Economic Aspects Research Articles

'Yam, inhame or ñame' (Dioscorea spp.): An overview about its crop, economic aspects, nutritional relevance and agronomic aspects

'Yam, inhame or ñame' (Dioscorea spp.): An overview about its crop, economic aspects, nutritional relevance and agronomic aspects

'Sweet potato, batata or camote' (Ipomoea batatas): An overview about its crop, economic aspects and nutritional relevance

'Sweet potato, batata or camote' (Ipomoea batatas): An overview about its crop, economic aspects and nutritional relevance

Diagnosis of open defecation in Yamoussoukro District (Central Côte d’Ivoire)

The pathological landscape of Yamoussoukro district is dominated by environmental diseases (malaria, typhoid fever, respiratory infections). These diseases are linked to lack of sanitation and hygiene and open defecation. The objective of this study is to draw up an inventory of fixtures of sanitation in Yamoussoukro district and determine the reasons for the practice of open defecation and thus propose effective strategies to combat this practice. Methodology used consists of direct observation in the field and a household survey. The sampling technique adopted is that of Shawartz, with a sample size of 373 households. Initially, an inventory of the sanitation situation in the study localities was drawn up, revealing a sanitation problem with 62,34 % of households lacking latrines in Kpangbassou, 82,22% in Aboukro, and 82,14% in Duokro. Analysis of the reasons prompting communities to opt for open defecation (OD) highlights determining factors such as the absence of a law prohibiting it, cultural reasons, perceptions of populations, the low level of income and education of household heads. Although socio-economic factors play a predominant role in the adoption of this practice, it is essential to pay particular attention to the economic aspects. Following these results, solutions were proposed to OD. Suggested strategies include the CLTS / EcoSan approach, enhanced CLTS / EcoSan monitoring and community awareness raising.

Improving the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Frame Using an Innovative Metallic Shear Damper

ABSTRACTDespite the advantages of reinforced concrete (RC) frame, they are susceptible to damages under seismic loading. This is due to the fact that the main elements of the RC frame carry the gravity load in addition to the lateral loading. So imposed seismic energy is dissipated through the two ends of the beam, making the repair of the element complicated due to the gravity load. Although adding concentrically braced frames (CBFs) improves the lateral strength and stiffness, the ductility of the system is reduced. This shortcoming is due to the susceptibility of the diagonal elements to buckling. To do so, in this paper, an innovative metallic damper was investigated numerically and parametrically. The damper compound of the shear plate is surrounded by two HSS sections at two ends. The damper pertains to simplicity of construction and implementation. Also, the required equation to design and prediction of the system is presented. To investigate the behavior of the system, dynamic (to consider its suitable performance against seismic expiation) and static analyses (to determine the structural parameters) were carried out. Results revealed that the HSS section used as flanges for the shear plate not only improves the behavior of the plate but also contributes to resisting the applied load. Also, the reduction of the length to the height ratio of the damper enhances the stiffness and strength and stiffness. Subsequently, the variable Ф was defined as the ratio of the strength of the flanges to the web plate that affects the response of the damper. Although raising the Ф reduced the stiffness and ultimate strength, it is suggested to design dampers with Ф > 2 to achieve suitable overstrength in accordance with economical aspects. Also, time‐history analysis indicated that the proposed damper prevents the buckling of the CBF elements and improves the energy‐dissipating capacity of the system.

Distinguishing factors in regional variations of TAVI in Japan: the unique role of administrative facility standards compared to other procedures in a high-cost medical care subsidy system

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is less invasive than surgical aortic valve replacement and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, particularly among patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) due to aging. However, regional differences are expected to exist not only between countries but also within a single country. Reports from Western countries indicate the presence of regional differences in TAVI and the reasons for these differences, which include differences in medical infrastructure, economic resources, health insurance systems and policies, geographic factors, and availability of specialized medical personnel. TAVI is expensive, but in Japan, the economic aspect is relatively unimportant due to the high-cost medical assistance system. Furthermore, there is little socioeconomic disparity between regions. In such a society, we have reported that the number of specialists and resources for PCI can explain regional differences in ablation and endovascular treatment (EVT). However, unlike those other cardiovascular procedures, there are specific requirements for facilities to perform TAVI, such as the number of transesophageal echocardiographies, as well as cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, and the equipment itself, such as hybrid operating rooms. We examined how these facility requirements, which are thought to be controlled by the government, are related to regional differences in TAVI implementation. Methods and Results We used the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare national database to determine the rate of TAVI for patients with AS performed per 100,000 population aged ≥40 years in all 47 prefectures in 2022. A linear regression model was developed to assess factors contributing to the regional medical supply, including the rates of PCI per 100,000 population aged ≥40 years and the numbers of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiovascular intervention and therapy training facilities, cardiovascular surgery base facilities, and TAVI facilities. The numbers in the highest and lowest regions were 26.6 and 3.9 (a 6.8-fold difference) for TAVI number. The number of TAVI facilities contributed most significantly to the TAVI volumes (P = 0.0105), while the rates of PCI and other factors did not contribute significantly. The number of TAVI facilities was positively correlated with the number of transesophageal echocardiographies the most (r = 0.353). Conclusion This study revealed large regional variations in TAVI volumes in Japan, of which administrative facility standards were a major determinant.

What are the challenges in the Health Technology Assessment of genetic and genomic applications?

Abstract Introduction Evaluating genetic/genomic applications (GGAs) is crucial for their implementation in clinical practice but hindered by several issues, such as rapid development processes and unclear benefits. Since these challenges lack comprehensive discussion, this study aims to identify and analyze all barriers emerged in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of genetic/genomic tests, filling a gap in the current literature. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to identify studies that specifically discussed any challenge or barrier in the HTA evaluation of GGAs. No restriction was applied on evaluation aspect or study type. Challenges/barriers were then grouped into the domains outlined in the EUnetHTA Core Model. A narrative synthesis of the main findings was performed. This study was supported by the EC and MUR- PNRR-M4C2-I1.3 Project PE_00000019 ‘HEAL ITALIA’. Results 19 articles were included: one third involved experts from different countries, and about 50% were author perspectives. Articles either focused on one aspect only (37%) or were more general (47%). The most challenging domain was economic aspects (69%), followed by clinical effectiveness (47%) and social impact (42%), but issues were found in all domains. The lack of a standardized HTA approach, the paucity of evidence on clinical outcomes, the challenges in capturing all health benefits, and the difficulties in identifying the healthcare pathways triggered by the test were consistently mentioned across the HTA domains. Conclusions Our study systematically summarized challenges in the HTA evaluation of GGAS, providing a thorough analysis and categorization of these issues. Various challenges surfaced, notably related to the identification of costs, as well as clinical and non-clinical benefits. There is a need for exhaustive discussion on potential solutions to facilitate the assessment process of these technologies to ultimately foster their implementation in clinical practice. Key messages • There are multiple challenges in the HTA evaluation of genetic and genomic tests in clinical practice that impact every HTA domain. • There is a need for concrete efforts in generating further evidence in relation to the definition of costs and benefits of the healthcare pathways triggered by genetic/genomic applications.

Configurational Design of a Hybrid System Based on an Air–Water Heat Pump and Biomass Boiler for a Rural Dwelling

Hybrid energy systems combine multiple energy sources and storage technologies to enhance performance and meet diverse energy needs. Hybrid heat pump systems are particularly suitable for heating and cooling buildings in rural areas. Air-source heat pumps have two well-known disadvantages during the coldest period of the year, when the building’s heating load is at its peak: the heat pump’s capacity is reduced and it needs to perform defrost cycles. A potential solution is to size the heat pump to cover only a portion of the peak load and to use a second heat generator in a hybrid heat pump system. There is a gap in the literature regarding the configurational analysis of hybrid heat pump (HHP) systems, particularly in terms of combining heat pumps and biomass boilers, and evaluating their efficiency, economic aspects, and environmental impact. Thus, in this research, a dynamic model of a HHP system, consisting of an air-to-water heat pump paired with a biomass boiler as a backup, is presented. Various configurations of the HHP system have been developed to evaluate key performance indicators, such as efficiency, emissions, operational costs, and other relevant factors. The findings of this paper indicate that the energy performance of HHP systems is significantly affected by the system layout, heat pump size, cut-off temperature, and the control algorithm used to activate the heat generators. Moreover, series operation of HHP systems is not only more efficient than parallel operation but also results in lower emissions and reduced operation costs. As expected, the energy loss associated with defrost cycles significantly impacts the overall performance of a hybrid system based on an air-source heat pump. Finally, the impact of the cut-off temperature on the key parameters in the configuration analysis was examined, and the optimal performance of the HHP system, in terms of minimizing operational costs and emissions, was depicted using a heat map diagram.

When toxicity is not just from gluten: a systematic review on financial toxicity and celiac disease

Abstract Background With an incidence of up to ∼2% globally, Celiac Disease (CD) is probably one of the most life-long common chronic conditions. Although ‘Financial toxicity’ (FT) has been mainly linked to oncology, significant financial burdens have been described across all healthcare domains, even in CD and to the unexpected economic effort resulting from illness and the need for treatments. This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between CD and FT. Methods A systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines. The search query queried the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and APA PsycInfo. No time and study design limits were included. Results 105 articles were found, and 25 were included in the review. The main results revealed that CD impacts physical health and imposes a significant financial burden on patients and their families. FT in CD is primarily due to the high costs of diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and expenses for gluten-free foods. Several studies highlighted the scarce adherence to the therapeutic diet due to the cost of food and poor acceptance of CD. Furthermore, since 2007, there has been increased attention to the difficulty of finding gluten-free products and their expensive fees. All these aspects, even for low-income countries, were faced differently globally, as documented by the heterogeneity of government subsidy policies highlighting the health inequity. Conclusions Considering the prevalence, a comprehensive health assessment with a global health approach should consider clinical, social, and economic aspects. This regard could improve the quality of life for CD patients and ensure fair and personalised access to care, regardless of their geographical location or financial situation. This review has highlighted the fragmentation of resources available internationally, underlining the relevance from a public health point of view. Key messages • Celiac Disease is one of the most common life-long disorders, and financial toxicity is an aspect that should be taken into account also from a public health point of view to ensure health equity. • The gluten-free diet represents an important therapeutic choice in CD; the related expensive fees could increase scarce adherence and worse health outcomes.

Urban Community Participation In Dealing With The Covid-19 Pandemic Through Environment-Based On Covid-19 Handling Policies In The City Of Mataram

The city of Mataram is an area that has a high number of Covid-19 cases in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Covid-19 has seriously impacted all aspects of life, from health, economy, society, culture, and tourism to religious rituals. This study aims to analyze the policies for handling Covid-19 in Mataram City. Second, analyze the form of community participation in efforts to deal with Covid-19 in Mataram City. This study uses the participation theory of Cohen and Uphoff as an analytical tool. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. In- depth interviews, observation, and documentation employed data collection techniques. The results of this study indicate that this environment-based policy for handling Covid-19 effectively suppresses the spread of Covid-19 in Mataram City. This policy is implemented by involving the participation of all elements of government, local leaders, and the community. Community participation in handling Covid-19 starts with high public awareness of Covid-19, then implementing health protocols. Community participation is also seen in the formulation of policies for handling Covid-19, the movement to join a Task Force (Satgas), carrying out self- help movements to help each other, and being involved in evaluating the handling of Covid-19 in the City of Mataram.

Decarbonizing Public Transportation: A Multi-Criteria Comparative Analysis of Battery Electric Buses and Fuel Cell Electric Buses

To combat global warming, many industrialized countries have announced plans to ban vehicles powered by fossil fuel in the near future. In alignment with this global initiative, many countries across the globe are committed to decarbonizing their public transportation sector, which significantly contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions. A promising strategy to achieve this goal is the adoption of electric buses, specifically battery electric buses and fuel cell electric buses. Each technology offers distinct advantages and drawbacks, making the decision-making process complex. This research aims to answer two critical questions: What is the optimal choice for decarbonizing the bus transportation sector—electric battery buses or fuel cell electric buses? And what are the best energy carrier pathways for charging or refueling these buses? We propose a methodological framework based on multi-criteria decision-making to address these questions comprehensively. This framework utilizes the entropy weighting and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodologies to rank alternative bus technologies along with energy carrier pathways. The framework evaluates a range of criteria, including economic viability, energy demand, and environmental aspects. To illustrate the framework, we considered Qatar as a case study. Our results indicate that, with respect to economic viability and energy consumption, the operation of battery electric buses is favored over fuel cell electric buses, regardless of the energy pathway utilized during both the energy production and bus operation phases. However, from an environmental perspective, operating both bus alternatives using energy from green sources provides superior performance compared to when these buses are powered by natural gas sources.

Evaluating Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review of Assessment Frameworks

Abstract Introduction The assessment of the risks and benefits of genetic/genomic tests has long been addressed using various frameworks. They are mostly ACCE-based, focus on technical aspects, but often overlook economic and organizational considerations. The few HTA-based approaches, though more comprehensive, lack validation and implementation. This review’s purpose is to identify all evaluation frameworks for genetic/genomic tests and synthesize their key aspects. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Inclusion criteria were documents describing evaluation frameworks for genetic/genomic tests, that were original, specifically created, and covering at least three assessment domains. This study was supported by the EC and MUR under PNRR - M4C2-I1.3 Project PE_00000019 ‘HEAL ITALIA’. Results Overall, 12546 unique records were screened, of which 67 documents were assessed for eligibility. A total of 29 studies were included, reporting 24 different frameworks. These frameworks were published between 2000 and 2019, mostly from USA (50%), Canada (13%) and UK (13%). There was substantial interest in the economic facets of the technology (92%), albeit without extensive detail, and high attention was given to its technical accuracy (70-90%). The clinical value was also consistently mentioned (70-90%), similarly to legal, ethical, and social considerations (70-80%). However, there was minimal emphasis on non-health outcomes (20-50%), and insufficient attention to organizational, educational, and implementation barriers (20-50%). Discussion A pressing need exists for a universally accepted evaluation framework for genetic/genomic tests. Applying a general HTA methodology, potentially based on the EUnetHTA core model, that can integrate solid theoretical and methodological principles, and result in a validated, comprehensive, and widely shared tool for genetic test evaluation, is a viable option to foster the implementation of these technologies. Key messages • Genetic/genomic test evaluations focus on technical accuracy and clinical value, often missing economic and organizational aspects. • A universal, validated, HTA-based evaluation framework for genetic/genomic tests is needed to enhance their implementation in clinical practice.

Reception of health data using the Australian Burden of Disease study as an example

Abstract Background Health data, especially on Burden of Disease (BoD), are vital for evidence-based health promotion and effective dissemination is crucial due to resource intensiveness. Germany’s national BoD study is currently transitioning to permanence. Analysing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) well-established collaboration with stakeholders and their reception of health data at national and regional level offers insights for improved knowledge translation. Methods To follow the path of stakeholder engagement, this 3-month project involved scientific exchanges with the AIHW and Department of Health, Western Australia. It compiled communication strategy examples and documents stating examples of BoD data use. A quantitative online survey accompanied by a series of 18 qualitative 45-minute interviews was conducted. The survey implemented via Swift Digital has been running for 20+ days. Interview partners originated from the fields of health research, politics, planning and advocacy for patients or population groups. Results were analysed, illustrated digitally as a booklet and refined in a participatory workshop. Results Communication strategies such as embargoed press and stakeholder releases as well as regular online formats were identified. The survey and interviews displayed the required technical and content-detail level from key facts to raw data and visualisation needs. Noteworthy are the demand to link data to economic aspects like disease expenditure, trends and future scenarios. It elucidated how diverse target groups utilize data to place disease significance and preventive public health measures, aiding dissemination. Alongside, it shows examples of knowledge translation by emphasizing impact over indicators when targeting communities. Conclusions Prioritizing target group identification and employing tailored communication strategies regarding data format and detail level are essential when utilizing new data. Key messages • Analyzing a well-established collaboration with stakeholders offers insights for improved knowledge translation and reveals leveraging engagement strategies for others. • Understanding stakeholder needs is essential for promoting broader health data use in policy and practice, fostering evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing public health outcomes.

CARD-SARC: mixed-method study to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life tool for cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the formation of lumps (granulomas) of abnormal tissue in any organ, and can affect physical, functional, mental, social and economic aspects of life. People living with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are likely to have worse clinical outcomes and greater impairment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than other sarcoidosis manifestations. HRQoL is the main concern for people living with sarcoidosis. However, measuring HRQoL in people with CS is difficult as existing tools focus on other forms of sarcoidosis (for example, lung, eye or skin involvement) or for specific cardiac symptoms (for example, atrial fibrillation, angina or heart failure), but not specifically for CS. Purpose To develop a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (CARD-SARC) to assess the impact of CS on HRQoL. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-method, multicentre observational cohort study using a clinimetric approach was conducted. The McMaster Framework for evaluative instruments involved three steps (item selection, item scaling and item reduction) which were complemented with recommendations from the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN). The item-generation process connected data from quantitative (theory, research findings and systematic review) and qualitative components (qualitative semistructured interviews, clinical observations and experts’ opinion). A simultaneous triangulation (QUAN+qual) method was followed to ensure a comprehensive list of preliminary items. The formatting of items was guided by patient and public involvement (PPI) with a 2-weeks recall period. The item reduction strategy was led by PPI and an international multidisciplinary clinical CS-experts. Results 740 potential items were generated by converging all the different sources and techniques. After removal of duplicates and simultaneous triangulation, a preliminary list with 111 items was reviewed by the CS-expert panel with 26 members (including 11 pulmonologists, 7 cardiologists, 5 CS-patients and 3 specialist-nurses). After a consensus meeting, the CARD-SARC included 61 relevant items in six sections for pilot-testing: "functioning", "social, leisure and occupation", "emotional", psychological", "physical" and "healthcare/self-care". Conclusions This study combined a robust methodology with active PPI engagement to develop the first disease-specific HRQoL tool for CS. Each data source was planned independently, however the input from PPI members was critical during the simultaneous triangulation for item-generation. The contributions of CS-experts (members of the PPI group and clinical multidisciplinary experts) enhanced the content validity of the CARD-SARC. The CARD-SARC has the potential to influence clinical management and treatment options, future research and health-economic stakeholders’ decisions for CS.

Navigating Social, Environmental, and Economic Complexities of Insect Farming to Contribute to Sustainable Agrifood Systems

Abstract Insect farming is increasingly recognized as an important component of sustainable agrifood systems that provide a variety of social, environmental, and economic benefits. This text explores the complexities of insect farming which must be considered to maximize its potential and thereby contribute to global sustainability goals. It explores diverse strategies for evaluating and optimizing the socio-economic and environmental benefits of insect farming and addresses insects’ diverse roles in circular food systems and their potential contributions to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the particularities of insect farming which vary according to the particular context of each region, this text highlights the ways in which local ecological, socio-economic, and cultural factors influence the outcomes of insect farming initiatives. The case exercises included are aimed at providing readers with an understanding of the role of insect farming in sustainable agriculture. Combining theoretical insights with practical examples, it provides a framework for developing locally adapted insect farming practices that maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks of this type of farming. The case exercises presented are aimed at providing students with experience in developing plans for insect farming scenarios that consider key social, environmental, and economic aspects related to sustainable insect production. Information © The Author 2024

Ghaslah: Car wash application

It is known in Oman and many countries that technological devices and artificial intelligence have become a part of daily life. People use them to complete daily tasks and communicate among themselves, as well as facilitating some tasks that require time and effort. Therefore, there are many phone applications that have been developed to serve people, and they were created and developed by Omanis. These applications facilitate the promotion of the tourism, economic, and commercial sectors. Some of them support tourism by showing tourist places and introducing them to tourists, and some show important events in the Sultanate. Which tourists love to go to and supports the economy through the financial returns that result from this trade through these applications. In this project, we proposed creating a mobile application titled Ghaslah. It is an application concerned with car washes. It supports the customer and the owners of car wash companies. It enables the customer to choose the appropriate car wash company and choose the best services that the customer needs. It also supports segments of society, including women, the elderly, and people with special needs in particular. It supports car wash companies by displaying the services provided by the companies at the lowest costs in terms of advertising and other things, enabling companies to provide their services such as reservations and home services. This application will enhance the economic aspect in Oman and the owners of car wash companies and satisfy the customers with services that suit their needs.

Economic influence of prosperity gospel on individual followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The study sought to investigate how prosperity gospel influences the economic aspect of its followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. In Kenya, Neo-Pentecostal movements are growing and spreading from urban to rural areas, as witnessed in Karingani Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. There has been an increase in self-founded churches, commonly known as charismatic movements, over the past decade. The Functionalism Theory guided the study in analysing the prosperity gospel's influence on its followers' economic aspect. The theory indicates that religion is a social influencer that leads to changes in behaviour and perception or worldview that are essential to economic growth. The study applied the descriptive survey design. Yamane’s formula was applied to obtain a sample size of 288 respondents. In addition, six pastors were selected from the churches; the total sample was 294 respondents. In the six selected churches, a larger population was between (20-50 years); the majority were women and indicated to be small business owners and employed in the private sector. The research instruments utilised were questionnaires, interviews, and focused group discussions. The study's findings revealed that prosperity teachings in Neo-Pentecostal movements positively influenced its followers. Prosperity teaching with biblical grounding had influenced adherents in these movements to have financial, investment, and entrepreneurial abilities through seminars, idea sharing, and continuous assistance from members, which have impacted their followers to experience social status mobility. This paper recommends a future study on how perceived YouTube or social media incomes can benefit all adherents.

The Structural Model of Influential Interplay among Cultural Practices, Social Support, Economic Factors, and the Suku Anak Dalam Community’ Perceptions of Religious Education

The Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Sumatra, Indonesia, faced unique educational challenges influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. This study aimed to explore and confirm the influential relationships among cultural practices, social support, economic factors, and SAD’s perceptions of religious education. A total of 356 literate SAD from some regions in Sumatra were sampled. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected through a structured questionnaire translated into the local language. The results revealed that cultural practices positively impacted SAD’s perceptions of religious education (H1, t=7.550, p=0.000) and significantly enhanced social support (H4, t=3.870, p=0.000). Social support positively influenced perceptions of religious education (H2, t=4.880, p=0.000), while economic factors had a strong positive effect on both perceptions of religious education (H3, t=9.119, p=0.000) and social support (H5, t=31.108, p=0.000). These findings highlight the necessity of integrating cultural, social, and economic aspects in educational policies for the SAD community. The study's novelty lies in its structural model, offering deep insights into religious education perceptions. Future research should explore similar dynamics in other indigenous communities using longitudinal and qualitative methods.

Design of photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems through load demand characterization: A case study in Thailand

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) system at behind the meter has gained popularity due to the growing trend toward environmentally friendly energy solutions. Coupling PV systems with battery energy storage systems (BESS) addresses the uncertainties of PV energy production while enhancing energy management. Load characteristics have influence on PV and BESS design both in technical and economic aspects. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of load demand characterization methodologies tailored for the design of PV and BESS. The fundamental load properties such as daily maximum power, minimum power, and load energy, categorizing loads based on their daily and annual variation degrees are investigated. The techno-economic performance of PV-only and PV+BESS systems is analyzed, focusing on metrics such as excess energy, peak limiting performance, and economic feasibility using the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The findings of this study reveal three distinct load characteristics based on daily variation: moderate (50–70 %), moderate to high (70–80 %), and high (80–90 %). Load profiles with moderate variation (50–70 %) demonstrate economic feasibility when sized with a PV-only system matching maximum power demand. With BESS prices reduced to less than 140 USD/kWh, these loads could also integrate a 1C-BESS sized at half capacity under the same control strategy, resulting in lower excess energy and LCOE. Conversely, loads with higher variation (>70 %) and lower self-consumption rates (<70 %) face fewer viable options for both PV-only and PV+BESS configurations, especially if BESS costs remain high. These loads require custom-designed solutions and more extensive load analysis. Through analysis, this study establishes the relationship between load characteristics and system design suitability for the loads studied. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating load demand characterization techniques in the design systems, highlighting the need for tailored approaches based on specific load characteristics and economic viability.

Formation of the linguistic culture of the individual in the modern education system: the impact of globalization and deglobalization processes

Introduction. The modern socio-cultural situation continues to develop under the influence of globalization processes both in political, economic, socio-cultural, and linguistic-cultural aspects. However, at present there is a turn towards deglobalization, which is noted by many researchers (Yu. P. Denisov, Ya. B. Komarova, O. O. Komolov, etc.). Along with the impact on many spheres of social activity, including the education system, globalization and deglobalization processes affect the formation of a person’s linguistic culture. Purpose setting. The purpose of the article is to investigate how the influence of globalization and deglobalization processes has affected the formation of a person’s linguistic culture in the modern education system.Methodology and methods of the study. The methodological basis of the article is the analysis of research on the problems of globalization; deglobalization; formation of the linguistic culture of the individual and the influence of globalization and deglobalization processes on its formation in the system of modern education.Results. The article presents the result of the analysis of research on the phenomena of globalization and deglobalization. Definitions of the concepts of «globalization» and «deglobalization» are given, as well as various concepts of globalization, including information (network). The role of globalization and de-globalization processes in the formation of the linguistic culture of the individual in the modern education system is considered. It is noted that globalization and globalization processes have an impact on the language and linguistic culture of the individual. There is a tendency to expand the globalization processes and their impact on the phenomenon of linguistic culture of the individual.Conclusion. Globalization is interpreted in two ways: on the one hand, as a «holistic objective, philosophically grounded cultural and historical process», on the other – «as a subjectivist-ideologized action identified with Americanization/mcdonalization and Westernization». Globalization processes have a significant impact on the formation of a person’s linguistic culture, which is manifested 1) in the functioning of a large layer of English-speaking vocabulary in various languages, including Russian (English is now acting as a so-called global language); 2) the emergence of many variants of the English language (linguistic hybrids) (Runglish, Spanglish, Indlish, Cinglish, Singlish, Franglais, etc.), a kind of pseudo-languages, a hybrid of English and national; 3) the differentiated functioning of Anglo-balicisms in modern media; 4) the introduction of English-language vocabulary into various language systems, which leads to the spread of Anglo-Saxon culture (mainly American); 5) blurring the boundaries between national languages and culture. Deglobalization contributes to a turn towards the importance of national languages and culture, drawing the attention of state structures to restoring their dominant role in the process of forming a linguistic culture of an individual.

Recycling Fly Ash into Lightweight Aggregate: Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Evaluation of Waste Disposal

This study analyzed environmental impacts and economic feasibility to evaluate whether recycling fly ash, which has rarely been addressed in previous studies, as a raw material for lightweight aggregates can be a sustainable waste management alternative. This study presents a comparative analysis of three disposal scenarios: landfill disposal, recycling as cement raw material, and recycling as lightweight aggregate raw material. Nine environmental impacts were assessed through life cycle assessment (LCA): acidification, global warming, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. The results showed that the landfill disposal scenario posed the greatest threat to global warming, eutrophication, and marine aquatic ecotoxicity, while the cement scenario had the greatest impact on stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, and other ecotoxicity items while recycling as lightweight aggregate showed the lowest environmental impacts in most items except acidification and photochemical oxidation. Life cycle costing (LCC) analysis was also performed to compare the economic aspects of each scenario. The lightweight aggregate scenario is more energy-intensive and costly, but it has significant economic benefits due to the significant revenues from the products produced. Therefore, even though the cost is high, this scenario is considered economically advantageous. This study highlights that recycling fly ash into lightweight aggregate reduces environmental impacts, provides economic benefits, and is a better alternative to landfilling and recycling cement raw materials. It will also contribute to promoting sustainable practices of fly ash recycling.