bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Dynamics of the Olive Fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), Are Influenced by Different Climates, Seasons, and Pest Management
Authors: Katsikogiannis Georgios , Kavroudakis Dimitris , Tscheulin Thomas , Kizos Thanasis
Published: October 2023

Pest management practices interact with many species and have an impact on the ecology and the economy of the area. In this paper, we examine the population dynamics of the olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), Diptera: Tephritidae, on Samos Island, Greece, observing the spatial and temporal changes of the pest along an altitude associated with area-wide pest management. More specifically, we analyze data from an extended McPhail trap network and focus on experimental sites, where we monitor the pest population in relation to sprays, temperature, and relative humidity inside the tree canopy during the season for a three-year period. Our findings indicate that fly populations are influenced mostly by climate and altitude over longer periods in the season and from bait sprays for shorter periods of time, which appeared to be less effective in autumn, probably due to population movements and overlapping generations. Apart from the factors that were taken into account, such as the weather conditions and pest management regimes that were proven important, more factors will have to be considered for infestation level, such as fruit availability, inhibition factors (natural enemies, symbiotic agents, food supplies), and cultivation practices. Site microclimate conditions and the landscape can be used to explain changes at the plot level.
A Lower Threat than I Thought: How the Analysis of the Interdependence between Risks Influences Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions
Authors: Kipato Nuru , Dorward Peter , Clarkson Graham
Published: October 2023

Smallholder farming businesses are exposed to numerous risks which significantly affect productivity, income, and farmers’ livelihoods. These risks are interdependent in nature and co-occur, which makes managing a single risk in isolation an inadequate approach. This study examined how the analysis of the interdependence between risks can influence farmers’ perceptions of risk. The study employed focus group discussions and participatory activities, which involved the use of Scored Causal Diagrams (SCDs) to analyse risks with farmers and assess changes in perception. The results showed that the analysis of the interdependence between risks influenced a change in perceptions of risk for farmers, by enabling farmers to identify the important risks, cause-and-effect relationships between risks, and the root causes of risks. This also led to changes in the farmers’ own perceived ability to manage these risks. The analysis of the interdependence between risks provides insight into the design of holistic approaches for the management of risks. It enables farmers to identify the cause-and-effect relationships between risks, identify risks which contribute substantially to hindering their farming goals, and identify entry points for managing multiple interdependent risks. A unique contribution of this study is it presents a process for eliciting and analysing farmers’ perceptions of the interdependence between risks and explores how such analysis contributes to changes in farmers’ perceptions of individual risks. These changes in perceptions of individual risks ultimately shape farmers’ decisions about whether and how to adapt risk-management behaviour.
Study on Rates of NH3 Adsorption and Desorption in SCR on Various Engine Operation Conditions
Authors: Jo Hyun , Ko Ahyun , Jang Jinyoung , Lim Ocktaeck
Published: October 2023

Aging diesel engines on the road require the development of an after-treatment system to meet current emission regulations, and a reduction in NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) is significant. The SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is the after-treatment system for removing NOx from exhaust gas in diesel engines using NH3 (Ammonia) gas. However, the mixing and conversion process between NH3 and NOx in SCR has not been entirely clarified. That process produces NH3 slip in the catalyst surface; the NH3 slip will make the after-treatment performance worse. This study informs how the UWS (Urea Water Solution) injection controlling method can minimize the NH3 slip in the after-treatment system. For this, the NH3 adsorption and desorption rates are important factors for determining the quantity of UWS injection in the system. The NH3 adsorption rate and desorption rate in the SCR are not significantly affected by engine speed, i.e., the exhaust gas flow rate. However, as the exhaust gas temperature increased, the adsorption rate and desorption rate of NH3 in the SCR increased. Through this, the exhaust gas temperature dramatically affects the NH3 adsorption rate and desorption rate in the SCR. Therefore, if the urea water is injected based on this knowledge that the NH3 adsorption amount in the SCR decreases as the exhaust gas flow rate increases, NH3 slip can be suppressed and a high NOx reduction rate can be achieved. Therefore, if the SCR adsorption and desorption mechanisms are analyzed according to the exhaust temperature and the exhaust flow rate in this paper, it can be used as a reference for selecting an appropriate SCR when retrofitting an old diesel engine car.
Assessing Cycling Accessibility in Urban Areas through the Implementation of a New Cycling Scheme
Authors: Chondrogianni Dimitra , Stephanedes Yorgos J. , Fatourou Panoraia
Published: October 2023

Cycling’s integration into the intricate facets of urban design, together with walking and public transportation, offers an effective solution to the mobility issues plaguing urban spaces, and is critical to the sustainability of modern cities. In this context, in this research urban cyclists’ needs and preferences are analyzed through questionnaires, and bicycle accessibility to urban areas is assessed using multicriteria analysis. The public’s familiarity with the integration of novel mobility solutions (e.g., e-bicycles) that support accessibility and inclusiveness is tested and analyzed by recording cyclists trajectories on bicycle routes. The European hub of Patras was selected as the case study for a pilot scheme in this analysis. Similar to many medium-sized European cities, several mobility obstacles, including urban topography, hinder bicycle accessibility in the city, especially between the Modern and Old City areas. The research findings indicate that, addressing these obstacles, electric bicycles can substantially increase bicycle accessibility in the city center. The public usage of electric bicycles is encouraged in the pilot study, and the results indicate that it can increase accessibility to urban areas while reducing restrictions related to age, physical condition, and disabilities. Providing citizens access to e-bicycles can increase the number of daily bicycle users, leading to positive impact in urban cohesion, resilience, and sustainability.
Geophysical Research on an Open Pit Mine for Geotechnical Planning and Future Land Reclamation: A Case Study from NW Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Andronikidis Nikos , Kritikakis George , Vafidis Antonios , Hamdan Hamdan , Agioutantis Zach , Steiakakis Chrysanthos , Economou Nikos
Published: October 2023

In open pit mining areas, knowledge of geotechnical conditions (e.g., overburden thickness, background slope, and fault locations) ensures geotechnical safety during exploitation as well as reclamation planning. The Greek Public Power Corporation initiated a research program after stability issues emerged on the southern side of the Mavropigi open pit mine in NW Macedonia. Geotechnical wells revealed steeply dipping bedrock and thin tectonic contact, indicating the need for the detailed imaging of the subsurface for future stability measures. For this purpose, a geophysical investigation aimed to extract information mostly for the dip of the interface between schist bedrock and overlaying Neogene sediments and/or limestones. Based on the high contrast of electrical properties between schists and limestones, as well as the differences in acoustic impedance and formation thickness, the seismic reflection and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods were selected. The suitability of the seismic reflection for its application in this area was checked by generating synthetic seismic data, which resulted from the simulation of seismic wave propagation for geological models of the area. The acquisition parameters were determined after the noise test. Field seismic data processing produced a depth-migrated section, which revealed the existence of a fault. The use of dipole–dipole and gradient arrays, in 2D and 3D electrical resistivity measurements, ensured both the lateral and vertical mapping of schist bedrock and detected limestone bodies within the overburden. Also, the tectonic contact zone between limestone and schist formations was properly imaged. The comparison between geoelectrical and seismic sections indicated that the seismic reflection method provided a more accurate estimate of fault inclination. Finally, the geophysical survey enriched the geotechnical models necessary for sustainable mining (e.g., rational exploitation, the optimization of productivity, and zero accidents) including the planning of future reclamation.
Groundwater Quality Assessment Based on the Random Forest Water Quality Index—Taking Karamay City as an Example
Authors: Xiong Yanna , Zhang Tianyi , Sun Xi , Yuan Wenchao , Gao Mingjun , Wu Jin , Han Zhijun
Published: October 2023

In the past few decades, global industrial development and population growth have led to a scarcity of water resources, making sustainable management of groundwater a global challenge. The Water Quality Index (WQI) serves as a comprehensive method for assessing water quality and can provide valuable recommendations at the water quality level, optimizing policies for groundwater management. However, the subjectivity and uncertainty of the traditional WQI have negative impacts on evaluation outcomes, particularly in determining indicator weights and selecting aggregation functions. The proposed water quality index for groundwater based on the random forest (RFWQI) model in this study addresses these issues. It selects water quality indicators based on the actual pollution situation in the study area, employs an advanced random forest model to rank water quality indicators, determines indicator weights using the rank centroid method, scores the indicators using a sub-index function designed for groundwater development, and compares the results of two commonly used aggregation functions to identify the optimal one. Based on the aggregated scores, the water quality at 137 monitoring sites is classified into five levels: “Excellent”, “Good”, “Medium”, “Poor”, or “Unacceptable”. Among the 11 water quality indicators (sodium, sulfate, chloride, bicarbonate, total dissolved solids, fluoride, boron, nitrate, pH, CODMn, and hardness), chloride was given the highest weight (0.236), followed by total dissolved solids (0.156), and sodium was given the lowest weight (0.008). The random forest model exhibits a good prediction capability before hyperparameter tuning (86% accuracy, RMSE of 0.378), and after grid search and five-fold cross-validation, the optimal hyperparameter combination is determined, further improving the performance of the random forest model (94% accuracy, F1-Score of 0.967, AUC of 0.91, RMSE of 0.232). For the newly developed groundwater sub-index function, interpolation is used to score each indicator, and after comparing two aggregation functions, the NSF aggregation function is selected as the most suitable for groundwater assessment. Overall, most of the groundwater in the study area was of poor quality (52.5% of low quality) and not suitable for drinking.
Towards Sustainable Transportation: The Role of Black Spot Analysis in Improving Road Safety
Authors: Karamanlis Ioannis , Nikiforiadis Andreas , Botzoris George , Kokkalis Alexandros , Basbas Socrates
Published: October 2023

Sustainable transportation goals include an improvement in the level of road safety worldwide. It is well known that traffic accidents are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Black spots are road locations with a higher than statistically expected number of accidents. Remedying black spots would decisively improve road safety. A literature review of black spot identification methods, i.e., accident numbers, accident rates related to exposure, severity of accidents, Poisson and quality control methods, is presented within the framework of this paper. The various approaches adopted by key European and other countries are also summarized and evaluated. An important parameter is the unit length of a road, where accidents are referred. The quality of accident records is also critical. It is concluded that the coupling of statistical and accident severity index methods can contribute to assessing road infrastructure in a more holistic way and, therefore, in providing more reliable results with regard to the road safety level. The design and implementation of effective road safety strategies, based on black spot analysis, can be of great value for the decision makers and decision takers who are involved in the development of a sustainable transportation system.
A Numerical Study of Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium in Binary Refrigerant Mixtures Based on 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene
Authors: Sun Li , Liang Jierong , Zhu Tingting
Published: October 2023

The binary refrigerant mixtures containing 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene are considered as excellent substitutes for traditional refrigerants. Weak hydrogen bonds exist in hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins. However, for several recently published binary refrigerant mixtures, there is no Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium calculation study considering hydrogen-bonding associations. This work presents a calculation work of the saturated properties of nine pure refrigerants using the Cubic-Plus-Association Equation of State, considering the hydrogen-bonding association in refrigerant fluids. The average relative deviations of the saturated vapor pressure, liquid, and vapor density are less than 1.0%, 1.5%, and 3.5%, respectively. The Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium of ten binary refrigerant mixtures containing 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene is also calculated using the Cubic-Plus-Association Equation of State with the van der Waals mixing rule. The average relative deviations of the liquid-phase and vapor-phase mole fractions are less than 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively. Moreover, the Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium data and the model’s adaptability are analyzed and discussed.
Model Predictive Control of a PUC5-Based Dual-Output Electric Vehicle Battery Charger
Authors: Makhamreh Hamza , Kanzari Meryem , Trabelsi Mohamed
Published: October 2023

In this study, a model predictive control (MPC) technique is applied to a packed-u-cell (PUC)-based dual-output bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) battery charger. The investigated topology is a 5-level PUC-based power factor correction (PFC) rectifier allowing the generation of two levels of DC output voltages. The optimization of the MPC cost function is performed by reducing the errors on the capacitors’ voltages (DC output voltages) and the grid (input) current. Moreover, the desired capacitors’ voltages and peak value of the input current are considered within the designed cost function to normalize the errors. In addition, an external PI controller is used to generate the amplitude of the grid current reference based on the computed errors on the capacitors’ voltages. The presented simulation and experimental results recorded using a 1 kW laboratory prototype demonstrate the high performance of the proposed approach in rectifying the AC source at different levels (dual rectifier), while drawing a sinusoidal current from the grid with low THD (around 4%) and ensuring a unity power factor operation.
Measuring Pro-Environmental Behavior: Convergent Validity, Internal Consistency, and Respondent Experience of Existing Instruments
Authors: Deltomme Berre , Gorissen Karen , Weijters Bert
Published: October 2023

The influence of human behavior on climate change and environmental decline is receiving increased attention; and therefore, it has led to an increase in studies that measure pro-environmental behavior (PEB) as a predictor, a covariate, or an outcome variable. To this end, (validated) self-report scales have traditionally been the main measurement tool, but lately, several experimental instruments have also been developed to measure PEB. Measurement instruments that are considered to measure the same construct should provide consistent results, i.e., they should show high convergent validity. However, it is not clear whether substitute measures for PEB show this necessary convergent validity and how they compare to each other in terms of internal consistency and respondent experience. To address this, we investigated thirteen validated self-report scales and three experimental tasks on their psychometric qualities (i.e., validity and internal consistency) and respondent experience. Therefore, we assigned 340 participants and randomly administered half of the instruments to each of them. The results show that, in general, convergent validity is lacking, which shows that the measurement instruments cannot be considered equivalent. As for respondent experience, the experimental tasks are most time-consuming, are perceived as most fatiguing, and are most sensitive to multitasking. The self-report scales are most sensitive to socially desirable responding and acquiescence bias. Our insights cater to researchers in environmental psychology and sustainability seeking to employ validated self-report scales or behavioral tasks in measuring PEB.
Observable Properties of Thin Accretion Disk in the γ Spacetime
Authors: Turimov Bobur , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: October 2023

We study matter accretion in a static, axially symmetric and vacuum geometry describing the exterior gravitational field of a black hole mimicker called the γ metric. We evaluate the thermal and optical properties of thin accretion disks, including the emission rate, luminosity and shadow, in the gamma spacetime. Also, we explore the radial accretion of polytropic matter fields onto the central source and evaluate the thermal and optical properties of the infalling gas, such as temperature and luminosity. The results are discussed in the context of evaluating the possibility that the true nature of astrophysical black hole candidates may not be a black hole but some exotic compact object possessing a non-vanishing mass quadrupole moment.
Maximum Convergence Rate Control of a Switched Electrical Network with Symmetries
Authors: Fiori Simone , Ciaramicoli Luca , Berluti Giovanni
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present research endeavor is to propose a novel control strategy for a DC-DC electrical converter realized as a switched circuit. The present endeavor is based on an early work by Leonard and Krishnaprasad where a prototypical DC-DC converter was modeled as a state space dynamical system and controlled by an open-loop strategy based on Lie group theory. In this work, we shall rather introduce a closed-loop control strategy based on maximum convergence rate, study some features of the novel method, and illustrate its behavior by numerical simulations. A numerical comparison of the two methods complements the paper. The numerical comparison shows how the proposed feedback control method outperforms the static one in terms of convergence rate and resiliency against parameters mismatch.
Exact Solutions of M-Fractional Kuralay Equation via Three Analytical Schemes
Authors: Zafar Asim , Raheel Muhammad , Ali Mohamed R. , Myrzakulova Zhaidary , Bekir Ahmet , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: October 2023

This article concerns new analytical wave solutions of the Kuralay-II equations (K-IIAE and K-IIBE) with exploration of a new definition of the derivative. This model is used in various fields, like nonlinear optics, ferromagnetic materials and optical fibers. For this purpose, the expa function, the extended sinh-Gordon equation expansion scheme, and the generalized Kudryashov schemes were utilized. The resulting solutions are dark, bright, dark-bright, periodic, singular and other kinds of solitons. These results are obtained and also verified by the Mathematica tool. Some of the solutions are explained with 2-D, 3-D and contour plots using the Mathematica tool. The solutions obtained succede the present solutions in the literature. For the first time, the effect of the fractional derivative on the solutions is also shown graphically for this model. The analytical wave solutions are highly desirable as they offer insights into the underlying physics or mathematics of a system and provide a framework for further analysis. The results obtained can also be fruitful for the development of models in the future. The schemes used in this research are effective, easy to apply, and reliably handle other fractional non-linear partial differential equations.
Single-Valued Demicontractive Mappings: Half a Century of Developments and Future Prospects
Authors: Berinde Vasile
Published: October 2023

Demicontractive operators form an important class of nonexpansive type mappings whose study led researchers to the creation of some beautiful results in the framework of metric fixed-point theory. This article aims to provide an overview of the most relevant results on the approximation of fixed points of single-valued demicontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces. Subsequently, we exhibit the role of additional properties of demicontractive operators, as well as the main features of the employed iterative algorithms to ensure weak convergence or strong convergence. We also include commentaries on the use of demicontractive mappings to solve some important nonlinear problems with the aim of providing a comprehensive starting point to readers who are attempting to apply demicontractive mappings to concrete applications. We conclude with some brief statements on our view on relevant and promising directions of research on demicontractive mappings in nonlinear settings (metric spaces) and some application challenges.
Radiative Effects in Low-Dimensional Effective Fermion Field Theory with Compactification
Authors: Zhukovsky Vladimir Ch.
Published: October 2023

The introduction of branes immersed in the space-times of higher dimensions revealed itself to be a useful instrument for the study of high-dimensional models in quantum field theory. Moreover, low-dimensional quantum field theories represent an especially interesting class of models in physics due to their unique properties and renormalizability when interactions are treated perturbatively. The advantages of both approaches can be combined in a model for a low-dimensional brane immersed in the usual tetradimensional Minkowski space-time, the properties of which are relatively well known. This approach can be used for the study of systems like graphene and carbon nanotubes. In the present work, we present an effective model for nanotubes based on the Lagrangian obtained from a tight-binding model for graphene. The induced current, appearing azimuthally in the presence of a magnetic flux through the tube section (Aharonov–Bohm effect), will be derived. A reduced Lagragian for photons confined on the tube surface, obtained from the literature, is included in the last part of the work to threat perturbative corrections to the induced current.
Characterizing Interconnection Networks in Terms of Complexity via Entropy Measures
Authors: Zhang Jinhong , Fahad Asfand , Mukhtar Muzammil , Raza Ali
Published: October 2023

One of the most recent advancements in graph theory is the use of a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation of specific structural dependent features, such as physico-chemical properties, biological activity and the entropy measure of a graph representing objects like a network or a chemical compound. The ability of entropy measures to determine both the certainty and uncertainty about objects makes them one of the most investigated topics in science along with its multidisciplinary nature. As a result, many formulae, based on vertices, edges and symmetry, for determining the entropy of graphs have been developed and investigated in the field of graph theory. These measures assist in understanding the characteristics of graphs, such as the complexity of the networks or graphs, which may be determined using entropy measures. In this paper, we derive formulae of entropy measures of an extensively studied family of the interconnection networks and classify them in terms of complexity. This is accomplished by utilizing all three tools, including analytical formulae, graphical methods and numerical tables.
A 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, Zileuton, Modulates Host Immune Responses and Improves Lung Function in a Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Induced by Betacoronavirus
Authors: Pereira Rafaela das Dores , Rabelo Rayane Aparecida Nonato , Oliveira Natália Fernanda de Melo , Porto Samuel Luiz Teixeira , Andrade Ana Claudia dos Santos Pereira , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Barbosa César Luís Nascimento , de Souza-Costa Luiz Pedro , Santos Felipe Rocha da Silva , Oliveira Fernando Bento Rodrigues , da Silva Bárbara Luísa Vieira , Umezu Hanna L. , Ferreira Raquel , da Silva Glauber S. F. , Cruz Jader Santos , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Machado Fabiana Simão
Published: October 2023

Exacerbated inflammatory responses are a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Zileuton (Zi) is a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of several inflammatory/pro-resolving lipid mediators. Herein, we investigated the effect of Zi treatment in a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) model. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)3-infected mice treated with Zi significantly improved the clinical score, weight loss, cardiopulmonary function, and survival rates compared with infected untreated animals. The protection observed in Zi-treated mice was associated with a lower inflammatory score, reduced dendritic cell-producing tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and increased neutrophil-producing interleukin (IL)-10 in the lungs three days after infection (dpi). At 5 dpi, the lungs of treated mice showed an increase in Th2-, Treg CD4+-, and Treg CD8+-producing IL-10 and reduced Th1 infiltrating cells. Furthermore, similar results were found upon Zi treatment after SARS-CoV-2 infection in transgenic mice expressing the human angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor driven by the cytokeratin-18 (K18) gene promoter (K18-hACE2), significantly improving the clinical score, weight loss, and lung inflammatory score compared with untreated animals. Our data suggest that Zi protects against developing severe lung disease during SARS induced by betacoronavirus without affecting the host’s capacity to deal with infection.
Biochemical parameters of blood in cows when using feed additives
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Altai Scientifi c Center for Agrobiotechnology”, Russia, Barnaul, Science town, Kireeva K. V. , Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow, Kureninova T. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Federal Altai Scientifi c Center for Agrobiotechnology”, Russia, Barnaul, Science town, Belyaeva N. Yu. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Altai Scientifi c Center for Agrobiotechnology”, Russia, Barnaul, Science town
Published: October 2023

A change in the biochemical composition of blood is an indicator of the developing latent stages of body diseases caused by metabolic disorders, because blood is one of the body’s liquid media, through which organs, tissues and cells are replenished with substances necessary for vital activity (vitamins, macro- and microelements, etc.), as well as the excretion of metabolic products. The purpose of the research was to study the biochemical parameters of blood in cows depending on the use of the Cowfeed Dry series feed additive and the concentration of biologically active substances in their ration. The cows of the control group were fed the basic ration in the farm. The analogues of the 1st experimental group in addition to the main ration were fed a feed additive Cowfeed Dry Extra in the amount of 100 g/head/day. The herdmates of the 2nd experimental group received in addition to the main ration the feed additive Cowfeed Dry Complement in the amount of 100 g/head/day. The duration of feeding of feed additives was 60 days before calving of cows. It has been revealed according to the research results that a high concentration of biologically active substances contained in feed additives is not always effective for increasing milk productivity. Despite the fact that the composition of the Cowfeed Dry Extra feed additive contains more biologically active elements than Cowfeed Dry Complement, more milk was obtained from cows of the 2nd experimental group during the fi rst 90 days of lactation by 6,2 % than in the 1st experimental group, and according to the daily milk yield superiority was 8,8 %. The high level of redox processes in the body of animals was confi rmed by biochemical blood parameters.
Satisfaction with remote consultations in primary care during COVID-19: a population survey of UK adults
Authors: Lifford Kate J , Grozeva Detelina , Cannings-John Rebecca , Quinn-Scoggins Harriet , Moriarty Yvonne , Gjini Ardiana , Goddard Mark , Hepburn Julie , Hughes Jacqueline , Moore Graham , Osborne Kirstie , Robling Michael , Townson Julia , Waller Jo , Whitelock Victoria , Whitaker Katriina L , Brain Kate
Published: October 2023

Background

Mode of access to primary care changed during the COVID-19 pandemic; remote consultations became more widespread. With remote consultations likely to continue in UK primary care, it is important to understand people’s perceptions of remote consultations and identify potential resulting inequalities.

Aim

To assess satisfaction with remote GP consultations in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify demographic variation in satisfaction levels.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional survey from the second phase of a large UK-based study, which was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

In total, 1426 adults who self-reported having sought help from their doctor in the past 6 months completed an online questionnaire (February to March 2021). Items included satisfaction with remote consultations and demographic variables. Associations were analysed using multivariable regression.

Results

A novel six-item scale of satisfaction with remote GP consultations had good psychometric properties. Participants with higher levels of education had significantly greater satisfaction with remote consultations than participants with mid-level qualifications (B= −0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.41 to −0.23) or those with low or no qualifications (B= −1.65, 95% CI = −2.29 to −1.02). People living in Wales reported significantly higher satisfaction compared with those living in Scotland (B= −1.94, 95% CI = −3.11 to −0.78), although caution is warranted due to small group numbers.

Conclusion

These findings can inform the use and adaptation of remote consultations in primary care. Adults with lower educational levels may need additional support to improve their experience and ensure equitable care via remote consultations.
Long-term consequences of urinary tract infection in childhood: an electronic population-based cohort study in Welsh primary and secondary care
Authors: Hughes Kathryn , Cannings-John Rebecca , Jones Hywel , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Lau Tin Man Mandy , Paranjothy Shantini , Francis Nick , Hay Alastair D , Butler Christopher C , Angel Lianna , Van der Voort Judith , Hood Kerenza
Published: October 2023

Background

Childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause renal scarring, and possibly hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Previous studies have focused on selected populations, with severe illness or underlying risk factors. The risk for most children with UTI is unclear.

Aim

To examine the association between childhood UTI and outcomes in an unselected population of children.

Design and setting

A retrospective population-based cohort study using linked GP, hospital, and microbiology records in Wales, UK.

Method

Participants were all children born in 2005–2009, with follow-up until 31 December 2017. The exposure was microbiologically confirmed UTI before the age of 5 years. The key outcome measures were renal scarring, hypertension, CKD, and ESRF.

Results

In total, 159 201 children were included; 77 524 (48.7%) were female and 7% (n= 11 099) had UTI before the age of 5 years. A total of 0.16% (n= 245) were diagnosed with renal scarring by the age of 7 years. Odds of renal scarring were higher in children by age 7 years with UTI (1.24%; adjusted odds ratio 4.60 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.33 to 6.35]). Mean follow-up was 9.53 years. Adjusted hazard ratios were: 1.44 (95% CI = 0.84 to 2.46) for hypertension; 1.67 (95% CI = 0.85 to 3.31) for CKD; and 1.16 (95% CI = 0.56 to 2.37) for ESRF.

Conclusion

The prevalence of renal scarring in an unselected population of children with UTI is low. Without underlying risk factors, UTI is not associated with CKD, hypertension, or ESRF by the age of 10 years. Further research with systematic scanning of children’s kidneys, including those with less severe UTI and without UTI, is needed to increase the certainty of these results, as most children are not scanned. Longer follow-up is needed to establish if UTI, without additional risk factors, is associated with hypertension, CKD, or ESRF later in life.
Les facteurs macro-économiques de la croissance des industries agroalimentaires depuis les années 50
Authors: Nefussi Jacques
Published: October 2023

Seldom studied for themselves, food industries have often been included in agriculture or food analysies. If macro-economic factors of their development are researched, «regulation theories» provide a suitable approach. It allows both the emergences and the crisis of a fordist type structural change of the food sector to be made clear and to situate this evolution in the French economic development since the fifties.
Introduction à l’analyse macroéconomique du complexe agroalimentaire
Authors: Ghersi Gérard , Lalonde Louis-Gilles
Published: October 2023

This article is intended as an introduction to macro analysis as applied in the agrifood sector. It discusses the parsing and simulation models most commonly used in food planning. Everything from Léontieff input-output models to computational general equilibrium models and linear programming are reviewed, both from a theoretical standpoint and with respect to their concrete applications in the agrifood sector. Despite the considerable advancement of certain models and the rapid development of computer-based techniques, these tools remain flawed and incomplete. The future of macroeconomic modelling depends on
Réorientation des échanges et horizontalité structurelle : une analyse à partir des tableaux d’échanges interindustriels
Authors: Byé Pascal , Frey Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

Cet article poursuit un double objectif :

• insister sur la pertinence des approches méso-économiques fondées sur le traitement des tableaux entrées-sorties pour mettre en lumière la réorientation des échanges dans le complexe agro-industriel à l'intérieur de blocs d'industries cohérents ;

• utiliser les résultats obtenus pour approfondir l'analyse du passage de la verticalité à l' horizontalité des échanges dans ce système productif particulier.
The supply side of global food security
Authors: Pinstrup-Andersen Per , Pandya-Lorch Rajul
Published: October 2023

Après une brève discussion du concept de sécurité alimentaire, cet article présente un instantané de la situation globale de sécurité alimentaire aujourd'hui, et en particulier de l'offre alimentaire. Ensuite il examine les différents facteurs qui affectent et déterminent la sécurité alimentaire et présente les perspectives ainsi que quelques propositions d'amélioration.
La sécurité alimentaire considérée du point de vue de la santé
Authors: Benbouzid Djamil , Delpeuch Francis , Maire Bernard , Benoist de Gentissart Bruno de
Published: October 2023

L'évolution de la perception des relations entre nutrition-santé et sécurité alimentaire au cours des deux dernières décennies a été analysée : de la nutrition considérée au départ comme un problème médical relevant de la seule responsabilité du secteur de la santé, on est passé à une prise de conscience de son importance dans le champ économique et social et finalement à une analyse conjointe des problèmes alimentaires, nutritionnels et sanitaires. Parallèlement à cette évolution opérée à travers l'analyse des causes de malnutrition et l'élaboration de divers modèles, l'élargissement du concept de sécurité alimentaire au niveau des ménages, au-delà de son approche économique globale initiale, constitue du point de vue de la santé un changement majeur. La prise en compte de ce niveau familial qui est traditionnellement celui de référence pour le secteur de la santé a d'importantes implications en matière de politiques et de programmes : quelques-uns des rôles que pourraient jouer l'OMS et le secteur de la santé sont ainsi passés en revue.
Impact de la dévaluation du franc CFA sur la consommation alimentaire à Abidjan
Authors: Akindes Françis A.
Published: October 2023

This article is analysing the results of a survey conducted with 25 households in Abidjan. It is showing the effects of devaluation on domestic and outside food consumption. The strategies developped by households to assure food security are described.
Relations entre coton et vivriers en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. Le coton affame les populations : une fausse affirmation ?
Authors: Raymond Georges , Fok Michel
Published: October 2023

Longtemps dénommé «culture du Commandant», le coton traîne l'image de la culture qui affame le peuple. Le développement espéré du coton n’eut pas lieu pendant la première moitié du XXe siècle, ce qui indique combien les paysans résistent. Or la production cotonnière de la zone étudiée a plus que décuplé 1961 à nos jours. Faut-il admettre que les paysans sont devenus peu soucieux de leur sécurité alimentaire ou au contraire que le développement du coton peut, sous certaines conditions, mieux garantir cette sécurité ? En réalité l’impact du coton sur les vivriers résulte de l’introduction de l’agriculture moderne qui a été favorable à un gain de productivité dont les cultures non cotonnières ont également bénéficié.
Structure des buts du consommateur et schémas de substituabilité perçue : application à l’étude de la situation du vin dans l’univers des boissons
Authors: Aurier Philippe
Published: October 2023

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à la situation d’un produit (le vin) en le plaçant dans son contexte de consommation au sens large (l’univers des boissons). Pour identifier et comprendre cet univers nous utilisons le concept de situation d’usage qui nous permet de définir le marché, au plan individuel (par opposition à agrégé) et perçu (par opposition à comportement ), comme étant l’ensemble de considérations du consommateur résultant d’un processus de catégorisation par les buts. Nous proposons un schéma conceptuel définissant la substituabilité comme l'appartenance simultanée de deux produits au même ensemble de considérations. Celle-ci est déterminée par confrontation entre les bénéfices désirés pour le contexte envisagé et les bénéfices offerts par le produit.

Un résultat important de la recherche est la caractérisation d’une hiérarchie stable de buts (contextes de consommation) qui conditionnent les attentes des consommateurs et leurs jugements de substituabilité. Nous en déduisons un diagnostic global sur les structures de substituabilité des produits pour cinq familles de contextes de consommation et formulons des recommandations stratégiques pour le vin.
Pour une représentation sociologique du mangeur
Authors: Corbeau Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

A partir d'un hyper-empirisme dialectique, nous proposons une approche plurielle et situationnelle des mangeurs. Nous les représentons à travers des reconstructions typicales que nous appelons éthos. Les gastrolastress, et leur rapport à des aliments à enjeux nutritionnels et symboliques importants, illustrent la sociologie compréhensive que nous développons.
Concepts et enjeux de la géopolitique alimentaire
Authors: Malassis Louis
Published: October 2023

Cet article fait le point sur quelques concepts : internationalisation, géopolitique, géostratégie et mondialisation, en soulignant les différences et les proximités qui les caractérisent. L'auteur s'attache ensuite à mobiliser ces concepts pour éclairer le problème de l'équilibre alimentaire mondial. Il montre notamment que cet équilibre va dépendre en grande partie de la trajectoire suivie par le modèle de consommation alimentaire en Chine. Il souligne enfin l'impact attendu des stratégies des firmes multinationales et des dynamiques de localisation des bassins de production et des hommes sur l'évolution du système alimentaire mondial.
Mondialisation, effet de génération et demande de poisson frais en France
Authors: Guillotreau Patrice , Sékulic Igor
Published: October 2023

La mondialisation est souvent associée dans la littérature économique à une homogénéisation transculturelle des comportements alimentaires. En dépit de cette vision trop simple, on observe la permanence de modèles nationaux ou régionaux de consommation qui contribuent à la formation des goûts. Cet article tente de contribuer à la spécification de la formation des préférences des consommateurs pour les produits de la mer, à l'aide d'une analyse socio-économique. Un effet de génération semble éroder la consommation française de poisson frais. Pouvons-nous pour autant réduire le phénomène à un simple effet de la mondialisation ?
L’émergence de l’organisation en réseau dans l’industrie : le cas des FMN du secteur des boissons alcoolisées
Authors: Coelho Alfredo Manuel , Rastoin Jean-Louis
Published: October 2023

The emerging network organizations, in their different forms, can be situated in the interactive dynamics between shareholders' pressures and the fit between corporate (competitive environment — organization) and business strategies (technology — products —markets ). After surveying the literature we analyse the strategies of externalization of the 26 top world MNEs in the alcoholic beverages industries [1991-2000]. Results show different national/firm patterns of networks and allow us to identify the key factors of evolution constraining the rising of this mode of organization.
Rôle des effets de génération et de cycle de vie sur l'évolution des comportements individuels de consommation de vin en France : tests économétriques et prévision à l’horizon 2010
Authors: Ayouz M. K. , Cibenel C. , Laporte Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

L'objectif de l'article est de tester le rôle de l'effet génération et de l'effet de cycle de vie sur révolution des comportements individuels de consommation de vin et d'estimer révolution des parts des grandes catégories de consommateurs (consommateurs réguliers, consommateurs occasionnels) à l'horizon 2010. Sur la base de ces prévisions une discussion sur les scénarios d’évolution du marché est présentée. Le travail empirique repose sur l’application des estimateurs de l'économétrie des panels à un pseudo-panel construit à partir de six coupes transversales étalées sur la période 1980-2000 (enquêtes ONIVINS-INRA).
Crédibilité et flexibilité de la certification : le cas de l’agriculture biologique
Authors: Sylvander Bertil
Published: October 2023

On s’accorde à reconnaître que les normes - obligatoires ou volontaires - jouent un rôle croissant dans la constitution et l’organisation des marchés contemporains. Si la certification joue son rôle dans cette évolution de fond, elle remplit également - de par sa flexibilité - une fonction d’adaptation et d’anticipation aux changements liés à l'incertitude de la globalisation et des crises alimentaires. Cet article analyse les critères d’efficacité de la certification et les replace dans une comparaison de trois modes d’organisation polaires, du contrôle de la société à celui de la communauté en passant par la certification.
La dynamique des échanges de produits agroalimentaires (1967-2000)
Authors: Pouch Thierry , Lorgeril Charlotte de
Published: October 2023

Jusque dans les années 80, la dynamique des échanges mondiaux de produits agricoles et alimentaires semblait largement dominée par deux économies industrialisées : les Etats-Unis, qui disposaient d'un véritable quasi-monopole sur les marchés mondiaux, et l'Union européenne qui avait, avec la Politique agricole commune, enclenché un processus de rattrapage et de contestation du monopole américain. Au tournant de la décennie 80, de nouveaux concurrents sont apparus, modifiant quelque peu la hiérarchie des nations participant à l'échange international de produits agroalimentaires. Cet article s'efforce d'analyser les grands mouvements qui ont affecté cette dynamique et cette hiérarchie.
Enjeux de la certification d’origine et stratégies d’acteurs : le cas de l’AOC pélardon
Authors: Benkahla Amel , Boutonnet Jean-Pierre , Fort Fatiha
Published: October 2023

La valorisation de l’AOC pélardon, obtenue en 2000, est très variable selon le circuit de distribution adopté. Cette marque collective apparaît comme un outil de protection juridique au niveau local. Au niveau national, l’AOC est un outil de normalisation pour accéder au marché de la grande distribution et un outil de différenciation pour accéder au marché de niche des fromages de haut de gamme. La question de la pertinence de l’AOC comme outil de développement local est discutée.
Aménagement du temps de travail et pratiques de gestion des ressources humaines : quelles spécificités du secteur de l’agroalimentaire ? Cas d’un grand groupe
Authors: Noguera Florence
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to analyse the strategic human resources management adopted by a French company in agribusiness. It studies how the management-reduction of working time has been integrated into its global strategy. The research is based on the hypothesis that the management of working time can be a strategic opportunity to introduce more flexibility at work in order to create new and more productive organization and time structures.
Le contrôle sanitaire des fruits et légumes : les conventions d’autocontrôle des importateurs français
Authors: Codron Jean-Marie , Farès M'Hand , Rouvière Elodie
Published: October 2023

By revisiting the literature on voluntary approaches to food safety, the paper analyses importers incentives to commit in a new negotiated agreement of safety controls implemented on import markets following a regulatory change. Using then the literature on incentives schemes in decentralized system, we determine efficient conditions of the hybrid organisation of the negotiated agreement. We show that importers have organized themselves to divert the negotiated agreement in order to comply with private standards induced by a new form of regulation.
Marketing stratégique et opérationnel des enseignes en relation avec leurs stratégies d’approvisionnement : le cas des produits de la mer
Authors: Gouin Stéphane , Charles Erwan , Boude Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

Le marketing stratégique et opérationnel des enseignes de la grande distribution en matière de produits de la mer est analysé en relation avec leurs stratégies d''approvisionnement. Les évolutions structurelles et stratégiques des enseignes sont présentées en faisant apparaître les spécificités concernant les produits de la mer. Les incidences marketing et commerciales sont présentées en distinguant les composantes types d''approvisionnement, prix et marges et qualité. Les résultats obtenus orientent vers une redéfinition des relations contractuelles entre la grande distribution et les pêcheurs.