bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Energy Storage Systems of Non-Interconnected European Islands
Authors: Fotopoulou Maria , Pediaditis Panagiotis , Skopetou Niki , Rakopoulos Dimitrios , Christopoulos Sotirios , Kartalidis Avraam
Published: February 2024

The ongoing energy transition has caused a paradigm shift in the architecture of power systems, increasing their sustainability with the installation of renewable energy sources (RES). In most cases, the efficient utilization of renewable energy requires the employment of energy storage systems (ESSs), such as batteries and hydro-pumped storage systems. The need for ESS becomes more apparent when it comes to non-interconnected power systems, where the incorporation of stochastic renewables, such as photovoltaics (PV) systems, may more frequently reduce certain power quality indicators or lead to curtailments. The purpose of this review paper is to present the predominant core technologies related to ESSs, along with their technical and life cycle analysis and the range of ancillary services that they can provide to non-interconnected power systems. Also, it aims to provide a detailed description of existing installations, or combinations of installations, in non-interconnected European islands. Therefore, it provides an overview and maps the current status of storage solutions that enhance the sustainable environmentally friendly operation of autonomous systems.
Building Categorization Strategy Guidance in the Historic Area Renovation Process
Authors: Xia Sisi , Liu Bomin , Wang Haobing
Published: February 2024

Under the fast development of city economy and environment, building heritage helps to preserve the cultural identity and history of a place and its people, providing a sense of connection to the past. Historic area renovation is a multifaceted endeavor, combining aspects of culture, architecture, economics, and community engagement. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, three new challenges have been faced by historic area regeneration. First, if the renovation has not been implemented yet, how should building attribute types be classified at the very beginning? Second, if the renovation has stopped due to the epidemic, how should the process be restarted and how should accurate suggestions be given based on previous implementation? Third, when the historic area contains a variety of different styles of buildings, how should the stage of conservation renovation be judged and how should overall guidelines on area conservation be given? A dynamic methodological approach based on the management of three-dimensional information has been proposed by our research team to help monitor changes in building attributes during implementation. A case study was analyzed using the proposed model but paying attention to new aspects of model application. By comparing the buildings represented in three historic areas of Taizhou Old City, buildings before renovation often face problems more on a material level. During the process of renovation, it is necessary to pay more attention to the spiritual level of building problems. Renovation guided by a different subject would lead to different problems in the update process. It is also important to categorize guides based on the proportion of different building types and the prominent conflicts in the area.
The Role of Big Five Personality Traits, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction, and Need Frustration in Predicting Athletes’ Organic Self-Talk
Authors: Karamitrou Aristea , Comoutos Nikos , Brisimis Evangelos , Latinjak Alexander T. , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis , Theodorakis Yannis , Loules Georgios , Tzioumakis Yannis , Krommidas Charalampos
Published: February 2024

Good health and the promotion of well-being for all is the third of the 17 Global Goals included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Contributing to this goal, the current study aimed to examine the relationships between one kind of athlete well-being, namely state organic self-talk, and personality traits and the basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration within their sport. Athletes (n = 691; mean age 21.65) from a variety of individual (n = 270) and team sports (n = 421) completed a multi-section questionnaire capturing the targeted variables. Three-step hierarchical regression analyses revealed the following: In step 1, all personality traits were to some extent a significant predictor of athletes’ organic, spontaneous self-talk dimensions and goal-directed self-talk functions. In step 2, need satisfaction significantly contributed to all spontaneous self-talk dimensions and goal-directed self-talk functions (except for creating functional deactivated states) over and above personality. Finally, in step 3, need frustration significantly contributed to negative spontaneous self-talk dimensions and to all goal-directed self-talk functions (except for instruction) over and above personality and need satisfaction. Overall, our results indicate the importance of personality traits as personal antecedents, and perceptions of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration as social–environmental antecedents in shaping athletes’ state organic self-talk.
Public Participation in Architectural Heritage Conservation—The Case of Wooden Arch Corridor Bridge “Qiansheng Bridge”
Authors: Han Yiwei , Lin Zhicong , Peng Hongjun , Chen Jinliao , Peng Donghui
Published: February 2024

Public participation in the protection of cultural heritage is essential for the further development of sustainable heritage conservation. However, more research is needed on public involvement in heritage protection and issues such as unclear management systems. This paper establishes indicators and a framework for public participation in the protection of cultural heritage, interpreting the connections between factors involved in heritage protection. Using the “Qiansheng Bridge”, one of the wooden arch corridor bridges in Fujian and Zhejiang, China, as a case study, this research builds a system for public participation in heritage protection. It predicts the extent of public involvement in protecting wooden arch corridor bridges in different scenarios. The results indicate that (1) improvements in “science education and publicity”, “management institutions”, “financial investment”, “laws and regulations”, and “business management” enhance the level of public participation in heritage protection; (2) currently, there is not enough room to improve the degree of participation in endogenous power; (3) relying solely on government and expert guidance, without considering other factors, cannot achieve sustainable development; (4) the greater the proportion of endogenous power, the higher the level of public participation in the early periods; the higher the proportion of exogenous power, the better the level of public participation in the middle and late stages.
Adaptive Reuse: Atmospherics in Buildings Repurposed as Coffee Shops
Authors: Münster Mia B.
Published: February 2024

Opening a business in an existing building incurs lower energy and material consumption than constructing a new building. However, implementing this strategy in certain domains, such as retail and hospitality, requires operational changes. Despite an increasing focus on sustainability in these sectors, the primary objective remains creating appealing spaces for consumers, with companies frequently stipulating numerous requirements for their stores’ new buildings. To promote sustainability, scholars have suggested that organizations, designers, and constructors find new uses for existing spaces. This study highlights how adapting buildings not built for commercial use can both promote sustainability and benefit new users. It explores a trend in European cities where existing buildings, often outside the usual commercial districts, are repurposed as cafés. Many of these projects provide attractive user destinations without requiring extensive renovations. Specifically, we investigate coffee shops in Copenhagen and the atmospheric characteristics that enhance their appeal. Based on observations and interviews, new and old atmospheric components and the atmospheres they jointly create are identified and divided into themes: capacious and accommodating environments, uniqueness, synergy between old and new, and appealing neighborhoods. Finally, user responses to these themes—such as lingering, revisiting, sharing narratives, influencing neighborhood development, and building communities—are described.
Fluctuations and Forecasting of Carbon Price Based on A Hybrid Ensemble Learning GARCH-LSTM-Based Approach: A Case of Five Carbon Trading Markets in China
Authors: Liu Sha , Zhang Yiting , Wang Junping , Feng Danlei
Published: February 2024

Carbon trading risk management and policy making require accurate forecasting of carbon trading prices. Based on the sample of China’s carbon emission trading pilot market, this paper firstly uses the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test and Autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to test the stationarity and autocorrelation of carbon trading price returns, uses the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity family model to analyze the persistence, risk and asymmetry of carbon trading price return fluctuations, and then proposes a hybrid prediction model neural network (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity–long short-term memory network) due to the shortcomings of GARCH models in carbon price fluctuation analysis and prediction. The model is used to predict the carbon trading price. The results show that the carbon trading pilots have different degrees of volatility aggregation characteristics and the volatility persistence is long, among which only the Shanghai and Beijing carbon trading markets have risk premiums. The other pilot returns have no correlation with risks, and the fluctuations of carbon trading prices and returns are asymmetrical. The prediction results of different models show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of Hubei, Shenzhen and Shanghai carbon trading pilots based on the GARCH-LSTM model is significantly lower than that of the single GARCH model, and the RMSE values are reduced by 0.0006, 0.2993 and 0.0151, respectively. The RMSE in the three pilot markets improved by 0.0007, 0.3011 and 0.0157, respectively, compared to the standalone LSTM model. At the same time, compared with the single model, the GARCH-LSTM model significantly increased the R^2 value in Hubei (0.2000), Shenzhen (0.7607), Shanghai (0.0542) and Beijing (0.0595). Therefore, compared with other models, the GARCH-LSTM model can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of carbon price and provide a new idea for scientifically predicting the fluctuation of financial time series such as carbon price.
How Are Consumer Perspectives of PV Rooftops and New Business Initiatives in Indonesia’s Energy Transition?
Authors: Pramana Putu Agus Aditya , Hakam Dzikri Firmansyah , Tambunan Handrea Bernando , Tofani Kemas Muhammad , Mangunkusumo Kevin Gausultan Hadith
Published: February 2024

In the evolving landscape of the energy sector, it is vital for energy companies to grasp consumer behaviors to foresee future business prospects and risks. This study delves into how consumers react to Indonesia’s Electricity Company’s innovative business propositions, particularly the PV rooftop product. It also seeks to understand market reactions to other novel business concepts beyond the PV rooftop product. This research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing surveys for data gathering and statistical methods for analysis. Key variables examined include Attitude, Environmental Concern, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavior Control, Personal Norm, and Regulation, with the primary focus on the Purchase Intention for the PV rooftop product. The findings reveal that key variables, specifically Personal Norm, Subjective Norm, and Regulation, significantly influence consumer behavior toward rooftop PV. This study also uncovers a high market demand for yet-to-be-launched services like electrical repairs, smart home consultancy, and micro-loans, indicating a diverse market potential for these innovative ideas. This research highlights the importance of analyzing consumer behavior in predicting the potential for both opportunities and challenges in a company’s new business ventures, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The results underscore the significant impact of sociocultural factors and regulatory frameworks on consumer decision-making processes. These insights offer critical guidance for Indonesia’s energy stakeholders in developing countries, aiding in formulating new business strategies and identifying market opportunities amidst the global shift towards renewable energy. This study’s key results emphasize the need for energy companies to adapt and innovate in response to consumer preferences and regulatory environments in order to capitalize on emerging market trends.
Sustainable Water Infrastructure: Visions and Options for Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: George-Williams Henrietta E. M. , Hunt Dexter V. L. , Rogers Christopher D. F.
Published: February 2024

Developing a sustainable water infrastructure entails the planning and management of water systems to ensure the availability, access, quality, and affordability of water resources in the face of social, environmental, and economic challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is currently in an era where it must make significant changes to improve the sustainability of its water infrastructure. This paper reviews the factors affecting water infrastructure sustainability and the interventions taken globally to address these challenges. In parallel, it reflects on the relevance of these interventions to the context of Sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of the STEEP (societal, technological, economic, environmental, political) framework. The paper goes on to recommend an extended analysis that captures additional critical dimensions when applying the concept of sustainability. Furthermore, this paper sheds light on the practice of sustainable development and fosters a deeper understanding of the issues, thereby forming the basis for further research and the development of sustainable and resilient solutions for water infrastructure and water asset management more generally.
Navigating Success in Carbon Offset Projects: A Deep Dive into the Determinants Using Topic Modeling
Authors: Xia Chongwu , Guan Chong , Ding Ding , Teng Yun
Published: February 2024

Carbon offset projects play a crucial role in tackling the global challenge of climate change. However, there is limited understanding of the factors contributing to the success of a carbon offset project. In this study, we utilize the latent Dirichlet allocation method to extract topics from the descriptions of carbon offset projects sourced from the Gold Standard Foundation. Our findings reveal that projects encompassing both safety and efficient energy solutions for households command higher prices. These results imply that an effective carbon offset project should mitigate individual household emissions while enhancing safety. Our research carries significant implications for stakeholders involved in carbon offset projects and can serve as a foundation for policy formulation and standard regulations.
Modeling Parking Choice Behavior Using Cumulative Prospect Theory
Authors: Cao Yang , Ren Yifan , Jia Hongfei , Sun Mingze , Dali Zebo
Published: February 2024

In order to capture the driver’s attitude and preference towards risk during the decision-making process, this paper establishes a parking choice model considering driver heterogeneity based on the cumulative prospect theory. This research innovatively considers the influence of the unreliability of cruise time on drivers’ parking choice behavior and adds the psychological cost of drivers’ anxiety caused by lateness into the model. At the same time, according to the driver’s parking preference for parking, the latent category model is used to divide the driver into time-sensitive and money-sensitive categories. This paper analyzes the influence of unreliable cruising time on drivers’ parking choice behavior and finds that drivers have the characteristics of overestimating high-probability events and underestimating low-probability events in the decision-making process. By comparing the parking choice results of rational and irrational drivers, it is found that the model considering the risk attitude of drivers in the decision-making process is more in line with reality.
Edge-Distributed IoT Services Assist the Economic Sustainability of LEO Satellite Constellation Construction
Authors: Zhang Meng , Shi Hongjian , Ma Ruhui
Published: February 2024

There are thousands or even tens of thousands of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). How to ensure the economic sustainability of LEO satellite constellation construction is an important issue currently. In this article, we envision integrating the popular and promising Internet of Things (IoT) technology with LEO satellite constellations to indirectly provide economic support for LEO satellite construction through paid IoT services. Of course, this can also bring benefits to the development of IoT. LEO Satellites can provide networks for IoT products in areas with difficult conditions, such as deserts, oceans, etc., and Satellite Edge Computing (SEC) can help to reduce the service latency of IoT. Many IoT products rely on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to provide services, and it is difficult to perform CNN inference on an edge server solely. Therefore, in this article, we use edge-distributed inference to enable the IoT services in the SEC scenario. How to perform edge-distributed inference to shorten inference time is a challenge. To shorten the inference latency of CNN, we propose a framework based on a joint partition, named EDIJP. We use a joint partition method combining data partition and model partition for distributed partition. We model the data partition as a Linear Programming (LP) problem. To address the challenge of trading off computation latency and communication latency, we designed an iterative algorithm to obtain the final partitioning result. By maintaining the original structure and parameters, our framework ensures that the inference accuracy will not be affected. We simulated the SEC environment, based on two popular CNN models, VGG16 and AlexNet, the performance of our method is varified. Compared with local inference, EdgeFlow, and CoEdge, the inference latency by using EDIJP is shorter.
Global Citizenship for the Students of Higher Education in the Realization of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Akçay Kübra , Altinay Fahriye , Altınay Zehra , Daglı Gokmen , Shadiev Rustam , Altinay Mehmet , Adedoyin Olasile Babatunde , Okur Zübeyde Gökel
Published: February 2024

Today, sustainable development has become one of the most important goals for humanity. Higher education students and especially teacher candidates can play an active role in the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) for global citizenship. However, how some important issues such as how much students know about these goals can play a role in achieving these goals are not yet clear. This study aims to determine the awareness of SDGs and global citizenship among higher education students with a focus on teacher candidates and their understanding of the global citizenship concept. In addition, it is also aimed to raise awareness about sustainable development goals and evaluate the applicability of these goals to create a sustainable world for future generations. The study group comprised teacher candidates studying under the sustainable development foundations for future learning in the 2022–2023 academic year at the Faculty of Education, Near East University, Northern part of Cyprus. Five interview questions were prepared in the form of a questionnaire and delivered to participants, and data were analysed with the aid of thematic content analysis. Results indicated that global citizens must have the ability to understand world events and grasp cultural diversity, recognize that everyone has equal rights, stand against gender, racial, and social discrimination, and strive for social justice by understanding different cultures and global conflicts and evaluating different perspectives. Factors such as social justice and equality, selflessness, globalization and social values, sustainable future and responsibility, global citizenship education, and awareness and respect have been established in this study as essential elements that can contribute to the development of global citizenship. In conclusion, global citizenship has the potential to contribute directly to the SDGs, and these potentials can be better explored through global citizenship education programs that can integrate all the SGDs without prioritizing one over others for teacher candidates.
Using QuEChERS and HPLC Method to Monitor the Background Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Commercial Black Tea Leaves and Infusions in Taiwan
Authors: Harrison Drewyan Minelly , Chang Wei-Chung , Lin Hsin-Tang
Published: February 2024

Tea is an integral part of Taiwanese culture and is a popular drink as it contains many beneficial compounds. However, during the processing of tea, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may form. This study investigated the concentrations of PAH4 in different black tea leaves and tea infusions based on the origin of the tea. The samples were extracted using QuEChERS, while the content of PAH4 was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The content of PAH4 in the tea leaves ranged from 2.88 µg/kg to 218.2 µg/kg (dry weight), with the highest concentration being found in teas from Vietnam. The concentration of BaP ranged from ND to 47.92 µg/kg. The release of PAH4 from tea leaves to tea infusions was significantly low, with the highest transfer being 25.8%. In this study, all PAH4 compounds in commercial black tea leaves can be detected by QuEChERS extraction with a simple HPLC method.
Macrophages: Key Cellular Players in HIV Infection and Pathogenesis
Authors: Woottum Marie , Yan Sen , Sayettat Sophie , Grinberg Séverine , Cathelin Dominique , Bekaddour Nassima , Herbeuval Jean-Philippe , Benichou Serge
Published: February 2024

Although cells of the myeloid lineages, including tissue macrophages and conventional dendritic cells, were rapidly recognized, in addition to CD4+ T lymphocytes, as target cells of HIV-1, their specific roles in the pathophysiology of infection were initially largely neglected. However, numerous studies performed over the past decade, both in vitro in cell culture systems and in vivo in monkey and humanized mouse animal models, led to growing evidence that macrophages play important direct and indirect roles as HIV-1 target cells and in pathogenesis. It has been recently proposed that macrophages are likely involved in all stages of HIV-1 pathogenesis, including virus transmission and dissemination, but above all, in viral persistence through the establishment, together with latently infected CD4+ T cells, of virus reservoirs in many host tissues, the major obstacle to virus eradication in people living with HIV. Infected macrophages are indeed found, very often as multinucleated giant cells expressing viral antigens, in almost all lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues of HIV-1-infected patients, where they can probably persist for long period of time. In addition, macrophages also likely participate, directly as HIV-1 targets or indirectly as key regulators of innate immunity and inflammation, in the chronic inflammation and associated clinical disorders observed in people living with HIV, even in patients receiving effective antiretroviral therapy. The main objective of this review is therefore to summarize the recent findings, and also to revisit older data, regarding the critical functions of tissue macrophages in the pathophysiology of HIV-1 infection, both as major HIV-1-infected target cells likely found in almost all tissues, as well as regulators of innate immunity and inflammation during the different stages of HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Influenza Vaccination in Children Younger than 5 Years in the Region of Murcia (Spain), a Comparative Analysis among Vaccinating and Non-Vaccinating Parents: Data from the FLUTETRA Study
Authors: Pérez Martín Jaime Jesús , Zornoza Moreno Matilde , Tornel Miñarro Francisca Isabel , Gómez Moreno María Cruz , Valcárcel Gómez María del Carmen , Pérez Martínez Marta
Published: February 2024

The high burden of influenza in children has driven numerous countries towards universal vaccination of healthy children from 6 to 59 months of age. The Region of Murcia was one of the pioneer Spanish regions to conduct a universal vaccination campaign and to use live-attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV) if age appropriate. This study aims to evaluate the parents’ likeliness to vaccinate their children and to compare the profile of vaccinating/non-vaccinating parents. This study was designed as a prospective, real-world, survey-based data collection in the 2022–2023 season campaign. This study’s sample was selected from those children whose information was available in the local Public Health System databases PERSAN and VACUSAN. Children received LAIV or intramuscular vaccine (IIV) depending on their age as per standard practice. The parent self-vaccination/intention to vaccinate themselves in this campaign (OR = 4.75), the compliance with the official vaccination schedule (OR = 3.41), and the prescription of antibiotics more than twice in the previous year (OR = 2.24) were strongly associated with children’s vaccination. Overall, vaccinating parents were very satisfied with the vaccine (IIV: 67.5% vs. LAIV: 68.8%, p = 0.320), and most parents would rather have their children vaccinated with LAIV for the next campaign (43.0%). The main reasons for vaccinating were to protect the child (LAIV: 85.9% vs. IIV: 89.4%), and the predominant reasons for not vaccinating were a lack of healthcare professional recommendation (30.9%), and lack of information about the vaccination campaign (21.5%) and the vaccine itself (21.0%). The clinical context of parents and children was determinant in decision making, which was also influenced by the presence or absence of recommendation by healthcare professionals. Parents were generally very satisfied with the vaccine and showed their preference towards LAIV for future campaigns.
Tick Diversity and Pathogen Transmission in Daejeon, Korea: Implications from Companion Animals and Walking Trails
Authors: Seo Jinwoo , Kim Gyurae , Lim Jeong-ah , Song Seungho , Yoo Dae-Sung , Cho Ho-Seong , Oh Yeonsu
Published: February 2024

With the ongoing global warming-induced climate change, there has been a surge in vector-borne diseases, particularly tick-borne diseases (TBDs). As the population of companion animals grows, there is growing concern from a One Health perspective about the potential for these animals to spread TBDs. In this study, ticks were collected from companion animals and the surrounding environment in Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea, using flagging and dragging, and CO2 trap methods. These ticks were then subjected to conventional (nested) PCR for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. We identified a total of 29,176 ticks, consisting of three genera and four species: H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium. Notably, H. longicornis was the predominant species. The presence of A. testudinarium suggested that the species traditionally found in southern regions are migrating northward, likely as a result of climate change. Our PCR results confirmed the presence of all four pathogens in both companion animals and the surrounding environment, underscoring the potential for the indirect transmission of tick-borne pathogens to humans through companion animals. These findings emphasize the importance of the ongoing surveillance of companion animals in the management and control of TBDs.
Optimizing Multi-Scenario Water Resource Allocation in Reservoirs Considering Trade-Offs between Water Demand and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Tao Bianshiyu , Sun Qiao , Wang Jigan , Zhang Jie , Xing Zhencheng
Published: February 2024

Reservoir engineering plays a critical role in achieving rational water resource allocation, providing ecological services, and promoting regional development. However, in the formulation of water allocation plans, there is often a tendency to prioritize meeting regional water demand while overlooking ecological benefits. This study develops a multi-objective water allocation model based on evaluating ecosystem services value supply and demand, integrating indicators such as ecosystem service fulfillment ability, water resources fulfillment ability, and equilibrium operation degree. Different development scenarios are also established using a forecasting model to formulate water allocation plans and apply a case study of the Datun Reservoir, a key hub on the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China. This study demonstrates that (1) by optimizing the allocation of domestic and industrial water supply and reservoir storage, the overall ecosystem service value of the Datun Reservoir can be enhanced by 5.15% to 11.36% and (2) in scenarios of high economic growth, there is potential to achieve coordination between water supply and ecosystem service value. (3) However, lower-than-expected economic growth may lead to a trade-off between ecosystem services and water supply capacity in the reservoir, which could be maintained at a lower level. The methods proposed in this paper are of significant practical importance for guiding rational reservoir water allocation and achieving coordination between ecological services and water supply capacity.
Trace Element Composition of the Dissolved Matter Runoff of the Russian Arctic Rivers
Authors: Savenko Alla V. , Savenko Vitaly S.
Published: February 2024

Data on the content of dissolved trace elements (P, Si, Li, Rb, Cs, Be, Sr, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Tl, Pb, Al, Ga, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, U, rare earth elements, F, B, Ge, V, As, Sb, Cr, Se, Mo, and W) in the river runoff from the Russian Arctic sea watersheds were systematized and generalized. There is a tendency for the decrease in the trace element concentrations in the direction from west to east for the considered Arctic watersheds (the White, Pechora, Kara, Laptev, and East Siberian seas). It was shown that the concentrations of dissolved trace elements in the river runoff from the Russian Arctic sea watersheds are in general consistent with modern estimates of the average composition of the global river runoff.
Recharge Assessment in Greek Karst Systems: Methodological Considerations and Implications
Authors: Nanou Eleni-Anna , Perdikaris Konstantinos , Tserolas Panagiotis , Zagana Eleni
Published: February 2024

The recharge of karst aquifers is significant for the effective management of groundwater resources, and its estimation should be tailored to accommodate their specific hydrogeological characteristics. This study provides a two-step methodological approach for the determination of karst aquifer recharge. Initially, mean annual recharge rates were estimated in the karst system of Ziria (Southern Greece) utilizing the APLIS and modified APLIS methods in order to decipher which was the most suitable version for recharge assessments. The results indicated similar mean recharge rate values at 42.7% and 41.4%, respectively, but significant differences in the spatial distribution. The modified methodology emerged as a more accurate and realistic approach, mainly due to the incorporation of permeability assessments. The final phase of the methodological approach involved the application of modified APLIS in two additional karst hydrosystems, Planitero and Xiromero, while a quantitative cross-comparison of the recharge rates was obtained for a deeper understanding of the factors controlling the groundwater recharge process. In Ziria, recharge rates exhibit a relatively uniform distribution throughout the area, with a median value of 46.7%. Conversely, in Planitero, High recharge rates (60–80%) occupy 56.8% of the surface, while in Xiromero, Moderate recharge rates (40–60%) dominate, representing 53.4% of the land coverage. These variations underscore the spatial heterogeneity of recharge within the karst systems, highlighting the importance of considering local geological and hydrological conditions in its assessments. The methodological approach of this study is flexible and can be adapted to different karst sites for the determination of recharge regimes, contributing to the alleviation of the groundwater depletion issue.
Enterosorbent from modified glauconite concentrate in the feeding of young cattle
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute for Use of Machinery and Petroleum Products in Agriculture, Russia, Tambov, Filippova O. B. , Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy», Russia, Moscow
Published: February 2024

Currently, the fi rst place is taken by the qualities of feed additives used in feeding highly productive cattle, such as biological and sorption activity, harmlessness and bioavailability. For this reason, recently there has been a significant increase in scientific and practical interest in the use of feed additives that help not only increase the productivity of farm animals, but also improve their health. The purpose of the work was to study enterosorbent from a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in feeding young cattle. A study of glauconite from the Bondar deposit in the Tambov region as a feed additive in the ratrions of young cattle was carried out. New knowledge has been obtained about the sorption properties of this mineral, its eff ect on the absorption and excretion of various metals from the body of animals, including micro- and macronutrients, as well as metal pollutants. Safe eff ective doses of its introduction into animal rations have been determined. It was experimentally fed to older replacement young animals as part of a mono feed. It has been established that the use of enterosorbent based on a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in the ration of young cattle at a dose of 0,2 g/kg of live weight helped to remove nickel from the body of animals up to 60 %, and lead up to 36 % of the total amount, which on average was excreted in feces. The sorbent showed average effi ciency in relation to copper approximately 13 % of its amount is bound and excreted in feces. In this case, the mineral accumulated in the digestive tract of animals for 3–4 days. Under conditions of copper defi ciency in feed, sorbent retention promoted better absorption of inorganic forms of this nutrient consumed with mineral additives.
‘Let’s talk about sleep health’ within primary care: a qualitative study of patients’ willingness to engage in psychological interventions for insomnia
Authors: Swierzbiolek Brooke , Oldenhof Erin , Byrne Jamie EM , Staiger Petra K
Published: February 2024

Background

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment for insomnia yet remains underutilised in general practice. Understanding patient motivations and barriers to engaging in psychological interventions for insomnia is critical. Theoretical frameworks, such as the theory of planned behaviour, are needed to identify variables related to intentions and behaviour change.

Aim

To explore key influences that motivate individuals’ intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.

Design and setting

Qualitative study consisting of an online survey and interviews with 20 community-dwelling participants with insomnia aged 26–75 years residing in Victoria, Australia.

Method

Guided by the theory of planned behaviour, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify factors influencing participants’ intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.

Results

Participants reported positive attitudes towards psychological interventions for insomnia, stemming from negative beliefs about pharmacological sleep aids and the perceived benefits of a structured and evidence-based intervention. Important others positively influenced participants’ intention to engage; however, the GP influence was less consistent and often indirect. Participants believed in the efficacy of psychological interventions, but several barriers hampered their ability to benefit from them. Accessibility was identified as a key facilitator, whereas lack of knowledge and clear referral pathways were the main barriers having an impact on uptake.

Conclusion

This study highlights key factors influencing patients’ intention to engage in psychological interventions for insomnia as well as opportunities for GPs to support uptake and engagement. Routine conversations about sleep health are essential to reduce the burden of untreated insomnia in the community, and the active promotion of evidence-based psychological interventions is needed.
Selling Glamour: Marketing Western Women’s Fashion in Interwar Bucharest
Authors:   Gheorghe Șincai Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities, Târgu Mureș, Romania, Andraş Sonia
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the dynamics of women’s fashion marketing in advertisements and promotional materials related to Western ideas, materials or products, published in interwar Bucharest. The aim is to ascertain the degree and nature of Western women’s fashion influence in interwar Romania as a reflection of larger social, political, cultural and economic phenomena at a local, regional, European and global level. The study also offers an overview of the various individu als and entities involved in the textile and fashion industry of interwar Bucharest, with various budgets and means of propagation, and possible ethical and accuracy concerns regarding their messaging. Also discussed are the major trends in interwar Romanian advertising in relation to the West, namely the import of ideas, raw materials and finished goods. The recourse to semiotics and discourse analysis offers a wider understanding of interwar Romania through the lens of fashion as marketed to interwar Bucharesters, covering all aspects relevant to the fashion industry, from conception, production and dissemination to consumption and interpretation.
The Year 1968 in the Romanian Nationality Policy
Authors:   Romanian Institute for Research on National Minorities, Novák Csaba Zoltán
Published: February 2024

One of the most important milestones of the Nicolae Ceauºescu-defined national policy and with in it the policy towards ethnic Hungarians was the year 1968. In this year there were events in foreign and domestic policy of such great importance in relation to Romania that they influenced the nationality policy of the Party. The preparation and implementation of the 1968 administra tive reform also played an important role in the Party’s nationality policy. On the territory of the historic Szeklerland three counties were created in 1968. The region of Trei Scaune became once again a county under the name of Covasna, while Ciuc, Gheorgheni and Odorhei jointly formed Harghita County, and Mureº Seat was included into Mureº County. During 1965–1968 Ceauºescu managed to gain the trust of most of the Transylvanian Hungarian elites. Through the “flexibility” shown when creating the counties, the dialogue with the Hungarian intellectuals and finally through the interest shown during meetings and visits, he managed to gain considerable sympathy. Towards the end of 1968 a new phase of Ceauºescu’s political and social transforma tion policy was implemented. Amidst the intensified foreign and domestic policies, to revive its sluggish mass mobilization the Romanian Comunist Party created a new organization, the Social ist Unity Front (suf). The suf was built on the model of mass organization used by all dictator ships and it clasped Romanian society at all levels. The setting up and operation of the nationality councils were perfectly integrated into the Party’s nationality policy.
Tea and coffee consumption impact on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dolati Sanam , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Parsian Zahra , Kangari Mahsa , Vahed Nafiseh , Hamishehkar Hadi , Soleimanpour Hassan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is diagnosed when≥5–10% of hepatocytes display macroscopic steatosis in the absence of other etiologies of liver disease. Consumption of coffee or tea or both may decrease the risk of NAFLD, as recommended by studies of liver enzymes. Methods: The required data was collected from different databases such as EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Web of Science as well as the database inception to July 2021. In addition, pooled mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were considered in the random effects model. Results: Of the total collected 218 articles, 8 met our inclusion criteria to be involved in the meta-analysis. Four studies assessed green tea and one study assessed sour tea consumption in NAFLD patients. Three studies assessed coffee use. All studies have shown an inverse correlation of coffee intake with elevated serum enzyme levels. Based on the meta-analysis outcome, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the intervention group was measured as 12.50 points less than that of the control group. The mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of the intervention group was 9.23 points lower than that of the control group (P value<0.001). Conclusion: There is increasing evidence that steadily revealed an opposite relationship between the consumption amount of green tea and coffee and the risk of liver diseases. This meta-analysis supports the protective role of the mentioned beverages in patients suffering from NAFLD.
A Study on Customer Awareness towards Eco-Friendly Products in Madurai City
Authors: Srinivasan KR , Duraichamy J
Published: February 2024

Environment is a major consideration for any project initialization because men and environment’s relationship has faced various changes over a decade, these changes cause both good and bad impacts in life style and climate and it is important to increase eco-friendly products to save environment and prevent nature in this study customer awareness towards eco-friendly products in Madurai city has been analysed and presented with statistical inference with the help of 183 respondents.
Gender Inequality and Discrimination: A Special Case of Local Community, with Reference to Local Commons in Madurai District of Tamilnadu
Authors: Sakthivel S. , Kannan A.
Published: February 2024

The present study focuses on gender inequality and discrimination within a local rural community, with special reference to common property resources. The rural population faces numerous challenges in collecting raw materials from these Common Property Resources (CPRs). Local inhabitants heavily rely on these common property land resources due to the cost-free and convenient access they provide for their daily sustenance and livelihood maintenance. However, in the area of concern, the majority or dominant community often controls or encroaches upon these common property resources. Gender inequality significantly impacts the livelihood and survival of the rural poor. This research was conducted in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, and involved over three hundred sample respondents. The study employed the simple percentage method and chi-square test for analytical purposes. The findings revealed that common property resources are highly available and accessible but are in poor condition in the study area. Additionally, caste and economic discrimination are prevalent issues within the local community.
Anti-Othering in the Lion and the Jewel: A Postcolonial and Oriental Analysis of Wole Soyinka’s Play the Lion and the Jewel
Authors: Das Shuvo
Published: February 2024

This paper tends to propose a new term for the literary world called “anti-Othering” analyzing an African as well as a post colonial play The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka. This paper guides the literary world to rethink how Wole Soyinka has subtly introduced the idea of anti-othering in the play The Lion and the Jewel. In this paper, how the world is affected by the idea of othering of the west, is displayed first and then with textual referring to the play The Lion and the Jewel the idea of anti-othering is proposed. This work reflects on how the power of mimicry can be used for both othering and for anti-othering. It illustrates how Wole Soyinka treats a performance and uses the tool mimicry to found the ground idea of‘anti-othering’.Finally, the paper argues why the world needs to identify anti-othering now.
In Sports Science, Perform A Bibliometric Analysis on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mariappan S , Durai C
Published: February 2024

The sports business is starting to use artificial intelligence. The goal of this study is to perform bibliometric analysis in the field of sports science. Data were gathered from the Web of Science data base in order to get the desired result. Using the Mesh keyword, 74740 articles about artificial intelligence were discovered. 23 papers have been chosen for study in the field of sports science based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We discovered extremely few studies in the fields of artificial intelligence and sports science utilising R Studio bibloshiny analysis. It is advised that further study be conducted in the future to enhance sports performance using artificial intelligence.
Effect of Discrete Trial Training and Scripting on Third Person Past Tense Marking of Children with Autism and Cochlear Implant in Tamil Language
Authors: Sajee D , Thiruvalluvan V
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of Discrete Trial Training and scripting on third person past tense marking in children with Autism and cochlear implanted children in Tamil language. Total of 8subjects, 4 children with Autism and 4 with cochlear implant with age group between 6 to 12 yrs. Both the groups were assessed using past tense scoring. Both groups scored 0% in pre therapy assessment. Whereas both groups scored 100% in post therapy assessment. Drastic improvement was recorded. The conclusion of this study indicates that the Discrete Trial Training and Scripting are effective in improving past tense marking of children with Autism and cochlear implant.