Conventional Facilities Research Articles

A Study on the Analysis of Reduction Effects and Comparison of Economic Feasibility by Applying the LID Technique

This study conducted a comparative review of the effects and project costs of four different flood runoff reduction measures applied in the Dongnam District 1 watershed. Using the XP-SWMM model, the effects of three LID (low-impact development) technologies—infiltration trenches, permeable pavement, and green roofs—were analyzed. The results showed reductions in both peak flood discharge (32.65 m<sup>3</sup>/s → 27.85 m<sup>3</sup>/s) and total runoff volume (99,725 m<sup>3</sup> → 86,814 m<sup>3</sup>). However, the application of LID technologies alone is insufficient for mitigating flood risks. Therefore, flood reduction measures were categorized into four CASEs, combining LID technologies with conventional stormwater management facilities. The cost comparison for each CASE was as follows: CASE 1 (LID + pump) at 22.3 billion KRW, CASE 2 (LID + stormwater storage facility) at 20.3 billion KRW, CASE 3 (pump) at 20.6 billion KRW, and CASE 4 (stormwater storage facility) at 21.0 billion KRW. Despite the use of LID technologies, the project costs for CASEs 3 and 4, which utilized existing reduction methods, were higher. This indicates that integrating LID technologies with conventional reduction measures is likely the most effective approach.

Performance of SRC unequal-depth beam-column irregular joint in NPP under progressive collapse

The prototype structure of this study is taken from the main shield building of nuclear power plant (NPP) conventional island facilities. Emphasis is on steel reinforced concrete (SRC) unequal-depth beam-column irregular joints, studying their resistance to progressive collapse via analysis of two 1/5 scale irregular joints. Vertical monotonic loading tests were conducted on the joints, followed by numerical simulations to analyze their mechanical properties, failure modes, and progressive collapse resistance. Experimental analyses focused on irregular joint failure modes, central column load changes with displacement, beam deformations, strain variations in critical sections, and resistance mechanism development. Finite element (FE) software modeled these behaviors and was validated against experimental data. Then, according to the various beam section depths of the connected beams, this research applied the validated numerical models to examine the load-bearing capacity of the irregular joints. The results indicate that the damage of the unequal-depth beam-column irregular joint exhibits significant asymmetric characteristics. In terms of load performance, the performance of the irregular joint depends on the component performance of the shallow beam section. Within a certain range, the greater the height difference between the various beams, the greater the joint bearing capacity, but the stability of the bearing performance deteriorates. The fracture yield of H-shaped steel significantly reduces the bearing capacity, and it is recommended to reinforce shallow beams. Providing data reference for the design of the irregular joints has important practical significance.

Integrating Additive Manufacturing into the Supply Chain in a Fuzzy Environment

Additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing, rapid prototyping, rapid development, rapid technologies and many other similar names are terms used interchangeably for rapidly growing technologies based on adding materials, layer by layer, to build the final product, in comparison to the subtractive - conventional productions. Meanwhile, the supply chain has been greatly influenced by this phenomenon. Thus, it is necessary to provide a holistic approach to the analysis and design of the system. In this paper, a supply chain model for the integration of conventional and AM facilities in a fuzzy environment is developed. This model is focused on situations where the possibility of adding new AM facilities within the traditional plants in a broader supply chain is on question. In addition, the best production levels and transportation of the chain, along with purchasing decisions and other tactical factors, and the number of facilities in a strategic level are developed. Furthermore, 3 numerical example is provided to examine different conceivable outcomes.

Innovative upcycling gabions with coal bottom ash for nonpoint source pollution control against climate change

Climate change accelerates extreme temperature fluctuations and rainfall volatility, and shifts in rainfall patterns, rapidly increasing nonpoint source pollution originated from turbid water and soil erosion. The climate changes also pose serious threats to the agricultural environment and food security. This study innovates the conventional control facilities of turbid water and soil erosion in the sloping field, using coal bottom ash as a harmful waste of thermal power generation. Typical gabion and side modified gabion are designed in consideration with geographical characteristics. The adsorption capacity of coal bottom ash for turbidity, suspended solids (SS), total nitrogen (T-N), and total phosphorus (T-P) were increased as the amounts of coal bottom ash increase. At the rate of 20-g coal bottom ash, the turbidity, SS, T-N, and T-P were absorbed by 84.0%, 80.2%, 40.2%, and 53.2%, respectively. The typical gabion (TG) and side modified gabion (SMG) installed in the sloping field also decreased the turbidity, SS, T-N, and T-P by up to 98.1%, 99.4%, 77.6%, and 84.0%, respectively, during the natural rainfall events. The use of coal bottom ash cannot only be an effective upcycling way to control nonpoint source pollution but also be an ecofriendly approach against climate change.

Digital Industry transformation strategy analysis and decision-based on intelligent decision technology

Expanding and being competitive in the current economic environment requires companies to embrace digital transformation. In the framework of Industry 4.0, the network of interconnected machines, sensors, and software known as the IIoT plays a crucial role in transforming conventional manufacturing facilities into smart factories, notably in monitoring and optimising the manufacturing process. The issues about enormous record storage and how they react challenge conventional automated methods in the IIoT. Cognitive systems optimally modify production settings based on managing uncertainty and sensory inputs. This work uses the Internet of Things-based decision support system with cognitive automation (IoT-DSS-CA) for industrial informatics across the board, including data collection, transmission, processing, and storage. Incorporating the elements frequently neglected during digital transformation, the suggested method uses the business process management (BPM) paradigm to give a systematic approach that industrial organizations may employ to aid their path towards Industry 4.0. The proposed mechanism is thoroughly investigated and evaluated compared to an original solution using several sensing and decision-making features in industrial parameter settings determined by Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Comparing single-shot damage thresholds of boron carbide and silicon at the European XFEL.

Xray free-electron lasers (XFELs) enable experiments that would have been impractical or impossible at conventional X-ray laser facilities. Indeed, more XFEL facilities are being built and planned, with their aim to deliver larger pulse energies and higher peak brilliance. While seeking to increase the pulse power, it is quintessential to consider the maximum pulse fluence that a grazing-incidence FEL mirror can withstand. To address this issue, several studies were conducted on grazing-incidence damage by soft X-ray FEL pulses at the European XFEL facility. Boron carbide (B4C) coatings on polished silicon substrate were investigated using 1 keV photon energy, similar to the X-ray mirrors currently installed at the soft X-ray beamlines (SASE3). The purpose of this study is to compare the damage threshold of B4C and Si to determine the advantages, tolerance and limits of using B4C coatings.

Appraising sustainability and economic growth through Fintech, green finance and natural resource in Asian economies: A CS-ARDL study

Governments in Asian economies are under immense pressure from an ecological perspective and are trying to increase compliance with environmental policies by institutions and households, which have the objective of reducing environmental pollution. This is because the Asian region contributes two-thirds of the global growth. However, because of the conventional manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, the Asian region had to rely on the consumption of the Natural Resource (NTR) for their economic development; thus,the environment is being harshly affected, eventually affecting the quality of life of every dweller. Therefore, this research revisits the Asian economies due to their global significance in financial, environmental and sustainable development. Moreover, the present study evaluates the role of Fintech (FNT), Green Finance (GFN) and Natural Resource (NTR), in diluting the disparity betweeneconomic and ecological sustainability. The current study explores these relationships through the help of an advanced and recent estimation technique named “Cross-section augmented autoregressive distributed lags (CS-ARDL)”. Through the generated outcome from CS-ARDL, FNT, NTR, and GFN are found to support the Economic Growth (ECG). From the environmental perspective, the role of FNT and GFN was found to be satisfying as they lead to reduced environmental pollution. However, the role of NTR was found to destroy ecological health, which is the validation of the earlier studies but does require careful attention from the concerned authorities. In light of these findings, the Asian governments will be in a better position to identify, devise and select appropriate strategies and policies that will assist in alleviating environmental pollution and strengthening economic development.

How Menstrual Hygiene Management Facilities are Supportive to Girl Students in the School Environment in Tanzania

The study aimed at examining how menstrual hygiene facilities are supportive to girl students in the school environment in selected secondary school in Dodoma city. The study adopted exploratory research design. This study employed a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion as data collection tools. A total of 29 students from four different private and public schools in Dodoma city were involved. The study found that menstrual hygiene management facilities were not supportive to girl students in the school environment. Most girls faced different challenges when they were at school; this study found out that there was insufficient water, soap, pads, scarce toilets and no private rooms. Most of them waited until the end of the session; they would not leave the class until they were the last to leave and when they leave, would wrap sweaters around their waists. The findings revealed that the selected secondary schools in Dodoma City have no private changing rooms. Female students were use conventional restroom facilities as personal changing areas. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Health, should make available sanitary pads and distribute them to all secondary school girls for free. Further, the government should set aside 1% of all education budget to be used in the production of sanitary pads. The government may exempt tax to all sanitary products produced within and outside the country to reduce the price of the product.

Blood far forward: A cross-sectional analysis of prehospital transfusion practices in the Canadian Armed Forces

BackgroundCanadian Armed Forces (CAF) operate in environments that challenge patient care, especially trauma. Military personnel often find themselves in remote settings without conventional healthcare facilities. Treating traumatic injuries, particularly hemorrhagic shock, often necessitates prehospital blood transfusion. This study aims to present an overview of the current CAF prehospital transfusion practices. Furthermore, the study compared current and developing protocols against expert-recommended guidelines. MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was employed to describe and compare CAF prehospital blood transfusion practices and protocols against expert recommendations. Topics included protocols, equipment, and procedures. An online survey targeted medical leadership and providers within CAF, with data collected from August 15 to December 15, 2023. Results were summarized descriptively. This study received approval from the Unity Health Toronto Research Ethics Board (REB 23–087). ResultsUnits and teams with prehospital blood transfusion capabilities were contacted, achieving a 100 % response rate. Within CAF, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), Mobile Surgical Resuscitation Team (MSRT), and Canadian Medical Emergency Response Team (CMERT) possess these capabilities, established between 2013 and 2018. These programs are crucial for military operations. CAF has access to standard blood components, cold Leuko-Reduced Whole Blood (LrWB), and factor concentrates from Canadian Blood Services (CBS), available for both domestic and international missions given adequate planning and favorable conditions. Key findings indicate high adherence to recommended practices, some variability in the transfusion process, and potential benefits of standardizing prehospital transfusion practices. ConclusionsThis study provided insights into CAF's implementation of prehospital transfusion practices, highlighting high adherence to national expert recommendations and the importance of structured protocols in military prehospital trauma management. Implications of key findingsCAF's approach and adoption of prehospital transfusion protocols lay a strong foundation for managing trauma patients in remote settings and for expanding prehospital transfusion capabilities across CFHS deployed assets. Further research is needed to advance military trauma care by adapting prehospital blood transfusion to dynamic tactical landscapes and evolving technologies.

An exploratory study on miniaturized additive friction stir deposition

Without melting and rapid solidification, additive friction stir deposition offers a deformation processing route to additive manufacturing and repair of high-performance alloys with full density and desirable properties. However, this approach has traditionally relied on expensive and bulky equipment, posing challenges for small-feature creation and portability. Here, we explore miniaturized additive friction stir deposition by modifying an affordable benchtop mill and introducing innovative tool design. With in situ monitoring of temperature and force evolution, we demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by dissimilar metal printing, depositing high-strength martensite steel (AISI 4140) onto mild steel (AISI 1018). Compared to conventional facilities, the present approach reduces the in-plane dimension of the feed-rod by a factor of three and narrows the deposition tracks to a few millimeters in width. The as-deposited steel exhibits full density and retains martensitic characteristics without forming new phases at the interfacial region. The as-deposited steel shows significant microstructure refinement with increased hardness because of the extreme thermomechanical conditions during deposition. We discuss the influences of downsizing on the thermal and mechanical aspects of deposition. Owing to the size effects in heat generation and heat loss, the rotation rate of the print head needs to be significantly increased in miniaturized additive friction stir deposition to ensure good deposition quality. To prevent buckling, the unsupported length of the feed-rod should be reduced in proportion to its in-plane dimension.

Comparing Gut Microbial Composition and Functional Adaptations between SPF and Non-SPF Pigs.

The gut microbiota is a key factor significantly impacting host health by influencing metabolism and immune function. Its composition can be altered by genetic factors, as well as environmental factors such as the host's surroundings, diet, and antibiotic usage. This study aims to examine how the characteristics of the gut microbiota in pigs, used as source animals for xenotransplantation, vary depending on their rearing environment. We compared the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in fecal samples from pigs raised in specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional (non-SPF) facilities. The 16S RNA metagenome sequencing results revealed that pigs raised in non-SPF facilities exhibited greater gut microbiota diversity compared to those in SPF facilities. Genera such as Streptococcus and Ruminococcus were more abundant in SPF pigs compared to non-SPF pigs, while Blautia, Bacteroides, and Roseburia were only observed in SPF pigs. Conversely, Prevotella was exclusively present in non-SPF pigs. It was predicted that SPF pigs would show higher levels of processes related to carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism, and environmental information processing. On the other hand, energy and lipid metabolism, as well as processes associated with genetic information, cell communication, and diseases, were predicted to be more active in the gut microbiota of non-SPF pigs. This study provides insights into how the presence or absence of microorganisms, including pathogens, in pig-rearing facilities affects the composition and function of the pigs' gut microbiota. Furthermore, this serves as a reference for tracing whether xenotransplantation source pigs were maintained in a pathogen-controlled environment.

Towards a defossilized building sector with field tests in the lab: Review, development, and evaluation

The transformation process in the building sector towards future city concepts requires changes in our society that aim for significant emission reduction until 2045. Currently, buildings in Germany are constructed and operated in such a way that no changes need to be made to them for decades. Therefore, any upcoming changes that do not achieve the climate goals must be avoided immediately. However, making the optimal decision for a change is complex due to (a) multi-domain (e.g., design and control), (b) multi-scale (e.g., single-family building and urban energy system), (c) multi-stakeholder (e.g., users and practice), and (d) long-term implications (up to decades). Conventional testing facilities and methods do not account for the integration of (a)-(d). Therefore, their technology readiness level is limited by 6. This paper introduces an approach that aims at (1) a multi-domain and multi-scale approach by applying process systems engineering to the building sector and that aims at (2) stakeholder integration already in the research process by applying the living lab approach. We combine the two methods, yielding a field test in the lab infrastructure pushing the technology readiness level to 7–8. In all, it consists of five test benches (Refrigerant Cycle Lab, FlexFass, RT-Lab, Raumklimalabor, and InFis). This work focuses on the Refrigerant Cycle Lab. Its concept is based on two further Hardware-in-the-Loop test benches which are extended by a safety system that ensures automated operation dedicated to heat pumps with flammable refrigerants. In two case studies, we show that field tests in the lab allow multi-domain and multi-scale testing. Both aspects support accelerating the transformation process towards a defossilized building sector. In the next step, the combination of test benches at different locations is promising to reduce the need to set up identical experiments at different locations. In the long term, the laboratory is designed to include external stakeholders to avoid time-consuming iterations and can, therefore, save resources, time, and money for our complex transformation process.

Floating Ports as Support for Port Relocation Measures on Sea Level Rise

Ports are one of the structures where the effects of global warming are most severe and intense in atmospheric, oceanic, and geographical terms. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s assessment reports, although it is possible to slow down global warming by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is not foreseen to stop global warming and sea level rise (SLR) in any scenario. The rising sea level, an inevitable consequence of global warming, is a clear threat to conventional port facilities. In summary, SLR triggered by climate change, which is today's hot topic, may cause conventional port infrastructures to be flooded and lose their functionality. To cope with this threat, port facility planning, and design stages must be carried out by referring to the updated threshold values in Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios defined by the Working Groups of the IPCC. However, the uncertainty about the scale, timing, and location of SLR makes definitive solution-oriented approaches more prominent. One of these approaches is floating port structures. This study aims to reveal the role of floating port structures in the implementation of the relocation measure emphasized in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) for conventional ports under the threat of SLR. Initially, in this study, regions with higher SLR risk were identified by considering SSP scenarios contributed by Sixth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) data. Afterwards, the dynamic downscaling model was used to determine the regions with higher regional sea level rise (RSLR) risk and the Marine Traffic database was used to determine the ports in these regions. Thus, it is evaluated whether floating ports can be a suitable alternative in the relocation decision of ports under SLR risk. It is expected that maritime transport will be maintained at adequate security and operational levels by revealing the pros and cons of floating ports.

Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus 1.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) are the most epidemic blood-borne viruses, posing threats to human health and causing economic losses to nations for combating the infection transmission. The diagnostic methodologies that depend on the detection of viral nucleic acids are much more expensive, but they are more accurate than serological testing. To develop a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate diagnostic multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for simultaneous detection of HCV, HBV, and HIV-1. The design of the proposed PCR assay targets the amplification of a short conserved region featured with a distinguishable melting profile and electrophoretic molecular weight inside each viral genome. Therefore, this diagnostic method will be appropriate for application in both conventional (combined with electrophoresis) and real-time PCR facilities. Confirmatory in silico investigations were conducted to prove the capability of the approached PCR assay to detect variants of each virus. Then, Egyptian isolates of each virus were subjected to the wet lab examination using the given diagnostic assay. The in silico investigations confirmed that the PCR primers can match many viral variants in a multiplex PCR assay. The wet lab experiment proved the efficiency of the assay in distinguishing each viral type through high-resolution melting analysis. Compared to related published assays, the proposed assay in the current study is more sensitive and competitive with many expensive PCR assays. This study provides a simple, cost-effective, and sensitive diagnostic PCR assay facilitating the detection of the most epidemic blood-borne viruses; this makes the proposed assay promising to be substitutive for the mistakable and cheap serological-based assays.

Chemically Modified Coconut Shell Biochar for Removal of Losartan Potassium in Aqueous Solutions

Emerging contaminants (EC) are newly recognized significant water pollutants and conventional wastewater treatment facilities are not sufficient at removing these trace contaminants. Biochar is well-known effective adsorbent for the removal of complex inorganic contaminants and organic contaminants from water. The present study, comprehensively investigates the sorption removal of Losartan potassium (LOS) through chemically modified biochar (CMBC) developed from green coconut (Cocous nucifera) shell. Effect of pyrolysis temperature (400o C, 500o C and 600o C), initial concentration of LOS (20−150 mg L−1), pH (3–11), temperature (20−400 C), dose of adsorbent (1.0–5.0 g L−1) and contact time (15−1620 mins) on the adsorption of LOS onto CMBC has been analyzed using a successive batch study. Biochar treated with 5% H3PO4 and pyrolyzed at 600o C shows the optimum result which is 60.72% removal of LOS with initial LOS concentration of 20 mg L−1, pH∼6, temperature 20o C, dose of adsorbent 5 mg L−1, agitation speed 150 rpm and contact time 24 h. The kinetic data of the adsorption study was best fitted into pseudo-2nd-order kinetics model. The Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich isotherm models were studied and the experimental data were best represented by the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic study reveals the LOS adsorption was non-spontaneous, exothermic nature on CMBC. 
 Keywords: Biochar, Emerging Contaminant, Isotherm, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Losartan Potassium, Pyrolysis 

Uma história com duas versões: efeito da polpa da raiz de yacon na asma experimental em biotérios distintos

ABSTRACT: The intestinal microbiota has an important role in animal health. Therefore, prebiotics have gained interest in the scientific community for their role in manipulating populations of intestinal microorganisms. Among prebiotics, there is Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. Endl (yacon) root, which can be ingested in natura or in different forms, such as flours and extracts. This prebiotic has been associated with beneficial effects in different diseases, including metabolic (like type 2 diabetes) and immunological disorders. Thus, mouse models of human diseases caused by immunological factors have been used to better understand the prebiotic effects of yacon. Since prebiotics interfere with animal microbiota, it is important to take into consideration the quality level of mouse facilities. In this way, the beneficial effects of a yacon root pulp were tested in a mouse model of allergic asthma and, considering how animal facility conditions could affect those results, we performed experiments both in conventional facilities and specific pathogen-free (SPF) ones. Our results showed that better prebiotic effects were observed in a SPF facility than in a conventional one and, in some cases, evidence of yacon beneficial effects was observed exclusively in a SPF facility. For example, there were reductions of 63.6% and 58.0% in IgE and eosinophils, respectively, in immunized/yacon-treated animals compared to immunized mice only. Taken together, our results not only showed the beneficial effects of yacon root pulp in an asthma model but also demonstrated the relevance of performing experiments with prebiotics in SPF facilities.

Effectiveness of the renewable energy support program implementation (by the example of solar energy)

Objective: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics and prospects of the renewable energy support program implementation and to assess its effectiveness.Methods: comparison, synthesis, system approach, generalization, statistical and economic analysis.Results: the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of system effects from the implementation of renewable energy support programs. The mechanisms of state support of renewable energy generators (further – RES) were studied. These mechanisms are aimed at reducing emissions and costs, creating new jobs, etc., which provides Russia with a unique opportunity to create a full-fledged RES industry. The authors assessed the economic efficiency of renewable energy development in the Wholesale Electricity and Capacity Market (WECM), taking solar energy for analysis. The benefits were analyzed, which are acquired as a result of renewable energy development, including by implementation of the state program of RES projects support and the RES development program for 2013-2024. Economic and non-economic effects arising in the process of RES industry development were analyzed. These are: substitution of fossil fuel consumed in energy production by conventional generation facilities, due to the replacement of conventional generation facilities by RES facilities; reduction of prices in the wholesale electricity market; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; reduction of costs of measures to reduce the negative impact on the environment and health protection; reduction of compulsory levied payments; creation of new jobs. In conclusion, the prospects of RES development in the state nearest to Russia – the Republic of Belarus – were analyzed, which is important for energy cooperation.Scientific novelty: a comprehensive analysis of system effects from the implementation of the program to support the RES industry in the Russian Federation was carried out. The efficiency of the support program implementation was proved by the example of solar energy. The prospects of the program implementation in the Russian economy were shown.Practical significance: the obtained results and the revealed regularities can be used to make forecasts of renewable energy development taking into account economic and non-economic consequences. They can be used by the authorities to assess the support policy effectiveness of RES generating facilities, as well as to select the most favorable support mechanisms.

Sharia hotel preferences among tourists in Bogor City: Factors and insights

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing consumer demand for Sharia hotel services in Bogor City and their characteristics to provide invaluable guidance for related parties. Research Methodology: This study employs descriptive and multiple regression analyses using data collected from Sharia hotel consumers in Bogor City using a convenience sampling technique with 59 samples. Results: The results show that consumers of Sharia hotels in Bogor City use conventional hotel services more often than Sharia hotels. The factors influencing tourists’ use of Sharia hotel services in Bogor City are the relative prices of Sharia hotels to conventional hotels, knowledge, religiosity, service quality, and facilities owned by Sharia hotels. Limitations: The study is geographically confined to three specific Sharia hotels in Bogor City: Sahira Hotel, Sahira Butik Hotel Bogor, and Sahira Butik Hotel Pakuan, which may not be representative of sharia hotels in other regions. Contributions: Offers insights into consumer behavior in Bogor City's Sharia hotel sector, aiding future business and policy decisions in halal tourism.

Sharia hotel preferences among tourists in Bogor City: Factors and insights

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing consumer demand for Sharia hotel services in Bogor City and their characteristics to provide invaluable guidance for related parties. Research Methodology: This study employs descriptive and multiple regression analyses using data collected from Sharia hotel consumers in Bogor City using a convenience sampling technique with 59 samples. Results: The results show that consumers of Sharia hotels in Bogor City use conventional hotel services more often than Sharia hotels. The factors influencing tourists’ use of Sharia hotel services in Bogor City are the relative prices of Sharia hotels to conventional hotels, knowledge, religiosity, service quality, and facilities owned by Sharia hotels. Limitations: The study is geographically confined to three specific Sharia hotels in Bogor City: Sahira Hotel, Sahira Butik Hotel Bogor, and Sahira Butik Hotel Pakuan, which may not be representative of sharia hotels in other regions. Contributions: Offers insights into consumer behavior in Bogor City's Sharia hotel sector, aiding future business and policy decisions in halal tourism.

Improving driving safety in freeway tunnels: A field study of linear visual guiding facilities

This study endeavors to assess the efficacy of retroreflective linear visual guiding facilities in enhancing traffic safety within freeway tunnels. While simulation tests have traditionally served as the primary means for investigating traffic engineering solutions aimed at improving driving behaviors within tunnels, empirical studies validating these methods in real tunnel environments have been notably lacking. To bridge this research gap, our study developed two cost-effective linear visual guiding facilities equipped with retroreflective features and evaluated their effectiveness in authentic freeway tunnel settings. We employed various indicators, including visual behaviors such as the speed of pupil area change and the distribution time of gaze points, as well as driving behaviors encompassing speed and lateral deviation, to assess the impact of these facilities on drivers. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that the integration of linear visual guiding facilities significantly enhances driving safety within tunnels compared to conventional facilities. Specifically, the speed of pupil area change decreases, while the distribution time of gaze points increases following the implementation of linear visual guiding facilities. Moreover, we observe mitigations in the speed differentials among vehicles, both within and between tunnel zones, alongside reductions in vehicular lateral deviations. The synergistic deployment of linear visual guiding facilities in conjunction with conventional delineators and raised pavement markers can expedite visual perception, promote accurate driving decisions, and facilitate the safe passage of vehicles through tunnels. In conclusion, our study has proved that retroreflective linear visual guiding facilities effectively can enhance driving safety in freeway tunnels.