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During the Lower Paleolithic, the interaction between hominins and elephants through the medium of lithic tools is testified by numerous sites in Africa, Europe, and Asia. This interaction ensured hominins a large source of food and of knappable raw material, bone. The availability of the huge package of resources represented by these animals had a deep impact on hominins behavior and their strategies of exploitation of the landscape. This article, for the first time, documents this behavior with a spatial and chronological viewpoint. At the Late Lower Paleolithic site of La Polledrara di Cecanibbio (Rome), the outstanding in situ find of a quite entire carcass of Palaeoloxodon antiquus surrounded by lithic tools of small dimensions allowed us to explore the relation between the elephant, fatally entrapped in muddy sediments, and the hominins that exploited its carcass with their lithic toolkit. The application of an integrated approach including technology, refitting, use-wear, residues, and spatial analyses to the study of the small tools allowed us to unveil the activities carried out around the elephant in a timeline. As a result, hominins exploited the carcass for meat and fat possibly in more than one time and selected the area of the carcass as an atelier to knap and possibly cache their lithic products for future use. These data introduce the intriguing suggestion that the carcass was, besides a source of food and raw material, also a landmark for humans in the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the direction of sustainable and zero carbon energy production, hydrogen is considered as a potential fuel with high heating value and energy content compared to other fossil fuels. The present review focuses on conventional and advanced biohydrogen production by utilizing low-cost biomass feedstock through dark fermentation, photo fermentation, bio-photolysis, microbial electrochemical cell, as well as integrated and co-fermentation approaches. Different substrate pretreatment methods, such as thermo-aero-size reduction, acid–alkali or biocatalyst, and combined pretreatment methods are investigated, which can potentially enhance hydrogen productivity multiple-fold. This review explores the application of various hydrogen-selective polymeric membranes, which improves biohydrogen production yield and reduces purification costs. Techno-economic assessment of different biohydrogen production technologies is reviewed based on technological advancements for improved production yield and energy efficiency as well as economic performance enhancement depending upon a minimum selling price, capital cost, operating cost, and profitability. Furthermore, an extensive investigation of the continent or country-specific biohydrogen production challenges is presented. These findings of the current study will explore novel biohydrogen production processes with an aspect of energy efficiency, economics, and environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that there is generally an agreement on the irreplaceable role of the ethical component in social work education, our understanding of values in social work education still remains quite limited. The article aims to analyse, from the perspective of educators, the instilling of social work values at the Czech, Slovakian, Polish and Hungarian universities. Research findings allows to identify its types, threats and limitations and to indicate steps for its enhancement and for the implementation of the systemic concept of the values instilling education. The implications for social work education are as follows: to critically reflect the external threats and limits created by neoliberalism and its values; to critically reflect the internal threats and limits caused by the absence of systemic values education in some social work study programmes; to promote a systemic concept of values instilling education and consistently implement the inductive learning and integrated approach in values building in subjects included in the social work study programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, psychological factors, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, have emerged as possible background factors for obesity and its comorbidities. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared to other psychiatric disorders, but this association remains partly mysterious and intriguing, especially considering the effect of childhood trauma. We decided to conduct a review in order to obtain the most recent information on this association with a focus on developmental elements. The studies considered were very heterogeneous, in terms of sample size and results, and do not lend themselves to meta-analysis but rather to discursive synthesis. There are many different and complex planes of interrelationship between PTSD and obesity which offer different therapeutic clues for the clinician. Integrated psychotherapies and interventions focusing on exercise and mindfulness can be used in different settings to promote recovery from both disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive study delves into enhancing European Union demographic policies through three key recommendations. First, it advocates for a more integrated approach, addressing challenges like declining birth rates, aging populations, and migrant integration collectively. Second, it emphasizes the need for enhanced coordination between European Union and member states' demographic policies to foster a synergistic response. Lastly, the study recommends increased civil society engagement in policy development and implementation, promoting inclusivity, transparency, and community-driven solutions. These recommendations aim to fortify the European Union's demographic strategies, ensuring they align with societal needs and aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal Quasi-Reflectography (TQR) in the MWIR for book heritage. • Integrated approach of TQR and standard UV–vis–NIR imaging on manuscripts. • Joint use of TQR and UV-based imaging for surface investigation. • Proof of concept on Vergilius Veronensis palimpsest of Biblioteca Capitolare of Verona. Multispectral imaging techniques applied to book heritage are useful to scholars to obtain information on the materials under investigation. The novel introduction of Thermal Quasi-Reflectography (TQR) technique, operating in the medium wave infrared (MWIR) spectral range, can flank conventional diagnostic techniques such as UV-based methods and IR imaging techniques in the 850–1700 nm range on manuscript acquisition. As proof of concept, this work investigates the application of TQR on the Ms. XL (38) palimpsest, known as Vergilius Veronensis , of the Biblioteca Capitolare of Verona. While investigating the manuscript with full-field imaging technique, this work focuses its application to improve the mapping of conservation materials. The manuscript contains several traces of reagents and conservation treatments applied during its conservation history. The study compared the manuscript materials response obtained with TQR with the response collected using UV-induced visible fluorescence (UVL), UV reflected imaging (UVR), and NIR imaging in the 850–1050 nm and 900–1700 nm bands. Being the TQR technique sensitive to surface materials with MWIR reflectance features, it may especially provide more accurate documentation of the restoration history of the object. TQR imaging discriminated non-homogeneities of products in the surface layer thanks to an enhanced MWIR contrast. The TQR image response on manuscript materials should be further investigated and compared to reflectance spectroscopic data. The results of this study demonstrate the added value of TQR imaging for manuscript diagnostics, for which integration of the TQR technique in the standard protocol is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, Liberia became one of the first countries in the African region to develop and implement a national strategy for integrated case management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (CM-NTDs), specifically Buruli ulcer, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis morbidities, and yaws. Implementing this plan moves the NTD program from many countries' fragmented (vertical) disease management. This study explores to what extent an integrated approach offers a cost-effective investment for national health systems. Methods: This study is a mixed-method economic evaluation that explores the cost-effectiveness of the integrated CM-NTDs approach compared to the fragmented (vertical) disease management. Primary data were collected from two integrated intervention counties and two non-intervention counties to determine the relative cost-effectiveness of the integrated program model vs. fragmented (vertical) care. Data was sourced from the NTDs program annual budgets and financial reports for integrated CM-NTDs and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to determine cost drivers and effectiveness. Results: The total cost incurred by the integrated CM-NTD approach from 2017 to 2019 was US$ 789,856.30, with the highest percentage of costs for program staffing and motivation (41.8%), followed by operating costs (24.8%). In the two counties implementing fragmented (vertical) disease management, approximately US$ 325,000 was spent on the diagnosis of 84 persons and the treatment of twenty-four persons suffering from NTDs. While 2.5 times as much was spent in integrated counties, 9–10 times more patients were diagnosed and treated. Conclusions: The cost of a patient being diagnosed under the fragmented (vertical) implementation is five times higher than integrated CM-NTDs, and providing treatment is ten times as costly. Findings indicate that the integrated CM-NTDs strategy has achieved its primary objective of improved access to NTD services. The success of implementing an integrated CM-NTDs approach in Liberia, presented in this paper, demonstrates that NTD integration is a cost-minimizing solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cohesion policy has a significant influence on the form of investments in cities. This refers, in particular, to states that participate in cohesion policy and those that do not have a significant own development policy. The paper presents the results of the analysis of the possibilities to support towns and cities and their functional areas in the 2021–2027 financial framework in the context of the previous approach of the European Union to the development of urban areas and solving their problems. It is worth noting that the European Union has wide experience in this area, dating back to the URBAN Pilot Projects and URBAN initiatives. The author also analyses the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the potential support for cities in the 2021–2027 perspective. The proposed conditions and instruments were also referred to the needs of towns and cities and the challenges that they are currently facing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of selenate on the removal of glycerol in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors was investigated. Two UASB reactors, R Control and R Selenium, were operated at a hydraulic retention time of 48 h and an upflow velocity of 2 m/h at 37 °C. A GAL (glucose, acetate and lactate) and glycerol mixture were used as the only feedstock throughout the experiment for R Control. After acclimation to GAL and glycerol in the start-up period, R Selenium was additionally exposed to selenate (SeO 4 2−) concentrations from 1.43 to 71.49 mg/L (10–500 μM) in a stepwise manner. An average daily methane yield of about 150 mL/g COD, which was comparable with R Control , and 90% Se removal were achieved until 400 μM SeO 4 2−. Simultaneously, SeO 4 2− was reduced to elemental Se or metal selenide, supported by X-ray diffraction, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. However, the methane production rapidly deteriorated when the influent SeO 4 2− concentration was increased to 500 μM. The Se toxicity was evident from the reduction in the activity of Methanosaeta. This study showed that the SeO 4 2− concentration, but not the COD/SeO 4 2− ratio, governs the AD of selenate rich wastewaters. [Display omitted] • Selenate concentration, but not COD/selenate ratio, governs the anaerobic digestion process. • Methane yield of 150 mL/g COD·d with 90% selenium removal until 400 μM selenate. • Inhibition of Methanosaeta activity observed at 500 μM selenate. • Increase in solids content and settling velocity suggests selenium facilitated sludge granulation. • Elemental selenium and metal selenide biosynthesis observed from XRD, TEM, SEM and SEM-EDX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As many countries aim to eliminate malaria, use of comprehensive approaches targeting the mosquito vector and environment are needed. Integrated malaria prevention advocates the use of several malaria prevention measures holistically at households and in the community. The aim of this systematic review was to collate and summarize the impact of integrated malaria prevention in low- and middle-income countries on malaria burden. Methods: Literature on integrated malaria prevention, defined as the use of two or more malaria prevention methods holistically, was searched from 1st January 2001 to 31st July 2021. The primary outcome variables were malaria incidence and prevalence, while the secondary outcome measures were human biting and entomological inoculation rates, and mosquito mortality. Results: A total of 10,931 studies were identified by the search strategy. After screening, 57 articles were included in the review. Studies included cluster randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, programme evaluations, experimental hut/houses, and field trials. Various interventions were used, mainly combinations of two or three malaria prevention methods including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), topical repellents, insecticide sprays, microbial larvicides, and house improvements including screening, insecticide-treated wall hangings, and screening of eaves. The most common methods used in integrated malaria prevention were ITNs and IRS, followed by ITNs and topical repellents. There was reduced incidence and prevalence of malaria when multiple malaria prevention methods were used compared to single methods. Mosquito human biting and entomological inoculation rates were significantly reduced, and mosquito mortality increased in use of multiple methods compared to single interventions. However, a few studies showed mixed results or no benefits of using multiple methods to prevent malaria. Conclusion: Use of multiple malaria prevention methods was effective in reducing malaria infection and mosquito density in comparison with single methods. Results from this systematic review can be used to inform future research, practice, policy and programming for malaria control in endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a comparatively new wire-based technology used to produce complex products that cannot be made using traditional manufacturing methods. Selecting the best WAAM technique based on product specifications, manufacturability and functionality is a critical issue. In this paper, an attempt is made to evaluate different WAAM techniques using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making technique. The objective of the proposed work is to demonstrate the weights and ranking of different WAAM techniques under the novel idea of integrated fuzzy CRITIC and fuzzy WASPAS. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), double electrode GMAW (DE-GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), plasma arc welding-based WAAM (PAW-AM), and electron beam-based WAAM (EBM-AM) are considered as alternatives. Geometrical features, material supply, mechanical and thermal properties, operational characteristics, and economic challenges are considered as main criteria. Further, under each main criterion, sub-criteria are considered. The weights of the main criteria and sub-criteria are obtained by fuzzy CRITIC (criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation). With the help of these weights, the alternatives are ranked by fuzzy WASPAS (weighted aggregated sum-product assessment) for finding the most suitable technique. From the findings of this research, it is concluded that electron beam-based WAAM (EBM-AM) is preferable as per the chosen criteria type. Moreover, the consistency of the hybrid MCDM model has been verified using sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care waste management is a challenge due to the composition of the waste generated within a health care facility, of which 85% is domestic waste, and at least 15% is hazardous waste or health care risk waste (has been in contact with blood, body fluids or tissues from humans and could cause disease). In this study, we evaluated the status quo of health care waste management plans (HCWMPs) and practices in public health care facilities in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods: A situational analysis was employed in health care facilities (HCFs) that generated more than 20 kg (N = 42) of health care risk waste (HCRW) per day. Data was collected from officials responsible for the management of health care waste using a self-administered questionnaire whilst Chief Executive Officers/ managers of the HFCs were interviewed. Results: The results showed that most (79.0%) of the health care waste officers (HCWOs) as well as management (84.6%) agreed to have HCWMPs in place. The majority (76.9%) of the HCFs have a dedicated person appointed to manage health care waste with the majority (67%) being environmental health practitioners. According to management, only 30.8% have formally appointed an integrated HCW committee. Only 11.7% of the HCWOs are guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act to develop their HCWMPs with only 20.5% with health care waste minimisation strategies in place. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is limited integration of HCWMPs as inadequate health and safety aspects, environmental pollution as well as community participation was reported. The novelty of the study is to contribute to a body of knowledge, information on the establishment of an effective health care waste management system in public health care facilities and for decision-making purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The municipality of Amsterdam implemented a 2-year school-based integrated approach in schools in a deprived neighborhood. The integrated approach targeted the domains of education, health and poverty and the children's school, neighborhood and home environment by involving various agencies and actors. In this study, changes in children's quality of life and psychosocial problems over the course of the integrated approach were examined and evaluated. A dynamic cohort design was used. At five measurement occasions (T1–T5) during 2 years, children from four consecutive grades in five schools filled out a questionnaire (total n = 614). In children between 7 and 13 years, quality of life was measured with the KIDSCREEN-10. In children between 9 and 13 years, psychosocial problems were measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations were applied. Time, sex, age, socio-economic status, ethnic background, grade, and school were included as independent variables. Quality of life was higher from the first follow-up during the approach (T2) until the end of the approach (T4) compared to at the start of the approach (T1). At T5, several months after the approach ended, scores returned back to baseline. Likewise, a reduction in children's psychosocial problems was detected at the end of the approach (T4) compared to at the start of the approach (T1). However, both before and after that time point, no improvements were detected. This study shows that integrated approaches can be beneficial for children's quality of life and psychosocial health, but continued investments may be needed to maintain established improvements. Trial registration NTR6571 (NL6395), August 4 2017 retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building energy efficiency has grown strong in a context of soaring energy prices, especially in Europe. The use of energy-saving devices strongly influences its improvement, but in many cases, it is far from sufficient., especially if the energy comes from renewable sources with forced production. In the case of buildings, these are usually photovoltaic (PV) sources. For this reason, energy management systems (EMS) are becoming increasingly popular as they allow the increase in self-consumption and reduce the size of energy storage. This article presents analyses of historical energy consumption profiles in selected small- and medium-sized buildings powered by renewable energy sources. The implementation limitations of this type of systems, depending on the profile of the building, were identified and guidelines were presented to assess low-cost solutions dedicated to small buildings and considering the actual conditions of existing systems. Statistical analyzes were conducted for the energy demand profiles of 15 different buildings. The analyzes consisted of the preparation of box plots for each hour of working days and the calculation of the relative standard deviation (RSD) index for annual profiles of 60 min periods. The analyzes showed that the RSD index has low values for commercial buildings (e.g., hospital 7% and bank 15%) and very high values for residential buildings—even over 100%. On this basis, it can be concluded about the usefulness of energy profiles for demand forecasting. The novelty of the proposed method is to examine the possibility of using measurement data as data to forecast energy consumption based on statistical analysis, dedicated to low-cost EMS system solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate the potential use of myco - synthesized silver nanoparticles in the nano -bioremediation of hydrocarbons contaminated soil and water using diesel oil as a model pollutant, a laboratory study with the objective of evaluating enhanced aerobic nano - bioremediation of diesel oil contaminated soil and water using was performed. The myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle was physico - chemically characterized using standard nanotechnological procedures. Soil and water samples were artificially contaminated with diesel oil and exposed to 5-, 10- and 15-mL concentrations of the myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle under ambient conditions for 60 days treatment periods. The results revealed that the physicochemical and spectral outcomes obtained confirmed the particle to be silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). The degradation of diesel oil residue after each treatment periods was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The result showed the ten and fifteen millilitre concentrations had the highest percentage degradative values of 93.40 % and 92.90 % after 60 days while the same concentrations had the lowest percentage degradative efficiency values 88.00 % and 84.90 % after day 1 in diesel oil contaminated water and soil, respectively. The exposure of AgNPs at different doses to waste diesel oil contaminated water and soil does not significantly (P > 0.05) quicken the nano - degradation of waste diesel oil. The reactions kinetics satisfactorily followed either first - order or second - order kinetics while the rate constant increases with a corresponding decrease in half -life time. Therefore, the study showed that myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle could be effective in the rehabilitation of diesel oil polluted environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle-deep hydrothermal geothermal resources are abundant in Zhejiang Province,but the thermal reservoir type is mainly zonal or veined controlled by regional faults, with high exploration risk and low success rate. Comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of different types of geothermal resources zoning and exploration techniques and methods, and the establishment of a method system suitable for geothermal exploration in Zhejiang is an effective way to reduce exploration risks. Starting from the two dimensions of area and point, evaluation of favorable areas for regional mineralization and exploration and development of geothermal resources in potential areas, this paper studies the existing cases of geothermal exploration and the application of methods in the province. The favorable area evaluation system based on AHP and comprehensive index model, the comprehensive geothermal geological survey method based on geology and hydrogeology, the comprehensive geophysical exploration method based on electromagnetic method and fretting exploration, and the pollution-free geothermal drilling method based on DTH hammer and gas lift reverse circulation are summarized. The combination of these methods has achieved good results in the middle and deep hydrothermal exploration in the blank area of Zhejiang province, and the recoverable geothermal fluid has reached 21256 m3/d, which greatly reduces the risk of geothermal exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneity and temperature levels within a refrigerated facility are vital in preserving the quality of horticultural products throughout the cold chain to the consumer. These temperatures are affected by different factors at different scales, including the shape and thermal properties of the horticultural products, package design, pallet arrangement, or characteristics of the cold chain unit of operation. Therefore, airflow and heat transfer studies are valuable in evaluating these factors to optimize the cold chain and achieve and maintain an optimal product temperature. This paper provides an overview of the different scales of the numerical model and experimental setup used to assess the influence of the different factors on the cooling performance, as well as any challenges and limitations of each scale. The importance of considering other aspects in the cold chain studies, such as product quality, energy consumption, and package mechanical strength, will be discussed through an integrative approach. Finally, we propose new perspectives on how multi-scale modelling approaches can be helpful in tackling different challenges and how to investigate the effects of different factors on the cooling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing industries are undergoing tremendous transformation due to Industry 4.0. Flexibility, consumer demands, product customization, high product quality, and reduced delivery times are mandatory for the survival of a manufacturing plant, for which scheduling plays a major role. A job shop problem modified with flexibility is called flexible job shop scheduling. It is an integral part of smart manufacturing. This study aims to optimize scheduling using an integrated approach, where assigning machines and their routing are concurrently performed. Two hybrid methods have been proposed: 1) The Hybrid Adaptive Firefly Algorithm (HAdFA) and 2) Hybrid Flower Pollination Algorithm (HFPA). To address the premature convergence problem inherent in the classic firefly algorithm, the proposed HAdFA employs two novel adaptive strategies: employing an adaptive randomization parameter (a), which dynamically modifies at each step, and Gray relational analysis updates firefly at each step, thereby maintaining a balance between diversification and intensification. HFPA is inspired by the pollination strategy of flowers. Additionally, both HAdFA and HFPA are incorporated with a local search technique of enhanced simulated annealing to accelerate the algorithm and prevent local optima entrapment. Tests on standard benchmark cases have been performed to demonstrate the proposed algorithm's efficacy. The proposed HAdFA surpasses the performance of the HFPA and other metaheuristics found in the literature. A case study was conducted to further authenticate the efficiency of our algorithm. Our algorithm significantly improves convergence speed and enables the exploration of a large number of rich optimal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, both deforestation and forest degradation are of serious environmental concern due to various driving factors. This can be more difficult to manage due to the lack of quality data and the unavailability of appropriate mapping techniques. Based on remote sensing data, this study examined an integrated approach to improve the mapping capability of forest change monitoring for data deficient areas. The study is carried out integrating ground-based information with Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 8 OLI and TIRS in the Man River Basin, India. The findings of the current study suggest that the integrated approach enhances the ability of modeling to estimate deforestation and forest degradation associated with responsible drivers, especially in countries such as India where grassroots data are infrequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The memorial attractiveness assessment presented in this paper is based on the multi-perspective approach. The Warsaw city centre Poland is a good field for such research as it is the area with the highest memorial saturation. There are 40 memorials on the Royal Route, the most representative part of the city centre. The study presents a number of guidelines and recommendations in a coherent and complex way regarding prospective location changes and suggestions for enhancing the attractiveness of newly established memorials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Containment of the further spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and reducing fatality due to coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) represent a pressing challenge to global health services. Here, we present a management blueprint for both the containment of SARS-CoV-2 and treatment of COVID-19 through a comprehensive approach. Methodology: A cohort of 130 consecutive patients identified as positive for SARS-CoV-2 by testing of nasal swab by polymerase chain reaction were managed at a peripheral city of Bangladesh between 1 April and 31 May, 2020. Based on their clinical status, 64 of them were initially selected for isolation (Isolation Group) and 66 recommended for hospitalization (Hospital Group) as per the direction of the "Central COVID-19 Control" Center. Both groups of patients were allocated to receive standard of care management and oxygen inhalation, and intensive care unit management as and when necessary. Based on the conditions of the COVID-19 patients, there was an active system of patients being transferred from the "Isolation Group" to "Hospital Group" and vice versa. Results: Twelve patients of the "Isolation Group" were transferred to the hospital, as they exhibited symptoms of deterioration. Four patients of the "Hospital Group" died during the observation period of two months in the intensive care unit. However, there has been no fatality among the patients of the "Isolation Group". Conclusions: The concept of "Isolation" and "Hospital Management" with the participation of the community seems to be an effective management strategy for COVID-19 in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative methods to animal use in toxicology are evolving with new advanced tools and multilevel approaches, to answer from one side to 3Rs requirements, and on the other side offering relevant and valid tests for drugs and chemicals, considering also their combination in test strategies, for a proper risk assessment. While stand-alone methods, have demonstrated to be applicable for some specific toxicological predictions with some limitations, the new strategy for the application of New Approach Methods (NAM), to solve complex toxicological endpoints is addressed by Integrated Approaches for Testing and Assessment (IATA), aka Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS) or Defined Approaches for Testing and Assessment (DA). The central challenge of evidence integration is shared with the needs of risk assessment and systematic reviews of an evidence-based Toxicology. Increasingly, machine learning (aka Artificial Intelligence, AI) lends itself to integrate diverse evidence streams. In this article, we give an overview of the state of the art of alternative methods and IATA in toxicology for regulatory use for various hazards, outlining future orientation and perspectives. We call on leveraging the synergies of integrated approaches and evidence integration from in vivo, in vitro and in silico as true in vivitrosi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Researchers have found a relationship between having food allergies and anxiety in children. Anxiety may relate to others' lack of food allergy knowledge. This study investigated the relationship between having a food allergy and self‐reported anxiety among children. Furthermore, knowledge of food allergies among children without food allergies and teachers was explored. METHODS: Children with food allergies and their parents each completed a perceived food allergy severity questionnaire. Children without food allergies completed a food allergy knowledge measure. All children completed a self‐reported anxiety measure. Teachers completed a questionnaire investigating knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food allergies. Correlational analyses and analyses of variance were conducted. RESULTS: Overall anxiety was significantly higher in children with food allergies than in children without food allergies. When controlling for the effects of sex and age, children with food allergies had significantly higher social phobia and school phobia. Teachers correctly answered 69.7% of knowledge‐based questions about food allergies; children without food allergies correctly answered 62.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for an integrated approach in which families, school personnel, psychologists and other mental health professionals, and medical professionals work together to increase awareness about the multifaceted needs of children with food allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An integrated workplace health promotion program (WHPP) which targets multiple lifestyle factors at different levels (individual and organizational) is potentially more effective than a single component WHPP. The aim of this study is to describe the protocol of a study to tailor a European good practice of such an integral approach to the Dutch context and to evaluate its effectiveness and implementation.Methods: This study consists of two components. First, the five steps of the Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) will be followed to tailor the Lombardy WHP to the Dutch context. Both the employers and employees will be actively involved in this process. Second, the effectiveness of the integrated Dutch WHPP will be evaluated in a clustered randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) with measurements at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Clusters will be composed based on working locations or units - dependent on the organization's structure and randomization within each organization takes place after baseline measurements. Primary outcome will be a combined lifestyle score. Secondary outcomes will be the separate lifestyle behaviors targeted, stress, work-life balance, need for recovery, general health, and well-being. Simultaneously, a process evaluation will be conducted. The study population will consist of employees from multiple organizations in different industry sectors. Organizations in the intervention condition will receive the integrated Dutch WHPP during 12 months, consisting of an implementation plan and a catalogue with activities for multiple lifestyle themes on various domains: 1) screening and support; 2) information and education; 3) adjustments in the social, digital or physical environment; and 4) policy.Discussion: The MAP approach provides an appropriate framework to systematically adapt an existing WHPP to the Dutch context, involving both employers and employees and retaining the core elements, i.e. the catalogue with evidence-based activities on multiple lifestyle themes and domains enabling an integrated approach. The following process and effect evaluation will contribute to further insight in the actual implementation and effectiveness of the integrated WHP approach.Trial Registration: NTR (trialregister.nl ), NL9526. Registered on 3 June 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global prevalence of childhood obesity has grown sharply in recent decades. Obesity is considered a public health problem which directly affects the health status of children in numerous ways. To combat this trend, integrated approaches are necessary to prevent childhood obesity. Strategies require a comprehensive perspective at individual and parental level alongside the adoption of measures to engage the community and environment. Summary: Prevention is addressed as crucial in limiting the pediatric obesity epidemic in the long term. Breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding are recognized as early dietary factors that affect the future risk of obesity development during the first 2 years of life. During childhood and adolescence, dietary patterns, eating habits, portion size, eating frequencies, and family meals are important dietary factors to target for preventive strategies, as well as parenting style which is influenced by parents' education. Physical activity promotion and the reduction of sedentary behavior are also recommended. The adherence of children and families to obesity prevention programs is highly dependent on socioeconomic factors. Moreover, setting food quality standards and public policies to promote healthy lifestyle habits is strongly advocated. The implementation of cost-effective preventive strategies is of high priority and requires an integrated approach by healthcare services. All stakeholders involved should take an active role in supporting and empowering children and families in order to cope with this multifactorial and complex disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the main causes of global death and disability. The liver represents the main target of alcohol damage, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents the first cause of liver cirrhosis in Western countries. Alcohol abstinence is the main goal of treatment in AUD patients with ALD, as treatments for ALD are less effective when drinking continues. Moreover, the persistence of alcohol consumption is associated with higher mortality, increased need for liver transplantation, and graft loss. The most effective treatment for AUD is the combination of psychosocial interventions, pharmacological therapy, and medical management. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with ALD is doubtful even because AUD patients with ALD are usually excluded from pharmacological trials due to concerns on liver safety. This narrative review will discuss the treatment options for AUD-ALD patients focusing on controversies in pharmacological therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating how primary school teachers encounter the integrated approach in the social studies textbooks. This research was done with a descriptive phenomenological approach. The participants in this research were 15 teachers of elementary education in Faminin city in the academic year of 1999-1400, who were sampled by snowball method. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview with general questions were approved by three curriculum studies experts and a pilot study. The data of this research were analyzed by coding and categorization in three levels of awareness, attitude and behavior. In order to evaluate the validity of the research findings, the method of member checking was used by two of the research participants. The results showed that the teachers have a good knowledge of the integrated approach and consider its philosophy to be the interdisciplinary nature of social studies science and the creation of coherent knowledge for students. Also, they have a positive attitude towards this approach and consider it effective due to providing multidimensional knowledge, emphasis on concepts, lasting learning, students' interest and reducing the number of course titles. Of course, some teachers resist it due to the disappearance of the boundaries of science, difficulty in evaluation, ambiguity of the teacher in teaching and getting used to the traditional way. In the implementation of the integrated approach, teachers use some components of active teaching in describing their method, which indicates that despite the appropriate awareness and positive attitude, there are still many uncertainties regarding implementation of the integrated approach for teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage is not simply the stock of a given culture's material assets, but also the sum of our memory and identity – and this is part of the increasing significance of cultural heritage. Cultural heritage today is not only a resource in need of protection, but also a potential that must be exploited for future development. The three issues of significance for the future condition of our historic resources should be emphasized. The first is the rapidly accelerating process of transformation of the entire built heritage stock. The second is the increasing need for heritage. The third issue is the clear shift in emphasis from the value of the heritage to the needs of society. This breeds an increasing need for us to redefine ourselves and open up to others, so promoting the interaction between social capital and heritage is becoming vital for the rebuilding of social cohesion. Social capital should be nurtured as an opportunity both for the protection of cultural heritage and for its exploitation as a pro-development resource. It is also a big challenge for the Cultural Mega-events that may, and should, be well melded into a policy of building a broad base of heritage awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the current role of a game as a universal cognitive method based on relevant literary sources to justify the need to reform the system of professional training for primary school teachers. The article aims to develop, theoretically justify and experimentally verify the newly modelled pedagogical conditions for training future primary school teachers to organize game-based music activities of primary school pupils, as well as methods of implementing these conditions in teacher education. Importantly, the article demonstrates how the author's methodology for implementing these pedagogical conditions has been developed, implemented and quasiexperimentally verified. As part of preliminary, technological-practical, and creativeorganizational stages of such professional training, the new model involves the consistent use of the author's techniques and algorithms to organize students' activities in the framework of professional-oriented courses, research projects, as well as an optional course "Practice of Organizing Game-Based Music Activities for Primary School Pupils". The international relevance of the article lies in developing and implementing universal educational conditions to train future primary school teachers to organize game-based music activities under today's conditions of globalization and informatization. The obtained data indicate some positive changes in quasi-experimental groups due to the implemented pedagogical conditions at the final stage of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among octocorals, colonies of the deep-sea pennatulacean genus Umbellula Gray, 1870 are some of the most instantly recognisable forms. Historically however, species identification in this genus has been usually based on few morphological characters with very little knowledge of associated intraspecific variability. This fact, combined with the very limited access to these deep-sea organisms, has resulted in numerous uncertainties about the true characters that should be used in species determination and recognition of synonyms and questionable species. Recent phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers has shown to be an excellent complementary source of information to morphological examination, being able to detect incongruent taxonomic assignments in classifications based only on morphological characters. Molecular analyses can reveal the presence of paraphyletic or polyphyletic groupings of taxa that may then be the subject of further research integrating morphological and molecular techniques. This paper addresses the existence of a set of specimens initially assigned to the genus Umbellula Gray, 1870 but that have been shown to be distantly related to the type species Umbellula encrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) based on molecular phylogenetic hypotheses. Phylogenetic analyses based on four genetic markers, three mitochondrial (mtMutS , ND2 , Cox1) and one nuclear (28S), validate the definition of a new family (Pseudumbbellulidae fam. nov.) and two new genera (Pseudumbbellula gen. nov. and Solumbellula gen. nov). These analyses also justify the segregation of some of the morphological characters previously included in the diagnosis of the genus Umbellula and the monotypic family Umbellulidae Kölliker, 1880. Moreover, a new species, Pseudumbbellula scotiae sp. nov. is described and illustrated with material from the North Eastern Atlantic and compared with congeners. Additionally, the well-known but atypical species Umbellula monocephalus Pasternak, 1964 is transferred and described here as Solumbellula monocephalus (Pasternak, 1964), comb. nov., based on both molecular data and morphology. A phylogenetic analysis based on four genetic markers segregates material previously considered to belong to the octocoral genus Umbellula into a new family, two new genera and a new species. The complementary use of molecular and morphological data is necessary to disaggregate paraphyletic and polyphyletic groups when detected to understand the evolutionary pathways giving rise to the diversity in this and other groups of taxonomically challenging invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an evaluation of the implementation of a school-based integrated approach to improve academic outcomes by targeting children's education, health, and poverty. A two-year municipal subsidy program was provided to four primary schools in a deprived urban neighborhood in Amsterdam. Schools were put in charge of the implementation and coordination of the program. The municipality and district authorities provided assistance. This study evaluated whether the program functioned as integrated approach, i.e. whether it targeted multiple domains and environments by involving various agencies and actors, and what factors facilitated or hampered this. It also yielded an overview of the initiatives implemented and the facilitators and barriers of successful implementation of initiatives. Principals' perceptions served as the main input for this study. We thematically analyzed seven written customized plans for spending the subsidy (one to two per school), 15 transcripts of interviews with the principals (three to four per school) and the minutes of 16 meetings between principals, policy officers, and researchers. According to the principals, the schools had made great progress in the education domain and in improving the school's pedagogical climate, but in the health and poverty domains less progress had been made. Apart from the municipality, relatively few external agencies and actors had been actively involved in the program, and progress in other environments than the school was hardly achieved. This study shows that functioning of the program as integrated approach was facilitated by connections between initiatives, and that hired, well-trusted third parties may be crucial to establish these connections. Lay summary This study evaluated whether a two-year municipal program to improve academic outcomes by targeting children's education, health, and poverty, provided to primary schools in a deprived urban neighborhood, functioned as intended, and if so why, or if not, why not. The program was intended to function as integrated approach. This means that it was supposed to target the mentioned domains, the school, home, and neighborhood environment, and to involve various agencies and actors, such as school staff, policy officers, parents, children, and external organizations. The school principals could implement multiple, self-chosen, initiatives. According to the principals, on whose perceptions this evaluation study was primarily based, both teaching and the school climate improved during the program. However, improvements in children's health and poverty levels, and outside the school environment in general, were more difficult to achieve. In addition, the program involved mainly school staff and policy officers. The program thus functioned as an integrated approach, but only to a limited extent. The functioning of the program as integrated approach was facilitated by involving hired third parties to stimulate interconnection of initiatives, i.e. initiatives serving the same goals, involving multiple agencies and actors, and/or being implemented in the same location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the world's rivers are dammed, altering the physiology, behaviour, ecology and survival of fish. Integrative research has the potential to improve our understanding of these impacts and could enable environmental managers to develop effective solutions for population conservation. Such approaches, however, are not yet prevalent. We use a case study on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in British Columbia, Canada, to demonstrate how regulated rivers may be used as experimental systems, allowing for applied research that can advance our understanding of the biology of migratory fish as well as our ability to manage them. Through the integration of multiple research approaches (i.e. biotelemetry, behavioural tests, physiological and molecular analyses, and hydraulic monitoring), we characterized the effects of natal water dilution and dam flow releases on upstream navigation, passage success and post-passage survival of returning adult salmon. Our findings confirmed previously established operational guidelines for natal water dilution and informed the adoption of new operational conditions for dam flow releases, providing an example of the successful application of integrative research to the management of a fisheries resource in a regulated river. We encourage researchers to consider using an experimental approach that integrates multiple research disciplines to inform science-based management action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrochemicals play a vital role in protecting crops and enhancing agricultural production by reducing threats from pests, pathogens and weeds. The toxicological status of honey bees can be influenced by a number of factors, including pesticides. While extensive research has focused on the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on individual bees and colonies, it is important to recognise that fungicides and herbicides can also affect bees' health. Unfortunately, in the field, honey bees are exposed to mixtures of compounds rather than single substances. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a commercial fungicide and a commercial herbicide, both individually and in combination, on honey bees. Mortality assays, biomarkers and learning and memory tests were performed, and the results were integrated to assess the toxicological status of honey bees. Neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase activities), detoxification and metabolic processes (glutathione S-transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities), immune system function (lysozyme activity and haemocytes count) and genotoxicity biomarkers (Nuclear Abnormalities assay) were assessed. The fungicide Sakura® was found to activate detoxification enzymes and affect alkaline phosphatase activity. The herbicide Elegant 2FD and the combination of both pesticides showed neurotoxic effects and induced detoxification processes. Exposure to the herbicide/fungicide mixture impaired learning and memory in honey bees. This study represents a significant advance in understanding the toxicological effects of commonly used commercial pesticides in agriculture and contributes to the development of effective strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on non-target insects. [Display omitted] • Effects of commercial fungicide and herbicide, single and in combination, were evaluated. • Mortality assay, biomarkers and learning and memory tests were performed on honey bees. • Neurotoxic effects after both mixture treatments could be attributed to the herbicide. • Herbicide and pesticide mixtures compromise honey bees' behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a system theory based integrated approach (IA) for safety management in coal and metal mines. Formulation of principal hazard management plan (PHMP)adopting IA has been discussed; and in this backdrop, a process of hazard analysis and control mechanism has been developed drawing inputs from system theoretic process analysis (STPA) concept. The scope and assimilation of internet of things (IOT) in PHMP has been presented, along with the concept of closely monitored control (CMC). The control feedback and analysis structure developed on digital platform facilitate on line safety monitoring, digital data storage and retrieval. The analytics provided enables quality safety decision in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water, sanitation, and solid waste sectors are closely related and have many interactions between their respective service chains in low- and middle-income countries. Currently, these interactions mostly lead to cross-contamination, and opportunities for co-benefits are seldom realized. This review presents the key advancements within each of these three development sectors in the past two decades. We identify numerous similarities such as decentralization, resource recovery, community involved planning, and digitalization. Despite the potential for synergies and the opportunities to maximize positive interactions, there have been few attempts to break the existing sectoral silos in order to integrate these three service chains. We argue that, with the right enabling environment, an integrated approachto holistically planning and implementing water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management can create positive interactions resulting in co-benefits among complementary development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The HIV pandemic impacts the lives of millions and despite the global coordinated response, innovative actions are still needed to end it. A major challenge is the added burden of coinfections such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and various sexually transmitted infections in terms of prevention, treatment and increased morbidity in individuals with HIV infection. A need for combination prevention strategies, tailored to high-risk key populations arises and technology-based interventions can be a valuable asset. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the delivery of existing services and added stress to existing public health and clinical structures but also highlighted the potential of exploiting technical solutions for interventions regarding infectious diseases. In this paper we report the design process, results and evaluation findings from the pilots of 'RiskRadar'-a web and mobile application aiming to support combination prevention, testing and linkage to care for HIV, viral hepatitis, various sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis.Methods: RiskRadar was developed for the INTEGRATE Joint Action's aim to improve, adapt and pilot innovative digital tools for combination prevention. RiskRadar was designed iteratively using informed end-user-oriented approaches. Emphasis was placed on the Risk Calculator that enables users to assess their risk of exposure to one or more of the four disease areas, make informed decisions to seek testing or care and adjust their behaviours ultimately aiming to harm/risk reduction. RiskRadar has been piloted in three countries, namely Croatia, Italy and Lithuania.Results: RiskRadar has been used 1347 times across all platforms so far. More than 90% of users have found RiskRadar useful and would use it again, especially the Risk Calculator component. Almost 49.25% are men and 29.85% are in the age group of 25-34. The application has scored 5.2/7 in the User Experience Questionnaire, where it is mainly described as "supportive" and "easy-to-use". The qualitative evaluation of RiskRadar also yielded positive feedback.Conclusions: Pilot results demonstrate above average satisfaction with RiskRadar and high user-reported usability scores, supporting the idea that technical interventions could significantly support combination prevention actions on Sexually Transmitted Infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authenticity is the opposite of hypocrisy or deceitful living in philosophy. While various positive factors that humans experience in life based on authenticity have been studied abroad, most of the studies in Korea that tried to measure authenticity did not take into account the characteristics of Korean culture or were developed only for the purpose of use in a limited domain or specific purpose. In this study, based on the specificity of Korean culture, we developed a measure of authenticity that researchers can use universally. To this end, the items constituting the existing authenticity scale and the items reflecting the cultural value of Korean society, which value social relationships, are integrated. The results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that authenticity consists of three factors: self-awareness, behavioral authenticity, and relationship authenticity. In addition, criterion validity was verified based on correlations with life satisfaction, mindfulness, self-esteem, HEXACO, social desirability, self-regulation focus, and emotional diversity. These results suggest that the authenticity scale of this study is a reliable and valid measure, and is expected to be an important tool for empirical individual differences research on authenticity in everyday life in Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) on integrated malaria prevention, which advocates the use of several malaria prevention methods holistically, has been proposed. However, before conducting an RCT, it is recommended that a feasibility study is carried out to provide information to support the main study, particularly for such a complex intervention. Therefore, a feasibility study for an RCT on integrated malaria prevention in Uganda was conducted. Methods: The qualitative study carried out in Wakiso District employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to explore community willingness to participate in the RCT as well as assess stakeholder perspectives on the future study. The participants of the FGDs were community members, while the key informants were selected from malaria stakeholders including Ministry of Health officials, health practitioners, local leaders, district health team members, and community health workers (CHWs). Thematic analysis was employed with the support of NVivo. Results: A total of 12 FGDs and 19 KIIs were conducted. Five main themes emerged from the study: malaria prevention practices related to integrated malaria prevention; preferred malaria prevention methods in the integrated approach; potential challenges of integrated malaria prevention; perspectives on the proposed RCT; and sustainability of integrated malaria prevention. Despite a few methods being employed holistically in the community, insecticide-treated nets were the most widely used and preferred method for malaria prevention mainly because they were provided free by the government. The main challenges in the integrated approach were the high cost of some methods such as house screening, and concerns about the potential side effects of insecticide-based methods such as indoor residual spraying. Participants expressed high willingness to participate in the RCT to promote the use of multiple methods in their households and community. Involvement of CHWs during implementation was proposed as a sustainability strategy for the RCT interventions. Conclusion: There was high willingness to participate in the proposed RCT on integrated malaria prevention. However, high cost and perceived negative health effects from some methods were identified as potential challenges. The type of methods to be included as well as sustainability mechanisms needs to be considered during the design of the RCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authenticity is the opposite of hypocrisy or deceitful living in philosophy. While various positive factors that humans experience in life based on authenticity have been studied abroad, most of the studies in Korea that tried to measure authenticity did not take into account the characteristics of Korean culture or were developed only for the purpose of use in a limited domain or specific purpose. In this study, based on the specificity of Korean culture, we developed a measure of authenticity that researchers can use universally. To this end, the items constituting the existing authenticity scale and the items reflecting the cultural value of Korean society, which value social relationships, are integrated. The results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that authenticity consists of three factors: self-awareness, behavioral authenticity, and relationship authenticity. In addition, criterion validity was verified based on correlations with life satisfaction, mindfulness, self-esteem, HEXACO, social desirability, self-regulation focus, and emotional diversity. These results suggest that the authenticity scale of this study is a reliable and valid measure, and is expected to be an important tool for empirical individual differences research on authenticity in everyday life in Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the progress made over the last 20 years in achieving sustainable, economically efficient and socially just marine fisheries, referred to here as reconciled fisheries. It examines the substantial changes that have occurred in policies, practices and the challenges to fisheries. These include greater awareness of the impacts of climate change, implementation of ecosystem approaches, recognition of the needs and role of small‐scale fisheries, greater demands for fish and seafood and greater pressure from other sectors. Progress has been made in some countries and fisheries in improving sustainability and economic efficiency but much less in many others. Globally, substantial problems remain in the status of stocks, threats to biodiversity, incidence of undesirable ecological impacts, economic inefficiencies, and poverty, food insecurity and marginalization of fishers and other dependents on fisheries, particularly small‐scale fishers. Effectiveness of management and governance is linked to the development status of countries, so the challenges are most marked in developing countries but developed countries are also failing, particularly in achievement of socially equitable fisheries, while also transferring some of their problems to developing countries. The paper argues that reconciled fisheries will only be attainable in conjunction with meeting human development needs as a whole, which are reflected in the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). This requires that the global commitment to address the SDGs as being "integrated and indivisible" and in "a spirit of global solidarity" needs to be taken much more seriously than it currently appears to be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the reformation of Ukrainian criminal procedural legislation and the conviction of individual scholars in the necessity of applying a methodological approach to scientific research, new ideas on the nature and procedure of criminal procedural evidence have started to emerge in the domestic scientific literature. The purpose of the paper is to distinguish scientific concepts to criminal procedural proof and substantiation of the expediency of isolation and use of the complex and systemic approach. This study of criminal procedural proof was performed using a methodological approach, the essence of which is to change the attention of the researcher from the object as such to the means and methods of their own thought. The application of an activity-based methodological approach in scientific research allows us to further develop other conceptual ideas about criminal procedural proof, which will contribute to a deeper and more complete study of this legal phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical and experimental studies of the aircraft’s supersonic air intakes have been carried out. An integrated approach to the gas-dynamic designing of aircraft’s supersonic air intakes that eliminates the scale effect problem of a wind tunnel with a small-sized testing area is proposed. The designing approach accelerates the development process and reduces the resource intensity due to the rational distribution of tasks between numerical and physical experiments. The results of the unique tests of the scaled ramjet’s air intake physical model in the supersonic wind tunnel are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research is to analyze the scientific works on the o study approaches to conducting financial analysis of industrial equity of enterprises in the theoretical and practical aspect, justification of the need to formulate a comprehensive approach for such aanalysis of the equity of the enterprise in the management system. The analysis of the works of scientists showed that when conducting a financial analysis of an enterprise's equity, it is mainly conducted in the context of the analysis of the financial condition of the enterprise, both in the overall assessment and in absolute and relative terms, which is not complete in the current conditions of managing the enterprise resources and sources of their formation. The scientific result of the research is the formation of a comprehensive approach to the financial analysis of the equity of an industrial enterprise, which is relevant in the current market conditions of operation of enterprises and covers the analysis of its dynamics, structure, turnover, profitability, risk and its protection. The practical importance of this work is directed to the use of this method of equity analysis as a tool of financial analysis in the modern conditions of management of industrial enterprises to ensure the efficiency of their activities and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate an integrated model of education quality management in accordance with the present requirements of online education. From a conceptual viewpoint, we have noticed lately a re-dimensioning of the notions related to education quality, in a direct relation with the social preoccupations, regulations and norms. The models of quality assurance within the school organization constitute an essential factor for the successful performing of education. In accordance with the most recent requirements of online education, an integrated model for education quality assurance is framed. A quality culture ranging from the student-teacher interaction to the interaction mediated by the use of the technology specific to online learning is endorsed within the education system, with the aid of the integrated model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full-scale structure models of high-energy situations exhibited insufficient localization when connector elements were employed to model the assemblies. An alternative approach using a super-element featuring a hole was proposed and successful in mechanical fields localization. However this approach was restrained to linear problems. An extension to materially non-linear problems was thus looked for, and in particular perforated plate materially non-linear fields. An iterative plane stress integrated TFA method is thus developed to relocate the micro-scale elastic–plastic mechanical fields of a plate containing an extremely soft medium/a strong discontinuity: a hole. To this end, a RVE is defined and discretized, the accuracy of the localization relation is assessed, and a radial return algorithm is set-up to integrate the constitutive equation of the micro-scale problem. The results of the proposed TFA approach are compared to an analytical solution and to non-linear FEA. The results show that the localization of elastic–plastic perforated plate mechanical fields is accurate, provided that the method is iterative and that the hole is discretized in the RVE. It is foreseen that both the sequential and integrated TFA approaches will be combined to evaluate criteria in full-scale structure computations. [Display omitted] • Fostering iterative integrated TFA approach for elastic–plastic fields localization. • Localization of elastic–plastic fields accurate provided the method is iterative. • Successful application to structural holes with high plastic strains and gradients. • RVE dimensions/discretization based on standards and comparison to Kirsch solution. • Localization accuracy assessed w/r to (linear) Kirsch solution and (non-linear) FEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are found across the globe because of their size and ability to transport across environments. The effects of microplastics on the micro- and macro-organisms have brought out concern over the potential risk to human health and the need to regulate their distribution at the source. Control of microplastic pollution requires region-specific management and mitigation strategies which can be developed with the information on sources and their contributions. This review provides an overview of the sources, fate, and distribution of microplastics along with techniques to source-trace microplastics. Source-tracing approaches provide both qualitative and quantitive information. Since better outcomes have been produced by the integration of techniques like backward trajectory analysis with cluster analysis, the significance of integrated and multi-dimensional approaches has been emphasized. The scope of the plastisphere, heavy metal, and biofilm microbial community in tracing the sources of microplastics are also highlighted. The present review allows the researchers and policymakers to understand the recent trends in the source-tracing of microplastics which will help them to develop techniques and comprehensive action plans to limit the microplastic discharge at sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]