bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Harmful Practices and Instrumentalisation, towards Legislative Protections and Community-Owned Healthcare Services: The Context and Goals of the Intersex Movement in Australia
Authors: Carpenter Morgan
Published: March 2024

People with innate variations of sex characteristics (also known as intersex traits or disorders or differences of sex development) have any of a wide range of innate physical traits that differ from medical and social norms for female and male bodies. Responses to these physical differences create experiences and risks of stigmatisation, discrimination, violence, and harmful medical practices intended to promote social and familial integration and conformity with gender stereotypes. As is evident globally, the Australian policy response to the existence and needs of people with innate variations of sex characteristics has been largely incoherent, variously framing the population as having disordered sex development in need of “fixing”, and a third sex/gender identity group in need of recognition, with only recent engagement by intersex community-controlled civil society organisations. This paper presents an overview of the context and goals of the intersex human rights movement in Australia. Australian intersex community organisations have sought to apply human rights norms and develop new infrastructure to address key health and human rights issues, and necessitating new ways of resolving policy incoherence. Together with human rights, mental health, and public health institutions, they have called for significant changes to medical models of care and reform to research and classification systems. Intersex community organising and resourcing have made a tangible difference. The Australian Capital Territory is the first jurisdiction in the country to move ahead with reforms to clinical practice, including a legislative prohibition of certain practices without personal informed consent, oversight of clinical decision-making, and investment in psychosocial support. A national community-controlled psychosocial support service has also commenced.
Sorption-Desorption of Phosphorus on Manure- and Plant-Derived Biochars at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures
Authors: Musa Nighet , Khan Khalid Saifullah , Blankinship Joseph C. , Ijaz Shahzada Sohail , Akram Zahid , Alwahibi Mona S. , Ali Mohammad Ajmal , Yousra Munazza
Published: March 2024

Sustainable phosphorus (P) management is essential to preventing mineral fertilizer losses, reducing water pollution, and addressing eutrophication issues. Phosphorus sorption and mobility are strongly influenced by the properties of biochar, which are determined by pyrolysis temperature and type of feedstock. This understanding is crucial for optimizing biochar application for soil nutrient management. Therefore, a batch sorption-desorption experiment was conducted to examine P sorption-desorption in plant-based (parthenium, corn cobs) and manure-based (farmyard manure, poultry manure) biochars prepared at both 400 °C and 600 °C. Manure-based biochars demonstrated higher P sorption at 400 °C, with less sorption at 600 °C, while plant-based counterparts exhibited lower sorption capacities. Phosphorus desorption, on the other hand, increased at 600 °C, particularly in manure-based biochars. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) analysis suggested that a lower pyrolysis temperature (400 °C) enhances P sorption due to higher specific surface area and different functional groups. Additionally, the manure-based biochars, which were enriched with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), contributed to increased P sorption. In summary, P sorption is enhanced by a lower carbonization (400 °C) temperature. Although manure-based biochars excel in retaining P, their effectiveness is limited to shorter durations. In contrast, plant-based biochars showcase a prolonged capacity for P retention.
Assessing the Prey Specificity of Neoleucopis spp. against Marchalina hellenica
Authors: Eleftheriadou Nikoleta , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Malesios Chrisovalantis , Seehausen M. Lukas , Kenis Marc , Lefoe Greg , Lubanga Umar , Avtzis Dimitrios N.
Published: March 2024

Marchalina hellenica Gennadius (Hemiptera: Marchalinidae) is a scale insect native to Greece and Turkey and presently invasive in Australia, where it damages pine plantations. The silver fly, Neoleucopis kartliana Tanasijtshuk (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), is the most abundant predator of M. hellenica in Greece and is presently being investigated as a potential biological control agent following the scale’s introduction in Australia. This study, conducted in Northern Greece, revealed the presence of a second lineage, closely related to N. kartliana, referred to as Neoleucopis n. sp. B. Field surveys and laboratory experiments were conducted on M. hellenica and a taxonomically related scale insect, Icerya purchasi Maskell (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae), to test the larval growth and survival of the flies on the two prey species and assess their specificity for M. hellenica. The results suggest that both Neoleucopis spp. exhibit a high preference for M. hellenica when compared to I. purchasi. Larval growth was higher on M. hellenica than on I. purchasi but the difference was significant for N. kartliana only. Survival was significantly higher for both predators when provided M. hellenica compared to I. purchasi. Field surveys showed that both predators are abundant on M. hellenica colonies, whereas none of the two Neoleucopis lineages was found to have preyed on I. purchasi.
Use of Waste from the Food Industry and Applications of the Fermentation Process to Create Sustainable Cosmetic Products: A Review
Authors: Krzyżostan Monika , Wawrzyńczak Agata , Nowak Izabela
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the sustainability of cosmetic products has received growing interest from the cosmetic industry and consumers due to the recommendation of the implementation of the circular economy and the European Green Deal. The sustainable development strategy takes into account the reduction of waste and energy consumption, and covers all processes of producing and using cosmetics, starting from the method of obtaining raw materials, through to the process of producing cosmetics bulk, to the selection of packaging. Particularly, the selection of raw materials has a large impact on sustainability of cosmetic emulsion. One way of resource recovery is the use of agro-food by-products and discarded waste to produce cosmetic raw materials, because most of them possess value-added bioactive compounds, such as enzymes and nutrients with high functionality. Their recovery may be performed by more sustainable extraction processes, leading to natural oils, extracts, polymers, phytosterols, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. A relatively new and innovative form of designing sustainable and bioavailable cosmetic raw materials is fermentation, where bioferments are obtained from plant-based and food waste raw materials. In addition, optimization of the emulsification process by applying low-energy methods is a crucial step in obtaining sustainable cosmetics. This allows not only a reduction in the carbon footprint, but also the preservation of the valuable properties of the used raw materials. The following paper discusses methods of creating sustainable cosmetic emulsions with energy-saving procedures and by using raw materials from food waste and the fermentation process.
Data-Driven Insights from 10,000 Reviews: Fostering Sustainability through Rapid Adaptation to Guest Feedback
Authors: Gîngioveanu Lupulescu Mihnea Grigoraș , Dincă Violeta Mihaela , Taranu Silvia-Denisa , Blănuță Bianca Alexandra
Published: March 2024

The present research aims to explore how customer satisfaction and discontent may influence the financial success of luxury hotels by analyzing more than 10,000 reviews from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest and financial data spanning a decade. Text mining and sentiment analysis were used in order to pinpoint crucial elements that could impact visitor experience and the way in which they might correlate with hotel revenues in the long run. Research has linked positive visitor evaluations to revenue growth, while negative feedback does not consistently lead to financial declines, suggesting that premium brands may be resilient to mild online criticism. Our research examines how customer feedback sentiment and business income are interconnected throughout time, emphasizing the significance of handling guest contentment in order to reduce resource spending and create a sustainable feedback loop between guests and businesses. Our analysis challenges the idea that negative evaluations always have a detrimental impact on financial performance and highlights the importance of long-term positive feedback in the hospitality sector. This study enhances comprehension of the influence of customer feedback on the luxury hotel business, providing valuable insights for service industry experts on utilizing reviews in the future in order to gain strategic benefits and also develop their businesses in a sustainable way.
Geoheritage and Geoconservation, from Theory to Practice: The Ghost Town of Craco (Matera District, Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)
Authors: Bentivenga Mario , Pescatore Eva , Piccarreta Marco , Gizzi Fabrizio Terenzio , Masini Nicola , Giano Salvatore Ivo
Published: March 2024

Several theoretical and applied studies are concerned with the topics of geological heritage management and geoconservation. The diversity of natural and anthropic scenarios into which geological heritage is inserted, as well as its troublesome management, make these topics challenging for scientific discussion. However, on the other hand, these topics highlight the complexity of a theoretical schematization of approaches and procedures, as well as of the practical application of theoretical assumptions. This paper concerns a practical application of a case study in geoconservation actions, which begins with the identification and the basic description of a site of multicultural interest (characterized by the coexistence of geo and non-geo aspects); subsequently, the needs and aims of the potential end users and stakeholders are analyzed. Finally, several geoconservation actions, differentiated according to end user and stakeholder goals, are proposed. The chosen area includes the Craco ghost town in southern Italy. It is a characteristic, evocative place, where it is possible to observe natural and anthropic contexts. The Craco ghost town is also nationally and internationally renowned, since some movie productions have been set there (such as some scenes in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ movie). In this area, the abBandono vErsus riGenerazIoNe (BEGIN) Project (ROP ERDF Basilicata 2014–2020 interregional and transnational cooperation projects) aims to develop an operative, unequivocal, and multi-layered procedure focused on sustainable management, disseminating knowledge and enhancing and using the cultural context of abandoned sites as an attractive force for tourist purposes.
Mapping the Research Landscape of Industry 5.0 from a Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics Perspective: A Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Domenteanu Adrian , Cibu Bianca , Delcea Camelia
Published: March 2024

Over the past years, machine learning and big data analysis have emerged, starting as a scientific and fictional domain, very interesting but difficult to test, and becoming one of the most powerful tools that is part of Industry 5.0 and has a significant impact on sustainable, resilient manufacturing. This has garnered increasing attention within scholarly circles due to its applicability in various domains. The scope of the article is to perform an exhaustive bibliometric analysis of existing papers that belong to machine learning and big data, pointing out the capability from a scientific point of view, explaining the usability of applications, and identifying which is the actual in a continually changing domain. In this context, the present paper aims to discuss the research landscape associated with the use of machine learning and big data analysis in Industry 5.0 in terms of themes, authors, citations, preferred journals, research networks, and collaborations. The initial part of the analysis focuses on the latest trends and how researchers lend a helping hand to change preconceptions about machine learning. The annual growth rate is 123.69%, which is considerable for such a short period, and it requires a comprehensive analysis to check the boom of articles in this domain. Further, the exploration investigates affiliated academic institutions, influential publications, journals, key contributors, and most delineative authors. To accomplish this, a dataset has been created containing researchers’ papers extracted from the ISI Web of Science database using keywords associated with machine learning and big data, starting in 2016 and ending in 2023. The paper incorporates graphs, which describe the most relevant authors, academic institutions, annual publications, country collaborations, and the most used words. The paper ends with a review of the globally most cited documents, describing the importance of machine learning and big data in Industry 5.0.
Technical Requirements for 2023 IMO GHG Strategy
Authors: Zhang Chunchang , Zhu Jia , Guo Huiru , Xue Shuye , Wang Xian , Wang Zhihuan , Chen Taishan , Yang Liu , Zeng Xiangming , Su Penghao
Published: March 2024

The 80th session of the IMO Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (2023 IMO GHG Strategy), with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions. This study strives to provide an exact interpretation of the target of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and reveal the technical requirements therein. Decarbonization targets were expressed in IMO GHG emission scenarios for specifications. Model calculations and parameterizations were in line with IMO GHG reduction principles and decarbonizing practices in the shipping sector to avoid the prejudicial tendency of alternative fuels and the overestimated integral efficiency of short-term measures in existing predictions. IMO DCS data were used for the first time to gain reliable practical efficiencies of newly adopted regulations and further reduce the model uncertainty. The results demonstrated that the decarbonization goals for emission intensity were actually 51.5–62.5% in the IMO GHG reduction scenarios, which was much higher than the IMO recommended value of 40% as the target. Combined with the continuous applications of short-term measures, onshore power and regulations were required to contribute their maximum potential no later than the year 2030. Even so, considerable penetration (15.0–26.0%) of alternative fuels will be required by 2030 to achieve the decarbonization goals in the 90% and 130% scenarios, respectively, both far beyond the expected value in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy (i.e., 5–10%). Until 2050, decarbonization from alternative fuels is required to achieve ~95%. Sustainable biodiesel and LNG are the necessary choices in all time periods, while the roles of e-methanol and e-ammonia deserve to be considered in the long term. Our findings highlight the intense technical requirements behind the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and provide a pathway option for a fair and impartial transition to zero GHG emissions in the shipping sector, which might be meaningful to policymakers.
The Influence of Demand-Based Policy Instruments on Urban Innovation Quality—Evidence from 269 Cities in China
Authors: Mao Weisheng , Zhong Yexi
Published: March 2024

Enhancing the quality of urban innovation is a powerful strategy for advancing urban sustainability. A strong public innovation policy is a crucial building block for advancing urban innovation quality. This study identifies innovative procurement instances from over 640,000 public procurement contract data through textual analysis to investigate how urban innovation quality could benefit from demand-based policy instruments. The study’s findings indicate the following: (1) It provides evidence that the adoption of public innovation procurement has a significant impact on urban innovation quality, suggesting an inverse U-shaped relationship between the two. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals public innovation procurement stimulates urban innovation quality more remarkably in cities with provincial status and provincial capitals, as well as in eastern cities. (3) We discovered that it is not possible to increase the quality of urban innovation in the city when human capital in the city is performing poorly and when there is also a lack of external technology and entrepreneurial activity. Finally, this paper argues that our findings also provide important insights for the development of proactive innovation policy instruments, the construction of innovative cities, and the realization of sustainable development in countries around the world, especially in developing countries.
Green Human Resource Management/Supply Chain Management/Regulation and Legislation and Their Effects on Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan
Authors: Freihat Lana , Al-Qaaida Mousa , Huneiti Zayed , Abbod Maysam
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, sustainability and environmental concerns have become increasingly significant topics of discussion. This article aims to propose a conceptual framework of a research model including the correlations between government regulations and legislations, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodological approach adopted in this study included conducting a review of the relevant literature and accessing databases and search engines to gather information. The current article presents a novel approach to understanding how organizations and regulators can collaborate to drive sustainable development in this domain. This study also adds significant value due to its unique contribution in connecting GHRM, GSCM, and government regulation and legislation, particularly in the context of sustainable development and its link to promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG8), responsible consumption and production (SDG12), and addressing climate action (SDG13). The rarity of articles addressing these interrelated topics, especially within the specific context of Jordan, where such research has been largely absent, underscores the distinctive nature of this study. Furthermore, this article stands out for its comprehensive incorporation of legal and regulatory aspects into the discourse on organizational GHRM and GSCM practices and their alignment with the pursuit of SDGs. By providing valuable insights for decision makers and organizations, including a thorough examination of the barriers involved, this article serves as an essential resource for understanding and navigating the complex interplay between environmental sustainability, GHRM, GSCM, and governmental regulations. Based on the analysis of the findings, a conceptual framework is proposed based on three environmental dimensions and six green practices that have discernible effects. Finally, it is envisaged that this study will offer directions for future research work to use another approach and another environment.
Auto-Routing Systems (ARSs) with 3D Piping for Sustainable Plant Projects Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization of 2D Drawings and Specifications
Authors: Kang Dong-Han , Choi So-Won , Lee Eul-Bum , Kang Sung-O
Published: March 2024

The engineering sector is undergoing digital transformation (DT) alongside shifts in labor patterns. This study concentrates on piping design within plant engineering, aiming to develop a system for optimal piping route design using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The objective is to overcome limitations related to time and costs in traditional manual piping design processes. The ultimate aim is to contribute to the digitalization of engineering processes and improve project performance. Initially, digital image processing was utilized to digitize piping and instrument diagram (P&ID) data and establish a line topology set (LTS). Subsequently, three-dimensional (3D) modeling digital tools were employed to create a user-friendly system environment that visually represents piping information. Dijkstra’s algorithm was implemented to determine the optimal piping route, considering various priorities during the design process. Finally, an interference avoidance algorithm was used to prevent clashes among piping, equipment, and structures. Hence, an auto-routing system (ARS), equipped with a logical algorithm and 3D environment for optimal piping design, was developed. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a comparison was made between the bill of materials (BoM) from Company D’s chemical plant project and the BoM extracted from the ARS. The performance evaluation revealed that the accuracy in matching pipe weight and length was 105.7% and 84.9%, respectively. Additionally, the accuracy in matching the weight and quantity of fittings was found to be 99.7% and 83.9%, respectively. These findings indicate that current digitalized design technology does not ensure 100% accurate designs. Nevertheless, the results can still serve as a valuable reference for attaining optimal piping design. This study’s outcomes are anticipated to enhance work efficiency through DT in the engineering piping design sector and contribute to the sustainable growth of companies.
Assessment of Recreational Value in a Protected Forest Area Considering the New Environmental Paradigm (Case Study: Helen Forest, Southwestern Iran)
Authors: Khalili Ardali Zohreh , Amirnejad Hamid , Mohammadi Limaei Soleiman , Salehi Sadegh
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the recreational value of the Helen protected forest area, incorporating the new environmental paradigm into economic valuation. Visitors’ willingness to pay and its association with scores reflecting the new environmental paradigm were assessed through contingent valuation and a dual-dimensional questionnaire. Two models are employed: a base model with socio-economic variables and a model integrating new environmental paradigm. Results indicate that 83.04% of visitors are willing to pay for recreational use. The proposed amount, visit frequency, new environmental paradigm, age, gender, education, and income were found to significantly influence the acceptance of willingness to pay. Results indicated a strong positive correlation exists between new environmental paradigm and willingness to pay, highlighting the influence of environmental perspective. Average willingness to pay per household per visit is IRR 190,390.4 (USD 0.53), translating to an annual recreational value of IRR 22,629,264,215 (USD 64,088) for the entire Helen forest. The average new environmental paradigm scores for visitors stand at 57.36, with the statement “plants and animals have similar rights to humans” receiving the highest score of 28.4. These findings emphasize the importance of considering environmental perspectives in managing recreational sites. Integrating a new environmental paradigm into valuation methods can inform sustainable management strategies that balance economic development with environmental conservation and social well-being.
Examining the Interplay between CEPSA’s ESG Performance and Financial Performance: An Overview of the Energy Sector Transformation
Authors: Hu Yangxueyi , Hassan Abeer , Atif Sehrish
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the financial performance of the Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (CEPSA) within the context of the ongoing ESG transformation in the Energy Sector. The primary aim of this research is to understand the critical dimensions essential for evaluating energy companies’ ESG performances. The research assesses the changes in CEPSA’s financial indicators over the last five years (2018–2022). The report uses DuPont analysis to evaluate CEPSA’s environmental and social responsibility performances. The study examines several financial performance metrics, including return on net assets, profitability, and corporate financing structure changes. The methodology of this study comprehensively assesses CEPSA’s sustainable development trajectory and ESG management system. The analysis reveals that CEPSA has consistently improved its sustainable development capabilities over the last five years by establishing a comprehensive ESG management system. While return on net assets and profitability indicators have shown positive trends, the financing structure has changed significantly. Notably, the proportion of debt financing has increased substantially, and there is a slight decline in the net profit margin. The formal transformation in 2020 further influenced increases in liabilities and fixed assets for CEPSA. The study focuses on CEPSA’s sustained improvements in ESG management and the associated shifts in financial metrics, adding originality to the study and offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of sustainable practices. The study reveals the financial implications of ESG transformation in the energy sector and offers valuable insights for stakeholders. Moreover, this research contributes to the existing literature by employing the DuPont analysis system to explore the intricate relationship between ESG performance and financial indicators in the energy sector.
Investigating Land Cover Changes and Their Impact on Land Surface Temperature in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ul Hussan Hammad , Li Hua , Liu Qinhuo , Bashir Barjeece , Hu Tian , Zhong Shouyi
Published: March 2024

Restoration of degraded land is a significant concern in the 21st century in order to combat the impacts of climate change. For this reason, the provisional government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, initialized a Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTTP) in 2013 and finished it in 2017. Although a few researchers have investigated the land use transitions under BTTP in the short term by merging all the vegetation types into one, analysis of the long-term benefits of the project and future persistence were missing. Furthermore, the previous studies have not discussed whether the prime objective of the BTTP was achieved. Considering the existing gaps, this research mainly involves analyzing (i) fluctuations in the green fraction by employing a land change modeler (LCM), along with the spatial location of gain-loss and exchange analysis using a high-resolution dataset (GLC30); (ii) forest cover changes under the influence of the BTTP; (iii) impacts of green fraction changes towards land surface temperature (LST) by utilizing the less-explored technique of curve fit linear regression modeling (CFLR); and finally, (iv) assessing the persistence of the NDVI and LST trends by employing the Hurst exponent. Research findings indicate that as an output of BTTP, despite the government’s claim of increasing the forest cover by 2%, a significant gain of grassland (3904.87 km2) was observed at the cost of bare land. In comparison, the overall increase in forest cover was only 0.39%, which does not satisfy the main objective of this project. On the other hand, the CFLRM-based actual contributions of land cover change (LCC) transition to LST indicate a significant decline in LST in the areas with gains in green fraction for both grassland and forest. At the same time, an increase was observed with reverse transitions. Although the results appear positive for climatic impacts in the short term, the HURST model-based persistence analysis revealed that the spatial locations of increasing vegetation and decreasing LST trends fall under the weakly persistent category, therefore these trends may not continue in the near future. Despite some positive impact on LST attributed to the green fraction increase, this project cannot be regarded as a complete success due to its failure to achieve its prime objective.
Potential of Nature-Based Solutions to Diminish Urban Heat Island Effects and Improve Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Summer: Case Study of Matadero Madrid
Authors: Olivieri Francesca , Sassenou Louise-Nour , Olivieri Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Urban heat island effects and climate change are climatic phenomena responsible for periods of extreme heat in summer which severely impact citizens’ well-being and health. In this alarming context which questions the livability of our cities, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are considered an unavoidable component of the complex strategy in diminishing urban temperatures. The present work aims to show the relevance of NBSs in urban temperature regulation through the estimation of their potential to improve outdoor thermal comfort of the heritage site Matadero Madrid. To this end, this article evaluates the effects of a scenario combining different solutions including NBSs and identifies which solutions are the most effective. The results show that this scenario has an impact on direct solar radiation and wind speed but does not affect air temperature and relative humidity. Furthermore, even if this scenario combining a fabric canopy, tree canopy, and green area significantly improves thermal conditions, it does not allow us to reach an optimal level of thermal comfort for visitors. To consider the implementation of more meaningful interventions, existing legal, administrative, and cultural limitations of the case study should be omitted. This would enable us to identify which restrictions could be adapted, thus unlocking the adaptation potential of Matadero Madrid.
Enhancing Sustainability Teaching Competence in Preschool Teacher Education Using Living Labs
Authors: Kadji-Beltrán Chrysanthi
Published: March 2024

Developing sustainability competences is an important endeavor for education, as competence development can be complex and requires appropriate approaches. In the case of preparing future educators, this becomes even more important, because of their multiplier role. The current study presents how a project, based on the living-lab methodology, helped preservice preschool teachers attending a course on sustainability issues develop sustainability-specific professional action competence. Students collaborated with an organization and a school and were trained to deliver, to 6-year-old pupils, activities concerning the protection of sea turtles. The process included reflection based on a given template. After the intervention, the preservice preschool teachers reflected upon their role and professional performance and discussed how they benefited from this project. They further analyzed, through a group interview, how the living-lab methodology raised their professional confidence and self-efficacy and helped them develop content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and a sense of purpose and motivation for teaching about sustainability. Outcomes indicate that participants felt confident and efficacious to teach about sustainability and developed their content knowledge, pedagogy content knowledge, motivation, and volition due to a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. The overall process facilitated the development of critical thinking, systemic thinking, reflection, and collaboration.
Rewinding the Tape: Documentary Heritage to (Re)discover “Lost” Natural Hazards—Evidence and Inferences from Southern Italy
Authors: Gizzi Fabrizio Terenzio , Bovolin Vittorio , Villani Paolo , Potenza Maria Rosaria , Voria Simona , Amodio Antonio Minervino
Published: March 2024

The knowledge of natural hazards that occurred in the past is essential for implementing forecasting and prevention actions, for managing risk, and identifying proper land use. Floods do not escape this rule. This article sheds light on an unknown intense rainfall period, which affected the Campania region and the territory of the current Molise region (Southern Italy) on October–November 1961. The period culminated in floods, particularly involving the town of Benevento (Campania region), which had been affected by several inundations over centuries. The research made an extensive use of unpublished archival sources. The documents allowed us to both outline the pluviometric and hydrological picture of the period and catalogue seventeen physical and environmental effects suffered by over two hundred municipalities. Furthermore, we also disclosed the economic consequences in the wide territory involved. Special attention was paid to Benevento, for which we also drew up the scenario map related to the 19 October flood. For this town, historical data were effective for developing and testing the hydraulic model of the Sabato and Calore Rivers, which overflowed at the site. In this regard, we made some considerations on the current flood risk of the town. From a methodological point of view, we stress the importance of a historical approach in close relationship to other expertise for the knowledge of natural hazards, tracing also some future perspectives. The research complies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goal 11 concerned with making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The research findings will be useful for scholars and practitioners for both improving flood hazard models and arranging archival research path. Finally, local authorities in charge of risk mitigation can also benefit from the research results.
Evaluation of the Suitability of Using Artificial Neural Networks in Assessing the Effectiveness of Greywater Heat Exchangers
Authors: Starzec Mariusz , Kordana-Obuch Sabina , Piotrowska Beata
Published: March 2024

The use of greywater heat exchangers (GHEs) is an effective way to reduce energy consumption for heating domestic water. However, the available characteristics of this type of device are often insufficient and consider only a few selected parameters of water and greywater, which results in the need to look for tools enabling the determination of the effectiveness of GHEs in various operating conditions with incomplete input data. The aim of this paper was to determine the usefulness of artificial neural networks (ANNs). For this purpose, comprehensive experimental tests were carried out on the effectiveness of the horizontal heat exchanger, taking into account a wide range of water and greywater flow rates and temperatures of these media, as well as the linear bottom slope of the unit, which allowed for the creation of a database of 32,175 results. Then, the feasibility of implementing the full research plan was assessed using ANNs. The analysis showed that the impact of the media temperatures on the heat exchanger effectiveness values obtained using ANNs is limited, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of necessary experiments. Adopting only three temperature values of at least one medium allowed the generation of ANN models with coefficient values R2 = 0.748–0.999 and RMSE = 0.077–1.872. In the case of the tested GHE, the slope and the flow rate of the mixed water are of key importance. However, even in the case of parameters of significant importance, it is possible to reduce the research plan without compromising the final results. Assuming five different values for each of the four input parameters (a total of 625 combinations) made it possible to generate an ANN model (R2 = 0.993 and RMSE = 0.311) with high generalization ability on the full research plan covering 32,175 cases. Therefore, the conducted analysis confirmed the usefulness of ANNs in assessing the effectiveness of GHEs in various operating conditions. The approach described in this paper is important for both environmental and economic reasons, as it allows for reducing the consumption of water and energy, which are necessary to carry out such scientific research.
The Waste Landfill Policy in Israel: Economic and Political Perspectives
Authors: Cohen Erez
Published: March 2024

The consistent and continuous growth in the world’s population is creating many challenges for public policymakers in the different life areas, including dealing with the increasing amounts of waste that are generating problems involving air and land pollution and a shortage of land for waste disposal. This study presents the effects of public policy on managing municipal waste, measured as the quantity and rate of waste collected throughout Israel in recent years and disposed of in various landfills. An analysis of the political and economic factors affecting this policy is also conducted. The study combines a quantitative and qualitative approach, where the quantitative study includes the analysis of statistical data based on information from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Finance, and others, and the qualitative study relies on reading and analyzing the primary documents of different government ministries on Israel’s waste disposal policy and information in the media on this issue. The research findings attest to an increase in the amount of municipal waste dumped in Israel, a merely slight decrease in the rate of landfilling as a proportion of all municipal waste disposal, and a merely slight increase in the rate of municipal waste recycled in recent years. The research conclusions stress the effects of the landfill levy and the Cleanliness Maintenance Fund on one hand and of government instability in the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the positivist policy embraced by decision makers in the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the power struggles between Israel’s different ministries on the other hand, as the respective economic and political factors affecting Israeli policy on municipal waste management. The article contributes to understanding the dynamics of municipal waste management policy in Israel by providing empirical data, analyzing influencing factors, and offering insights into the challenges and opportunities in this area. This study can serve as the basis for future studies that will examine the waste landfill policy in Israel in the context of pressing global challenges such as climate change, the advancement of novel waste treatment technologies, and the potential stabilization of Israel’s political system.
Fostering Transversal Skills through Open Schooling with the CARE-KNOW-DO Framework for Sustainable Education
Authors: Okada Alexandra , Panselinas Giorgos , Bizoi Mihai , Malagrida Rosina , Torres Patricia Lupion
Published: March 2024

This large cross-national study investigates the development of transversal skills in the context of open schooling—an educational approach integrating schools, universities, and communities to address real-world challenges—through the CARE-KNOW-DO framework. Utilising a mixed-methods approach across five countries, this research employs a novel validated self-report instrument to evaluate the perceptions of 12,074 underserved students concerning their learning experiences in open schooling environments. An exploratory factor analysis enabled us to explore quantitative insight into students’ skill development, while thematic analysis of 20 teachers’ reports contributed qualitative depth. The study identified six critical transversal skills: self-initiative, problem-solving, emotional engagement, scientific citizenship, authentic learning, and future prospects. Significant geographic, gender, and age-related variations were found, with notable disparities in skill perceptions among nonbinary students, indicating the need for more inclusive educational support. All countries showed high levels of perceived transversal skills, with 83% of Greek and 80% of Brazilian students leading, compared to 64% in Romania and the UK, and 62% in Spain. Trends suggest secondary students exhibit stronger global citizenship and authentic learning, although they report less confidence in problem-solving and self-initiative than their primary counterparts. These findings, viewed alongside 12 teaching competencies revealed through thematic analysis, underscore the effectiveness of open schooling, which is underexplored, in fostering key skills and call for pedagogical innovations that integrate real-life issues into the curriculum. The study contributes to Agenda 2030—quality of education by demonstrating the real-world applicability of the CARE-KNOW-DO framework for educational practice and policy towards equity and sustainability. Our comparative analysis of transversal skill development across diverse student populations, as well as teaching competencies, further advances the discourse on improving 21st-century education.
Digital Competence of Teachers and the Factors Affecting Their Competence Level: A Nationwide Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Althubyani Adel R.
Published: March 2024

Digital transformation opens up multiple opportunities for educators to achieve the continuity of learning through life, aligning with UNESCO’s fourth goal of sustainable development, and to prepare them for the digital age. Effective integration of technology goes beyond using it for its own sake; it involves using it to deepen students’ learning experiences. Digital transformation raises key questions about teachers’ digital competence. Building on the DigCompEdu framework, the current study aims to uncover the level of digital competence of science teachers and their perceptions towards it as well as to identify the factors influencing this competence. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach utilizing a sequential explanatory design. This design involved a questionnaire which was administered to a sample of 611 science teachers, while a semi-structured interview was applied to 13 teachers. The results indicate that the teachers’ level of digital competence was medium (58.4%). The study also revealed that the teachers had high-level positive perceptions towards the use of digital technologies (78%). Furthermore, the results indicate that perceived usefulness and subjective norms directly influence digital competence. This study also identifies the benefits of digital technologies and the challenges that teachers encounter in implementing them in the educational environment. The benefits focus on enhancing students’ motivation and assessing their learning experiences, communicating with the educational community, and the continuousness of e-learning. The challenges, however, include the acceptance of technology by the educational community; cognitive and skill-related challenges faced by teachers; administrative and teaching burdens; limited access to digital technologies and tools; and challenges related to student behaviors. As a result, a set of recommendations and implications are proposed for educational policymakers, curriculum and professional development program designers, researchers, and educational practitioners.
Styletubation versus Laryngoscopy: A New Paradigm for Routine Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Luk Hsiang-Ning , Qu Jason Zhensheng
Published: March 2024

Laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation has been developed for many decades. Among various conventional laryngoscopes, videolaryngoscopes (VLs) have been applied in different patient populations, including difficult airways. The safety and effectiveness of VLs have been repeatedly studied in both normal and difficult airways. The superiority of VLs then has been observed and is advocated as the standard of care. In contrast to laryngoscopy, the development of video-assisted intubating stylet (VS, also named as styletubation) was noticed two decades ago. Since then, sporadic clinical experiences of use have appeared in the literature. In this review article, we presented our vast use experiences of the styletubation (more than 55,000 patients since 2016). We found this technique to be swift (the time to intubate from 3 s to 10 s), smooth (first-attempt success rate: 100%), safe (no airway complications), and easy (high subjective satisfaction and fast learning curve for the novice trainees) in both normal and difficult airway scenarios. We, therefore, propose that the styletubation technique can be feasibly applied as universal routine use for tracheal intubation.
On Darbo- and Sadovskii-Type Fixed Point Theorems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Olszowy Leszek , Zając Tomasz
Published: March 2024

The paper aims to generalize several known Darbo- and Sadovskii-type fixed point theorems. These generalizations weaken the assumptions used so far. In addition, an example of an application is presented.
The Generalized Fractional-Order Fisher Equation: Stability and Numerical Simulation
Authors: İnan Bilge
Published: March 2024

This study examines the stability and numerical simulation of the generalized fractional-order Fisher equation. The equation serves as a mathematical model describing population dynamics under the influence of factors such as natural selection and migration. We propose an implicit exponential finite difference method to solve this equation, considering the conformable fractional derivative. Furthermore, we analyze the stability of the method through theoretical considerations. The method involves transforming the problem into systems of nonlinear equations at each time since our method is an implicit method, which is then solved by converting them into linear equations systems using the Newton method. To test the accuracy of the method, we compare the results obtained with exact solutions and with those available in the literature. Additionally, we examine the symmetry of the graphs obtained from the solution to examine the results. The findings of our numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed approach in solving the generalized fractional-order Fisher equation.
Potential of Viruses as Environmental Etiological Factors for Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts
Authors: Messias Thiago S. , Silva Kaique C. P. , Silva Thiago C. , Soares Simone
Published: March 2024

In this study, we analyzed the potential of viral infections in the species Homo sapiens as environmental causes of orofacial clefts (OFCs). A scoring system was adapted for qualitatively assessing the potential of viruses to cause cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). This assessment considered factors such as information from the literature, nucleotide and amino acid similarities, and the presence of Endogenous Viral Elements (EVEs). The analysis involved various algorithm packages within Basic Local Alignment Search Tool 2.13.0 software and databases from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Twenty significant viral species using different biosynthesis strategies were identified: Human coronavirus NL63, Rio Negro virus, Alphatorquevirus homin9, Brisavirus, Cosavirus B, Torque teno mini virus 4, Bocaparvovirus primate2, Human coronavirus HKU1, Monkeypox virus, Mammarenavirus machupoense, Volepox virus, Souris mammarenavirus, Gammapapillomavirus 7, Betainfluenzavirus influenzae, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis mammarenavirus, Ledantevirus kern, Gammainfluenzavirus influenzae, Betapolyomavirus hominis, Vesiculovirus perinet, and Cytomegalovirus humanbeta5. The evident viral etiological potential in relation to CL/P varies depending on the Baltimore class to which the viral species belongs. Given the multifactorial nature of CL/P, this relationship appears to be dynamic.