bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taken from the Spirits and Given to the People: The Dance of the Panther Men in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Larsson Simon , Ouattara Syna
Published: November 2024

The article explores the impact of tourism and commercialization on intangible cultural heritage, using the Boloye dance in Côte d’Ivoire as a case study. The dance, originally a secretive ritual performed by the Pɔrɔ society in the Sénoufo community, has transformed into a public cultural performance. The study explores how this cultural practice has been adapted to engage broader audiences without compromising its ritualistic and cultural integrity. This is carried out through fieldwork conducted in Korhogo, including participant observations, interviews with performers, and the analysis of social media content. The paper argues that the Boloye dance’s resilience and continued vitality are due to its dynamic adaptation within cultural boundaries, allowing it to serve both as a community resource and a public spectacle. This is enabled through the Sénoufo flexible cultural framework, which allows for the negotiation of changes within spiritually sanctioned boundaries. The article concludes that tourism and the commercialization of cultural practices, in this case, do not compromise the authenticity of the practices or the cultural integrity of the people who perform them. The case study challenges a commonly expressed view in previous research that tourism necessarily erodes cultural authenticity, showing instead that cultural practices can evolve while retaining their significance. The paper contributes to a scholarly and public debate on the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage in the context of global tourism and economic development and change.
Complex Traffic Flow Model for Analysis and Optimization of Fuel Consumption and Emissions at Large Roundabouts
Authors: Liang Xiao , Song Huifang , Wu Gefan , Guo Yongjie , Zhang Shu
Published: November 2024

Traffic emissions pose a substantial challenge for contemporary societies, particularly at roundabouts, where high levels of vehicle interaction and the associated emission dynamics are prevalent. Building upon this, a cellular automata model was developed to simulate traffic characteristics, including fuel consumption, emissions (CO, HC, and NOx), and vehicle speed at a large roundabout. The model examines critical parameters, such as interaction, stop-and-go behavior, density, speed, and spacing, to identify the factors influencing fuel consumption and emissions in roundabout traffic. Numerical verification confirmed the model’s effectiveness in replicating complex traffic flows at large roundabouts, while also revealing that driving behavior, particularly during lane entry, is a critical factor influencing fuel consumption and emissions. Therefore, we proposed four optimization strategies—two space-based and two behavior-based—aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing traffic efficiency. Simulation results demonstrated that the behavior-based strategies achieved reductions of up to 18.40%, 43.20%, 28.98%, and 30.02% in fuel consumption and emissions, along with an 8.88% increase in traffic efficiency. In contrast, the space-based strategies improved traffic efficiency by 10.26%, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 8.25%, 32.64%, 18.48%, and 18.09%. While the space-based strategies enhanced traffic efficiency more, their overall optimization effects were relatively modest. Thus, integrating these strategies can enhance roundabout traffic efficiency across varying conditions, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These findings can enhance our understanding of the traffic parameters affecting vehicular emissions, offering crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers to optimize roundabout design and management toward greater sustainability and environmental benefits.
Development of Aggregated Sustainability Indicators for Quality of Life Evaluations in Urban Areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhiyenbayev Meiran , Kunicina Nadezhda , Mansurova Madina , Patlins Antons , Caiko Jelena , Beliaev Vladimir , Grants Roberts , Bisenieks Martins , Shyntore Guldana
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel methodology for evaluating the quality of life in urban areas of Kazakhstan through the development of tailored sustainability indicators. While urban livability and sustainability are global concerns, few studies have focused on developing comprehensive, region-specific metrics for assessing these factors in Kazakhstan, a country with diverse urban environments and newly established administrative divisions. This research fills a critical gap by creating aggregated indicators that address economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural dimensions in a uniquely Kazakhstan context. The study goes beyond the existing literature by integrating local dynamics and challenges, offering a nuanced understanding of urban sustainability that reflects the country’s regional characteristics. The findings provide policymakers and urban planners with actionable insights to improve quality of life and make informed decisions. Moreover, the methodology is designed for ongoing application, allowing for continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving urban development strategies across Kazakhstan. This research advances the field by offering a replicable framework that can be adapted to other regions with similar complexities.
Dynamic Coupling Between Atmospheric CO2 Concentration and Land Surface Temperature in Major Urban Agglomerations in China: Insights for Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Sun Qiwen , Zhao Xuesheng , Hua Yiying
Published: November 2024

To provide new insights into the integrated management of carbon and heat for sustainable urban development, this study systematically investigates the complex relationship between atmospheric CO2 concentrations and land surface temperature (LST). Utilizing OCO-2 and OCO-3 satellite observations, combined with meteorological conditions, air pollutants, and spatial characteristics, a high-resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) monthly CO2 column concentration (XCO2) dataset for China spanning 2015 to 2022 was generated using the Random Forest algorithm. The study focuses on urban agglomerations, conducting centroid migration and coupling analyses of XCO2 and LST to elucidate their spatiotemporal distribution patterns and evolution. Results reveal significant seasonal variations in XCO2, which has exhibited a gradual increase over the years. The spatiotemporal distributions of XCO2 and LST in urban agglomerations show a high degree of consistency, with centroids either converging or following similar movement trajectories. Additionally, the degree of coupling and coordination between XCO2 and LST has improved annually, indicating a closer interrelationship. These findings enhance our understanding of climate system dynamics and provide essential scientific evidence and decision-making support for addressing climate change. By clarifying the connection between atmospheric CO2 and LST, this study contributes to the development of more effective strategies for carbon reduction and urban heat island mitigation, thereby advancing cities towards greener, lower-carbon, and more sustainable development pathways.
Carbon Emissions and Its Efficiency of Tourist Hotels in China from the Supply Chain Based on the Input–Output Method and Super-SBM Model
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xia Bing
Published: November 2024

After the COVID-19 epidemic, the recovery of tourism growth faced more pressure on carbon emissions. As an important sector of tourism economic recovery, the tourist hotels’ carbon emissions cannot be ignored. This study combined the EEIO (the environmentally extended input–output) model and Super-SBM (slacks-based measure) model to measure carbon emissions and its efficiency including indirect carbon emissions from the supply chain in China in 2002–2022. The results indicate that: Tourist hotels in most eastern provinces exhibit the U-shaped pattern in terms of carbon emissions. the majority of indirect carbon emissions from these hotels originate from the food and tobacco processing sectors. Indirect carbon emissions of tourist hotels in recent years might be decoupling with economic growth because of its decreasing trend. The implementation of energy-saving technology can enhance the carbon efficiency of tourist hotels, while regional economy growth can benefit the carbon emissions efficiency indirectly. Environmental pollution control investment and employment population are external driving factors affecting carbon emissions from tourist hotels. The objective of this study is to establish a scientific framework that promotes low-carbon development within the accommodation industry, both in China and comparable regions globally.
Integrative Benefits of Carbon Emission and Economic Cost for Self-Healing, Ultra-Thin Overlay Contained Steel Fiber
Authors: Wang Fusong , Li Xiaoqing , Huang Chao , Zhou Wangwang , Luan Dongxing
Published: November 2024

In recent years, self-healing, ultra-thin overlay has been recognized as an advanced technology and gradually applied in asphalt pavement maintenance, but its sustainability has not been well addressed quantitatively regarding practical maintenance projects. This study utilizes steel fiber as a media-induction material for self-healing, ultra-thin overlay and verifies its integrative benefits in terms of carbon emissions and economic costs from a six-year life-cycle perspective. The system framework and research boundary were developed to include the material extraction, on-site construction, later maintenance, and demolition phases. Meanwhile, carbon emissions and economic cost inventories were established through investigations of the test section of a maintenance project. The results indicated that self-healing, ultra-thin overlay could have benefits, with a reduction of 59.43% carbon emissions and 73.15% economic costs in the six-year life cycle, during which the material extraction phase generated over 50% of the carbon emissions and economic costs in self-healing, ultra-thin overlay due to the addition of steel fiber. Comparatively, the later maintenance phase caused the most environmental and financial impacts, with over half of the carbon emissions and costs. The obtained results could act as significant reference material for the sustainable maintenance implementation of asphalt pavement.
Analytical Model for Rate Transient Behavior of Co-Production between Coalbed Methane and Tight Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Shi Shi , Zhao Longmei , Wu Nan , Huang Li , Du Yawen , Cai Hanxing , Zhou Wenzhuo , Liang Yanzhong , Teng Bailu
Published: November 2024

Due to complex geological structures and potential environmental impacts, single-well production in coal-measure gas reservoirs is not satisfactory. Field studies have shown that co-production is a promising approach, which can efficiently and economically extract multiple gas resources. However, the literature lacks a mathematical model to accurately describe and predict the production behavior during co-production. Based on the five-linear flow model, this work presents an analytical solution to evaluate the production dynamics characteristics of co-production between coalbed methane and tight gas reservoirs. In addition, the proposed model accounts for factors such as dual-porosity media, the gas slippage effect, and the matrix shrinkage effect. With the aid of the model, sensitivity analyses of the Blasingame decline curve and the layered flux contribution are conducted. The calculation results show that a higher fracture conductivity, as well as a longer fracture length, lead to larger cumulative production. Additionally, increased layer thickness significantly boosts flux contribution throughout the production period. Finally, large boundary distances extend the duration of high flux contributions in late production. This research contributes to a better understanding of the production dynamics in coal-measure gas reservoirs and offers practical guidelines for reservoir management in co-production scenarios.
Exploring the Mechanisms Driving Sense of Community in a Smart Society in Wuhan: A Mixed-Methods Multidimensional Comparative Study
Authors: Zhang Le , Xu Xiaodong , Feng Luanye , Zhou Yuchen
Published: November 2024

In the context of China’s community governance, as a result of the insufficient willingness and ability of residents to participate, most communities have formed a “strong political–weak social” governance structure, which limits the effective expansion of social capital. To address this challenge and promote resident participation, achieving a “strong social and political” transformation in governance structure has become a core issue in current research. Meanwhile, “sense of community” serves as a crucial perspective in this research, which remains to be deepened in domestic studies and needs to consider the impact of emerging factors such as smart technologies. This study innovatively introduces affective events theory (AET), constructing a theoretical model and taking Wuhan as an example. By adopting quantitative and case comparison research methods, the paper delves into the factors influencing Wuhan residents’ sense of community in the context of a smart society and the promoting role of smart governance. On the basis of the findings, this paper presents the following conclusions: (1) Communities should attribute equal importance to the construction of both traditional and smart environments while reinforcing the leading and participatory roles of community administrators; (2) In the community’s daily governance processes, equal focus and importance must be attributed to both service delivery and engagement; (3) Communities must acknowledge the individual distinctions among residents and implement tailored governing strategies accordingly; (4) The government should prioritize the research and development of smart applications while boosting financial investments in the creation and operation of smart communities.
Women’s Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture: Preserving Traditional Knowledge Through Home Gardens in Santa Maria Jacatepec, Oaxaca
Authors: Acevedo-Ortiz Marco Aurelio , Lugo-Espinosa Gema , Ortiz-Hernández Yolanda Donají , Pérez-Pacheco Rafael , Ortiz-Hernández Fernando Elí , Granados-Echegoyen Carlos Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Rural communities in Oaxaca face challenges such as food insecurity, economic instability, and the loss of traditional agricultural knowledge. Home gardens, once essential for food production and income generation, have declined due to migration, environmental degradation, and modern agricultural pressures. This study evaluated how community-driven models, supported by crowdfunding, can revitalize home gardens to improve food security, build community resilience, and promote economic empowerment. A mixed-methods approach, including household surveys, interviews, and focus groups, was used to assess the impact of these gardens. The results showed that over 70% of households experienced improved food security and reduced reliance on external food sources. Home garden production also led to a 20% reduction in food expenses, and the sale of surplus crops provided additional income, enhancing household economic stability. Women’s involvement in agricultural decision-making increased, fostering empowerment within both family and community contexts. Traditional practices, such as seed saving and organic pest control, were maintained, contributing to the ecological sustainability of the gardens. Crowdfunding was an effective tool for financing home gardens, boosting community engagement and strengthening social bonds. The findings highlight the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern funding strategies to create resilient, sustainable agricultural systems in rural Oaxaca.
Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Machine Learning (ML) Modeling Employee Behavior with Management Towards the Economic Advancement of Workers
Authors: Lee Cristina
Published: November 2024

The role of employee behavior in organizations and their interaction with management is crucial in advancing the economic progress of workers. This study examines the impact of employee behavior and management practices on organizational performance and economic progress, using advanced artificial intelligence techniques to explore complex relationships and provide evidence-based strategies for sustainable workforce development. The research analyzes critical aspects such as job satisfaction, motivation, participation, and communication to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to economic development. It recognizes the dynamic relationship between employees and management, confirming the central role of effective leadership, communication, and teamwork in achieving positive results. The study emphasizes that harmonious cooperation between employees and management is necessary to create a favorable work environment that contributes to the economic development of workers. It utilizes an artificial neural network (ANN) to better understand the interdependencies between different parameters and their effects within the framework of this ongoing project. The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing practical implications for organizations seeking to optimize the employee–employer relationship and increase the overall workforce productivity. By understanding the complex dynamics between employee behavior and management practices, organizations can create a supportive environment that maximizes employee potential and contributes to sustainable economic growth. The findings demonstrate an accuracy of over 70%, indicating that enhancing job satisfaction and communication can significantly improve employee participation, productivity, and overall organizational performance.
Improving Safety in High-Altitude Work: Semantic Segmentation of Safety Harnesses with CEMFormer
Authors: Zhou Qirui , Liu Dandan
Published: November 2024

The symmetry between production efficiency and safety is a crucial aspect of industrial operations. To enhance the identification of proper safety harness use by workers at height, this study introduces a machine vision approach as a substitute for manual supervision. By focusing on the safety rope that connects the worker to an anchor point, we propose a semantic segmentation mask annotation principle to evaluate proper harness use. We introduce CEMFormer, a novel semantic segmentation model utilizing ConvNeXt as the backbone, which surpasses the traditional ResNet in accuracy. Efficient Multi-Scale Attention (EMA) is incorporated to optimize channel weights and integrate spatial information. Mask2Former serves as the segmentation head, enhanced by Poly Loss for classification and Log-Cosh Dice Loss for mask loss, thereby improving training efficiency. Experimental results indicate that CEMFormer achieves a mean accuracy of 92.31%, surpassing the baseline and five state-of-the-art models. Ablation studies underscore the contribution of each component to the model’s accuracy, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in ensuring worker safety.
Chromosomal Type II Toxin–Antitoxin Systems May Enhance Bacterial Fitness of a Hybrid Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Under Stress Conditions
Authors: Silva Jessika C. A. , Marques-Neto Lazaro M. , Carvalho Eneas , Del Carpio Alejandra M. G. , Henrique Camila , Leite Luciana C. C. , Mitsunari Thais , Elias Waldir P. , Munhoz Danielle D. , Piazza Roxane M. F.
Published: November 2024

The functions of bacterial plasmid-encoded toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are unambiguous in the sense of controlling cells that fail to inherit a plasmid copy. However, its role in chromosomal copies is contradictory, including stress-response-promoting fitness and antibiotic treatment survival. A hybrid pathogenic Escherichia coli strain may have the ability to colonize distinct host niches, facing contrasting stress environments. Herein, we determined the influence of multiple environmental stress factors on the bacterial growth dynamic and expression profile of previously described TA systems present in the chromosome of a hybrid atypical enteropathogenic and extraintestinal E. coli strain. Genomic analysis revealed 26 TA loci and the presence of five type II TA systems in the chromosome. Among the tested stress conditions, osmotic and acid stress significantly altered the growth dynamics of the hybrid strain, enhancing the necessary time to reach the stationary phase. Using qPCR analyses, 80% of the studied TA systems were differentially expressed in at least one of the tested conditions, either in the log or in the stationary phase. These data indicate that type II TA systems may contribute to the physiology of pathogenic hybrid strains, enabling their adaptation to different milieus.
Aerosolized Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Microcystin-LR Induces Type 1/Type 17 Inflammation of Murine Airways
Authors: Breidenbach Joshua D. , French Benjamin W. , Stanoszek Lauren M. , Lavik John-Paul , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Premathilaka Sanduni H. , Baliu-Rodriguez David , Timalsina Bivek , Aradhyula Vaishnavi , Patel Shivani C. , Lad Apurva , Syed Irum , Kleinhenz Andrew L. , Blomquist Thomas M. , Gohara Amira , Dube Prabhatchandra , Zhang Shungang , Faleel Dhilhani , Khalaf Fatimah K. , Isailovic Dragan , Wooten R. Mark , Willey James C. , Hammersley Jeffrey R. , Modyanov Nikolai N. , Malhotra Deepak , Dworkin Lance D. , Kennedy David J. , Haller Steven T.
Published: November 2024

Harmful algal blooms are increasing globally and pose serious health concerns releasing cyanotoxins. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the most frequently produced cyanotoxins, has recently been detected in aerosols generated by the normal motions of affected bodies of water. MC-LR aerosol exposure has been linked to a pro-inflammatory influence on the airways of mice; however, little is understood about the underlying mechanism or the potential consequences. This study aimed to investigate the pro-inflammatory effects of aerosolized MC-LR on murine airways. C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were exposed to MC-LR aerosols, as these strains are predisposed to type 1/type 17 and type 2 immune responses, respectively. Exposure to MC-LR induced granulocytic inflammation in C57BL/6 but not BALB/c mice, as observed by increased expression of cytokines MIP-1α, CXCL1, CCL2, and GM-CSF compared with their respective vehicle controls. Furthermore, the upregulation of interleukins IL-17A and IL-12 is consistent with Th1- and Th17-driven type 1/type 17 inflammation. Histological analysis confirmed inflammation in the C57BL/6 lungs, with elevated neutrophils and macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and increased pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving oxidized lipids. In contrast, BALB/c mice showed no significant airway inflammation. These results highlight the ability of aerosolized MC-LR to trigger harmful airway inflammation, requiring further research, particularly into populations with predispositions to type 1/type 17 inflammation.
Critical Infrastructures in Informal Settlements of Maputo City, Mozambique: The Importance of Interdependencies for Interventions Prioritization
Authors: Cabrita Sílvia , Matos José Saldanha , Ferreira Filipa
Published: November 2024

In Africa, the urban population and informal settlements are increasing, resulting in additional public health and environmental risks and challenges related to the need for basic and sustainable infrastructures and services. In Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, at least 80% of the city is composed of informal settlements, and although some areas are regularized and have approved urbanization plans, the municipality has major deficiencies in meeting current demands in terms of basic infrastructures, such as water supply, sewerage, solid wastes, energy, roads, and communications. Most of the peri-urban areas are occupied by small but overcrowded houses, mostly self-built, served by unpaved roads, and with access limitations. The water pipe network is almost non-existent, and the same occurs with stormwater drainage, sanitation, waste collection, and public illumination services. Despite the improvements made in the last few years, some households still do not have safe sanitation, and in some neighborhoods, open defecation still prevails. In this study, the authors try to understand and explore the interdependences among the infrastructures of the different sectors and how they may jointly contribute to adequate services and a better life for the urban poor. And how to identify the combination of infrastructures to be implemented in the short term in the face of limited budgets for investments. For that purpose, a simplified conceptual approach is proposed and applied to an informal neighborhood in Maputo.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Chimeric Genotype VII Newcastle Disease Vaccine: Overcoming Maternal Antibody Interference and Spray Administration
Authors: Wang Xiaoquan , Yao Yao , Yang Wenhao , Lu Xiaolong , Gao Ruyi , Liu Kaituo , Chen Yu , Gu Min , Hu Jiao , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiufan , Liu Xiaowen
Published: November 2024

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry, with the emergence of genotype VII NDV leading to extensive outbreaks and economic losses. Vaccination is the primary means of controlling NDV, but the presence of maternal antibodies (MDAs) can interfere with the immunological effect of live virus vaccines. Thus, we constructed a chimeric NDV live virus vaccine, LX-OAI4S, by replacing the extracellular regions of the F and HN genes of the NDV LX strain with the corresponding regions of the A-VII vaccine strain. The chimeric vaccine LX-OAI4S demonstrated high genetic stability, good safety, and strong reproductive capacity in chicken embryos. The LX-OAI4S vaccine induced rapid antibody production in specific pathogen-free (SPF) and commercial chickens via the intranasal and intraocular (IN/IO) routes, with hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers reaching 4.71 ± 1.03 log2 at 7 days post-vaccination (dpv), significantly higher than those of the two classical vaccine strains La Sota and VG/GA. The LX-OAI4S vaccine group provided effective protection against the challenge of genotype VII NDV virulent strain JS2/06 and inhibited viral shedding. When administered via spray, the LX-OAI4S vaccine elicited high systemic immunity against NDV in both SPF and commercial chickens, effectively protecting against clinical disease and reducing viral shedding. The chickens were exposed to high-dose vaccine for spray vaccination, and no adverse reactions were observed after vaccination. Despite the presence of anti-NDV MDAs in chickens, the NDV-specific antibody titers were significantly greater in the vaccinated groups than in the unvaccinated group. The vaccine exhibited high immunogenicity and the potential to overcome maternal antibody interference. The LX-OAI4S vaccine is a promising candidate for an ND vaccine. Its administration via spray can effectively prevent the occurrence of ND, making it a valuable tool for the poultry industry.
Prognostic Value of Clinicopathological Parameters Assessed During Admission of Foals with Neonatal Encephalopathy and Comorbidities Developed During Hospitalization
Authors: Vilela e Maia Alexandra , Pimenta José , Cotovio Mário
Published: November 2024

Neonatal encephalopathy represents a broad neurological syndrome which encompasses newborn foals presenting a variety of non-infectious neurologic signs and/or abnormal behaviors in the immediate postpartum period. It is recognized as the most predominant neurological disorder in neonatal foals. Prognostic factors can guide clinicians in medical decision-making, aiding in the establishment of survival probabilities. The aim of this work was to scrutinize the prognostic value of clinical and laboratorial findings upon admission and posterior comorbidities developed during hospitalization, assessing their influence on the outcome of foals with NE. For this purpose, the medical records of 61 neonatal foals with a primary diagnosis of NE were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival rate was 57.4%. Most foals presented recumbency at admission, which was associated with higher mortality rates (p = 0.002). Hypothermic foals at admission were 4.85 times more likely to succumb (p = 0.015). The presence of hypoglycemia at admission was associated with higher mortality rates (p = 0.002). Foals with hypercreatinemia at admission had 6.67 times greater odds of dying. The development of seizures contributed to 4.14 greater odds of dying. Foals that developed comorbidities during hospitalization had 40.1 times greater odds of dying, with pneumonia and sepsis being the most relevant comorbidities. In foals with NE, rectal temperature, hematocrit, blood glucose, and creatinine concentrations are simple, quick-to-measure parameters that may have prognostic value during admission.
The Effects of the Fire Hose Square Knot Browser as a Foraging Enrichment Device on the Behavior of Captive Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Rianti Puji , Anisa Tamara M. , Darusman Huda S.
Published: November 2024

Effective management of captive M. fascicularis (long-tailed macaques) is crucial for maintaining high-quality research models, necessitating strategies to promote their welfare. This study evaluated the impact of a foraging enrichment device, the “fire hose square knot browser”, on the behavior of 32 long-tailed macaques at the Primate Research Center of IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia. We observed and analyzed daily behaviors across various food types over 288 h using scan and instantaneous sampling methods. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests, revealed significant behavioral changes in the presence of the foraging enrichment device. The foraging enrichment device notably increased eating and affiliative behaviors, while reducing resting, agonistic, and stereotypic behaviors. No significant differences in eating, auto-grooming, resting, sexual, agonistic, or stereotypic behaviors were observed between the morning and afternoon. However, mobility and affiliation behaviors varied between these periods. The highest percentage of eating behavior occurred with the enrichment foraging device and a mixture of fruits. Furthermore, a three-way non-parametric analysis suggests a significant effect of food type and treatment on behaviors such as mobility and stereotyping. These findings underscore the positive impact of foraging enrichment devices on promoting active behavior and enhancing animal welfare in captive long-tailed macaques.
Multi-Scale Evaluation of ERA5 Air Temperature and Precipitation Data over the Poyang Lake Basin of China
Authors: Yan Xie , Zhang Meng , Yin Fangxu , You Jiewen , Chen Ying , Gao Lu
Published: November 2024

Reanalysis datasets, such as ERA5, are essential for climate research, offering comprehensive spatiotemporal coverage. However, their accuracy needs thorough evaluation for effective regional application, particularly in areas with complex topography like the Poyang Lake Basin (PLB), China’s largest freshwater lake. This study evaluated ERA5’s accuracy in simulating near-surface air temperature and precipitation in the PLB, using data from 24 meteorological stations. Key metrics, such as the correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) were applied across daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. The results show that ERA5 performs well for daily mean temperature, with daily R values above 0.98 and RMSEs ranging from 0.95 °C to 3.11 °C. Its highest accuracy was in February and March, with R values exceeding 0.95, and seasonal trends were best captured in spring and autumn (R > 0.99). However, ERA5’s performance for precipitation was less accurate, with daily R values between 0.578 and 0.687 and RMSEs between 8.58 mm and 11.10 mm. ERA5 consistently overestimated precipitation, particularly during 1980–2003. These findings highlight ERA5’s strengths in temperature modeling and its limitations in precipitation, providing insights for identifying climate events and improving climate simulation in the PLB.
Dynamics of Barred Coast at Different Temporal Scales (by the Example of Vistula Spit in the Baltic Sea)
Authors: Korzinin Dmitry , Leont’yev Igor
Published: November 2024

According to fundamental concepts, the morphodynamic system of an accumulative sandy coast with underwater bars exhibits cyclic behavior across various time scales. This raises the question: which factor is more significant for the dynamics of a given coast—individual storms or seasonal changes in wave activity? While observations and studies addressing this issue have primarily been conducted on oceanic coasts, there is a lack of comparable data for fetch-limited areas. Monitoring of the bottom topography along the west coast of Vistula Spit (Baltic Sea) revealed a cyclic behavior in morphology, transitioning from a straightened external bar to its connection with the shore. Analysis of field measurement results indicated that seasonal variations in wave intensity do not significantly impact coastal relief. Furthermore, it was found that the complete cycle of underwater bar evolution lasts approximately two years, during which the coast profile maintains a stable shape at the stage of the straightened external bar. The identification of the primary factor influencing coastal evolution can be characterized by the Dean number (Ω), which combines wave parameters (wave height and period) with sediment fall velocity. Utilizing ERA5 wave reanalysis data, we compared the variability of Ω values on both annual and monthly scales. The analysis revealed that for the section of the coast under consideration, there is no clearly dominant evolutionary factor; rather, the coast is influenced approximately equally by individual storm events and seasonal fluctuations in wave energy. Modeling storm-induced bed profile deformations using the CROSS-PB model demonstrated that the position of the external underwater bar remains nearly constant even during intense and prolonged storms. It is concluded that under specific conditions—determined by a combination of sediment size, coastal slope, and wave regime characteristics—the coast can remain stable, exhibiting minimal response to relatively strong storms and seasonal variations in wave energy. Such coasts are characterized by an absence of a dominant evolutionary factor as indicated by fluctuations in the Dean parameter, allowing their morphodynamic cycles to span several seasons. This type of morphodynamics in coastal accumulative relief appears to be typical for conditions found in fetch-limited areas, such as regional and semi-closed seas.
N-Chloramine Functionalized Polymer Gels for Point-of-Use Water Disinfection
Authors: Estrella-You Ana , Duti Israt Jahan , Luo Qinmo , Harris Jamie D. , Letteri Rachel A. , Smith James A.
Published: November 2024

Combinations of metal disinfectants (i.e., silver and copper) with chlorine in doses that meet the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water operate synergistically to provide superior drinking water disinfection across a wide range of pathogens. Moreover, the combination of disinfectants allows for lower chlorine levels and a less objectionable taste and odor to the treated water (some people can taste or smell chlorine at concentrations as low as 300 μg/L). Towards chlorine-releasing materials for combination with silver- or copper-releasing materials in point-of-use water disinfection, N-chloramine containing polymer gels were developed and their potential for E. coli bacteria inactivation was assessed in deionized water that contained salts to simulate groundwater. Following the chlorination of gels containing chloramine precursors, these gels capably inactivated E. coli, achieving log10 reductions—depending on the gel mass—ranging from 1.1 to 4.5. While chlorine released from the gels was not spectroscopically detected, free chlorine solutions inactivated E. coli in a concentration-dependent way, with 5 and 20 μg/L Cl2 yielding log10 reductions of 0.43 and 1.69, respectively, suggesting that low levels of chlorine, below both the limit of detection of spectroscopic assays (ca. 40 μg/L Cl2) and levels known to create adverse taste and smell, are sufficient to inactivate bacteria. Unchlorinated gels or chlorinated control styrene gels (without chloramine precursor) did not inactivate bacteria, suggesting that disinfection did not come from the precursor or from chlorine trapped in the gels after chlorination. In addition, these gels were evaluated together with the MadiDrop (MD, a commercial silver-ceramic tablet) and a copper screen that release silver and copper disinfectants, respectively. Combinations of the gel and MD produced E. coli inactivation close to 2-log10 reduction, with the combination, gels alone, and MD alone achieving 1.86-, 1.10-, and 0.69-log10 reduction, respectively. When the gels were combined with the copper screen, however, neither an increase nor a decrease in bacterial reduction was observed compared to that achieved with the gels alone. The laboratory results in this study are promising and suggest the potential for chloramine-functionalized gels to serve as an alternative to existing commercial chlorine-based POU technologies and in combination with silver-based POU technologies.
Grain Size in an Alpine Lake from the Chinese Loess Plateau: Implications for Paleofloods and East Asian Summer Monsoon Variability
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yu Keke , Li Aizhen , Li Tianao , Xin Suyue
Published: November 2024

Reliable paleoflood proxies can help reconstruct past flood variation patterns. Here, we investigated the grain-size data of a 63 cm core retrieved from Lake Chaonaqiu, western Chinese Loess Plateau, in order to build a long time-series of flood occurrence from sedimentology that extends the period of instrumental data. Our results indicate that three parameters (mean, standard deviation and grain-size ratio of 16–63/2–16 μm) are sensitive to hydrodynamic changes in Lake Chaonaqiu, which are further linked to high-energy inflow associated with high-intensity rainfall or flood events. These three parameters’ variations were well correlated with the precipitation records reconstructed from tree-rings and historical documents in neighboring regions and overlapped with 109 historical flood events from historical documents in counties around the lake for the past 300 years. Therefore, we propose that the grain size in the sediments of Lake Chaonaqiu is a reliable paleoflood proxy. The sensitivity of flood signals to grain size may be related to the precipitation and vegetation cover in the catchment of the lake, which are further linked to the strength of the East Asian summer monsoon.
Contribuições do Projeto Bagagem para o Turismo de Base Comunitária brasileiro
Authors: Moraes Werter Valentim , Marques Ederon Borges , Oliveira Polyana Ferreira de Oliveira
Published: November 2024

O Projeto Bagagem é uma Organização Não Governamental (ONG), que tem como princípio fomentar o turismo de base comunitária – TBC brasileiro desde o ano de 2002. O legado para o TBC brasileiro, se deu ao destacá-lo enquanto atividades que primam pela atratividade do modo de vida comunitário, a partilha cultural e sua gestão compartilhada. Após 20 anos, o balanço de sua representatividade é positivo, pois construiu junto ao trade, estratégias para que as atividades dos atores locais e das entidades representativas comunitárias, tenham visibilidade. O presente estudo descritivo vem relatar as experiências do Projeto Bagagem que, a partir de iniciativas de articulações, parcerias, produções de material técnico científico, planejamento e ordenamento de destinos, entre outros envolvimentos, contribuíram para o fortalecimento do turismo de base comunitária no Brasil. Essas contribuições foram sistematizadas através da análise documental, estando todos os registros no canal do Projeto Bagagem no YouTube e na plataforma ISSUU. Como co-criador da Rede Brasileira de Turismo Solidário e Comunitária – TURISOL, o Projeto Bagagem esteve presente em eventos internacionais levando o TBC brasileiro. A ONG foi sócia estratégica da Rede Mundial de Turismo Comunitário de 2021 a 2023. O staff compreendendo sua diretoria realizou o primeiro mapeamento brasileiro de iniciativas de TBC, sendo referenciado em trabalhos técnicos científicos, consultado por entidades públicas, privadas e terceiro setor, e, demandado por agências de TBC a nível nacional e internacional. Suas ações se fazem articuladas com a Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Universidade Estadual do Amazonas – UEA, entre outras. Balizou conceitos, priorizou a governança de destinos comunitários, e, destaca a importância de uma política pública federal como a proposta das 13 estratégias para o TBC apresentada ao governo federal.
Ecoturismo na Área de Proteção Ambiental das Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná, Rosana (SP)
Authors: Santos Roger Lima dos , Denkewicz Patricia
Published: November 2024

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a possibilidade de ampliação das práticas do ecoturismo na APA das Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná, tendo em vista que o município faz parte Unidade de Conservação Federal. A globalização, o turismo em massa, os impactos adversos do turismo hegemônico juntamente com a preocupação ambiental desencadearam o surgimento de novos segmentos do turismo, como por exemplo, o ecoturismo, o qual se apresenta como uma alternativa para harmonizar a preservação ambiental com o desenvolvimento turístico. Este segmento se baseia nos princípios da sustentabilidade e da interculturalidade, os quais podem ser importantes para áreas consideradas sensíveis ambientalmente, como é o caso da área de estudo.  A metodologia adotada para esse trabalho seguiu uma abordagem qualitativa, em que as entrevistas e a observação direta foram empregadas como técnicas de coleta de dados, para análise dos resultados optou-se pelo emparelhamento teórico-prático. Como resultado, constatou-se que há possibilidade de  ampliação das práticas do ecoturismo na APA das Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná, uma vez que há uma variedade de atrativos e o interesse da população e da gestão turística municipal em desenvolver o referido segmento.
Turismo e degradação ambiental na praia de Zalala- Zambézia
Authors: Choe João Francisco de Carvalho , Neves Jossias Salatiel Chifuco , Tivana António Bozobozo
Published: November 2024

O objetivo central do presente artigo é compreender o fenômeno da degradação ambiental na praia de Zalala, a 30 km da cidade de Quelimane. Em Moçambique, o turismo é difundido como uma atividade econômica fundamental, dado que para muitas regiões é apontado como sendo responsável por gerar empregos e renda. Nesse contexto, o governo, em coordenação com os seus parceiros, tem criado condições para viabilização de negócios turísticos. E como resultado dessas ações político-administrativas, o estudo partiu com os pressupostos de que na praia de Zalala há um registo de crescimento de empreendimentos turísticos, há ainda fixação de painéis de publicidade e de sinalização pública. Em termos de metodologia, baseou-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. A partir dos resultados de várias pesquisas e documentos, que analisaram o comportamento do público que frequenta a praia da Zalala e dos dados aqui revelados, constata-se que o público não tem cuidado com os resíduos sólidos, o que faz com que provoca há degradação ambiental na praia. Os utentes desta praia após os momentos de lazer têm descartado resíduos sólidos, tais como: garrafas plásticas e de vidros, latas, vestuário, chinelos, sapatilhas, sapatos, copos descartáveis, copos de plásticos e de vidros, talheres descartáveis, sobras de comida, e outros.
Analisis Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kepuasan Pengguna Media Sosial X Menggunakan Metode End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS)
Authors: Rahayu Flourensia Sapty , Pritalia Generosa Lukhayu , Kurniawan Felix
Published: November 2024

Aplikasi media sosial adalah salah satu teknologi berbasis internet yang menghubungkan masyarakat dalam mengekspresikan diri, melakukan kolaborasi, dan menyebarkan serta memperoleh data informasi secara digital. Beberapa tahun belakangan ini, aplikasi media sosial Twitter menuai kontroversi akibat diakuisisi dan melakukan rebranding menjadi X dimana merupakan aplikasi microblogging yang memungkinkan penggunanya dalam mengunggah status atau opini terkait suatu objek atau fenomena, menyiarkan berita, periklanan, hingga isu politik. Sampai saat ini, X belum diketahui telah terbukti mampu memberikan kepuasan terhadap penggunanya dimana akan bermanfaat apabila hal tersebut dievaluasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang berkontribusi terhadap tingkat kepuasan pengguna aplikasi media sosial X dengan End-User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) sebagai teori dan model penelitian. Metodologi dari penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan melibatkan 384 responden. Data dari responden diolah dan dianalisa dengan bantuan software Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan responden pengguna aplikasi media sosial X merasakan kepuasan yang cukup baik dimana setiap faktor dari EUCS yaitu konten, akurasi, tampilan, kemudahan penggunaan, serta ketepatan waktu secara signifikan dan parsial mempengaruhi kepuasan pengguna aplikasi media sosial X.
Analysis of LoRaWAN Network Signal Coverage and Quality Parameters in Real-Time: Case Study of Cikumpa River Water Quality Monitoring, Depok City
Authors: Ariansa Hasri , Pratama Legenda Prameswono , Faizah Safira , Putri Arisa Olivia , Jaenul Ariep , Dionova Brainvendra Widi , Al-Humairi Safaa Najah Sahud , Mohammed M. N.
Published: November 2024

In the context of an increasingly advanced era, Internet of Things (IoT) technology has emerged as a significant innovation across a range of fields. One of the most rapidly developing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). LoRaWAN is capable of long-distance communication while simultaneously consuming minimal power. In this study, we analyze the coverage of the LoRaWAN network in transmitting data with Cikumpa river water objects, with a 100–600 meters distance between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). This study assesses the RSSI network quality, LoRaWAN SNR, and LoRaWAN network QoS quality concerning throughput, delay, jitter, and packet loss parameters. The testing results demonstrated that the LoRaWAN network coverage reaches a maximum distance of 600 meters. Researchers conducted the testing in the Cikumpa River area. They then analyzed the RSSI and SNR test results in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The results of the RSSI test and calculations demonstrate that as the distance between the transmitter and receiver increases, the RSSI value decreases. The RSSI testing conducted in the morning exhibited a range of -99 dBm to -121 dBm, with the SNR values spanning from -3.25 dB to 8.75 dB. The results of the daytime RSSI tests ranged from -104 dBm to -124 dBm, with the corresponding SNR values ranging from -8.50 dB to 9.00 dB. The RSSI test results for the afternoon period exhibited a range of -96 dBm to -120 dBm, while the SNR demonstrated a range of -7.25 dB to 9.00 dB. In addition, the quality of service (QoS) can be considered stable based on the results of the RSSI and SNR for each test. During the testing process, conducted at distances between 100 and 600 meters, there was no packet loss when data transmission occurred. This research demonstrates the potential for utilizing LoRaWAN technology to monitor a desired object remotely.