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Brunner Eric J , Bobak Martin
Published: December 2023

Aims

The Southern European Atlantic diet (SEAD) is the traditional dietary pattern of northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, but it may resemble that of central, eastern, and western European countries. The SEAD has been found associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction and mortality in older adults, but it is uncertain whether this association also exists in other European populations and if it is similar as that found in its countries of origin.

Methods and results

We conducted a prospective analysis of four cohorts with 35 917 subjects aged 18–96 years: ENRICA (Spain), HAPIEE (Czechia and Poland), and Whitehall II (United Kingdom). The SEAD comprised fresh fish, cod, red meat and pork products, dairy, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and moderate wine consumption. Associations were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, energy intake, lifestyle, and morbidity. After a median follow-up of 13.6 years (range = 0–15), we recorded 4 973 all-cause, 1 581 cardiovascular, and 1 814 cancer deaths. Higher adherence to the SEAD was associated with lower mortality in the pooled sample. Fully adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval per 1-standard deviation increment in the SEAD were 0.92 (0.89, 0.95), 0.91 (0.86, 0.96), and 0.94 (0.89, 0.99) for all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, respectively. The association of the SEAD with all-cause mortality was not significantly different between countries [Spain = 0.93 (0.88, 0.99), Czechia = 0.94 (0.89,0.99), Poland = 0.89 (0.85, 0.93), United Kingdom = 0.98 (0.89, 1.07); P for interaction = 0.16].

Conclusion

The SEAD was associated with lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in southern, central, eastern, and western European populations. Associations were of similar magnitude as those found for existing healthy dietary patterns.