Environmental Elements Research Articles

Unraveling the reasons for failure to control Amaranthus albus: insights into herbicide application at different growth stages, temperature effect, and herbicide resistance on a regional scale.

This study investigates factors contributing Amaranthus albus control failure in processing tomato fields in northern Israel. The study region is characterized by a significant climate gradient from east to west, providing the opportunity to investigate the effect of critical elements of the agricultural environment, e.g., temperature. Eight populations were collected from commercial fields in this region. Post-emergence herbicide efficacy of metribuzin, a photosystem II inhibitor, and rimsulfuron, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, was assessed through dose-response analyses at various growth stages. Temperature effects on control efficacy and resistance mechanisms were also explored. Standard metribuzin dose (X) was ineffective on A. albus plants with more than six true-leaves, whereas 2X dose proved effective. Rimsulfuron at 16X dose was ineffective on plants with more than four true-leaves. We report here the first case of target site resistance to ALS inhibitors in A. albus, due to point mutation in the ALS gene (Pro197 to Leu). Furthermore, our findings suggest potential involvement of CYT P450 enzymes in enhanced metabolizing of rimsulfuron. An overall decrease in dry weight was observed in response to both herbicides at 16/22 °C (P < 0.0001). Rimsulfuron was effective against only one population when applied at 28/34 °C. A possible fitness cost associated with target site-resistant biotypes was observed under low temperature conditions, leading to effective control. This regional-scale study highlights the challenges faced by growers, emphasizes the need for adapting management practices to the local climatic conditions and lays the groundwork for implementing location-specific weed management strategies in commercial fields. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Environmental Determinants of Oral Cancer Development: An Overview

Overview: This review article delves into the influence of environmental factors on the onset of oral cancer. It examines the crucial part played by air pollution, occupational exposure and sun exposure in the initiation of oral cancer. Methods: For this extensive literature survey, we examined relevant publications centered on environmental causes of oral cancer, taking into account case-control research and environmental exposure appraisals. Our selection consisted of works chosen for alignment with our topic areas, robust methodologies, and recent publishing timelines. Results: Our investigation revealed that air pollution, occupational exposure and sun exposure are significant factors contributing to the development of oral cancer. When present together, they pose an even greater risk. In other words, the combination of these three environmental elements significantly increases the likelihood of oral cancer occurrence. It is crucial to take measures to reduce exposure to occupational exposure, air pollution and UV rays from the sun to mitigate this risk. Conclusion: The emergence of oral cancer arises from an intricate relationship encompassing hereditary and ecological variables. Efforts devoted to prevention ought to prioritize diminishing direct exposure to established threats, refining general wellbeing guidelines, and informing individuals prone to elevated risk circumstances. Expanded exploration stays imperative for illuminating contributions made by obscured ecological facets, notably pollution, plus devising groundbreaking precautionary tactics.

The Insufficiency to Control COVID-19 Epidemic in Residential and Shopping Malls (Case Study of Bukit Bintang-Kuala Lumpur)

In December of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was found in Wuhan, China. With fatalities and confirmed cases in so many countries, WHO declared a worldwide pandemic. Territorial public and private socialising during the pandemic allowed the virus to spread rapidly. This study investigates the efficacy of social distance rules in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Bukit Bintang, Malaysia, during the Recovery Movement Control Order period. The researchers in this study used both qualitative (structured observation) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches to learn more about the role of environmental elements such as urban fabric, density, milieu, and accessibility in the spread of COVID-19 in Bukit Bintang. These elements were studied through structured observations and statistical analysis. In order to learn about respondents' concrete understanding of these elements’ role in the COVID-19 spread, a questionnaire survey was used as part of the quantitative approach. The researchers surveyed 250 people for this study. The results of this study corroborate that the insufficiency to control COVID-19 spread strongly correlates with resident and shopping mall elements. The spread and mortality rate of COVID-19 is significantly influenced by social distance. The study found that people who disregarded the social distance rule spread the virus widely.

Investigating Factors Influencing Learning Satisfaction in Blended Learning Environments: A PLS-SEM Approach

Blended learning has gained significant attention in the field of education, particularly within Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs, due to its potential to enhance learning outcomes and engage students flexibly and interactively. Educators and course developers need to understand the factors influencing students' satisfaction with blended learning in order to optimize the learning experience. Educators and course developers need to understand the factors influencing students' satisfaction with blended learning in order to optimize the learning experience. This study aims to explore these influencing factors in blended learning environments specifically tailored for B.Ed. Students. By employing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, this research will analyze the relationships among critical variables such as instructional design, technology integration, student engagement, interaction quality, and perceived ease of use. This research is quantitative. The study will collect data from B.Ed. Students, through questionnaires, assess how these variables contribute to their overall learning satisfaction. The PLS-SEM approach will allow for a comprehensive examination of the direct and indirect effects of these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of their interplay. The findings will offer insights into the most impactful elements of blended learning environments and highlight areas for improvement. By identifying the critical determinants of learning satisfaction, this research aims to inform the development of more effective blended learning strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced educational experiences and outcomes for B.Ed. Students. The results will be valuable for educators, instructional designers, and policymakers seeking to implement and refine blended learning models in teacher education programs.

Using paintings to teach about the impact of environmental hazards

ABSTRACT Paintings depicting elements of the natural environment can be an effective educational tool, useful for teachers at every educational stage. The article discusses the use of figurative painting in teaching about environmental hazards. For this purpose, eight paintings were selected, each depicting a different environmental hazard impact – hurricane, flood, earthquake and volcano eruption. Each painting was then examined for its content and depicted elements. Based on the research, it can be concluded that paintings depicting environmental hazards are an important source of knowledge in geographical studies, and can teach about various processes and their effects in space. The introduction of the use of paintings in the educational process can help understand and appreciate art, and also demonstrate that it can be an educational tool in geography or other empirical sciences.

Scene Construction and Configuration Analysis of Chongqing Yangtze River National Cultural Park, China: An Empirical Study Based on Cultural Amenities

As a new type of public cultural space, the Yangtze River National Cultural Park can revitalize the rich historical and cultural heritage surrounding the river that nourished the Chinese civilization. As the main part of the park is in Chongqing, the Chongqing authorities are primarily responsible for its quality and maintenance. To understand the Chongqing Yangtze River National Cultural Park, this study analyzes the cultural amenities of 18 districts and counties in the Chongqing region of the Yangtze River Basin. The results indicate that the cultural scene of the Chongqing Yangtze River National Cultural Park can be classified into three categories: the Three Gorges Cultural Zone, the Three Gorges–Urban Cultural Transition Zone, and the Urban Cultural Zone. Further, the core elements of the cultural environment should guide the Chongqing Yangtze River National Cultural Park, clarify the functional position of each part of the park, and strengthen cooperation across districts and counties for holistic development. Finally, the construction of the park was found to be based on the principle of interaction between “human, nature, and culture” to optimize space use, solidify citizens’ cultural identity, and enhance people’s sense of well-being and accessibility.

Classification of sound speed fields in the Western Pacific Ocean based on tensor decomposition

The three-dimensional (3-D) sound speed structure of the ocean is a fundamental environmental element in studying underwater sound propagation modeling and forecasting. The accurate classification of the sound speed fields (SSFs) provides a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the sound propagation pattern. To take advantage of the 3-D structure of the ocean SSFs, this paper presents a quick method based on tensor decomposition for classifying the ocean 3-D SSFs. Utilizing the WOA18 dataset, High Order Iterative Orthogonal (HOOI) decomposition of the 3-D SSFs is executed so as to accurately extract the characteristic information of the SSFs. The Fuzzy C-Means clustering (FCM) method is applied to classify the feature tensors, partitioning of regional categories in different seasons and revealing the typical SSFs structures. By combining the BELLHOP model with analysis of the characteristics of the first convergence zone of each category, it is concluded that there are six categories of SSFs in the Western Pacific Ocean. The SSFs across all categories are primarily latitudinally distributed, featuring distinct sound channel axes and surface sound speed variations.

Satisfaction of passengers - process comparison between three different cruise ship classes

In cruise ship design, a ship designer often focuses on the ship’s function, while a cruise operator’s focus is on the creation of a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience for passengers. Today, these two viewpoints are strongly connected, and thus, the way the inside of a ship is designed can impact how satisfied passengers are on their cruise journey. Thus, we need to figure out the best way to design a passenger ship from the perspective of the passengers themselves. In this paper, we analyse the differences in the combination passenger ship environmental elements and overall consumer satisfaction in two different cruise ship classes from the same ship operator, but from different eras. First, we present a theoretical framework and model for the cruise ship environment that consist of ambient, layout/design, social, product/service and onboard enjoyment factors. Then, by using data collected from the public domain, we compare two types of cruise ships using open-source data (N=755). This allows us to identify the factors contributing to the discrepancy in expectations across cruise guests. Based on this limited data, we create several linear regression models which indicates a favourable and statistically significant link between environmental elements and passengers' conduct while on board. Information processed this manner can be utilised to make informed decisions on cruise ship layout and amenities. In addition, the developed innovative KPI proved instrumental in influencing decision-making processes related to cruise ship designs and operations. Therefore, the findings from our research show a positive link between the onboard environment and the overall happiness of passengers.

A study on optimizing public spaces in rural heritage tourist sites from spatial perception: The case of Jinggang historic town

The development of cultural and rural tourism has fostered the expansion of heritage sites while concurrently presenting challenges such as resource wastage and cultural degradation. Optimizing spatial use requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics inherent to these sites. An emerging trend involves the integration of human perception technology into spatial perception research. Thus, to examine the correlation between alterations in physical and visual environments, tourists&amp;rsquo; perceived changes, and primary influencing elements in rural heritage tourism sites, Jinggang &amp;ndash; a historic and cultural town in Changsha, Hunan province, China &amp;ndash; was selected as the research site. A comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis was conducted by integrating physical environment data from public spaces. These data include air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), equivalent sound pressure level (ESPL), visual environment data (including green view index [GVI], sky view index [SVI], road and pavement view index (R&amp;PVI), and construction view index [CVI]), along with biosensing data (level of stress [LS]) collected from tourists. The findings indicate the following: (i) the LS of the public space in Jinggang falls within the normal range but remains generally high, with the humanistic landscape, dominated by traditional architecture, scoring higher than the natural landscape; (ii) regarding spatial perception, the quantity of physical environment elements influencing LS surpasses that of visual environment elements, and the most relevant indicators, including ESPL, R&amp;PVI, and CVI, all contribute to tourists&amp;rsquo; LS; and (iii) ESPL significantly influences LS within the environment domain, where higher environmental noise decibels correspond to tourists&amp;rsquo; increased LS. The study concludes that historic towns possess distinct characteristics as types of rural heritage tourism sites. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing spatial environmental quality and promoting an appealing and sustainable rural setting by implementing public space optimization strategies in rural heritage sites.

Reaching the Heights: A Desk Study on Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for Lithuania’s Tallest Wind Turbine

This study investigates the opportunities and challenges of installing Vestas’ V172-7.2 MW wind turbine, standing at 199 m, in Lithuania. As part of the country’s commitment to sustainable growth and the European Union’s goal of achieving a Net Zero Carbon economy by 2050, Lithuania aims to achieve self-sufficiency in energy production, focusing on wind energy projects. The research addresses two key questions: the optimal geographical location for the wind turbine installation and the anticipated outcomes and impacts of the project. Hence, the turbine’s technical requirements are researched to offer a clear picture of the manufacturer’s minimal standards, such as cleared site radius, distance to residence, highways, and wind speed range. Following that, Lithuanian regulatory standards are investigated for turbine installation in terms of residential zones, protected natural regions, and locations where any construction is controlled or prohibited. Therefore, the research’s data is gathered using a multi-method that relies on secondary data techniques. The deductive approach served as a structured framework for results, leveraging theories to help the identification process of suitable wind turbine locations. Delimitations include a focus on the specific features of the turbine, predefined environmental elements, and a holistic view of potential locations.

The good pain patient: a critical evaluation of patients’ self-presentations in specialist pain clinics

ABSTRACT Established research supports collaborative patient-clinician communication as a means of improving pain management and decreasing opioid use by patients with chronic pain. However, much of this scholarship emphasises clinicians’ capacities to shape and improve communication; limited research investigates patients’ roles in this process. Drawing on 40 ethnographic observations of patient-clinician interactions, clinical spaces and case conferences within one specialist pain clinic in Brisbane, Australia, this paper investigates how and why patients present themselves in particular ways within consultations. Our theoretical lens combines concepts from Goffman on patienthood and stigma with Foucauldian theories of pastoral and disciplinary power. Findings suggest that elements of the clinical environment – namely posters – usher patients towards presenting in what we conceptualise as the ‘good pain patient’ role. In this role, patients demonstrate that they are moral, responsible, and contributing members of society. Yet, such a role is problematic to opening communication, with the role constraining what is socially acceptable for patients with chronic pain to say, do, or feel. In recognising how clinical contexts facilitate problematic good pain patient presentations, this paper directs attention to the spatial and relational nature of implicit clinical expectations and constrained good pain patient presentations.

Impact of the Double-Reduction Policy on Middle School Students Study

This study explores the impact of the Double-Reduction Policy on middle school students' study habits, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. The policy aims to reduce academic stress by decreasing homework load and classroom hours. Through this research, we examine the diverse effects that this policy has on students' perceptions and experiences. The majority of students see the policy favourably; they report lower levels of stress, better sleep habits, and more free time for extracurricular activities. However, concerns about a perceived lack of readiness for future academic activities as well as a decreased academic challenge and falling enthusiasm are voiced, especially among high achievers. With an emphasis on the function of observational learning, self-efficacy beliefs, modeling actions, and the dynamic interaction of personal and environmental elements, social cognitive theory provides a theoretical framework to comprehend the observed behaviors and results. This research highlights the necessity for balanced policies that promote well-being while retaining academic rigor as well as the need of taking into account individual variances in students' reactions to policy changes. These findings hold significant implications for teachers and policymakers. It highlights the need of educational policy that takes into account the varied life experiences of students in order to improve their health and success in school. More study is required to figure out how these policies will play out in the long run and what elements will have the most impact on individual outlooks and experiences.

Business environment ecosystem and manufacturing upgrading: A configurational approach

Focusing on 50 representative Chinese cities and applying the ecosystem theory of the business environment, this study employs the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to detect the synergistic mechanisms through which the business environment ecosystem of cities affects the manufacturing upgrading. The findings show: First, none of elements in the business environment ecosystem alone could constitute the necessary condition for high manufacturing upgrading. Second, there are three paths for the configuration of high-level manufacturing upgrading, which can be summarized into two modes: “public & innovation” driven mode, and “public & market” driven mode. Third, there are six paths in the configuration of low-level manufacturing upgrading, which can be summarized into three modes: “government & innovation” restricted mode, “human & market” restricted mode, and “government & high rule of law” restricted mode. Furthermore, there is an asymmetrical relationship with the configurations of high manufacturing upgrading performance. Finally, under certain conditions, there are substitutive relationships between elements in the business environment. Overall, this work contributes to the literature on the synergistic mechanisms of business environment ecosystems, and provides practical information for manufacturing firms pursuing upgrading from multiple paths.

Using cultural-historical activity theory to describe a university-wide blended learning initiative

Institution-wide evaluations of Blended Learning implementations are rare. Even less common are evaluations that report the sociocultural context of the implementation. Recently, an Australian university in the western region of Victoria embarked on an initiative to blend all course units over a three-year period. Stemming from a rigorous analysis of reporting documents and participantresearcher observations, an attempt has been made to describe the sociocultural context of this blended learning initiative through the lens of Engestrom’s Cultural-historical Activity Theory (CHAT). This description, along with the challenges surfaced will serve as a precursor to the university-wide impact evaluation of this blended learning initiative. The objective of the analysis was to reify the complex processes, intricate relationships and dynamic environmental elements, which tend not to be captured by impact evaluations. Understanding what exactly is going on will enable the University to situate evaluation findings in the context of factors that might have helped or hampered the achievement of outcomes, and remediate process-related problems in a timely manner. Amidst the flurry of focused and coordinated blended learning activities, eight key process-related challenges emerged: Staff Capacity, Engagement, Deployment, Workload, Technological Issues, Project Management, Communication and Unit Stability. These challenges could potentially make or break ‘the Blend’ if not adequately addressed. This paper highlights the value of process evaluations for online and blended learning implementations and argues for such evaluations to be grounded in ontological realities reflected on accountability reports and observational data.

The role of the environment in allergic skin disease.

This paper explores how environmental factors influence allergic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), contact dermatitis (CD), urticaria, angioedema, and reactions to drugs and insect bites. Research indicates a significant impact of environmental elements on allergic skin diseases. High air pollution levels exacerbate symptoms, while climate change contributes to increased skin barrier dysfunction, particularly affecting AD. Allergen prevalence is influenced by climate and pollution. Irritants, like those in detergents and cosmetics, play a major role in CD. Plants also contribute, causing various skin reactions. Understanding the interplay between environmental factors and allergic skin diseases is crucial for effective management. Physicians must address these factors to support patient well-being and promote skin health amidst environmental changes.

A Silent Battle: Uncovering the Prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) among Students in Schools and Colleges

PCOD/PCOS stands out as a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder frequently observed in women of reproductive age. This condition, characterised by symptoms of androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction in the absence of other diagnoses, presents a varied profile. While its exact cause remains unclear, emerging evidence suggests it as a complex condition influenced by multiple genes and significant epigenetic and environmental factors, including dietary and lifestyle elements. Menstrual irregularities and reproductive issues are primary manifestations of PCOS, often leading to infertility. Moreover, PCOS patients face a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, lipid metabolism disorders, and endometrial cancer, with incidences two to six times higher compared to the general population. Fortunately, PCOS diagnosis and management are straightforward, involving the prudent use of established diagnostic tests and targeted interventions to address hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and associated metabolic irregularities.

Evaluating the Sustainable Development Performance of China’s International Commercial Ports Based on Environmental, Social and Governance Elements

An environmental, social and governance (ESG) evaluation system can focus on the value of enterprises more comprehensively and better scrutinize the development premise of enterprise. As a novel investment concept, both domestic and foreign investors widely acknowledge the significance of ESG. With the implementation of “carbon peak”, “carbon neutral” and other national strategies, an increasing number of transportation enterprises in China’s international commercial ports have started to focus on the role of ESG evaluation. This not only facilitates self-examination and correction within enterprises but also helps in adjusting the strategic direction toward sustainable development. This shift toward ESG evaluation is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the transportation industry. In this regard, this study aims to evaluate the sustainable development performance of China’s international commercial ports based on ESG elements. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is considered to be a non-parametric performance evaluation method that can effectively solve for multi-criteria decision-making units, so this study mainly selects the DEA model for the performance evaluation. This study conducted research to select eight benchmarking companies within the industry and found that efficient units excelled in their ability to complete capacity levels with high quality and quantity at ports. In contrast, less efficient units scored lower in the domain of social responsibility.

Determinants of non-financial information accountability in universities: The case of Colombia

This work aims to analyze the determinants of accountability in public and private Colombian universities. The variables access and availability of information were measured through an index and related to variables of the university core missions. Based on legitimacy and stakeholder theory, which proposes a multi-agent approach to the use of information, and given the growing inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals as benchmarks to define the strategies developed by universities, it has been established that university information should look beyond financial aspects and consider environmental and social elements. A panel data methodology was used and 141 observations were made during the 2016-2018 period. The results show a positive relationship among university’s core missions, welfare, and the disclosure of non-financial information. Nevertheless, reporting this information is still an emerging issue, that is, accountability processes need to be strengthened with solid and homogeneous structures to meet the needs of the university community.

A Study on Tourist Satisfaction Based on the Conservation and Reuse of Alleyway Spaces in Urban Historic Neighborhoods

The preservation and reuse of historical alley spaces infuse these areas with renewed vitality, which holds significant importance for the direction of preservation and restoration efforts in historical districts. This paper focuses on Jinyu Alley in Quanzhou and identifies a study targeting tourists for the protection and reuse of historical alley spaces. Through preliminary research and interviews, a system of evaluation indicators for urban historical alley spaces post-usage was established using a factor analysis, extracting five main components: historical context, neighborhood space, commercial environment, supporting facilities, and operational management. Additionally, a modified importance–performance analysis (IPA) method was employed to conduct a quadrant analysis on tourist satisfaction evaluation indicators. Transformation quadrant distribution maps of various evaluation indicators reveal dissatisfaction among tourists with certain aspects of supporting facilities, the commercial environment, and neighborhood space. Relevant departments should prioritize improvements in dining quality, business variety, neighborhood traffic connections and transformations, neighborhood space form and scale, landscape greening, environmental elements, parking availability, and trash bin density for future enhancements. Finally, based on the results of tourist satisfaction surveys and information gathered from interviews with a minority of residents, a more inclusive and sustainable strategy for the protection and reuse of historical alley spaces is formulated.

Decoding healthcare teamwork: a typology of hospital teams

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of healthcare depends on successful teamwork. Current understanding of teamwork in healthcare is limited due to the complexity of the context, variety of team structures, and unique demands of healthcare work. This qualitative study aimed to identify different types of healthcare teams based on their structure, membership, and function. The study used an ethnographic approach to observe five teams in an English hospital. Data were analyzed using a combined inductive-deductive approach based on the Temporal Observational Analysis of Teamwork framework. A typology was developed, consisting of five team types: structural, hybrid, satellite, responsive, and coordinating. Teams were challenged to varying degrees with staffing, membership instability, equipment shortages, and other elements of the healthcare environment. Teams varied in their ability to respond to these challenges depending on their characteristics, such as their teamworking style, location, and membership. The typology developed in this study can help healthcare organizations to better understand and design effective teams for different healthcare contexts. It can also guide future research on healthcare teams and provide a framework for comparing teams across settings. To improve teamwork, healthcare organizations should consider the unique needs of different team types and design effective training programs accordingly.