Environmental Changes Research Articles

Fabrication of Long-Lasting Superhydrophilic Anti-Fogging Film Via Rapid and Simple UV Process.

Surface fogging is a common phenomenon that can result in restricted visibility, reduced light absorption, and image distortion. Although both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces are effective in preventing this phenomenon, typical coatings in both have limitations, including low durability and the need for frequent reapplication. To address these issues, a highly durable anti-fogging film that lasts over five weeks, even under high moisture conditions, while maintaining a promising degree of transparency (> 60%) is developed. A novel statistical random copolymer containing superhydrophilic and photo-crosslinkable segments that can be simultaneously crosslinked and chemically bonded to various substrates via a simple ultraviolet (UV) irradiation process is synthesized. Notably, the chemical bonding between the anti-fogging coating and substrate improves not only the durability but also the resistance to external forces and environmental changes. Furthermore, this film is versatile and applicable to diverse substrates, such as car windshields, polymer films, and aluminum foil. The innovative strategy offers a simple, rapid process and durable anti-fogging performance with broad applications in the automotive industry, optical devices, and building materials.

Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community structure and function in the surf zone seawater of a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium.

Despite the importance of bacteria in surf zone water quality, detailed insights into their community composition, functions, and seasonal dynamics at recreational beaches are scarce. This study conducted year-long, weekly monitoring of bacterial communities and environmental factors at a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium. Using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we correlated bacterial composition and predicted functions with environmental factors to identify potential drivers. Bacterial communities were significantly affected by seasonal variations in chlorophyll a (Chl a), net primary productivity (NPP), and seawater temperature (SWT), with minimal influence from faecal inputs due to human activities. Spring showed distinct abundances of Planktomarina, Amylibacter, and Sulfitobacter, positively correlated with Chl a and related to sulphur oxidation potential. Summer had higher abundances of Cryomorphaceae, likely enhancing chemoheterotrophy. Beginning in mid to late fall and extending into winter, bacterial communities underwent substantial changes. Fall featured a distinctive enrichment of Thioglobaceae, inversely correlated with Chl a. Winter was dominated by Methylophilaceae (OM43 clade), negatively correlated with Chl a, NPP, and SWT. Both seasons exhibited elevated levels of potentially pathogenic phenotypes and predicted functions related to methanol oxidation and methylotrophy. This study provides a baseline for understanding how surf zone bacterial communities respond to environmental changes and impact health.

Saturation model for pore-type gas hydrate based on additional muddy conductive digital core

Abstract Original natural gas hydrate rock samples readily decompose under environmental changes during extraction, presenting challenges to conventional rock electrical analysis. This results in difficulty obtaining the cementation factor m and saturation exponent n of hydrate samples, thereby complicating the evaluation of hydrate saturation. Therefore, a method for revising the rock electrical parameters by digital core technology is proposed. Utilizing X-ray CT images of artificial gas hydrate samples, digital core models of natural gas hydrates were established. An erosion algorithm was employed to simulate the variation in mud content within the digital core, followed by the calculation of resistivity using the finite element method after meshing. Through analyzing the primary micro-pore structure parameters that influence the rock electrical parameters, the saturation model was subsequently refined. The results showed that the resistivity of hydrate digital core magnifies with increasing saturation of hydrate, tortuosity, and pore-throat ratio, but decreases with increasing coordination number and mud content. The rock electrical parameters were changed with the alteration of micro-pore structure. Based on the relationship between m, n, and micro-pore structure parameters, established a correction equation for them, further improved the Indonesian equation. The saturation of hydrate reservoir in Shenhu Sea area was evaluated using the modified Indonesian equation. The modified equation reduced the relative error from 34.8% to 15.6%, significantly enhanced the calculation accuracy.

Domoic Acid: A Review of Its Cytogenotoxicity Within the One Health Approach

In this review, we toxicologically assessed the naturally occurring toxin domoic acid. We used the One Health approach because the impact of domoic acid is potentiated by climate change and water pollution on one side, and reflected in animal health, food security, human diet, and human health on the other. In a changing environment, algal blooms are more frequent. For domoic acid production, the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms is of particular interest. They produce this toxin, whose capability of accumulation and biomagnification through the food web impacts other organisms in the ecosystem. Domoic acid targets nervous system receptors inducing amnestic shellfish poisoning, among other less severe health-related problems. However, the impact of domoic acid on non-target cells is rather unknown, so we reviewed the currently available literature on cytogenetic effects on human and animal cells. The results of different studies indicate that domoic acid has the potential to induce early molecular events, such as oxidative imbalance and DNA damage, thus posing an additional threat which needs to be thoroughly addressed and monitored in the future.

Energy Efficiency and Economic Survivance Appraisal of a 375 kWp Rooftop Solar PV System Under Hot and Dry Indian Climate

ABSTRACTIndia's rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are experiencing rapid growth due to favorable regulations. As climate change becomes a growing concern, researchers are turning their attention to the effects of weather patterns on the performance of rooftop solar panels, and also to optimize their efficiency in a changing environment. Consequently, industry players in the solar sector have been conducting performance validation and feasibility assessments of these plants. A 375 kWp rooftop PV plant is studied as a case example from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, generating 543,666 kWh annually for the grid. The NMBE and MBE were assessed using simulation tools like PVGIS and PV Watts. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis of carbon credits was conducted with and without their inclusion. The energy payback time is calculated at 4.5 years post‐inclusion. Over a 25‐year lifespan, the embodied energy of the PV plant amounts to 2,552,265 kWh. This plant can mitigate CO2 emissions annually by 10,173.57 tons which is equivalent to INR 5,464,925. The current study highlights both environmental and economic benefits by incorporating carbon credits into the project. Further advancement in simulation tools, PV technologies, climate change adaptations are expected which will improve the rooftop system efficiency with shorten pay pabck periods and maximum reductions in CO2 emissions.

Lost and found: Investigating a bilingual child’s L1 lexical attrition and recovery

Aims and Objectives: We examined the extent of L1 vocabulary attrition in a Korean child following her relocation to the United States at the age of 6 years 10 months, and the subsequent restoration of her L1 vocabulary upon her return to Korea 10 months later. Methodology: A picture-naming task was administered on a regular basis over a period of several months, beginning shortly after the child’s arrival in the United States. Data and Analysis: The data were analyzed to determine the child’s accuracy in producing common nouns in the L1. Findings/Conclusion: The study shows significant L1 vocabulary attrition after just 1 month, with an inability to access half of the test items after just 4 months and a drop in accuracy to 25% after 9 months. Upon return to Korea, the child’s L1 vocabulary improved rapidly, surpassing English usage within 3 weeks and reaching 82% accuracy within 6 weeks. These findings underscore the vulnerability of children to language attrition in a monolingual environment while also highlighting the remarkable resilience of their L1 skills. Originality: The study traced the child’s L1 decline and recovery in accordance with a strict timetable. By beginning measurements within a week of the child’s exposure to English following her subsequent reintroduction to Korean, the study was able to document the earliest manifestations of lexical attrition, its rapid progression, and its subsequent reversal—a pattern of decline and recovery that is rarely studied in this manner. Significance/Implications: This study contributes to the field by systematically documenting the impact on L1 vocabulary of a sudden change in linguistic environment, providing rare insights into the dynamics of lexical attrition in early bilingualism.

Emerging Trends in Labour Arbitration: Technological Advancements and Remote Hearings

In this paper, the author discusses the innovations in labour arbitration with particular emphasis on technological developments and hearings being conducted remotely. Therefore, the research seeks to establish how these innovations are influencing this process and the effects this change has on the resolution of labour related disputes. This paper aims to provide a literature review and to present case studies discussed in relation to recent changes in digital environments, comparing their advantages and disadvantages and considering such aspects as openness, productivity, fairness, or internet literacy. Finally, the potential implications of the present analysis are underlined and a call is made to think about the requirements that should shape policy approaches to remote arbitration on the condition that the technique is efficient and fair. The study’s implications for future research and practice are also presented.

Contemporary small-scale subsistence populations offer unique insights into human musculoskeletal health and aging.

Human foragers avoid noncommunicable diseases that are leading causes of mortality, partly because physically active lifestyles promote healthy aging. High activity levels also promote tissue damage accumulation from wear-and-tear, increase risk of injury and disability which compromise productivity, and reduce energetic investments in somatic maintenance given constrained energy expenditure. Constraints intensify when nutrient supply is limited and surplus energy is directed toward pathogen defense and reproduction, as occurred throughout hominin evolution. This paper reviews evidence linking exposomes to musculoskeletal health in subsistence populations, focusing on effects of physical activity, pathogens, diet, and reproduction. Chronic musculoskeletal conditions are common for humans and possibly prehistoric hominins but rarer in quadrupedal apes. We propose that transition to bipedalism ~6 to 8 million years ago constituted an early "mismatch scenario," increasing hominin susceptibility to musculoskeletal conditions vis-à-vis quadrupedal apes due to changes in mechanical loading environments. Mismatched musculoskeletal traits were not targets of selection because of trade-offs favoring bipedal extractive foraging and higher fertility.

HISTORICAL ASPECT OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE URBAN VISUAL INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

The article analyses the nature of changes in the urban visual information environment in the context of historical development of European urban culture from ancient times to the present. The system of periodisation of its evolution is proposed on the basis of the revealed role of outdoor information objects in the system of urban visual communication. The dependence of the visual appearance of the urban environ-ment on information-technical achievements is investigated. The role of visual information objects as a sig-nificant city-forming factor is actualised. The typology of information objects is given and their role in the process of changing the image of the city at different stages of its development is considered.

The One Health concept: a holistic approach to protect human and environmental health - how does it work in Total Worker Health strategy.

Human well-being is affected by demographic, geographical, environmental and economic changes in the modern world. Advanced and rapid technological advances have left countries without an adequate structural framework. The One Health concept, rooted in the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment, addresses today's global health challenges. These include non-communicable and zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, ecosystem degradation and food security. All of these require a holistic approach, bringing together multiple disciplines. Therefore, an exploration of the One Health concept was undertaken, which focuses on the collaboration of professionals from different disciplines, as well as looking at human health in a multi-faceted way. The aim of the study was to explore how the One Health concept could contribute to effective pandemic prevention and a broader holistic understanding of human health. It was also relevant to identify its application in occupational medicine. The narrative review was adopted as the research method of choice. The authors emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, education and international partnerships in preparing for future health emergencies. Human health should not only be assessed from a medical perspective, but also from an environmental point of view. International cooperation is therefore essential to prepare a unified response to threats and challenges. The system of teaching medical personnel needs to be improved, returning to anthropological assumptions. With zoonotic diseases systematically emerging, health professionals should be as prepared as possible for emergencies. Qualified teams are needed to assess risks and hazards in the workplace in a multidisciplinary manner. An in-depth knowledge of zoonotic pathogen transmission is crucial. The impact of environmental degradation on the immune system must be taken into account. A holistic view of workers' health is needed, taking into account ecological, environmental, social and economic factors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5).

Unveiling ancient Jerusalem’s pastoral dynamics (7th to 2nd centuries BCE) with multi-isotope analysis

This study explores changes in pastoral practices in the Jerusalem region (Iron Age II - Late Hellenistic) through a multi-isotope approach (strontium, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen). Based on the analysis of 135 sheep, goat, and cattle teeth and bone samples from Givati Parking Lot we demonstrate the value of this method in reconstructing past animal husbandry, revealing adaptation and resilience of pastoral communities amidst environmental and socio-political changes. Isotopic analysis indicates local sourcing for most animals, with intriguing outliers from distant regions up to 150 km away, suggesting regional exchange networks. Notably, the Persian period (5th century BCE) exhibits a wider isotope range, implying increased flexibility and exploitation of diverse grazing lands, potentially driven by climate shifts and political upheavals. Conversely, Late Hellenistic (2nd century BCE) livestock display restricted movement, while showcasing a rise in desert caprines, indicative of increased import compared to the Persian era. These findings highlight the dynamism and adaptability of past pastoral communities, adjusting their strategies in response to various pressures. This study opens new avenues for understanding human-environment interactions in the Levant and underscores the power of multi-isotope approaches in unraveling intricate socio-economic and ecological dynamics of the past.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on clinical visits and subjective symptoms in childhood allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mites in Shanghai

BackgroundEstablishing the interaction between aeroallergens and air pollution in children with house dust mite induced allergic rhinitis (HDM-AR) remains challenging, especially in urban areas. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent lockdown measures provided a valuable opportunity.MethodsWe analyzed the clinical data of HDM-AR children between March and August in 2018–2020, and classified the children according to the type and the degree of HDM sensitization. The records of patients’ hospital visits, allergic rhinitis symptoms assessments, and air pollution measurements in Shanghai were used to assess the differences before (2018–2019) and during the pandemic (2020), as well as during lockdown (March-June) and unlockdown (July-August) period in 2020.ResultsThe study included 1570 HDM-AR children aged 2 to 8 years old, 815 (51.9%) were monosensitized to HDM (mono-HDM-AR), and 755 (48.1%) were polysensitized to HDM (poly-HDM-AR). There was a significant increase in the rate of clinical visits among children with HDM-AR during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (P < 0.001), particularly among older children aged 7–8 years (P = 0.01). During the unlockdown period, there was a notable decrease in clinical visits for children with poly-HDM-AR (P < 0.001). Children with high levels of HDM sensitization exhibited significant symptom improvement in unlockdown period (P < 0.001). Although the air pollutants concentration had improved during the study, there was no effect on the improvement of HDM-AR children as expected.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown measures provided a unique context to observe the dynamics of management in children with HDM-AR. The findings underscore the complexity of managing allergic conditions in pediatric populations, highlighting the influence of environmental and lifestyle changes on disease presentation and the need for tailored approaches to treatment during periods of societal disruption.

Misje i cele instytucji kultury

This article uses various examples to show how the different goals of cultural institutions are being realised in practice. The mission of each cultural institution is the starting point for many plethora of tasks carried out by the in- stitution. It is clearly intended to exhibit why and for whom the institution exists, what it does, what its values are and what it aims to become. This mission should be unique for each cultural institution and permanent. Selected mission state- ments are discussed with examples to demonstrate whether cultural institutions articulate it correctly and understand their importance. An objective, on the other hand, is one of the elements of a cultural institution’s mission; it is something that the cultural institution wants to achieve through the actions it undertakes and, as indicated, follows from the mission. Objectives are a detailed refinement of the mission and may change in response to the changing environment in which the cultural institution operates. The article discusses the objectives of cultural institutions deriving from specific legal acts, and the way in which they are formulated by individual entities, and also analyses statutes, regulations and other acts concerning how specific cultural institutions function. Particular attention is paid to the objectives of cultural institutions from the perspective of the recipient, as it is the recipient who really decides (through participation in the cultural activities of the institution) whether the institution properly ful- fils its objectives. An analysis of selected goals of cultural institutions shows that, as a rule, these institutions define their objectives in a very general way, merely repeating the wording indicated, for example, in the Cultural Activities Act. Objectives formulated in this way do not correctly reflect the scope of the cultural institution’s activities.

An adaptive exploration mechanism for Q-learning in spatial public goods games

The Q-learning algorithm has been widely applied to investigate the emergence of cooperation in social dilemmas. Despite ϵ -greedy being the most common exploration strategy in Q-learning, mechanisms for adjusting exploration as the game environment changes have not been thoroughly researched. To stay close to reality, this paper proposes an environment-adaptive exploration-based Q-Learning algorithm. We applied the registration concept from image processing to characterize agents’ sensitivity to changes in their surrounding environment to obtain local stimulation. Additionally, we calculated the advantage differences between the agent and the global environment to acquire global stimulation. Simulation results on the public goods game show that the level of cooperation increases and the fraction of exploration consequently decreases when the agents focus more on the local environment. However, the impact of the basic exploration rate on the level of cooperation is not uniform: when the enhancement factor is low, an increase in the exploration rate promotes cooperation, while when the enhancement factor is high, increasing the exploration rate reduces the level of cooperation. The basic exploration rate directly affects the fraction of exploration. Therefore, increasing the basic exploration rate can stably increase the fraction of exploration of the agents. Similarly, the effect of the memory strength parameter λ on the level of cooperation is positively correlated, and increasing the value of λ increases the level of cooperation across the board. These evolutionary dynamics could enrich the understanding of cooperation in complex systems.

Research on innovative design of intelligent wearable products based on human machine engineering and bionics

Designing intelligent wearable products entails integrating human factors, engineering, and bionics to develop ergonomic, efficient and convenient products. Human-machine engineering is a discipline that addresses the integration between the user wearing a particular system and improving the relationship between the user and the system. At the same time, bionics is an approach that aims to mimic biological systems and structures to enhance the performance of a particular product. This research explores the possibility of integrating these specializations to design new and enhanced wearable technology products with improved usability, convenience, and flexibility for practical usage. A detailed analysis of human biomechanics and ergonomic requirements established design parameters to ensure that wearable devices could be seamlessly integrated into daily life without hindering user movement. Bionic principles, such as the flexibility of animal joints and the energy-efficient movements of natural organisms, were applied to optimize the mechanical and structural aspects of the devices. This approach enabled the creation of products that mimic the natural dynamics of the human body, offering improved responsiveness and functionality. Prototypes were developed based on human-centred design principles and evaluated using simulation and testing environments. Wearables such as exoskeletons, bright clothing, and health-monitoring devices were examined for their ability to adapt to various physical conditions and environmental changes. Results demonstrate a significant increase in user comfort, reduction in mechanical strain, and enhanced performance, validating the effectiveness of integrating human-machine engineering and bionics in wearable design.

Assessing the utility of low-emission pilot policies for facilitating pollution reduction and carbon mitigation: An empirical investigation using multi-temporal double difference analysis

Collaborative governance for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation can effectively resist the pressure brought about by ecological and environmental changes while reducing policy costs. To explore the “win-win” path of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation,” based on panel data from 286 cities in China from 2000 to 2021, this study regards the low-carbon city pilot policy (LCCP) as a quasi-natural experiment and explores its impact on urban carbon emissions and pm2.5 concentration. Multiple testing methods, including multi-temporal double difference, spatial autocorrelation, local cold and hot spot analysis, kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse, spatial Durbin model, and PSM-DID, were used to verify the credibility and scientificity of the research results. The results showed that (1) LCCP had a direct effect on reducing pollution and carbon emissions, reducing co2 emissions by 3% and pm2.5 by 2.9%, with a synergistic effect of 20.2%; (2) the synergistic effect of LCCP on pollution and carbon reduction was indirectly achieved through green finance, green technological innovation, and green transportation, with impacts of 3.6%, 5.5%, and 2.4% in eastern, central, and non-resource based cities, respectively; and (3) the spillover effect coefficient of LCCP on carbon emission reduction in surrounding cities was −0.040 and that on pm2.5 concentration was −1.232, which are significant at the 10% and 1% levels, respectively.

Heart function enhancement with Nrf2-activating antioxidant in acute Y-strain Chagas disease, not in chronic Colombian or Y-strain.

Oxidative stress promotes T. cruzi growth and development of chronic Chagas heart dysfunction. However, the literature contains gaps that must be fulfilled, largely due to variations in parasite DTU sources, cell types, mouse strains, and tools to manipulate redox status. We assessed the impact of oxidative environment on parasite burden in cardiomyoblasts and the effects of the Nrf2-inducer COPP on heart function in BALB/c mice infected with either DTU-II Y or DTU-I Colombian T. cruzi strains. Treatment with antioxidants CoPP, apocynin, resveratrol, and tempol reduced parasite burden in cardiomyoblasts H9C2 for both DTUI- and II-strains, while H2O2 increased it. CoPP treatment improved electrical heart function when administered during acute stage of Y-strain infection, coinciding with an overall trend towards increased survival and reduced heart parasite burden. These beneficial effects surpassed those of trypanocidal benznidazole, implying that CoPP directly affects heart physiology. CoPP treatment had beneficial impact on heart systolic function when performed during acute and evaluated during chronic stage. No impact of CoPP on heart parasite burden, electrical, or mechanical function was observed during the chronic stage of Colombian-strain infection, despite previous demonstrations of improvement with other antioxidants. Treatment with CoPP also did not improve heart function of mice chronically infected with Y-strain. Our findings indicate that amastigote growth is responsive to changes in oxidative environment within heart cells regardless of the DTU source, but CoPP influence on heart parasite burden in vivo and heart function is mostly confined to the acute phase. The nature of the antioxidant employed, T. cruzi DTU, and the stage of disease, emerge as crucial factors to consider in heart function studies.

Organizational learning and boundary spanners’ agility in the financial inclusion in Indonesia

This study examines the influence of organizational learning and boundary spanner agility in the bank agent business of Indonesia’s financial inclusion. This study is based on quantitative studies of 325 bank agents in Indonesia. The results of this research strongly show that organizational learning has a significant impact on boundary spanners’ agility to achieve both financial and non-financial performance. This study presents a novel finding that organization learning with a commitment to apply and encourage learning activities and agility with improved responsiveness and resilience boundary spanners can achieve bank agent performance. Organizational learning of bank agents needs to improve commitment to apply and encourage learning activities, always be open to new ideas, and create shared vision and knowledge transfer mechanisms. Organizational agility in bank agents need also to improve the capability to be more responsive and adaptable to culture changes in a volatile environment. This research provides valuable insights to policymakers, banking supervisors, bank top management teams, and researchers on the factors that may improve the effectiveness of the agency banking business to promote financial inclusion. Participating banks in the agent banking business need to set a clear vision, scope, and priority of strategy to encourage organizational learning and agility.

Air Transport Organization: Competitiveness, Globalization, and Innovation

Introduction. Effective organization of air transportation is the basis of strengthening the positions of airlines in the international air transport system in the conditions of deepening globalization processes of aviation activity.Problem Statement. It is a priority direction for the development of aviation activities within the framework of the concept of the state's transport policy, which ensures the safety of passengers and the transparency of territorial and industrial relations in the conditions of constant changes in the economic environment of the national economy.Purpose. Research of the current state of aviation activity, ensuring the effective organization of air transportation in the transport system and interrelated branches of the national economy.Materials and Мethods. A dialectical-materialist approach, induction and deduction, abstraction and concretization, formalization and analogy have been employed. Statistical documents of international organizations, private and state institutions, publications of research by domestic and foreign researchers have been used as reference material.Results. Five elements of the organization of air transportation at the global level are highlighted: the largest specific weight of passenger transportation in the structure of aviation activity; the aviation industry is promising, which is gradually expanding the boundaries of its niche in the world transport market; the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the aviation industry, changing the centers of economic gravity; active activity of global aviation organizations and associations, which covers most countries of the world; development of a regulatory and legal framework of a global level and global standardization of aviation activities. The challenges of the aviation industry, which arise at the global level, have been characterized.Conclusions. The key prospects for the development of the global aviation industry based on innovative activities are: the latest types of aviation fuel aimed at environmental safety; targeting new layers of potential customers; growth of jobs in the aviation industry; compliance with the accuracy of the departure/arrival schedule; smart service and flight safety.

The Complexity of Military Force Readiness to Respond to Changes in the Electromagnetic Environment

The Complexity of Military Force Readiness to Respond to Changes in the Electromagnetic Environment