bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Motor Task Performance: Effects of Verbal Encouragement and Music—Key Results from a Randomized Crossover Study with Electromyographic Data
Authors: Cotellessa Filippo , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Trompetto Carlo , Marinelli Lucio , Mori Laura , Faelli Emanuela , Schenone Cristina , Ceylan Halil İbrahim , Biz Carlo , Ruggieri Pietro , Puce Luca
Published: July 2024

External motivational stimuli have been shown to improve athletic performance. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this improvement remain poorly understood. This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of music and verbal encouragement on measures of muscle excitation and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in the biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles during an endurance task. Fifteen untrained (mean age 29.57 ± 2.77 years) and 13 trained individuals (mean age 32.92 ± 2.90 years) were included. The endurance task, performed to exhaustion, consisted of keeping the dominant arm flexed to 90 degrees while holding a dumbbell loaded to 80% of 1RM with a supine grip in three randomized conditions: standard, with self-selected music, and with verbal encouragement. The untrained subjects showed an increase in task duration of 15.26% (p < 0.003) with music and 15.85% (p < 0.002) with verbal encouragement compared to the condition without external stimuli. There were no significant differences in the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue between the different conditions. Regarding the muscle excitation metrics, although the mean amplitude, peak value, and area under the curve remained unchanged across conditions, a significant reduction in the trend coefficient, indicating motor unit recruitment over time, was observed with both music (biceps brachii: −10.39%, p < 0.001; brachioradialis: −9.40%, p < 0.001) and verbal encouragement (biceps brachii: −7.61%, p < 0.001; brachioradialis: −6.51%, p < 0.001) compared to the standard condition. For the trained participants, no significant differences were observed between conditions in terms of task duration and outcome measures related to muscle excitation and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue, suggesting the possible presence of a ceiling effect on motivation. These results highlight the important role of external motivational stimuli, such as music and verbal encouragement, in improving task performance in untrained subjects, probably through more effective and efficient recruitment of motor units.
The Influence of E-Commerce Platforms on Sustainable Agriculture Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Morepje Mishal Trevor , Sithole Moses Zakhele , Msweli Nomzamo Sharon , Agholor Azikiwe Isaac
Published: July 2024

Sustainable agriculture is vital for food security and environmental conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where smallholder farmers encounter challenges like limited resources and market access. E-commerce platforms offer potential solutions by enhancing connectivity and sustainable practices. This review assesses the impact of such platforms on smallholder agriculture in the region, analysing the literature, reports, and case studies from 2010 to 2024 sourced from databases like Google Scholar and Scopus. Inclusion criteria focused on market access, economic outcomes, and sustainability. Findings indicate that e-commerce platforms notably improve market access, leading to better prices and reduced post-harvest losses. They also facilitate information flow, encouraging sustainable practices. However, challenges such as digital literacy and infrastructure deficits persist. E-commerce platforms positively influence sustainable agriculture in SSA by improving market access and supporting sustainable practices. Overcoming barriers through policy interventions and capacity-building is crucial for maximising these benefits. Further research is needed to explore long-term impacts and scalable models.
Environmental Impact of Agricultural Land Transfer in China: A Systematic Review on Sustainability
Authors: Abate Meseret C. , He Zhen , Cai Baozhong , Huang Yuangji , Betelhemabraham Geremew , Bayu Tesfaye , Addis Amsalu K.
Published: July 2024

Farmland holding fragmentation facilitates more extensive use of agricultural chemicals, which harm the natural environment. Agricultural land transfer in China aims to consolidate agricultural holdings, promoting economies of scale and addressing socio-economic and environmental concerns. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of agricultural land transfer on the environment. The review evaluates 60 empirical research articles retrieved through the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, which discuss the relationship between agricultural land transfer and the environment. The findings indicate that agricultural land transfer has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Farmers who engage in land rental and adopt sustainable agricultural practices, including the utilization of organic fertilizers, implementation of conservation measures, and application of efficient carbon reduction techniques, have demonstrated a notable positive influence on the environment. The lack of regulatory mechanisms concerning agricultural land transfer, including non-adjacent agricultural land transfer and large-scale farmers’ improper chemical utilization, causes significant negative environmental consequences such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem destruction. As such, we recommend innovative institutional developments addressing spatial and temporal considerations, land use, market systems, and household conditions to reconcile the links between agricultural land transfer policy and environmental outcomes. We urge continued research into the multidimensional and potential effects of agricultural land transfer to facilitate better-informed policy-making.
Transformational Leadership and Sustainable Practices: How Leadership Style Shapes Employee Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Ren Queyu , Li Wen , Mavros Christos
Published: July 2024

Organizations committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint depend largely on the pro-environmental performance of their employees. This study investigates how environmentally specific transformational leadership (ESTL) shapes employee pro-environmental performance, as well as the mediating role of employee environmental awareness and the boundary condition of emotional exhaustion at work. Data were collected from 264 participants across three waves. The findings reveal that ESTL exerts a positive influence on employee environmental awareness, which in turn enhances pro-environmental performance. Additionally, the positive indirect effect of ESTL on pro-environmental performance through environmental awareness is moderated by emotional exhaustion, being stronger when the emotional exhaustion level is low. These findings highlight the critical role of leadership in fostering environmental sustainability within organizations and the importance of considering employee psychological well-being in the process. Our research contributes to the understanding of how specific leadership behaviors can drive pro-environmental actions in the workplace, offering practical implications for organizational leaders aiming to enhance environmental performance.
Exploring the Impacts of Green Supply Chain Integration and Ambidextrous Green Innovation on the Financial Performance of China’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: Yang Guimei , Liu Feng , Singhdong Putthiwat
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the factors affecting the financial performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises. Based on dynamic capability theory and ambidextrous innovation theory, this study adopts the Resource–Behavior–Performance framework to investigate how green supply chain integration (GSCI) and ambidextrous green innovation affect financial performance. The proposed hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling using data from 400 China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises. The results indicate that the various dimensions of GSCI and ambidextrous green innovation yield distinct outcomes. Among the three dimensions of GSCI, only green supplier integration and green customer integration significantly impact financial performance directly, unlike green internal integration. Among the two dimensions of ambidextrous green innovation, only exploitative green innovation significantly influences financial performance, acting as a mediator between the GSCI dimensions and financial performance, while exploratory green innovation does not. The main advantages of this study include considering the connotation and value of GSCI from a green dynamic capability perspective, as well as the effects of exploratory and exploitative green innovation as intermediary behaviors while simultaneously considering the performance effects of GSCI and ambidextrous green innovation. This study offers novel academic insights and practical guidelines for pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises to integrate GSCI and ambidextrous green innovation, with the aim of achieving better financial performance in their sustainable development efforts.
The Mediating Role of Eco-Innovation between Adaptive Environmental Strategy, Absorptive Capacity, and Environmental Performance
Authors: Bucheli Juan Manuel , Santa Ricardo , Tegethoff Thomas , Quintero Katherine
Published: July 2024

This article delves into the role of adaptive environmental strategies, absorptive capacity, and eco-innovation in enhancing environmental performance, particularly in the context of market turbulence. The study, conducted among 568 companies in Colombia, employs structural equation modeling to evaluate relationships between the studied variables. The findings suggest that adaptive strategies alone do not directly impact environmental performance, emphasizing the need for integration with eco-innovation initiatives. Moreover, organizations with high absorptive capacity can leverage market turbulence to drive eco-innovative initiatives, highlighting the indirect yet significant impact of market turbulence on environmental performance through absorptive capacity. The study underscores the critical role of eco-innovation in directly influencing environmental outcomes, suggesting that the effectiveness of adaptive strategies and absorptive capacities hinges on successful eco-innovation initiatives. These insights offer practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their environmental performance in turbulent markets, providing a roadmap for sustainable business practices.
Enhancing Sustainability in Health Tourism through an Ontology-Based Booking Application for Personalized Packages
Authors: Gkevreki Sofia , Fiska Vasiliki , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: July 2024

Currently, health tourists primarily rely on independent facilitators to manage and book their medical appointments and vacation plans. There is a notable absence of dedicated booking applications for health tourism packages. This paper proposes HealthTourismHub, an application designed to provide personalized packages that include medical appointments, accommodation options, and recommended tourism activities. It also serves as a platform for medical experts and accommodation providers, allowing health tourists to discover and connect with them, promoting local resources, and contributing to the sustainable growth of health tourism destinations. To incorporate personalization, HealthTourismHub uses an ontology that organizes medical and tourism data, along with a reasoner that generates new knowledge. This approach enables the application to offer customized packages and identify the most suitable providers for each user. Providers are strategically paired and located in close proximity, encouraging shorter travel distances and more efficient travel planning, with the package also including personalized tourism recommendations that benefit the local economy and contribute to a conscious tourism industry. A survey was conducted to assess the usability of the application and general perspectives towards health tourism, including motivations, concerns, and preferences. The results revealed an above-average SUS score, indicating that users found the application user-friendly and effective. Some areas for improvement were identified, such as error handling and additional functionalities. Nonetheless, HealthTourismHub shows great potential as a pioneer in the field of sustainable health tourism applications.
Utilizing Topic Modeling to Identify Sustainability Trends in the Golf Industry
Authors: Shin Seung A , Jo Hyeon
Published: July 2024

The environmental impact of the golf industry has garnered increasing attention, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in golf course management. This study aims to develop strategic frameworks that enable the golf industry to address global environmental challenges and integrate eco-friendly principles. Utilizing topic modeling, the research examines key areas such as pesticide use, waste management, and energy consumption within golf courses, and explores strategies for achieving carbon neutrality and developing sustainable golf wear and branding. The findings reveal specific management practices that significantly reduce environmental harm, including integrated pest management, waste reduction techniques, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Case studies of leading golf clubs demonstrate successful implementation of carbon neutrality strategies. Furthermore, the research highlights the potential of eco-friendly golf wear to enhance brand credibility and meet consumer demands. These insights hold valuable implications for golf course managers, club operators, policymakers, and golfers, promoting a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the golf industry. The study’s contributions extend beyond the immediate environmental challenges, offering a framework for long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.
Strategic Choices of General Contractors in the Context of China’s Industry Chain of Construction Industrialization
Authors: Li Shengfei , Zeng Dalin
Published: July 2024

Amidst the challenges of economic downturn and construction industrialization, the profits obtained by general contractors through comparative advantage strategies are slowly decreasing, and thus, new strategic choices are required. The collaborative division of labor effect in the industry chain can improve profits and labor productivity, which is an important driving force for enterprise transformation and development. Therefore, a need arises to improve the profits of general contractors in the industrial chain system composed of prefabricated component suppliers, general contractors, and building development enterprises. Accordingly, this paper constructs a backward integration, forward integration, and bidirectional integration Stackelberg game model based on the proportion of resource investments, with general contractors as the main decision-making body. It then compares and analyzes the optimal decision-making values in different situations to study the optimal strategic decision-making problem of general contractors. Research results indicate the following. (1) All three integrated strategies can improve the profits of general contractors. When the proportion of resource investment meets certain conditions, the profits of general contractors under the bidirectional integration strategy are the highest, while the sustainable performance of the industrial chain and prefabricated buildings can be increased and the coordination of the industrial chain can be achieved. Thus, it is the best choice for a general contractor. (2) As a prefabricated component supplier needs to carry out continuous technological innovation activity to obtain a cumulative effect, the return on investment of forward integration is less than that of backward integration. (3) General contractors may consider choosing to carry out bidirectional integration strategies of forward integration followed by backward integration.
Media Sentiment on Air Pollution: Seasonal Trends in Relation to PM10 Levels
Authors: Kulebanova Stefani , Prodanova Jana , Dedinec Aleksandra , Sandev Trifce , Wu Desheng , Kocarev Ljupco
Published: July 2024

Air pollution remains a major public health concern globally, especially in the Western Balkan countries facing severe air quality problems. This study investigates the relationship between air quality, news media sentiment, and public discourse in Macedonia over a ten-year period (2014–2023). We employed sentiment analysis to examine the emotional tone of news coverage related to air pollution, and topic modeling to uncover recurring themes within news articles. Our analysis revealed a distinct seasonal pattern, with negative media sentiments peaking during winter months when PM10 levels were the highest. This finding aligns with the increased reliance on polluting fuels for winter heating. Interestingly, despite a stable number of neutral articles, a rise in positive-sentiment articles suggests a potential decrease in pollution levels or the effectiveness of new government policies. We identified recurring topics like air quality concerns in specific cities, public unease regarding factories, and ongoing scrutiny of government policies. Emerging topics included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality, public discourse surrounding heating practices, and growing concerns about waste management. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between air pollution data, public discourse, and media framing, offering valuable insights for policymakers and media outlets in Macedonia.
Optimisation of the Circular Economy Based on the Resource Circulation Equation
Authors: Liu Sanhong , Xie Ying , Liang Wen
Published: July 2024

The lack of effective evaluation methods and implementation guidelines has led to frequent obstacles in the process of circular economy in enterprises. The efficiency equation for resource circulation can effectively evaluate the efficiency of an enterprise’s circular economy resource circulation from three perspectives: input, circulation, and output. Additionally, it delves into each link to identify weak points, offering guidance for optimising the enterprise’s circular economy. Utilising a value flow analysis within the context of a circular economy, this paper evaluates circular economy efficiency using a resource circulation efficiency equation. It conducts factor analysis across three dimensions: resource input, resource circulation, and waste output. This analysis aims to evaluate the corresponding resource productivity, added value output rate, and environmental efficiency. Factor decomposition techniques were then employed to identify the underlying factors contributing to poor circular economy outcomes. Furthermore, based on the relationships among three resource circulation indicators, this paper forecasts the potential advantages of integrating circular economy improvement measures and proposes practical optimisation approaches. The enhanced resource circulation efficiency resulting from the proposed optimisation approaches was validated through a case study with an aluminium company.
Decision Support System for the Assessment and Enhancement of Agrobiodiversity Performance
Authors: Marcelino Sara Morgado , Gaspar Pedro Dinis , Paço Arminda , Lima Tânia M. , Monteiro Ana , Franco José Carlos , Santos Erika S. , Campos Rebeca , Lopes Carlos M.
Published: July 2024

The industrialisation of agriculture and changes in production systems have contributed to a biodiversity decline worldwide. Developing accurate and adequate assessment methods can encourage farmers to support more sustainable agricultural management. This study presents a decision support system to promote agrobiodiversity that incorporates not only a quantitative assessment of relevant indicators of agrobiodiversity performance but also provides enhancement practice recommendations and associated benefits, presenting an action plan in order of priority. Additionally, the decision support system allows a visual comparison between biodiversity composite indicators and indicators representing pest control and crop yield. Since grape cultivation is considered one of the most intensive agricultural systems, thus significantly impacting biodiversity, the elaborated decision support system was tested on a viticultural agroecosystem in the demarcated Douro region in Portugal. The results demonstrated the decision support system functioning according to the selected methodology and allowed the identification of future lines for investigation. During the analysed period, the following were verified: an increase of 2% in the biodiversity indicator, 130% in harvest yield, and 2077% in the enemy-to-pest ratio. It is expected that the elaborated DSS will offer a significant contribution by bridging communication gaps on alternative management options to improve biodiversity performance in agricultural systems.
The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Narrative in the Impact of Environmental Regulation on Migrant Workers’ Entrepreneurial Legitimacy from a Green Entrepreneurship Perspective
Authors: Gong Zeyu , Zhuang Jincai
Published: July 2024

Globally, environmental regulatory pressures are mounting, eliciting concern for their effects on migrant workers who return home to found businesses. These entrepreneurial migrants contribute to rural economic growth and urbanization, yet concurrently confront the challenge of stringent environmental rules. The study aims to dissect the environmental regulatory pressure’s influence on the legitimacy of these entrepreneurial migrants and the underlying mechanisms. It further investigates the role of a green entrepreneurial orientation as a mediator and the moderating influence of entrepreneurial narratives on this relationship. Utilizing quantitative research methodologies, the analysis is grounded in extensive, firsthand data from an empirical study of migrant entrepreneurs. The findings corroborate a direct link between environmental regulatory pressure and the legitimacy of migrant entrepreneurs while highlighting the mitigating impact of green orientation and the moderating role of narratives. Specifically, environmental regulatory pressure significantly enhances the legitimacy of migrant entrepreneurs. Green entrepreneurial orientation buffers this impact, while entrepreneurial narratives moderate the relationship. This research offers a novel theoretical framework for comprehending the legitimacy dynamics of migrant entrepreneurs amidst environmental regulation and provides actionable guidance for these entrepreneurs to pursue green entrepreneurship in compliance with regulatory demands.
Optimizing Window Configurations for Energy-Efficient Buildings with Aluminum Alloy Frames and Helium-Filled Insulating Glazing
Authors: Mo Yiyi , Wang Chen , Kassem Mukhtar A. , Wang Defa , Chen Zhibin
Published: July 2024

This research investigates building energy consumption in the Fujian region of China, characterized by warm winters and hot summers. The study focuses on window configurations and their impact on heat exchange and solar gain management. Initially examining three aluminum alloy window frames, the study utilizes the Multi-Quality Metric Calculator (MQMC) software V1 to assess the benefits of filled insulating glass. The reference values for the heat transfer coefficient, visible transmittance, and sun shading coefficient are established. Subsequently, Ecotect software V5.6 is employed to conduct a comprehensive year-round energy consumption simulation analysis, identifying an optimal window layout tailored to Fujian’s climate. In the Fuzhou simulation, aluminum–plastic co-extruded windows exhibit the lowest cooling energy consumption, while aluminum alloy windows have the highest. Summer cooling energy consumption, comprising about 75% of the total annual energy usage in hot summer and warm winter regions, significantly influences overall energy consumption. Windows made of aluminum–plastic co-extruded material with superior thermal insulation qualities can greatly reduce building energy consumption. The results contribute valuable insights to sustainable building practices and energy-conscious designs in regions characterized by warm winters and hot summers.
Green Chemistry and Its Impact on the Transition towards Sustainable Chemistry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sánchez Morales Renée , Sáenz-López Pedro , de las Heras Perez Maria Angeles
Published: July 2024

This study presents a systematic review that addresses the didactics of Green Chemistry in the field of chemistry education, and its main goal is to explore the implications of education in Green Chemistry in response to growing environmental concerns. To carry this out, three databases were reviewed—Dialnet, Web of Science, and Scopus—using the PRISMA method and inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. Articles from journals from the last 6 years, in English or Spanish, that addressed the didactics of Green Chemistry at any educational level, and that offered free access to the whole text, were included; studies that did not specifically focus on the didactics of Green Chemistry or that addressed topics not pertinent to the goals of this review, as well as textbooks, laboratory guides, and other educational resources, were left out. The Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” were used with respective keywords, in both English and Spanish, in the different databases to see with which combinations the greatest number of studies fitting the proposed goals were obtained. Finally, 13 of the 695 articles initially selected were included and analyzed (Dialnet: 146; Web of Science: 330; Scopus: 219). The results show how Green Chemistry can play a fundamental role as a learning strategy to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals established in the 2030 Agenda.
Balancing Technological Innovation and Environmental Sustainability: A Lifecycle Analysis of 6G Wireless Communication Technology
Authors: Chauhan Dharmendra , Mewada Hiren , Gondalia Vishva , Almalki Faris A. , Patel Sagarkumar , Modi Hardik , Kavaiya Sagar , Trivedi Yogesh , Mujlid Hana Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Wireless communication has revolutionized the evolution of humankind. The rapid growth and development of mobile communication has created an ecosystem better than what has been before. However, issues such as ample energy consumption and resulting carbon emissions, a lack of proper disposal mechanisms for large amounts of electronic waste, and the recycling of electronic materials interrupt growth. When the world is waiting for the implementation of 6G mobile communication technology, it is mandatory to resolve these issues for the sustainability of 6G technology. In this review, we present the superiority of 6G over previous generations accompanied by issues that cause extensive damage to the environment. To mitigate this adverse effect, we present a lifecycle analysis of 6G wireless communication technology from production to disposal, focusing on issues surrounding electronic waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. This study explains the intricacies of electronic parts, toxic compounds, and the dangers of incorrect disposal techniques. It also investigates energy consumption issues specific to 6G technology, such as manufacturing processes and network infrastructures that require considerable energy. We also present a quantitative evaluation of the 6G lifecycle in detail. In addition, we present a comprehensive strategy and insights to make 6G sustainable. Furthermore, we suggest an ecological policy for all stakeholders for the sustainability of 6G. We also present political and commercial implications for 6G. As the process of 6G development continues, we show the impact of network fragmentation on standardization, which helps improve sustainability. Finally, we conclude that while the existing research has made significant advances in 6G, there is a need for correct disposal techniques to refine the key government policies for managing e-waste. New cooling technologies and renewable energy sources must be adopted to reduce the current greenhouse emission of 200 g of CO2 and energy consumption of 2.5 kWh per GB for 6G networks.
Consumption of Native Fish Associated with a Potential Carcinogenic Risk for Indigenous Communities in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Brousett-Minaya Magaly Alejandra , Chu-Koo Fred William , Napuchi-Linares Juvenal , Zambrano Panduro Cynthia Elizabeth , Reyes-Larico Juan Amilcar , Larrea-Valdivia Adriana Edith , Biamont-Rojas Ivan Edward
Published: July 2024

Aquatic environments, such as fluvial environments, play an important role in the transport of material from throughout the basin, and this material partially sediments along the way. The objective of this study was to analyze, from an ecotoxicological point of view, the concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in sediment and the muscle of native fish, to correlate their interaction and to evaluate the potential risk to public health using carcinogenic risk indices in four rivers of the Peruvian Amazon. There were 27 sampling sites where sediment and fish (except for five points) samples were collected. A sampling pool was created with fish muscles from all species collected at each sampling site. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were analyzed in both sediment and fish muscle, in duplicate. The results indicate the presence of concentrations higher than those recommended by international guidelines for sediment and food. Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the Tigre, Morona, and Pastaza rivers are up to six times higher than the recommended value for daily consumption. The carcinogenic risk due to the regular consumption of native species in the indigenous communities living on the banks of the four studied rivers is high.
Comparative Analysis with Statistical and Machine Learning for Modeling Overall and High Salinity along the Scheldt Estuary
Authors: Zhu Boli , Wang Tingli , De Meester Joke , Willems Patrick
Published: July 2024

Saltwater intrusion is an essential problem in estuaries that can threaten the ecological environment, especially in high-salinity situations. Therefore in this paper, traditional multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling are applied to forecast overall and high salinity in the Lower Scheldt Estuary, Belgium. Mutual information (MI) and conditional mutual information (CMI) are used to select optimal driving forces (DFs), with the daily discharge (Q), daily water temperature (WT), and daily sea level (SL) selected as the main DFs. Next, we analyze whether applying a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to remove the noise from the original time series improves the results. Here, the DWT is applied in Signal-hybrid (SH) and Within-hybrid (WH) frameworks. Both the MLR and ANN models demonstrate satisfactory performance in daily overall salinity simulation over the Scheldt Estuary. The relatively complex ANN models outperform MLR because of their capabilities of capturing complex interactions. Because the nonlinear relationship between salinity and DFs is variable at different locations, the performance of the MLR models in the midstream region is far inferior to that in the downstream region during spring and winter. The results reveal that the application of DWT enhances simulation of both overall and high salinity in this region, especially for the ANN model with the WH framework. With the effect of Q decline or SL rise, the salinity in the middle Scheldt Estuary increases more significantly, and the ANN models are more sensitive to these perturbations.
Hydrodynamic Porosity: A New Perspective on Flow through Porous Media, Part I
Authors: Young August H. , Kabala Zbigniew J.
Published: July 2024

Pore-scale flow velocity is an essential parameter in determining transport through porous media, but it is often miscalculated. Researchers use a static porosity value to relate volumetric or superficial velocities to pore-scale flow velocities. We know this modeling assumption to be an oversimplification. The variable fraction of porosity conducive to flow, what we define as hydrodynamic porosity, θmobile, exhibits a quantifiable dependence on the Reynolds number (i.e., pore-scale flow velocity) in the Laminar flow regime. This fact remains largely unacknowledged in the literature. In this work, we quantify the dependence of θmobile on the Reynolds number via numerical flow simulation at the pore scale for rectangular pores of various aspect ratios, i.e., for highly idealized dead-end pore spaces. We demonstrate that, for the chosen cavity geometries, θmobile decreases by as much as 42% over the Laminar flow regime. Moreover, θmobile exhibits an exponential dependence on the Reynolds number, Re = R. The fit quality is effectively perfect, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of approximately 1 for each set of simulation data. Finally, we show that this exponential dependence can be easily fitted for pore-scale flow velocity through use of only a few Picard iterations, even with an initial guess that is 10 orders of magnitude off. Not only is this relationship a more accurate definition of pore-scale flow velocity, but it is also a necessary modeling improvement that can be easily implemented. In the companion paper (Part 2), we build upon the findings reported here and demonstrate their applicability to media with other pore geometries: rectangular and non-rectangular cavities (circular and triangular).
A Novel LQI Control Technique for Interleaved-Boost Converters
Authors: Sakasegawa Eiichi , Watanabe So , Shiraishi Takayuki , Haga Hitoshi , Kennel Ralph M.
Published: July 2024

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) utilize boost converters to gain a higher voltage than the battery. Interleaved boost converters are suitable for low input voltage, large input current, miniaturization, and high-efficiency applications. This paper proposes a novel linear quadratic integral (LQI) control for the interleaved boost converters. First, the small-signal model of the interleaved-boost converter is derived. In the proposed method, an output voltage and a current signal error between two-phase input currents are selected to control not only the output voltage but also a balance between two-phase input currents. Furthermore, steady-state characteristics in terms of the output voltage and the input current are demonstrated by experiments and simulations using an experimental apparatus with a rated power of 700 W. The validity of the proposed method’s tracking performance and load response is demonstrated by comparing it with that of the conventional PI control. The tracking performance of the LQI control for the 40 V step response has a ten times faster response than that of the PI control. Also, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method maintains a constant output voltage for a 300 W load step while the PI control varies by 10 V during 70 ms. Additionally, the proposed method has an excellent disturbance rejection.
Pathways to myeloproliferative neoplasm presentation and time to diagnosis: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tarburn Emma-Louise , Iversen Lisa , Robertson Charlotte , McShane Charlene , Duncombe Andrew , McMullin Mary-Frances , Harrison Claire , Mesa Ruben , Anderson Lesley A
Published: July 2024

Background

Early cancer recognition is key to improving patient outcomes. Diagnosis is often delayed in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), putting them at risk of thromboembolic events and other complications pre-diagnosis. A clear understanding of the barriers to presentation and diagnosis is required.

Aim

To explore barriers and factors influencing delayed presentation and diagnosis of MPNs.

Design & setting

A cross-sectional study of patients with MPN within the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Method

An online cross-sectional survey of patients with MPN was undertaken. Symptoms and factors influencing patient and GP delay were examined. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated to explore the relationship between these factors and patient and GP delay.

Results

Most (80.2%) of the 620 patients completing the survey reported symptomatic presentation. The most common symptoms associated with patient delay were pruritus (aOR 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19 to 3.01), headaches (aOR 1.86, 95% CI = 1.13 to 2.82), and concentration difficulties (aOR 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12 to 2.76). Attributing symptoms to ageing (aOR 1.92, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.11) and not wanting to burden the GP (2.04, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.39) were significantly associated with patient delay. Those reporting >3 blood cancer warning signs were more likely to experience GP delay than those experiencing fewer (aOR 3.26,95% CI = 1.75 to 6.29), and lack of relational continuity of GP care was significantly associated with GP delay (aOR 3.41, 95% CI = 1.65 to 7.28).

Conclusion

Debunking misconceptions around ageing, encouraging timely communication with GPs, and improving relational continuity of GP care could assist in reducing diagnostic delays, prevent potentially fatal disease complications, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with MPN.
PLANNING FOR RETAINING WALLS ON THE TANJUNG PAKIS AJI JEPARA VILLAGE ROAD
Authors: Faizah Nur Laili , Umam Khotibul , Rochmanto Decky
Published: July 2024

Retaining walls are a ground control technique that is very necessary to overcome landslides. As happened in the Tanjung Pakis Aji village area. It has steep slopes and there are indications that landslides often occur during the rainy season. The soil parameters that need to be known to plan soil retention walls for testing include specific gravity (Gs); 2.65 kN/m2, void number (e); 33.9, porosity 97.14, shear angle φ ; 29.71 ˚, soil cohesion (c) 24.5 kN/m2, dry soil volume weight (yd ) ; 1.18 kN/m3, wet soil volume weight (yb); 1.87 kN/m3, air content (Wn); 15.29%. Dimensional calculations, stability control, reinforcement of retaining walls are very important in planning retaining walls. The aim of this research is to plan a retaining wall at this location using a cantilever type retaining wall. The results show that the cantilever type retaining wall with dimensions H = 7 m, B = 3 m, T = 0.4 m, Tt and Th = 0.5, Lt = 1, Lh = 1.m, the cantilever is declared safe for the condition of the soil with a safety factor value of Fgs = 4.061 (safe), Fgl = 2.57 (safe), F carrying capacity = 6.62 (safe). From these calculations, reinforcement of types D19-250, D19-200, D19-200 can be obtained, with shrinkage reinforcement D13-100, D13-200.
تفكيك تأثير تكلفة التحويل على وجود ميزة المبادر الأول: دليل من الكويت
Authors: الناهض مشاري عبدالعزيز , بلشكو لاري
Published: July 2024

هدف الدراسة: تهدف الدراسة إلى فصل تأثير تكلفة تحويل العملاء بوصفة آلية عزل تؤدي إلى ميزة المبادر الأول في أسواق مقدمي الخدمات في دولة الكويت. تصميم/ منهجية/ طريقة الدراسة: اعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج التجريبي وبيانات أولية ومسحية، وقد تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام تحليل العامل التأكيدي وتحليل المعادلات الهيكلية. عينة الدراسة وبياناتها: استخدمت الدراسة بيانات حول 106 شركات في أربع أسواق خدمية وبيانات أولية لعينة عشوائية من 968 عميلاً حالياً لأسواق الخدمات تحت الدراسة. نتائج الدراسة: وجدت الدراسة أن تكاليف تحويل العملاء تعمل بوصفها آلية وسيطة تساعد في تفسير وجود ميزة المبادر الأول، وتظهر نتائج الدراسة أن هناك ستة أبعاد لتكلفة التحويل (التحويل المسبق لتكاليف البحث والتقييم، وتكاليف فقدان الأداء، وتكاليف عدم اليقين، والتكاليف السلوكية والمعرفية بعد التبديل، وتكاليف الغرق، وتكاليف الإعداد)، تعمل على ربط العميل بالمبادر الأول الذي دخل السوق مبكرا. أصالة الدراسة: تقدم هذه الدراسة دليلاً تجريبياً على أن تأثير المبادر الأول المباشر واضح في أسواق الخدمات في الكويت، كما تفكك الدراسة أيضاً دور تكلفة تحويل العملاء بوصفها وسيطاً، وتكشف عن أبعاد تكلفة التحويل التي تشرح كيف يمكن لتوقيت دخول السوق أن يولِّد ميزة تنافسية. حدود الدراسة وتطبيقاتها: يجب على رواد الأعمال والداخلين المحتملين إلى السوق ألا يأخذوا في الاعتبار الدور العام لتكاليف تحويل العملاء في تحديد الوقت المناسب لدخول السوق فقط، ولكن يتحتم عليهم أيضا أن يأخذوا في الاعتبار التأثيرات المختلفة لكل بعد من أبعاد تكلفة تحويل العملاء على حماية ميزة المبادر الأول. إن البحث التجريبي للدور متعدد الأوجه لتكلفة تحويل العميل في تحقيق ميزة المبادر الأول في المنطقة العربية يدعم صنع السياسات العامة لتطوير بيئة ريادة الأعمال المحلية وسياسات مكافحة الاحتكار التي تسمح بدخول مشاريع ناشئة ونجاحها في الأسواق التي تهيمن عليها الشركات الموجودة.
استجابة الموظفين للخدمة المقدمة و ثقة العملاء بوصفهما محددين مؤثرين على تكلفة تحويل العلاقة لعملاء البنوك في الكويت
Authors: سلطان عبدالله جواد
Published: July 2024

هدف الدراسة: تهدف الدراسة إلى تطوير نموذج بحثي لمدى تأثير استجابة الموظفين للخدمة المقدمة على تكلفة تحويل العلاقة لعملاء البنوك الكويتية والتحقق من بعض المتغيرات المعدلة (انتقائية العميل، وفترة حياة العميل، ودخل الأسرة) والوسيطة (ثقة العملاء). تصميم/منهجية/طريقة الدراسة: جمعت بيانات الدراسة عن طريق استبانة ذاتية عبر الإنترنت واستخدامها في تحليل البيانات، ثم تم التحقق من صحة نموذج البحث المقترح باستخدام نمذجة معادلة هيكلية ثنائية المراحل (SEM) في برنامج AMOS الإحصائي. تم الإستعانة أيضاً بتحليل المسار (Path Analysis) لاختبار مدى تأثير المتغير الوسيط على العلاقة المقترحة في الدراسة ومقارنتها عبر مستويات مختلفة للمتغيرات المعدلة (انتقائية العميل، وفترة حياة العميل، ودخل الأسرة). عينة الدراسة وبياناتها: تكونت الدراسة من عينة ملائمة قوامها 986 فرداً من العملاء الأفراد في البنوك الكويتية. نتائج الدراسة: أكد تحليل المسار للعينة أن التأثير المباشر لاستجابة الموظفين للخدمة على تكلفة تحويل العلاقة للعملاء ليس له دلالة احصائية، بينما وجد تأثير غير مباشر لثقة العملاء بوصفهم وسطاء. الأمر الأكثر إثارة للإهتمام هو أن العملاء الانتقائيين ذوي فترة حياة عميل طويلة لهم تأثير مباشر ذو دلالة إحصائية. من ناحية ثانية، وجد الباحث أن العلاقة غير المباشرة بين استجابة الموظفين وتكلفة تحويل العلاقة للعملاء تتأثر باختلاف فترة حياة العميل بوصفها متغيراً معدلاً، بينما هي لا تتأثر بالمتغيرات المعدلة الأخرى (انتقائية العميل، ودخل الأسرة). أصالة الدراسة: على حد علم الباحث، تناولت قليل من الأبحاث تأثير استجابة خدمة الموظفين على العوامل الإرتباطية مثل الثقة وتكلفة تحويل عملاء البنوك، وخاصة في مجتمع جماعي؛ مثل الكويت. وجد الباحث أن استجابة الموظفين للخدمة المقدمة لها تأثير مهم على تجربة العملاء في الكويت بسبب أهمية الرابط الاجتماعي في تكوين العلاقة بين العملاء والبنوك. حدود الدراسة وتطبيقاتها: على الرغم من أهمية جودة الخدمة في بقاء البنوك ونجاحها فقد يختلف مستوى التفاعل بين العملاء والبنوك بحسب مستوى استجابة الموظفين للخدمات المقدمة التي لها أثر على تكلفة تحويل العلاقة للعملاء، بحسب مستوى انتقائية العميل وفترة حياته. علاوة على ذلك، يدعو الباحث إلى أهمية بناء علاقة مع العملاء؛ بحيث تكون مبنية على ثقة العميل من خلال الإستثمار في استجابة الموظفين للخدمات المقدمة للحفاظ على العملاء لفترة طويلة.
ANALISIS SISTEM AKUNTANSI PELUNASAN PIUTANG PADA PERUSAHAAN DISTRIBUTOR FARMASI
Authors: Nur Amirotul Suroyah  , Erry Andhaniwati
Published: July 2024

Cash is the most liquid asset because it is easily accessible, but it is also vulnerable to misuse. This study to find out and prove that the cash receipt system for the receivables settlement at a pharmaceutical distributor company is in accordance with the provisions of the applicable accounting system. This includes the separation of related functions, the required documents are in accordance with the provisions, and whether the accounting records used as a management control tool are already in place and running effectively. This study uses a qualitative analysis research method. Sugiyono (2020) stated that qualitative analysis is a research technique that interprets field data or natural conditions. In this study, the researcher used primary data from field observations and interviews with employees in the cash and recording department. The results of the study show that the function incompatibility related to cash receipts for the receivables settlement in the company is with Mulyadi's theory (2024). This is because the company does not have an internal control function. Companies should increase internal control to reduce the risk of fraud. A strong monitoring system will ensure that cash receipts for receivables repayment are in accordance with the company's policies and applicable regulations.
China’s energy – sustainable strategies
Authors: Mazur-Włodarczyk Katarzyna , Misiurski Przemysław , Haładewicz-Grzelak Małgorzata , Karaś Elżbieta , Kolańska-Płuska Joanna
Published: July 2024

The article refers to two issues within the semantic field of the concept of ‘wenming’ – i) civilising with Chinese characteristics and ii) relating to the subject of energy - CO2 production in China. One of the dimensions of the concept of ‘civilising’ and the importance of sustainable production and consumption issues in the context of the deepening environmental degradation outlined our goal, which is to present the relationship between the civilised and the sustainable with Chinese characteristics as well as to analyse the level of CO2 pollution. The effect of the above is an attempt to explore the Chinese perception of wenming and to identify regions which are closer to the idea of eco-civilisation. Three variables were adopted for the analysis: i) CO2 emissions, ii) population in a given region, and iii) GDP in a given region. The analysis distinguished four clusters - groups of regions emerging from the dendrogram. Clusters that were isolated using the Ward method can contribute to more precise solutions to fight CO2 emissions and conduct a more appropriate policy related to the possibilities and needs for the production of energy from renewable sources.
Financial and Credit Mechanisms of State Support for Agricultural Producers of the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Нурдавлятова Э.Ф.
Published: July 2024

В статье рассматриваются возможности применения сельхозтоваропроизводителями таких финансово-кредитных механизмов государственной поддержки, как бюджетное финансирование, льготное налогообложение, льготное кредитование и агрострахование. Выявлено, что реализация указанных механизмов не обеспечивает эффективного развития сельского хозяйства Республики Башкортостан. Автором обосновывается необходимость приоритетного бюджетного финансирования внедрения инновационных ресурсо- и энергоэффективных технологий, научно обоснованных систем ведения сельского хозяйства. Предлагается минимизировать налоговую нагрузку сельхозтоваропроизводителей.

The article considers the possibilities for agricultural producers to use such financial and credit mechanisms of state support as budget financing, preferential taxation, preferential lending and agricultural insurance. It was revealed that the implementation of these mechanisms does not provide the effective development of agriculture in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The author substantiates the need for priority budget financing of activities aimed at introducing innovative resource and energy-efficient technologies, scientifically based agricultural systems. It is proposed to minimize the tax burden of agricultural producers.