Value Dimensions Research Articles

The Value and Path of Integrating the Spirit of New Era Educators into the Cultivation of Normal University Students

The spirit of educator embodies rich connotations and holds multiple dimensions of value for the cultivation of normal university students. At the individual level, it aligns with the inherent needs of normal university students' growth; at the university level, it implements the fundamental task of fostering morality and cultivating people; and at the societal level, it responds to the demands of building a strong education nation in the era. In the new era, promoting the spirit of educators should be based on theoretical teaching, strengthening normal university students’ cognition of the spirit of educators; nourishing through campus culture, cultivating normal university students’ emotions towards the spirit of educators; and using educational practice as a carrier, deepening normal university students’ practice of the spirit of educators.

Consumers’ attention, experience, and action to organic consumption: The moderating role of anticipated pride and moral obligation

Scholars have devoted much attention to explaining consumers’ green consumption behavior as its importance continues to grow. In this study, we propose a new theoretical framework that integrates the norm activation theory (NAT), theory of reasoned action (TRA), and theory of consumption behavior (TCV) to explain consumers’ organic food consumption. First, we integrate the green consumption value (GCV) with five consumption values (functional, social, emotional, conditional, and epistemic) from the classic TCV model to explain the relationship between NAT and TRA. Second, we introduce two variables related to consumers’ source of interest: anticipated pride (individual) and moral obligation (social), which moderate the relationship between GCV and TRA. A total of 212 survey responses were collected from Chinese consumers and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation method (PLS-SEM). Our results demonstrate that NAT as an internal exposure, interpreted as an individual’s attentional factor, influences the five dimensions of GCV as an external exposure (i.e., an individual’s experiential factor), which in turn affects TRA. We also show that anticipated pride strengthens the impact of GCV on subjective norms and attitudes in the TRA, while moral obligation affects the impact of GCV on behavioral intentions only. This study contributes to the literature by proposing a more holistic model that accounts for individuals’ internal and external exposure during organic food consumption by integrating NAT, TCV, and TRA, and suggests both individual and social interests as moderators.

Investigation of the influence of pre-crack number on acoustic emission characterization of red-sandstone short-term creep damage and failure precursors

Rock crack is one of the main factors responsible for rock failure. Uniaxial compression creep tests are performed using acoustic emission techniques, a high-sensitivity, non-radiative, non-destructive testing method to understand the influence of crack number on the precursor characteristics of short-term creep damage in the fractured rock mass. Based on the Grassberger-Procaccia (G-P) algorithm, the calculation step size for the correlation dimension value (D 2) of the acoustic emission ringing count rate is consistent with that for the acoustic emission b-value. The influence of the number of pre-cracks on the Acoustic emission precursor characteristics of red sandstone creep is analyzed. The results show that near the destabilization of the specimen, the Acoustic emission accumulative ringing count surges in a stepwise manner, the Acoustic emission b-value decreases, the D 2-value increases, the Acoustic emission amplitude shows high intensity and high frequency, and the ringing count increases sharply, all with the characteristics of failure precursors. During the accelerated creep stage of the specimens, with the increase of pre-cracks number, the precursory time points of acoustic emission b-value and D 2-value advance, and their acoustic emission ringing counts increase sharply.

The birth order and identity formation during emerging adulthood

Introduction: The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between birth order and identity development during emerging adulthood. Identity formation was defined in accordance with the Double Cycle of Identity Formation model by Koen Luyckx and the corresponding DIDS questionnaire in Polish adaptation by Konrad Piotrowski. Method: Referring to the Identity Development Dimensions Scale, hypotheses were put forward regarding birth order and the value of individual dimensions. 102 people took part in the study, in the form of an anonymous online questionnaire, declaring, among other things, their order of birth in the family. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis, where the intensity of each of the five dimensions of DIDS was compared: exploration in breadth, commitment making, ruminative exploration, exploration in depth, and identification with commitment. Results: Results of the study indicate that middle children undertake significantly less exploration in both breadth and depth, compared to the youngest and oldest children. Conclusions: A review of research dealing with the issue of birth order suggests that middle children are a very diverse and ill-defined group as a result of many intervening variables. Therefore, this group may have exceptional difficulty in exploring and finding their own space. The lack of specific identity characteristics or roles is not compensated here. Other factors pivotal for a person's identity formation are also considered in the postulates for further research, e.g. the matter of taking up a job.

Analysis of TBM tunneling performance based on mass fractal dimension of rock chips

The size of the rock chips and its particle size distribution can fully reflect the rock-breaking efficiency of the TBM, but the index that can comprehensively characterize the particle size distribution of rock chips has not yet been found to quantitatively evaluate the TBM tunneling efficiency. Based on the fractal theory, this study uses the mass fractal dimension to quantitatively analyze the particle size distribution of rock chips, and explores its relationship with TBM tunneling performance index. Field sieving tests were carried out on rock chips from two tunnel projects. According to the sieving test results, the mass fractal dimension of the rock chips is calculated as well as the correlation between it and common TBM performance evaluation indexes, average tunneling thrust is discussed. The research results show that the mass distribution of TBM rock chips has significant fractal and self-similar characteristics, the higher the content of large-size rock chips, the lower the content of small-size rock chips, the smaller the fractal dimension value. Simultaneously, under the same surrounding rock conditions, the mass fractal dimension of rock chips is positively correlated with the logarithm of specific energy and negatively correlated with the logarithm of coarseness index, which indicates that the smaller the fractal dimension, the higher the efficiency of rock breaking. It is demonstrated that the interval of TBM thrust force corresponding to smaller specific energy, larger coarseness index and smaller fractal dimension is the same, which can be determined as the optimal thrust interval.

Comparison of Changes in Retinal Vascular Parameters and Density in Patients with Moyamoya Disease: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: This study aimed to compare retinal vascular parameters and density in patients with moyamoya disease using the optical coherence tomography angiography. Methods: This clinical trial totally enrolls 78 eyes from 39 participants, and all these patients with moyamoya disease (N = 13) are set as experimental group and participants with health who matched with age and gender are considered as the control group (N = 26). Then all these participants receive optical coherence tomography angiography detection. Participants’ general data are collected and analyzed. Skeleton density (SD) value, vessel density (VD) value, fractal dimension (FD) value, vessel diameter index (VDI) value, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) value are analyzed. Results: A total of 39 participants are included in this study. The SD value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (0.175 [0.166, 0.181] vs. 0.184 [0.175, 0.188], p = 0.017). Similarly, the VD value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.333 [0.320, 0.350] vs. 0.354 [0.337, 0.364], p = 0.024). Additionally, the FD value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.088 [2.083, 2.094] vs. 2.096 [2.090, 2.101], p = 0.022). As for the VDI and FAZ, VDI and FAZ values in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, there was no significant difference in VDI and FAZ values between the two groups. Conclusions: Our study, using non-invasive and rapid OCTA imaging, confirmed decreased retinal vascular parameters and density in patients with moyamoya disease.

Anatomical assessment of the trabecular structure of the alveolar bone in periodontal disease by fractal analysis method.

Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, which can cause loss of bone support of the teeth, is of great importance. The use of fractal analysis method is being investigated in order to differentiate periodontal disease radiographically. Fractal analysis presents the degree of complexity in the structure of fractal objects as a numerical data, and has been used to measure changes in trabecular bone. The aim of this study was to compare the trabecular bone fractal dimension (FD) values of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis using panoramic radiographs, and to evaluate the possible relationship between age and gender with fractal dimension. Panoramic radiographs of 64 patients with gingivitis and 64 patients with periodontitis were evaluated retrospectively in the study. Using the radiographs of the patients, FD values measured from the trabecular bone were calculated with the box-counting method in the Image J programme. The FD values of both groups were compared. In addition, the relationship between age and gender parameters and FD values was evaluated within the groups. According to the results of the study, the calculated average FD value of the patients in the gingivitis group was 1.195, while the calculated average FD value of the patients in the periodontitis group was 1.196. No statistically significant difference was observed between the FD values of the gingivitis group and the periodontitis group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between FD values and age and gender (p > 0.05). No statistically significant results were obtained for the calculated mean FD values of the patients in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups.

Manipulating the McGinty Equation to Create Stable Micro-Wormholes

Fractal wormholes represent a novel theoretical concept at the intersection of classical physics and quantum mechanics. This article introduces the ΨFractal equation, a theoretical construct that seeks to describe these hypothetical entities. The equation integrates fundamental constants with parameters like mass, charge, and fractal dimension, suggesting intriguing properties and interactions with the cosmos. The McGinty equation, Ψ(x,t) = ΨQFT(x,t) + ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s), can be used to help explain the fractal structure of space-time. The ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s) term in the equation represents the fractal properties of space-time, where D represents the fractal dimension, m represents the mass of the system, q represents the charge, and s represents the spin. By manipulating the values of these variables, scientists can create a stable micro-wormhole in a controlled environment. The fractal dimension D, for example, can be used to control the size and stability of the wormhole. A higher fractal dimension value would result in a larger and more stable wormhole, while a lower value would result in a smaller and less stable wormhole. The mass of the system, represented by the variable m, can also play a role in the stability of the wormhole. A higher mass would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower mass would result in a less stable wormhole. The charge and spin of the system, represented by the variables q and s, respectively, can also have an effect on the stability of the wormhole. A higher charge would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower charge would result in a less stable wormhole. Similarly, a higher spin would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower spin would result in a less stable wormhole. By manipulating the values of these variables, scientists can create a stable micro-wormhole in a controlled environment. This leads to advancements in fractal engine technology which in turn leads to the development of practical applications for faster-than-light travel, such as faster communication and interstellar exploration. For example, if we consider the equation for a fractal wormhole, ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s) = [(G * m^2 * D) / (h * q * s)] * e^-(D * m * x^2) Where G is the gravitational constant, h is the Planck constant, and x is distance. By manipulating the value of D, m, q and s, scientists can control the size and stability of the wormhole, which in turn can be used for faster than light communication and interstellar travel.

Optimal control of multilateral waterflooding wells in carbonate reservoirs with uncertainty consideration

The benefits of adjoint formulation in studying and improving the economic and production viability of reservoir waterflooding problems has been reported in several researches. However, there is little or no recorded report on its use for multilateral wells in uncertain waterflood reservoir conditions. This study aims to investigate the effect of geological uncertainty to multilateral well performance using adjoint formulation in oil reservoir waterflooding. First, an oil reservoir model with uncertainty assumption in permeability, Corey value, and physical dimension in reservoir compartmentalization was developed. Second, an optimal control sequence for the multilateral injection well was developed to optimize the net present value (NPV). The study revealed that with the obtained control sequence, reservoir compartmentalization notably faults in rock structure, significantly influenced the production capacity of multilateral wells which resulted in a higher NPV and oil rate when compared to other uncertainty cases.

Value dimensions of volunteer activity as an area of moral growth and civic participation of student youth

Problem and objective. In the context of exacerbation of humanitarian risks and challenges to contemporary society, there is a problem of including students in socially salutary work within the framework of volunteer activity by accustoming them the key volunteer values. The aim of the study is to clarify and develop the value parameters of student social volunteering in a region of increased humanitarian tension. Research methods. The study used methods of axiological reconstruction of the mental space of volunteering, expert assessments, document analysis, focus group method, thesaurus analysis, value maps method, thematic discussions, and psychodrama method. Monitoring and experimental procedures included 144 students of the Belgorod National Research University and 11 experts in the field of volunteer and humanitarian services. The diagnostic work used the following methods: motivational personality profile test, emotional orientation test, 16 PF Questionnaire, Rokeach Value Survey (adaptation by D.A. Leontyev). Statistical methods included percentage data distribution, parametric statistics, and significance of differences analyzing method (Student's t-test). Results of the study. A diagnostic study revealed a significant role of values in the psychological characteristics of students constantly participating in volunteer work. Compared to students who left volunteering, they had higher values such as: happiness of others (tEMP=9.3), productive life (tEMP=4.8), creativity (tEMP=5.3), forgiveness (tEMP=9.1), delicacy (tEMP=9.4), broad-mindedness (tEMP=8.8). Ex-volunteer students express a greater value of freedom (tEMP=14.7), inner harmony (tEMP=15.1) and independence (tEMP=15.8). No significant differences were found among other properties. Both groups of students equally exhibited growth needs, altruistic orientation, rule-consciousness, emotional stability and self-reliance. Students who left volunteering showed higher vigilance (“L”, tEMP=5.1), dominance (“E”, tEMP=5.4), apprehension (“O”, tEMP=5.5) and some egocentricity. Taking into account the key role of the value factor in consolidating students in the field of volunteering, the work proposes a construct of its value dimensions as moral-sense parameters for orienting students to volunteer work. The following value clusters were identified in the study as such key dimensions: humanism, patriotism, solidarity and unselfishness. These dimensions became the basis for corrective work with students. The use of special value maps of volunteer, thematically reflective discussions and meetings, as well as psychodramatic sketches to reproduce students’ life stories made it possible to strengthen their desire and motivation to participate in volunteer work. The majority of students (88% of the total) decided to continue their work as active volunteers. Conclusion. The construct of value dimensions proposed in this study has no exact analogues in studies of youth participation in volunteering, since it reflects the specifics of volunteer work in a region of increased humanitarian tension, which is its conceptual significance and applied value in engaging students to this work.

Confucian Culture and Democratic Values: An Empirical Comparative Study in East Asia

AbstractMany studies have been conducted on the link between Confucianism and democratic values in East Asia, but they have failed to account for the complex character of Confucianism and the possible impact of political systems. This study re-measures Confucian values into four dimensions—authoritarianism, familialism, collectivism, and harmoniousness—based on data from the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer survey. It then uses a multi-layer linear regression model to examine the relationship between the Confucian cultural values and the democratic values held by people in six East Asian societies at both the macro and micro levels. The findings demonstrate an asymmetrical pattern in the relationship between the various dimensions of Confucian cultural values and the democratic values of East Asia, collectivist values do not affect democratic values, while familial and authoritarian values have a significant and negative correlation with democratic values. Harmonious values have a significant and positive correlation with democratic values. In addition, there is a significant positive correlation between democratic institutions and the democratic values, and the relationship between the values of harmoniousness and collectivism and democratic values varies across countries with different political systems. This offers insightful material for reflection as we reconsider the connection between Confucianism and democracy in East Asia.

Global dynamics and computational modeling approach for analyzing and controlling of alcohol addiction using a novel fractional and fractal–fractional modeling approach

In recent years, alcohol addiction has become a major public health concern and a global threat due to its potential negative health and social impacts. Beyond the health consequences, the detrimental consumption of alcohol results in substantial social and economic burdens on both individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, a proper understanding and effective control of the spread of alcohol addictive behavior has become an appealing global issue to be solved. In this study, we develop a new mathematical model of alcohol addiction with treatment class. We analyze the dynamics of the alcohol addiction model for the first time using advanced operators known as fractal–fractional operators, which incorporate two distinct fractal and fractional orders with the well-known Caputo derivative based on power law kernels. The existence and uniqueness of the newly developed fractal–fractional alcohol addiction model are shown using the Picard–Lindelöf and fixed point theories. Initially, a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the alcohol addiction fractional model is presented. The possible equilibria of the model and the threshold parameter called the reproduction number are evaluated theoretically and numerically. The boundedness and biologically feasible region for the model are derived. To assess the stability of the proposed model, the Ulam–Hyers coupled with the Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability criteria are employed. Moreover, utilizing effecting numerical schemes, the models are solved numerically and a detailed simulation and discussion are presented. The model global dynamics are shown graphically for various values of fractional and fractal dimensions. The present study aims to provide valuable insights for the understanding the dynamics and control of alcohol addiction within a community.

Generation of South Indian Data for Normal Clitoral Dimensions and Anogenital Ratio in Term Neonates.

Assessment of genitalia is an important part of the neonatal examination. Regional, racial, and ethnic variations in phallic length have been documented. Clitoral dimensions may also show similar variations. Normal values for neonatal clitoral measurements may help the pediatrician/neonatologist to accurately diagnose clitoromegaly and underlying etiology to guide appropriate investigations. Data on clitoral measurements is limited with only one study from India (Kolkata). Hence we aimed in this study to generate south Indian data on neonatal clitoral dimensions, anogenital distance, and anogenital ratio. Two hundred and fifty two hemodynamically stable term female neonates without ambiguous genitalia/vulval masses born in a community hospital. Hospital-based cross-sectional study. 1. To measure clitoral dimensions, anogenital distance, and anogenital ratio in female neonates. 2. To correlate clitoral dimensions, anogenital distance, and ratio with anthropometric measurements, gestational age, and maternal comorbidities. Measurements were recorded using a digital vernier caliper, under strict aseptic precautions with labia majora gently separated and the baby held in a frog-leg position. Clitoral length, width, and anogenital distance were measured and anogenital ratio and clitoral index were calculated. In term neonates, the mean ± SD of clitoral length (CL), clitoral width (CW), anogenital ratio (AGR) were 6.34 ± 1.75 mm, 6.39 ± 1.27 mm and 0.39 ± 0.05, respectively. The 3rd and 97th centiles for mean clitoral length were 3.55 and 9.93 mm, for mean clitoral width were 3.37 and 8.35 mm, and for AGR were 0.28 and 0.48, respectively. These clitoral dimensions in south Indian neonates were higher than those from East India (Kolkata), lower than Nigerian babies, and similar to Israeli neonates. Mean CL and CW had no statistical correlation with birth weight, gestational age, head circumference, or length in term neonates. A significant correlation was noted between pregnancy-induced hypertension and mean clitoral width, and between gestational diabetes and AGR. Normative values for clitoral dimensions (length and width) and AGR for south Indian term female neonates have been established. 97th centiles of 9.93 mm (CL) and 8.35 mm (CW) and 0.48 mm (AGR) may be used as practical cut-offs to diagnose clitoromegaly and virilization. Clitoral measurements had no statistical correlation with birth weight, gestational age, or anthropometry. Clitoral measurements exhibit ethnic and racial differences, thus emphasizing the importance of regional cut-offs and need for more studies from different parts of India on CL.

Determination of local fractal dimension of the catalyst support MgAl2O4 surface

In this paper, a procedure for estimating local fractal dimensionality values for greyscale images was developed. This procedure was tested on synthesised fractal and multifractal Brownian surfaces. The use of the method of detrended fluctuation analysis to determine the Hurst index for samples with a size not exceeding 2000 points was analysed. The optimal values of the sample size and the scale parameter have been obtained, allowing the Hurst index to be calculated with an error of less than 20%. The procedure was also tested on greyscale images, which are 8-bit representations of a synthesised fractal surface. The peculiarities of the application of the procedure for calculating the local fractal dimension for images obtained by scanning electron microscopy have been analysed. The values of the local fractal dimension of the oxide support MgAl2O4 are calculated using SEM images at different magnifications. It has been shown that, taking into account the fractal dimensionality calculation, different morphologies of the particle surface are observed at different scales of image magnification. At the highest magnification, the particle surface is found to consist of embedded smooth micron particles. The surface morphology of the MgAl2O4 particle depends on the micro- and mesopores between the embedded particles, this surface can be characterised by a fractal surface with FD2 = 2.3–2.4.

Examining Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions in Iranian and Chinese Context: A Mixed Methods Approach

This study investigated key cultural value dimensions in samples of undergraduate business students from Iran (n = 40) and China (n = 40). Hofstede’s national culture framework spans Power Distance, Individualism/Collectivism, Uncertainty Avoidance, and Masculinity/Femininity. A survey measured and compared cultural dimension scores between countries. Classroom observations also qualitatively assessed how societal norms shape teaching and learning. Results showed that Iranians accepted greater power inequality, showed more discomfort with unstructured situations, and were more individualist than the strongly collectivist Chinese sample. Both countries were distinctly masculine. Observation data reflected high Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance in Iranian classrooms, with professors tightly controlling discourse and censoring student opinions. Chinese classrooms demonstrated more collaboration and student debate. Findings update Hofstede’s country rankings with generational data. Insights can inform educational reforms catering teaching practices to cultural orientations while developing needed competencies. Limitations include sample size and generalizability. Further cross-cultural research should track evolving youth attitudes, translate macro-culture into micro-domains like academia, and leverage understanding to optimize learning systems. This mixed methodology comparing Iranian and Chinese university students on cultural dimensions and academic manifestations makes a novel contribution. Practical implications span cross-cultural understanding, organizational leadership, policy, and culture-specific social initiatives.

Research on Quality Evaluation of Talent Cultivation in Modern Industrial Colleges based on CIPP Model Evaluation of Talent Cultivation by CIPP

As an important carrier for the implementation of transformation and development of applied undergraduate colleges and universities and the carrier for the integration of industry and education, as well as collaborative education, modern industrial colleges are the solid foundation for establishing a modern application-oriented vocational education system for undergraduate students and cultivating more highly skilled personnel. The quality evaluation of their talent cultivation involves multiple dimensions and levels, including both time and space dimensions, as well as value dimension. Taking the CIPP evaluation model as the basis, following the principles of dynamic development and effectiveness balance, targeting at at the talent cultivation goal of modern industry college of applied undergraduate colleges, this paper constructs a talent training quality evaluation index system with four primary indicators and their corresponding secondary indicators from four dimensions: background evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation and result evaluation, so as to conduct comprehensive and systematic supervision and feedback on the dynamic process of talent cultivation for the purpose of providing reference for optimizing the talent cultivation quality of modern industrial colleges.

Sustainable rice farming in Indonesia

Rice is the main food in Indonesia, so increase in rice production must be achieved in a sustainable manner to maintain food security. The research case study is rice farming in Pancur Batu sub-district. The research method uses mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) with quantitative dominance. The Objective of this study was to determine the implementation of sustainable rice farming in the Pancur Batu sub-district. The research tools used to evaluate the Sustainability Model in rice farming are Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) with Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program analysis. indicators and criteria for the sustainability of rice farming are divided into ecological, economic and social dimensions, then input into the Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program. The results of the research showed that the social dimension had the highest sustainability index, namely 75.13 which indicates that the social dimension in the research location is quite sustainable, the ecological dimension with a sustainability index of 54.44 indicates that the ecological dimension is quite sustainable, and the lowest dimension value was the economic dimension with a sustainability index value of 43.58. This sustainability index value indicates that economic dimension of rice farming in the research location is not sustainable. The sustainability status of rice farming in the study area is multidimensional with an index value of 72. This index value indicates that the sustainability of rice farming in the study area is quite sustainable. The conclusion from this study was that the most sensitive and influential attributes for rice farming in the study area were: first, the ecological dimensions: (a) water availability, (b) pest attack rate, (c) land conversion rate; the economic dimension: (a) The price level of production inputs (fertilizers and pesticides), (b) The level of labor wages, (c) The level of availability of production inputs and social dimension which is counseling. Key words: Sustainability, Rice Farming, Social Dimension, Economic Dimension, Ecological Dimensions, RAPFISHS

Analysis of Sustainability Status and Management of Brown Seaweed Sargassum sp. in the Waters of Ujung Kulon Conservation Area

The potential of seaweed resources in Indonesia has a significant economic value that is quite competitive and useful in the food and non-food sectors. One of the habitats of Sargassum sp. in Indonesia is Ujung Kulon, Banten Province. However, the existence of this species has not been utilized optimally and sustainably by the community. In addition, the problem is the lack of community participation in conservation water areas and sustainable management. The study aimed to determine the resource potential of brown seaweed Sargassum sp. in the location. In addition, it will evaluate the management and utilization, as well as the role of the community in sustainable management. Sustainability analysis was conducted using the Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) technique through the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) approach reinforced with Monte Carlo and Leverage analyses. The preparation of sustainability attributes is based on ecological, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. The results of this study showed that each dimension's value for the environmental dimension (66.15 entirely) is sustainable. The sustainability index value in the economic dimension (81.68) is sustainable. The results of the ordination analysis show that the sustainability index value in the social dimension (20.97) is not sustainable, institutional (31.92) with less sustainable status, so it needs to be a top priority for improvement on several sensitive attributes as leverage factors. In this case, the economic dimension is the value with the highest index, which aligns with the main livelihoods of the conservation area's people. As for the social and institutional dimensions, appropriate improvements still need to be made to support sustainable development. These results are expected to provide information and illustrations for stakeholders and the community in sustainable management efforts in formulating policy strategies.

Evaluation of the Functional Parameters for a Single-Row Seedling Transplanter Prototype

The development of an automatic seedling planting system for micro-farms requires testing under laboratory conditions to verify the theoretical relationships between essential functional parameters, working speed and planting time. The constructive dimensional values of the prototype, the results measured in stationary mode directly on the transplanter and the auxiliary equipment and the direct determinations of the working parameters on the soil bin are used. Depending on the characteristics of the soil bin trolley, a range of speeds is chosen at which the machine is tested. The data obtained validate the correct operation of the prototype at speeds close to those determined theoretically for the following indicators: distance between plants per row, planter wheel slippage, misplanted seedlings rate and seedling frequency, with results comparable to existing agronomic standards. Once the appropriate operating speeds of the machine have been obtained, between 0.304 and 0.412 m/s, with planting frequencies between 0.899 and 1.157 s−1 (respectively, 53.94 and 69.42 seedlings per minute), optimizations and adjustments of some machine components can be made, for subsequent testing in real field conditions.

On the fractal dimension of carbon black particles in pyrolysis flow reactors

This study presents a numerical approach for simulating the internal morphology of carbon black particles formed in a pyrolysis reactor. The simulation process involves a two-step approach using population balance models (PBM) and detailed population balance models (DPBM), solved via sectional and stochastic methods, to simulate the arrangement of primary particles within aggregates to allow determination of their fractal dimension (FD). The outcome is a novel introduction of simulating real flow reactors that for the first time provides the fractal dimension of particles as an output, rather than an assumed input. The results of this study have practical implications for optimizing the synthesis processes in carbon black production. The effects of various production parameters, including aggregation efficiency, temperature, pressure, and acetylene concentrations, on the fractal dimension values of carbon black particles are examined. It is observed that higher temperatures lead to the formation of larger fractal shapes with lower fractal dimensions and larger primary particle diameters. Moreover, increased reactor pressure and higher aggregation efficiency enhance the formation of carbon black aggregates, but also have a time-based effect with higher compactness at longer residence times. The time-based effect reveals the importance of sintering, where high loads of small particles enhance the overall sintering of the aggregates. These findings provide insights into the interplay between temperature, pressure, and particle morphology, highlighting the dynamic nature of carbon black nanoparticles and their response to synthesis process conditions.