Capacity Index Research Articles

The application of policy composite indicators to predicting the health risk and recovery: a global comparative investigation

ObjectivesThere emerges increasing doubt regarding whether the policy composite indicators are applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few early studies demonstrate that the association between some composite indicators of policy preparedness and the risk of COVID-19 is statistically insignificant, and the relation between any composite indicators and recovery process (e.g., vaccination coverage) remains unexplored. To examine the relation between composite indicators and pandemic risk (as well as the vaccination coverage) with robustness, this study applies different policy preparedness indicators by using data from multi-sources. Study designA cross-sectional analysis was performed. MethodRegression analysis is adopted to examine the relation between four policy preparedness indicators (i.e., [1] International Health Regulations core capacity index, [2] Global Health Security Index, [3] epidemic preparedness index, and [4] World Governance Index) and COVID-19-confirmed cases/death/vaccination coverage at different time points. The linear regression is performed, and the spatial distribution of indicators are illustrated. ResultsCountries with higher ranking in policy preparedness indexes can experience less severity of pandemic risk (e.g., confirmed cases and mortality) and faster recovery process (e.g., higher vaccination coverage). However, slight disparity in effectiveness exists across different indicators. ConclusionResults show that the policy preparedness indicators have predictive value of the confirmed cases, mortality, and vaccination coverage of COVID-19 pandemic, given sufficiently long-time span is observed.

A Study on Resource Carrying Capacity and Early Warning of Urban Agglomerations of the Yellow River Basin Based on Sustainable Development Goals, China

The Yellow River Basin is an essential ecological barrier in China, but it is relatively underdeveloped. The human–land relationship needs to be coordinated, and the ecological environment is fragile, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of the urban agglomeration in the Yellow River Basin. In this study, a “five-dimensional integrated” comprehensive carrying capacity evaluation model is constructed using the five dimensions of water, land, ecology, monitoring, and early warning to evaluate its resource carrying capacity quantitatively. It constructs an early warning system of the resource carrying capacity based on the quantitative evaluation results and monitors the state of the resource carrying capacity. The results show that (1) seven major urban agglomerations’ populations, grain productions, and land are surplus, and 50.85% of prefecture-level cities have food surpluses regarding human–food relationships. (2) There are shortages in the urban agglomeration’s water resources and a deficit in the water resource carrying capacity. (3) The average ecological carrying capacity index is 0.519, indicating a state of ecological affluence. (4) The comprehensive resource carrying capacity is defined as level-three heavy-load conditions, while 67%, 22%, and 14% of cities have level-one, -two, and -three heavy-load conditions, respectively. This study can aid in the monitoring of the resource carrying status of the Yellow River Basin. These results provide a scientific basis for effectively restraining the utilization and development of natural resources in the Yellow River Basin. It can also provide a research paradigm for the world’s river basins, as well as the sustainable development of man and nature in the world.

Vibration characteristics and seismic performance of historical buildings with brick-wood structures

To explore the vibration characteristics and seismic performance of historical buildings in Tianjin, we conducted on-site vibration testing under ambient vibration on three historical buildings with brick-wood structures in Tianjin. Specifically, we delved into the vibration characteristics and seismic performance of historic buildings with brick-wood structures by establishing the vibration analysis model, performing the theoretical calculations, and conducting seismic performance analysis. The results reveal that 1) the vibration frequencies of historical buildings with brick-wood structures are low, mainly concentrated in 2.0-8.0 Hz, which conforms to the vibration range of general buildings; 2) based on vibration analysis, it is concluded that the structural integrity of these buildings is good and there are no obvious structural defects; 3) the layout and storey height of historical buildings have great impacts on the vibration characteristics and seismic performance. 4) the comprehensive seismic capacity index of three buildings ranges from 0.91 to 1.75. The results of dynamic analysis under ambient vibration are consistent with those of theoretical analysis, providing a basis for preserving and reinforcing historical buildings.

Effect of productive capacities on tax revenue mobilization: Evidence from Sub‐Saharan African countries

This paper analyzes the effects of productive capacities on tax revenue mobilization in 37 Sub‐Saharan African countries. Using the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) approach, the results show that productive capacities measured by the aggregate Productive Capacity Index (PCI) and its eight components, namely human and natural capital, energy, transport, Information and communication technologies, private sector, institutions and structural change positively and significantly affect total tax revenue mobilization. For example, an increase in one point of the PCI corresponds to an increase in total tax revenues by 0.0016 point. The effect of productive capacities also remains positive and significant on tax revenues, even when disaggregated into direct and indirect taxes. This paper contributes empirically to highlighting the importance of productive capacity in tax revenue mobilization. Hence, strengthening productive capacities is important to enhance tax revenue mobilization in Sub‐Saharan African countries. To meet the current challenges of mobilizing the fiscal resources needed to meet international agendas, Sub‐Saharan African countries must not only work to strengthen overall productive capacity, but also promote the quality of institutions, transport and energy, invest in human capital, create the conditions for real structural transformation, promote good digital governance and a more dynamic private sector.

Research on Tourism Environment Carrying Capacity Evaluation of Tourism Demonstration Area Based on Objective Optimization Method in the Perspective of Territorial Tourism

Abstract Based on the analysis of the influence of core subjects on the carrying capacity of the tourism environment, this paper constructs the “PSR” mechanism and builds the urban tourism environmental carrying capacity index system from three perspectives of natural, economic and social components of the tourism environmental system. The article researches the tourism environmental carrying capacity from three perspectives: economic benefit, social benefit, and environmental benefit, and constructs the objective function from three perspectives: maximizing the average tourism economic income, minimizing the emission of pollutants, and maximizing the number of accommodated subjects. Taking the state of the tourism environmental carrying capacity index as the constraint, the multi-objective optimization model of tourism environmental carrying capacity is constructed, and the optimization model is simulated and solved with the help of NSGA-II to provide a reference for the choice of decision-makers scheme. According to the evaluation of the tourism environment carrying capacity by the formula, the tourism environment carrying capacity coefficient increased from 0.1118 in 2012 to 0.8434 in 2021. The natural tourism environment carrying capacity coefficient increased from 0.2686 to 0.7893, the economic tourism environment carrying capacity coefficient increased from 0.064 to 0.8183, and the social tourism environment carrying capacity coefficient increased from 0.0925 to 0.9248. The evaluation and optimization of tourism environment carrying capacity conducted in this paper are of practical research value for guiding the sustainable development of tourism destinations.

A New Method of Building Envelope Thermal Performance Evaluation Considering Window–Wall Correlation

This study proposes a new method to accurately evaluate the overall building envelope thermal performance considering the window–wall correlation, providing a new tool for building thermal design. Firstly, a non-stationary room heat transfer model is established based on the Resistance-Capacity Network method. The influence of solar heat gain through the windows on the heat transfer process of the walls in the actual environment is considered, and the room’s integrated thermal resistance and integrated heat capacity indexes describing the overall room thermal resilience performance are proposed. Then, a field research test is conducted around Lhasa to obtain the local dwelling information, climate conditions, and indoor thermal environment. Numerical simulations using EnergyPlus are made to verify the effectiveness of the indexes in describing the overall building (maximum difference within 3.67% MBE and 2.92% CVRMSE) based on the field test results. Finally, the proposed envelope thermal performance index is used to analyze the local residential buildings around Lhasa. The results show that the lack of consideration of window–wall correlation has led to the failure of a local newly built building’s actual envelope performance to meet the design requirements. These findings could help to develop the thermal design method of the building envelope.

Dynamic change of forest ecological carrying rate in Yunnan province

Based on the concept of green development, with Yunnan Province as the research object and forest ecological carrying rate as the target layer, two sub-systems of forest ecological carrying capacity and environmental pollution pressure were constructed. The TOPSIS method was used to calculate the forest ecological carrying capacity and environmental pollution pressure index of Yunnan Province from 2011 to 2020, so as to obtain the forest ecological carrying rate. The results showed that: (1) the forest ecological carrying capacity index in Yunnan Province increased first, then decreased and then increased in the past 10 years. (2) The environmental pollution pressure index of Yunnan Province showed an overall rising trend in the past 10 years. (3) The forest ecological carrying rate in Yunnan Province is still in overload state. Therefore, to improve the level of forest ecological carrying capacity in Yunnan Province, it is necessary to formulate relevant policies from two aspects: forest ecological carrying capacity and environmental pollution.

Division Method of Dynamic Flow Units in Fluvial Reservoir at Ultra-high Water Cut Period

The heterogeneity of fluvial sedimentary reservoir is serious. The division of flow units in the early stage of development can provide a good guidance in the well pattern distribution and reservoir production. Due to the huge changes in the oil-water system in the long-term development reservoir, the flow units divided at the initial stage are difficult to guide the production when entering the ultra-high water cut period. Therefore, it is necessary to redefine the division indicators and methods of flow units, so as to provide support for the formulation of efficient regulation and control technology. Starting from the definition of flow unit, this paper establishes the percolation coefficient as the characteristic index of percolation capacity. Combined with the percolation characteristics of fluvial reservoir, the dynamic flow unit division method with percolation coefficient and water cut as division parameters is established. Through the division results of typical models of fluvial reservoir, it can be seen that the four types of flow units divided by the dynamic flow unit method in this paper can play a great guiding role in the later formulation of regulation and control measures. The verification of reservoir examples shows that the division results of dynamic flow units of fluvial facies can well reflect the remaining oil enrichment areas in the reservoir and classify the remaining oil enrichment areas. At the same time, the dynamic flow unit changes continuously with the development process, which can more clearly show the producing degree of each remaining oil enrichment area after the regulation and control measures. This provides a key support for formulating targeted and efficient reservoir development technique.

Functional, physicochemical, and structural properties of the hydrolysates derived from the abalone (Haliotis discus subsp hannai Ino) foot muscle proteins.

This study was conducted to investigate functional, physicochemical, and structural properties of abalone foot muscle proteins (AFPs) and their hydrolysates (HAFPs) obtained using animal protease (HA), papain (HPP), and Protamex® (HP) at different time points. The HA-hydrolysate obtained after 0.5h of treatment demonstrated the highest solubility at pH 7.0 (84.19%); the HPP-hydrolysate at 4h exhibited the highest degree of hydrolysis (11.4%); the HPP-hydrolysate at 0.5h had the highest oil holding capacity (2.62g/g) and emulsion stability index (39.73min), and the HP-hydrolysate at 4h had the highest emulsifying activity index (93.23m2/g) and foaming stability (91.45%); Regarding the physicochemical properties, the HPP-hydrolysates revealed the largest particle size, higher absolute zeta potential, and superior interfacial activity. Structural characterization demonstrated the enzymolysis-based changes in the composition and the secondary structure of the AFPs. These results provide practical support for the theoretical basis of the use of AFPs as a source of nutritive proteins in the food industry.

A single control area policy as a threat to food security in West Lombok Regency

Land conversion from agriculture to non-agriculture is currently taking place, and it is suspected that it will become more massive if the single-area policy is enforced. The study aims to modify the formulation of the carrying capacity index of sustainable food-agriculture land in accordance with the single-control regional policy to maintain self-sufficiency in rice food. Primary data collection uses survey techniques, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Secondary data was obtained by applying the desk study literacy method. The projected rice demand data of the population is multiplied by the average need for rice per person, while the food supply is calculated by average land productivity and annual cropping index. The land carrying capacity index can be modified from a production needs approach to a paddy field needs approach, and the land carrying capacity index can be used to analyze sustainable food needs. Food security in West Lombok District is able to return to self-sufficiency in food until 2030, but due to the policy of a single control area, food self-sufficiency is threatened with however, unless increasing the cropping index to 300% per annum.

Comparative Analysis of Speed Endurance Production and Maintenance Drills: A Study on Enhancing Performance in Hockey Players

Hockey features a variety of high-intensity motions that cause tiredness during the most intense moments of play. During these gaming phases, anaerobic energy turnover and muscular activation are significant, which may exhaust the physiological mechanisms that fight tiredness. Objective: To determine the effects of speed endurance production and speed endurance maintenance drills on hockey players. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Gojra hockey club, Gojra. Total sample size was 60 male healthy field hockey players. Participants were selected by sealed envelope method and divided into Group A (speed endurance production) and Group B (speed endurance maintenance). Speed endurance production group received very high intensity training around 30 seconds exercise interval time followed by 2-3 minutes rest period to guarantee sufficient recovery time. Speed endurance maintenance training group involve small side games in 30-60 sec similar recovery time. The data were analysed using SPSS 23.0. Results: The age of participants with mean± SD was 21.60 ± 4.6. SEP and SEM techniques were applied in both groups. The result shows significant effect with (p˂0.05) in all respective tests: 50-meter, 400-meter, yo-yo distance and yo-yo Intermittent Recovery 2 and non-significant with (p˃0.05) in 100-meter, 200-meter and fatigue index test in between group analysis. It shows statistically significant effect within groups. Conclusions: Study concluded that speed endurance production and speed endurance maintenance is effective in improving intermittent exercise capacity and fatigue index in both groups.

The Comparison Of Leading Sector Analysis Of Medan City And Nias Regency (Case Study 2017-2021)

The specific skills discussed in the research are the leading sectors in the economic system. Medan City and Nias Regency are two areas within the jurisdiction of North Sumatra Province. The two regions have differences in geographical location, making them both have differences in the economy's structure. In terms of economic growth, the two regions showed differences where Medan City is superior in percentage growth. A significant difference between the two regions is the significant difference in the status of the Regional Fiscal Capacity Index. This study aims to identify the leading sectors owned by Medan City and Nias Regency in the 2017-2021 observation period. The method used is descriptive quantitative by using analytical tools in the form of LQ and DLQ analysis, Klasen Typology, Shift-Share Analysis, and Overlay Analysis. The results showed that Medan City does not have a leading sector at all and Nias Regency has one leading sector in the form of the mining and quarrying sector. This study provides recommendations for the Medan City Government and Nias Regency Government to re-evaluate economic policies, especially related to sectors experiencing a slowdown, progressive sectors, and leading sectors in their respective regions.

The influence of swimming sports on teenagers' physical health

Long-term adherence to swimming is conducive to improving the human heart and lung endurance, improving the function of the respiratory system, improving the metabolism and the ability of the muscle system, treating and preventing chronic diseases, etc. Swimming has a strong and practical value in military, production, survival skills and life services. Guiding teenagers to actively participate in swimming can improve their physical health and promote the formation of their lifelong awareness of physical exercise. In this paper, the students of a university in Nanchang (nonsports major) are taken as the research object, and the physical health of young swimmers is investigated experimentally by using the method of literature, questionnaire, test and mathematical statistics. The findings of the study show that: After 12 weeks of planned intervention exercise, the BMI of male students was 22.32±3.17, that of female students was 19.24±2.54, that of female students was 58.24±0.25, that of female students was 53.14±2.15. In terms of physical fitness, After intervention, sit-up in boys 41.25±2.12 and girls 30.25±1.24, 50m boys 7.51±1.65 and girls 8.78±3.25, standing long jump in boys 2.45±2.21 and girls 2.16±1.68, respectively. Men's 1000 meters 4.15±3.76, women's 800 meters 4.21± 2.89, grip strength 37.2 ± 1.24 boys, 30.21 ± 1.21 girls, swimming sports can reduce body fat content, improve vital capacity and vital mass index, improve physical function and enhance physical fitness, in addition to sleep has also been effectively improved. It is recommended that teenagers insist on swimming exercise, which can not only improve physical and mental health, but also help to improve learning efficiency.

Study on Spatial and Temporal Differences of Water Resource Sustainable Development and Its Influencing Factors in the Yellow River Basin, China

This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variations of water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) and its influencing factors in the significant Yellow River Basin in China. Combining the composite weighting TOPSIS method with geographic detector analysis, the water resource carrying capacity index for nine provinces within the Yellow River Basin was evaluated from 2005 to 2021. The results reveal a continuous upward trend in water resource carrying capacity in the Yellow River Basin, with significant improvements attributed to increased investment in scientific research, enhanced water use efficiency, proactive water resource management, and environmental protection measures. The study also identified differences in water resource carrying capacity among provinces, highlighting the significant impact of factors such as economic development, population density, industrial wastewater discharge, and precipitation. The findings underscore the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Specifically, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia provinces showed remarkable progress, while Qinghai and Sichuan provinces exhibited slower growth, primarily due to geographical location and industrial development status. Based on these findings, it is recommended that research investment be strengthened, economic structures be optimized, water resource management be improved, and environmental protection measures be enhanced.

MODIFICATION OF THE SLUDGE FROM SODA PRODUCTION

The problem of disposal of sludge from soda production is relevant in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Sludge from soda production are dumped into sludge collectors, which have a negative impact on the environment. There is a threat of contamination of groundwater with a highly mineralized still waste liquid. The increase of sludge in sludge reservoirs creates additional pressure and increases infiltration into groundwater. These processes are harmful for the ecological situation in the region.
 In this paper modification of soda sludge produced by organosilicon liquid, sodium liquid glass and stearic acid. Dependencies of change of oil capacity index on gasoline with respect to time were investigated. Analysis of results was carried out and optimal formulation of sorbent based on soda sludge for utilization of liquid phase of oil sludge was revealed.
 As a result of the studies of liquid glass as a hydrophobic compound it was found that small fractions of modified soda sludge repel water, creating a greasy sediment at the bottom, and granules, in turn, allow water to be absorbed and filtered without breaking their shape. To use modified soda sludge with liquid glass as a filter media in cassettes, granulation by extrusion is recommended. The resulting sorption materials based on the modification of soda sludge with sodium liquid glass can be recommended for use in facilities for the treatment of surface and waste water from heavy metal ions.

Physical and functional properties of low temperature ground turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome (var. Salem) sample was ground according to two different grinding parameters viz., four grinding methods and two feed temperatures. The effect of grinding methods and feed temperature on some functional and physical properties was evaluated. The average values of the flow property viz., bulk density (506.78 to 537.94 kg/m3), tapped density (611.35 to 635.72 kg/m3), Hausner ratio (1.150 to 1.225) and compressibility index (13.07 to 18.34%) and functional property viz., water absorption index (3.88 to 4.46), water solubility index (16.17 to 26.51%), water holding capacity (268.40% to 307.19%) and oil absorption index (210.57% to 258.04%) with respect to different grinding methods and feed temperatures varied. The ground sample with chilled water circulation method with the ambient temperature feed (L2T0) was found the most suitable for better flow parameters and functional properties.

Morphological, physicochemical, and functional properties of 15 different dietary carbohydrate sources in Sri Lanka

AbstractBackgroundCarbohydrate is the primary source of energy in the human diet and plays an important role in a healthy diet. In this study, 15 different carbohydrate sources (white raw rice, red raw rice, white basmati rice, red basmati rice, wheat, atta flour, soy, black gram, corn, finger millet, water lily seeds, kithul, chickpea, oats, and palmyra sprouts) in Sri Lanka were investigated for their physicochemical and functional properties.ResultsThe shape of the extracted starch granules varied according to the source, and the amylose content ranged from 17.22% to 36.12%. Kithul and black gram showed the highest water swelling capacity and water absorption index, respectively. Flour of white raw rice and finger millet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) freeze–thaw stability than other sources. Flour of Soy, black gram, and chickpea showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) dietary fiber content and potassium content than other samples. Water lily seeds showed remarkable in vitro prebiotic activity from the studied carbohydrate sources.ConclusionThe study indicates the potential utilization of raw white rice, palmyra, and finger millet starch in the food processing industry as alternatives to conventional starch sources. Furthermore, the flour from water lily seeds, white basmati rice, soy, and black gram has the potential for use in functional food preparation, offering a wide range of health benefits.

DAYA DUKUNG DAN INDEKS DAYA DUKUNG HIJAUAN ALAMI DI AREAL PERKEBUNAN KELAPA DALAM SEBAGAI PAKAN TERNAK RUMINANSIA DI KECAMATAN TANIWEL KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

The purpose of this study was to determine carrying capacity and carrying capacity index of natural forage as ruminant feed, and to determine botanical compositions and forage production in the coconut plantation area, District of Taniwel, Western Seram Regency. Primary and secondary data were collected, and data collection was conducted by using purposive sampling method. Variables measured included botanical composition, forage production, forage carrying capacity, and carrying capacity index of natural forage. The results showed that 64,81% of forage botanical composition was grass, 26,47% was weeds, and 10,52% was legumes. The carrying capacity of native forage in the coconut plantation area was 1.515 ruminants for fresh forage and 1.177 for forage dry matter, while carrying capacity index of native forage was 2 indicating unsafety level of forage available for ruminant feeding.

Axial compressive behavior of the middle-supported irregular-shaped columns in modular aluminum houses

Modular folding aluminum houses (MFAHs) are new modular structures that can be folded, transported, and built directly on-site. In this study, the axial compressive behavior and design method of the middle-supported irregular-shaped columns (MICWs) with a single-cavity open section in an MFAH were investigated. Tests were conducted on 12 MICWs and obtained the indexes of bearing capacity and ductility under different slenderness ratios from 27 to 93. Within this range, the bearing capacity of the specimens decreased by approximately 7% for every slenderness ratio 7.32 increase. A refined finite element model (FEM) was established and verified against the corresponding experimental results, which were in good agreement. Furthermore, FEM was used for an extensive parametric study that consisted of specimens with different initial bending values, initial eccentric values, cavity thickness values, and column lengths. The ultimate strengths were employed to evaluate the current design methods. It is demonstrated that the European code (Eurocode 9) and Chinese code (GB 50429) underestimate the bearing capacity by approximately 20%–30%, whereas the American code (AA-2015), Australian code (AS/NZS-1997) and the Direct Strength Method (DSM) overestimate the bearing capacity, which is unconservative. Based on Perry's formula, an equation for calculating the axial compressive bearing capacity of MICWs was proposed. The theoretical design method was verified by comparing the theoretical results with the experimental and numerical results, and the proposed method was found to be accurate and conservative to some extent.

Prognostic significance of the Holter-derived T-wave variability in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias complicating acute coronary syndrome-TWIST study.

We aimed to investigate the association between ventricular repolarization instability and sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) occurring within 48 h (acute-phase VT/VF) after the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the prognostic role of repolarization instability and heart rate variability (HRV) after discharge from the hospital. We studied 572 ACS patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction >35%. The ventricular repolarization instability was assessed by the beat-to-beat T-wave amplitude variability (TAV) using high-resolution 24-h Holter ECGs recorded at a median of 11 days from the date of admission. We calculated the HRV parameters including the deceleration capacity (DC) and non-Gaussian index calculated on a 25 s timescale (λ25s). The DC and λ25s were dichotomized based on previous studies' thresholds. Acute-phase VT/VF developed in 43 (7.5%) patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among VT/VF patients (4.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .03). An adjusted logistic model showed that the maximum TAV (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.29, p = .04) was associated with acute-phase VT/VF. During a median follow-up period of 2.1 years, 19 (3.3%) patients had cardiac deaths or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Acute-phase VT/VF (p = .12) and TAV (p = .72) were not significant predictors of survival. An age and sex-adjusted Cox model showed that the DC (p < .01), λ25s (p < .01), and emergency coronary intervention (p < .01) were independent predictors. T-wave amplitude variability was associated with acute-phase VT/VF, but the TAV was not predictive of survival post-discharge. The DC, λ25s, and emergency coronary intervention were independent predictors of survival.