Protection Practices Research Articles

A guide to protection schemes of synchronous generator-based electric grids

Ensuring the reliability of power systems remains a paramount concern for electrical utilities worldwide. The design and implementation of robust protection is crucial for mitigating faults and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. This paper encompasses the protection deployed in electrical utilities. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the application protection scheme in practice for the protection of major power components. The reliability of protection schemes is enhanced by adopting the of dual & fast protection schemes on the critical power components for swift & reliable clearing of faults. Additionally, this article also investigates the protection strategies employed for slightly lower priority components, including high-speed main and low-speed backup protection schemes. A thorough review for the protection practices for synchronous power generation, transmission, and distribution has been conducted. In this article, the selection of specific protection schemes and the calculation settings for 600 MW synchronous generator-connected lines and transformers are discussed. Additionally, the limitations of traditional protection schemes in safeguarding inverter-based power systems are explored. The paper also highlights areas for future research in the protection of electrical equipment within evolving grid infrastructures. This study will provide valuable insights for researchers and practicing engineers in planning and implementing protection systems for electrical grids, ensuring high levels of reliability and resilience

Harnessing the antagonistic potential and unraveling the bioactive compounds of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 to protect watermelon crop from Colletotrichum orbiculare

ABSTRACT Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb) is a significant vegetable crop globally and is prone to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. The use of chemical fungicides for managing crop diseases has adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to use biocontrol agents for disease management. In this study, streptomycetes were assessed as a potential biocontrol agent against anthracnose pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. The potent Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was isolated from healthy watermelon plants and showed remarkable antifungal efficacy against C. orbiculare WEC2. Rigorous assays confirmed its performance against C. orbiculare WEC2. Bioactive compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). An SEM study indicated the parasitic action of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen. The formulated talc-based product of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was effective when applied as a seed treatment + foliar spray against C. orbiculare WEC2 under pot culture conditions. These treatments reduced the disease incidence (31.81%) and exhibited a higher disease reduction (52.56%), compared to the untreated control. Therefore, treatment with talc-based Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 is a sustainable solution for anthracnose disease management, and it facilitates eco-friendly crop protection practices against the disease in watermelon. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Isolated streptomycete strains from healthy watermelon plants and screened for its efficacy against the pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 showed significant antifungal activity against the pathogen. Bio-active compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the parasitic activity of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen was detected. Developed a talc-based formulation of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 and tested it as a seed treatment plus foliar spray, effectively reducing the disease incidence.

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Hazards and Radiation Protection among the Undergraduate Dental Students in C.S.M.S.S Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar- A Questionnaire Based Cross-sectional Study

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Hazards and Radiation Protection among the Undergraduate Dental Students in C.S.M.S.S Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar- A Questionnaire Based Cross-sectional Study

The impact of vertical environmental regulation mechanism on greenwashing

China is vigorously implementing carbon reduction actions, but greenwashing is a severe obstacle to the realization of the “dual-carbon goal”. The central environmental protection inspection (CEPI) policy is a typical vertical environmental regulation (VER) system, which directly affects the environmental protection practices of firms and thus may have an impact on greenwashing. This article uses data from China's listed companies from 2012 to 2021 and the generalized difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine the impact of CEPI policy on greenwashing. The main conclusions are: first, the CEPI policy can significantly mitigate greenwashing, and this conclusion still holds after the endogeneity test and parallel trend test. Second, the CEPI policy can mitigate greenwashing by increasing media attention, improving technological innovation ability, and increasing the degree of competition in the industry. Finally, the heterogeneity analysis shows that stronger regulatory intensity mitigates greenwashing and the CEPI policy is effective in reducing the greenwashing of duality firms. Reducing corporate greenwashing is conducive to cleaner production and thus promotes sustainable economic development.

Selected farm-level crop protection practices in Europe and Argentina: Opportunities for moving toward sustainable use of pesticides

Extensive use of plant protection products (PPP) in the last decades contributes to negative impacts on ecosystems, animals and humans. For the strategies of PPP reduction and replacement of hazardous pesticides, farm-level data on agronomic management practices and crop protection applications are crucial. In this study, we strategically collected data for the 2021 season at the SPRINT project case study sites (CSS) in 10 European countries and Argentina, on perennial, arable and vegetable crops. Data collection included strategically selected farm and field data, pesticide records and farming practices. Results involved more than 1700 recorded PPP applications across various crops with more than 170 different active substances from PPP in organic, integrated pest management and conventional farming practices. We explored differences in application patterns (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and non-PPP, e.g. adjuvants, growth regulators, and fertilizers) between and within crops, countries and farming systems and calculated the costs of PPP use. The pesticide dosages applied during the crop season varied up to a factor of 20 around recommended doses. Regarding the costs of PPPs use perennial crops had the highest costs per ha crop production area. Finally, we analysed the active substances applied in different farming systems in terms of their hazard statements. Our results shed light on how PPPs are used across different crop and farming types and will help elucidate how pesticide application patterns can be changed in the future. Finally, we highlighted non-PPP use practices which help to reduce dependency on PPP use. This might be used to support decision-making and policies within agricultural advisory/support systems.

«А нашему-то брату еще лучше, пускай три, пять храмов будет!»: Никольские храмы Медногорска

The article is based on field material collected in Mednogorsk (Orenburg region) in December 2021. It is dedicated to the study of the interactions between the religious and cultural landscapes of the city. A distinctive feature of industrial Mednogorsk, founded during the era of industrialization, is its “church history” of the Soviet era. An constant element of this history was the life of the parish, which since 1943 took place in a prayer house later converted into the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The decades-long existence of the so-called “old St. Nicholas Church” in the city havs led to the enrichment and complication of the religious landscape, which includes hidden public practices of faith protection and places of prayer. The latter include an episode of collective protection of the church from destruction in 1961 and the book by Vera Popova, who became recognized in the city as the “historian of the temple” from among the oldest parishioners. The article provides a comparative analysis of the oral and written versions of the history of St. Nicholas Church. In 2007, the new Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was consecrated in Mednogorsk. The authors analyze the distribution of functions between the two St. Nicholas churches in the small town in the post-Soviet period. The conclusion is drawn about the interpenetration of the historical, cultural and religious heritage of the city, which originated as a settlement near a copper-sulfur plant. Additionally, it is suggested that the church component of Mednogorsk’s history allows for the interpretation of its Soviet period as an alternative version of Soviet industrialization in a small factory town.

The Relevance of a Globally Recognised Rights-based Approach to Environmental Protection

A rights-based approach is an international framework centered on the promotion and protection of human rights consistent with international human rights standards. Since the United Nations General Assembly in Stockholm in 1972 first linked human rights and environmental protection, there has been a growing tendency to include rights-based guarantees in environmental protection topics. After more than a decade of judicial practice in environmental protection, rights-based environmental litigation has become more and more evident. On this basis, a human rights-based approach has been put forward to address the issue in a way that is shared between “government” and “businesses”. The human rights-based approach is of great significance to environmental protection and sustainable environmental development, and the relationship between the two is also of value for research.

Fire Safety Disparities in Sweden: Sociodemographic Influences and the Impact of Societal Protection on Personal Fire Prevention Measures

AbstractPrevious research has identified sociodemographic inequalities in fire prevention measures. This study examined whether sociodemographic differences persist in the Swedish population concerning fire prevention measures and particularly whether there remains an inverted u-curve related to age in protection habits. Additionally, it investigated whether fire protection practices are influenced by the level of societal protection. The research utilised survey data and register data from The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and Statistics Sweden. A latent class analysis was conducted, dividing respondents into four latent classes, followed by two binomial regression analyses. The study revealed three key findings regarding fire protection measures. First, certain demographic groups, namely the young, women, single and childfree households, low-income and low-education individuals, immigrants, and urban residents, are disproportionately lacking optimal fire safety measures. Second, although a safety maturity curve is still observed, older adults in Sweden today are considerably more protected compared to 15–20 years ago, indicating that safety practices employed during middle age continue into old age. Third, a trend is observed where individuals living in areas with more efficient professional rescue services tend to have lower levels of personal fire protection, suggesting a rational choice based on the perceived level of societal protection.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Cancer Concerns and Protective Practices in Manitoba, Canada, Highlights Lack of Skin Cancer Awareness and Predominance of High-Risk Sun Exposure Behaviors.

The rapidly increasing skin cancer rates in Canada are alarming, with current data estimating that 1/3 of Canadians will be affected in their lifetime. Thus, deeper understanding of high-risk sun exposure behaviors is needed to help counter this trend. Only limited action has been taken by federal/provincial governments to reduce skin cancer incidence. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Manitoba, with frequency counts, means, and percentages used to encapsulate responses. Age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression analyses. Our study identified worrying inadequacies in sun protective behaviors and attitudes, with the threat of such high-risk behaviors amplified by a lack of skin cancer awareness. Alarming elements were noted in participants' sun exposure history (>65% reported a history of sunburns, >50% previously used a tanning bed, and >75% recently tanned for pleasure), beliefs and attitudes (>50% believe that they look better/healthier with a tan, and >40% believe that having a base tan is protective against further sun damage), and sun protection efforts (sun protective clothing was used <60% of the time, sunscreen was used by <50%, and there was a lack of knowledge about sunscreen characteristics in ~30% of respondents), in addition to significant differences being established between demographic subgroups (based on gender, age, skin phototype, income, and education attained). This study provides worrisome insight onto the grim landscape of sun protective behaviors and attitudes in Manitoba, which will inevitably translate into higher skin cancer rates and should serve as a call to action to promote targeted public health messaging in this jurisdiction and beyond.

Privacy and personal data risk governance for generative artificial intelligence: A Chinese perspective

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted global attention and posed challenges to existing data governance frameworks. The increased technical complexity and expanded scale of data usage not only make it more difficult to regulate AI but also present challenges for the current legal system. This article, which takes ChatGPT's training data and working principles as a starting point, examines specific privacy risks, data leakage risks, and personal data risks posed by generative AI. It also analyzes the latest practices in privacy and personal data protection in China. This article finds that while China's governance on privacy and personal data protection takes a macro-micro integration approach and a private-and-public law integration approach, there are shortcomings in the legal system. Given that the current personal data protection system centered on individual control is unsuitable for the modes of data processing by generative AI, and that private law is insufficient in safeguarding data privacy, urgent institutional innovation is needed to achieve the objective of “trustworthy AI.”

Perspectives of the role of ICRP and the system of protection in meeting the United Nations sustainable development goals

Established in 2015 the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) were agreed with the aim to balance the need to address social and ethical obligations such as ending poverty and other deprivations, while tackling climate change and the other planetary boundaries. In 2018 the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) initiated a review and revision of the System of Radiological Protection which will lay the foundation for Radiation Protection standards, regulations, guidance and practice worldwide for the next 40 years. Recognising the importance of the UN SDG's the ICRP has started to consider what the role of the revised system of protection should be in enabling delivery. On the 15 May 2024 the Society for Radiological Protection and World Nuclear Association ran a workshop exploring the intersection of the System of Radiological Protection and the SDG's. The outputs of the workshop are summarised in this paper showing the views from a variety of practitioners working across the radiation protection sectors on the key factors to be considered in the revision of the system of radiological protection to enable delivery of the UN SDG's.

Deforesting the forest: Territory and relations in the Argentinean Chaco

AbstractThis article examines in depth the nuances of the Toba (Qom) people's territorial claims over the Argentinean Chaco. Ethnographic fieldwork carried out from 1997 to the present in Qom communities in the center of the Argentinean Chaco allows me to analyze the relationships that these communities have maintained and continue maintaining with their territory since their insertion into the regional economy after the Chaco's colonization. The analysis of the alternation of destructive and protective practices shows us the Qom cosmological understandings of human‐forest relations and the ambiguities of their coexistence in which Indigenous people, the nation‐state, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), settlers, and nonhuman beings participate. I propose that the forest, rather than being seen by the Qom people as a common good to be protected amid a planetary crisis, is a relation within relations intersected by ambiguity. This article aims to contribute to studies on the particularities of Indigenous people standing against the destruction that the Anthropocene has brought, avoiding unitary ideas about the Anthropocene.

How Does Illness Perception Affect the Quality of Life and Sun Protection Behaviors of Rosacea Patients?

Previous studies have noted the link between rosacea severity and quality of life, but there is limited understanding of how disease perception impacts these aspects. Additionally, sun exposure is identified as a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups, emphasizing the importance of sun protection practices in managing the condition. This cross-sectional study aims to fill the gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between clinical severity, disease perception, quality of life, and sun protection behaviors in rosacea patients. Questionnaires assessing the quality of life, illness perception, sun protection behaviors, sun protection decisional balance, and its potential predictors were completed by 120 rosacea patients and 120 controls. Patients exhibited a higher prevalence of sun protection behaviors than the control group (24.15 ± 5.76 vs. 17.63 ± 5.56, p < 0.001) and demonstrated greater determination in adhering to sun protection practices (13.43 ± 2.37 vs. 9.40 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that quality of life was related to clinical severity, illness perception (consequences, illness coherence, emotional representations), causal attribution (risk factors, immunity), and sun protection decisional balance variables (R2 = 0.45, F = 7.39, p < 0.001). Also, the perceived pros and cons of sun protection behaviors were predicted by illness perception (treatment control), causal attribution (risk factors, immunity, chance/accident), and quality of life variables (R2 = 0.24, F = 2.59, p = 0.004). Providing more information to rosacea patients can improve their disease perception and quality of life, increasing adherence to sun protection behaviors.

Herbal Companion Crops as an Example of Implementation of Sustainable Plant Protection Practices in Soybean Cultivation

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as ‘MIX’. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha−1) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture.

Collaborative Strategies for Enhancing Child Protection Practices in Pre-Primary Schools: A Case Study of Kira Municipality, Uganda

Child protection practices are measures and interventions intended to safeguard children against violence in school. These practices create safe environments that enable children to thrive. Some of these include the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Child protection agencies’ collaboration is a partnership that supports children’s well-being. This study investigated the contribution of child protection agencies’ collaboration on protection practices in Pre-primary schools in Kira Municipality, which has continued to be challenging. This study was informed by the social capital theory emphasizing the significance of social relationships, trust, and mutuality. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and data was collected using quantitative and qualitative tools. These included document analysis checklists, interview guides, observation checklists, and questionnaires. The respondents included headteachers, Centre Management Committee members, parents, Local Council members, and Probation officers. The results indicated that schools rarely collaborated with child protection agencies to ensure that protection practices were implemented in pre-primary schools. In contrast, the probation officers reported that the schools didn’t involve them during the planning, though it was when they would know the areas for collaboration. Four significant recommendations for improving child protection practices are given. Child protection workers need to jointly develop plans that promote child safety and protection, train and build the capacity of educators on issues of child protection, increase resources and financial support to promote child safety and protection, and finally, advocate for laws and policies that promote children’s rights.

Collaborative Strategies for Enhancing Child Protection Practices in Pre-Primary Schools: A Case Study of Kira Municipality, Uganda

Child protection practices are measures and interventions intended to safeguard children against violence in school. These practices create safe environments that enable children to thrive. Some of these include the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Child protection agencies’ collaboration is a partnership that supports children’s well-being. This study investigated the contribution of child protection agencies’ collaboration on protection practices in Pre-primary schools in Kira Municipality, which has continued to be challenging. This study was informed by the social capital theory emphasizing the significance of social relationships, trust, and mutuality. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and data was collected using quantitative and qualitative tools. These included document analysis checklists, interview guides, observation checklists, and questionnaires. The respondents included headteachers, Centre Management Committee members, parents, Local Council members, and Probation officers. The results indicated that schools rarely collaborated with child protection agencies to ensure that protection practices were implemented in pre-primary schools. In contrast, the probation officers reported that the schools didn’t involve them during the planning, though it was when they would know the areas for collaboration. Four significant recommendations for improving child protection practices are given. Child protection workers need to jointly develop plans that promote child safety and protection, train and build the capacity of educators on issues of child protection, increase resources and financial support to promote child safety and protection, and finally, advocate for laws and policies that promote children’s rights.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of port Harcourt teaching hospital, rivers state

Health workers particularly radiographers have continuously faced with various occupational hazards due to the occupational environment that is associated with unsafe working conditions and lack of protective equipment. This study aimed to explore knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital, Rivers state. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data from 226 radiographers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results shows good knowledge occupational hazards (72.8%); and good practice of occupational safety (68.5%). Regarding safety practices, radiographers exhibited moderate radiation protection practices (71.2%), with most portraying good practices. No significant gender or age differences were found in practices. Experience did not affect practices significantly. Radiographers with specialized training displayed better practices. The study concluded that radiographers had appreciably high knowledge and moderate safety practices. The study recommended continuing education programs, monitoring of practices, adequate protective facilities, and enhanced curriculum on radiation safety are required to address knowledge and practice gaps among radiographers in Nigeria.

Professional Education or Certificate: The Factors Influencing Child Maltreatment Recognition in China

Purpose: This study examines the influences of social work education and social work certificates on the recognition of child maltreatment and its subtypes among social workers in contemporary China. Method: Data from 3,032 child social workers in the 2019 Chinese Social Work Longitudinal Study were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models. Results: Social work education showed no significant association with child maltreatment recognition. Individuals with assistant-level or associate-level professional certificates demonstrated higher levels of recognition of child maltreatment and certain subtypes, including emotional abuse and neglect. Conclusions: Compared to the extensive coverage of child protection in certificate exams that reflects practical needs and policy changes, an overall lack of child social work content in degree programs could lead to long-term consequences on child protection practices and calls for a practice-oriented reorganization of social work degree curricula.

Ensuring Personal Data Protection in Telemedicine Services

The development of technology utilization in terms of the business sector in various fields makes its own challenges in providing consumer protection. then it is necessary to know that the Personal Data Protection of telemedicine service users provides consumer protection accommodation. There are aspects of protection for consumers as service users of personal data. Control of personal data should be carried out by companies that use technology in their business activities, in this case the organizers of electronic systems as required by existing regulations. The protection of consumers has been accommodated in the Consumer Protection Law (1999). Problems with data leaks that occur in Indonesia are problems experienced by consumers as users of digital services. Protection of personal data is a basic right of citizens and therefore the role of the State as the competent authority in the management and regulation of personal data. To ensure accommodation of personal data protection in the business development of digital start-up companies, it is necessary to study the accommodation of personal data protection as a form of protection for consumers in the Consumer Protection Law ( 1999) by Digital Start-up Companies as service providers. Normative research method with conceptual and legal approach is used to explain the facts. The results of this study show that the Consumer Protection Law (1999) on Consumer Protection has not provided regulatory accommodation that provides data protection for consumers of telemedicine. Output from this research can be a guideline for consumer protection practices in digital start-ups as required by the Consumer Protection Law (1999) and recommendations for relevant stakeholders in digital start-up services.Keywords: Consumer Protection; Personal Data Protection; Start-Up.

Applied qualitative methods for social life cycle assessment: a case study of Canadian beef

PurposeThis paper presents a transparent and rigorous methodological approach to conducting a case study of social performance (SP) within the conventional life cycle of Canadian beef. The objective was to explore the potential benefits and risks (or hotspots) of practices on Canadian beef farm businesses (BFBs) and slaughter operations (BSOs) to establish valid benchmarks and a social sustainability roadmap for decision-makers to improve SP.MethodsThis study undertook a novel and participatory approach to social life cycle assessment (S-LCA). Respondents from both within and at-arms-length to the beef value chain were engaged to identify SP practices and perceptions and develop the life cycle inventory. The goal and scope, inventory, assessment, and interpretation were conducted in a three-phased approach: (i) scoping; (ii) practice-based assessment; and (iii) deep-dive assessment. Data collected through mixed methods, including Q method, interviews, surveys, and literature review, were assessed using a type I (reference scale) approach and interpreted through critical interpretive synthesis. Organizational SP was explored at BFBs and BSOs, considering the following stakeholders: value chain actors, farmers, employees, and cattle.Results and discussionOutcomes from the applied approach explore the interrelations between organizations and stakeholders along the value chain. Impact categories concerning labour management, people’s health and safety, and animal care were prioritized for deep-dive assessment. Subcategories included novel topics, like recruitment and retention and access to mental health resources. A range of potential benefits and areas for improving SP were identified at BFBs and BSOs. Potential risks from SP were identified for stakeholders from working hours, communication and dispute resolution, animal transport, and personal protective equipment practice areas. Results informed strategic activities for the National Beef Sustainability Strategy.ConclusionThis study contributes to the social sustainability discourse in livestock systems by demonstrating a qualitative approach to S-LCA that can be replicated by practitioners to explore valid and locally specific social dimensions of sustainability. Practitioners may consider the approach and results in future studies to better capture and manage the complex and dynamic nature of livestock systems, leading to more effective social sustainability decisions that incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives.