Practical Necessity Research Articles

Implementation Status and Suggestions of “Coal-to-gas” Policy in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region of China

With the acceleration of industrialization for the past few years, the level of air pollution has also increased significantly. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is one of the regions that need to be improved urgently. The air pollutants produced by coal burning are the main source of pollution in this region, so it is of great practical necessity for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to replace coal burning with clean energy. At present, the status of the "coal-to-gas" policy of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has achieved remarkable results. With the strong support of the government, air pollution has been effectively improved. However, there are still many problems such as "one-size-fits-all" policy, imperfect financial subsidy mechanism, tight gas source, differentiated scope of policy implementation, and hidden dangers of rural equipment safety. For these reasons, the government should formulate differentiated policies according to local conditions, implement "coal-to-gas" and "coal-to-electricity" synchronously, improve the subsidy mechanism, strengthen technical and equipment support, enhance gas supply security, stabilize gas price and strengthen publicity and training.

Reflections on ethical challenges in green guidance

This article explores the ethical challenges of incorporating 'green guidance' into career counselling, a concept introduced by Peter Plant in 1996. Green guidance advocates for integrating environmental justice and sustainability into career decision-making. The article discusses diverse perspectives on the ethical implications, particularly the balance between impartiality and socio-political responsibilities. Despite some concerns about neutrality, the article argues that career guidance should evolve to prioritize environmental sustainability and client well-being. Practical approaches for integrating green issues into career counselling are suggested, drawing on insights from the 'Exploring Green Guidance' project in Europe. The article concludes that addressing climate change in career guidance is an ethical and practical necessity for future career development.

Hybrid accountability in global health public-private partnerships: a literature and case study

Abstract Background Recent global health public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer novel approaches to public health issues, yet they lack clear public accountability. Hence, it remains unclear how accountability is organised and practiced. This research examines accountability in global health PPPs, how it is manifested, and derives lessons for developing an accountability framework. Methods The study utilized both a scoping literature review, examining the databases SCOPUS, Web of Science and MEDLINE, which yielded 35 eligible articles from 334 records, and an exploratory case study focused on an accountability event within the Global Stop Tuberculosis Partnership (STBP), incorporating a document analysis and an expert interview to enhance insights from the literature review. Results Authors studying PPPs often conceptualized accountability broadly and favoured a view tied to hierarchical state-led governance and democracy. However, at the global level, this political accountability is largely absent. In PPPs, it is replaced by a mix of bureaucratic, legal, social, audit, fiscal, and rather soft accountability mechanisms. Also, PPPs' accountability landscape is dynamic, shaped by different normative considerations and by the interdependence among partners. In 2020, the allegations for misconduct at the STBP exemplified public reputational accountability, followed by audit accountability leading to an enforced soft accountability to STBPs' mission & purpose. Conclusions This study highlights the necessity for rethinking accountability in global health PPPs due to the limitations of existing structuralist frameworks. A new hybrid accountability framework is proposed. It considers a strong accountability focus on PPPs' purpose, their processual dynamics, and normative aspects. Lastly, it is recommended to further investigate the trade-off between transparent accountability mechanisms and the practical necessity for confidential backstage processes in PPPs. Key messages • Exploring a hybrid accountability framework in global health PPPs beyond only static accountability snapshots, helps to understand PPPs’ true dynamic, purpose-driven and individualized accountability. • Without regulatory mechanisms and state governance, individual action and new collaboration become essential, requiring soft accountability mechanisms as increased trust and cooperation among partners.

The role of learning activities and social presence in synchronous hybrid classrooms: results from a natural experiment

ABSTRACT The synchronous hybrid classroom (SHC) combines on-site and remote learners simultaneously. This study aims to investigate how participation mode (on-site vs. remote) affects students’ perceived learning in a SHC, examining social presence as a mediator. A second aim explores how different learning activity types along the ICAP framework influence students’ perceived learning across both groups, again considering social presence as a potential mediator. A natural experiment was conducted with 241 vocational secondary school students regularly participating in a SHC, either on-site (n = 136) or remotely (n = 105). Results showed that participation mode influenced students’ perceived learning indirectly through social presence. Remote participants perceived their social presence as lower and learning less effective than on-site participants. Interactive learning activities were most frequently used in this SHC implementation. The mediating effect of social presence was particularly strong for active/interactive activities on-site and passive/interactive ones remotely. This study contributes to theory by unravelling the complex interplay of the pedagogical design of a SHC and students’ learning experiences, highlighting the critical role of fostering social presence to optimise learning outcomes in SHC. Furthermore, it underscores the practical necessity for robust technological infrastructure and professional development support for teachers to enhance the efficacy of SHC settings.

Of Bridges, Translations, and Practical Necessities

This essay is part of a Thematic Collection of Science, Technology & Human Values on the work of Adele E. Clarke (1945–2024).

Pre-trial protocol in civil proceedings

The scientific article examines the legal nature of the pre-trial protocol in civil proceedings. The institution of judicial evidence was subject to change in connection with the latest reforms of the civil procedure legisla-tion. This has led to the emergence of new institutions and the pre-trial protocol in civil proceedings is such. Until 2022, the Civil Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter CPC RK) did not have di-rect legal regulation of this institution, and accordingly, no theoretical studies were conducted on this issue. In civil proceedings, the prototype of the institute of pre-trial protocol was a foreign legal institution, such as the disclosure of evidence and the exchange of arguments, characteristic of English and American procedural law. The practical necessity of many aspects of such a phenomenon as the pre-trial protocol, the incomplete-ness of theoretical developments and the need to improve legislation determined the relevance of the topic of the scientific article. It should be recognized that the mechanism for drawing up a pre-trial protocol, in fact, designed to ensure the implementation of the principles of competition and equality of the parties, was not sufficiently enshrined in the civil procedural legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the same time, consistent legislative regulation of the activities of bodies for the disclosure of evidence in civil proceedings is required. The institution of pre-trial protocol in civil proceedings requires regulation and integration at the legislative level, since the mechanism of conclusion in the current CPC of the Republic of Kazakhstan has not been fully investigated.

Climate change impacts on the hydrological behaviour of watershed in northeastern Tunisia (Oued El Abid watershed)

Climate change significantly impacts watershed hydrology, altering water supplies, natural disasters, and eco-hydrologic processes. These effects vary geographically, with some regions facing severe droughts while others experience increased precipitation and flooding. Climate change influences atmospheric evaporation demand, precipitation patterns, vegetation composition, streamflow characteristics, and groundwater dynamics. The temperature increases and rainfall changes in some watersheds can lead to increased potential evapotranspiration and decreased streamflow and soil water. Flood frequency analyses indicate an overall increasing trend in the latter half of the 21st century. The Oued El Abid catchment area, as like all catchments in northern Tunisia, is likely to be subject to major climatic and hydrological variations as a result of climate change. Advanced hydrological modelling using the HBV-Light model was set up to simulate current conditions and future scenarios based on Afric-Cordex climate models. The model demonstrates robust performance, achieving Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.71 in calibration (1972-1992), and 0.66 in validation from 1993-2001. This climate change has a direct effect on the hydrological projections, which reveal significant changes, with annual flow reductions ranging from 35% to 43%, with more severe impacts under the RCP8.5 scenario for 2069-2099. Spring and summer seasons are particularly vulnerable, showing flow decreases of up to 68% and over 40%, respectively, extreme monthly variability is projected, reaching 88% reduction in July under RCP8.5. This research provides important results for water resource managers, highlighting the necessity of long-term planning and sustainable water management practices in the face of climate change.

Evaluating the Necessity of Routine Histopathology in Sleeve Gastrectomy Specimens: A Five-Year Analysis.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a widely performed bariatric surgery that involves the removal of a portion of the stomach. Routinely, the resected gastric tissue is sent for histopathological examination to screen for malignancies or other significant pathological findings. However, the necessity of this routine practice remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the histopathological outcomes of LSG specimens over a five-year period at our institution. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 203 patients who underwent LSG between January 2017 and December 2022 at Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham. Data collected included patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), use of preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), and histopathological findings. Patients with incomplete records or those who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were excluded from the study. Data were extracted for 310 patients, of whom 107 were excluded. The majority of the 203 patients analyzed were female (83%), with a mean age of 45.7 years and a mean BMI of 45.4 ± 7.3. Preoperative OGD was performed in only 0.5% of cases. Histopathological examination revealed that 81.3% (n=165) of patients had normal gastric mucosa, while 14.3% (n=29) had chronic gastritis. Clinically significant findings were rare, with only 1% (n=2) of patients showing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) or focal intestinal metaplasia. None of the patients required additional treatment or follow-up based on these histopathological findings. Most LSG specimens in our study showed normal or non-significant histopathological findings, raising questions about the routine use of histopathological examination in LSG procedures. It remains unclear whether histopathology is necessary following sleeve gastrectomy. While no patients in our cohort required further treatment or surveillance, there are reports in the literature where surveillance or further treatment was necessary, though the incidence remains low. Given the low incidence of clinically significant pathology, further studies with larger sample sizes and multi-center data are needed to establish clear guidelines on this issue.

Reutilization recovered nutrients from wastewater by synthesizing eco-friendly slow-release hydrogel fertilizer for sustainable vegetable production

Recovering and reusing resources from waste is a practical necessity for realizing sustainable development, while the lack of arable land and speedy release of fertilizer is also an urgent issue required to improve soil water and fertilizer conditions. Here, an eco-friendly biodegradable hydrogel was fabricated to serve as a slow-release carrier for nutrients that recovered from wastewater and investigated the potential role of it on vegetable growth. The hydrogel owned excellent water swelling and retention capacity, while degraded by more than 50 % within 11 weeks. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ion exchange dominate the binding between nutrients and hydrogel, thus contributing to the maximum release period and efficiency for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was 74.28 % in 21 days, 88.28 % in 28 days and 72.52 % in 7 days, respectively. Kinetic model fitting and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the Fickian diffusion controls the release of fertilizers. Vegetable yields and root elongation were significantly improved by applying the slow-release hydrogel fertilizer, with yield increases up to more than two-fold at the second round of cultivation. Overall, this work provides novel insights into the reutilization of high-value resources from wastewater and agriculture sources to support a stable food supply.

Advancing sustainable healthcare: a concept analysis of eco-conscious nursing practices

BackgroundAs the healthcare sector grapples with its environmental footprint, the concept of Eco-conscious Nursing emerges as a pivotal framework for integrating sustainability into nursing practice. This study aims to clarify and operationalize Eco-conscious Nursing, examining its attributes, antecedents, consequences, and providing operational definitions to guide future research and practice.MethodsUtilizing a systematic literature review across PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Ultimate, this study identifies and analyzes existing theories, frameworks, and practices related to eco-conscious nursing. Through conceptual analysis, key attributes, antecedents, and consequences of Eco-conscious Nursing are delineated, leading to the formulation of comprehensive operational definitions.ResultsThe study reveals Eco-conscious Nursing as a multifaceted concept characterized by environmental stewardship, sustainable healthcare practices, and a commitment to reducing the ecological impact of nursing care. Operational definitions highlight the role of education, awareness, and institutional support as antecedents, with improved environmental health and sustainable healthcare outcomes as key consequences.ConclusionEco-conscious Nursing represents a crucial ethos for the nursing profession, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable practices within healthcare. The operational definitions provided serve as a foundation for embedding eco-conscious principles into nursing, addressing the urgent need for sustainability in healthcare settings. Future research should focus on the empirical application of these definitions and explore the economic and cross-cultural dimensions of eco-conscious nursing.

Green technology based agricultural product quality and market prices in China

Agriculture is a substantial contribution to world economies, and its environmental influence cannot be overstated. As a result, agricultural production has changed over time to incorporate more environmentally friendly practices, such as the usage of green technologies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of agri and green technology adoption on agricultural product market prices, with an emphasis on product quality and environmental consciousness. Surveys were used to collect data from 750 agricultural producers and consumers, and statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between technology adoption, product quality, environmental consciousness, and market prices. The data show that there is a considerable positive association between green technology adoption and product quality, which has a favorable impact on market prices. Likewise, the impact of agricultural technology adoption on product quality and market pricing was statistically significant. The study also discovered that consumer environmental knowledge has a considerable positive effect on market prices. These findings show that more investment in green technology adoption is required to improve product quality and meet the growing demand for ecologically friendly agricultural products. Likewise, efforts to raise consumer environmental awareness may help drive market prices higher and incentivize producers to adopt more sustainable farming practices. This study emphasizes the necessity of sustainable agriculture practices and the need to promote the adoption of green technologies in order to ensure the agricultural industry’s long-term sustainability.

Justification of the Administrative Public Interest Litigation System for Personal Information Protection

There is controversy over whether the public interest litigation clause in Article 70 of the Personal Information Protection Law includes administrative public interest litigation. However, in practice, the administrative public interest litigation mechanism focused on personal information protection has already been explored in the practice of prosecutorial public interest litigation. From a theoretical perspective, administrative public interest litigation for personal information protection has its institutional value, reflected in preventive value, equitable value, and compensatory value. From a normative perspective, the administrative public interest litigation system can be connected with the elements of the Personal Information Protection Law in terms of subject qualifications, application areas, initiation, and procedures. Article 70 of the Personal Information Protection Law reserves institutional space for the operation of the administrative public interest litigation mechanism, which can include the administrative public interest litigation system. From a practical perspective, it is necessary to demonstrate the practical necessity of administrative public interest litigation for personal information protection by organizing existing practices. The advantages of administrative public interest litigation can be significantly utilized in prosecutorial public interest litigation involving personal information protection, which helps to achieve the public interest governance goals of personal information protection.

The Situation of the Jordanian Legislator from the Interpretation of the Judicial Judgment

Study aims to discuss regulating the provisions of judicial judgments interpretation in Jordanian law regarding the practical necessity in making the ambiguous judgments issued by the court enforceable. As well as the provision in the execution law obliges the chief executive officer to request clarification from the court (issued the judgment) due to its ambiguity, which does not replace the importance of regulating this issue in the Jordanian Code of Civil Procedure. The researcher concluded that the regulation of the provisions of judicial judgments interpretation in Jordanian Civil Code, which is tainted with ambiguity, must include granting the right to request interpretation to the litigants and to the court (issued the judgment). It shall also include provisions of the ruling interpretation and grant the right to the litigants and the court in requesting the interpretation. So that the court shall always be competent to request the interpretation, if it has to comply with the interpretation regulations in order not to abuse the authority in interpreting in a way that makes its judgment subject to appeal. The researcher also discusses the importance of determining the procedures that shall be followed to submit the interpretation request; moreover, the researcher concludes the impact of appealing the original judgment issued by the court.

Exploring decision-making practices during coaching sessions in grassroots youth soccer: a mixed-methods study.

Decision-making ability in players during match-play is mostly acquired through practice activities with the same underlying structure as competition. However, researchers have not fully investigated how coaches design practice sessions at the participation level of the sport (i.e. 'grassroots'), or why they use a particular activity at a specific time point. This study explores the practice activities employed by youth soccer coaches at the participation level in England and aims to understand their underlying intentions. Twelve male coaches working with players aged 9-11 years across ten clubs in the London region participated. Thirty-five practice sessions were filmed and analysed to assess the proportion of time spent in activities involving 'non-active decision-making' (e.g., technical practices, fitness training) versus 'active decision-making' (e.g., small-sided and conditioned games, skills practice with realistic opposition). A brief on-field interview with the coaches about the session purpose took place immediately after each systematic observation. Coaches allocated similar amounts of time to activities with active (M = 41%) and non-active (M = 42%) decision making, with the remaining 17% being transitions. There was a common progression from non-active decision-making activities early in the session towards increased active decision-making later in the session. Interviews with coaches revealed a belief in the necessity of frequent non-active decision-making practices for technique development, despite potential disparities with improving match performance. Findings highlight a potential gap between scientific understanding and coaching practices for young soccer players at the participation level, suggesting implications for coach education programmes and the optimisation of player development strategies.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Tagus Estuary Salt Marshes: Patterns of Contamination and Plant Uptake.

The presence of anthropogenic compounds, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), was studied in three salt marshes within the Tagus estuary, Portugal, along an anthropogenic pressure gradient. Results revealed differences in OCPs and PCBs among the marshes, with differing concentration levels. Specifically, one marsh, with surrounding agricultural activity, showed the highest OCP concentrations, while another, with a historical industrial past, exhibited elevated PCB levels. In contrast, a third marsh, part of a natural reserve, displayed comparatively lower concentrations of both substances. Sediment concentrations, likely influenced by agricultural practices, were found to be comparable to or higher than those observed in other Portuguese estuaries. The halophyte Spartina maritima was found to absorb OCPs, particularly in its aboveground tissues, suggesting bioaccumulation within the plant. Additionally, PCB levels appeared to be influenced by industrial history, with one marsh displaying notably higher concentrations. In conclusion, the persistence of organochlorine compounds in the salt marsh ecosystems notwithstanding the regulatory prohibitions implemented in the 1990s highlights the need for continuous monitoring and study of such sites and the necessity of remediation practices, which are imperative to mitigate ecological and health risks in these polluted salt marshes.

Analyzing the Problems of Agricultural Futures Market in China

The agriculture is a fundamental sector for the development of society, and agricultural products play a key role in the economy. The equilibrium of agricultural product supply and demand is intimately linked to societal steadiness and the welfare of individuals. Consequently, the efficient functioning of the market for agricultural products is vital for economic growth. Agricultural product manufacturing and sales face multiple hazards, such as climatic change, natural disasters, market fluctuations, etc. Agricultural futures serve as a financial tool for the agricultural products market, providing essential hedging and risk management functions. The establishment and development of the agriculture futures market enables farmers and agricultural companies to hedge against agricultural product price fluctuations, reducing business operation risks. This promotes market stability and contributes to the healthy development of the economy. Additionally, investors can participate in the agricultural futures market to obtain investment income through price fluctuations. The agricultural futures market plays a significant role for farmers, agricultural companies, and investors. Therefore, researching and exploring this market is of great theoretical and practical importance and necessity.

Case Report: A 5 Yea kan r Old Girl with Diphtheria

Background: Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is characterized by the formation of pseudomembranes in the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity, which can lead to severe complications such as airway obstruction, myocarditis, and paralysis of the palate muscles. Aims: This study aims to detail the clinical course and treatment of a pediatric diphtheria case, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions. Methods: The case of a 5-year-old girl presenting with a 3-day history of fever at K.R.M.T Wongsonegoro Hospital is described. Clinical evaluation, including history, physical examination, and supportive tests, led to a diagnosis of diphtheritic tonsillitis. Findings: The patient exhibited classic symptoms of diphtheria, including sore throat, fever, and the presence of a dirty, greyish-white pseudomembrane on the tonsils. The membrane extended to adjacent structures, causing a condition known as bullneck. The treatment protocol included the administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), antibiotics, antipyretics, corticosteroids, and symptomatic management. Conclusion: Diphtheria remains a serious infectious disease requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. The case highlights the importance of early intervention, continuous monitoring, and the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy to improve patient outcomes. Implications: This study underscores the necessity of vigilant clinical practices in managing diphtheria cases, particularly in pediatric patients, to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Exploring the dynamics of virtual value co-creation in tourism: an analysis of social factors, mindful approach, and technological stress over time

AbstractThis research aims to analyze the relationship between social factors (social comparison orientation, loneliness, emotional support, and instrumental support) and the quadratic effects of the mindful approach and technological stress in co-creating virtual value for the tourism sector. Using a dynamic structural equation model, we analyzed data collected from a cohort of 400 tourists who actively participated in virtual tourism services between 2011 and 2022. Using this methodology, we investigate the long-term correlations between different elements and their impact on participants' participation in virtual value co-creation. Our research indicates a distinct correlation between the mindful approach and virtual value co-creation, exhibiting a positive quadratic effect that gradually decreases, implying the necessity of consistent mindfulness practices in the face of technological stress. Interestingly, we also find that technological stress has a positive quadratic role over time. As people become more adept at technology and accustomed to it, its favorable effects on virtual value co-creation diminish. In the current scenario characterized by collaborative innovation and interaction through digital platforms, they are of great importance for companies, especially in adapting to new social dynamics characterized by new technologies. Using the Mindful Approach in the digital context becomes necessary, emphasizing mainly conscious awareness to optimize the level of commitment, increasing the results of interactions. On the other hand, new technologies in value co-creative processes increase concern about technological stresses, especially in exposure to these new environments over time. In this way, achieving more excellent stability between digital interaction and reducing potential stressors becomes a critical business strategy for sustaining collaboration dynamics over time, thus ensuring individuals’ well-being and maximizing the concretion processes’ positive impact at both the individual and social levels.

Recent progress of high-energy density supercapacitors based on nanostructured nickel oxides

With the progressive demand of portable devices and hybrid electronic vehicles, relevant energy storage options are one of the most important practical necessities. Supercapacitors may play a key role for developing auto electronic advanced tools, because of their specific power density, fast charging capacity, and long-life time. On the other hand, nanostructured materials for supercapacitor electrodes have demonstrated great potential for constructing a reliable as well as efficient gateway for betterment. Nanostructured form of metal oxides, especially nickel oxide (NiO), is one of the most excel material to design high performance supercapacitors. This review deals with a detailed discussion on some fundamental aspects of supercapacitors incusing variety, performance evaluation criteria, and influencing factors for designing high density supercapacitors. Along with these, recent effective strategical approaches for generating high energy density supercapacitors utilizing NiO and their composites are particularly described the inherent performance influencing factors like their physical, chemical, and compositional variations. Finally, upgrading the next generation devices, the commercial application, challenges, and future prospects of the recently developed NiO-based supercapacitor materials are pointed out.

Parent-led Communication Therapy for Young Bilingual Autistic Children: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review of the literature was undertaken using JBI guidelines to map the evidence of parent-led therapy (PLT) for young autistic children (≤ 6years) raised in bilingual environments. Reviewers used Covidence to screen located sources. Sixteen papers met inclusion criteria. A strong acceleration of reports of PLT for young autistic children measured in bilingual environments was observed, with 93.8% of papers (n = 15) published since 2015. Reporting of participants' language environments (home language(s)/L1s and societal language(s)/L2s) was inconsistent. A large majority of these studies, 87.5% (n = 14) were conducted in North America or in collaboration with a North American institution. Diverse PLT programs and methodologies were identified. There is variation in demographic information collected and outcomes reported. Evidence gaps in the literature are identified and the value of undertaking systematic review on this topic is considered. This scoping review points to the necessity of further empirical research and practice that centres parents in early and specific support for autistic children raised in bilingual environments. Suggestions for improving reporting standards of language profiles are provided.