Acceptable Conditions Research Articles

Drivers and Necessary Conditions for Chatbot Acceptance in the Insurance Industry. Analysis of policyholders’ and professionals’ Perspectives

ABSTRACT The adoption of conversational robots (chatbots) for customer service is expanding across many industries. In the insurance sector, where customer interactions are essential to the use of policies, understanding chatbot acceptance is particularly relevant. This study explores the factors and conditions influencing the acceptance of chatbots for insurance policy management via the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework. The analysis is conducted on two groups: ordinary policyholders and policyholders who are also industry professionals. The explanatory factors evaluated are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and trust. The findings indicate that effort expectancy, social influence, and trust positively impact the behavioral intention to use chatbots. Additionally, all the variables are found to be necessary for acceptance. The structural equation model assessment reveals that professional status do not moderate the relationships between explanatory variables and behavioral intention; however, professionals demonstrate a greater intention to use chatbots. Among ordinary policyholders, effort expectancy has the largest effect size on acceptance. For professionals, trust and performance expectancy are the most impactful explanatory variables, with very large effect sizes. These results emphasize that while all variables are essential for acceptance, the relative importance of each variable varies between policyholders and professionals, offering insights for implementing chatbot solutions effectively within the insurance sector.

Using drones to improve care for HIV-exposed children in Conakry, Republic of Guinea: Anthropological perspectives.

In Conakry, Guinea, like many other African capitals, traffic congestion is a major obstacle to transporting blood samples from peripheral health centres to laboratories where tests are centralised. This situation complicates early HIV testing of HIV-exposed children (i.e., born to HIV-positive mothers), even though the World Health Organization recommends treating HIV-positive children before the age of two months to reduce mortality. The use of drones, which has proved effective in many countries for rapidly transporting healthcare products and reaching isolated areas, could help to resolve these difficulties and improve early detection. A pilot study was conducted from 2020-2021 to assess the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of such a strategy. The pilot study had an anthropological component and this article presents the results on the acceptability and perception of using drones to optimise the transport of blood samples in Conakry. Interviews and observations were conducted across six health facilities in Conakry and in various national and international institutions, with 62 people: mothers living with HIV, health professionals and community workers, the local population, health authorities and development workers. The theoretical framework is based on the concepts of innovation and acceptability from an anthropological perspective. The analyses focus on perceptions and conditions of acceptance of a technological innovation such as drones in the healthcare sector. The results show that perceptions of drones are generally positive, despite concerns about their potential misuse. However, this consensus is fragile, knowledge on the subject is sometimes limited and public opinion can vary depending on policy changes in the political and health contexts. Future drone programmes will need to be adapted to the priority health needs identified by local stakeholders, to meet the technical and ethical challenges of this emerging technology and to develop appropriate communication to ensure an optimum level of public support.

Microplastics in food and drink: perceptions of the risks, challenges, and solutions among individuals in the ‘farm-to-fork’ food chain

Public concerns about the potential effects of plastic pollution on human health are high, especially following evidence of microplastics (MPs) in food and drink. However, scientific evidence on human health effects is unclear, and knowledge gaps remain with respect to sources, pathways, and toxicity. But alongside ‘the public’ and ‘experts’ are various groups in the ‘farm-to-fork’ food chain whose voices are less heard, despite their unique insights into different issues. These ‘involved groups’ or ‘stakeholders’ include people in the harvesting/production, processing/packaging, distribution/hospitality, and regulation sectors. To harness their viewpoints, we conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with members of relevant groups along the food chain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using Thematic Qualitative Analysis. Although knowledge levels and beliefs about sources and pathways were diverse, interviewees echoed the wider public’s concerns about human health risks alongside low certainty about underlying processes. Feelings of powerlessness and frustration, and the unavoidability of (micro-)plastics were emphasized. The need for increased awareness and solution know-how was stressed, and systemic changes on the regulatory level were called for (e.g. bans, binding and economic regulations). Relevant conditions for policy acceptance were identified (e.g. feasibility, effectiveness, evidence of risk). Findings highlight the fact that system change requires all actors in a system to understand the issues and be willing to play their part in solutions. The feelings of powerlessness and disenchantment expressed by many involved in the current system suggest greater work is needed to systematically include these groups in solution-finding and decision-making initiatives.

Habitat Assessment of Bocachico (Prochilodus magdalenae) in Ciénaga de Betancí, Colombia, Using a Habitat Suitability Index Model

This study evaluates the habitat of the Bocachico fish (Prochilodus magdalenae) in the Ciénaga de Betancí, Colombia, using a habitat suitability index (HSI) model. Wetlands like the Ciénaga de Betancí are under significant pressure from anthropogenic activities, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health. The Bocachico, a species of immense cultural and economic importance, faces habitat degradation and fragmentation. Using hydrodynamic and water quality data, a numerical model (EFDC+ Explorer 11.5), and field data collected from multiple sampling campaigns, we assessed habitat suitability based on five key parameters: water temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, velocity, and depth. The model results indicated that environmental conditions in the wetland remained relatively stable during the dry season, with an average HSI score of 0.67, where 9% of the wetland area displayed acceptable conditions, and the remaining 91% displayed medium conditions. The wet season, on the other hand, had an average HSI score of 0.64, with 7.2% of the area in the acceptable suitability range, and the remaining 92.8% in the medium category. Variations in HSI were primarily driven by ammonia nitrogen levels, water velocity, and depth. Despite limited fluctuations in the HSI, areas of low suitability were identified, particularly in regions impacted by human activities. These findings have practical implications for conservation strategies, providing valuable insights for the sustainable management and conservation of the Ciénaga de Betancí, informing strategies for improving habitat conditions for the Bocachico, and supporting wetland restoration efforts.

Optimal control strategy for a cutting-edge hybrid ventilation system in classrooms: Comparative analysis based on air pollution levels across cities

Natural ventilation has the potential to enhance indoor air quality in classrooms with elevated CO2 levels, although it may introduce outdoor pollutants. This study introduces a novel controller for automatic windows that simultaneously monitors outdoor air pollution and temperature, synchronizing window openings with mechanical ventilation system to create a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient indoor environment. The practicality of the proposed controller is assessed for a classroom in Delhi, Warsaw, and Stockholm, each with contrasting climates and outdoor pollution levels, specifically PM2.5 and NO2. The controller parameters are optimized for each city using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to find the best trade-off between thermal comfort, CO2 levels, and energy consumption. The results show that the controller successfully met the indoor air quality standards in all cities; however, its operation was significantly influenced by the climate and pollution levels. While natural ventilation was utilized for 44% and 31% of the year in Warsaw and Stockholm, respectively, it was used for only 11% of the year in Delhi, the most polluted city. The optimization process significantly reduced energy use across all cities while also successfully reducing indoor CO2 concentrations. Although thermal comfort decreased slightly, it remained within acceptable thermal comfort conditions.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Insulation Thickness with Respect to On-Site RES Generation in Residential Buildings

This paper investigates the optimization of insulation thickness with respect to the integration of renewable energy systems in residential buildings in order to improve energy efficiency, maximize the contribution of renewables and reduce life cycle costs. Using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software, this study models a representative two-story residential building located in Athens, Greece. The building envelope features extruded polystyrene thermal insulation and windows with unplasticized polyvinyl chloride frames and low-e glazing. Six scenarios with hybrid renewable energy systems are analyzed, including air- and ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal systems and a biomass fired boiler, so as to assess energy consumption, economic feasibility and internal air temperature conditions. A Pareto-fronts-based optimization algorithm is applied to determine the optimal combination of insulation thicknesses for the walls, the roof and the floor, focusing on minimizing the life cycle cost and maximizing the percentage of renewable energy utilized. The results demonstrate that scenarios involving biomass boilers and solar thermal systems, both for heating and cooling, when combined with reasonable thermal protection, can effectively meet the recent European Union’s directive’s goal, with renewable energy systems contributing more than 50% of the total energy requirements, whilst maintaining acceptable internal air temperature conditions and having a life cycle cost lower than contemporary conventional buildings.

Guidelines for Predicting Airtightness in Residential Buildings under Climatic Pressure Conditions

This paper presents a generalized approach for predicting building airtightness based on pressure difference measurements. Furthermore, it provides practical guidelines for applying this method. Studies have proposed a method for predicting the airtightness of high-rise residential buildings in winter using the pressure difference caused by the stack effect. This method was validated using tests under various temperature differentials and building heights. However, practical guidelines for its implementation are lacking. To generalize the airtightness prediction method, a 95% confidence interval for the results was calculated using the blower door test. The applicable pressure difference was calculated based on the calculated results. For each building, the minimum differential pressure within a 95% confidence interval was at least 20 Pa. To provide guidelines for utilizing the proposed airtightness prediction method, acceptable conditions characterized by ΔH × ΔT ≥ 750 m∙°C were calculated. An acceptable condition, characterized by ΔH × ΔT ≥ 750 m∙°C, showed the highest agreement between predicted and measured values across all buildings. This study outlines practical guidelines for using the proposed methodology under these conditions. Overall, we present a straightforward method that relies solely on measuring pressure difference, thereby eliminating the need for a complex and challenging blower door test, typically used in real-world scenarios. By applying this method to predict airtightness in building conditions, the accuracy of predictions for energy use intensity and indoor air quality can be significantly improved.

Oновлення парку рухомого складу українських залізниць з орієнтацією на інтеграцію в європейські транспортні мережі

The strategic aim of further development of the Ukrainian railways is rolling stock and infrastructure renewal to meet the demands of the Ukrainian economy, including a rapid integration into the European transport service. The paper presents the results of recent studies conducted at the Department of Statistical Dynamics and Multidimensional Mechanical System Dynamics, the Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, with the aim to solve important problems in the development of the Ukrainian railway transport. The studies were aimed at developing scientifically substantiated decisions on Ukrainian rolling stock renewal oriented at integration into the European railway networks. To do this, a cycle of theoretical and experimental studies was conducted at the department. Consideration was given to the problem of wheel–rail contact pair improvement by identifying a wheel profile that would offer an acceptable car ride performance and acceptable conditions of car–rail interaction both on the Ukrainian and the European railways and reduce vehicle and rail wear. The car ride performance of an articulated passenger train was simulated mathematically for its motion at different speeds along a track of arbitrary alignment and profile, and the effect of different car and track parameters on the ride performance was estimated. Energy-absorbing devices were developed to increase the passive safety of a speedy locomotive-hauled passenger train and a multiple-unit train in emergency collisions with obstacles according to the Ukrainian Standard DSTU EN 15227. Service loads on the load-bearing components of swap-body freight cars were estimated, and recommendations were developed on fasteners that would provide safe transportation of various freights in swap-body cars. Based on the results of the studies, a number of design solutions were proposed for Ukrainian railway vehicle components. Their implementation will offer a sizeable economic benefit, increase the train speed and safety, improve the vehicle–track interaction, and facilitate the formation of an up-to-date home railway complex and its integration into the European railway networks.

Ruminant microbiome data are skewed and unFAIR, undermining their usefulness for sustainable production improvement

The ruminant microbiome plays a key role in the health, feed utilization and environmental impact of ruminant production systems. Microbiome research provides insights to reduce the environmental footprint and improve meat and milk production from ruminants. However, the microbiome composition depends on the ruminant species, habitat and diet, highlighting the importance of having a good representation of ruminant microbiomes in their local environment to translate research findings into beneficial approaches. This information is currently lacking. In this study, we examined the metadata of farmed ruminant microbiome studies to determine global representativeness and summarized information by ruminant species, geographic location, body site, and host information. We accessed data from the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration via the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. We retrieved 47,628 sample metadata, with cattle accounting for more than two-thirds of the samples. In contrast, goats, which have a similar global population to cattle, were underrepresented with less than 4% of the total samples. Most samples originated in Western Europe, North America, Australasia and China but countries with large ruminant populations in South America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe were underrepresented. Microbiomes from the gastrointestinal tract were the most frequently studied, comprising about 87% of all samples. Additionally, the number of samples from other body sites such as the respiratory tract, milk, skin, reproductive tract, and fetal tissue, has markedly increased over the past decade. More than 40% of the samples lacked basic information and many were retrieved from generic taxonomic classifications where the ruminant species was manually recovered. The lack of basic information such as age, breed or sex can limit the reusability of the data for further analysis and follow-up studies. This requires correct taxonomic assignment of the ruminant host and basic metadata information using accepted ontologies adapted to host-associated microbiomes. Repositories should require this information as a condition of acceptance. The results of this survey highlight the need to encourage studies of the ruminant microbiome from underrepresented ruminant species and countries worldwide. This shortfall in information poses a challenge for the development of microbiome-based strategies to meet sustainability requirements, particularly in areas with expanding livestock production systems.

Eight years of thin noise reducing asphalt layer monitoring in an urban environment

The City of Antwerp initiated a pilot project on thin noise reducing asphalt layers in an urban environment with the aim to investigate the behavior of the asphalt layers from a noise perspective with respect to urban traffic without neglecting the mechanical durability. Five thin asphalt layers were selected and compared with a reference section. The pavements were constructed in October 2016 on two different test sites. The construction was followed up extensively. The acoustical quality of the thin asphalt layers is followed up in time. Close-ProXimity (CPX) measurements are performed according to ISO 11819-2 within certain time intervals after construction to follow up the evolution. Texture measurements according to ISO 13473 are linked to the noise measurement results. Visual inspections are performed at regular intervals. The results of eight years of monitoring are discussed. While some test sections are already partially replaced, others are still in acceptable condition. The major concern in the STOLA project is to learn about a good balance between the noise reducing capacity of the chosen thin asphalt layers, a limited degradation of the noise performance during its lifetime and a good mechanical performance delaying ravelling and texture changes as long as possible.

Practicing mindfulness can foster monitoring and acceptance after experiencing negative affect.

Although being mindful, that is, monitoring and accepting one's present feelings, has been shown to be associated with less current negative affect than distraction, acceptance is less endorsed after experiencing negative affect. Thus, acceptance, although effective, may not be endorsed when it is most needed, leading people to endorse other strategies such as distraction instead. In the present study, we examined whether a monitoring and acceptance induction in a laboratory setting (N=258) and a monitoring and acceptance training in daily life (N=125) increased acceptance (Study 1) and monitoring (Study 2) after experiencing negative affect. We found this to be the case: While participants in the control condition showed a significant negative association between prior negative affect and subsequent monitoring and acceptance, participants in the monitor and acceptance condition did not. Thus, even brief monitor and acceptance training is well suited to increasing the likelihood that individuals can monitor and accept their thoughts and feelings when confronted with strong emotions.

Integrating User-Generated Content (UGC) with the Normative Approach to Define Indicators of Quality for Visitor Experience at Archaeodestinations

ABSTRACT Various ‘management-by-objectives’ frameworks for visitor use management have evolved to balance enhancing visitor experiences with preserving heritage resources at archaeodestinations. These frameworks employ a normative approach, identifying specific indicators to assess visitor experience quality and resource conditions, along with associated thresholds that denote acceptable conditions. Traditionally, the normative approach for assessing visitor experience quality primarily relied on on-site questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. However, with the proliferation of online platforms like TripAdvisor, managers of archaeodestinations must adapt their strategies to leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) for evaluating visitor experiences. Embracing a novel methodology, this research integrates UGC with the normative approach to develop indicators for visitor experience at Petra World Heritage site in Jordan. A content analysis of 618 reviews posted on TripAdvisor was conducted, providing valuable insights into the visitor experience at Petra and assisting in developing potential indicators of quality for the site. Related methodological and managerial implications and recommendations are also discussed.

Sequential convex programming without penalty function for reentry trajectory optimization problem

Sequential convex programming (SCP) has been extensively utilized in reentry trajectory optimization due to its high computational efficiency. However, the current SCP approaches primarily rely on penalty function, where the selection of the penalty function weight presents a significant challenge. In this paper, an improved trust region shrinking SCP algorithm is proposed that separates the treatment of the objective function and constraint violation without the need for selecting penalty function weight and introduction of slack variables. Firstly, from the perspective of multi-objective optimization, the filter and acceptance condition are introduced to ensure that the proposed algorithm converges to feasible solutions and then to the optimal solution based on switching condition and sufficient condition. Then an effective feasibility restoration phase is proposed to address infeasibility of subproblems without introducing slack variables, while ensuring the robustness of the proposed algorithm. Additionally, a theoretical analysis is provided to guarantee the convergence of the algorithm. Finally, simulations are conducted to verify that the proposed algorithm demonstrates a 69.54% improvement in average solution time and stronger robustness compared to basic trust region shrinking SCP algorithm. Simultaneously, the proposed algorithm also demonstrates an advantage in solving speed compared to a particular advanced penalty function-based SCP algorithm.

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth, Biochemical Composition, and Blood Parameters in the Pacific Shortfin Eel (Anguilla bicolor pacifica) Elvers

This study examined the effect of stocking density on growth, biochemical composition, and blood parameters of the Pacific shortfin eel Anguilla bicolor pacifica. Elvers (1.95 ± 0.14 g body weight) were randomly stocked in indoor tanks and reared over 186 d at three stocking densities (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 kg m-3) set up in triplicates. Except for survival and biometric indices, elvers maintained at 0.3 and 0.6 kg m-3 densities exhibited higher growth and feed utilization than those held at 0.9 kg m-3. Yield increased with stocking density, which were significantly higher at 0.6 and 0.9 kg m-3. RNA/DNA ratio did not reflect growth rate, but trends in survival and RNA/DNA ratio with stocking density were positively related. In contrast to body proximate composition, increasing stocking density resulted in significantly higher erucic acid (22:1n-9) and total saturated fatty acid levels at 0.6 and 0.9 kg m-3 densities, respectively. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity was significantly elevated at 0.6 kg m-3, while total protein, glucose, and triglycerides slightly decreased with increasing stocking density. Results suggest that Pacific shortfin eel elvers can be reared in indoor tanks at a stocking density of 0.3 – 0.6 kg m-3 to achieve acceptable growth, feed performance, and health condition.

Inspection, Testing and Examination System at Gangsa 2 Laboratory at Uitm Bukit Besi

Examination and testing of the (LEV) system was conducted at the Gangsa 2 laboratory of (UiTM) Kampus Bukit Besi to evaluate performance and compliance with safety standards. The inspection aimed to obtain data on airflow, static pressure, and velocities at key points in the LEV system, focusing on a single fume hood (FH-GANGSA 2). Methodology followed guidelines from the (ACGIH) and adhered to (USECHH) 2000 Regulations. Face velocities were measured at different sash heights, and duct transport velocities were assessed. Smoke tests were performed to visually evaluate containment efficiency. Instruments used included a hot wire anemometer, pitot tube, digital manometer, and smoke tester kit. Results showed the fume hood had an average face velocity of 117.8 fpm at the recommended working height of 19.7 inches, within the 80-100 fpm range specified by ACGIH. Duct transport velocity was 3102 fpm, exceeding the recommended 1000-2000 fpm range. The smoke test demonstrated excellent containment with smooth inflow and no escape of smoke outside the hood. A comparison with the previous year's inspection revealed a slight decrease in performance, with face velocity dropping from 109 fpm to 88.5 fpm. While for the flowrate, there is a notable increase in the flow rate from 2023 to 2024. The LEV system was found to meet acceptable working conditions based on ACGIH standards and comply with (USECHH) 2000 Regulations. Recommendations included designing the system by a registered professional engineer as stipulated in (USECHH) Regulation 2000, continuing monthly performance monitoring, and improving accessibility to the centrifugal fan for more comprehensive measurements. This examination helps establish baseline measurements for ongoing monitoring of the LEV system's effectiveness in protecting worker health and safety in laboratory settings.

Design and modifications of boiler mounting device in Asmara brewery factory

Energy and environment are closely related and important issues in the present all over world. Present industrial and others organization thought the unique of energy utilization and diverse source reviles such as coal, oil, gas, nuclear, hydropower, solar, wind and biofuel. The Non-renewable energy sources are being limited in this world and energy conservation is one of growing need nowadays. The major issues in the world’s energy consumption are getting used in boilers. Thus, this energy used has to be wisely consumed with great efficiency in industries. Boilers are considered as an important and an expensive property in many industries. In addition to initial cost, boilers have high operational and maintenance cost in order to secure production in safe and acceptable working conditions. In this study concerned with an energy saving, economic and environmental analysis of the fire tube boiler in ASMARA BREWERY. In this project, we concentrated on the improvement of boiler efficiency by recovering a portion of heat content of the flue gas. This is possible due to the most dominant device which is the economizer. The preexisting boiler was designed without an economizer. The present modification involved about the design of economizer in the boiler to reduce fuel consumption and thermal shock. Furthermore, in this type of boiler attain higher efficiency and little enhancement in the efficiency of the boiler will save an outsized amount of fuel and also help to reduce CO2 emission.

Research on Counterclaim Rules in International Investment Arbitration

<p class="MsoBodyText" align="justify">In recent years, with the rapid development of international investment, inevitably, the investment disputes between foreign private investors and the host country are increasing. From the results of the cases submitted to ICSID arbitration, it can be seen that the investor’s winning probability is extremely high, which leads to the imbalance of interests between investor and the host country, and it is difficult to protect the legitimate rights and interests of host country. In this case, the host country may initiate counterclaim arbitration proceedings against the investor’s arbitration request according to the provisions of international investment arbitration treaties, international investment agreements or domestic laws to offset the investor’s request. However, in the practice of examining and dealing with the counterclaim of the host country, the arbitration tribunal often has strict requirements on the jurisdiction and acceptance conditions of counterclaims. On the one hand, the counterclaim clauses involved in the convention are vague, and the standards of “connection” and “consent” are difficult to identify. On the other hand, the lack of investor’s obligation clauses in investment agreements makes it difficult to obtain strong legal support for counterclaims. In order to solve the application dilemma of the host country’s counterclaim rules in practice, the arbitral tribunal should give priority to factual relevance when judging whether the counterclaim is related to the original claim. The way of opposing the request for “consent” should be appropriately modified, and a broader identification standard should be adopted. On the one hand, the host country should strive to set up a special counterclaim clause in the investment agreement, and adjust the rights and obligations structure of both parties in international investment agreement.</p>

Highly efficient nitrogen-doped graphene coupled eosin-B photocatalyst for fixation and regeneration of N2 and NADH cofactors under visible light

Achieving nitrogen fixation in visible light-driven using metal-free and eco-friendly semiconductors at acceptable temperature and pressure still remains a big challenge. In the field of artificial photosynthesis, reported semiconductors for nitrogen fixation have large band gap around 3.0 eV and requires high temperature and pressure which results the catalytic nitrogen fixation is navigate under visible light, consume supply of global energy, and emit global greenhouse gas. In conflict this report illustrates a metal free catalyst EBCNDG with a band gap of ∼2.64 eV at room temperature and pressure indicate photocatalytic campaign toward nitrogen fixation in visible light without producing any harmful gases. The EBCNDG photocatalyst has a vacancy of high active oxygen which helps adsorb and stabilize the intermediate and increases the rate of nitrogen fixation. The EBCNDG photocatalyst was prepared by coupling of an eosin B (EB) with N-doped graphene (NDG) via amide linkage. This unique combination opens a new trial for nitrogen fixation as well as NADH regeneration under acceptable conditions using visible energy. The amount of ammonia obtained by EBCNDG is 0.513 mM and the regeneration yield of NADH is 90.3%.

Climatic Suitability for Outdoor Tourism in Romania’s Big Cities

This research aims to assess the climatic temporal suitability over the year and identify the appropriate season for open-air tourism in ten Romanian cities. It was evaluated using the Enhanced Tourism Climatic Index on a temporal scale of one day and then aggregated to 10 days over 61 years (1961–2021). Daily mean and maximum temperature, mean and minimum relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and sunshine hours were employed in the investigation. The Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used for trend detection in the frequency, season duration, and first/last suitable day during the year for outdoor tourism. Acceptable or better weather conditions usually begin in the last part of April and end in mid-October, with Good or better conditions lasting between 260 and 310 days/year. The trend shows a shift of Good conditions earlier in the year (0.3–9.0 days/decade), resulting in a longer season duration (0.8–13.0 days/decade) for open-air activities. The trend is statistically significant mainly for the extra-Carpathian regions. Big differences in open-air events number during the climatically suitable season have been identified among the cities considered (2–19 events/year). This study is useful for better planning open-air events and activities for tourism and recreation.

Assessment of the impact of fuelling puff location on divertor impurity compression and enrichment in STEP

In order to achieve a compatible solution between the divertors and the core, SOLPS-ITER simulations were performed in a Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) connected double-null geometry to investigate the possibility of using deuterium ( D2 ) puff locations as an actuator for divertor argon (Ar) compression/enrichment. It was found that puffing D2 from the inner-midplane (IMP) D2 puff enhanced Ar compression and enrichment on the high-field-side (HFS) and lowered the required upstream Ar fraction to achieve acceptable target conditions. An interesting link was found between argon compression and the number of stagnation points of the middle-charge-state Ar ions in the HFS SOL, Nst ; significantly improved compression and enrichment were obtained for Nst=1 (corresponding mostly to the cases with IMP puff) compared to Nst=3 (corresponding mostly to the cases without IMP puff). An intermediate compression and enrichment was obtained when Nst=5 . The change of Nst from 3 to 1 (or 5) was achieved by a combination of D+ outflow, high collision frequency, and flipped temperature gradients around the IMP. Given a possible drawback of ΓDOMP+IMP , that is a direct effect on the upstream main plasma density and temperature, we propose ΓDPFR+IMP as the best solution, balancing the negative and positive effects of private-flux-region and IMP D2 puffs. Further studies will be carried out both experimentally and numerically.