Choice Of Technology Research Articles

Controlled NiOx Defect Engineering to Harnessing Redox Reactions in Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells via Atomic Layer Deposition.

Albeit the undesirable attributes of NiOx, such as low conductivity, unmanageable defects, and redox reactions occurring at the perovskite/NiOx interface, which impede the progress in inverted perovskite solar cells (i-PSCs), it is the most favorable choice of technology for industrialization of PSCs. In this study, we propose a novel Ni vacancy defect modulate approach to leverage the conformal growth and surface self-limiting reaction characteristics of the atomic layer deposition (ALD)-fabricated NiOx by varying the O2 plasma injection time (tOE) to induce self-doping. Consequently, NiOx thin films with enhanced conductivity, an appropriate Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio, stable surface states, and ultrathinness are realized as hole-transporting layers (HTLs) in p-i-n PSCs. As a result of these improvements, ALD-NiOx-based devices exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.86% and a fill factor (FF) of 81.86%. Notably, the optimal interfacial defects effectively suppressed the severe reaction between the perovskite and NiOx. This suppression is evidenced by the lowest decay rate observed in a harsh environment, lasting for 500 consecutive hours. The proposed approach introduces the possibility of a hierarchical distribution of defects and offers feasibility for the fabrication of large-area, uniform, and high-quality films.

Comprehensive evaluation method based on objective and subjective factors: A case of printed circuit board resin waste treatment technologies in China

Given the significant diversity in printed circuit board (PCB) resin waste compositions, selecting the most suitable treatment technology is urgent. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation index system integrating resource and energy use, environmental impact, and cost-benefit analysis. The method enhances the accuracy of subjective weight determination and matrix calculation while reducing the impact of subjective bias. Three treatment technologies are examined: incineration, composite manufacturing, and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis consumes fewer resources and less energy, with minimal environmental impact, scoring above 0.2156 for resource and energy use and above 0.2588 for environmental impact. Composite manufacturing yields superior economic benefits, the score is above 0.3219. Incineration's comprehensive evaluation results are notably lower across various copper content levels. Manufacturing composites is optimal below 16 % copper content, while pyrolysis is preferred above. The case study fully demonstrates the method's reliability and advantages, contributing to recommended technological choices for waste management.

How do technological choices affect the economic and environmental performance of offshore wind farms?

The ongoing energy transition towards fully sustainable energy systems requires designing wind farms looking beyond the sole levelized cost of energy, in order to concurrently ensure not only the economic profitability but also the environmental friendliness of future plants. Within this new approach to design, it becomes necessary to understand the effects that various possible technological choices have on both the economic and the environmental performance of wind farms. This study presents a framework designed to support these coupled economic-environmental assessments. The capabilities of the code are showcased by analysing the impact of different choices in terms of support structure type, specific power, tower height, powertrain type, and array and export voltage level for an exemplary offshore farm, chosen here as the IEA Wind 740-10-MW Reference Offshore Wind Plant with irregular layout. While the effects of many technological choices on the cost of energy are already well understood by industry, the present analysis shows that — at least in this specific case — climate change impacts are mainly driven by steel production, due to the massive amount of required material, but also, interestingly, by vessel activities. A low specific power, tall towers, and a high export cable voltage appear to offer the greatest potential for the concurrent improvement of the environmental and economic performance of the plant.

“Green” Hydrogen Products and Their Economic End-Uses: A Statistical Perspective

Abstract Mitigation of greenhouse gasses heightens attention on hydrogen as a crucial element in the global energy transition, while combating climate change. Building on previous analyses of hydrogen projects compiled by the International Energy Agency (IEA), this paper provides an updated and comprehensive analysis of this database while delving deeper into the intricacies of hydrogen products and their economic end-uses. Given the availability of alternative technologies in some sectors, it is crucial to understand the nuances of hydrogen projects, particularly in "hard-to-decarbonize" or "hard-to-abate" sectors such as iron and steelmaking, where the key benefit of using green hydrogen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the process and energy use. Therefore, this paper’s objective is to provide insights into the distribution, technologies, and trends of hydrogen projects produced with renewable power, while unraveling the diverse products of these projects and identify the sectors benefiting most from them. Employing a rigorous statistical data analysis, a dataset encompassing approximately 2000 hydrogen projects worldwide is scrutinized. These questions guide the investigation: a) What is the distribution of hydrogen projects across different countries globally? b) What are the key trends in technology choice over time? c) What are the key trends of hydrogen projects using renewable energy? d) What are the primary products of green hydrogen projects? e) Which end-use sectors are benefiting from the “green” hydrogen products the most? The findings reveal a spectrum of internationally pursued hydrogen-derived products, ranging from hydrogen to ammonia and beyond. Moreover, they provide insights into industries that stand to gain from innovation, including mobility, ammonia production and other industrial applications. This paper significantly contributes to the understanding of “green” hydrogen products, and their end-uses. Governments and businesses can leverage this knowledge to make informed policy and investment decisions in a rapidly evolving market.

Comparison of subjective evaluations in virtual and real environments for soundscape researcha).

Emerging technologies of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are enhancing soundscape research, potentially producing new insights by enabling controlled conditions while preserving the context of a virtual gestalt within the soundscape concept. This study explored the ecological validity of virtual environments for subjective evaluations in soundscape research, focusing on the authenticity of virtual audio-visual environments for reproducibility. Different technologies for creating and reproducing virtual environments were compared, including field recording, simulated VR, AR, and audio-only presentation, in two audio-visual reproduction settings, a head-mounted display with head-tracked headphones and a VR lab with head-locked headphones. Via a series of soundwalk- and lab-based experiments, the results indicate that field recording technologies provided the most authentic audio-visual environments, followed by AR, simulated VR, and audio-only approaches. The authenticity level influenced subjective evaluations of virtual environments, e.g., arousal/eventfulness and pleasantness. The field recording and AR-based technologies closely matched the on-site soundwalk ratings in arousal, while the other approaches scored lower. All the approaches had significantly lower pleasantness ratings compared to on-site evaluations. The choice of audio-visual reproduction technology did not significantly impact the evaluations. Overall, the results suggest virtual environments with high authenticity can be useful for future soundscape research and design.

Nanotheranostic Approach for the Management of Colorectal Cancer

: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent and the most frequent reason for death. The choice of nanotheranostic technology for the management of colorectal cancer is one of the emerging strategies to overcome Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Magnetic nanoparticles are employed in this case because they have biomedical applications, such as diagnostic imaging, thermal treatment, and medication transport. There has been evidence of the usage of various chemicals on the surface of nano-particles, such as ligands, to highlight the contact with tumour cells at the target region in order to induce effective cytotoxic drug release. This review will highlight current breakthroughs in targeting magnetic nanoparticles against colorectal cancer, as well as the selection of ligands and their cellular targets with ionizing radiation employing in vitro and in vivo energies for Colorectal Cancer management.

UTILIZATION OF BLENDED LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ WRITING SKILLS: TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION MODELS

Internal and external factors influence the quality and content of foreign language teaching in the global education system. It is essential to thoroughly analyze and classify modern ICTs to create an effective educational environment. Research in this area is increasingly necessary, especially considering the changing requirements for the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of future English language specialists in the era of globalization. This necessitates a more complex educational process and calls for comprehensive reform. As a result, there is a growing need to employ a blended form of education, which combines offline (traditional), online (distance), and independent learning. The main goal of this study is to reveal the practical importance of using technology integration models (TIMs), especially blended learning technologies, to improve the writing competencies of lower-level students in the context of paragraph and essay writing skills in higher education institutions (HEIs) that prepare future English language specialists. This study involves the analysis of the scientific and practical significance of TIMs, the study of the process of implementation of a new approach to technologies in a blended learning environment, the classification of both positive and negative aspects of TIMs, and the development of mechanisms for using blended learning technologies based on the PICRAT TIM. Scientific literature analysis, analytical-synthetic and comparative-contrastive research methods were used to effectively perform these tasks. According to the obtained results, blended learning consists of complex processes, and its effectiveness directly depends on the teacher's choice of the right technologies and their use in place. Additionally, the blended form of learning, which combines offline, online, and independent forms of learning, has caused a conceptual change in the approaches to technology that are currently in practice. The conclusion was that the most important aspect of using technologies in teaching writing competence to future specialists of the English language in higher education is to create an innovative educational environment for them.

Separation processes for the treatment of industrial flue gases – Effective methods for global industrial air pollution control

The treatment of flue gases has become a crucial area of interest with the increasing air emissions into the atmosphere from industries involved in combustion of fossil fuels in their operations. In essence, there is a critical need for effective methods of treatment more than ever. Treatment and separation are now a demand for the overall industrial operations to control the rate of flue gas emissions. The major culprit in this wise is power generating industry. The major associated air pollutants are carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, trace metals, volatile organic compounds, particulate matters, and nitrogen oxides. However, the choice of technologies to be utilized requires more than just knowledge of the separation process, but also a good understanding of the properties of the pollutants. This review explored and evaluated the various separation processes and technologies for the treatment of industrial flue gases for the control of the associated air pollutants. It also analyzed the performance with references to cost and efficiency, the advantages and disadvantages, principles for selection, research direction, and/or potential opportunities in existing separation processes and technologies.

Experimental analysis for comparison of wireless transmission technologies: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and LoRa for mobile multi-robot in hostile sites

This research paper conducts a thorough comparison of four prominent transmission technologies suitable for mobile robots operating in challenging environments. Emphasizing key factors such as signal strength, noise resistance, and data transfer efficiency, the study aims to identify the optimal communication solution in hostile conditions. The exploration delves into the intricacies of received signal strength indication (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), revealing distinctive traits and trade-offs among the technologies. Navigating through the complexities of frequency bands, modulation types, and communication topologies, the paper examines the impact of obstacles, energy consumption dynamics, and potential real-world applications. Beyond contributing to the fields of robotics and communication, the study offers practical insights for stakeholders seeking resilient and efficient transmission methods for mobile robotic applications. Advocating for long range (LoRa) as the preferred transmission technology in hostile environments, the paper highlights its unmatched immunity to noise, stability, and minimal energy consumption. These findings provide valuable guidance for technology choices in collaborative mobile robot operations under challenging conditions. This research sets the stage for future developments in robotic communication, underscoring the crucial role of selecting the right transmission means for mission-critical applications in hostile environments.

Comparative analysis of Weibull parameters estimation for wind power potential assessments

There are many renewable energy sources available, especially wind energy, but it is not being fully utilized. In the wind energy industry, Wind Power Potential (WPP) is essential since it is critical to the development, operation, and optimization of wind power plants. WPP plays a significant role in the wind energy project life cycle, impacting site selection, project viability, technology choices, and ultimate success. This means that specific WPP for certain places need to be determined for development in wind industry.The goal of this study is to conduct a statistical comparison and analysis of the efficacy of various numerical methods, including the method of moments (MoM), the energy pattern factor method (EPFM), the maximum likelihood method (MLM), the energy density method (EDM), the energy pattern factor method of Sathyajith (EPFMS), Rayleigh's distribution (Rayl), and the novel energy pattern factor method (NEPFM). These methods are compared for different sites of Andhra Pradesh India. The NEPFM is considered the most effective approach for assessing the wind energy density in the regions of Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati. Conversely, the MLM (Modified Logarithmic Model) technique has demonstrated superior performance in evaluating the wind energy potential specifically for the Rajamahendravaram site. The Rayleigh distribution, also known as Rayl., was utilized as the primary approach for calculating the probability density of the geographical sites of Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Amaravati. Additionally, the energy pattern factor method was employed to analyze the site of Tirupati. The Rayleigh distribution is found to be the most suitable statistical model for estimating the cumulative density of site locations in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati. Similarly, the innovative energy pattern factor technique is recommended for analyzing the cumulative density of site locations in Rajamahendravaram and Tirupati.

Biophoton emission-based approach of the effects of systemic insecticides on the survival of Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and on the photosynthetic activity of oilseed rape

The choice of effective crop protection technologies is a key factors in the economical production of oilseed rape. Insecticides belonging to the group of active substances butenolides and diamides are active substances available as seed treatments in oilseed rape and promising control tools in the crop protection technologies. Our laboratory experiment demonstrated that the experimental insecticides flupyradifurone and cyantraniliprole are both effective against Eurydema ventralis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when used as a seed and in-crop treatments, but there is a fundamental difference in their insect mortality inducing effects. Flupyradifurone was found to have a total mortality 96 h after application based on basipetal translocation. In the case of cyantraniliprole, the insecticidal effect of the same treatment was 27% less. The experiment showed that the acropetal translocation of the tested active substances after seed treatment did not induce efficacy comparable to that of the basipetal translocation. The study of the biophoton emission of the plants demonstrated a verifiable correlation between the different application methods of the insecticides and the photon emission intensity per unit plant surface area. In conclusion, the systematic insecticides tested, in addition to having the expected insecticidal effect, interfere with plant life processes by enhancing photosynthetic activity.

Comparative analysis of computer-aided imaging collaboration: MRI versus CT for detection of knee joint injuries in athletes

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the diagnostic efficacy of collaborative computer-aided (CAD) imaging diagnosis techniques in detecting knee joint injuries among athletes. The focus is on analyzing the differences in diagnostic performance between Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Multilayer Spiral Computed Tomography (MSCT). The objective is to assess the performance of these two imaging modalities in diagnosing knee joint injuries. MethodsA total of 242 suspected knee joint injury patients were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent MRI and MSCT examinations using a self-developed Knee Joint Injury CAD system for auxiliary diagnosis. The Knee Joint Injury CAD system, employing the Monte Carlo and Markov chain algorithms, was utilized to analyze MRI and CT images, assisting physicians in fracture diagnosis. False-positive annotations were removed through discussions and consultations among physicians to obtain independent detection results. Arthroscopy was utilized as the gold standard. The diagnostic results for MRI and CT assisted by the CAD software were recorded, and metrics such as diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were calculated. Furthermore, the accuracy of diagnosing bone and ligament injuries was analyzed. ResultsThe MRI diagnostic sensitivity of the collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system was 94.75%, with a specificity of 97.42% and an accuracy of 96.01%. In contrast, the diagnostic sensitivity of the collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system for MSCT was 89.36%, with a specificity of 85.71% and an accuracy of 89.86%. A comparison between the two detection methods reveals that MRI outperforms CT in terms of imaging quality but requires a longer examination time. The average imaging quality score for MRI was 6.89 ± 0.27, with an average examination time of 28.71 ± 7.64 minutes. On the other hand, the average imaging quality score for CT was 6.71 ± 0.42, with an average examination time of 9.95 ± 2.42 min. ConclusionIn diagnosing knee joint injuries, the collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system with MRI assistance in computer-aided medical diagnosis demonstrates higher diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to the collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system with MSCT. Therefore, the clinical application of a collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system with MRI exhibits superior diagnostic performance in knee joint injuries, especially in detecting ligament and soft tissue injuries. However, it is worth noting that a collaborative Knee Joint Injury CAD system with MRI has a higher imaging quality score and longer examination time. The trade-off between these factors needs to be considered in clinical practice, and the choice of imaging technology should be based on specific circumstances.

Integraton of the methanol power propulsion and energy systems’ temporal uncertainties in a Markov decision process framework

The ongoing technological development of methanol energy converters (EC) towards decarbonization means that their dimensions and performance characteristics will be continually updated during the lifecycle of vessels currently designed. These advancements influence the ease of EC integration within the general arrangement of the vessel. The decision to switch from an internal combustion engine to a fuel cell or a hybrid configuration depends both (1) the technology adoption costs (i.e. CAPEX, OPEX) of the EC and (2)on the effect of EC on the actual engine room layout. The state-of-the-art literature has typically addressed these two challenges separately. This study proposes a design method to bridge these two fields by combining the use of (1) Markov decision processes to assess uncertain future methanol EC developments during the vessel lifecycle and (2) a generative probabilistic layout algorithm to quantify the risks associated with the EC systems layout integration. The case study identifies the drivers behind the EC technology choice during the lifecycle of a notional yacht vessel.

Dark pottery from the early Iron Age in southern Veneto, Italy: The provenance issue under the adoption of specific technological procedures

One of the earliest known settlements of Pre-Roman Padua, Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy) was located in the very centre of the present-day city. The archaeological excavations revealed structures related to craft activities (metallurgical and pottery workshops) and residential areas datable from the late 9th to the 1st century BCE. A large pyrotechnic structure formed by an earthen block densely filled and covered by broken ceramic vessels was found, bringing to light the earliest foundry of the Pre-Roman Padua known to date. Many potsherds found in the site correspond to a regional ceramic class that included coarse and fine wares mainly composed of very dark ceramic bodies. A multi-analytical study based on macroscopic and petrographic descriptions as well as mineralogical, geochemical and microstructural analyses, was carried out in order to state the technological choices adopted for producing these dark vessels and the provenance of the raw materials. A poorly manufacturing was adopted to produce the common pottery, resulting coarse wares uneven textured, while the fine wares were produced by adopting the purification of the base clays and/or the tempering of the clay pastes. Common geo-resources were used, consisting in illitic-chloritic clays rich in quartz and feldspars, the firing regime conditions covered a range of maximum temperatures (normally under 850 °C) and the temper was constituted by silicate (chiefly quartzite, rhyolite and trachyte rock fragments) and/or carbonate (calcite and/or dolomite) inclusions, that were added after having been grounded and/or sieved. The specific mineral and lithic markers of provenance identified in the sherds confirmed the correspondence of this pottery with a local production. However, the specific technological choices that were carried out must be taking into consideration, since the purification removed the larger grains originally present in the base clays and the tempering influenced the chemical composition of the sherds. The different degree of purification of the base clays and the differential tempering procedures that were accomplished point out the adoption of very specific recipes to produce the fine wares, suggesting the correspondence of this local ceramic class with diverse sub-productions and the high level of specialization achieved by the potters in southern Veneto during the Early Iron Age.

Developing an adaptive virtual learning environment for sustainable learning in individuals with Down syndrome

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe the development and implementation of a specialized Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) designed to enhance the knowledge and skills related to sustainability in students with Down syndrome. This VLE serves as a means to make sustainable concepts more accessible and comprehensible to this specific student group, with the aim of promoting their engagement and understanding of sustainability, environmental awareness, recycling, and sustainable construction. The ultimate goal is to empower students with Down syndrome by providing them with a tailored educational tool that facilitates their learning in a manner that is engaging and effective.Design/methodology/approachThe approach outlines the overarching plan for creating the e-learning platform, including the technological choices and design considerations necessary to make it effective and accessible for students with Down syndrome. It's a fundamental component of the methodology, as it sets the direction for the platform's development and aligns with the objectives of the study. And also encompass the strategy for teaching and learning sustainability aspects to students with Down syndrome.FindingsPositive Feedback from Tutors and Professionals: The feedback from tutors and professionals is generally positive, with 91.4% finding the platform to be well-organized and 88.6% considering the content adequate and understandable. This suggests that the VLE met the needs and expectations of educators and professionals involved in the learning process. Utility for Professional Practice: Approximately 80% of tutors and professionals found the platform useful for their professional practice, indicating that it has practical applications beyond student learning. This information highlights the success and potential impact of the VLE for this specific target group.Research limitations/implicationsThe study may not have explored the depth of sustainability concepts covered within the VLE. Future research could delve into the specifics of the content and its effectiveness in teaching complex sustainability topics.Practical implicationsThe incorporation of universal design principles in the VLE development could serve as a model for creating inclusive e-learning platforms. This has broader implications for improving digital accessibility in education. The positive feedback from tutors and professionals suggests the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in education. Professionals from various fields, including special education and sustainability, can work together to create effective and inclusive learning tools.Social implicationsThis study can contribute to the broader discussion on inclusive education and the effective use of technology to enhance learning experiences for individuals with disabilities.Originality/valueThe study addresses a crucial gap in the field of sustainability education by focusing on students with Down syndrome. It highlights the importance of making sustainability education inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of learners, including those with disabilities. This originality contributes to the broader discourse on inclusive education and environmental awareness. The development of a specialized Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for this specific target group is an original contribution. It demonstrates the potential for adapting educational technology to meet the unique needs of students with Down syndrome, potentially serving as a model for future educational tool development.

Crafting resilience: persistence and adaptation of the ceramic manufacture at Roca Vecchia from the Middle to the Final Bronze Age phases

Through the second millennium BC, Bronze Age communities of Southern Italy have shown a remarkable degree of resilience in coping with changes in both macro-trends of cultural interaction and the landscape. In this paper, we will examine long-term processes of adaptation to shifting historical and environmental conditions from the vantage point of the impasto ware production at the site of Roca Vecchia (Melendugno-Lecce, IT), one of the main hubs of interaction for the Bronze Age of the Central Mediterranean. Sixty-eight ceramic individuals coming from the Middle to the Final Bronze Age levels and seven soil deposits from the site surroundings were analysed by petrography and fifteen were selected for SEM–EDX examination. We explore how changes in the complex history of the settlement and the surrounding landscape are matched in technological choices operated by the community of practice responsible for producing impasto pottery at Roca, in a moment when the long-range connection with the Aegean world was at its historical peak.

The effectiveness of medical and psychological rehabilitation of patients with nervous tension

Abstract. The prevalence of anxiety disorders during life among residents of developed countries reaches 34 %. The low effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy determines the search for comprehensive technologies for the treatment of patients with nervous tension. The purpose of the study: to determine the prognosis of the effectiveness of medical and psychological rehabilitation (MPR) in patients with nervous tension and to identify its determinants. Methods: 254 patients aged 32 (19–50) years with nervous tension (ICD–X code R45.0) were studied. The complex of medical and psychological rehabilitation included physical exercises, courses of audiovisual polysensory relaxation, transcranial magnetic therapy, alpha massage, sodium chloride baths, climatotherapy, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and therapeutic nutrition. The total duration of the MPR course is 10–20 days. To determine the relationship between integral health parameters and individual clinical and functional signs of nervous tension, correlation analysis was performed, canonical correlation analysis was used to select the most informative signs, and discriminant analysis was used to determine the prognosis of MPR and the dominants of its effectiveness. Results: A significant improvement in clinical and psychological status, physical health, increased physical performance, increased adaptive potential and autonomic regulation in patients was revealed. Significant high correlations of improvement of adaptive potential and physical performance with SAD (0.77), double product (0.81), Martin — Kushelevsky breakdown (0.74), average — with heart rate (0.58), DBP (0.69), level of physical health (0.54), weak — with BMI (0.47) were established. The effectiveness of MPR in patients with FA is 90 %. The determinants of effectiveness are indicators characterizing the heart rate, SAD, double product, BMI, age, Kerdo vegetative index, DAD, indicators of the Martinet — Kushelevsky test and physical performance PWC170–1. Conclusion: Various components of the pathogenesis of nervous tension determine the choice of rehabilitation technologies, the combination of mechanisms of therapeutic action of which determine the high effectiveness of MPR in patients with nervous tension.

Influence of humic preparations on the development of honeysuckle in the forest steppe of Western Siberia

Blue honeysuckle is a winter-hardy and unpretentious crop; in folk medicine, its berries and juice are used for hypertension, anemia, and intestinal disorders. The environmental situation and the general rise in prices of pesticides and mineral fertilizers stimulate the choice of alternative technologies and the use of biological plant protection products, growth stimulants, and bacterial fertilizers. In this regard, our research aimed to study the effect of various humic preparations on the growth and development of green cuttings of blue honeysuckle variety Berel. This variety has a medium ripening period, gives a high yield, is slightly crumbling, and is highly winter-hardy. The research was carried out in the Novosibirsk region on the territory of the Agro Seed Company in 2019 - 2021. The average annual growth and general condition of blue honeysuckle plants of the Berel variety were determined according to generally accepted methods. Data analysis showed that all studied indicators of honeysuckle plants are greatly influenced by the year’s conditions when the difference between years reaches 25 - 30%. In addition, it was found that all the studied drugs positively affect the growth and development of plants and, in particular, the survival rate and overwintering of green honeysuckle cuttings (up to 45%). Thus, the ZhT “Ekozhizn” preparation provided better survival and overwintering of plants. Cytohumate had a better effect on the development of vegetative mass, but in terms of survival and overwintering, it was inferior to using the ZhT “Ecozhizn” preparation.

Socio-cultural practices and improved cooking stove technology choices among agro-pastoral communities in Arumeru District, Tanzania

This study assessed the socio-cultural factors influencing the choice of improved cooking stove technology among agro-pastoral communities in Arumeru District, Arusha region. The study used a cross-sectional research design and was conducted in four villages. Two categories of respondents were involved in the study. The first category consisted of 37 participants interviewed as Key Informants (KIs) and through focus group discussions (FGDs). The second category who responded to the questionnaire involved 92 respondents who had benefited from the alternative cooking energy technologies programme. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, with a greater emphasis on qualitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, while the quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study found the persistence of certain socio-cultural practices that encourage the use of traditional three-stone stoves over improved stoves. These practices include preferences for food cooked using traditional three-stone stoves and the tradition of formally handing over the traditional cooking stoves to a newly married woman in the household, among others. It is concluded that while some community members consider these practices positive and valuable, they largely contribute to high biomass consumption and, therefore, the likelihood of environmental degradation. It is recommended that serious sensitisation and training programmes, among other recommendations detailed in this study, be conducted.

Terrestrial very-long-baseline atom interferometry: Workshop summary

This document presents a summary of the 2023 Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry Workshop hosted by CERN. The workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss the exciting developments in large-scale atom interferometer (AI) prototypes and their potential for detecting ultralight dark matter and gravitational waves. The primary objective of the workshop was to lay the groundwork for an international TVLBAI proto-collaboration. This collaboration aims to unite researchers from different institutions to strategize and secure funding for terrestrial large-scale AI projects. The ultimate goal is to create a roadmap detailing the design and technology choices for one or more kilometer--scale detectors, which will be operational in the mid-2030s. The key sections of this report present the physics case and technical challenges, together with a comprehensive overview of the discussions at the workshop together with the main conclusions.